Destination
California, Family-Friendly Adventures
California is one of those states where you could take a dozen different trips and still have plenty left. Iconic cities and famous landmarks, towering redwoods, coastal towns, theme parks, desert escapes — you can explore a city in the morning, stand under 300-foot trees in the afternoon, and watch the sun drop into the Pacific the same night.
Whether you are planning a California road trip, a family vacation, a city weekend, or a Pacific Coast adventure, this page is where I am collecting our favorite California destinations and stops as we go.
Destinations
The Map
Guides coming soon On our list to visit
Tap a pink pin to jump to that stop — the teal pins are places still on our list.
Best Time to Visit
California is really several climates stacked into one state, so "best time" depends entirely on which California you are visiting.
The coast and the Bay Area: summer fog is real — July and August in San Francisco are often grey and cold enough for a jacket. September and October are the city's warmest, clearest months, and my pick for a first visit. The redwoods are good year-round, wettest from November through March.
The desert: flip it. Palm Springs is lovely from November through April and brutal in July, when triple digits are routine. Same logic for Joshua Tree and Death Valley — winter and spring are the seasons to go.
The Sierra: summer into early fall. Yosemite's Tioga and Glacier Point roads stay closed by snow until roughly May, and the park's entry reservation system has come and gone from year to year — as of 2026 there is none, but it is always worth a look at nps.gov before you drive up.
What to Expect
Getting there: pick your airport by region — SFO for the north (BART runs from the terminal into the city), LAX or John Wayne for Anaheim and Los Angeles, Fresno FAT for visiting Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, and even Palm Springs has its own small, easy, beautiful (and partially outdoor!) airport.
Distances: California is bigger than it looks on a map. San Francisco to Los Angeles is about six hours, San Francisco to Redwood National Park five to six, and Los Angeles to Palm Springs around two. Plan one region per trip rather than the whole state.
Getting around: a car for everything except San Francisco itself, where parking is expensive and transit is genuinely good.
Budget: the coast and the Bay Area run high, especially in summer. The desert flips seasonally — the same Palm Springs hotel can be half price in August.
Packing: layers on the coast even in July, sun protection everywhere, and real water bottles for the desert and the parks.
Things to Do in California With Kids
A city, a redwood grove, a ferry ride and a desert pool can all belong to the same trip. Here is what I am covering so far — full guides are on the way.
San Francisco
The Bay AreaSan Francisco is one of those cities that feels like an adventure from the moment you arrive.
Famous hills, cable cars, the waterfront, colorful neighborhoods, landmarks and views — there is plenty to see and do with kids, whether you are here for a weekend or using the city as the anchor of a larger Northern California road trip.
Coming soon: our San Francisco adventures, family-friendly things to do, and tips for making the most of your time in the city.
Sausalito
Across the Golden GateJust across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito makes an easy, scenic addition to a Bay Area itinerary.
Waterfront views, walkable streets, shops and restaurants — plus one of the best views back toward the city. It also works beautifully as a stop on a Northern California road trip.
Coming soon: family-friendly things to do, scenic stops, photo spots, and tips for visiting with kids.
Muir Woods
Marin CountyWalking among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods is an experience that is hard to forget.
Just north of San Francisco, it gives families the chance to step out of the city and into some of Northern California's most striking natural scenery. The trees create a completely different atmosphere from the busy streets an hour behind you. My daughter said she felt the presence of a higher spirit while visiting here.
Coming soon: visiting with kids, what to know before you go, and how to fit it into your California adventure.
Redwood National Park
Far Northern CaliforniaIf you want to see California's most impressive natural scenery, Redwood National and State Parks belongs on the list.
The trees are unlike anything else, and the drive through redwood country is an adventure in itself. For families who love road trips, this stretch is all about slowing down, pulling over, and looking up.
Coming soon: more Redwood National Park adventures.
Anaheim
Orange CountyFor a lot of families, Anaheim means theme-park magic — but there is more to the area than the parks.
In Southern California, it makes a practical home base for a family vacation and an easy addition to a bigger California trip. We'll be updating this portion of the guide in early 2027 after a soon-to-be upcoming trip here!
Coming soon: more Anaheim family travel tips.
Palm Springs
The desertPalm Springs is a completely different California.
Instead of redwoods and cool coastal air: sunshine, desert landscapes, palm trees, and mountain views with a laid-back Southern California pace. A good pick when you want to mix relaxing with sightseeing and time outside.
Coming soon: more Palm Springs family travel tips.
California Family Travel Guide — Coming Soon
