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Family Vacation Ideas in Sixteen Popular Regions

By , About.com Guide

10 of 16

California Ideas for Families
Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California.

Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California.

Starting in Northern California, check out San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in a guest article that suggests sightseeing in an antique fire truck, by helicopter, or as part of a movie tour. Meanwhile, forty minutes south of San Francisco, families can find luxury in a stunning setting at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Or head inland for a day trip to the Napa Valley with Kids: this favourite destination for wine-lovers is also good for family trips.

Further south, the popular tourist spot Monterey Bay is home to Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and sea lions, sea otters, and gray whales. The Legendary Big Sur Coast is nearby. San Luis Obispo is an affordable destination half way between LA and San Francisco, with some low-cost attractions plus free fun at beaches that have tide pools, piers, or sand dunes. Also in the area is Hearst Castle, for sightseeing.

Another top destination in the Golden State is Yosemite, one of the country's best-loved National Parks.

As for Southern California... This is prime family vacation land, thanks to the theme parks such as Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood. Families with young kids may also want to visit LEGOLAND California, south of Anaheim and north of San Diego. other ideas in Southern California include Huntington Beach ("Surf City U.S.A.",) a popular spot for surfing lessons, and the Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center which offers all-inclusive family holidays with kids programs on the beach-side campus of the University of California. - continue to Hawaii

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