Centrally located in the middle of Orange County, Anaheim is home to world-famous theme parks, nationally recognized sports teams and plentiful outdoor shopping and dining.…

When Southern Californians want a quick escape from the urban sprawl of the lowlands, they head to the San Bernardino Mountains, where Big Bear Lake…

Big Sur is a bucket list destination for anyone, with rugged cliffs that hug the coastline and create dramatic scenery. A vital part of the…

Located in Orange County, California, Buena Park is filled with family-friendly fun in every direction you look. Its biggest claim to fame is Knott's Berry…

Most families flock to Carlsbad for LEGOLAND California, but did you know this SoCal city offers several other highlights, from a beach and seaside village…

Looking for one of the most beautiful family vacation destinations in the U.S.? Head to Carmel, California, and the surrounding areas of Big Sur and…

A short flight or ferry ride from Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif., Catalina Island is a popular getaway destination for West Coasters (the small,…

Sausalito is to San Francisco as Coronado is to San Diego; both towns are just across the water from their big-sister cities, providing easy day…

Considered a shopping destination in Orange County, Costa Mesa, California, is so much more than its retail reputation. There are several shopping attractions in Costa…

This marina town is known for its harbor, where more than 2,500 yachts are housed in two marinas and whale- and dolphin-watching charters depart for…

While very young tots may not find much to appreciate in the stark, natural beauty of Death Valley (and the heat can be brutal depending…

Located just opposite of Disneyland (literally steps across a brick-lined walkway), California Adventure is a 12-acre theme park featuring rides and attractions for kids of…

Once upon a classic year (1955 to be exact), Marilyn dominated the silver screen, Elvis was in full swivel and Mr. Walt Disney had a…

Disneyland's dining, shopping and entertainment district is a bustling promenade that connects the theme parks and hotels. While Downtown Disney in Orlando seems to feature…

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is a great stop for any family who has always wanted to ride a wave. Huntington Beach…

Situated in Orange County, Irvine, California is a business hub for tech companies. But hidden pockets of the city offer family-friendly activities, shopping/entertainment areas, and…

For kids entranced by Dr. Seuss' wild and wacky scenery, a Joshua Tree National Park family vacation might seem to be a real-life version thanks…

When I was a kid, Knott's Berry Farm was the cool little brother to Disneyland, which is just 5 miles down the freeway. That bigger…

Going to San Diego with the kids? Make sure you plan a side trip to La Jolla, a suburb of the city and an utterly…

Whether you're visiting for the famed beach, art museums and year-round festivals or you're just looking to hike the area's plethora of parks, you'll surely…

Lake Tahoe, California. The beauty and mystery are legendary. Sapphire, turquoise and emerald waters are married for eternity to the lake's amazing crystal clarity. That…

How many bricks does it take to build a world-class attraction? If we're talking LEGOLAND California, many a young child's favorite place on the planet:…

While Long Beach is not the most popular city center in the Los Angeles area, its lack of buzz is part of the appeal -…

With broad beaches, scenic coastal hills, movie studios and world class museums all basking under a mild Mediterranean climate, Los Angeles offers a range of…

Thanks to movies, television, and even Miley Cyrus, Malibu has become known as the gorgeous beach town where famous stars live in expensive homes facing…

Outdoors enthusiasts will find little reason to get bored in and around Mammoth Lakes. Yet even quiet moments gazing out a window are likely to…

If you were to blend the Victorian houses of New England, the coastal cliffs of Ireland and the clear-blue waters of the Caribbean together, you’d…

When California began as a state, Monterey served as the original capital in 1849. Perhaps it was the beauty of the California coastline or the…

Just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is a popular destination for travelers who want to take in the area’s rich wine growing…

Whether it's bicycling along the beach, cruising the harbor or playing games at Balboa Fun Zone, Newport Beach has something for every family. The seaside…

Just outside of Los Angeles, Ojai (pronounced O-HI) provides a quiet escape for couples, families and even celebrities looking to unplug for a few days.…

With almost-perfect weather year-round, it’s no wonder Orange County is known for its beaches, surfing and nature-loving, outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled between Los Angeles and San…

Oxnard, California, it best known for outdoor adventures and gorgeous scenery, with miles of beaches awaiting families. It's a simple, quiet retreat -- especially for…

No, you won't find beaches in Palm Springs, California. But you will find luxurious, family-friendly resorts -- think swimming pools, kids' clubs and onsite dining.…

Chances are if you're in Pasadena with the family, you've come for the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl college football game -- and…

Considered a classic California beach town and located on the state’s mid-central coastline, Pismo Beach offers small-town charm, Mediterranean-like weather, and uncrowded dune and cliff-line…

Jetlagged tourists hoping for a quiet retreat before hitting bustling Los Angeles or Disneyland may find a welcome respite in Redondo Beach, California. One of…

Sacramento dates back to the origins of California, but the city was caught up in Gold Rush fever in 1848 when gold was discovered in…

When you can't make it to Africa to bring your kids on safari, this is the next best thing, located close to home in Southern…

The famed San Diego Zoo is regarded as one of the best zoos in the world, beginning nearly a century ago as a refuse for…

When Dr. Seuss wrote, "Too wet to go out. And too cold to play ball. So we sat in the house. We did nothing at…

With a population of under a million people, and a worldwide reputation as one of the most scenic spots on earth, San Francisco is that…

From Cupertino to Sunnyvale to Santa Clara to San Jose proper, San Jose, California, is an expansive area that is better known as Silicon Valley.…

The Golden State. There's so much to see and do. With an abundance of natural beauty and man-made entertainment, it's hard to pick just one…

Looking for a California family vacation where you'll be surrounded by the beaches and all around natural beauty this state is known for, but spared…

Two of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer perfect weather, beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions, restaurants and…

Located in Northern California’s Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is a family-friendly wine country town. The area is filled with vineyards and tasting rooms, where kids…

A visit to SeaWorld San Diego is certainly a must-do for families visiting the sunny, oceanfront destination. Since opening in 1964, SeaWorld has provided smiles…

The clocks have seemingly stopped in Sequoia National Park, the second oldest national park in the U.S. Established in 1890, the park's roots span much…

Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is an expansive northern California vacation destination with a variety of things to do. Bordering the…

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the largest, still-active movie studios in the world, and thanks to its theme park smack dab on its lots,…

Northwest of Los Angeles is the coastal town of Ventura, famous for its small-town feel, beautiful beaches and outdoor activities galore. One of the most…

West Hollywood, otherwise known as Tinsletown, started as a quiet, western neighborhood. Today, it's a loud, vibrant town, home to America's prominent and successful movie…

Four hours east of San Francisco is a region where waterfalls pour from dramatic granite cliffs, clear streams run alongside giant sequoias, and grassy meadows…