8 Family Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

A fascinating landscape and a variety of shorter trails place Joshua Tree among the best national parks for kids and families who are newer to hiking. The iconic Joshua trees dotting the desert landscape look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book! Even short hikes will treat you to amazing views of a cactus garden, a dam frequented by bighorn sheep, and dramatic rock formations including the cool "Skull Rock."

Temperatures are most comfortable for a visit in the spring or fall. Since you can explore much of the park in a day, it's a nice quick side trip if you're already in Palm Springs or doing a California road trip.

Erynn:  Big Bear Lake is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and regularly has cooler temperatures and plenty of scenery! In winter, two resorts (Snow Summit Ski Resort and Bear Mountain) invite visitors to enjoy snow play and sports, while the rest of the seasons offer recreation in fishing, boating, hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. There's even a wildlife rehabilitation zoo to visit where native species get the help they need to thrive. Plan ahead and visit during one of the area's seasonal events for even more family fun.

There's a lot that makes San Diego unique, beyond its miles of breathtaking beaches! Step aboard the USS Midway for a taste of life on the aircraft carrier, go on a kid-friendly hike with jaw-dropping views (and maybe spot a whale) at Torrey Pines State Reserve, and explore two of the finest zoos in the country.

This small island a short ferry ride away from the greater Los Angeles area, and is a lovely destination for SoCal families looking for a special trip close to home. Fun activities for families include hiking, zip lining, glass bottom boat tours, and other tours exploring the area on both land and sea.

Erynn:  Bakersfield might not seem like a worthwhile destination, but it might be because you've never heard of the California Living Museum! Also known as CALM, this zoo is also a native garden and displays the diversity of California wildlife, plus plenty of history. There are also other museums of interest to families such as the Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and the Kern County Museum.

And don't forget outdoor activities like river rafting and pick-your-own Murray Family Farms, plus the Planetarium at Bakersfield College for the stargazers among you!

Yosemite is known globally for its iconic granite outcroppings, beautiful views, and tons of tourists! Camping is a great way to truly immerse yourself into your surroundings, but there's fancier lodging available in the area, too. Reservations are recommended, but availability depends on the season, with spring and fall being busiest. There's plenty to do, from camping, hiking, and backpacking to guided tours, ranger and interpretive programs, bird watching, horseback riding, rock climbing, stargazing, and more!

Erynn:  Monterey is known worldwide for its expansive Aquarium, but that's not all there is to see! Monarch butterflies make their seasonal flight to nearby Pacific Grove at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. While you're in PG, visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse (the oldest existing lighthouse on the West Coast!) for a tour or check out the Museum of Natural History (the bird collection is magnificent!). There's plenty of shopping along Cannery Row, but my kids' favorite is the Dennis the Menace Playground at El Estero Park--complete with views of the bay from the play equipment.

Erynn:  Oakland is home to an amazing zoo that focuses on conservation, but that's not the only attraction that draws families. There's also Fairyland, a storybook amusement park on a smaller scale that has kid-sized rides, petting zoos, and other whimsical attractions.

On the educational side, there's the Oakland Aviation Museum plus the Chabot Space & Science Center, a hands-on and interactive attraction with a digital planetarium. Into art? Check out the Museum of Children's Arts or the Oakland Museum of California, which showcases art, history, science, and more with kid-friendly exhibits.