California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Disneyland Resort
The original Disney park remains one of the world's greatest theme park experiences, with immersive lands including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Fantasyland, and the new Toontown. Two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure.
San Diego Zoo
Consistently rated America's best zoo, with over 3,500 animals in naturalistic habitats across 100 acres of Balboa Park. The Skyfari aerial tram and the Africa Rocks exhibit are major family highlights.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-renowned marine science aquarium on Cannery Row with sea otters, giant tuna, jellyfish, and a spectacular open-ocean tank. Touch pools let children handle sea stars and sea cucumbers.
LEGOLAND California
A 128-acre theme park purpose-built for families with children aged 3-12, with LEGO-themed rides, a water park add-on, and miniland USA — a 1:20 scale LEGO replica of American cities and landmarks.
California Academy of Sciences
Natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, and 4-story living rainforest under one roof in Golden Gate Park. The NightLife events (adults only Thursdays) keep it equally exciting for parents.
La Jolla Cove Tide Pools
Free hands-on marine biology at La Jolla's protected cove tide pools, where children can observe hermit crabs, sea stars, anemones, and sea cucumbers. The bluffs above are also home to a large California sea lion colony.
Yosemite Junior Ranger Program
Children earn an official National Park Service Junior Ranger badge by completing activities about Yosemite's wildlife, geology, and history. Available at all park visitor centers — free with park admission.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Working Hollywood studio and theme park combining the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour tram ride with Harry Potter: Wizarding World, Jurassic World, Minion Land, and Super Nintendo World.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Family-friendly resort on a private 15-acre peninsula in San Diego Bay with three pools, watersports, kids' club, and direct access to Silver Strand beach. The Coronado Ferry adds to the adventure.
Disneyland Hotel
The iconic original Disneyland Hotel walking distance to the parks, with three pools, a Monorail-themed waterslide, character dining, and Disney magic woven throughout the property.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
A full-service resort 2 miles from Yosemite's South Gate with pools, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a family activities program featuring campfire programs, guided hikes, and a games room.
Hotel del Coronado
A National Historic Landmark on the beach in Coronado since 1888, the iconic Victorian resort offers beach activities, multiple pools, and a family-friendly vibe while maintaining its grand historical atmosphere.
Ventana Big Sur
For families with older children, this adults-oriented luxury resort in the redwoods above Big Sur makes a magical base for exploring the coast. Some units sleep four and the dramatic forest setting is unforgettable.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
San Diego's Old Town is the best place in California to introduce children to authentic Mexican food — Las Quatros Milpas has been making handmade tortillas since 1933
In-N-Out Burger is a mandatory California experience for children — order 'Animal Style' (mustard-grilled patty with special sauce and grilled onions) and grilled cheese for younger eaters
California pizza is its own tradition: Pizzeria Mozza in LA and Gialina in SF represent the best of California-style pizza with exceptional ingredients
Ferry Building Farmers Market in San Francisco (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) exposes children to California produce, artisan foods, and the bay waterfront simultaneously
Many California restaurants offer children's menus but California's food culture is inclusive — most adult dishes can be split or modified without an issue
Tacos from a proper taqueria (not a chain) are both inexpensive and universally loved by children: Taqueria Cancun in SF Mission District and Mariscos Jaliscos in East LA are excellent
Children love the Grand Central Market in downtown LA — the food hall's visual variety and informal counter seating makes it easy to find something for everyone
Beach town dining is inherently casual — fish tacos, clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, and beach burgers are universally excellent in coastal California cities
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.