California is home to numerous friendly places for families with kids, and tourism offers various opportunities and sights to see. Ranging from the well-known Pacific Coast beaches to the mountains and cities, the venues are just ideal for building unique family experiences in California. No matter whether you are planning an outdoor activity, a cultural tour, or a family fun-packed weekend, a visit to California will not disappoint you. Here are the 12 best weekend getaways in California that guarantee joy, adrenaline, and a fascinating time for the family.
Unique Weekend Getaways in California
1. Disneyland, Anaheim
Anaheim is home to an iconic family destination, Disneyland. Also called the ‘Happiest Place on Earth,’ this store provides a fairy tale feeling to the consumers, mainly kids and adolescents. It is an exciting location with rides, parades, and adorable characters that can make each person’s dream come true. The Disney delight means that you should spend your weekend in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park; remember to watch the fireworks at night and the parades. Apart from the parks, Downtown Disney ranges from shopping and other non-theme park entertainment.
Book Hotels Near Disneyland, Anaheim
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park can be rightfully considered a tourist trap for any traveler who loves the great outdoors. The magnificent geographical features include; shining granite walls, giant sequoias, and other gushing waterfalls. There are many trails that families could take, ranging from each level trail to Lower Yosemite Falls or the strenuous trail which is Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. Thus, camping, picnics, or stargazing, there are no better places than Yosemite to do all these because of its natural beauty.
Book Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
3. San Diego
San Diego is perfect for families as it consists of the necessary urban appeal mixed with interesting outdoor activities. San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park where alternatives like museums and gardens can also be found. You can take a walk on the beaches of La Jolla or Mission Beach; or plan a one-day tour to LEGOLAND California where almost everything is made up of LEGO, rides, buildings, and structures built out of millions of LEGO pieces.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is good all year round due to the multiple fun activities a visitor can engage in. Summer changes Tahoe into a playground for which people go hiking, swimming, and boating among others. The water that is in the lake is clean and hence water activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding can be done in the lake. If one is a nature lover and particularly fascinated with lakes, a ride in a gondola will be an added virtue in as much as the sightseeing is concerned as it offers a clear view of the lake and the mountains.
5. Monterey and Carmel
Monterey and Carmel area are two lovely settings right on the coast. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium which has highly engaging exhibits and features marine life. Don’t forget to walk on the white sandy Carmel beach, or rather where the Pacific Ocean touches the sandy coating.
Book Hotels Near Monterey and Carmel
6. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a lively city with much to do specifically around the beach area and for people of all ages. The rides, games, and entertainment include but are not limited to those found at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which is a typical seaside amusement park. Tour the spooky spot that is said to have caused odd gravity which makes objects look like they are floating. For a calmer activity, visit Natural Bridges State Beach which is well-known for the rock formation and especially the butterflies. Tide pool promotion and surfing are also good in Santa Cruz as well.
Read More: Romantic Getaways in California
7. Sequoia
Sequoia is a National Park while Kings Canyon is also a National Park. Families can trek through giant forests and see some of the biggest trees in the world. Kings Canyon has long gorges and the slope land which will suit families that like the adventurous activities. The parks also offer many camping sites and presentations by rangers for kids to learn while having fun.
Book Hotels Near Sequoia National Park
8. San Francisco
It is these things that make San Francisco a city that you can explore iteratively indefinitely. Cable car riding and Fisherman’s Wharf where visitors view Sea lions lounging in the sun are offered. Exploratorium is a popular science museum in San Francisco that has fascinating exhibits for touch and feel. Golden Gate Park has playgrounds; gardens; California Academy of Sciences, combining an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum. Last but not least, do not skip the Golden Gate Bridge photos with the family.
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park provides an interesting desert environment with large quantities of Joshua trees and strange rock formations. There are easy trails like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam hikes where one is likely to see some animals. The park is also famous for astronomers, with clear skies at night. Rangers guide interpretive programs and offer Junior Ranger activities for young people to learn and have fun. Easy routes are available for rock climbing novices, though you need to be physically fit to attempt the sheer cliffs.
Book Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park
10. Big Sur
If ever there is a stunning place for a family to go on a road trip, Big Sur’s coastline is one of them. Take a car ride through the must-see Highway 1 road views such as Bixby Creek Bridge or McWay Falls. Campsite amenities & facilities: More information about Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is available here. The park has the Big Sur River and redwoods for hiking. Another park that is worth your attention is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with one of the most beautiful sights to behold, the 80-foot high waterfall, which flows directly into the ocean. Family outings are a great thing in Big Sur as camping allows us to spend time in a beautiful but still rather primitive manner.
11. Gold Country
Sierra Nevada Foothills History and Recreation- California Gold Country is the area that is associated with gold discoveries in the area. Check out Columbia State Historic Park where the children can funnel for gold and explore the western history in the early days of the gold rush. Take a hike up into the beautiful country on foot, or by bicycle, or even the more adventurous can try rafting on the American River. The area also provides many lakes for fishing and boating attractions of fishing and thus, the area is suitable for family recreation.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Northern California
12. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara with its Mediterranean copycat feel can be anything from laid back and easygoing to adventurous. There are numerous places that children love to visit but some of the top and evident choices include the Santa Barbara Zoo because of its unique features such as the interactive area and serenity of the area. Good location where the restaurant has direct access to a wharf and a beautiful view of the ocean. Parents, especially those with small children may also take their families to either the East beach or the butterfly beach where the waves are tame and the view inspiring. With regards to culture, visitors should make a stop at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, its beautiful adorning gardens, and interesting sights.
Summary
The beautiful nature of California and the amount of things that can be seen in the state contribute to successful family vacations. From the beach at Santa Cruz to the forests of Yosemite, there is so much to do, to explore, and to learn. Whichever place you decide on will be a place where special moments are made. So what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and travel to the Golden State with your family and friends.
