California is so jam-packed with fun for kids, you may not know where to begin planning your family vacation. As a mom and former Californian who has explored much of the Golden State's shores, theme parks, and cities — let me help you narrow down your choices with this list of the nine best places to visit in California with kids.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Visit California.
Table of Contents
1. San Diego
I lived in San Diego in Southern California for 15 years in this self-proclaimed America's Best City, so I admit I'm a bit partial to this California beach town. San Diego pleases all ages with the renowned San Diego Zoo, miles of shoreline, SeaWorld San Diego, and tons of other attractions. Sound like your cup of kid-friendly tea? Read about the best San Diego attractions for kids.
2. Disneyland
Of course, no list of the best destinations in California for kids would be complete without Disneyland and its sister park, Disney California Adventure. With memorable character meals, thrilling rides, and attractions aplenty, you're never too old or too young for a Disney vacation. Visiting with wee ones? Check out my picks for the best Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers. Headed to the Happiest Place on Earth with bigger kids? Take a peek at the 17 scariest rides at Disneyland, ranked for families.
3. Huntington Beach
If your ideal California family vacation focuses on ocean waves, sandy beaches, and hanging ten — book a trip to Huntington Beach. Also known as Surf City USA, be sure to sign up for family surf lessons during your visit. A trip to the Surfer Hall of Fame and a nighttime beach bonfire are musts in this walkable beach town. Read more about Huntington Beach with kids.
4. Ventura County
For a unique array of activities for families, consider a Ventura County vacation. Think gondola rides through canals, spying on wild foxes on an uninhabited island, and piloting a battery-operated boat. Discover more unique things to do in Ventura County with kids.
5. San Francisco
Ahh…San Francisco! What's not to love about this city by the sea? From the massive Golden Gate Park and the world's crookedest street, to the famous Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island, there's much to explore in San Francisco with kids. Got a Star Wars fan or comics lover in the family? Then you'll want to read our geek's guide to San Francisco before you go!
6. Monterey
Along California's Central Coast lies the picturesque city of Monterey. The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium will wow kids with exhibits filled with tuxedoed penguins, playful sea otters, and, of course, fish of all sorts. Seafood lovers rejoice in Monterey for its abundance of fresh-caught selections. Plus, hiking opportunities give families a chance to connect with nature and each other. If your family golfs (and even if it doesn't), a stop at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links is a must. Monterey is just four miles from the darling Carmel, a destination worthy of a day trip or additional stop during your California vacation.
7. Lake Tahoe
Snow in California? Oh yes, indeed! Skiing may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you picture a California vacation, but maybe it should be. Northstar California at Lake Tahoe offers a wintry wonderland for the whole family. This resort boasts over 3,000 skiable acres – with trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Snowshoeing, ice skating, s'mores and more keep kids content during a California winter trip to Lake Tahoe. The fun doesn't stop when the snow melts, either. In summer, head to Lake Tahoe for jet skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, kayaking, and beyond.
8. Carlsbad and Legoland California
Located just over 30 miles north of downtown San Diego and less than an hour's drive south from Orange County's Irvine, you could easily spend your entire California family vacation in Carlsbad. Besides its seven miles of beaches, Legoland California is the star of the show here. This amusement park offers mellow roller coasters, interactive rides, colorful play areas, and other fun for kids. Also onsite is Legoland Water Park for summer visitors and SeaLife Aquarium, open year-round. The fun doesn't stop there, though. Learn about all there is to do in Carlsbad with kids.
9. Burbank and Hollywood
If you're gaga about all things glitz and glamour, head to the Media Capital of the World. Burbank is home to hundreds of major film and television studios, including Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros. Studio. For an immersive look at sets and memorabilia from favorite shows and movies — be sure to book a Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance. For movies and TV shows served with a side of roller coaster and live shows, Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute must. This is especially true for Harry Potter fans who adore this theme park's Wizarding World. Learn more about this impressive Los Angeles suburb with this list of things to do in Burbank.
Explore More of California
For even more ideas for your California bucket list, check out this California road trip itinerary, this list of national parks in California, and our extensive catalog of California vacations and tips.
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Where would you like to vacation in California with kids? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
I would love to take my child to Anaheim California to visit Disneyland!
I bet your family will love Disneyland and Disney California adventure – hope you can visit soon!
Disneyland of course! My kid would love that trip!
Any day spent at Disneyland is a good day in my book!
That review of California destinations makes me wish I lived on the left coast. I find it hard to choose but the picture of those fields in Ventura county looks so inviting, I would love to go for a run there.
That photo was taken on Scorpion Island, which is part of the Channel Islands National Park. It’s so beautiful and peaceful there.
I’ve heard many great things about the San Diego Zoo. I know I would love going, as would my kids. Of course, SeaWorld would be a great experience, as would LegoLand! Way too many exciting places to take the kids to comment on!
San Diego really does have SO MUCH FUN to offer families. I hope you can visit soon!
Since we live in Las Vegas, we have been frequenting southern California theme parks for years, and we never get tired of them! The San Diego Zoo is a big family favorite and I love the idea of heading up north to explore San Francisco.
California is such a diverse state – how lucky that you live close enough for easy escapes!
This looks like an absolute blast! I need to take the boys to LegoLand!!
Legoland California is such a mecca for kids – I bet your boys will love it!
Those are some pretty awesome destination choices for California with kids. Looks like Legoland California also has so much to offer, have to pass this along to my friends!
It would be so fun to stay at their new Castle Hotel – good luck to you & your friends with the giveaway!
This is an awesome list! My kids can’t wait to visit Legoland California!
I’ve been to Legoland and Disney World in Florida. I’d love to do the versions in California.
I love noticing the similarities & differences between the California and Florida parks.
So much to love about California especially if you’re going there with the kids. I love that they have Legoland aside from Disney. You can definitely plan your vacation around those.
Traveling with kids is not an easy job. California is my dream place. Legoland California also has so much to offer, have to pass this along to my friends. I will travel there soon but I can’t travel with kids.
Enjoy your travels to California and thank you for sharing this story with your friends!
All my son talks about is going to Legoland! So, I have to make it happen. 🙂
Brenda – I hope you can take your son soon & that it fulfills his Lego dreams!
We spent spring break last year split between in Monterey, Yosemite, and San Francisco. Such a perfect mix for families that like a bit of variety… seaside/ocean, mountains/hiking, and a culturally interesting city. I’d love to do a long weekend in San Diego as a family. So much to do!
Nicole – That sounds like a WONDERFUL California itinerary! San Diego is so full of fun things for families to do — I hope you can visit someday when it’s safe to travel again!
We have visited San Diego, Carlsbad, Disneyland and San Francisco and had a great time in all four. Monterey and Hollywood are on my wish list so I can’t wait until we have a chance to visit California again!
There’s so much to explore in California — it’s almost like a mini country! I hope it will be safe for us all to travel again very soon and that your California travel dreams come true!
I’ve been to many of these spots – Lake Tahoe is my happy place! I still want to do a Highway 101 road trip though…
Shannon – I’d love to get back to Lake Tahoe — this time for a summer vacation! It’s so beautiful there. Highway 101 is so pretty and chill, with so many cute little beach towns along the way. I hope your California vacation dreams come true once it’s safe to travel again!
i want to go😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Alice – I don’t blame you! So many wonderful things to see and do in California!
Planning to take my family to San Francisco in the Spring. We will have a week vacation. Do you recommend staying in San Francisco for the whole week or should we do a few days in multiple place?
Hi Alicia – San Francisco is a surprisingly compact city. I think you could do 3 or 4 days there and then add on Napa,
Sonoma, or somewhere else in California Wine Country. It’s really gorgeous and there are wineries with playgrounds, tractor rides, and other fun things for kids. Plus, you can go hiking and see geysers in Calistoga. Alternatively, you could add a few days in Monterey/Carmel. The aquarium in Monterey is amazing and Carmel is such a charming, walkable town. Hope that helps! Have fun in Cali no matter what you choose!