Best Vacation Towns - Pitstops for Kids

Best ski towns: Ashland, Oregon

February 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A friendly community with a small-town yet academic atmosphere, Ashland, Oregon makes our list of Best Ski Towns despite the fact that it’s a full 20-minute commute from the slopes. What it lacks in proximity to powder it more than makes up for in charm, family-friendly shops and restaurants, and seasonal events, making it impossible to exclude. Located directly off I-5 in Southern Oregon and known for its vineyards, organic culinary scene, and Shakespearean festival (more on that below), Ashland is the most mild-weathered, cultured ski town we know.

Where to ski: I’m biased, as Mt. Ashland Ski Area is our home ski resort, but due to its small size and refreshing price point, it truly is a wonderful place for families. Mt. Ashland’s motto is, ‘It’s steeper here’, and they mean it! The runs are steep, but they’re not too long, allowing families to feel comfortable letting older kids and teens do some exploring. Mt. Ashland’s historic lodge is old school: the roaring fires and wood-cut benches are the real deal. (Sack lunches are welcomed, though the counter service restaurant serves a mean veggie burger, too.) You’ll find a ski and board rental shop and repair shop next to the lodge, reasonably priced (that seems to be a theme) lessons, and kids six and under ski or board for free.

Where to stay: Mt. Ashland doesn’t boast overnight accommodations, but thanks to Ashland’s world-famous Shakespearean festival, the town has no shortage of wonderful places to stay. If you plan to spend most of your time on the slopes, stay at the base of the Mt. Ashland access road at Callahan’s Mountain Lodge, but if you plan to spend any length of time exploring Ashland proper, I recommend staying in walking distance at boutique (and historically preserved) Ashland Springs Hotel or more economically at the Best Western Bard’s Inn, one of the nicest of its brand. Many B&B options also line the streets, and home rentals are usually available via HomeAway.

Where to eat: If you opt for a hotel room, no worries: given the culinary fame of this town, you won’t mind the lack of a kitchen! With kids, I recommend the filling (and innovative) breakfast options at either Dragonfly or Munchies. For an apres ski dinner, head to the cozy fireside dining room upstairs at Alex’s.

What to do when not on the slopes: Right in town, you’ll want to stop at the Ashland Centennial Ice Rink for a spin around this outdoor arena (across from gorgeous-in-all-seasons Lithia Park), before warming up at ScienceWorks Hands’ On Museum. You’ll also want to set aside time for some quaint shopping; even the kids will enjoy it, given the number of great toy and book stores. If your kids are old enough to appreciate great theater (and are able to stay awake after a day of skiing) evening tickets to a show at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival (ongoing in their Globe and indoor theaters) are a must.

How to get here: From either CA or WA, take I-5 north or south. If flying, fly into Medford International Airport (MFR), located 15 miles north of Ashland.

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Best Ski Towns: Keystone Resort, Colorado

November 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Vail, Colorado has long been synonymous with top-notch skiing, but vacationing families may overlook one of the most family-friendly gems in its crown: Keystone Resort. Less well-known than nearby Vail, Beaver Creek, or Breckenridge, Keystone is located an easy two-hour drive from the airport hub of Denver on I-70, right in the heart of the Rockies. Operated by Vail Resorts, Keystone is a ski town unto itself, with a quaint slopeside village, a full scope of lodging options, fine and family dining, and so many apres-ski activities, kids will certainly sleep well at night!

I had the opportunity to visit Keystone last month, and the moment I arrived, I knew it would make my list of Best Ski Towns. All the essential elements for a great family ski vacation can be found within the resort: convenient, cozy lodging, easy and affordable dining, great skiing, a top-tier, full-service ski school, stunning scenery, and most importantly, a dedication to the family ski experience on the mountain and off.

During the high season, Keystone is literally buzzing with activity. While I was visiting in the fall off-season, construction crews were hard at work on a brand new, full-sized family ice skating rink, located in the heart of the village, and despite the fact that the snow hadn’t yet begun to fall, I kept hearing about KidTopia, a family festival running on scheduled weekends throughout the ski season. KidTopia is a full program of winter events, movie nights, themed parties, and entertainment, at the center of which is a real-life ice castle snow fort (remade each winter, of course!) for kids to explore slopeside. Families can also snowshoe, snow tube, and take sleigh rides when not hitting the slopes.

For quality ski and boarding instruction, Keystone offers their Ski and Ride School, where families can choose between group lessons by their children’s age, family lessons in which the whole family is involved, or private lessons. All take place in a centralized section of the mountain, where fun interactive elements vie for kids’ attention and offer a whimsical addition to lessons. Keystone also offers a full-time daycare for the littlest ones, and–most appealing to my family of skiers–an adventruous Cat Skiing and Riding program that delivers families (or just mom and dad) deep into unexplored power to make new tracks! Every level of skiing is catered to, and with such mix-and-match options, families won’t feel ‘boxed in’ to lessons that take them away from each other.

Tip! As with any ski resort, don’t forget about the off-season! Temperatures may rise, but prices drop in the summer and fall, making the off-season a great time to visit Keystone. During our stay, we enjoyed the many hiking trails in the immediate area (Keystone employees at both the lodge and condo registration offices can point out great hikes on a map). Bike and jogging trails criss-cross the resort, offering miles of beautiful scenery, and only 25 minutes away by car, Lower Cataract Lake awaits with a family-friendly two mile loop amid quaking aspen and high peaks. Summer activities also include river tubing, fishing, and rafting.

Lodging: Keystone offers so many different types of lodging, it’ll make your head spin. Every level is accommodated, from lodge hotel rooms to home rentals. During our stay, we called the family-friendly River Run condominiums home. Comprised of two and three bedroom condos in beautifully themed multi-level buildings, the location is perfect: right in the heart of the River Run village, it’s ski-in, ski-out, so there’s no hassling with shuttles or parking. The lobby of our building housed a roaring fireplace, comfy couches, and ski lockers, and the outdoor patio welcomed us with a steaming hot tub and guest-use BBQ. Laundry facilities are located in-house as well; though I’ll tell you they’re on the top floor to save you from looking for them as long as I did! Our unit in River Run was very spacious and comfortable for a family with a full kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms and bathrooms. We were able to shop for food on our way into Keystone and cook most of our own meals, and from our balcony, we could see a main gondola.

Dining: Right in River Run village are a vast number of family-friendly pizza parlors, pubs, quick-service sandwich shops, coffee shops, and even a small grocery store. When not dining in, any type of food you might want can be found within a few steps of your condo, and most deliver. For a special night out, I recommend one of two fine dining restaurants, with or without the kids: the dining room of the Keystone Lodge and Spa serves delicious, locally-inspired options from top chefs (I had a house-made ‘pocket pasta’ that was to die for), and the unique Ski Tip, housed south of River Run in the historic Ski Tip Lodge offers an amazing wine list and four-star culinary options paired with the wonderful ambiance of a cozy ski cabin (the original home of Keystone’s founding owner). If the weather is nice, take cocktails on the outdoor patio, and ask for your dessert by the cavernous fireplace in the living room. Kids are welcomed at Ski Tip with their own varied and inspired kid menu, but keep in mind that your fellow patrons and inn guests will most likely be seeking serenity and relaxation after a long ski day.

Getting there: If you’re driving, Keystone is very accessible on I-70. From Denver, travel west on Interstate 70 and exit at the Silverthorne/Dillon exit (#205). At the end of the exit ramp turn left (East) at the stop light onto Highway 6. Travel 6.2 miles into Keystone Resort.

While staying in River Run, cars are parked in the nearby indoor, underground garage, but you may not need it again until you depart: the Keystone shuttle service, operated by Colorado Mountain Express, got us everywhere we needed to be in the resort. For those flying into Denver, the same shuttle service gets families efficiently and safety to Keystone straight from the airport.

Tip! Keystone Resort is situated at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Families not used to this altitude will want to take it easy on their first day, and be sure to hydrate while on vacation and before arriving! I was raised at 5000 feet, and still felt the effects quite strongly!

As I disclose whenever applicable, Keystone Resort hosted me during my stay, covering accommodations, transportation, some dining, and a spa treatment. While generous, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Best Ski Towns: Leavenworth, WA

March 14, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Who can resist the charm of a Bavarian village nestled in the heart of Washington’s Cascades in Wenatchee National Forest? Not us! Leavenworth, WA makes our list of Best Ski Towns for its year-round recreation, sunny weather, and all-round adorableness (that’s an important criteria, right?!). Parents will appreciate the area’s many wineries and distilleries, and kids will love the town’s many seasonal festivals!

Where to ski: Leavenworth plays host to both Mission Ridge and Steven’s Pass ski resorts Mission Ridge is less pricey, but kids will find more programs and runs geared to them at Steven’s Pass. Nordic skiing and tubing is also available at the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, where you can get an all-day skiing and tubing pass for $22 and under!

Where to stay: We stayed at the Bavarian Lodge, located right in the heart of the village and within 30 minutes of all ski resorts and outdoor recreation. Rooms are spacious with kitchenettes for families, and the hotel is within walking distance of all Leavenworth has to offer. But it’s their complimentary breakfast that puts the Bavarian over the top: there are no store-bought danishes and tired boxed cereal here…instead you’ll find homemade scones, sticky buns, Starbucks coffee, and house-made granola to start your day (and save you a buck or two)!

Where to eat: You can’t travel to a Bavarian village without visiting a beer garden, right? der Hinterhof is family-friendly with simple, unassuming food, live music, and a festive beer garden. It’s especially fun to visit in nice weather (or summer), when they open the outdoor garden and hand out sidewalk chalk to the kids. Families also shouldn’t miss The Gingerbread Factory, where kids can sample this old European treat (and the smell inside is divine!). (You can get lunch packed to go, here, as well!)

What to do when not on the slopes: Leavenworth is ideally located on national forest land near scenic Lake Wenatchee, providing many recreational opportunities any time of year. Hike and bike in the summer, and sled and snowshoe in the winter. Kids and adults will also like Leavenworth’s Bavarian-themed shops in the village (look for wagon rides in summer and sleigh rides in winter).

How to get here: Leavenworth is located on Washington’s Highway 2, two hours from Seattle. From Seattle, take I-5 to I-405 near Everett, then Exit 23 to Hwy 2. From Spokane, take I-90 to Ellensburg, then Highway 97 to Leavenworth.

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Best Ski Towns: Kellogg, ID

March 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Located forty minutes past Coeur d’Alene on I-90 in the Idaho panhandle, the town of Kellogg, Idaho offers year-round outdoor and indoor recreation for a family vacation paradise. Hardly your typical ‘resort town’, Kellogg is not all slick boutiques and over-priced restaurants: it still thinks of itself as a mountain mining town with some really, really beautiful scenery and world-class skiing. It makes our list of Best Ski Towns for families due to its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices, perfect location (just close enough to a major city without being too close), and list of fun things to do as long as your arm.

Where to ski: Silver Mountain Resort offers two mountains of family-friendly skiing and boarding. With 1600 acres of terrain at your fingertips, you can easily spend a long weekend here and still not experience everything. A convenient gondola loads skiers right from the center of town, so there’s no need to cart equipment hither and yon, and for kids, there’s a great tubing center and ski school.

Where to stay: This is a no-brainer. Families will want to stay at Silver Mountain Resort’s Morning Star Lodge, where kids will go wild over their Silver Rapids indoor water park. Open year-round and only to resort guests, this huge complex is housed under an enormous glass roof (you can actually get a sun tan!) and sports a surf simulator, lazy river, and water slides galore. Parents will be happy to hear that resort suites include a full kitchen and lots of space for kids to have their own room. Prices are reasonable, especially if you snag one of Silver Mountain’s many seasonal deals. Oh yeah: and kids ski free when staying at the Morning Star!

Where to eat: With a kitchen at your disposal, you may want to eat in. A grocery store is within easy distance of the Morning Star, and two fast food counter service restaurants are housed in the water park. Also on resort grounds are two full restaurants: a pub and a pizza place.

What to do when not on the slopes: You’ll be in the water park, of course, but also located within Kellogg are a mine museum and tour, hiking and biking trails in the summer, and a scenic gondola ride. Fishing and ATV riding is also offered seasonally. If you’re up for a day trip, head west to beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene for swimming in the summer!

How to get here: From Spokane, WA, take I-90 east to Exit 49 in Idaho.

Best Ski Towns: South Lake Tahoe, CA

March 2, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring is a wonderful time of year to spend in South Lake Tahoe! Skiing and other snowsports are still on offer, and sunny skies and warmer temps make hiking and lake days possible, too.

Note: As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.

If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

Wear a face mask.

Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.

Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.

Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring South Lake Tahoe, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Having grown up in the Tahoe area, I am no stranger to the Sierra snow, sunny weather, and beautiful scenery that makes this family ski haven an obvious choice as a ‘Best Ski Town’. Split by the California/Nevada border, families are presented with the best of two worlds in South Tahoe: on the Nevada side, bustling businesses, resorts, and casinos. On the California side, a quiet ski village. We recently returned for a week of fun, powder, relaxation, and more powder; the following is a round-up of what makes Tahoe the perfect town for traveling families.

Where to ski: With so many world-class ski resorts dotting the shore of Lake Tahoe, you really can’t go wrong finding slopes that won’t disappoint. If you want to enjoy your family ski vacation without breaking the bank, however, we recommend Sierra-at-Tahoe. Located on the South shore of the lake near Twin Bridges, Sierra-at-Tahoe is truly committed to a family ski experience. You’ll find runs expertly groomed with families in mind, dedicated ski school instructors, extreme attention to the details of resort layout, and prices that make other Tahoe area resorts’ fees seem laughable. We’re expert skiers, and found Sierra’s slopes to be challenging beyond expectation, and yet families with beginners are catered to as well. We don’t know how they do it, but they do!

Where to stay: It’s hard to go wrong! If you want to stay on the Nevada side, you can opt to be at the heart of the action at the base of Heavenly ski resort, or away from the crowds closer to Sierra-at-Tahoe. There are many lakefront hotel options in South Lake Tahoe as well. Look for suites or condos run by hotels and resorts, which will allow you to have more space and the use of a kitchen.

Where to eat: Hands down, the best food we ate in South Lake Tahoe was at Freshies (3330 Lake Tahoe Blvd). This ‘hole in the wall’ location inside a small strip mall serves up excellent Hawaiian specialties, great microbrews, and kid favorites like rice and noodle bowls in a fun setting. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds; word is getting out about this restaurant!

What to do when not skiing: South Tahoe is full of options for non-skiers, so what you choose will depend on the ages of your kids, how much time you have, and their sense of adventure! We loved sledding at Adventure Mountain (Hwy 50), a tubing mecca just outside of town. If you’re up for a longer outing, consider a snowmobiling cruise with Zephyr Cove Resort, located in town. South Tahoe on the Nevada side also provides plenty of distraction in the form of evening shows, buffets, gambling, and movie theaters.

How to get here: From Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 to Highway 50 into town. From Sacramento, take I-5 to Highway 50.

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Disclaimer: This post has been written in partnership with hotels.com. All opinions remain my own.

Best Ski Towns: Bend, Oregon

February 25, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Up next in Pit Stops for Kids’ series on best ski towns for families is Bend, Oregon. Not only is this central Oregon high desert town ideally situated at the base of Mt. Bachelor and the Sisters peaks, it offers much more than downhill skiing: families will find plenty to do biking, river rafting, and fishing in the summer months and skating, sledding, and spotting wildlife in the winter.

Where to ski: Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is the only show in town, not that you’ll hear anyone complaining. We love Mt. Bachelor for their challenging terrain, great crowd and chairlift line control, and affordable pricing. For extended visits, take advantage of their flexible multi-day passes and kids ski or ride for free!

Where to stay: Just twenty minutes from the slopes is the resort community of Sunriver. We always opt to stay in one of its many vacation rentals, but the centerpiece of the village is without doubt the beautiful and sprawling Sunriver Lodge, where you’ll find indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a full spa and fitness center (vacation rental guests also have access to these facilities). Also within the Sunriver community are walking and biking trails, playgrounds for kids, full childcare program centers, and a central village with ice skating, shops, restaurants, and outdoor gear rental.

Where to eat: If staying in Bend, stop for breakfast before skiing at Pilot Butte Drive In (917 NE Greenwood), voted locally as ‘best breakfast in Bend’. If you’re staying in Sunriver, drive through Bend to their Trader Joe’s location for groceries you can prepare yourself in your rental’s kitchen!

What to do when not skiing: Whether you have little ones who aren’t ready to hit the slopes, or just find yourself with a stormy day, we recommend the High Desert Museum (59800 Hwy 97) outside of Bend. Inside, you’ll find wonderfully done exhibits on Oregon history and culture as well as natural history lessons in the form of replicas, tours, talks, and live animal shows and habitats. Outside, visit the river otter habitat or beaver dams, and see live eagles and hawks take flight. In summer, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (1645 Hwy 20) boasts a caldera to climb, a great challenge for families!

How to get here: Bend is located on Highway 97, approximately 2.5 hours from I-5. To find the Sunriver Resort, take highway 97 from Bend to the exit at Cottonwood Road.

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Best Ski Towns: Park City, Utah

February 23, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s the ideal ski town: beautiful scenery, dozens of kid-friendly resorts, and a downtown bursting with great restaurants and shops surrounded by not one, not two, but three major ski resorts, with half a dozen more nearby. It’s Park City, Utah, and I challenge you to go once and not want to come back for many more family ski vacations.

Where to ski: You really can’t go wrong whichever resort you choose, but our pick is Canyons Resort, Park City’s largest ski resort with over 4000 acres and 19 lifts. You certainly need more than one day to truly explore this mega-mountain, and with long runs (some over a mile) and plenty of terrain parks, you won’t be spending your valuable time in line for the chairlift. Their ski school is excellent, but given the diversity of their mountain, from groomed trails to expert chutes, the kids can ski all day with you.

Where to stay: We loved Westgate Park City, located near the base of The Canyons and five minutes away from downtown. This resort has it all: luxury (think plush towels, spa, and adults-only pool), cozy ambiance (the huge lobby’s fireplace is always ablaze), roomy suites, and a wonderful indoor-outdoor pool and hot tub complex complete with game room, tennis courts for the summer months, and playground. Westgate hosts a full kids’ program with off-site activities as well.

I more recently stayed at Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort, which is more ideally located to the slopes, offers a ski valet and storage service, and a pool that rivals that of The Westgate. Dining is closer at-hand at Grand Summit Hotel, though standard rooms are more spacious at Westgate.

Where to eat: Head to historic downtown for the best grub. Kids will like the Red Banjo Pizza Parlor (322 Main Street), which looks like an old west saloon, and if you get a night out without the children, try Wabo House (1385 Lowel Avenue).

What to do when not on the slopes: Families would be remiss to vacation in Park City and not visit Olympic Park, site of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games (3000 Bear Hollow Drive). If you think your family will want to ride on ‘The Comet’ (bobsled), the ‘Gold Package’ ($75 per person) is a good value, and includes entrance to the museum and a guided tour in addition to the ride. There’s also a zip line, ski jumps, and other extreme fun at-hand.

Wherever you stay and ski, you’ll want to reserve ample time to explore downtown. Parking is free in the public lots, or if you’re staying nearby, check the free shuttle service for times and stops (they run near-continuously). We love Park City’s community atmosphere; you truly feel as though you’re visiting someone else’s hometown, not a tourist destination. Be sure to visit the U.S. Olympic Spirit Store (751 Main Street) for a glimpse at Park City’s merchandise of Olympics past, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate (510 Main Street), where your kids can select caramel apples nearly as big as a melon.

How to get here: Getting to Park City is easy, thanks to Salt Lake City International Airport being a major hub. From the airport, most resorts offer a shuttle, but if not, booking passage on one is easy. (We’ve had good luck with Park City Transportation.) Car rentals are also available of course, but depending on where you’re staying and skiing, you may not need one in compact Park City, given their great inter-town transportation system.

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Best Beach Towns: What to do with kids in Nantucket, MA

September 7, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Beachside vacation living on Nantucket, MA

It’s no secret that Nantucket, Massachusetts is a destination beach town for families. It’s been listed in the same breath as Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod as a premiere summer playground for decades. We were lucky enough to see this idyllic island getaway from a local’s perspective, and suggest the following activities, beaches, and shops for families visiting with kids (some may surprise you!):

Where to Play: If you’re visiting with young kids, everyone on-island will point you in the direction of Children’s Beach, located at the end of Harbor View Way, and for good reason. Protected by the harbor, the water is calm and lends itself to easy wading, splashing, and sand castle building. Plus, it boasts a great playground right on the sand and is close to shops and restaurants. Also within walking distance from town, however, is Jetties Beach. With rolling sand dunes, a snack shack, another playground (they’re onto something here!), and both protected and unprotected surf, our kids felt there was more to explore (and loved walking the sandy boardwalk over to the shack for ice cream cones).

When you’re ready for a break from the beach, be sure to check out the Whaling Museum (13 Broad Street). There’s a staffed room just for young kids to try activities and games, and lots of interesting exhibits for the older set (some might be disturbing if you have a whale lover in your group).

Then if you really want to get off the beaten tourist path, head down Madaket Road just past the dump (yes, you read that right) to Turtle Pond. (With older kids, you can easily bicycle here from town.) Are there really turtles here? You bet. And they’re huge. Bring pieces of raw chicken (yes, you read that right, too) to dangle on string as bait, and they’ll rise to the surface to nibble. Needless to say, kids can’t get enough (but keep little fingers out of reach of turtle mouths!).

There are also many walking and home tours offered by the Nantucket Historical Association. Most won’t hold the interest of very young kids, with the exception of the church tower at the First Congregational Church (62 Centre Street). Kids can climb 94 stairs to the top of the tower, which affords beautiful views of the entire town (and most of the island).

Calvin and Nate ready to feed turtles at Turtle Pond.

Where to Shop: There’s lots of fun shopping in town, but if you want to keep kids interested, head to The Toy Boat (41 Straight Wharf) and buy a traditional wooden boat (they have everything else you can imagine, too) to sail on nearby Children’s Beach.Â Then head to Bookworks (25 Broad Street) to pick out some titles about the island’s maritime history.

Where to Eat: We loved Cap’n Tobey’s Chowder House (20 Straight Wharf) for fast service and a kid-friendly atmosphere. Be sure to stop by The Juice Bar (12 Broad Street) during afternoon or after-dinner strolls through town; they have the best ice cream (and a great selection of Nantucket Nectar juices).

Where to Stay: As hotel prices can get crazy on Nantucket, we opted to stay in a home rental. Most are rented by the week, and there’s an abundance to choose from (reserve early and consider a fall getaway for reduced rates). Our favorite vacation home rental company with a nice selection on Nantucket: Home Away.

Looking for a West Coast beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA and Bandon, OR!

Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

September 4, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Face Rock State Park

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, plenty of activities, and plenty of fresh, salty air. (Just be sure to bring a jacket, because Oregon beaches aren’t exactly known for bikinis and suntans!)

Where to Play: Bandon is all about the beach! Our favorite for beach combing, kite flying, and sand castle building is Face Rock Scenic State Park, right off Hwy 101 on the south side of town. (Follow signs from downtown). Be sure to check out the caves in the sides of the outcroppings of rock on the sand (at low tide). If you need a break from the sand, try your hand at picking cranberries (or just sampling them) at Faber Farms and Cranberry Scoop Gift Shop (from U.S. 101, head east 1 1/2 miles on State 42 South and turn right on Morrison Rd. Watch for the farm’s sign after about 1 mile.)

Where to Eat: Without a doubt, you’ll want to stop at the Bandon Fish Market for some fresh fish and chips, located in the Old Town Waterfront (right by the bay). (They also serve corn dogs and fries for the non-seafood-eating set.) Their seating is outside only, so bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly next to the water, but it’s fun to watch the fishermen on the wharf while waiting for your food. After your meal, cross the street to Cranberry Sweets and More. They’re not kidding about the ‘and more’ part: you’ll find chocolates, truffles, taffies, and every other kind of candy imaginable in addition to their signature sweets. The best part of this store is the abundance of samples. You can easily eat your way around the store, which makes it very fun for kids (and adults)!

Bandon Fish Market

Where to Stay: We usually opt to camp at nearby Sunset Bay State Park (north in Coos Bay area), but if you’re staying a full week, consider a home rental. There are many on offer, from sprawling beach houses fit for a family reunion to small cottages in town. If you’re only visiting for a day or two, we’re tried (and loved) The Best Western Inn at Face Rock.

Want a warmer beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA!

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 20): Stops for Kids in Laguna Beach, CA

July 16, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Image via Wikipedia

On Day 20, we drove from Zion National Park to Laguna Beach, CA, a route pretty devoid of pit stops! We were very glad to arrive in such a kid-friendly mecca of attractions, restaurants, and beaches!

Having grown up in the area (and returning to visit relatives every year since), we are quite familiar with Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas, and we’re convinced it’s one of the best beach towns in America. Below are our favorite picks for families:

Best Public Beach:

Main Beach is lively and fun (and perfect for a post-breakfast or dinner stroll), but to escape the summer crowds, we recommend heading south to Aliso Creek Public Beach. Aliso Creek is on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) just outside of Laguna in South Laguna. (The Montage Resort borders it on the north-end, a wonderful hotel which caters to children more than you’d think; if it’s in your budget, this is a wonderful hotel option). At Aliso, you’ll find a parking lot (eliminating long walks to the beach while carting all your stuff), bathrooms and showers, a playground right on the beach, and over a mile of sand. (The creek that feeds into it is inviting to kids, but there’s no wading allowed.)

Best Park:

Again, Main Beach boasts a fun park along the boardwalk, but for pure kid fun, we prefer Bluebird Park on the Laguna hillside. From Hwy 1, take Cress Street up the hill (directions). At Bluebird, you’ll find extensive play structures (with new, space-age-esque designs) for the toddler set as well as older kids, fun slides built into rocky hillsides, a rocket, and scooter/bike paths. (Sometimes gets busy with the kids’ club located adjacent to the park.)

Nate enjoys some downtime in Laguna Beach!

Best Local Event:

If you’re in Laguna during the summer months, be sure to check out the Sawdust Festival! Located right on Laguna Canyon Road (Hwy 133), this art festival features the booths of local artists (from pottery to fine art to jewelry) and gives kids plenty to look at! Be sure to check out the glass blowing demonstration and stop by the kids’ art booth to let your children try their hand at the project of the day! (Admission: $7.75 for adults, $3.25 for kids 6-12, free for under age 6.)

Best kid-Friendly Restaurant:

Ruby’s Diner, located at 30622 Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) is fast, fun, and kid-centric. Designed like an old-time diner, kids will love the shakes and malts, burgers, and onion rings (as well as their own chef hats). On nice days, ask for outdoor seating: they’ll take you up to the roof!

Best Toy Store:

Main Beach Toys is a great place to stop while browsing art galleries and shops in Laguna (so kids can actually touch some stuff!). Be sure to stop here before hitting the beach, too: they carry lots of sand and water toys.

Date last visited: July, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Laguna Beach is about 30 minutes from I-5.

Directions: From the 405 or I-5, take Hwy 73 exit to Beach Cities to Hwy 1 into Laguna.

Up Next: We take the kids (and nephew Homer) to Pretend City in Irvine, CA!

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