

Campgrounds, lodges, and hotels are located inside the park and provide kid-friendly amenities and activities. Majestic views and landscapes boasting giant sequoias, glaciers, meadows, waterfalls, and a vast biological diversity make Yosemite a unique wonderland that is so worth a visit. Old Mission Santa Barbara is a must-see, and so is the quaint downtown area for strolling, dining, and shopping.Ĭovering a million square miles of land, Yosemite (located in Central California’s Sierra Navada) is the park that inspired the development of the national park idea, and once you’ll see it, you’ll know why. A short distance away from the beach, MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation features hands-on engaging activities while Tomol Interpretative Play Area in Carpinteria is a sweet playground to let the kids run around. At Stearns Wharf, the whole family can board the Lil’ Toot, a water taxi that shuttles to the harbor, or try some pier fishing - and if you don’t catch anything, don't worry! You can always count on the nearby restaurants for a scrumptious meal. There are several maritime museums for aspiring little biologists (the Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center) and marine-inspired recreations for the more adventurous (paddling, sailing, and deep-sea fishing). Known as California’s Riviera for its flora and refined elegance, Santa Barbara is an enchanting mix of culture and fun. Some camping sites have playgrounds, and most restaurants have children’s menus (Nepenthe is a favorite). There are several trails on the mountainside for bird watching (especially condors).

Pfeiffer Beach with arched rock formations and sand dunes is the perfect spot for kids to run around, and McWay Falls with its 80-foot waterfall cascading onto the beach is such a gorgeous sight. But the true star of them all is Big Sur, a rugged and woodsy stretch of coastline bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the ocean. The coastal towns of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon are incredibly beautiful and feature world-famous attractions like the Hearst Castle, the Monterey Aquarium, and the Carmel Mission. Driving alongside the ocean is a treat, where every breathtaking vista makes a great Instagram post. With grassy hills dropping to the ocean and rocky beaches, the Central Coast region of California almost resembles the green coastline of Scotland or Ireland. Not sure if the little ones will appreciate a stroll by the Painted Ladies? Head to the Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco Zoo, the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences, or the Children’s Creativity Museum for hours of guaranteed fun. The Golden Gate Bridge, the hustle and bustle of Alamo Square, the restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the shops and carousel at Pier 39 are all landmarks that offer something for everyone. But, there are plenty more things that are sure to make your whole family happy. The iconic red cable car going up and down the steep hills or the ferry going to Alcatraz for some kids could be a good enough reason to go to San Francisco.
