Northern California Vacation Ideas for Families

1. The Redwoods

About 200 miles north of San Francisco, ancient forests of magnificent coastal redwoods populate Humboldt County. Reaching heights of up to 379 feet, these sequoias are the tallest in the world, and half of the earth’s specimens can be found here. Imagine walking, biking, horseback riding, and camping among these enormous trees at Redwood National and State Parks, or driving through them (yes, you can do just that on the scenic Avenue of the Giants)!

To make things even more exciting, children of all ages can participate in the park's scavenger hunt program, Redwood EdVentures, and earn special patches upon completing each quest. Want to make the most out of this already memorable trip? The nearby dramatic beaches like Agate Beach and picturesque towns like Crescent City are great sightseeing spots packed with family-friendly events and activities.

2. Yosemite

Covering a million square miles of land, Yosemite (located in Central California’s Sierra Nevada) is the park that inspired the development of the national park idea. Once you see it, you’ll know why. Majestic views and breathtaking landscapes boasting giant sequoias, glaciers, meadows, waterfalls, and a vast biological diversity make Yosemite a unique wonderland worth a visit.

Campgrounds, lodges, and hotels are located inside the park and provide kid-friendly amenities and activities. But hiking and exploring along the numerous trails are perhaps the best sports of all as you take in all the beauty that Yosemite has to offer.

 
The beauty of Big Sur. Photo by Robert Montgomery via Flickr

3. Big Sur Coast

With grassy meadows dramatically plunging to small sandy coves and rocky beaches, the Central Coast region of California resembles the verdant coastline of Scotland or Ireland. Driving alongside the ocean is a treat, where every breathtaking vista makes for an inspired Instagram post. The coastal towns of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon are beautiful and feature world-famous attractions like the Hearst Castle, the Monterey Aquarium, and the Carmel Mission.

But the true star of the region is Big Sur, a rugged and woodsy stretch of coastline bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the ocean. Pfeiffer Beach, with arched rock formations and sand dunes, is the perfect spot for kids to run around; McWay Falls with its 80-foot waterfall cascading onto the beach is a gorgeous sight. There are several trails on the mountainside for bird watching (especially condors). Some camping sites have playgrounds, and most restaurants have children’s menus (Nepenthe is a favorite). 

4. Lake Tahoe

Perhaps the most famous lake in California—or even the Western U.S., Lake Tahoe is an outdoor adventure waiting to be explored. Of course, the lake is the main draw and in the summer it's a great place to swim on sandy beaches like Zephyr Cove, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in the crystal-blue waters, water ski, and go tubing. The surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring year-round. South Lake Tahoe is lined with resorts and casinos, with Harrah's boasting an impressive arcade and Flatstick Pub has indoor mini-golf.

 
Cable Car photo by Gina Ragland

5. San Francisco

For some kids, the iconic red cable cars going up and down steep city streets or the ferry to Alcatraz is a good enough reason to visit San Francisco. But, there are plenty more adventures and destinations in The City to make your whole family happy. The Golden Gate Bridge, the hustle and bustle of Alamo Square, the restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the shops and carousel at Pier 39 are all landmarks that offer something for everyone.

Not sure if the little ones will appreciate a stroll by the Painted Ladies? Head to the Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco Zoo, the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences, or the Children’s Creativity Museum for hours of guaranteed fun. Plus, Oakland and the rest of the East Bay is just a ferry ride away (which is highly recommended for the views alone), where you can visit the Oakland Zoo, Children's Fairyland, Downtown Berkeley, and Lake Merritt.

6. Eastern Sierra Nevadas

Sure, the western face of the Sierra Nevada Mountains gets all the attention, but the more remote eastern face is chock full of kid-friendly adventures. Highway 395 is the main thoroughfare through this inland wonderland, winding its way past rugged mountain vistas, beautiful floral blooms, and cute small towns like Randsburg, Inyokern, and Bishop.

A road trip in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range is a perfect pairing with a trip through Death Valley, especially if you’re coming from Southern California. Other activities along the way include bouldering near Bishop, Mt. Whitney, Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Lakes, and the eastern entrance to the world-famous Yosemite National Park.

Remember to plan extensively when you head out to this unforgiving stretch of the Golden State—abundant snow in the winter means some roads are closed, and as this area is a desert, it can get very hot in the summer.

7. Napa Valley Wine Country

Okay, we'll admit this California vacation idea for families is just about as parent-friendly as it is kid-friendly. But a trip to the Napa Valley area isn't just about sipping wine and eating cheese; there's plenty to keep the kiddos busy too. You will certainly want to plan a visit to some of the kid-friendly wineries in Napa (as well as neighboring Sonoma Valley), where wineries offer activities like Lego building, horse riding, scavenger hunts, and just plain old-fashioned exploring.

Outside of the wineries, some of our favorite activities in the Napa area include a visit to the Oxbow Public Market for snacks—while there, visit Bookmine for some children's books, kayaking or paddle boarding in the Napa River, and bird watching at Wetlands Edge Park. Connolly Ranch is a working farm where kids can learn more about nature and how farms operate, and Napa even has its own Old Faithful Geyser!

Southern California Vacation Ideas for Families

8. Death Valley

Death Valley could be renamed “Wonder Valley” for its unique landscapes and geology. From slopes of super-fine sand and hills covered in hundreds of shades of minerals to salt pans of spikey crystal formations, there is no shortage of vistas to ignite the imagination. This park, after all, is the perfect backdrop for a fantasy story and has been immortalized (no pun intended) in several movies, including George Lucas’ original Star Wars. No doubt, it’s an interesting choice for a family vacation; if going during cooler months and planning strategically, it should be the adventure of a lifetime.

 
Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Photo by David Collier, courtesy of Visit California

9. Santa Barbara

Known as California’s Riviera for its flora, breathtaking geography, and refined elegance, Santa Barbara is an enchanting mix of culture and fun. There are several maritime museums for aspiring little biologists (the Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center) and aquatic recreational activities for the more adventurous (paddling, sailing, and deep-sea fishing).

At Stearns Wharf, the whole family can board the Lil’ Toot, a water taxi that shuttles to the harbor, or try pier fishing—if you don’t catch anything, don't worry! You can always count on the nearby restaurants for a scrumptious meal. A short distance from the beach, MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation features hands-on engaging activities, and the Tomol Interpretative Play Area in Carpinteria is a sweet playground to let the kids run around. Old Mission Santa Barbara is a must-see and so is the quaint Mission-style downtown area for strolling, dining, and shopping.

Joshua Tree. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

12. Joshua Tree

One of the most singular places on earth, Joshua Tree National Park is a treasure and a destination everyone should see at least once. Groves of curious Joshua trees populate acres upon acres of the park, creating surreal landscapes to wander and explore. Boulders in all forms and shapes dot the forests for endless climbing opportunities for every age and skill level. There are several viewpoints, hiking trails, and unusual things to discover along the way (such as the Keys Ranch, the Ryan’s House, and the Lost Horse Well), but nothing equals the thrill of watching the trees’ shadows at dusk—it looks like the whimsical set of a Tim Burton movie.

While the park is the main draw, the towns of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Yucca Valley are emerging centers of art and culture, with galleries, eateries, coffee shops, and more. For an old-west experience with a hipster twist, visiting nearby Pioneertown is a must.

11. Greater Palm Springs

When in Joshua Tree, a stop at Greater Palm Springs is de rigueur. Located only 45 minutes from the national park in the low Mojave Desert, this resort town is in its own right otherworldly. The surrounding canyons’ fauna and flora are magnificent, especially in cooler months when little streams and waterfalls flow down the San Jacinto Mountain and wildflowers start to bloom.

Summers are very hot, but if you’re headed to a hotel or a rental with a pool, there’s no reason to worry. If you really must take a break from the pool, there are plenty of places for your brood to chill out, such as the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

12. Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead

Believe it or not, sunny Southern California gets lots of snow, too, and in the winter months, mountain resorts are equipped for all sorts of snow sports. The one that stands head and shoulders above the rest is the ever-popular Big Bear. Both a lake and a resort-like community, Big Bear has two top-tier ski resorts: Snow Summit (for skiers of all levels) and Bear Mountain (for more advanced snowboarders and skiers), as well as an inner-tubing park, a bobsled run, and ice skating, among other kid-friendly attractions.

With rustic chalets and alpine village aesthetics, Big Bear and nearby Lake Arrowhead are great destinations year-round. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating are just a few of the fun recreational activities. 

 
Angels Flight! Photo by Gina Ragland

13. Los Angeles

The city of Angels doesn’t need any introductions—it’s a metropolis more diverse and culturally rich than almost every other city in the United States. Museums, gardens, parks, theme parks, and countless attractions are interwoven into the fabric of the city, making it a must-see destination for every California family. Here, you can start your day chillin' at the beach, then hike a mountain trail and catch a dinner and a show in Hollywood with the kids in tow.

Besides Disneyland, California Adventure, and Universal Studios, places like the Skirball Center, the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, and Kidspace in Pasadena provide endless family entertainment. To experience the city like a true Angeleno, we recommend picking from the jam-packed calendar of events happening throughout the city year-round. From parades and tours to scavenger hunts and festivals, there’s always an opportunity to join the party.

14. Catalina

Ever dreamed of leaving it all behind for an island adventure, even if it's only for a day? Catalina is the best choice and is reachable via a one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro. The town of Avalon is a quaint seaport with cozy restaurants, cute artisanal shops, a history museum, and a library with tons of kid-friendly programs, among other things.

But, it’s nature that plays a central role on Catalina. Kids can see bison up close on a Jeep Eco-tour, travel the island (yup, it’s that small) on a golf cart, try a zip line eco tour, or enjoy rope ladders at Aerial Adventures. If you don’t want to leave, we don’t blame you; hotels, rentals, and a campground are options for lodging and prolonging your island dream.

 
Padres Game at Petco Park. Photo by Kylie Williams

15. San Diego

Nothing says family fun than sunny, ultra-kid-friendly San Diego; California’s southernmost big city might as well be a gigantic amusement park. It features world-known attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park in Escondido, SeaWorld, and Legoland in Carlsbad. Apart from its beautiful beaches (La Jolla and Coronado, especially), tide pools, parks, and trails, the city brims with lively neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality and attractions.

The Historic Old Town boasts casas and buildings from the early 1800s and a cluster of eclectic stores and authentic Mexican cafés; Little Italy features European-style piazzas packed with family-friendly events and, of course, amazing pasta and pizza everywhere; and the Gaslamp Quarter is a California urban safari with myriad places to eat, shop, and explore (including The New Children’s Museum) that stretch to the waterfront Embarcadero and Seaport Village.

Originally published in 2019, updated in 2024 by Matt Matasci

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