Weekend Trips

Boys playing on the boardwalk in front of Moonstone Beach, another great road trip stop on Highway 1 with kids.

Weekend in Calistoga: Treat Yourself to an Epic California Getaway

Welcome to Napa Valley...obligatory sign as we drive to our weekend in Calistoga

February 19, 2023

Calistoga is a small, charming town at the northern end of Napa Valley. It is the perfect place for a stress-free parents’ getaway. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away, time to reconnect, or to simply indulge, Calistoga is an ideal spot for anyone needing a weekend off.  … Read More

Big Bear Winter Itinerary for the Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Checking out the ice at the edge of Big Bear Lake in Winter

January 26, 2023

This post has everything you need to plan your perfect Big Bear winter itinerary, from fun in the snow to the tastiest restaurants to the best places to rest at the end of each day. … Read More

The Los Angeles Bucket List: 50 Ways to Make Your Visit Amazing

Los Angeles skyline with palm trees at sunset.

January 21, 2023

This Los Angeles Bucket List shares our top 50 things to do in the city. Most of the list is family-friendly, with experiences ranging from classic Los Angeles to the best animal encounters. … Read More

17 Remarkable Places to Enjoy California in the Fall

Annual Corn Maze Challenge, Rodoni Farms

September 1, 2022

When we left Virginia, I knew this time of year would be among the top things I missed the most. But California had a few surprises in store. Though we sweated through our flannels on our first California pumpkin patch trip, we’ve since fallen for new traditions like corn mazes with ocean views. An October sea breeze makes the air pretty darn crisp. … Read More

12 Gold Rush Towns in California for an Amazing Family Adventure

Panning for Gold - Gold Rush Towns in California

July 29, 2022

Gold rush towns in California are still popular destinations for visitors of all ages. Gold panning is still a must-do activity, but most are no longer in search of the Motherlode. Today’s visitors come for the region’s rushing rivers, giant sequoias groves, and quaint historic towns. … Read More

Top 15 Best Beaches in San Diego for Families

Coronado's wide sandy beach makes it one the best beaches in San Diego for families.

July 29, 2022

San Diego has some of the best beaches for families in the entire state. No trip to this beautiful coastal city is complete without a beach visit. Whether you want to build sand castles, snooze under an umbrella, gaze at rocky bluffs, learn to surf, or investigate tide pools, there’s a beach for every type of family here. … Read More

25 Central Coast Towns for an Outstanding Getaway

July 19, 2022

Beautiful Central Coast towns line the California coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each has a unique character, but one thing that unites the towns of California’s central coast is a laid-back vibe. This makes them perfect for a quick escape from the bustling metropolises that anchor either end. … Read More

22 Best Lakes in California

Splashing at Dunn Court Beach

July 19, 2022

California has no shortage of amazing lakes for families to visit. We’re always on the lookout for a lake that offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and adventure, while also giving us a sense of relaxation and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. … Read More

Best California State Parks for Family Fun

April 14, 2021

California’s State Parks help visitors connect with the state’s natural beauty and history. With 280 parks in the state, you can encounter anything from lakes to oceans and deserts to redwood forests. Read on for the best California state parks that we’ve experienced and those that are at the very top of our list of places to visit next. … Read More