They're fun for people of all ages, but these spots are especially good if the whole family is trying to take a break.
Ideas for a Family-Oriented Weekend Getaways
- Calistoga: It's Napa Valley's most laid-back town and the kids will love visiting Safari West.
- Catalina Island: The kids can play on the beach, see an honest-to-goodness wild buffalo or a flying fish.
- Disneyland: Everyone's a kid at Disneyland.
- Gold Country in the Sierra Foothills: The kids love panning for gold at the old mines and puttering around the cute little towns.
- Half Moon Bay: Beaches, tide pools, family-friendly hotels and a visit to the farm.
- Hollywood: Movie stars, studio tours and a day at Universal Studios.
- Lake Shasta Houseboat Getaway: As long as everyone in the family is comfortable on the water, a weekend in a floating house on the lake is a lot of fun.
- Lake Tahoe: A great escape for the outdoorsy family who likes skiing, water sports and hiking, with lots of vacation rentals where you can spread out and be comfortable.
- Los Angeles Beach Cities: The beach scene is fun for everyone.
- Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium, beaches and Dennis the Menace Playground.
- Napa Valley: Besides the obvious wine and food-related activities, you can have fun getting muddy (with or without the kids).
- Newport Beach: Stick to the Balboa Peninsula and harbor islands for an old-fashioned time in a quiet beach town.
- Pismo Beach: Lots of sand to play in, on the beaches or in the dunes.
- Sacramento Delta Houseboat Weekend: Active families who enjoy water sports can have a ton of fun in their own floating house on the river.
- San Diego: Our southernmost city has the most family-oriented attractions, good beaches and lots of great parks.
- Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is great for families - and costs less than the big theme parks.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: A good choice for active families who enjoy the mountains.
- Yosemite: Another good mountain getaway spot.
