From coastal cliffs, to towering mountains, to the unexpected beauty of the desert, the landscape of California truly makes it a unique and beautiful vacation destination. Whether you want soak up the sun on a beach in Los Angeles, hit the slopes in Lake Tahoe, or explore the unique city of San Francisco, you’ll never run out of things to do on a California getaway.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a favorite destination for so many different reasons. The city is filled with unique architecture, beautiful scenery, and countless sightseeing opportunities. Some of San Francisco’s most famous tourist attractions include a boat ride to Alcatraz Island, where famous criminal Al Capone was imprisoned; seeing the sea lions sunbathing on the piers at Fisherman’s Wharf; and taking a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge. Additionally, the fabulous restaurants, great shopping, and the hilly streets create opportunities for fantastic views and photo ops everywhere. You will definitely want to experience an authentic dim sum meal in the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. We also recommend checking out the Golden Gate Park, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the San Francisco Zoo.
Los Angeles
Famous for Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Hollywood, Los Angeles is a dream destination for many travelers, especially those looking for sunshine. The LA area offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. There are tons of family activities, such as a tour of the back lots of Warner Brothers and Universal Studios, watching the surfers in Malibu, or strolling down the Santa Monica Pier. You can take a bus tour to see celebrities’ homes or walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you need a break from all things celebrity-related, the Griffith Observatory is a popular and free attraction where you can see beautiful views of the city, from the hills to the Pacific Ocean. It offers many science exhibits, a high-tech planetarium, and telescopes for the public to use.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the area surrounding the beautiful lake in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and is home to some of the United States’ best ski resorts, including Squaw Valley, Heavenly Mountain, Homewood Mountain, and Northstar resort. Squaw Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, is filled with numerous family-friendly activities, in addition to skiing. Families can enjoy the Olympic Museum, dog sledding, or ice skating on the Upper Mountain with a great view of Lake Tahoe. Parents can even rent miniature snowmobiles for their kids to ride around. The area is known for its fabulous ski conditions and slopes, so it is a great place for avid skiers to check out.
San Diego
San Diego is another destination that is generally warm during the December holidays, with plenty of activities to fill your days. The San Diego Zoo is a must-see and is regarded by many as one of the best zoos in the world. San Diego’s southern location makes it an ideal place to see migrating grey, blue, and humpback whales, so take a whale-watching tour or hike ocean cliffs with a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of the whales as they travel to and from Alaska. Spend a day on Coronado Island, a resort town with some of the best beaches in California. Another great family activity is to check out the Midway, an aircraft carrier that houses 29 restored aircraft and has even more exhibits to explore. If you’re up for an adventure, you can book a paragliding trip off of the seaside bluffs at Torrey Pines Gliderport.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is yet another fantastic California destination if you want warm, sunny weather during the colder winter months. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is not too difficult to reach. While it is known for its wellness centers, spas, and world-class golf courses, there are many family activities to entertain the kids. If you love the outdoors, Palm Springs has tons of different hiking trails and nature walks where you can take in beautiful views of the mountainous desert area. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens makes for a great family outing to see and learn about some of the native animals that live in the desert. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a fascinating museum that houses a variety of WWII aircraft and teaches about the role of the United States in winning the war from the skies.
California is a versatile destination with limitless activities and sights to experience with the family. Don’t miss out on the vacation of your dreams to California…contact a Global Escapes travel consultant today to get your trip started!
Tags: California, family travel, Hollywood, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, Skiing, Travel, zoo
