California - Pitstops for Kids

Family vacation destination: San Diego

May 1, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for a family vacation destination, why not consider San Diego? The southern California city is known for having great weather and beaches, along with a laid-back atmosphere.

There are a few downsides—for example, San Diego is one of the most congested cities in the country as far as traffic and roadways. San Diego is also a pretty expensive destination, which is true for most of California.

If you can avoid roadways during rush hour and set a budget, San Diego is a great travel destination when you have kids.

The following are a few things to know about San Diego, especially when it comes to travel.

The Basics

San Diego is a beautiful city, with plenty of hotels and other options geared toward tourists. There’s a lot of history in addition to the things you might first associate with the city, like the beaches.

The weather is one of the best parts of visiting. San Diego has one of the best climates in the country. It’s sunny throughout the year, and in the winter, you can expect temperatures in the upper 70s, while in the summer, the highs are usually mild and in the upper 70s.

Much of the culture and activities in San Diego revolve around the water. For example, San Diego is home to the Star of India, which is the oldest sailing ship still active. You can take the San Diego SEALS tour on a hydra-terra vehicle that will take you from the street to the water.

There are around 70 miles of shoreline in the city, and most are beautiful beaches.

The History

We don’t often think about San Diego as being rich in history, but in reality, it is. San Diego has centuries of history you can enjoy. If you visit the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park, you can learn a little more. This is a 1,200-acre cultural park in an urban area. There are 2.5 million images in the exhibit and 45 million pieces highlighting the history of San Diego.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

There are so many kid-friendly attractions in San Diego that it would be hard to name them all here, but some options include:

Old Town, California, is the birthplace of modern California. Old Town is where the original Spanish settlers arrived in 1769, and they built the first of the missions in the state. There are 15 historic buildings in Old Town, and you can take a narrated trolley tour.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has eight hiking trails to choose from, including Beach Trail, with cliff views of the Pacific. There’s also an easier option, which is the Guy Fleming Trail, ideal if you have young children.
La Jolla cove has designer shopping and high-end dining, but you can also enjoy the outdoors, and there’s often live music on Scripps Parkway. There are sea cliffs to walk along, and you can see the California Harbor Seals on the beach at Children’s Pool. Children’s Pool is a small cove protected by a breaker.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is ideal for learning more about sea life and conservation efforts, and you can get up close with sea creatures, including petting some of the sea stars.
You can’t miss the San Diego Zoo on a trip to the city. It’s one of the world’s most famous zoos, and you can take a double-decker bus tour to get a lay of the land. You can learn more about conservation efforts happening at the zoos, and if your budget allows, you can sign up for a private tour.
The Fleet Science Center is in Balboa Park, featuring exhibits on various topics, and is also home to a massive IMAX theater.
Legoland California is in San Diego, and so is Sea World.
Don’t miss the beach. We’ve talked about it a few times, but the beaches are perfect for families and free.

When you’re planning a family-friendly trip to San Diego, make sure you think about the season. If you go during the low season, you’re going to get better rates and smaller crowds. In San Diego, October is usually the off-season.

There’s also so much to do that it can be a good idea to plan ahead before your trip, to make sure you get to everything you want to do. If you buy tickets to attractions in advance, you’ll be able to skip the lines and save some money.

Skiing Sugar Bowl Ski Resort with kids

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Growing up in Northern California, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort was my hands-down favorite. I loved the front face of Mt. Lincoln, with its exciting dips and gullies, and the historic lodge reminded me I was truly in a Tahoe of a different era. I didn’t get back to Sugar Bowl for a long time, and when I did, I found that much had changed…in all the right ways.

The historic lodge is still there; it’s called the Village Lodge and is still connected via the old-school gondola that brings guests from the village parking area. However, there’s also a newer, more modern Mt. Judah Lodge, with its own base area and parking. While I was nostalgic for the village parking-gondola combination, I had to admit it was far more convenient to park at Mt. Judah. This base area houses the kids’ learning area, too, making it the best place for families in lessons to call home.

Skiing Sugar Bowl Ski Resort with kids is a no-brainer, because this resort really does have it all: it’s far enough off the beaten path that crowds tend to stay away, it gets some of the best snow coverage in Lake Tahoe and kids and teens who are advanced skiers and riders will have plenty of terrain to keep them challenged. Royal Gorge, one of the most extensive cross-country ski parks, is just next door, too.

If you have adventurous kids, check out the gated options at the top of Mt. Lincoln: ours love the steep front face with many options for moguls and tree skiing. Just be sure to take roped off areas seriously: there are several cliff areas on this face. Our second favorite area is off the Disney Express lift, which is almost entirely comprised of black diamond runs (a few blue intermediate runs are present for those who need them). On a powder day, head all the way over to Crow’s Nest Peak for gladed skiing.

Kids who gravitate to terrain parks will want to lap the Mt. Judah side, which also has some of the best blue groomers. One thing that Sugar Bowl lacks a lot of is easy green runs. You’ll find them, but the blue and black runs are by far the more abundant. Head to Nob Hill or Jerome Hill if you want to find a choice of green runs.

We enjoyed lunch at Mt. Judah lodge (I highly recommend the ramen bowls), but there’s additional dining at both the village lodge and the smaller mid-mountain lodge. Lodging can be found on-mountain at the historic hotel lodge, which has true European elegance in a rustic setting, or you can reserve a vacation rental home.

If you go, note that there are two parking areas; we recommend Mt. Judah. The drive is about 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, near the Donner Summit and overlooking Donner Lake.

Disclosure: We experienced Sugar Bowl as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Winter holiday season at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve reviewed Squaw Valley in the past, and the info linked is still relevant, helping you plan your Squaw Valley ski trip! But we’re in the heart of the holiday season at Squaw Valley right now, and it’s amazing! For a taste of what this iconic ski resort is like during the festive holiday season, read on!

Holiday season at Squaw Valley:

For our family, spending the holidays at a ski resort cannot be beat. We absolutely love spending Christmas amid evergreens, snow, and ski slopes. Throughout December, The Village at Squaw comes alive during their annual Merry Days and Holly Nights, with holiday decor, a massive tree, and outdoor fire pits ready for marshmallow roasting. Events are ongoing (described more below). This festive ambiance is really all we need to get into the holiday spirit, but if you need more, you’ll find it!

In the days between Christmas and New Years, you can ski and ride with Jonny Moseley, go disco tubing (see more on this below!), try the mini snowmobiles, and enjoy holiday-themed concerts.

Learn about all your holiday options here!

Last year, during our two ski days leading up to Christmas, Squaw Valley got dumped on, with almost two feet of snow in two days. It was powder heaven on the slopes, and when we’d had enough, our lodging in the Village at Squaw Valley was only a few steps from the slopes. We spent the late afternoons in the hot tub in our building, playing Monopoly, and sneaking away for a hot toddy at the Plaza Bar (grown-ups only!). While in the lodge for lunch, Santa came by our table with candy canes.

We ate a holiday meal pre-Christmas at Plumpjack, located in the Squaw Valley Inn. Our four-course meal with the family was made even more special by the snow falling outside. And we never had to get in our car…a huge plus while on a ski vacation where weather becomes a factor to be reckoned with.

This year, we tried something new with Christmas Eve dinner at High Camp (much recommended, even though it had to be moved to the Olympic Lodge due to storm conditions on the mountain!), and saved our evenings for disco tubing. LED lights, lasers and live DJs made the snow tubing lanes festive (and exciting enough for teens!) from 5-8pm.

If you come to enjoy the holiday season at Squaw Valley, don’t miss:

The festive holiday atmosphere in the Village at Squaw Valley
The holiday meal offerings at Plumpjack, High Camp, or with Olympians at farm-to-table events.
Free sleigh rides: catch a ride between the Village at Squaw Valley and the Olympic Village Lodge
Free train rides through the ice sculpture garden: North Tahoe Catering sculptors create animals and shapes from ice in the Ice Garden at Olympic Village Lodge.
The chance to glimpse Santa on the slopes: during our visit, we caught sight of his bright red hat several times!
New Year’s Eve celebration: includes a torchlit parade and fireworks!

Photos courtesy of Squaw Alpine and Amy Whitley.

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Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

July 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of scrambling and bouldering to their heart’s content directly from trails and campgrounds. Here’s how to do Joshua Tree National Park with kids!

Joshua Tree is definitely worthy of a day trip from Palm Springs, but we highly recommend making two days of it (either driving in or camping). Hiking in the park is not strenuous (almost all hikes are 3 miles or less), and for the non-hikers, there’s plenty of wildflower and cacti viewing, birding, and rock climber-watching (yes, I just made that a word). Here’s what not to miss with a few days in the park:

Split Rock nature trail:

Located a few miles past the North Entrance to the park, Split Rock is often overlooked by visitors, making it almost empty during our peak season visit. (If you’re unsure where to go, ask a ranger at the Oasis Visitor Center, which should be your first stop, anyway. Split Rock is a two mile loop that takes you through yucca, Joshua Trees, and most importantly, amid towering boulders. We stopped often to let the kids climb, but whether you want to keep it a traditional hike it up to you, of course. Hikers often spot mountain goats here, though our wildlife spotting was limited to lizards, ravens, and rock climbers.

Hidden Valley:

Hidden Valley is a mecca for rock climbers (and it’s fun to watch them here), but is also a great place for kids to scramble and explore. There’s a 1 mile nature trail loop that shows the natural bowl where cattle wrestlers brought stolen cattle to hide them, but kids will be more interested in jumping from rock to rock. This area gets crowded, but there’s room to spread out and most visitors don’t go further than the first quarter mile (in our experience).

49 Palms Oasis:

When you’re ready for a trail that doesn’t involve scrambling and bouldering, try the strenuous 49 Palm Oasis loop. It takes hikers up and down canyon ridges to a very welcome palm tree oasis deep in the canyon. The actual oasis area is off-limits due to restoration, but it’s fun to count the palms (we counted 46, so there probably are 49 in actuality), sit in the shade, and check out the green vegetation around the spring. Hike this one in the morning, as there’s little shade.

Where to stay:

Joshua Tree has no fewer than nine campgrounds, as well as motel-style lodging in the towns of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree. We highly recommend camping in Joshua Tree to get the full experience of this spectacular park. There are few things to note about the campgrounds: of all nine, only Black Rock and Cottonwood offer running water and flush toilets. The remainder offer no services except pit toilets. The only reservable campgrounds are Blackrock and Indian Cove.

We stayed two nights in Indian Cove Campground, and loved the experience. Every campsite is adjacent to Joshua Tree’s famous boulders, and the entire campground is located in a beautiful rock canyon. We stayed in site 90 which is located at the very end of the campground, and considered it as ideal as it gets for a car camping experience. We had no immediate neighbors, and had wilderness surrounding us. We had room for two tents—one quite large—which is not the case with every site.

Tip: If you have a large tent or want to set up two tents, call the ranger station and ask about the particular site you reserved. Pack accordingly! For family groups wanting two adjacent sites, we recommend 63-64 or 99-100. And if you really want some isolation from other campers, consider reserving two sites even for a small group. They’re only $15/night!

When to go:

Due to its higher elevation, Joshua Tree is bearable further into the warm weather months than other desert parks (such as Death Valley), but you’ll still want to visit between March and May for the best weather. At the time of our March visit, temperatures reached the 80s in the day, and the 40s at night.

Tip: for more information about Joshua Tree, check out this guide from Live Once Live Wild.

Directions:

Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. You can approach it from Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway).

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mt. San Jacinto State Park

May 29, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you have a few days in Palm Springs, a trip to the Aerial Tramway is well-worth your time. This ‘world’s largest rotating tram’ takes visitors from the desert floor to over 8,000 feet in elevation to Mt. San Jacinto State Park in just a few minutes. The tram ride itself is fun for everyone (even those who experience ski resort gondolas and trams often), but the real gem is at the top. Mt. San Jacinto Park offers 54 miles of hiking trails in over 14,000 acres of alpine wilderness. Everyone can enjoy the novelty of soaring from a desert environment to an alpine forest within minutes, and once there, they can spend as much time as desired exploring the mountain scenery.

Hiking trails are well-marked, the three major trails offering something for everyone: the easy 1.5 Desert View Trail can be done in under an hour, or the Round Valley Trail offers a 4.2 mile loop more suitable to families with older kids. There’s also a 12 mile loop up San Jacinto Peak for experts. Once families depart the tram at the Mountain Station, they follow a paved walkway down to Long Valley, where the wilderness awaits. Since we’d done a lot of hiking in previous days of our trip, we opted to let the kids rock scramble and play at will in the valley area. In winter, an Adventure Center in the valley offers sled and snowshoe rentals plus gear.

Tramway tips:

The temperature changes dramatically between the desert floor and the Mountain Station, so families will need to bring extra layers. A good rule of thumb: expect the temperature to drop by 20 degrees.
Buy tramway tickets online to ensure your departure time. If you buy tickets at the Valley Station, expect a slight to moderate wait. During the time of our visit on a weekend during Spring Break, we waited an hour before boarding.
Expect the process of boarding to take awhile, from the time you park and take a tram bus to the entrance of the Valley Station to the time your departure time is called to board.
Due to the time and cash investment, plan to spend the better part of the day at the Mountain Station area.

Dining:

There are ample opportunities to purchase food, both at the Valley Station (where there’s a snack area and bar) and the Mountain Station (where families find a quick service type restaurant with pizza, sandwiches, and the like) as well as a sit-down dining experience. Outside food is also allowed, and picnic tables are located at both stations. Bring water bottles and fill them at drinking fountains.

Distance from the interstate:

The tramway is located six miles from downtown Palm Springs off I-10.

Admission cost:

Adult tramway tickets are $23 and children’s (12 and under) are $16. Discounted tickets can be had after 4 pm. Hours vary by season.

Directions:

From Palm Springs, take Highway 111 to Tram Way.

Three west coast trip must-visit destinations for families

April 13, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

The west coast of the USA is one of the most stunning road trips in the world. It is a trip that offers so much: ferry rides in the Puget Sound, hikes through the redwood forests in Oregon, wine-tasting in Napa Valley, the windy roads of San Francisco, beach lounging on Cannon Beach, the bright lights of Las Vegas, and amazing coastal drives for hours. Below are three west coast trip must-visits!

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a hub of excitement and the cultural, commercial and financial heart of Northern California. The city is the 13th most populated in the U.S. but has the second-highest population density in the county, with only New York being busier. The city is famous for its restaurants and some of the best chefs in the country are lucky enough to call this home. San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community is at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can experience some fantastic food and enjoy some of the best dinings the world has to offer. San Francisco is very proud of its cable car system. It is the last manually operated system in the world today. At its peak, you would find 23 cable car lines in the city, but today we have just three left. Nearly all of the people that ride the cars today are tourists looking to try something different when in town.

2. Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, has a population of over 200,000 and boasts more than 300 days of annual sunshine. Over seven million people visit Scottsdale each year, as it has a reputation for being a posh resort town where the rich and famous come to play and shop. But there is plenty to do in this city besides lounging at exquisite resorts and eating at fine restaurants. In fact, Scottsdale is loaded with museums and attractions that are both easily accessible and free, suiting the budget traveler’s itinerary and wallet. Scottsdale Homes for Sale are selling at a record rate. Single-family rental homes have grown up to 30% within the last three years. Almost all the housing demand in the US in recent years has been filled by single-family rental units.

3. Oregon

It doesn’t matter what part of Oregon you’re visiting, you’re bound to find something interesting to explore. After all, the state is home to acres of untamed evergreen, glacial lakes, and a rugged, windswept coastline. But visitors exploring the Beaver State will also uncover decidedly hip cities, rural cideries, and sprawling vineyards. Whether you’re touring Oregon for the first time or you’re a regular, repeat visitor, these are nine points of interest in Oregon that prove there’s more to the state than Portland.

One week in San Diego with kids: San Diego itinerary

March 24, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

San Diego is one of our favorite spring destinations: it’s warm, offers up both beaches and culture, and can be affordable for a week-long visit. Here’s what not to miss with kids during a one week San Diego itinerary:

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 San Diego, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Where to stay and how to get around:

Decide where you want to center your home base for your San Diego itinerary: downtown San Diego or the Carlsbad area where beaches and LegoLand will beckon. There are many San Diego hotel options, depending on where you want to center your home base.

If you opt for downtown, we recommend the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina or the Grand Hyatt. Keep in mind that while you’ll be on the water, this is the marina side, so you won’t have access to swimming beaches. If you opt for Carlsbad, we love the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa. You can also get a taste of both marina and beach, city and neighborhood, by renting a house in lively Mission Beach.

San Diego is a car-centric city, so you’ll need a rental car to get around. Rent a car in San Diego starting at around $130 for a week, with prices going up from there if you need a larger vehicle. Renting from the airport location is always the most convenient, but you might save some cash if you can rent at your hotel or off-site.

What to do with a week in San Diego:

San Diego attractions that families will want to dedicate a full day to:

Legoland: If you have kids between the ages of 2-12, Legoland needs to be on the itinerary! Make sure to pack swim suits, too, for the waterpark section, and give yourselves the entire day, if not two days. Get our top tips for Legoland Calfornia here.

San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld San Diego: Depending on the choices your family makes, both of these parks will require a full day. We lean toward the zoo, where we feel the conservation efforts and educational aspects outweigh those at SeaWorld. Get our top tips for the San Diego Zoo here and for Seaworld San Diego here.

Beach day: Plan for at least one full day at a San Diego beach! Our top picks include the bustling Mission Beach district if you have older kids and want to do some dining and shopping as well (there are also paddle board and bike rentals in abundance). If you have younger kids, head over the bridge to Coronado and enjoy the gentle surf and flat sand on this relatively quieter island.

San Diego attractions that only require half a day:

Old Town San Diego: Often overlooked, we love Old Town! You can tour Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where The Junipero Serra Museum lies right on Presidio Drive in Presidio Park, marking the exact location where historical scholars say the state of California was born. Outside in the Presidio is a wonderful place for an afternoon picnic and restful place to take a breather.

Extra Tip: if you want to learn more about the history of the city, consider a walking tour with a California State park guide. Tours begin at the visitor’s center on the plaza, and no reservations are required. Parents with little ones can detour from the tour whenever tired feet dictate.

After getting a solid historical background, you’ll want to kick back and enjoy some of the color and flavor of the Old Town marketplaces. Take your pick between Fiesta de Reyes, where the streets are always alive with a party, and Bazaar Del Mundo, which features goods from all over the world. Toy stores selling historically-based toys and candy shops with old-fashioned treats can also be found in the state park section of town.

Use Old Town Trolley Tours to explore the area without stress…it will also take you over to Coronado and through downtown attractions if you want to make touring San Diego without a car into a day’s activity.

Balboa Park and museums: Certainly, Balboa Park can take up an entire day, but with kids, you’ll want to pick and choose which museums and attractions to explore, based on their age. The San Diego Museum of Natural History is here, plus the Museum of Art, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Man. When kids need a break and want to run around, be sure to check out the botanical building.

U.S.S. Midway: Kids will notice this aircraft carrier sitting in the bay almost immediately, and they’ll want to explore it. Luckily you can! A tour of the USS Midway takes a few hours, but is very interesting to all ages. We have tips for best exploring this attraction, which is right on the water on the marina downtown.

Enjoy your San Diego itinerary with kids! Spring break is coming…are you ready? This post was created in partnership with hotels.com.

Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of

March 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that’s both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations.

Desert destinations:

An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to the beach. Bonus points if you can easily drive to any of these California and Southwest locations:

Borrego Springs:

Never heard of it? I’m not surprised! This oasis in Southern California is generally off the radar, but a great fit for active families. Head to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a boutique clamping resort where families can stay in vintage Airstreams and hike trails location less than two miles from the resort. February, March, and April is the time to come to see wildflowers, and always, the night sky displays brilliant views.

Death Valley National Park:

Located an easy drive from Las Vegas, NV, Death Valley is our top pick for outdoorsy families looking for a warm-weather destination. Camp in the park to save money, or stay at Furnace Creek Resort. Our kids love the wide open grassy spaces, the tennis and basketball courts, and the spring-fed pool. In the park, multiple hikes await: go in the mornings and evenings and spend the middle of the day swimming!

Scottsdale, Arizona:

Family travel website Global Munchkins recommends Scottsdale for spring break…even if you’re not a baseball fan. For a splurge, stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and get a full water park for the price of your stay. Be sure to take kids to the fun shops and dining options in downtown Scottsdale, and visit Phoenix, and sure, spring training, while you’re in the area!

Tip: Pick up youth baseball equipment to ‘get in the game’ before a trip to watch spring training!

On the way to… destinations:

Let’s get real: sometimes, you’re spring break trip is really just a stopover en route to Grandma’s house, a sporting event, or a longer vacation. We’ve compiled the best ‘on the way to…’ locations from top bloggers.

Bowling Green KY:

Often a stopover on the way to Florida or other southern locales, Bowling Green, Kentucky is right on I-65 and is home to an astounding 21 cave tours in the immediate area. Road Trips for Families highlights the best, along with dining and lodging recommendations in the city. If nothing else, be sure to see Mammoth Cave National Park, and perhaps stop at an area museum. You can even at at a dairy and see a car museum on the same day!

West Georgia:

Already vacationing (or living) in Atlanta or St. Simon’s Island? Field Trips with Sue has a full itinerary of West Georgia for an affordable spring break getaway. Highlights include Providence Canyon, Gaines (complete with frontier fort) and the Warm Springs pools. This type of tour offers kids a lesson in history and ecology without them realizing they’re learning…away from school.

French Lick Springs:

For those in the middle of the country, AdventureMom suggests taking a chance on scenic French Lick Springs Resort, Indiana. This resort is known for its stunning architecture, but it also offers activities year round (not just in the summer months). Families can have kids join the kids club, play foot golf, learn about the history of the hotel, and swim in the pools year round. Oh, and parents can get a spa treatment.

Beach destinations:

Want to be warm and feel sand between your toes? You can still book a beach vacation at spring break affordably! Here’s where to go:

St. John, USVI:

Going to the Caribbean for spring break may not seem like a new idea, but St. John is an unique location you may not have considered. Trekaroo recommends spending your Virgin Islands vacation on St. John because of its low-key, quiet atmosphere, and the many outdoor activities afforded. Virgin Islands National Park is here, complete with multiple hiking trails and beaches, and snorkeling is abundant. Stay in a vacation home to save money!

Ventura, CA:

Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County West is an easy-to-reach section of the California coastline. Families get both seaside charm and inland adventure. Don’t miss the whale migration at this time of year, taking place through mid-April. When we visited, we used Island Packers; rates start at $37 for adults and $27 for kids. Time your visit right, and you may also see the Celebration of the Whales Festival (March 20, Oxnard) or the California Strawberry Festival (May 21 & 22, Oxnard). Either way, definitely head out to the Channel Islands!

Zihuatanejo, Mexico:

I’d never heard of Zihuatanejo until it was recommended by Pint-Sized Pilot: see the top 10 things to do in this Mexican beach destination! This authentic, non-touristy resort village is quiet, scenic, and affordable with local eats. Visit Zihuatanejo markets, enjoy its festivals, and play in its beaches. It’s located on the Pacific side of Mexico, by Ixtapa.

Loreto, Mexico:

Located on the gulf side of Baja California, Loreto is a great pick for families who want to find an alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene. Walking On Travels recommends finding accommodations in town in her Loreto travel guide, to take advantage of local dining opportunities and the town vibe. Snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming is not far away!

Ski destinations:

Haven’t gotten enough ski days in yet? I’m with you! Some of our favorite spring break ski destinations are smaller, hometown resorts that won’t break the bank.

June Mountain:

Located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California, smaller June Mountain offers affordable lift tickets and lessons amid the most scenic runs out there. In the backyard of Yosemite National Park, June also has a very friendly atmosphere…the lodge is cozy and warm, the instructors cheerful and not rushed, and the lift lines are usually nonexistent. Stay near Mammoth to get the best of both worlds!

Angel Fire:

Heading to New Mexico this spring break for some warm sunshine and some skiing? Get both by combining a trip to Santa Fe with a stay at Angel Fire. Trekaroo recommends this ski resort because of its great amenities for families at The Lodge and the ability to night ski here (a big plus for teens). For spring breaks without much snow, there’s a wide variety of summer activities at Angel Fire as well.

City destinations:

We love city vacations, and during spring break, we like to head somewhere that’s less likely to have frigid temperatures and snowstorms. These outside-the-box ideas fit the bill!

Seattle, WA:

Blog With 2 Kids in Tow recommends Seattle and neighboring Bainbridge Island as a temperate getaway with both an city and outdoor-venture vibe. Kids love taking the ferry, checking out the city markets, and burning energy in the excellent city parks. If the weather turns rainy, as it does in this part of the state often, several high-quality kids museums and science museums await.

Tallahassee, Florida:

Don’t overlook Tallahassee for family fun in a warm-weather environment. Family Travels on a Budget recommends this nature-studded city for its zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking. Wakulla Springs State Park offers river boat tours, and in the winter and early spring, it’s possible to spot manatees as they migrate up the river. Horseback riding and lighthouse tours are also on offer for families.

Bonus spring break pick:

The Burren, Ireland:

Ireland Family Vacations, the expert on all things families and Ireland, recommends this unique part of Ireland specifically during the spring. During this low-tourist season, families can spot baby animals in nature sanctuaries, go on cliff walks, and try kid-friendly foodie tours. Learn more at Ireland Family Vacations!

Want even MORE ideas? Here are an additional 18 spring break destinations!

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Tahoe with kids: Skiing Alpine Meadows

January 26, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning to go to Tahoe with kids? Alpine Meadows, located between Truckee and Lake Tahoe, California, has some of the best skiing in the Tahoe area. Plus, it’s rarely crowded and always easy to navigate with kids in tow. Often overshadowed by Squaw Valley, the two resorts are now on the same ‘team’; one lift ticket now allows families to explore both mountains (connected by 15 minute shuttle ride). While we love Squaw for its big mountain, expert terrain and village ambiance, Alpine Meadows wins for ease of use, gorgeous views, and family-friendliness. If you’re expert skiers, don’t worry: there’s still plenty of steep bowls to play in.

Tahoe with kids:

You won’t find a village at Alpine Meadows. No speciality shops or high-end apres ski dining. What you’ll find instead: a direct line from the parking area to 2,400 skiable acres, with over 100 trails and seven bowls. Families park in one central parking lot, and walk only a short distance to the base area lodge. There are lockers to rent, but you’ll see that skiers and riders feel comfortable hanging backpacks from lodge hooks, and stashing coolers in designated areas (it’s also easy to head back to the car for things).

From the lodge, beginners will find the learning area to the left, and experts will want to load Summit chair to the top for freshies on the Sherwood and Alpine bowls (you’ll get a bird’s eye view of both on the way up). Roundhouse chair takes families to mid-mountain, where they can head to Scott or Yellow chairs for fun intermediate and advanced terrain. In the morning, the front bowls will soften up first (avoid the Scott area until the shadows lift).

Families will find a small chalet to warm up in by the base of Scott chair (with food service), or–and this is the beauty of Alpine Meadows–it’s always easy to navigate to the base area to eat. While at Alpine, you won’t sacrifice terrain for the convenience of accessibility and lack of crowds: the bowls and bumps are among the best we’ve experienced anywhere. And the views…you’ll get lake views and mountain views in every direction on bluebird days.

There are really only two areas gravity will take you on Alpine’s front side (Scott chair and base area), which makes it a great area for adventurous teens. Once we were skied out, we sat on the sunny base area deck and watched as our boys took additional laps.

Date last visited:

December 2014

Distance from the interstate:

I-80 is a 10 minute drive (at Truckee).

Lift ticket cost:

Here in lies the rub: lift tickets to Alpine Meadows are now combined with Squaw Valley, bringing them up to $95/adults, $82/youth, and $55/children during non-peak days. You can use these tickets at Squaw, so definitely plan on multi-day tickets to take advantage of both mountains.

Directions:

From Truckee (I-80), take CA-89 to Alpine Meadows (you’ll pass Squaw Valley first).

Disclosure: As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Alpine Meadows as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are own own.

Tahoe with kids: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review

January 19, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When we visit Lake Tahoe, we visit for the skiing, and we tend to stay slopeside at ski resorts. However, there’s a lot to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter and summer that does not involve downhill skiing! If your family prefers lakeside relaxation, snow play, Tahoe dining, or summer Tahoe beach-going, hiking, and mountain biking, stay at the lakeshore instead of in ski villages.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort review:

This deceivingly simple travel lodge blew me away! Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort has been family-owned by the Mourelatos family since the 1970s and is located directly on the sand in Tahoe Vista, in North Lake Tahoe. It has 16 units of standard hotel rooms and 16 units with full kitchens, all of which have lake views and are steps from the sand. The Mourelatos family has taken care to provide many touches that add value to a stay here: you’ll find an impressive outdoor BBQ station for families to use at their leisure, beachfront lounging, two outdoor hot tubs, free parking and WiFi, and a free continental breakfast each morning (though this is basic). In addition, activities are always on the books, whether that be game night in the lobby or s’mores by the beach.

Where Mourelatos really shines: local information is at each visitor’s fingertips. I spoke with owner Alex Mourelatos, who explained that guests wanting plenty to do need only ask: the hotel has 18 acres of property on the other side of the highway filled with trails and trees. In winter, families sled and snowshoe here, and can connect to the adjacent Tahoe Vista Regional Park for more outdoor adventure. In summer, hiking and mountain biking abounds. The front desk staff can also point families to the best dining options, water activities and Tahoe events. In summer, canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are available, and in winter, snow play toys are laid out for kids.

I enjoyed a room at the far end of the resort with perfect lake views, a full kitchen and large deck over the sand. Rates during the winter when I visited were as low as $162, a great value for lakefront property. Mourelatos is within 20 minutes of Diamond Peak ski resort and within 30 minutes of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Northstar. If you have beginning skiers and snowboarders or simply want a low-cost ski experience, Granlibakken is within 15 minutes’ drive.

If you go:

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort is located at 6834 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista. It does sell out in the summer months, so book far ahead to ensure you get a room!