California Dreaming: Your Ultimate Family Vacation Guide

California is full of family-friendly adventures, from sun-kissed beaches to snow-capped mountains, vibrant cities and serene national parks. The Golden State (nicknamed because gold was discovered here in 1848, and for the golden yellow poppy fields that cover the state in spring) is the third largest state by area in the U.S. and the most populated one.

California's unique blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and world-famous entertainment makes it truly special for family vacations. Where else can you visit Disneyland in the morning, hit the beach in the afternoon, and end your day stargazing in the desert? The state's diverse geography means you can ski in Lake Tahoe, explore the rugged coastline of Big Sur, and walk among giant sequoias – all within a few hours' drive of each other.

Let’s explore some of the best family vacations in California.

San Francisco

The City by the Bay has a perfect mix of iconic sights and hands-on experiences. Here are some of the highlights.

Golden Gate Bridge: No visit to San Francisco is complete without seeing this world-famous landmark. Take a family walk or bike ride across the bridge for breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center or take a bay cruise that sails underneath this engineering marvel.

Alcatraz Island: Step back in time with a visit to the infamous Alcatraz prison. The award-winning audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, brings the island's history to life in a way that captivates adults and children. Book tickets well in advance, as they often sell out.

Cable Car Rides: Hop aboard one of San Francisco's historic cable cars for a uniquely San Franciscan experience. Kids will love hanging off the sides (under adult supervision, of course) as you climb and descend the city's famous hills. There’s even a free Cable Car Museum to learn how they work.

Gold Gate Park: In the city’s biggest park, you’ll find the California Academy of Sciences. It’s a rainforest, aquarium, natural history area, and planetarium all in one place.

Fisherman’s Wharf: You’ll find many of San Francisco’s top things to do at this famous destination.

• Pier 39 is a waterfront entertainment destination with the famous California Sea Lions on the docks, Aquarium of the Bay (California’s only Smithsonian-affiliated aquarium), and lots of dining and shopping.
• Ghirardelli Square is where Domingo Ghirardelli founded Ghirardelli Chocolate in 1852. The whole family will enjoy the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience.
• Tour the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, one of two remaining and operating Liberty cargo ships of more than 2,700 built during World War II, and the restored World War II diesel-electric powered submarine, the USS Pampanito.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels offers a blend of Hollywood glamour, cultural attractions, and outdoor fun for families.

Hollywood: Stroll down the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard and let kids find the stars of their favorite celebrities. It's a great opportunity for family photos and star-spotting. And while you can't get right up to the Hollywood Sign, be sure to get some photos of it in the background of the famous neighborhood.

Movie Studio Tours: Give kids a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic with tours at Universal Studios, Warner Bros., or Paramount Pictures. These tours offer a mix of film history and current production insights that fascinate visitors of all ages.

Griffith Observatory: Perched atop Griffith Park, this observatory offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. It also has hands-on exhibits about space and science. The planetarium shows are a hit with kids, and admission to the building and grounds is free.

La Brea Tar Pits: Step back in time at this active paleontological research site in the heart of LA. Kids can watch real scientists at work and see life-sized replicas of extinct animals like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. The accompanying museum brings the Ice Age to life with interactive displays and fascinating fossils.

Santa Monica Pier & Beach: This iconic beach perfectly blends of sand, surf, and entertainment. The wide, clean beach is excellent for families. Bike rentals are available to explore the 22-mile-long Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the beach, also known as "The Strand." The historic pier offers classic amusement park rides, street performers, and beautiful beach and sunset views.

The LA area also has lots of theme parks to choose from.

• Disneyland Resort: In Anaheim, you’ll find Disneyland Park, Walt Disney's original theme with classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World and newer experiences like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. And there’s Disney California Adventure Park, which celebrates the spirit of California with a Disney twist. Families can enjoy thrilling rides and immersive experiences like Cars Land.
• Knott's Berry Farm: Also in Anaheim, it is America's first theme park with a blend of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. Ghost Town brings the Old West to life, and Camp Snoopy features Peanuts-themed rides and characters. Don't miss trying Knott's famous boysenberry treats, a nod to the park's farming roots.Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie magic comes to life at this combination movie studio and theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter lets families step into Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The World-Famous Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of real movie sets—immersive rides based on popular movies and TV shows, like Jurassic World and The Simpsons.

San Diego

Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego was the first established European settlement in the state, dating back to 1769. San Diego is a top pick for families because of its perfect weather and family-friendly attractions.

San Diego Zoo: One of the largest and most famous zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals from more than 650 species including koalas, polar bears, Komodo dragons, pygmy hippos, and Galapagos tortoises. Families can take a guided bus tour, ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram for a bird's-eye view of the zoo, or join special animal encounters. The zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that re-create natural animal habitats.

Balboa Park: In the 1,200-acre park in the heart of San Diego, you’ll find 18 museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and sprawling green spaces. Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West,” the museums include the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and the San Diego Zoo.

Coronado Beach: San Diego's 70 miles of coastline offer families a variety of beaches. With its golden sand and gentle waves, this pristine beach is regularly recognized by the Travel Channel as "one of the 10 best family beaches in North America.” The historic Hotel del Coronado provides a stunning backdrop, and kids will love hunting for tiny shells and building sandcastles.

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum: Take an audio tour narrated by Midway sailors to learn about the history of this decommissioned aircraft carrier. Explore more than 60 exhibits, visit the hangar deck and flight deck, as well as a collection of 25 restored aircraft.

You’ll also find theme parks in San Diego.

• LEGOLAND California: In Carlsbad, north of San Diego, the park features over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including a water park and aquarium. Kids can explore miniature cities built entirely of LEGO bricks, ride LEGO-themed roller coasters, and even learn to drive in LEGO cars.
• Sesame Place: The 17-acre theme park is the only "Sesame Street"-themed park on the West Coast. You’ll find family-minded rides and water attractions like Bert's Topsy Turvy Tunnels, Oscar's Rotten Rafts, and Big Bird's Beach, a 500,000-gallon wave pool surrounded by a sandy beach. The Algarve Region

California Road Trips

California is ideal for family road trips, from National Parks and Route 66 to Ghost Towns and Gold Rushes. Here are a few great routes for families.

National Parks: In Northern California, you can take a road trip to experience Sierra Nevada’s national parks—Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon—all within an easy drive from Fresno.

• Yosemite: One of America's most iconic national parks offers families breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures, from family-friendly hikes like Mist Trail to Vernal Fall with rainbow-producing mist in spring and early summer and scenic drives like Glacier Point.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Home to the world's largest trees, these adjacent parks offer awe-inspiring natural wonders. Walk among giant sequoias in the Giant Forest, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Drive through Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia tunneled through for cars to pass.