California
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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…
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Explore Pioneertown: A Wild West Adventure Near Joshua Tree
Did you know that there is an adorable old-timey town just outside of Joshua Tree? Pioneertown Joshua Tree is located in Yucca Valley, just a stone’s throw from the national park and is an easy drive from Palm Springs. From Joshua Tree, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Pioneertown and from Palm Desert, it’s about 50 minutes. When I first heard about this little town, I couldn’t wait to bust out my best wild wild west clothing and head on over for some cute photo ops, delicious food and a Wild West gun fight. What is Pioneertown Joshua Tree? Pioneertown is a 1880’s themed town that was designed as a…
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Discover the Best Camping Spots in Big Bear
Big Bear is a great year-round destination for families, and the campgrounds in Big Bear offer a nice break from the city life. In the summer months, you can hang out at the lake all day, soaking up the sunshine. In the winter months, you can grab a sled or hit the slopes. And in the spring and fall seasons, you can enjoy some great hiking weather or take your mountain bike to the local trails. If you’re looking to camp in Big Bear, these are the top campgrounds you’ll want to choose from. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Big Bear, you have lots of Airbnb…
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Exploring Mammoth Mountain Village: The Ultimate Year-Round Getaway
Before having kids, my husband and I would head up to Mammoth Mountain (from San Diego) at least 3-4 times a year. We spent many New Year’s Eves at the ski resort, and just as many summer days exploring the trails and lakes. Now that we have kids, it’s a bit harder to get up there as much, not to mention, a lot more expensive to hit the slopes. But a family vacation at the village at Mammoth Mountain is a dreamy escape with plenty to offer. If you’re longing for a mountain trip that blends adventure, cozy lodging, and a lively village atmosphere, Mammoth Mountain Village is one of…
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Where to Travel in January 2027: Best Warm & Cold Weather Destinations
January is one of the best (and most underrated) times to travel. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and incredible seasonal experiences, it’s the perfect month to plan a getaway. In this guide to the best vacation destinations in January, I’m sharing warm-weather escapes, snowy winter destinations, and family-friendly travel ideas to help you plan the perfect trip. January is considered the off season in many destinations. That means you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Which, after a busy holiday season, sounds amazing. Whether you’re craving a winter wonderland or a warm, sunny winter escape, there’s something extra special about kicking off the year with a…
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Best Ski Resorts for Families in North America
A Look at the Best Ski Resorts for Your Family Vacation Ski trips are some of the most popular family vacations all throughout the United States. In fact, many school districts give students an entire week off during the late winter months and call it ski week. It’s the perfect time for families to hit the slopes during the day and cozy up playing board games near the fire at night. Most of the time, I love living in San Diego. But when it comes to hitting the slopes, Southern California doesn’t have anything that compares to these amazing ski resorts throughout the U.S. There are so many great ski…
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The Best Family Things to do in Palm Springs CA
Palm Springs is one of the best cities to visit in California. And it’s easy to see why. There are so many great things about the Palm Springs areas. From amazing resorts with beautiful pools, to top-notch golf courses, a remarkable dining scene, and everything in between, there are plenty of family things to do in Palm Springs, CA. Personally, I love relaxing and enjoying the warm weather in Palm Springs, so I always book a family-friendly resort where I can enjoy a pool-side Pina Colada and perhaps catch a dive-in movie at night. But when we do feel a bit more adventurous, these are my favorite family things to…
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Top Kid-Friendly Wineries in Southern California
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the wineries. Unlike bars, where the minimum age is typically 21, wineries are usually open to all ages and are a great spot to have lunch or enjoy a day of sunshine. I first started pondering the idea of kid-friendly wineries when we were constantly having sports tournaments in Temecula, home of some amazing wineries. That’s when I discovered just how many great winery options exist for families. If you’re looking for a day out with the family that checks both the “relaxing wine tasting for the grown-ups” box and the “kids can roam and play” box…
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Fun Things To Do in Big Bear, Besides the Ski Resorts
Big Bear, CA is great year-round travel destination. And it’s one of the best cities in California to visit. We try to get away for a long weekend there at least once a year, usually in the winter time so we can take advantage of the potential snow in Southern California. However, there are so many fun things to do in Big Bear no matter which season you choose to visit. In the warmer summer months, Big Bear Lake provides tons of options for keeping cool or having fun on the water. The fall has beautiful fall foliage, and the spring can be a great time to hike or mountain…
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San Diego Rodeos
Somehow it took me 37 years before I went to my first rodeo. I knew we had rodeos in San Diego, but it just wasn’t anything I ever did as a kid, so it wasn’t on my radar when I became a mom and started having my own kids. But I am happy to say that I have now been to four San Diego rodeos (and one in Wyoming!) and have had a blast at each of them. If you are looking for some small-town family fun, right in the heart of a big city like San Diego, you have a handful of options to choose from. And these are…
