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.
- See these and more California Family Vacation Ideas
