Is skiing the first thing that springs to mind when you think of California?
Well it might from now on! There’s so much more to ‘The Golden State’ than our beloved Disneyland and the Hollywood Hills.
Check out these four must-see destinations on your next family getaway to beautiful Cali!
1. MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN
With a peak elevation of 7,953 ft, Mammoth is literally the top of California!
Best time to visit
From early November to May (though June to October is also perfect for hiking and biking).
What to do in Mammoth
Soar over the mountain in a scenic gondola ride at 11,053 ft. The ride provides a 360 degree view of Sierra Nevada and is the best way to see all 7,953 feet of the summit!
Once the children have finished cavorting in the snow and building snow men it will be time to head to Woolly’s Tube Park where you can take off down the snow ramp as fast as you dare in a high-speed snow tube. For the little ones there’s a snow play area and merry-go-round snow tubes. Cool!
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to get off the beaten track then you must try snowmobiling. Experienced guides grant you access to California’s greatest playground including: thousands of acres of trails, pristine backcountry, spacious meadows, historic landmarks and lush pine forests.
For a more luxurious way to experience the mountain take a snowcat tour for a unique way to experience the Eastern Sierra. Soak up the stunning scenery as you relax in your heated snowcat while sipping on wine and snacking on fresh fruit, cheese and a charcuterie platter. The kids will be delighted not only by the snowy scenes but also the build-your-own hot cocoa and waffle sundae bar!
2. SONOMA
Sonoma County is located in Northern California in the heart of the Sonoma wine-making region. The Pacific Ocean, rivers, redwood forests plus more than 60 regional and state parks entice families to unplug and discover the great outdoors.
Best time to visit
May to October.
What to do in Sonoma
Peanuts fans will love a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Centre. This fun, laid back museum has some cool exhibits about the famed cartoonist and his beloved Peanuts characters. Directly across the street is Snoopy’s Home Ice stadium for ice skating with the family!
Discover wildest Africa in the heart of wine country! At Safari West, every day means adventure as you journey out in search of herds of wildebeest, romping rhinos and towering giraffes. From ring-tailed lemurs to the dazzling zebra, nearly 1,000 animals from over 90 unique species roam through our 400-acre preserve.
3. HUNTINGTON BEACH
The lesser known cousin of Santa Monica beach and within easy vicinity from Cali’s main tourist traps is Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA. Less than an hour’s drive from Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Aquarium of the Pacific, Huntington Beach is known as one of the safest cities in the United States. Learn to surf, fly kites, build sandcastles and cook s’mores on a beach bonfire.
When to go
April to November.
What to do at Huntington Beach
It’s not called Surf City for nothing. Huntington Beach is the home of the US Open of Surfing and has over fifty surfing events each year. But if you aren’t quite ready to battle it out on the waves with Slater, head to Toes on the Nose surf school where they will deck your family out with surf gear and have a lesson with their professional instructors.
Unleash your creativity and learn to build an extravagant, sandy masterpiece with Dig It! Sandcastles or rediscover your inner child at Kite Connection where you can buy or learn to make and fly your very own kite. Huntington Beach also rents kayaks and canoes, has beach volleyball, stand-up paddle boarding and much more to create some unique family memories.
One of Huntington Beach’s most iconic pastimes is absolutely free! Over 500 bonfire rings are available along the coastline. All you need to do is come early in the day, set down your stuff and mark your spot to nab one for yourself! Bring some firewood and s’mores supplies and you’re good to go! No reservations, no fees required… just pure bonfire bliss and good company.
4. GREATER PALM SPRINGS
A place of many experiences and surprises in 9 distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.
When to visit
Year round; however in June to September expect sweltering heat.
What to do in Greater Palm Springs
There’s no better way to view the Coachella Valley than from above. Don’t settle for the view from your airplane window, though. For the best views of the desert, round up the kids and take a cable car into the mountains at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. A 12.5 minute ride in the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway will offer 360-degree views of the greater Palm Springs area as you climb two-and-a-half miles to Mountain Station in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Once you get to the top of the tram, enjoy nature walks, hikes or a meal overlooking the Coachella Valley at Peaks Restaurant. In the winter, leave the hiking gear at home and pack your scarves and mittens to play in the snow.
With 360 days of sunshine in Palm Springs each year, it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike have flocked to Knott’s Soak City to beat the heat since 2001. This 16-acre water park is generally open from March through October and offers 20 water attractions, including more than a dozen water slides, a 600-foot lazy river and an 800,000 gallon wave pool, a popular spot for children and adults alike.
Have your kids ever wondered what a roadrunner and coyote really look like? At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, you can meet the real life inspiration for these desert-dwelling “Looney Tunes” characters. Focus is on educating visitors about animals from deserts in North America and Africa, including giraffes, warthogs, jaguars and bighorn sheep, to name a few. The Living Desert also has a number of gardens showcasing the various cacti and other plants native to the desert. Hikers, be sure to bring your gear. The Living Desert has 1,080 acres of undisturbed desert land and a number of nature trails through the preserve are open seasonally to the public.
Got something to add?
Tell us about your favourite lesser known destinations in California? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
