No matter your age, California is one big playground. From frolicking among the towering Redwoods along the north coast to digging your toes in the sand of Southern California’s picture-perfect beaches, both the young and the young-at-heart have plenty of ways to explore the Golden State.
To help craft the perfect plan, we turned to the Ingalls, an LA-based family of travelers comprised of Gemma, Andrew, and their two children Izzie and Ollie. Together, this fab four explores from coast to mountains, often using their camper van as a home base for their activity-packed road trips, discovering the best family-friendly experiences, luxury indulgences, and the best photography spots that they then share over on Instagram @ingallsphoto.
North from Los Angeles
There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Los Angeles, but this road trip is designed to get you out of the urban jungle and heading up the coast. Ojai is a perfect first stop—just 90 minutes away and with plenty of activities to entertain the whole crew. If you’re in town on Sunday, visiting the Ojai Farmers Market showcases California’s cornucopia of produce. When you’re ready to get active, Gemma Ingalls says her family loves the kid-friendly hiking trails at Ojai Meadows Preserve. They also enjoy horseback riding with the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company. “Natural trail rides for all abilities take you through the Ventura River Preserve, winding along the rivers and offering beautiful views of the mountains that frame the valley,” Gemma says.
Up the Central Coast
After a night in Santa Barbara, pack up the car and continue north into California’s Central Coast region. There are some great stops north of San Luis Obispo, including Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk and Cayucos Pier, which are ideal for family outings to stretch their legs.
For quality family-friendly hiking and tidepooling, Harmony Headlands State Park offers incredible coastal scenery and plentiful trails to burn off energy. “We love hiking this 1.5-mile, flat, wide trail which passes through meadows and opens out to beautiful unspoiled headlands,” Gemma notes. “We hike over the rocks down to the rocky inlets for excellent tidepooling.”
Big Sur to the Beach
After major storms in the winter, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway have opened up again, making it a perfect time to explore Big Sur. Gemma mentions that Sand Dollar Beach is “our go-to beach in Big Sur. Our kids love collecting the green rocks on the beach or using the long sea kelp as jump ropes.”
Down the Central Valley: Fresno & Bakersfield
When it’s time to turn back south toward Los Angeles again, it’s worth heading inland through California’s Central Valley. Depending on how many days you have, you could explore Fresno, Bakersfield, or both. One of the notable points in Fresno is the Forestiere Underground Gardens, where historical subterranean structures invite exploration.
In Bakersfield, the California Living Museum showcases the area’s plants and animals, offering kids a great opportunity to learn about wildlife. There’s also a fun train ride for younger visitors, enhancing the experience for the whole family.
Other California Family Experiences
There are many regions of California where families can create lasting memories. Here are a few recommendations:
North Coast:
Stretching from San Francisco to the Oregon border, the North Coast is ideal for families that love the outdoors. The Ingalls especially recommend Hendy Woods State Park. Additionally, Fort Bragg offers unique beaches like Glass Beach where kids can enjoy beachcombing adventures.
Sierra Nevada Mountains:
This picturesque range provides fantastic outdoor experiences. Families can explore the Alabama Hills or try summer activities like kayaking at June Lake and winter adventures at Mammoth Mountain.
Deserts:
Discover the stark contrast offered by California’s deserts at Joshua Tree National Park. Families can learn about desert climates, enjoy unique hiking trails, and marvel at breathtaking sights like Split Rock and Cholla Cactus Garden.
