Family holiday in Southern California?

Nicole D

Want to go someplace warm at end of Feb, not outside of US or Canada, and not FLorida again, although I love Florida! Hubby just wants to try someplace different. Thinking of SoCal, and it will be an effort for me to avoid Disney while we are there... any suggestions on whether this is a good family friendly idea? We are a couple with 4 kids (12, 10, 8, and 6).

Thanks!

12 years ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from Sheila

Hestonian

Active Member

Lots to see and do in SoCal that doesn't involve the big "D"! A lot depends on your interests, where in SoCal you'll be staying, and whether or not you want to do a lot of driving. Kids might enjoy the beaches, where it might be too cool for going in the water, but you could rent bikes or skates, or go boating. Horseback rides or hikes in the mountains, Legoland, the Queen Mary, aquariums, or science and nature museums are possibilities as well. Sign up for Groupon or Living Social deals for Southern California. There are a lot of bargains on activities and restaurants that pop up there.

Hope that helps!

12 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

The Getty Center and Getty Villa are *great* museums that are enjoyable to visit even if you aren't an art person (amazing grounds and views and lots of kid-friendly features). Also inexpensive as you pay only for parking ;$10?)
La brea tarpits. The Griffith observatory. Hike to (or rather behind) the Hollywood sign (google 'hike to the Hollywood sign" for directions--it is maybe an easy hour hike with great views). Go early (by 9 am on weekends) and bring water. Santa Monica boardwalk as a Disneyland substitute (not too many rides but hey, right on the beach).
(By SoCal I think you mean LA area, not San Diego?)

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think this would be a great idea! I spend a lot of vacations in Southern CA since I grew up there and my parents still live there. Here are some things i like that I think would also be fun for kids. I am not a fan of amusement parks either.

--As mentioned above, Getty Museum and Getty Villa. In addition to the art collections, they both have really nice grounds and gardens to wander around as well as cafes and restaurants and things. The Villa is also right off of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, literally across the highway from the beach.

--Griffith Park. There's a ton to do here, several museums, the LA Zoo, an observatory, lots of hiking trails, etc. My personal favorite (really fun for kids and adults!) is Travel Town, which is an outdoor train museum. There are lots of old train cars and locomotives, and you can actually climb up into the old train cars.

--LA Arboretum. This is actually a bit inland, near Pasadena. Lots of beautiful scenery. They are famous for having a flock of peacocks that freely roam the grounds. I just went here over thanksgiving break and had a great time. The photo is of one of the peacocks.
http://www.arboretum.org/

--La Brea Tar Pits/Page Museum. This was my most favorite museum when I was a kid, with lots of prehistoric creatures and dinosaurs! You can also walk around outside around the perimeter of the tar pits. It's also right next door to the LA county museum of art.
http://www.tarpits.org/

--TONS of great food. Seriously, like every cuisine you can imagine. Little Tokyo is really fun to walk around especially if you like Japanese food.

--Of course, the beach. The Pacific is COLD most of the year but it's still fun just to walk around on the beach.

--A little north of LA, the Channel Islands National Park is fantastic. The hikes might be a bit intense for kids, but there are boat tours, I think.
http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyo.....ngs2do.htm

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12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

little korea is great too.

if you want to go farther south...san diego is great for kids. the zoo, legoland (which hubs and i enjoyed sans kids). i think it tends to be warmer than LA as well with some nice affordable hotels even in la jolla by the beach. the wall-to-wall food coverage is not as extensive as LA. will you be self-catering?

12 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I always think San Diego is the perfect family vacation destination. Balboa Park has a ton of great museums that are kid-friendly, plus the world-class zoo. Old Town is great, the Gaslamp District is great, there's the beach, Sea World, and Legoland is right up the freeway.

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I vote San Diego over LA, too, and I'm from LA lol. Likely better weather guaranteed, in addition to what MaryK listed above.

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

Lots of great tips! I was just thinking of LA, I would love to see some movie star things (Walk of Fame, Hollywood sign, theatres), but maybe San Diego is more family friendly...you have given me a lot to think about. I would love it if we could get away without renting a car- wonder if that is possible. We will probably be dining out most of the time. Off to google San Diego....

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

If you have girls, there's the doll house museum in Santa Monica: http://www.angelsattic.com/museum.html

I don't think it's possible to not have a car in CA, esp. SoCal...

12 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Rachy is right, no car in LA is a nightmare. Remember that song "Walking in LA" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_UpLtGEWoY?

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am very pro Santa Monica - but don't know if the kids would enjoy it as much as other places in So Cal.

12 years ago

JulieJohn

Veteran

I second the San Diego idea. It's ok here in the LA environs, but pretty crowded and I think there are much better places to visit.

San Diego is great, as already mentioned. It has a great mix of nature (ocean, La Jolla coves and sea lions, Torrey Pines gorgeous hiking) and culture (museums, restaurants, amusement parks).

In any case, have fun wherever you go! I recommend the Fodors forum, you can get a lot of good advice and locals help out too. Use the search and off you go...
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/

12 years ago

Sheila

Veteran

Here's another vote for San Diego (over LA). It's just way more beautiful and Coronado is perfect for families. Legoland, the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, trolley, little trip to Mexico (optional), La Jolla...probably no movie stars but hey in LA you're not likely to see anyone anyway. However Universal Studios is fun...Yes, definitely go to SoCal and have a blast. It's a real trip!

12 years ago

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