Welcome to the Travel in the United States Series. This series will explore family friendly vacation options in each of the 50 states (and as a bonus, I will include our Nation’s capital, The District of Columbia). An index to all the 50 States posts can be found here.
Since California is such a big state, I have decided to split it up into two – Southern and Northern. I have to say that California is my favorite state – I grew up there! Although I no longer reside in California, and I probably won’t ever again, it still is my favorite place to visit. I am going to share with you my favorite vacation spots in California.
Southern California Travel
Southern California consists of three main areas – Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Each of these areas offer unique destinations to suit every family’s vacation style.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the biggest city in Southern California. Pack with fun things to do and see, you could spend your entire vacation in this area alone. Hotel accommodations can be pricey in some areas, and you need to be careful as to where your hotel is located.
Los Angeles Beaches
the most famous beaches in the Los Angeles area are Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice (aka Muscle Beach) and Long Beach. I have not visited any of these beaches since I frequented the Orange County beaches. Venice Beach is a great place to people watch and you will see many riding bikes and rollerskating.
Los Angeles Amusement Parks and Activities
There is no shortage of family friendly amusement parks and activities. Universal Studios has certainly upgraded their attractions since I was young (there was really only the Studio Tour back then). They have just added Transformers the Ride in 3D (what until my 10 year old son finds out) which looks amazing! Also in LA is the California Science center where you can see the Space Shuttle Endeavour (reserve tickets online). General admission is free and includes over 100 hands-on science exhibits. On my list of things that I want to do next trip to California is the Warner Bros. VIP Tour, Ellen from Confessions of an Overworked Mom, experienced the tour and had a great time!
Hollywood
Who doesn’t travel to Los Angeles and not stop by Hollywood? You can see the Hollywood sign from many points in the city. The main attractions in Hollywood are located at the intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Avenue. There you will find the hand/footprints in the cement courtyard outside the Chinese Theatre. A short walk away is the Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Orange County
Disneyland
Orange County’s biggest attraction is Disneyland! I have spent many, many hours at this amusement park and it still is by far my favorite (sorry Disney World). With the addition of the separate park, California Adventure, Disneyland offers rides and attractions for all ages. Recently opened was Cars Land. Ever wondered if you can enjoy Disneyland while pregnant? Darcey from Tales from the Nursery, did and she wrote a great post all about it!
TIP!
Make sure you make a reservation to dine at the Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, kids and adults will love the pirate atmosphere. My favorites are the Monte Cristo sandwich and the non-alcoholic Mint Juleps! Call Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 for a reservation before you go or you won’t get a table.
Orange County Beaches
I may be biased, but the best beaches are in Orange County! My favorite beach is Corona Del Mar. Not a usual tourist attraction, but a great family beach with easy parking and snack stands. Other great beaches include: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Crystal Cove.
San Diego
San Diego Attractions
San Diego offers its own attractions including the world famous San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Legoland and Sea World. I have fond memories of walking the hills at the San Diego Zoo with my dad and then with my own kids. My son is dying to go to Legoland and it is a must see for any Lego fans!
San Diego Beaches
With so many to choose from, it will be a hard decision! The beaches in San Diego are among some of the best in the world. La Jolla is a popular favorite, but I have enjoyed Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea (the name alone is great), Mission Bay, Del Mar and Carlsbad. Why not plan a vacation, just beach hopping!
Whale Watching
From December to April, Whale Watching is in full swing. Over 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to Baja California. San Diego offers 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path. Tours are available from various providers.
Great info. Thanks. I’m heading down that way in a month or so, so this is very helpful. Great pix!!!
Have a great trip! I am sure you will enjoy it.
Great post, makes me want to go on a vacation now! Thanks for sharing!
Vanessa Terrell recently posted..Yippee…Skippy…Its Download Tuesday!
I wish I could always be on vacation!
Thanks for a great post. full of useful information. Well done
Andrew Milburn recently posted..The What If Syndrome
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great post Cecile, Ive never been to L.A. but its one of the places I want to visit. And I love the series too, great idea!
You will find so much to do there! I love visiting California.
WOW – that is a lot to cover! I love travel, but I guess I am stuck travelling around Midwest for a while while the kids are little
lena recently posted..$100 Amazon Blast 4/14
It is hard to travel when the kids are little. So much easier in a car and then you don’t want to drive too far or you will have some really crabby kids.
This post makes me really miss living and growing up in southern California.
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Me too! I grew up near the Anaheim area.
Love this series! I love in SoCal and often forget all that it has to offer!
Heather @ It’s a Lovely Life! recently posted..Have a great weekend!
I grew up there, so now when I go back I love to see all the things I missed as a kid.
Great info! I’ve never been to California. Your post makes me want to go though!
Jenny K recently posted..Mother’s Day Gifts from CafePress [Gift Guide]
I want to visit every state – maybe someday!
I love this post, makes me want to take a vacation. I’m a California girl and I haven’t been to some of the places you’ve mentioned, crazy I know. Seeing the Hollywood sign is on my bucket list 🙂
The Hollywood sign should be on everyone’s bucket list! Such an American icon!
Love Southern California. I’ve only been there a few times, most of which I don’t remember because I was so young. But I do remember how great the beaches are!
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There are so many different beaches that there something for everyone!
San Diego is where we would want to go..the zoo looks amazing! Plus Sea World and LEGOLAND my son would be over the moon!
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The zoo is amazing! Just now that there is a lot of walking and it is hilly. I have been to Sea World (loved it), but not to Legoland yet.
MY fiance really wants to visit Cali sometimes soon. Thank you for this!
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You will love it!
I like the natural beauty of California the best
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Yosemite is my favorite “natural” place – so beautiful!
Looks like tons of fun!!
I am always exhausted after a California vacation because I want to be out and doing things everyday! But it is fun 🙂
i love orange county! it is so beautiful and the beaches are straight out of a painting. also, for those traveling there, make sure to check out the outdoor malls! they do so many neat things like light up the streets, play music at night and everyone dances. it is really amazing.
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Of course Orange County is my favorite (but I may be biased since I use to live there)! I miss it!
I miss living in Cali! We lived there for three years while my husband was stationed there, and moved away from there 6 months ago. We lived in South Orange county and I miss walking out the door and seeing/going to the beach every day. Although, I prefer North county (san diego) better to the hoity-toity OC. I would give anything to go back there, though and walk along the piers!