Mission Beach
San Diego's Mission Bay has a long sidewalk that meanders along 27 miles of coastline through grassy parks, playgrounds and the Mission Beach attraction area, with the Belmont Amusement Park, picnic tables, beachfront shopping, surfing or bodyboarding, dining and people-watching. Kids enjoy the crashing waves and colorful street performers, Sea World, collecting sea shells and building sand castles.
Belmont Amusement Park
3146 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109
belmontpark.com
Griffith Park
Griffith Park houses an observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Bat Cave (from Batman), a classic carousel merry-go-round from the early 1900s, horseback riding trails, picnic areas, steam engine train rides, travel town museum and occasional free concerts. The 53 miles of hiking trails interspersed throughout the hillsides are one of Los Angeles best trails to explore, with several scenic overlooks and a slightly rugged terrain. Many people are surprised to learn that right in the midst of Los Angeles they could encounter foxes, rabbits, wild quail, coyotes, rattlesnakes and deer.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
laparks.org
The Golden Gate Bridge
Anything as orange and geometrically fascinating as The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for kids. Actually, the bridge is a technological wonder that transcends age. Adults and children enjoy the walk from San Francisco to Sausalito. If it ends up too exhausting for little urban hikers, there's a ferry the can bring you back. Grassy parks on both sides of the bridge are popular picnic areas. On the San Francisco side, the San Francisco Zoo, wildflower gardens, beaches and nature center make this a fun-filled day for families with kids.
The Golden Gate Bridge
P.O. Box 9000, Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 921-5858
goldengatebridge.org
Lake Tahoe's Northstar
Northstar at Tahoe offers a winter ski school for children, hiking and picnicking in the summer. Hundreds of miles of trails lead warm-weather visitors through twists and turns overlooking the enormous lake. After a day in the hills, swim, kayak or paddle boat on the lake. In the winter, cozy up by the fire with hot cocoa and enjoy watching the snowfall.
Northstar at Tahoe
100 Northstar Drive
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 562-2267
northstarattahoe.com
