Give the gift of family-friendly travel to California this holiday season

This article has been written and produced in partnership with Visit California. For more family content, visit VisitCalifornia.com.family.

Just like clockwork, the holiday season has arrived and it’s time to start thinking about gift-giving. But this year, instead of wrapping another sweater or pair of socks, consider more creative options that will last the recipient not just a couple of years but a lifetime in rich and unforgettable memories.  As more and more people lean into experiences over things, the holidays are the perfect time to treat someone special to the gift of travel. Here are 10 family-friendly California travel ideas that will truly make someone’s holidays merry and bright.

Manhattan Beach

It’s no surprise that I’m kicking this list off with my all-time favorite California destination. I have lived in Manhattan Beach and its surrounding area for over 30 years and there’s a reason why I love to call this place home. I’ve lived here as a young, single guy and as a family man and father of two and I can attest to the fact that it truly has something for everyone. But especially for families, it’s an extremely kid-friendly destination, combining coastal charm with activities that appeal to all ages.

Located just a short drive from LAX, this beach town offers a relaxing getaway with plenty to do. Families can enjoy the pristine beach with its gentle waves, perfect for swimming and boogie boarding, as well as the scenic Manhattan Beach Pier, which features an aquarium and provides a great spot for photos. The Strand, a popular coastal path, is perfect for bike rides and leisurely strolls, allowing families to soak in stunning ocean views. Downtown Manhattan Beach offers a mix of boutique shops, local eateries and family-friendly restaurants, making it easy to explore and enjoy fresh, local flavors together. No visit is complete without a stop at the Manhattan Beach Creamery – trust me.

Whether you plan to stay for a week or a weekend, Manhattan Beach offers families a chance to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous scenery and easy access to Los Angeles attractions. Read my recommendations for spending a perfect day in Manhattan Beach.

Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point, located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of our favorite places to visit and my wife’s favorite place on earth. It’s a historic property located at Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army post, which served as a military base from 1866 until it was designated as a park in 2002, with the hotel officially opening in 2008. Cavallo Point features a blend of accommodations, offering both historic and contemporary rooms, both of which are gorgeous. Its location and views are one of the best parts of the experience. The scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate bridge create an unforgettable backdrop.

Families can enjoy outdoor adventures together, with hiking trails, biking and nearby beaches that make it easy to explore the natural surroundings. On-site programs like cooking classes and art activities cater to all ages, ensuring there’s something engaging for everyone. For adults, the Healing Arts Center & Spa is a sanctuary, a soothing place to unwind, while kids can explore the property’s many open spaces. The Bay Area Discovery Museum, walking distance from the hotel, is a must for kids. Read our full review of Cavallo Point here.

Starting November 1, enjoy Cavallo Point’s Fall Into Winter offer, featuring savings on the hotel’s best available rate plus a $200 resort credit. Offer is valid for stays from November 1 through March 31, 2025 and must be booked by December 31. Get all the details here.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a gem, a destination that gives serious Mediterranean-meets-Maritime vibes, even though it’s just 26 miles off the coast of mainland California. Our first family visit three years ago was so good we knew it was one we’d be repeating often.

Catalina Island offers a range of family-friendly activities that make for a perfect getaway. Descanso Beach Club is ideal for families, with sandy beaches and options to rent kayaks or paddleboards. Nearby, the Catalina Island Museum offers interactive exhibits on the island’s history and pop culture, making learning fun for all ages.

For a unique view of Catalina’s marine life, hop on a glass-bottom boat tour, where kids can watch colorful fish without getting wet. Our kids were fascinated by the kelp forests and the brightly colored garibaldi. Families with older kids will enjoy the Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour, where you can soar over canyons while learning about the island’s ecology.

At Lovers Cove, a marine reserve with calm waters, families can snorkel among vibrant fish and kelp forests. And for classic family fun, head to Golf Gardens for an 18-hole mini-golf course shaded by trees. It’s been a local favorite for decades and is perfect for all ages. Read our guides to Catalina Island here and here.

Town & Country San Diego

Town & Country San Diego was a delightful discovery we made a few years ago. A stay here is an ideal gift for families looking to enjoy a blend of relaxation and fun in a prime San Diego location. This recently renovated hotel combines retro charm with modern amenities, offering something for everyone in the family. Parents will appreciate the hotel’s thoughtful touches, from stylish, spacious rooms to on-site dining options that cater to all tastes.

For kids, the resort features a sprawling pool area complete with a waterslide. Families can relax together by the pool, enjoy fire pits for evening S’mores, or explore the nearby attractions, as the hotel is conveniently located near family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. While we were there, we visited Sesame Place, just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Beyond its location, Town & Country offers organized activities, including movie nights and crafts. Here are all the reasons my family and I love Town & Country San Diego.

Membership to San Diego Botanic Garden

Give the gift of a membership to San Diego Botanic Garden, a 37-acre urban oasis located in Encinitas featuring four miles of meandering trails and ocean views, 5,300 plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens that represent 15 different regions and many habitats of the world.

Members enjoy a range of benefits, including free daytime admission, free Member programs, discounted pricing on events and classes, free weekly children’s programs, complimentary guest passes, and free or discounted admission at more than 300 other U.S. gardens through the reciprocal program with the American Horticultural Society. Members can also bring a guest with them complimentary. Individual memberships start at $55/annually with military, student and senior discounts available. Buy a membership here.

Sonoma Zipline and Treehouse Adventure Guest Pass

Gift the gift of adventure! This holiday season, Sonoma Zipline and Treehouse Adventure is offering 2025 zipline guest passes at $99 each. Every guest pass is good for a zipline tour on either the Forest Flight or Tree Tops course, both of which include seven ziplines, two suspension bridges, and a majestic spiral staircase in the trees, as well as a Helmet Camera rental. Also available is the Holiday Treehouse Package for $1099, which includes a treehouse adventure package for two people (dinner, breakfast, and both zipline courses, a 24-hr experience) and some branded SZA gifts. You can give your loved ones a chance to zip through and sleep in the beautiful Redwoods. Buy guest passes here.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo (SLO) is an ideal family-friendly destination that combines outdoor adventure, unique attractions, and a welcoming, small-town vibe that appeals to all ages. Nestled between the coast and rolling hills, SLO offers a range of activities to make family vacations memorable. Kids will love exploring the Charles Paddock Zoo, visiting Bubblegum Alley for a quirky photo op, and playing along the scenic beaches nearby, such as Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. For active families, the area offers kid-friendly hikes like those in Montana de Oro State Park, with stunning views and tide pools to explore. The historic downtown district features charming shops, eateries, and farmers’ markets where families can enjoy local flavors and handcrafted treats.

Whether it’s a cozy family stay in a local inn or a visit to one of SLO’s family-friendly wineries with open spaces for kids to play, the area has something for everyone. This holiday season, giving a family trip to San Luis Obispo is like giving the gift of adventure, relaxation, and quality family time in a vibrant, welcoming town. Learn more about San Luis Obispo here.

Terranea Resort

A stay at Terranea Resort is an unforgettable family gift idea that combines luxury and adventure in a stunning coastal setting. It’s a very special place to me and my family and we love to visit as often as we can. Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this resort offers breathtaking ocean views, sprawling grounds and activities for all ages, one of the reasons we return so often.

Kids will love the expansive pool area, complete with a waterslide, and the Tide Pool Kids Club, where they can participate in fun, nature-based activities. The resort’s offerings include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and family-friendly hikes, allowing families to explore the beautiful surroundings together. Terranea’s falconry program provides an exciting, unique experience to learn about birds of prey up close, an experience our kids will never forget.

For parents, the on-site spa and fine dining options provide a touch of luxury, while everyone can gather around fire pits for S’mores under the stars, a cozy and casual way to end each day. Read our full review of Terranea Resort here.

Monterey

My family and I visited Monterey, California for the first time this summer and quickly discovered that it is a fantastic family-friendly destination. Monterey offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, fun activities and educational experiences that make it ideal for travelers of all ages. A highlight for families is the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which I’d been wanting to visit for some time. It did not disappoint. Kids and adults alike can marvel at fascinating marine life and the nearby scenic coastline and beaches are perfect for exploring tide pools, flying kites or enjoying a family picnic.

Staying at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay will enhance the experience with its prime location, just steps from historic Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and other popular attractions. The hotel’s comfortable rooms, outdoor pool and pet-friendly amenities make it an inviting place to relax after a day of adventure. Read our review of the hotel here.

While you’re there, explore Monterey Bay with the Portola Hotel’s Whale Watching for Two Package. Guests will save 15% off the best available rate. Plus, you’ll get to board Princess Monterey Whale Watching’s vessel and spot whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Located just a short walk from the Portola Hotel, Monterey whale watching is a must-see adventure when visiting the Monterey Peninsula. *Note: you can purchase additional whale watching tickets for the rest of the family. Get all the details about the Monterey whale watching hotel deal here.

Big Bear

Big Bear is a year-round, family-friendly destination, offering a blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty and mountain-town charm. In the winter, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Big Bear Mountain Resort, while snowshoeing and sledding provide more relaxed ways to enjoy the snowy scenery. When the weather warms up, Big Bear Lake becomes a hub for water activities, with options for kayaking, paddleboarding and boat rentals that allow families to explore the lake together. Surrounding trails offer fantastic hiking and biking opportunities, letting families enjoy panoramic views and spot local wildlife in any season.

In Big Bear Village, families can wander through quaint shops, enjoy kid-friendly restaurants, and take part in seasonal events, from outdoor movie nights to local festivals. Lodging options range from cozy cabins with fireplaces to modern resorts with pools, ensuring comfort for every family’s style. A trip to Big Bear is a thoughtful gift that offers a chance for quality family time, whether it’s relaxing by the lake in summer or hitting the slopes in winter. With activities for every season, Big Bear is a destination where families can make memories together all year long. Read more about our stay in Big Bear here.

Whichever experience you choose, the gift of travel to California this holiday season is one that is sure to be deeply appreciated and never forgotten.

KEEP READING:

–The family-friendly California attraction you’ve never heard of but need to visit
–5 family-friendly California road trip ideas from Los Angeles
–The 10 most Instagrammable tourist attractions in California
–California road trip: Los Angeles to San Francisco and must-visit stops along the way
–Our first family trip to Legoland and The Castle Hotel

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.