Family Friendly Places To Visit In California – I was born in California, and although I love traveling all over the country, California will always be my favorite state to visit. From beautiful ocean views to stunning mountain landscapes to desserts and valleys, California has a little bit of everything! Now that California is wide open, our family is finally back to traveling. We’ve been able to take at least one trip a month for the last 5 months, with many more family trips planned for the rest of the year, all in California. At least now!
Many people ask me where my favorite place with children is. Honestly, this question is very difficult to answer. My children have been traveling with us for years. I still remember our son learning to walk in South Lake Tahoe. We joke that they are now better travelers than us, that they know how to pack before every trip!
Family Friendly Places To Visit In California
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Each trip brought new memories and interesting adventures. I am lucky to be able to explore the most beautiful places in California with my husband and children. Traveling with kids requires a lot of preparation, and I usually do a lot of research before each trip to find the most family-friendly destinations. But here are our top 6 California hiking spots that are kid-friendly and affordable! No, Disneyland didn’t make the list, although it’s certainly a great place for a family vacation.
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Yosemite National Park is my favorite place in California. No matter how many times we visit this place, I am still amazed by the beautiful scenery, beautiful waterfalls and hidden adventures. The great thing is that Yosemite National Park is affordable compared to other places in California and is completely kid-friendly! Although there is an admission fee, you can pack snacks and meals to save on meals and wander around at no extra charge. If you plan to visit this summer, advance reservations are required, so be sure to plan accordingly.
We recently visited San Francisco for the first time since 2016. I did a lot of research in advance and we decided to mainly engage in outdoor activities to avoid the obligation to wear masks and vaccinations at that time. A family trip to San Francisco may be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it! My kids loved walking on the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting the Palace of Fine Arts, seeing the piers, having adventures in Golden Gate Park, and playing on the beach. I also recommend visiting the zoo and research center if you have little ones!
Pismo Beach is one of my favorite beach towns in California. Pismo Beach Pier is a fun and kid-friendly theme park with delicious restaurants. Oceana Dunes was also very popular with our children! Also discover the nearby beaches of SLO, Avila Beach and Morro Bay.
Oakhurst is a hidden gem of a town just south of Yosemite National Park. We spent the weekend enjoying Bass Lake, eating delicious food in the most beautiful places in Oakhurst, and enjoying the quiet of the foothills with the kids. North of Oakhurst you can take a beautiful train ride through the Sierra Nevada. Oakhurst also offers fun activities such as ax throwing and off-road adventures. During the off-season, you can find great deals on mini-vacations.
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Monterey is another popular beach town that offers a wide variety of family-friendly places and attractions. Whether you want to relax on the sand at the beach, visit Cannery Row, explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or shop for fresh fish, Monterey is a great place for your next family beach trip!
I may be a little biased since we live just a short drive away, but if you’re looking for a beautiful lake in the mountains for your next family vacation, Pinecrest is your answer! Pinecrest offers camping, lodging, boat rentals, an outdoor movie theater, fishing, winter sports, swimming and hiking. We visit Pinecrest often in the summer and my kids always have a great time!
