California Weekend Getaways for Families.
Eight easy escapes within driving (or ferry) distance of Los Angeles — from island beaches and wine-country balloon rides to mountain lakes and Danish bakeries. Tap a destination to jump ahead.
Temecula
A charming Old Town, wine country, family attractions and outdoor adventures, with plenty to do beyond the wineries.
MomHop Top Picks
Historic streets lined with local boutiques, candy shops, restaurants, live music, and seasonal events.
One of Southern California's best interactive children's museums, featuring hands-on science exhibits designed especially for younger kids.
One of Temecula's signature experiences, offering incredible views over the vineyards at sunrise.
More Things to Do
- Lake Skinner Recreation Area — playground, splash pad, beach, fishing & camping
- Temecula Duck Pond
- Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
- Temecula Valley Museum
- Saturday Farmers Market — Old Town
- Seasonal fruit picking and local farm stands
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- The Goat & Vine — Pizza, pasta & salads
- Toast Temecula — Breakfast & brunch
- 1909 Temecula — American comfort food with outdoor seating
- Swing Inn Cafe — Historic family restaurant in Old Town
- Best time to visit: Spring & Fall.
- Old Town is very walkable.
- Summer afternoons can get very hot.
- Book balloon rides in advance, especially on weekends.
Avalon (Catalina Island)
An easy island getaway with walkable streets, crystal-clear water and family-friendly activities.
MomHop Top Picks
One of the island's most popular beaches with calm water, cabana rentals, snorkeling, and a beachfront restaurant.
Learn about Catalina's fascinating history, Hollywood connections, and island culture through interactive exhibits.
The best way to explore Avalon and reach scenic overlooks around town.
More Things to Do
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Catalina Casino Tour — historic landmark
- Mini Golf Gardens
- Zip Line Eco Tour — older kids
- Rent kayaks or paddleboards
- Visit Lovers Cove Marine Preserve
- Take a Bison Eco Tour into Catalina's interior
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- Descanso Beach Club — Beachfront dining
- Original Jack's Country Kitchen — Breakfast & lunch
- Bluewater Avalon — Fresh seafood & waterfront dining
- Steve's Steakhouse — Harbor views & American cuisine
- Ferry ride takes about 1 hour from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point.
- Reserve ferry tickets in advance, especially during summer.
- Golf cart rentals are limited and often sell out early.
- One overnight stay is plenty for most first-time visitors.
Ojai
A relaxing small town of orange groves and mountain views, with a walkable downtown and a mix of nature, shopping and family attractions.
MomHop Top Picks
Large playground in the heart of downtown with plenty of shade, picnic tables, and open grass.
A paved trail perfect for walking, biking, scooters, and strollers while enjoying mountain views.
Browse local boutiques, bookstores, toy shops, cafés, and the historic Spanish-style arcade.
More Things to Do
- Ojai Meadows Preserve
- Ojai Certified Farmers' Market — Sunday
- Meditation Mount — reservation required
- Shelf Road Trail — easy family hike
- Bart's Books — largest outdoor bookstore
- Seasonal orange picking and local farm stands
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- The Dutchess — Breakfast & pastries
- Papa Lennon's — Pizza & Italian
- Hip Vegan Cafe — Healthy breakfast & lunch
- Rory's Place — Family-friendly California cuisine
- Best visited in spring or fall.
- Don't miss the famous “Pink Moment” around sunset.
- Downtown is easy to explore on foot.
- Sunday is the best day if you want to visit the Farmers' Market.
Cambria
A laid-back Central Coast town with a dramatic coastline, a charming downtown and easy access to some of California’s most iconic attractions.
MomHop Top Picks
An easy oceanfront boardwalk with beautiful coastal views, tide pools, and plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the scenery.
One of California's most famous landmarks offering guided tours of the historic estate built by William Randolph Hearst.
See hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the beach year-round from free viewing platforms.
More Things to Do
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve — easy coastal trails
- Cambria Historical Museum
- Nitt Witt Ridge — guided tours
- Downtown Cambria shopping & art galleries
- Tide pooling at Moonstone Beach
- Picnic along Moonstone Beach Drive
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- Linn's Restaurant — Local favorite known for homemade pies.
- Main Street Grill — Burgers, sandwiches & casual family dining.
- Robin's Restaurant — International cuisine with a beautiful garden patio.
- Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill — Oceanfront dining just steps from the boardwalk.
- Best visited in spring, summer or fall.
- Bring layers—even summer mornings can be cool.
- Elephant seals can be seen year-round.
- Hearst Castle tours often sell out during peak season.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A charming coastal town with art galleries and a walkable downtown: an easy place to spend a relaxing weekend on foot.
MomHop Top Picks
One of California's most beautiful white sand beaches, perfect for picnics, sunsets, and letting kids run on the wide open beach.
Often called the “crown jewel” of California's state parks, with easy coastal trails, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking ocean scenery.
Stroll through Carmel's fairy-tale neighborhoods filled with charming cottages, hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and local art galleries.
More Things to Do
- Carmel Plaza
- Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
- Devendorf Park
- Scenic Road Walk
- Carmel River State Beach
- Ocean Avenue shopping & local candy stores
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- Stationæry — California-inspired breakfast & brunch.
- Little Napoli — Family-friendly Italian cuisine.
- Forge in the Forest — Large outdoor patio that's popular with families.
- Carmel Bakery — Fresh pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
- Downtown is best explored on foot.
- Bring layers—even summer evenings can be cool.
- Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach.
- Arrive early for easier parking on weekends.
Solvang
A Danish-inspired village in the Santa Ynez Valley, with European-style architecture and family attractions nearby. It feels completely different from Southern California.
MomHop Top Picks
The town's iconic windmills are one of the first things you'll notice while walking through downtown.
Feed ostriches and emus at this unique family attraction just a few minutes outside downtown.
A beautifully preserved California mission with gardens, exhibits, and over 200 years of history.
More Things to Do
- Solvang Park — playground & picnic area
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum
- Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
- Ride the Solvang Trolley & Horse Carriage
- Downtown bakeries and candy shops
- Santa Ynez Valley wineries — many welcome families outdoors
Where to Stay
Where to Eat
- Solvang Restaurant — Famous for Danish pancakes (Æbleskiver).
- Paula's Pancake House — A local breakfast favorite.
- Olsen's Danish Village Bakery — Traditional Danish pastries and cookies.
- Brekkies by Chomp — Modern breakfast and brunch.
- Best visited in spring, fall, or during the holidays.
- Downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.
- Arrive early on weekends for easier parking.
- OstrichLand is about a 5-minute drive from downtown.
Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead
One of Southern California’s best mountain getaways, with plenty to keep families busy all year.
MomHop Top Picks
An outdoor adventure park featuring biking trails, climbing activities, roller skating, archery, seasonal events, and Santa's Village.
A rescue wildlife center where families can see bears, wolves, bald eagles, snow leopards, and other native animals.
A family favorite with a swimming beach, inflatable water park (summer), splash area, playground, fishing, and picnic spots.
More Things to Do
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
- Big Bear Discovery Center
- Big Bear Lake Marina — boat & kayak rentals
- Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair — summer
- The Village at Big Bear — shopping & restaurants
- Meadow Park — playground & lakeside picnic area
Where to Stay
- Lagonita Lodge — Family-friendly lakefront resort.
- Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa — Lakeside resort with private beach access.
- Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge at Big Bear — Walking distance to The Village.
Where to Eat
- Teddy Bear Restaurant — Classic mountain breakfast & comfort food.
- The Grill at Antlers Inn — Casual American dining overlooking Lake Arrowhead.
- Jasper's Smokehouse — BBQ and outdoor seating.
- Fire Rock Burgers & Brews — Family-friendly burgers in Big Bear Village.
- Great destination year-round.
- Carry tire chains during winter months.
- Summer weekends fill up quickly—book lodging early.
- Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are about 30 minutes apart.
Mammoth Lakes
One of California’s best mountain escapes: alpine lakes, waterfalls, scenic gondola rides and a break from the LA heat.
MomHop Top Picks
Ride to the summit for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and easy access to scenic walking trails.
A family favorite featuring the Mountain Coaster, summer tubing, climbing activities, and more.
A beautiful scenic drive with crystal-clear lakes, beaches, picnic areas, fishing, kayaking, and short family-friendly walks.
More Things to Do
Where to Stay
- The Village Lodge Mammoth — Walking distance to restaurants, gondola, and family activities.
- Juniper Springs Resort — Condo-style accommodations with pools and mountain views.
- Outbound Mammoth — Modern family-friendly hotel near The Village.
Where to Eat
- Mammoth Brewing Company — Large outdoor patio with family-friendly menu.
- The Stove — Local favorite for breakfast.
- Old New York Deli & Bakery — Sandwiches, bagels, pastries and coffee.
- Good Life Cafe — Breakfast, smoothies and healthy lunch options.
- Summer is one of the best times to visit.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
- Reserve the Scenic Gondola in advance during peak weekends.
- Mammoth sits at nearly 8,000 ft, so take it easy your first day if you're sensitive to altitude.