Best California with Kids Destinations

California is so jam-packed with family-friendly fun, the state could be renamed Kidifornia. In fact, there are so many destinations for families in the Golden State, you may not know where to begin planning your vacation. Read my picks for the best California with kids vacation destinations below.

This story and giveaway are brought to you in partnership with Visit California.

San Diego

I lived in San Diego in Southern California for 15 years and birthed both of my kids in the self-proclaimed America’s Best City, so I admit I am a bit partial to this California city. Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo, miles of shoreline, SeaWorld San Diego and tons of other attractions — San Diego pleases all ages. Sound like your cup of kid-friendly tea? Read about the best San Diego attractions for kids.

Home to pandas, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most well-known and beloved zoos in the world (Photo credit: Visit San Diego)

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. When you tire of the theme park scene, check out these things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland (Photo credit: Paul Hiffmeyer, Disneyland)

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 visit to the Surfer Hall of Fame as well as a beach bonfire are musts in this walkable beach town. Read more about Huntington Beach with kids.

Huntington Beach is the ultimate surfer town (Photo credit: wolterke, Depositphotos.com)

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.

The Channel Islands are an intriguing place to visit with kids in Ventura Country (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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!

Kids might be surprised to find that the Golden Gate Bridge is red, not gold during a visit to San Francisco (Photo credit: martinm303, Depositphotos.com)

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 and sea creatures 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 the famous Pebble Beach Golf Club is a must. Monterey is just four miles from the darling Carmel, a destination worthy of a day trip or additional stop on your California vacation.

Children and adults alike love Monterey Bay Aquarium (Photo credit: Belyay, Depositphotos.com)

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 the Legoland Water Park for summer visitors and the SeaLife Aquarium, open year-round. The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Learn more about all there is to do in Carlsbad for families.

Legoland California is the star attraction in Carlsbad (Photo credit: Legoland California)

Where would you like to vacation in California with kids? Let us know in the comments below!