Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles for Families

Erynn said:  Big Bear Lake is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and regularly has cooler temperatures and plenty of scenery! In winter, two resorts (Snow Summit Ski Resort and Bear Mountain) invite visitors to enjoy snow play and sports, while the rest of the seasons offer recreation in fishing, boating, hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. There's even a wildlife rehabilitation zoo to visit where native species get the help they need to thrive. Plan ahead and visit during one of the area's seasonal events for even more family fun.

Erynn said:  Monterey is known worldwide for its expansive Aquarium, but that's not all there is to see! Monarch butterflies make their seasonal flight to nearby Pacific Grove at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. While you're in PG, visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse (the oldest existing lighthouse on the West Coast!) for a tour or check out the Museum of Natural History (the bird collection is magnificent!). There's plenty of shopping along Cannery Row, but my kids' favorite is the Dennis the Menace Playground at El Estero Park--complete with views of the bay from the play equipment.

Erynn said:  Bakersfield might not seem like a worthwhile destination, but it might be because you've never heard of the California Living Museum! Also known as CALM, this zoo is also a native garden and displays the diversity of California wildlife, plus plenty of history. There are also other museums of interest to families such as the Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and the Kern County Museum.

And don't forget outdoor activities like river rafting and pick-your-own Murray Family Farms, plus the Planetarium at Bakersfield College for the stargazers among you!

Erynn said:  If your family loves the great outdoors, hiking and adventuring then Joshua Tree might be for you! Joshua Tree National Park has plenty of wildlife, hiking, and more--the more adventurous among you may want to try rock climbing, and you can even camp in the desert landscape. Check out wildlife, take a Ranger tour, or even a Geology Motor Tour to learn more about the Mojave and Colorado desert rocks.

The local community is also an artistic one, so you may want to seek out upcoming art and other events before you go.

Erynn said:  Oakland is home to an amazing zoo that focuses on conservation, but that's not the only attraction that draws families. There's also Fairyland, a storybook amusement park on a smaller scale that has kid-sized rides, petting zoos, and other whimsical attractions.

On the educational side, there's the Oakland Aviation Museum plus the Chabot Space & Science Center, a hands-on and interactive attraction with a digital planetarium. Into art? Check out the Museum of Children's Arts or the Oakland Museum of California, which showcases art, history, science, and more with kid-friendly exhibits.

Erynn said:  One of the main attractions in San Diego is the 100-acre San Diego Zoo--plus the Zoo Safari Park where you can take wildlife sanctuary tours. In the same immediate area--the iconic Balboa Park--are the Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and Fleet Science Center.

Don't forget Sea World for animal lovers and thrill-seekers, the Railroad Museum for train fans, and the USS Midway Museum for maritime facts and fun, too! Of course, there's a great selection of beaches for relaxation and rejuvenation, too.

Erynn said:  Yosemite is known globally for its iconic granite outcroppings, beautiful views, and tons of tourists! It's worth the drive for an epic outdoor adventure your family will not soon forget. Reservations are recommended for lodging, camping, and backpacking, but availability depends on the season, with spring and fall being busiest. There's plenty to do, from camping, hiking, and backpacking to guided tours, ranger and interpretive programs, bird watching, horseback riding, rock climbing, stargazing, and more depending on the season!