California
-
Outdoor Movie Theater in Pinecrest: Fun For All Ages
Watching a movie under the stars is always a novel experience, and it should be on every family’s summer bucket list. When you add in a lake-front setting and some concessions, it’s even harder to top. That’s what the Pinecrest Outdoor Movie Theater has to offer in Stanislaus County, California. Pinecrest Movie Theater in a Campground We discovered the Pinecrest movie theater when we were camping at Pinecrest Lake. This outdoor movie theater plays the latest box office hits several nights a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on select weekends through September. Although the outdoor theater is in the campground, it is open to the public. In…
-
La Jolla Beaches: Your Go-To Guide for Sun, Surf, Seals & Tide Pools
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s crown jewels — and its beaches are a big reason why. Like Coronado, La Jolla is home to some of the most upscale shops and restaurants in San Diego, and the beaches seem more pristine as well. Whether you’re into surfing, tide-pool exploring, seal watching, or just soaking up the California sun, there’s a beach here with your name on it. If you’re visiting in the summer, La Jolla can be a bit tricky to navigate. It’s a super popular tourist destination, and there isn’t a ton of parking around. If you visit San Diego in the winter, parking will be easier, and…
-
Discover the Best Beaches in Los Angeles
I lived in Redondo Beach for a few years right after college, and I still remember how surprised I was by the Los Angeles beaches. I grew up going to the beaches in San Diego, which I love dearly, but LA beaches felt different. They were wider. Longer. Endless. Instead of cozy coves, these beaches just stretched on forever, backed by bike paths, volleyball courts, and rows of pastel lifeguard towers. Some of my favorite weekends were spent with my boyfriend (now husband) on our beach cruisers, riding the strand from Redondo Beach up through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. We’d stop for coffee, grab fish tacos, people-watch, and somehow make…
-
Why San Diego Is a Perfect Winter Travel Destination
I had an appointment with my esthetician today and she told me that I better be writing a blog post about how San Diego in the winter is such a great vacation destination. Even though she is from San Diego, just as I am, she said that she falls in love with our city all over again every winter. And honestly, I can see why. I may be biased, but San Diego really is a great year-round destination. If you’re craving a winter getaway that doesn’t involve snow boots, icy roads, or packing five layers per person, San Diego might just be your dream destination. Winter in San Diego feels…
-
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles 2026
Aww, the city of Angels. Los Angeles is one of the best cities to visit in California, and it’s easy to see why. This city has it all. Beautiful beaches, excellent hikes, lots of city life, shopping, celebrities and so much more. Whether you plan to relax on the beach or head to the amusement parks, you’ll want to choose the best family hotel Los Angeles has to offer for your next family getaway. Luckily for you, Los Angeles has tons of hotels that are geared for families. Take a look at these top Los Angeles family attractions to help you decide where you might be best of staying. Then…
-
Explore Mammoth Lakes: Year-Round Adventures
A Peak at the Best Things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California Nestled in the Eastern Sierra of California, Mammoth Lakes is one of those rare destinations that truly shines in every season. With soaring mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, thriving arts and food scenes, and outdoor adventures for all ages and fitness levels, it’s a fantastic choice whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite season in Mammoth because they’re each so magical in their own way. People from all over flock to the Mammoth ski resorts during the winter. But the beautiful lakes and miles and miles of hiking trails are a…
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Destinations, Family Activities, Hotels & Airbnb Stays, New York, Tennessee
The Best Hotels for Kids at Christmastime — Where Holiday Magic Actually Happens
There’s hotel holiday cheer, and then there’s the kind of Christmastime that makes little kids’ eyes go wide and grown-ups whisper, “remember this forever.” If you want more than a tree in the lobby and a hot cocoa cart, look for places that go all-in: Santa visits, horse-drawn sleighs or carriage rides, ice skating rinks, snow tubing or sledding hills, life-size gingerbread displays, and full-on immersive holiday programming. Below are my favorite U.S. hotels that do that extra bit of magic — perfect for families who want a Christmas you can feel. Mohonk Mountain House — New Paltz, New York If you picture an old-school holiday postcard — a Victorian…
-
Top Things to Do in Solvang, California
A look at the best things to do during a dreamy Solvang getaway The first time we visited Solvang, we were simply passing through on our scenic road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway. We had to go a little bit out of the way to see Solvang, but it was a place we really wanted to stop. And I am so glad we did. I quickly fell in love with this charming little town. If you’re dreaming of a getaway that combines storybook charm, good food, and wine-country relaxation, Solvang, California, is one of those places that feels almost too cute to be real. Tucked into the rolling hills…
-
Ultimate Guide to Free and Cheap Fun in San Diego
San Diego is a city that has something for everyone–whether you’re looking to relax on a beach or enjoy some museums, you can do it all. And one of the best things is that there are activities to fit any budget. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in San Diego. Here are my favorite budget-friendly activities for your next San Diego vacation. Make sure you check out this complete 5-day travel itinerary for your next San Diego trip as well. Go to the Beach San Diego is known for its beaches, and that is perhaps the cheapest thing you can do in San Diego. In fact,…
-
June Lake Skiing at June Mountain, CA
June Lake is an adorable mountain town not far from the ever-popular Mammoth Mountain. It’s one of my favorite California lakes to camp at. I’ve written about camping at Oh Ridge Campground in June Lake before, but June Lake also has a ton to offer in the winter months like June Lake skiing at June Mountain. I grew up going to June Lake during my childhood, although we never once went skiing. We just never did as a family. So when I got older and wanted to go snowboarding, I never even thought about June Lake. I’d hit up the ski resorts in Big Bear, and when I had the…
