Ideas for the Golden State!
- California Beach Vacations: combine beach time with theme park time in Anaheim, home to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood theme parks.) Meanwhile, northern California has some stunningly scenic beaches (- chilly, though!)
- San Francisco- Golden Gate Bridge: sightsee the famous Bridge three ways: ride in an open air antique fire truck; fly over and under by helicopter; visit as part of a movie tour.
- Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay: upscale, kid-friendly; on scenic coast, 40 minutes from SF.
- Napa Valley with Kids: day-trip distance from SF and a fave for wine-lovers, but also good for family trips.
- Monterey Bay: south of San Francisco, this popular tourist spot is home to Cannery Row (in John Steinbeck's novel), Fisherman's Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and sea lions, sea otters, and gray whales. Legendary Big Sur Coast is nearby.
- Disneyland- the classic family trip; The Magic Kingdom, plus the California Adventure theme park (which is getting big improvements.)
- LEGOLAND California: in Carlsbad CA, 50 minutes from Disneyland, 30 minutes north of San Diego. 128 acres designed for ages two to twelve; with rides, live shows,and mini-lands made from millions of Lego bricks.
- San Diego - Hotel Del Coronado: landmark vintage architecture, and kid-friendly. The Del has 31 acres of beach; kids' and teen programs, family activities, Easter Egg hunts...
- Santa Barbara Family Vacat'n Center: every summer, this beach-side campus of the University of California offers all-inclusive family holidays in week-long sessions, including kids' programs, many activities, golf, tennis, and lots more.
See also:
- Things To Do in Southern California
- About.com's California Travel site, for more ideas.
- continue to Family Vacation Ideas - Canada
