California with Kids: The 12 Best Family Holiday Destinations in California
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Planning a holiday in California with kids? Let me share my favorite family-friendly places to visit in California!
One of the best things about California is the abundance of destinations that are perfect for children of all ages. From magical spots like Disneyland, Legoland, and Universal Studios, to scenic road trips, world-class beaches, and breathtaking national parks, there are countless ways to make your California trip unforgettable for your kids.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway to celebrate a milestone or birthday, or gearing up for a longer family vacation, you’ll find plenty of places that are a perfect fit for your little ones. To make planning easier, I’ve also included recommendations for family-friendly accommodations at each destination.
So, without further ado, here are my top 14 amazing places to visit in California with kids.
Best California Places with Kids
1. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Disneyland Resort is lovingly known as the “Happiest Place on Earth.” And I can absolutely see why! No matter how old my kids get, visiting Disneyland Resort always feels like stepping into a magical world where childhood fantasies come alive.
Wandering through Disney-themed streets and bridges, meeting favorite Disney characters, riding the railroad, and experiencing those fantastic amusement park rides are all highlights my kids never forget.
Walt Disney’s vision and the atmosphere throughout the park aren’t just magical for kids; they always bring back my own childhood memories, too. Places like Tomorrowland, Main Street USA, Radiator Springs Racers, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge get us all excited, no matter how many times we visit.
We love the fun events, vibrant parades, and endless possibilities for entertainment that keep us engaged all day long at Disneyland Resort. And if you get the chance, don’t miss Disneyland After Dark for the out-of-this-world firework show. It’s truly a dreamy experience!
2. Sequoia National Park
equoia National Park is truly a place of superlatives, and my family was completely awestruck by its wonders. It’s home to the largest collection of sequoia trees in the world. Sequoias are the biggest trees on the planet, even wider than redwoods! The park also boasts Mount Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the contiguous United States.
My kids were amazed by the sight of these gigantic trees. We started with a visit to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on the planet. The trail from the parking lot was especially fun because it passes through a tunnel carved out of a fallen sequoia.
From there, we hiked the easy 2-mile Congress Trail, where the Room Tree was a huge hit with my kids. This living tree has a hollowed-out trunk big enough to step inside. It felt like walking into a secret room in the middle of the forest!
The Giant Forest Museum was another favorite, and we all learned so much about these fascinating giants. In the evening, we headed down the Big Tree Trail, which loops around a meadow that’s a favorite foraging spot for black bears (we made sure to keep a safe distance and have bear spray handy).
I recommend visiting Sequoia National Park from late spring to early fall, when the weather is perfect, and everything is open.
Where We Stayed Near Sequoia National Park: The Parks Inn
Recommended by James Ian of Parks Collecting
3. Universal Studios, Los Angeles
One of our favorite places to visit in California with kids was Universal Studios. With over 400 acres to explore, it felt like a giant playground for the whole family. Universal Studios gave us a sneak peek behind the scenes of some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies and TV shows.
We took the 13-block tram tour and saw real sets from movies like Jaws and Psycho, survived a simulated earthquake, and even came face-to-face with King Kong. It truly felt like we had stepped into the movies!
As we walked around, my kids were thrilled to meet famous characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron from Transformers, and even Spiderman and Captain America.
The rides were a huge hit. Revenge of the Mummy, California’s fastest indoor roller coaster, was a highlight for my thrill-seeking kids. As Harry Potter fans, we couldn’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sipping butterbeer and soaring above Hogwarts on a state-of-the-art ride was an unforgettable experience for all of us.
We also enjoyed the Waterworld Live Show, complete with daredevil stunts and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, including a flaming seaplane crash that made a giant splash! There’s so much to do at Universal Studios, which is why it’s one of my top recommendations for families visiting California.
Where We Stayed Near Universal Studios: Hilton – Universal City
Recommended by Karee of Our Woven Journey
4. Santa Monica Pier
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in California with kids where you simply can’t go wrong, I highly recommend heading to Santa Monica Pier. Located on Santa Monica Beach and stretching out into the Pacific, this is probably the most famous pier in the world. And it’s super easy to reach from anywhere in the Los Angeles area since it marks the end of the legendary Route 66.
Santa Monica Pier is packed with restaurants, shops, and street performers. My kids absolutely loved Pacific Park, the amusement park right on the pier. There’s the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, a 55-foot roller coaster, a small aquarium, and loads of classic arcade games. Truly something for every age and interest.
When we needed a break from the excitement, the beach was right there, perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon building sandcastles.
The pier is open year-round and makes for a great attraction any time of year.
Where We Stayed Near Santa Monica Pier: Shore Hotel
5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of those iconic destinations in California that I knew I had to share with my kids. It’s the perfect place to introduce children to the incredible beauty of nature. From the flower-filled meadows of Tuolumne to the massive rock formations in Yosemite Valley, my kids were absolutely blown away by the scenery.
There are plenty of easy hikes for families, making it accessible for all ages. While Yosemite is most popular in the summer, I recommend visiting in late spring or early fall to avoid the biggest crowds.
One of our favorite hikes was the family-friendly trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. This half-mile walk starts in Yosemite Village and leads right to the base of a breathtaking waterfall. My kids loved feeling the cool mist on their faces! We also enjoyed the Mirror Lake hike, a 2.5-mile round trip through the valley, where the still water perfectly reflected the iconic Half Dome.
Of course, the sheer grandeur of Half Dome and El Capitan captivated all of us. While the challenging Half Dome hike is best for older kids or teens, we had fun spotting climbers on the rock walls.
Glacier Point is another wonderful, short hike that’s perfect for ending your day with sunset views over Half Dome.
Where We Stayed Near Yosemite National Park: Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Recommended by Allison of She Dreams Alpine
6. San Diego
San Diego is packed with amazing things to do for kids, and my family had an unforgettable time exploring the city. One of our favorite attractions was the Safari Park, easily one of the top zoos in the country. The tram ride around the African safari area was a highlight, and watching the Cheetah run, where a cheetah hits nearly 60 mph, was absolutely thrilling.
We spent the entire day learning about more than 3,000 animals. While the San Diego Zoo is also incredible, if you’re short on time, I recommend prioritizing Safari Park.
Another must-visit for families is LEGOLAND California. It’s the perfect size for kids, offering a waterpark, an aquarium, and a massive theme park filled with rides, Miniland USA, Imagination Zone, and so much more. My kids could have spent days here!
SeaWorld is another favorite destination in Southern California. My kids loved learning about ocean animals and playing in the huge Sesame Street play area, while my older child enjoyed hanging out and playing games in the dedicated area for bigger kids.
If you’re an adventurous family, don’t miss La Jolla Cove. We enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, and biking along the beach. The scenery is beautiful, and the food in La Jolla is phenomenal; even my picky eaters found plenty to enjoy at the local restaurants.
Where We Stayed In San Diego: Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Recommended by Corritta Lewis of Itz A Family Thing
7. Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead quickly became one of our favorite weekend getaways in the San Bernardino mountains of Southern California. It’s such a fantastic place to visit with kids!
We started our trip with a 50-minute tour of the lake on the Arrowhead Queen, where the hilarious captain kept us entertained with stories about the lake’s history and pointed out famous celebrity homes along the shore.
After the lake tour, we explored the shops in Lake Arrowhead Village and grabbed a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. My younger kids loved the playground, running around, and making new friends. If you visit in the summer, live music fills the air on weekends, making the village feel extra festive.
One of the best things we did in Lake Arrowhead was a day of water skiing with McKenzie ski school. For families who love the outdoors, Skypark offers mountain bike trails, roller skating, rock climbing, zip lining, archery, and more.
In winter, Skypark transforms into Santa’s Village, where my kids met Santa, went ice skating, decorated gingerbread cookies, and enjoyed a puppet show. Nearby Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park and Snow Valley Ski Resort also provided endless winter fun.
Where We Stayed in Lake Arrowhead: UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge
Recommended by Jenifer of The Evolista
8. Monterey
One of the most beautiful road trips I’ve taken in California with my kids was along the Central California coastline in Monterey County. This region, once the capital of Alta California during Spanish rule, still retains much of its Spanish colonial heritage.
We loved exploring Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf, driving the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and visiting the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The storybook cottages and European vibe of Carmel were a big hit with my kids, who felt like they’d stepped into a fairytale.
We also made scenic stops at Point Lobos, Big Sur, and even ventured out to wine country in Carmel Valley. Other family favorites in the Monterey area included the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, the rugged coastline of Pacific Grove, and wandering through the historic district of downtown Monterey.
Staying overnight or even longer gave us the chance to fully explore the landscape and attractions, and to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset along this magnificent stretch of coast.
We spent our days outdoors biking, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, and even trying out some world-class golf courses. There’s truly so much for families to do in Monterey County.
Where We Stayed In Monterey: Monterey Bay Inn.
Recommended by Noel Morata of Visit California And Beyond
9. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, California, nicknamed “Surf City USA,” was one of our favorite spots for family fun. Just a 42-mile drive from Santa Monica, it offered the perfect mix of golden beaches and classic California surf culture.
My little ones loved building sandcastles while my preteens couldn’t wait to grab their surfboards and hit the waves. After a morning of surfing, we explored the charming beach town together.
We made sure to visit the International Surfing Museum, which features an amazing collection of surfboards and memorabilia. It was a fun way for all of us to learn more about the sport and its history.
When lunchtime rolled around, we headed to Sancho’s Tacos for a quick bite, but on another day, we enjoyed a leisurely sit-down meal on the patio at the Hyatt Regency Beach Resort & Spa.
Walking out along the 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest public piers on the West Coast, was a highlight. The kids ran, jumped, and even spotted a few people fishing.
When the sun got too hot, we headed to the 350-acre Huntington Central Park. With four playgrounds, a dog park, a nature center, and space for soccer, Frisbee golf, or horseshoes, there was something for everyone.
Where We Stayed in Huntington Beach: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Recommended by Terri Markle of Female Solo Trek
10. Redwood National and State Parks
If you’re visiting California, I can’t recommend the Redwood National and State Parks enough. Whether you spend just a day seeing the highlights or several days exploring every corner, this park is truly unforgettable. We visited in summer, which gave us the best chance for sunny weather, but I’ve heard winter visits can be magical too, with far fewer crowds if you don’t mind a little rain.
Many of the hikes here are easy and offer breathtaking views of the towering redwoods, making it a perfect destination for families. Two of our favorites were the Lady Bird Johnson Trail and the Fern Canyon Loop.
Both hikes are just over a mile and showcase some of the most beautiful views in California. Fern Canyon, true to its name, winds through rock walls covered in lush green ferns. The Lady Bird Johnson Trail is a classic redwoods walk with a great self-guided educational tour that my kids loved.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a scenic family drive along the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway, a ten-mile stretch right off Highway 101. There are plenty of trailheads and pullouts for short walks or wildlife viewing. Near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, we even spotted wild elk from a safe distance.
Further north, we stopped to marvel at the massive Big Tree, over 1,500 years old! and the quirky Corkscrew Tree. We ended our drive at Wilson Creek Beach, a rocky stretch of coastline with unique black sand, perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner.
Where We Stayed Near Redwood National and State Parks: Holiday Inn Express
Recommended by Val Pope of Voyages With Val
11. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
If you’re searching for a vacation that lets your family escape everyday worries and truly immerse yourselves in a vast, peaceful desert landscape, I highly recommend Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
As the largest state park in the lower 48 states, it’s tucked away in Southern California and never feels crowded, even during peak times. We found it easy to reach from Borrego Springs and San Diego, and the sense of space was amazing.
My kids and I loved exploring the scenic hikes. The Slot Canyon hike, hidden away in the earth, was a favorite, and squeezing through the narrow canyon walls felt like adventuring through a secret maze, but the trail itself was easy enough for even the youngest in our family.
We also enjoyed the Wind Caves hike, which rewarded us with cool shade and sweeping desert views. Along the way, we marveled at skinny canyons, spiky cacti, rugged mountains, and all sorts of fascinating desert plants.
But nothing sparked my kids’ imaginations quite like the giant metal dinosaurs and other sculptures by the artist Ricardo Breceda.
From a massive T. rex to a 350-foot serpent weaving through the sand, these incredible artworks are scattered all around Borrego Springs, and the park where my kids wanted to find them all!
If you love camping, Anza-Borrego offers some of the best stargazing we’ve ever experienced. We planned our hikes for early morning to avoid the desert heat, since the park opens at dawn and closes at dusk.
Where We Stayed Near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Borrego Springs Resort
Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth
12. Mammoth Lakes
No matter what season you visit Mammoth Lakes, there is plenty for the whole family to do. This small town in the Sierra Nevada Mountains has loads of outdoor activities along with great restaurants, a wide range of accommodations, and stunning scenery.
If you are coming in the winter, Mammoth is one of the top spots in California for skiing. There are chairlifts and ski runs appropriate for all ages and abilities. There is also a ski school offering private and group lessons for both children and adults. Sledding and snow play are other fun options for kids. Along the Mammoth Scenic Loop you will find several places for both.
Mammoth Lakes in the summer does not disappoint. First up, hit the trails. There are myriad short and easy hiking trails in the area. Two of the most popular are McLeod Lake and Convict Lake. Make a day of it with a picnic lunch. There are also miles of paved, relatively easy bike paths like the five mile Town Trail Loop. Bring your own bikes or rent them from a local store.
For rainy days–or when you need a break from the great outdoors–head to Mammoth Rock N Bowl. This stylish bowling alley will be fun for the kids, but parents will appreciate the good food and adult beverages as well.
Where To Stay In Mammoth Lakes : The Westin Monache Resort
Recommended by Wendy Lee of Empty Nesters Hit The Road
Have you visited any of these destinations in California with kids? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Let me know which of these kid-friendly spots you and your family have enjoyed, or which ones you’re planning to visit next. Your tips and stories could help other families plan their own adventures!