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Camping in Malibu: A Guide to Coastal Adventures
Because we have a big summer vacation planned for this year, we wanted a bit more low-key of a spring break trip. We decided to visit some of the popular campgrounds along California’s coast and we were blown away by some of the campgrounds in Malibu, California. I knew Malibu was home to some of the best beaches in Los Angeles, but I didn’t realize how much wide-open space there is there. Just up the coast from Los Angeles, this stretch of shoreline offers a surprisingly diverse mix of campgrounds—from rugged, oceanfront sites to shaded canyon escapes that feel worlds away from the city. We were able to do a…
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Summer Vacation Ideas for Families (2026 Guide)
I’m a teacher, so I pretty much live for summer break if I’m being honest. Eight weeks of an almost wide-open calendar (I mean, we still have sports to work around) for me to plan travel adventures. We’ve made good use of our summer vacations so far. I know not everyone has the luxury of having the summer off. So whether you have three days to spare or ten, this guide will help you find the right summer vacation ideas for families of every size and style. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true summer vacation ideas for families looking to make some magical summer memories in 2026. What makes…
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Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park: Beach Meets Mountains
We honestly couldn’t decide what to do for spring break this year. I booked a big summer trip for us, so we didn’t want to do a huge trip. But we wanted to do something. So, we decided to hit up a few different spots along the California coast, and our first stop at Leo Carrillo campground 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…
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Best National Parks For Kids
The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids: Nature’s Playground When it comes to travel, I truly don’t discriminate. You’ll find me sipping margaritas at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun or hiking in Grand Teton National Park. I love it all. We spent a lot of time over the past year visiting national parks with the whole family, which made me start thinking about which parks are the best national parks for kids. Exploring national parks with your kids is a fantastic way to create lifelong memories while introducing them to the beauty of the great outdoors. The U.S. is home to over 400 national park sites, each offering unique…
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Exploring Hurkey Creek Campground: A Family-Friendly Getaway
We wanted to try camping somewhere new over Memorial Day weekend. We looked at lots of fun options, but we knew we’d want some water near by to let the kids splash around in–especially knowing it could be hot. I came across the Hurkey Creek campground online, and it sounded like it was just what we were looking for. (P.S. Here are some other vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend!) The Hurkey Creek campground is located in Mountain Center, CA–just across from the Lake Hemet campground and about 15 minutes away from Idyllwild. This is one of the best Riverside County Park campgrounds, in my opinion. Amenities at Hurkey Creek…
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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, we’re sharing must-see attractions, the best hikes for…
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Memorial Day Weekend Getaway Ideas
Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Pools reopen. Amusement parks fire up their roller coasters. Beach towns dust off their boardwalks. And suddenly, everyone is ready to get outside again. Even better, it’s a 3-day weekend, so it’s a great opportunity to travel. And I’ve got a lot of good vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend. Whether you want thrill rides, mountain air, beach sunsets, or small-town charm, here are some creative and totally doable ideas for the long weekend. Last year, we spent the long weekend in Palm Springs–one of my favorite getaways when I want sunshine and relaxation. I love staying at one…
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Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Yellowstone is one of those parks that you can spend a week in and still leave feeling like you didn’t have enough time in it. But when you choose to camp in Yellowstone, you can cut out some of the driving time and really spend your days exploring the park to its fullest. There are many Yellowstone National Park campgrounds to choose from, and each offers a unique charm and amenities. Yellowstone National Park campgrounds are very popular and should be booked far in advance to give you the best chance at securing a spot. Some of the campgrounds can be booked a year in advance. If camping isn’t your…
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Best Family Camping in Southern California (Beach, Mountain & Desert Sites)
I am constantly planning a family camping trip in Southern California. With everything from beachfront campgrounds to mountain retreats and desert adventures, this region offers some of the best camping experiences for families. And I am so lucky to call it home. My family loves to camp. I grew up camping (although we really only went to the beach or desert), and I knew it was something I would want to continue doing with my kiddos. Luckily here in San Diego, there are so many great family campgrounds and the weather allows us to get trips in all year long. The list below includes some of my favorite spots to…
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Bass Lake Camping Guide (2026): Best Campgrounds + Tips for Families
I know it feels like the winter will never end, but summer will be here before we know it. And now is the time to start thinking about all the fun summer camping destinations that need to be booked months in advance. If Bass Lake camping is on your agenda, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what to know about each of the Bass Lake campgrounds. We were supposed to be camping in a Mammoth Lakes campground last summer, but due to the abundance of snowfall, the campground couldn’t open until late June, and therefore, our reservation was cancelled. We had to scramble for a good backup plan that…
