Family Vacations in California Overview
 The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an up-close look at Pacific marine life. See more California vacation pictures. |
Continue reading to discover some of the best family vacation spots in California. Use our profiles to select the sights and attractions that you won't want to miss, mapping out your vacation to this kid-friendly state. Here's some information about California's best family vacation highlights:
Disneyland
Walt Disney's dream of a park where kids and adults alike could enjoy the wonders of childhood is still a favorite today, more than 50 years after its creation. This must-see family vacation spot features parades, life-size characters strolling through the grounds, amusement park rides, and fun exhibits where you might even learn a thing or two.
Santa Catalina Island
Get away from the rat race and enjoy the natural beauty of Santa Catalina Island. Twenty-two miles from Los Angeles, this island is the perfect spot for outdoor family activities such as boating, hiking, and snorkeling.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
See the breathtaking wonder of the giant sequoias at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These parks are home to the 2,500-year-old General Sherman, an enormous sequoia that's the largest living organism in the world at 36 feet in diameter. The parks' diverse landscape is great for hiking among majestic trees and waterfalls.
Yosemite National Park
Ansel Adams was inspired by the unique landscape at Yosemite National Park, taking many of his most famous photographs there. You, too, can observe natural formations such as Half Dome and El Capitan -- or, if you'd rather, you can hike or bike among these stunning rocks.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, children can dive right in to the hands-on exhibits, including touch pools and steerable underwater cameras. Penguins and sharks are favorites at the aquarium, but you won't want to miss the ever-popular Splash Zone.
SeaWorld
When you visit SeaWorld in San Diego, Shamu's show is a must-see highlight -- but watch out for the Soak Zone! SeaWorld remains a family vacation favorite because of its amazing marine life and its gut-wrenching rides, such as the Wild Arctic simulated helicopter ride.
San Diego Zoo
Your first stop at the San Diego Zoo should be the Giant Panda Research Station, where you can see the black-and-white charmers and their antics. The zoo is home to nearly 4,000 animals from all across the globe. Don't miss the Children's Zoo, where visitors can interact with owls, spider monkeys, and wombats.
Tournament of Roses Parade
Ring in the New Year with Pasadena's Tournament of Roses Parade, a California tradition since 1890. Every January 1, the streets are filled with lavish and elaborate floats that celebrate that most beloved of flowers.
California State Railroad Museum
Kids and trains go together like peanut butter and jelly. At the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the whole family can learn about the history of the railroad and how it shaped California and the West. Hands-on exhibits include Thomas the Tank Engine trains to delight even the youngest visitors.
Alcatraz Island
Just a mile off shore from San Francisco, Alcatraz Island is home to one of the country's most infamous prisons. After a boat trip from Pier 39, stroll about the grounds of this imposing fortress and learn the history of some of its hardened inhabitants, including Al Capone. Be sure to get the audio tour.
Exploratorium
San Francisco's Exploratorium is a kid's dream come true -- this museum's more than 650 exhibits are all hands-on. Favorite exhibits include Shadow Box, the Tactile Dome, and the Wave Organ, a musical instrument powered by the tides.
Hearst Castle
Experience what it's like to live in the lap of luxury at this lavish castle in San Simeon. William Randolph Hearst's former home -- and its treasures -- are on display for the public's viewing pleasure. Tours of the home feature the enormous main entry hall, the indoor Roman Pool, and a private theater.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is graced with a temperate climate year-round, making this Spanish-style beach town a lovely place to get away from it all. Enjoy the town's zoo and botanical gardens, or take advantage of the weather and visit Santa Barbara's many parks and playgrounds.
Legoland
Every kid loves those interlocking blocks -- now they can see the grand structures and fanciful rides at Legoland in Carlsbad. Many of the park's exhibits are aimed at toddlers and preschoolers, but older kids will enjoy the roller coasters and the Knights' Tournament ride.
Big Sur Coastline
Where the water meets the land, the Big Sur coastline features stunning cliffs and breathtaking beaches. Enjoy the natural beauty of this stretch of coastline by taking advantage of its hiking trails -- if you're lucky, you might spot sea otters and even migrating grey whales.
The Getty Center
A trip to the Getty Center starts with a train ride to a scenic hilltop with stunning views of Los Angeles. Once you're there, the whole family can enjoy spacious galleries filled with priceless European paintings and sculpture. The outdoor gardens and patios are a perfect place to roam on a sunny day.
La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles' murky underworld is exposed in this fossil-rich patch of
land. More than 1,000 fossil samples are found here each year. Visitors
can see and experience prehistoric L.A., and see the creatures that
lived here in the pre-Hollywood days.
Napa Valley Vineyards
About 50 miles north of San Francisco, Napa Valley
Vineyards is home to about 100,000 people, five incorporated cities, and at
least 300 wineries. Visitors come
for the fresh air, the good food, and, of course, the great wine.
Golden Gate Bridge
The
Golden Gate Bridge does for the West Coast what the Statue of Liberty and the
Manhattan skyline do for the East: It welcomes newcomers while proclaiming the
golden, youthful promise of the New World. The Golden Gate Bridge also
introduces visitors to the sumptuous San Francisco Bay Area.
Chinatown and the
Chinese New Year
San Francisco's
Chinatown is the largest Chinatown on the continent, and it pulls out all the
stops for the annual festivities. The Chinese New Year Parade (a San Francisco tradition since just
after the 1849 Gold Rush) is now the biggest illuminated nighttime parade in
North America. In fact, it's the largest event of its kind on any continent
except Asia.
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House, home of the late Sarah
Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle Company, has 160 rooms designed to
ward off the evil spirits that she believed plagued her every move. Several
tours of the mansion are available.
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hills, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the famous Hollywood Sign, and the most
popular cinema in the world are just a few attractions families can enjoy in
the place where dreams come true.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach features unusual artists and street
performers, funky shops, cool eateries, and of course, swimming, sunbathing and
surfing. No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit to Venice
Beach.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- San Francisco City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit San Francisco.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Disneyland
Walt Disney envisioned a place where parents could recapture childhood memories and enjoy a magical world of fantasy with their children. Disneyland in Anaheim brought this vision to life. Many of its early rides and attractions are still in place and are as popular as ever, attesting to the power and longevity of Disney's imagination. The Mad Tea Party and Jungle Cruise rides continue to thrill young visitors, and Mickey and Minnie, in updated attire, still wander the park greeting their young fans.
©2007 Courtesy of Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau
After more than 50 years, Disneyland still delights families.
But that's not to say that Disneyland hasn't kept up with the times. New shows, rides, and themed areas have been added to the park over the years. Visitors enjoy a selection that now includes Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Critter Country, Mickey's Toontown, and New Orleans Square. An adjacent park, Disney's California Adventure, features rides and attractions inspired by the Golden State, including the California Screamin' roller coaster and Soarin' Over California, which takes you on a virtual hang-gliding ride over the state, enhanced by the aromas of orange groves and saltwater. Downtown Disney, located in the middle of the resort complex, is a shopping and dining hub of activity that will keep all ages entertained.
Address:
Telephone: 714/781-4565
Hours of Operation: Hours
vary by park
Admission: Varies by package
Only 22 miles from Los Angeles, you'll find a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Keep reading to learn about Santa Catalina Island.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide:
Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants,
shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Santa Catalina Island
Only 22 miles from Los Angeles, quiet Santa Catalina Island seems a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the big city across the water. It's a laid-back, traffic-free, clean-air vacation spot with plenty of elbow room for any active family that likes to hike, snorkel, kayak, and explore.
Get away from the big-city hustle and bustle on Santa Catalina Island.
Most of the island's beaches are somewhat rocky, but there's plenty to do besides lounge in the sand. Lover's Cove, a protected marine preserve, is a short walk from Avalon and is an excellent spot for snorkeling. The fish are plentiful and used to people, thanks to frequent feedings from passengers on the glass-bottom boats that tour the area. Much of the interior of the island is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. It oversees the diverse island habitat that is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. The organization also sponsors a nature center at Avalon Canyon and conducts nature walks every evening. Kids will enjoy the center's hands-on exhibits that feature information about the island's native wildlife and hiking its many nature trails.
Address: Crescent St and Summer Ave,
Telephone: 310/510-1520
The largest living organism in the world resides at our next attraction. Go to the next page to learn about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
General Sherman is the leader among trees. This huge sequoia tops off at 275 feet -- as tall as a 26-story building. It is Sequoia's most famous resident and the largest living organism in the world. A gargantuan 36 feet in diameter, at approximately 2,500 years old, it's the oldest of its species. Thousands of General Sherman's relatives fill the pristine forests of these two spectacular national parks.
The drive-through in Sequoia National Park is open 24 hours! Before this sequoia
fell in 1937, it stood 275 feet high. Rather than attempt its removal, the park
service carved a tunnel through it that measures 17 feet wide and 8 feet high.
For stunning vistas that captured the imagination of Ansel Adams and many others, you'll want to pay a visit to Yosemite National Park. Keep reading to learn about the natural beauty to be found in this national park.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Yosemite National Park
Half Dome, located at the eastern end
of Yosemite Valley, is a breathtaking
sight. The granite formation is an
estimated 87 million years old.
It's no wonder American nature photographer Ansel Adams found much of his inspiration here, popularizing many of Yosemite Valley's granite landmarks in his black-and-white photographs.
The Ahwahnee Hotel, a grand hotel in a grand setting, is a popular stop for weary travelers. The hotel houses a collection of priceless Native American baskets as well as a display of unique Persian rugs.
A number of bike trails criss-cross Yosemite Valley, and the park also uses a fleet of shuttle buses to help control the flow of traffic during peak vacation months. To get a real sense of the park's majesty and the diversity of its terrain, explore the less visited parts of the valley by heading into its higher reaches, such as idyllic Tuolumne Meadows. This picturesque sierra meadow features clear mountain streams and stark granite outcroppings surrounded by snowcapped peaks. It serves as a trailhead for some of the park's most spectacular hikes.
On the next page, learn about the Monterey Bay Aquarium's hands-on, kid-friendly exhibits.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Just off the coast of Monterey, in the deepwater canyons of the Pacific, among gigantic kelp forests, lies a world of mysterious marine life. Monterey Bay Aquarium brings this world into view for its visitors with extraordinary exhibits that are sure to captivate your family. The exhibits in the Monterey Bay Aquarium showcase the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. |
The aquarium's Splash Zone is a special exhibit and play area where children can crawl through, climb on, and pop up in displays as they visit nearly 60 different sea creatures in their coral reef and rocky shore homes. Just about everyone's favorite are the comical black-footed penguins. Their antics are great fun to watch, especially at mealtime.
Other not-to-miss aquarium exhibits include Sharks: Myth and Mystery, featuring nearly two dozen species of beautiful sharks and rays from around the world, and Outer Bay, full of yellowfin tuna, green sea turtles, barracuda, and other creatures that inhabit the open ocean.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Information
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Telephone: 831/648-4888
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily
Admission: $24.95 adults; $15.95 kids
No trip to Southern California is complete without a visit with Shamu. On the next page, learn all about visiting SeaWorld.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: SeaWorld
Beware the Soak Zone, or at least wear quick-drying clothing when you visit SeaWorld in San Diego. When everyone's favorite killer whale sends up its signature greeting, those closest to the tank will be deluged by a wall of water as Shamu leaps out of the air and belly smacks back into the pool. The acrobatic mammal is a SeaWorld favorite -- indeed, its main attraction. But Shamu gets some serious competition in the cuteness department from some of SeaWorld's other creatures, especially the gentle, sweet-faced manatees and the waddling penguins. A number of shows besides Shamu's feature animal acts. Let’s see -- if it’s black and white, swims, and eats fish, it must be Shamu? Not so, according to the penguins that also inhabit SeaWorld. They make up a waddling welcome crew that is quite an entertaining sight. |
SeaWorld Information
Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Telephone: 800/257-4268
Hours of Operation: Mar. - Dec., Hours vary
Admission: $48.99 adults; $38 kids
If you want to visit animals from all over the world, head to one of the best zoos in North America -- on the next page, learn about visiting the San Diego Zoo.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: San Diego Zoo
From the tiny shrew to the mighty elephant, the San Diego Zoo offers visitors some of the world's most exceptional animals. Located in Balboa Park and one of the finest zoos on the continent, it is home to more than 3,800 creatures representing 800 species.
Since the giant pandas arrived at the San Diego Zoo in 1987, the photogenic
residents have been delighting children with their antics. You can see them at
the Giant Panda Research Station.
Many of the animals at the Children's Zoo, such as wombats, spider monkeys, and owls, are trained as animal ambassadors and accept being observed and touched by children. And what mouse wouldn't feel at home at the San Diego Zoo? The Mouse House is made from a large loaf of bread, which is replaced each week as its residents gnaw and nibble their way through the walls. Children love visiting the nurseries to see the baby animals as they are fed and cuddled by their keepers. Don't be disappointed if the nurseries are empty; it simply means that the zoo's animal mothers are doing their jobs and caring for their babies.
San Diego Zoo Information
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA
Telephone: 619/234-3153
Hours of Operation:
- Sept. - Jun. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Jun. - Sept. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission: $22 adults; $15.50 kids
On the next page, learn about the majestic Tournament of Roses Parade, which has been carried out for more than 100 years.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Tournament of Roses Parade
The residents of Pasadena celebrated the first Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 1890. Horse-drawn carriages adorned with flowers paraded through the city streets. This event began the annual New Year's tradition that draws about one million people to Pasadena to watch the parade. Millions more watch the televised event from their homes. This man surprised the crowd at the Tournament of Roses parade by flying through the air with a jet pack. |
Before the parade, families can watch float makers decorate their projects with thousands of blossoms, see award-winning marching bands, get up close to the horses that will prance in the parade, and sample barbeque delights. After the parade, the floats are on display for several days.
Tournament of Roses Parade Information
Address: Ellis St. and Orange Grove, Pasadena, CA
Telephone: 626/449-4100, 877-793-9911
Hours of Operation: New Years Day, 8 a.m.
Admission: Free
Learn about the history of the railroad at the California State Railroad Museum, detailed on the next page.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: California State Railroad Museum
The impact of the railroad and how it shaped the history, culture, and economy of California and the West is told through the various exhibits in this vast Sacramento museum. You'll find 20 meticulously restored railroad cars and locomotives on display here. On the main floor, check out the Governor Stanford steam locomotive, the first engine used by the Central Pacific, and then get a close-up view of a huge diesel engine.
©2007 Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau
Learn how the railroad helped shape California history at the California State
Railroad Museum.
California State Railroad Museum Information
Address: Second St. and "I" St., Sacramento, CA
Telephone: 916/445-6645
Hours of Operation: Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: $8 adults; $3 kids
In the San Francisco Bay, you can visit the former home of some of the country's most famous prisoners -- and some of the most famous prison escapes. Keep reading to learn about Alcatraz Island.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Alcatraz Island
Atop Alcatraz Island sits the infamous prison that Al Capone once called home. Kids will love their visit to the country's most noted lockup. Audio tours discuss some of the various escape attempts that have become a part of the island's history. Even though Alcatraz is only about one mile off San Francisco's shore, most would-be escapees were swept out to sea by the treacherous currents of the San Francisco Bay or died of exposure in the icy Pacific Ocean. Isolation and solitude come to mind when you first see Alcatraz Island. This prison was designated for criminals who were the worst of the worst. |
Alcatraz Island Information
Address: In Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz, CA
Telephone: 415/561-4900
Our next museum is a hands-on experience like no other. On the next page, read about San Francisco's Exploratorium.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Exploratorium
You'll never hear the words "hands off" or "don't touch" at this San Francisco family favorite. On the contrary, this wonderful museum teaches children about the world and the way it works through the hands-on, touch-and-tinker experiences of more than 650 permanent exhibits. ©2007 Exploratorium: Lily Rodriguez Music at high tide? The Wave Organ, an environmental sculpture located near the Exploratorium, is activated by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. |
Don't miss the museum's wave-activated acoustic sculpture titled The Wave Organ. It's located a short walk from the Exploratorium on a jetty in San Francisco Bay. The intensity and complexity of the music made by the waves is directly related to the tides and weather.
Exploratorium Information
Address: 3601 Lyon St., San Francisco, CA
Telephone: 415/EXP-LORE
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tues. - Sun.
Admission: $13 adults; $8 kids
Get a taste of the lush Hollywood life at William Randolph Hearst's preserved former home. Learn all about Hearst Castle on the next page.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- San Francisco City Guide: Explore San Francisco -- the city is brimming with restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Hearst Castle
Hollywood celebrities, business tycoons, and political heavyweights of the 1920s and 1930s were all entertained by William Randolph Hearst at Hearst Castle, an opulent 165-room hilltop hideaway above the California coastline in San Simeon. Hearst was not one to live the simple life, and his home overflows with unbelievable treasures and priceless art from all over the world. He spent millions building his estate and, in its heyday, he entertained lavishly. William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop castle will amaze kids with its grandeur. |
Hearst Castle Information
Address: 750 Hear St. Castle Rd., San Simeon, CA
Telephone: 805/927-2020, 800/444-4445
Hours of Operation: 8:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m., daily
Admission: $24 adults; $12 kids
Get away from the hustle and bustle with a visit to a Spanish-style beach town. On the next page, learn about visiting Santa Barbara.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Santa Barbara
Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, this Spanish-style beach town is beautiful year-round. You can spend lazy days at the beach or visit the town's many parks and playgrounds. Other Santa Barbara favorites include a zoo and a stunning botanical garden. Rent bikes or skates or hire a surrey and cruise the three-mile paved beachfront path, kayak along the shore, or meander along the mile-long boardwalk, one of the state's oldest working piers. The pier in Santa Barbara has weathered fires and earthquakes during its 130-year history. Once a hub of activity for cargo and passenger ships, the pier now serves as a docking area for pleasure boats and whale-watching tours. |
Santa Barbara Information
Address: Downtown Santa Barbara at State St. and Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA
Telephone: 805/965-3023
What child hasn't enjoyed building fanciful structures with Legos? See those structures come to life at our next attraction -- keep reading to learn about Legoland.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Legoland
The popular building blocks that have amused so many young builders are the inspiration behind this Carlsbad amusement park. It's one of four Legoland parks around the world, and the only one located in North America.
©2007 LEGOLAND California
Kids love the 120 acres of fun rides, entertaining shows, and imaginative
buildings that make up Legoland. The Coast Cruise is one of the park’s 50 rides.
Many displays are geared to toddlers and preschoolers. A favorite is the Fairy Tale Brook, where guests can take a boat ride through enchantingly constructed versions of their favorite fairy tales. At the Musical Fountain they can step on colored circles surrounding a huge fountain to make instruments play a lively tune.
Older kids will enjoy the roller coasters and the funny Royal Joust, where they ride galloping Lego hobbyhorses. They'll also enjoy driving cars on a grid of streets complete with traffic lights and stop signs -- after they learn the rules of the road, of course. An unusual Knights' Tournament ride turns and twists in the air and lets guests choose the ride's thrill factor and intensity level.
It just wouldn't be a full day without some hands-on Lego activity. A trip to the Imagination Zone will let the kids try their hands at construction, with an endless supply of Legos and Duplos. At the model shop, kids can see master builders create new and exciting Lego models for the park right before their eyes.
Legoland Information
Address: One Legoland Dr., Carisbad, CA
Telephone: 760/918-5346
Hours of Operation: Hours vary
Admission: $57 adults; $44 kids
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country can be found at our next attraction. Keep reading to learn about visiting the Big Sur coastline.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Big Sur Coastline
The scenic stretch of Big Sur coastline has a breathtaking beauty that invites many stops for family pictures. One minute you're standing atop a high cliff looking down at a crashing sapphire sea, and the next you're hiking through a misty redwood forest. The Big Sur coastline begins just south of Monterey, where Point Lobos Reserve encompasses a group of headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. Hiking trails follow the shoreline, where you'll probably catch a glimpse of sea otters floating on their backs and snacking on abalone. Between the months of December and May, migrating gray whales are a common sight.
You’ll find rustic campsites as well as luxury hotels as you drive along Big Sur
coastline. The scenery is fantastic -- its dramatic, rocky beaches are quite a
departure from those found in southern California.
Big Sur Coastline Information
Address: Big Sur Coastline at Route 1, Big Sur, CA
Telephone: 831/667-2100
How many museum trips begin with a train ride and include priceless European art? Learn about visiting the Getty Center on the next page.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: The Getty Center
Collections of world-class European paintings and sculpture may not sound appealing to many children at first, but the Getty Center's spacious layout invites exploring. Kids love roaming the center's gardens and patios and snacking at its outdoor cafe. After you take in the exhibits at the Getty Center, enjoy the view that overlooks the Los Angeles area. |
On your way into the galleries, pick up a copy of the Art Detective Cards or the brochure titled "Family Fun at the Getty" to help guide your visit. Each exhibit features descriptions to engage children. The collections are housed in separate buildings.
When your kids have finished viewing the treasures in one building, you'll head outside to get to the next gallery -- a perfect way to explore the Getty's gardens, plazas, and pools.
The Getty Center Information
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA
Telephone: 310/440-7300
Hours of Operation:
- 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tues. - Thurs. and Sun.
- 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. - Sat.
Admission: Free
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Explore the City of Angels -- Los Angeles is brimming with restaurants, shops, attractions, and the occasional celebrity hotspot.
- California State Guide: From north to south, California encompasses mountains, deserts, beaches, and vineyards. Learn about it all in our guide to California.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Sutherland is a widely acknowledged authority on family travel and has published several books on the topic, including Best Family Ski Vacations In North America and Tropical Family Vacations.
Family Vacations in California: La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits remain an archaeological
treasure trove of fossils from thousands of
years ago
La Brea Tar Pits Information
Address: 5801
Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Telephone: 323/934-PAGE
Hours of Operation: 9:30
a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun.
Admission: $7
adults; $4.50 kids
Continue to the next page for details on Napa Valley Vineyards -- home to 300 wineries.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Los Angeles.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Napa Valley Vineyards
Napa Valley is only five miles across at its widest point and 30 miles long, but its reputation stretches around the world. About 50 miles north of San Francisco, the valley is home to about 100,000 people, five incorporated cities, and at least 300 wineries. In the late 1800s, there were more than 600 wineries in the valley. The longstanding success of the local wine industry is a result of the climate and soil, which are ideal for growing grapes. The soil is especially diverse: Fully half of the varieties of soil on the planet are found within the confines of Napa Valley.
 In Napa, it's all about quality, not quantity. The verdant 30-mile-long valley contributes only a fraction of California's total wine production. |
Stringent county policies limit development outside the cities in Napa Valley, leaving the agricultural land wide open and pastoral. Napa Valley was carved by the Napa River, which flows directly into the San Francisco Bay and attracts anglers and paddlers. But most visitors come for the fresh air, the good food, and, of course, the great wine. The "crush" that accompanies the fall harvest is one of the valley's busiest times.
Napa Valley Vineyards Information
Address: Napa Valley Visitors Bureau at 1310 Napa Town Center, Napa, CA
Telephone: 707/226-7459
Continue to the next page for details on family vacations in San Francisco and Golden Gate Bridge.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- San Francisco City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit San Francisco.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge does for the West Coast what the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline do for the East: It welcomes newcomers while proclaiming the golden, youthful promise of the New World. The Golden Gate Bridge also introduces visitors to the sumptuous San Francisco Bay Area. According to former Mayor Gavin Newsom, "San Franciscans know we live in the most beautiful city in the world, a jewel on the edge of the Golden Gate."
 The Golden Gate's vibrant color and 4,200-foot span make it one of the most distinctive bridges on the planet. |
The bridge opened in 1937 with a celebration in which 200,000 jubilant pedestrians crossed it. During the 50th-anniversary celebration, 300,000 pedestrians walked across, which is one terrific way to visit the bridge if you're in shape. The Golden Gate Bridge, which is painted orange vermilion (more commonly called "international orange"), is golden in every other respect. The bridge was named not for its color but because it spans the Golden Gate Strait, named by explorer John C. Fremont.
The Golden Gate Bridge saved San Francisco from its isolation on a peninsula. The bridge --which, at 4,200 feet from tower to tower, reigned as the world's longest suspension bridge for 27 years -- heralded an era in which suspension bridges defined modernism. So striking and beautiful is its sculptural design, the bridge forged the way to a generation of graceful, buoyant Art Deco architecture in the midst of the Great Depression. The beautiful bridge is also the centerpiece of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (though the bridge and recreation area are managed by different agencies).
In 1919, architect Irving Morrow wrote, the strait "is loveliest at the cool end of the day when, for a few breathless moments, faint afterglows transfigure the gray line of hills." Years later, Morrow was responsible for the bridge's stylized Art Deco embellishments as well as its famous color. Some opponents argued that only steel gray or carbon black paint could protect the bridge; the U.S. Navy wanted it painted yellow with black stripes. Morrow insisted paint could be invented to protect and burnish the bridge's graceful, sinewy architecture and increase its visibility in fog while blending with its natural surroundings. He was right: The bridge didn't require an overall repainting for 27 years.
Golden Gate is the most popular destination in the national parks system, with more than 14 million visitors each year. The 74,000-acre expanse includes favorite destinations such as China Beach, Muir Beach, Fort Mason, and Alcatraz Island. It also includes the Presidio of San Francisco, which was established by the Spanish in 1776 and has become the oldest continuously operating U.S. military base.
The park provides panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge that have been made famous over the years, mainly by Hollywood. The memorable scene in Hitchcock's Vertigo, which emphasized the bridge's overwhelming scale and sweep, was filmed under it, on the San Francisco side near Fort Point. It's definitely a view to see firsthand. From across the bay, check out the bridge's magnificence from Fort Baker, located in Marin County. You can find another picture-perfect vantage point across the bridge on its northern side at Marin Headlands, best reached by bus or car. The views from high on the San Francisco side are breathtaking as well, and don't forget the bracing scene from Alcatraz Island!
Golden Gate Bridge Information
Address: Near US Rt. 101 and Doyle Dr., San Francisco, CA
Telephone: 415/921-5858 877/229-8655
Continue on to the next page for details on festive Chinatown and the Chinese New Year.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- San Francisco City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit San Francisco.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Chinatown and the Chinese New Year
For 15 days during the Chinese New Year, San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood bustles with sound and color -- even more than it usually does. This is the largest Chinatown on the continent, and it pulls out all the stops for the annual festivities. The Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first moon of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid February.
 San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown is the most populous neighborhood of its kind in North America and a must-see stop on any visit to the City by the Bay. |
The Chinese New Year Parade (a San Francisco tradition since just after the 1849 Gold Rush) is now the biggest illuminated nighttime parade in North America. In fact, it's the largest event of its kind on any continent except Asia. Participants take the year's theme and run with it, crafting gorgeous floats that range from purely aesthetic to political. Dancers and stilt-walkers entertain the crowds, and others light firecrackers, pass out "funny money," and do their best to bring good luck to the New Year.
The parade culminates with Gum Lung, the Golden Dragon -- an ornate, human-powered 200-foot silk, gauze, and velvet beast with a bamboo skeleton. Year-round, Chinatown is one of the Bay Area's most visited tourist hotspots, with plenty of eateries, bars, and shops. But it also serves as an authentic neighborhood where people live, work, and play.
Chinatown and the Chinese New Year Information
Address: Chinatown Entrance at Grant Ave. and Bush St., San Francisco, CA
Telephone: 415/391-2000
Continue to the next page for details on family vacations in San Jose and peculiar Winchester Mystery House.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- San Francisco City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit San Francisco.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Winchester Mystery House
In 1884, Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle Company, visited a soothsayer after the death of her husband and baby daughter. The medium told her that her fate was tied to her house: Continuous building would appease the evil spirits and help her attain eternal life. Winchester took the premonition very seriously. She continued building her San Jose mansion for the ensuing 38 years, spending the bulk of her multimillion-dollar inheritance in the process.
When the hammering finally stopped after Winchester's passing in 1922, there were 160 rooms. But there's more than just sheer size at work here: Winchester chose designs to ward off the evil spirits that she believed plagued her every move. Some stairways and doors lead nowhere, and the stained glass seems to be inspired by a disturbing spider web. A plethora of features are tied to a certain number. The number of palms lining the driveway? The number of hooks in the séance room? The number of lights in the chandeliers? The answer to all three questions is 13, a further sign of Sarah Winchester's superstitions.
Winchester Mystery House Information
Address: 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA
Telephone: 408/247-2101
Hours of Operation:
- Mid Oct. - Late Apr., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
- Late Apr. - Mid Oct., 9 a.m. 7 p.m., daily
Admission: Cost varies by tour.
Continue to the next page for details on family vacations in Hollywood -- the city of dreams.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- San Francisco City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit San Francisco.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Hollywood
Hollywood is not just a place. In certain contexts, Hollywood is shorthand for America's film industry. In others, it's the destination for every aspiring actor, director, or screenwriter. It's also the setting for so many legends and rumors it's hard to keep them straight. Regardless, Hollywood is amazing. The rolling Hollywood Hills, clad in a lush layer of greenery, cradle neighborhoods of all kinds and feature the one-of-a-kind American icon, the Hollywood sign. At first, the sign was a real-estate promotion that read "Hollywoodland." But by 1973, it was in tatters -- one O had toppled, and a vandal had set an L on fire. This led to its $250,000 reconstruction in 1978.
 Nine 50-foot letters comprise one of the most recognizable signs in the world. |
Down below, on Hollywood Boulevard, the sidewalk sports 2,000 terrazzo-and-brass stars that immortalize giants of the entertainment industry. The street is a colorful spot for people-watching and is the address of Mann's Chinese Theatre, perhaps the most famous cinema in the world. The unmistakable theater has two enormous red columns out front, a bronze roof, and authentic furnishings imported from China. Cast in the cement of the forecourt are the footprints, handprints, and hoofprints of past and present movie stars.
Hollywood Information
Address: Hollywood Visitor Information Center at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
Telephone: 323/467-6412
Continue to the next page for details on family vacations in lively Venice Beach.
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Los Angeles.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
Family Vacations in California: Venice Beach
The Los Angeles neighborhood of Venice and its fabulous beach were once home to Ocean Park, a Coney Island-like amusement pier that attracted throngs of fun-seekers. While the park went out of business in the 1960s, Venice Beach has remained a magnet for people from all walks of life.
 The epicenter of California cool, Venice Beach waves attract surfers and sunworshipers. |
Venice was founded in the 20th century and was named and modeled after Italy's Venice. Its three-mile beach is in many ways an afterthought. A few people come for the sand and surf, but many more come to shop, talk, or just wander and people-watch. The beach's boardwalk is the heart and soul of California cool, with merchants hocking an array of eclectic art, cheap sunglasses, souvenir T-shirts, and much, much more.
Venice Beach has been called the "Roller Skating Capital of the World"; it's fronted by a skating and bicycling path that runs along California's coastline, uninterrupted for 22 miles. There's also Gold's Gym, the famous outdoor weightlifting hotspot commonly called "Muscle Beach." Perhaps Mike Bonin, a staff member for the Los Angeles City Council, put it best: "There's lots special about Venice. It is internationally recognized as a place of free expression, diversity, tolerance, and incredible artistic talent. Not to mention funky weirdness."
Venice Beach Information
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
Telephone: 310/399-2775
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Los Angeles City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Los Angeles.
- California State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in California, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
