California
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Best U.S. Family Vacation Destinations for March
I used to be so bummed that our school’s spring break was always scheduled during March. Most of the country is still on the cooler side in March, and I was always on the hunt for warm-weather March vacation ideas. Luckily, I figured out that March is an excellent month for family travel and there are plenty of excellent family-friendly destinations that promise sunshine and lots of adventure. As I mentioned above, many schools across the country schedule spring break during March, giving families a chance to escape without competing with the massive summer crowds. Top family vacation destinations in March include beaches and outdoor adventures, but the options extend…
- Arizona, California, Caribbean, Destinations, Hotels & Airbnb Stays, Missouri, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin
Best Resorts with Water Parks for Families in 2026
At this point, it’s clearly no secret that I love a good water park. And when I can combine the fun of a water park with the amenities of a nice family resort, it’s even better. There’s something about walking out of your hotel room and being steps away from water slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone that just makes a vacation feel complete. Resorts with water parks come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve got tropical all-inclusive resort destinations in the Caribbean where everything from gourmet dining to waterpark fun is bundled into one price. You’ve got domestic family friendly chains with massive indoor water park setups…
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Refugio State Beach Camping: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Whether you’re planning a California Coast road trip or simply looking for your next beach camping adventure, let me introduce you to beach camping at Refugio State Beach campground. It’s one of our new favorite spots. We recently stayed at Refugio State Beach on our way up the California coast to Big Sur, and it was the perfect halfway point to break up the drive. Rather than spending an entire day in the car, we stayed one night here, enjoyed an evening by the beach, and woke up refreshed before continuing north. Before we left, we were already planning our next trip back. My husband had childhood memories of Refugio…
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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for an unforgettable camping experience on California’s Central Coast, it’s hard to beat Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. We just returned from spending the past week camping there, and we truly had the best time exploring one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California. But even when we weren’t exploring, we loved enjoying the beauty of the campground. From towering redwoods and riverside campsites to epic beaches and scenic hikes, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground makes the perfect basecamp for a Big Sur adventure. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another stay, here’s everything you need to know before booking your trip. Why We…
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Best Places to Visit in February for Family-Friendly Adventures
February is one of those sneaky-good travel months. You can chase warm weather, enjoy peak snow conditions in winter, or plan a culture-heavy city trip without waiting for spring break. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in February, this guide focuses on destinations that are fun with kids, manageable for parents, and worth the time and money. Some are sunny beach escapes, some are cultural standouts, and a few are bucket list trips if you have seven days or more. Many school districts give students a 4-day weekend to celebrate both presidents’s birthdays. Others give two separate 3-day weekends. And some even give kids a full week…
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Best Beaches of San Diego: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Beach Day
If there’s one thing San Diego does exceptionally well, it’s beaches. From rugged cliffs and hidden coves to wide sandy stretches perfect for families, the best beaches of San Diego each have their own personality. And as a native San Diegan, I’ve spent years exploring these beaches in every season—from summer bonfires to winter tidepool walks and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for the best surfing beach, the calmest water for kids, or the prettiest sunset spot, this guide covers the best beaches of San Diego and what each one is known for. Interested in camping on the beach? Check out these top beach camping spots in San Diego.…
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Family-Friendly June Lake Hotels and Campsites
June Lake, California is one of those destinations that’s simply breathtaking any time you visit. I love a summer camping trip on the lake, but I’ve also enjoyed plenty of cozy winter nights staying at one of the charming June Lake hotels. Honestly, June Lake is one of those rare destinations where both experiences are equally amazing—just in totally different ways. And if you’ve ever driven along Highway 395 and caught a glimpse of that sparkling alpine water framed by mountains, you already know—June Lake is something special. It’s one of those places that feels both peaceful and adventurous at the same time, making it perfect for a laid-back family…
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Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park: Beach Meets Mountains
The Leo Carrillo beach campground had been high on my camping bucket list for awhile. So, for spring break this year, we decided to hit up a few different spots along the California coast and we made sure Leo Carrillo campground was on that list. It was actually our first stop, and it set the bar high for the rest of the trip. If you’re looking for that perfect Southern California camping experience—where you can fall asleep under shady trees and wake up to the sound of crashing waves—Leo Carrillo State Park Campground absolutely delivers. Tucked just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, this spot feels like a little…
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Your Guide to Three Rivers, California
When I first saw pictures of Three Rivers California I knew I needed to plan a visit. The picturesque setting with mountains in the distance and the river going right through town plus the fact that it’s right at the gateway to the Sequoia National Park really sold me. The amazing scenery and landscapes of Three Rivers make it a truly memorable destination. I had a vision of us either camping or staying on a house right on the river. We opted for the house option, which was a good thing because it was HOT when we visited in late July. Here’s an overview of our itinerary and all the…
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Sequoia National Park Guide: Best Hikes, Things to Do & Travel Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, you’re in for a real treat. From towering giant sequoias to scenic hikes and unforgettable viewpoints, this park is packed with incredible things to do for families and outdoor lovers alike. There’s a lot you can see simply by driving or parking and taking a short walk, but there are also some excellent hikes in the park. I’ve put together a list of the Sequoia National Park best hikes & attractions that you won’t want to miss on your visit. In this guide to the best things to do in Sequoia National Park, I’m sharing must-see attractions, the best hikes for…
