California is one of the United States’ top vacation destinations, in part because it boasts so many different attractions. From beach bums to mountain bikers, from fashionistas to families, everyone can find an experience to enjoy in this great state. There’s wonderful weather, amazing scenery, and so many places to visit that you could spend your whole life traveling up and down the west coast and still never see everything you want to.
Of course, if you’re taking a family vacation to California, you will need to curate the trip carefully — both to make sure every member has a good time, and to maximize your budget! That’s why we’ve put together this list of five essential CA destinations, and broken each one down even further. First, there are the must-see sights and can’t-miss attractions. For those who have already checked the usual tourist fare off their bucket list, however, we’ve also included some under-the-radar adventures that will guarantee an unforgettable family vacation!
San Diego
San Diego has long been known as a fantastic destination for families. Visit the USS Midway, and while you’re at Embarcadero, let the kids run wild in the interactive fountains or do some window shopping. The San Diego Zoo is de rigueur, or head to San Diego’s Old Town to soak up some California history.
You’ll want to avail yourself of this city’s Spanish- and Mexican-influenced cuisine, which is some of the best in the state. Fish tacos, ceviche, enchiladas, and the California burrito are among the dishes that San Diego is rightfully famous for. There’s even a Lucha Libre-themed taco shop!
“San Diego is one of the best family vacation destinations around,” say the experts at RVFunRental. “And there’s no better way to visit than in an RV, which provides all of the comforts of home combined with all the excitement of traveling.”
History buffs will have a grand time in San Diego; the Whaley House is said to be haunted, the San Diego Museum of Man is home to anthropological wonders, or take a side jaunt to nearby Lemon Grove — home to a giant lemon and a couple of mummies.
San Francisco
If you’ve been to San Francisco before, you’ve doubtless checked out Fisherman’s Wharf, driven the hairpin turns of Lombard Street, eaten some sourdough, snapped a selfie at Haight and Ashbury, and maybe toured Alcatraz.
What are some of the lesser-known delights offered by this beautiful city on the Bay? Well, for starters you can climb a secret staircase, go sliding on Seward Street or Winfield Street, and listen to the dulcet tones of the wave organ, a musical instrument played by the sea.
Star Wars junkies won’t want to miss Yoda’s Fountain in the Presidio. And be sure to visit Land’s End, where there’s a labyrinth, a ship graveyard where three of some 300 shipwrecks are still visible, and the possibility you’ll spot some whales in the channel!
San Jose
Families with curious children will want to make a beeline for the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Tech Museum of Innovation when in San Diego. Lick Observatory and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo are also no-brainers. And the Winchester Mystery House is just spooky enough to keep kids interested.
Looking for some attractions on the road less traveled? See if the Sasquatch Museum will make you a believer in Bigfoot. Play a larger-than-life game of chess or Monopoly, on Santana Row and in Discovery Meadow, respectively.
Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur
It’s doing this absolutely stunning region of California’s Bay Area a huge disservice to lump Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey together like this. All three places have unique appeal that make them well worth their own visit. But one of the most wonderful tourist attractions is the scenic view from Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. You might have a hard time tearing yourself away from the panorama spread out before you, but be sure to pull over to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Or attend a service at the Mission Carmel, aka Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo, built in 1757 and still an active parish today.
Although the boutiques and eateries of Carmel are pricey, strolling the streets and taking in the sights is entirely free. Nature lovers will want to take a harbor cruise in a real glass-bottomed boat, go on a whale-watching excursion, or see the monarchs before they’re gone at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
Lake Tahoe
There’s more to California than the coast, the sun, and the surf. Take beautiful Lake Tahoe, for example. Here you can ski, snowshoe, and snowboard, explore the alpine-like views from an overhead gondola, hot-air balloon, or helicopter, go camping or cruising.
Visit the Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum to get a sense of what intrepid travelers of yesteryear had to go through to seek their fortune. In Truckee, the KidZone Museum, the Old Truckee Jail Museum, and the Railroad Museum are all entertaining and informative.
Where Will You Take Your Family?
Naturally, this is just a smattering of all the wonderful attractions that await your family in California. You’re going to have a hard time deciding what to do first, but hopefully our guide has pointed you in the right direction.
Have you spent a lot of time in California, either doing the traditional touristy things or straying off the beaten path? Tell us about your experience and share any recommendations you might have in the comments below, or join our Facebook group and come chat!