California is an awesome destination for a weekend getaway because of its diverse activities, stunning beaches, vibrant city life, and pleasant weather. Here are the top 12 weekend getaways in California for families.
Unique Weekend Getaways in California
1. Yosemite National Park
It is a great place to visit with family because of its natural beauty, wide variety of wildlife, and numerous activities. Splash around with your little ones in the Merced River flowing through the park. Float on a tube or raft on Mirror Lake. The park is home to several waterfalls including the epic Bridalveil and Lower Yosemite waterfalls. A hike to the waterfalls is an amazing experience. You should not miss the hike to Mariposa Grove where you can see the largest trees in the world, the Giant Sequoias. Kids will be surprised to see the giant trees. Climb to Glacier Point and view the valley from there. When the sun sets, keep your eyes open for deer coming out to graze. Kids will be delighted if you let them ice skate and eat huge scoops of ice cream.
Book Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
2. Visalia Adventure Park
The whole family is assured of fun and enjoyment in this park. It is seven acres of food and entertainment. Bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, and many more adventures make the place ideal for a family outing. Children love splashing in the water park with water slides and other features. Relax in the pool lounges while your little ones have fun in the water.
Book Hotels Near Visalia Adventure Park
3. Lake Tahoe
It is a gorgeous turquoise-blue lake stretching several miles with several family-friendly activities. Go biking and hiking to spend quality time with your kids. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, and sledding. Your teens will love to try thrilling adventures like parasailing, skydiving, and jet skiing. Build sand castles and sunbathe at Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe. Are you tired of outdoor activities? You have indoor entertainment like a puzzle room where you can test the problem-solving skills of your family. Lake Tahoe is an all-ages getaway where you can create unforgettable memories with your family.
4. Monterey
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium with your family. You will be impressed by the numerous exhibits including a lot of fish, sea birds, crustaceans, sharks, octopuses, jellyfish, and many more. Kids will love the interactive displays and the multiple-touch tanks. Relax on paddleboats in Lake El Estero. Walk with your family through the mirror maze. The lighting and the pumping music add to the thrill. Don’t worry if you are lost. You will still love the fun. Who doesn’t love butterflies? See clusters of colourful butterflies on trees in their natural habitat at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Go on a lion safari in the Monterey Zoo. Enjoy fun family rides at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
5. Carlsbad
From scenic beaches to historic museums and natural trails, Carlsbad has a lot to offer families. At South Carlsbad State Beach, you can walk, run, bike, surf, and build sand castles. Visit Legoland, where more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions await the kids. Let them explore the numerous playgrounds and rides. Then, visit the Sea Life Aquarium to see the fantastic marine life. Are you a sports-loving family? If so, you should go to Poinsettia Park, where you can play tennis, baseball, soccer, pickleball, and basketball and walk along the walking paths. Shop for farm-fresh organic products from the Village Farmer’s Market.
6. Big Bear Lake
This destination promises to keep you entertained both in summer and winter. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding; in the summer, you can enjoy biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You can ride the Scenic Sky Chair to Snow Summit Peak and admire the scenic views. At Snow Summit, you can also enjoy a wide range of family activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country mountain biking. Big Bear Discovery Center educates your children with educational exhibits and hands-on activities. Let your kids taste a lot of candies at the Village Sweet Shoppe.
Read More: Romantic Getaways in California
7. Joshua Tree National Park
Be stunned by the giant-sized cacti at the Challa Cactus Garden. Admire the gorgeous views of sunrise and sunset from the Keys View. Take a hike in one of the nature trails such as Barker Dam Trail, Cap Rock Trail, Arch Rock Nature Trail, etc. The natural scenery here is incredible. Climb up the Hall of Horrors to see the cool rock formations. Although there is horror in the name, there is nothing to be afraid of. The climb is easy for the kids.
Book Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park
8. Catalina Island
Catalina Island in California is one of the perfect destinations for a weekend getaway with family because of its safe environment and pleasant weather. Relax in one of the public beaches. Try adrenaline-rushing adventures such as the zipline tour and Catalina aerial adventure. Swinging through the trees, climbing rope ladders, crossing log bridges, balancing beams, and other challenges are very exciting. Kids will be thrilled with glass-bottom boat tours and see the several varieties of marine life. A ride in the submarine is a unique experience. Kids will also enjoy the Flying Fish Tour.
Book Hotels on Catalina Island
9. Death Valley National Park
Parents believe the park is not safe for kids because of its name. However, it is an incredible land with natural wonders, canyons, sand dunes, and a star-filled night sky for kids to explore and have fun. Take a self-guided Star Wars tour and learn interesting details about the movie. Go sledding on sand dunes. It is not only interesting for children but also for the parents. Bring out the child in you by sledding, rolling down, and digging in the sand. Gaze at the stars in the dark sky and point out the constellations to your little ones. Explore old mines. Climb up the Dante’s Point to watch the sunset. Take a trail through the canyons. You have a lot of things to see and do at Death Valley National Park with your family.
Book Hotels in Death Valley National Park
10. Palm Springs
This sun-drenched city in California is a desert playground with lots of attractions to keep your family entertained. Let your little ones’ faces light up with joy while going on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and let the kids learn with interactive encounters and hands-on learning. Little ones enjoy the experience of feeding tall giraffes and going on a camel ride. Let them splash around in the Splashtopia water park or the Wet n Wild Palm Springs.
11. Pismo Beach
You can spend several hours with your family at Pismo Beach playing and lounging on the sands and swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and wading in the water. View small sea creatures like urchins, limpets, snails, and anemones on the sand and in the water. At the end of the beach, there is a beautiful park where you can walk, jog, and play in the dinosaur-themed park.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In Northern California
12. Morro Bay
It is a great place for children of all ages. Marvel at the flocks of falcons, blue herons, and egrets in the 50-acre Morro Rock. Let the kids engage in hands-on training in geology, erosion, and tidal forces in the Museum of Natural History. Take a relaxed walk and watch the boats going in and out in the Tidelands Park. Kayak and paddleboard in the Kayak horizons. Take a boat ride along the Morro Bay.
Summing Up
California is a great place for adults and kids of all ages from toddlers to teens. Pack your bags and get ready to have a memorable time with your family this weekend. What are you waiting for?
