-
Top Beaches in Southern California for Families (From San Diego to Santa Barbara)
Southern California has one of those coastlines that never gets old. From the Mexican border all the way up to Santa Barbara, you’ll find everything from wide, sandy beaches in Southern California with calm water to classic surf spots, hidden coves, and beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs. I’ve lived in California my entire life, and some of my favorite family memories have been spent along this stretch of coast. Now, as a mom, I’ve gotten to experience many of these beaches all over again with my own kids. Whether you’re looking for gentle waves for little ones, a great spot for your teen to try surfing, or just an easy…
-
Best Attractions in Costa Rica for Families
It doesn’t matter what kind of family vacation you’re looking for, I’m confident Costa Rica will deliver. There’s so much to see and do, and you can have completely different experiences without traveling very far. One day you’re hiking near a volcano or swimming beneath a waterfall, and the next you’re spotting monkeys in the rainforest. Want to spend a day relaxing at the beach? You got it. That variety is a big part of what makes the best Costa Rica attractions so much fun to explore. There’s wildlife everywhere, tons of outdoor adventures, beautiful national parks, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the beach, too. Costa…
-
The Best Small and Boutique Hotels in Nashville for Families
Nashville is such a fun city to visit with so much personality! And one thing I love about exploring a new city is finding places to stay that have a little more personality than your typical chain hotel. Nashville has some great options for that, from historic properties full of character to smaller Nashville boutique hotels with unique decor and a more personal feel. I love the idea of staying somewhere that feels connected to the city you’re visiting rather than like it could be anywhere in the country. Of course, when you’re traveling as a family, charm isn’t everything. You also want a convenient location, comfortable rooms, and a…
-
Best Snow Resorts for Family Winter Vacations
Planning a family ski trip sounds exciting until you realize how many resorts with snow are out there, each promising the “perfect” winter getaway. And then when you see the price of that promised perfect getaway, well let’s just say, it can be a tough one to swallow. The difference between a vacation your kids talk about for years and one that drains your wallet (and your patience) comes down to choosing a resort built around families, not just skiers. I think there’s something dreamy about picturing your family hitting the slopes all day and then cozying up around a fire at night. Walking around a cute village and enjoying…
-
Best Waterfalls in Kauai Hawaii for Families: Top 9 Must-See Falls
One of my favorite things about Kauai is how easy it is to find a waterfall. Seriously, you don’t always have to hike miles into the jungle or plan an entire day around one. Sometimes, you’ll spot Kauai Hawaii waterfalls cascading down a lush green mountainside while you’re simply driving around the island. And of course, you’ll want to pull over for a picture! It’s easy to see why Kauai is called the Garden Isle. The island gets an incredible amount of rain, which keeps everything so green and feeds the rivers, streams, and waterfalls scattered throughout the landscape. From towering cascades tucked into dramatic valleys to little roadside falls…
-
Best Things to Do in San Diego: A Local’s Guide
If you’re searching for the best things to do in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place — because this isn’t a list written by someone who visited San Diego for a long weekend. I was born and raised in San Diego and have lived here for almost my entire life. I grew up going to these beaches, visiting these attractions, hiking these trails, and exploring these neighborhoods. And now I’m raising my own kids here and experiencing many of my favorite San Diego places all over again with them. So yes, I know the tourist attractions. But I also know which ones are actually worth your time, which…
-
Where to Stay in San Diego: A Local’s Guide to the Best Areas & Neighborhoods
Trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego can be surprisingly difficult. Not because there aren’t enough good options. Quite the opposite, actually. And also because San Diego is incredibly spread out—and every neighborhood offers a completely different vacation. Even if you know for sure that you want to stay at one of the amazing San Diego beachfront resorts, you’ll still have to decide which beach to stay on. You could wake up steps from the sand in Coronado, spend your mornings watching sea lions in La Jolla, stay within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife at a harbor downtown, or book a family-friendly resort overlooking Mission Bay.…
-
Best October Getaways: 15 Amazing Places to Visit This Fall
October might just be my favorite month for a getaway. The summer crowds have mostly disappeared, the weather is finally cooling off in many parts of the country, and fall foliage is putting on a spectacular show. And if you’re not quite ready to trade your sandals for sweaters, there are still plenty of places where you can find sunshine and warm temperatures. I’ve always been jealous of school districts that offer a fall break. Even though we don’t get one here, I still make a point to plan at least a long weekend away every October. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend surrounded by colorful leaves, a family-friendly…
-
Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs: A Complete Resort Guide for Families
Palm Desert is one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations when I’m looking to relax and spend some time in the sun. There are so many great family resorts there that my kids absolutely love. But the one we keep coming back to time and time again is the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Palm Springs Resort. If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, it’s probably pretty clear that I love a resort with a lazy river. And my kids love resorts with waterslides. So we’ve tried out a number of the Palm Springs resorts with water parks, but Omni Rancho Las Palmas is our favorite for more reasons…
-
The Best Bahamas Islands for Families: Where to Stay, Play, and Relax
If you’re dreaming about a family vacation with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sunshine, it’s hard to beat the Bahamas. But there’s one problem: Which island should you choose? And which island in the Bahamas is for best families? The Bahamas is made up of hundreds of islands and cays, and they are definitely not all alike. Some are packed with enormous resorts, waterparks, restaurants, and activities, while others are quiet escapes where your biggest decision of the day is which beautiful beach to visit. After looking at the beaches, family-friendly resorts, activities, accessibility, and my family’s personal vacation experiences, these are my picks for the best Bahamas…
