The neighboring Pacific Ocean, lush farmland, arid desert and snow-capped mountains give southern California families plenty of options for weekends away.
“California, Here I Come!” may be the cry of millions of vacationers around the world, but in southern California itself, locals like to get out and explore on long family weekends and short school breaks. And since residents of the densely populated state are affluent, adventurous and sports-minded, hundreds of hotels, resorts, RV campgrounds, country cabins, wellness retreats and other accommodations accommodate them.
That’s why within 200 miles of Los Angeles and its suburbs you’ll find a rich variety of weekend getaways. You’ll need a car to get around but this is the state that invented the road trip, so enjoy!
Short Breaks & Weekend Getaway Ideas from Los Angeles & Environs
Whether your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway from everyday routines, there are lots of options within a short radius of southern California’s major cities.
The following weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family’s favorite kids’ destinations, for those who want big city action, surfing beaches, snowsports, or a country experience. There are, of course, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break, so we’ll just highlight some of the top local attractions, kid-friendly festivals and events that suit all ages.
Top Family Resorts for a Weekend Getaway from Los Angeles
Picture Perfect Family Getaway in Marina del Rey
Picture your family tucked into the Ritz Carlton at the Marina for a quick and easy getaway close to home.
Newport Beach for a Five Generation Reunion
When you have to entertain pre-schoolers and matriarchs in the same reunion weekend, you need a posh resort that anticipates all and delivers even more as your homebase.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
For horseback riders, golf lovers, tennis players, spa-goers and multi-generational families, this classic family resort near San Diego makes being together so much fun.
A Delightful Family Weekend at the Del Coronado
Five generations gather to share family fun near San Diego, California, at the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the country’s most famous seaside resort hotels.
Living the Hollywood LIfestyle at the Sheraton Universal Resort
Rides and attractions, backlot tours, movie stars and a great hotel make this resort getaway within sight of Los Angeles a fun and good value weekend away.
Ojai Valley Inn
Where do California families go for wellness treatments, a spa, fresh air and fun kids’ activities with no muss or fuss? For generations, it’s been the luxury mountain resort area of Ojai.
Hyat Beach Resort & Spa in Surf City: Huntington Beach
If everybody’s gone surfing, it may be because of this hip Orange County beach resort and how easy they make it to Hang Ten on the Surf City beachfront!
San Diego’s Many Family Beach Getaway Resorts
It’s a great city for history, the arts, even SeaWorld, so here’s the inside scoop on San Diego’s best places to stay for beautiful beaches and great kids clubs.
Palm Springs Family-Friendly Resorts
It’s trendy, old-fashioned, beloved by gays and grandparents — it’s Palm Springs, and it’s got great resorts with Kid’s Clubs, water slides, golf courses and more in the heart of the desert.
Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort
Five generations came together for fun and relaxation in the prestigious desert enclave of Indian Wells, near Palm Springs.
Weekend Getaways at Southern California Themeparks
Disneyland & California Adventure Theme Parks
A guide to what’s new at the classic Disneyland Resort, including on-site accommodations and favorite rides, shows and attractions at both themeparks — our pick for holidays with your tiny travelers.
Hollywood
Learn about the iconic Hollywood sign, visit musuems, and be in the footsetps of legends. It doesn’t have to be as pricey as it looks, read to find out about cheap hotels to stay in.
Anaheim’s Top Family Hotels for a Themepark Weekend
You don’t have to do Disneyland to appreciate just how many great family attractions and other themeparks exist in the Anaheim – Orange County region. Here’s a hotel guide.
Weekend Getaways That Provide a Different Pace
Free Travel Fun in Santa Monica
Feeling super cheap? FTF’s guide to everything free in sunny Santa Monica, LA’s own beach town, makes for a bargain getaway.
Santa Barbara: Paradise California Style
Two California natives recommend the hotels and restaurants they enjoy when they head to Santa Barbara for its cultural attractions, museums, Mediterranean lifestyle and sophisticated scene.
A Catalina Island Outing
The sailors’ favorite Catalina Island — a car-free retreat just a ferry ride away — makes a great day trip from Long Beach or a fun, old-fashoined beach weekend with the kids.
Made for Babies: Long Beach
This southern California getaway is designed with little travelers in mind: small towns, animals, beach fun, and gentle surf. It embraces the charm of a bustling waterfront with an upbeat ambience of urban chic.
Las Vegas for Family Fun
It’s closer than you think, so here’s an age-appropriate rundown of the best attractions for kids, teens and families together in adult-oriented Las Vegas.
Rosarito Beach, Over the Border in Mexico
Visit Rosarito Beach across the border from San Diego for an old-fashioned beach vacation, a cool movie-making theme park and amazing arts and handicrafts.
Carnival Cruise With Grandkids
Thinking of taking the grandkids on a Pacific Coast cruise, without the soothing buffer of having their parents onboard? If so, you’ll need this savvy sailor’s advice. (Check the latest Carnival Cruise rates here and save).
Need a discount car rental for your Los Angeles getaway?
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This is such a true indicator of Barcelona and Spain in general. For the family vacation or longer term family travels Barcelona is just brilliant. The Spanish adore their children and have such a fabulous fun filled approach to sharing their enthusiasm that young visitors are thrilled and enchanted by the City and the country in general.
I would also go a place like this..so beautiful and refreshing..
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I have heard a lot about Sally. Would definitely love to meet her on our visit to <a href="http://www.travelnut.me/phuket-island">Phuket Island</a>
Great piece, keep up the terrific work.
Madeira Tours – For all your touring pleasures while visiting the island.
Sure! We love new recommendations of good rental agents, so you can post your company name and web address right here.
thanks
I was wondering if we can be added to your recommended rental agents? We have over 50 beachfront properties, ranging form 1-10 bedrooms, specializing in homes for large groups and family reunions!
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Tips about Required Documents For Travel With Minors are great!
maurice doyle: You should certainly be in touch with the airline's Customer Support staff to get a refund for any fees you paid to have an escort, if no one was provided. However, most of the airlines don't require an escort for a child that is 14 years old, even when changing planes, therefore they may not have broken any laws by not having one available.
What a fantastic article and most importantly website. This site is a fantastic tool for families who are beginning their vacations and who may require some support in their planning to cover specific needs.
Thank you. The information is very helpful and before receiving your email, I came to the same conclusion about limiting the trip to Rome and Sicily. You just gave me affirmation. I would love to go to Venice, but that'll will need to wait for another trip.
Thanks again,
Mindy
my grandson flew from sacramento ca. to nixa mo he is 14 yrs of age.We paid for an escort to get him to the next flight out of denver co.at sacramento they told my daughter that it was the last flight out and there is nobody to escort him.can you plese help me with this i want to claim my refund.thany you
Maurice Doyle
417 724 9931
Nice Post. Looking for your next Post. Thanks
This is a normal requirement with any business who are in the care of under aged young people. I believe there is a medical consent that is required at the time of any travel plans.
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this sounds like what we're looking for, too. what area did you look at, and what is the name of the place or rental agent that you used? thanks!
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What fortunate chidlren. Not only to have a great vacation with both parents, but to experience South AMerica at such a young age. Congratulations to such thoughtful parents.
The concept of house swapping is just mind boggling. I really cannot understand why this has not become a world focus for obtaining great vacations at a very cheap cost for accommodation.
Costa Rica conjures images that I can relate to! The similarities to the beautiful island of Phuket are a reminder that we still have many Islands and locations that are thought to be paradise. The key is to care for the land and sea in order for all the benefit for ours and our childrens lifestyle.
Cebu is great
thanks to Cebu Trips Tour..i enjoy my vacation and adventure in Cebu. Visit their website at http://cebutriptours.com/
Hey, Cebu is the Queen City of The South All over the country. It is a place where you can enjoy perfectly. There are so many HOTELS for accommodations,Bars,Cafe's, Disco bar, lot of beach resorts, a lot of adventures, so many malls for shopping, a great place for everyone.
And for me, Cebu is the finest place for me all over the Country, and I have a great life here. This place is somewhat like a paradise. Cebu is the place where I experience a paradise life. So, I want you to visit and stay here in Cebu. And I assure you, you will never regret when you go here.
Thanks for a great article. The only thing I would add is that some new websites are starting to focus on relying on personalised vacation rental referrals from their own social media friends network.
This is a great step forward to avoid potential fraud attempts etc, and ensure your family vacation goes as it should!
Have a look at HolidayRentalsForMe.com – its a great new way of finding a great holiday home for your next family vacation.
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Sure Croatia's beautiful and I can offer you low cost walking tours in Dubrovnik city.
sometimes is to much and you will leave the children at home. I dont know why they want that many documents
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Ooo…Nepal…
Still i remember my first and last visit to Nepal.. that was awesome.. I love there traditional costumes and all.
every one should go there.
in my opinion is to much. Sometimes is better to stay at home.
There are so many other things to do in the Wisconsin Dells as well! You can have a visit with nature and I strongly suggest checking out Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, the local state parks. Going for a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks is an memorable experience too!
Thanks for sharing..
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
I also recommend talking to others that have been to the place that you are going. They will have great ideas on what to see and what to avoid if you have children.
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
sometimes I prefer to stay at home my my children… there are to many documents required
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Bruges during CHristmas is a fairy-tale. I would even recommend it for a short honey-moon: it has it all: beauty, warmth, nice food, great sceneries and above all the medieval scenery.
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