Read update
- Northern California Is The Perfect Vacation Destination For Families!
Summary
- Northern California offers a variety of family-friendly destinations, from the stunning Muir Woods National Monument to the beautiful city of San Francisco.
- Berkeley is a booming city with a downtown area filled with family-friendly attractions, such as the Bay Area Children's Theater and Berkeley Art Museum.
- Santa Cruz is a must-visit city with its famous boardwalk and beautiful stretches of sand, offering thrilling experiences for families, along with great shopping and dining options.
Northern California is one of the most beautiful places in the US for family getaways, thanks to having a stunning coastline, gorgeous nature, beautiful towns and cities, and some of the best family-friendly attractions. Every destination in this list offers something unique for everyone, and regardless of how many times one visits, they are always full of surprises.
Whether looking for a perfect day trip, weekend getaway, or planning to stick around for a longer period, this region never disappoints. Here are the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California.
UPDATE: 2023/08/25 13:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Northern California Is The Perfect Vacation Destination For Families!
This article has been updated with a new stop in Northern California, as well as additional insight on each previously added section. Whether families want to spend time outdoors, inside a museum, on the road, or camping under the stars: NorCal is the spot to be this fall and beyond. Have so much fun!
11 Muir Woods National Monument
- This is a National Monument outside of San Francisco.
- Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908.
Something to see with the family in Northern California is the Muir Woods National Monument. Here, people can witness a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. It's known for its historic redwood trees, scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational seminars, all of which are accessible to guests free of charge. Admission to the entire National Monument is only $15, making this incredibly affordable for families.
The Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails climb a hillside for views of the treetops, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Tamalpais in adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park, which may be perfect for those wanting a clear view of the area.
10 San Francisco
- San Francisco boasts countless museums, parks, and places for children.
- The city overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is full of iconic attractions for both kids and adults, making it one of the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California. One of the top spots to not miss is the Aquarium of the Bay, which is positioned right in the middle of Pier 39, where families can reach it from any place in the city.
Adults and kids will enjoy seeing different animals and even have a chance to touch starfish or a stingray. Exploratorium is another family hotspot that offers educational experiences for children of all ages. Other places to check include the California Academy of Sciences, USS Pampanito, and Cable Cars & Museum.
9 Berkeley
- Located north of San Francisco.
- There is a booming downtown area and many family-friendly attractions.
Located just north of San Francisco, Berkeley is one of the top spots to visit with kids in Northern California. In the downtown area, families can spend time at the Bay Area Children’s Theater, where families can enjoy live kid-friendly shows. The Berkely Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is another top spot to see in downtown Berkely.
The Tiden Botanical Garden is home to impressive waterfalls, bridges, and trails that a whole family would fall in love with. The Berkely University Campus is also brimming with family-friendly attractions, including the Campanile Bell Tower and the Lawrence Hall of Science.
8 Santa Cruz
- The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of the main draws to this city.
- There is great shopping, food, and lodging in this coastal city.
Famous for its gorgeous boardwalk, Santa Cruz is one of the most amazing cities to explore in Northern California. Its boardwalk alone entices over three million visitors, thanks to its vintage rollercoasters that guarantee thrilling experiences to families seeking such kinds of adventures.
The boardwalk also boasts delicious restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful shops that vacationers can experience. Founded by the Spanish in 1791, Santa Cruz is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand. Nature lovers can head to Yosemite National Park, which features unique rock formations.
7 Lassen Volcanic National Park
- This National Park is a great way to educate young kids and even adults.
- There is a junior ranger program hosted at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is among the underrated national parks in the US but is among the best places one can explore with kids on the West Coast. There is nothing as fun as witnessing a geothermal activity and actually strolling on a real volcano. Families make use of the park's campsites as they take time to see the park's natural beauty. Children can take part in Lassen Volcanic National Park’s junior ranger program. If you are looking for a perfect hidden gem that guarantees unforgettable family adventures in Northern California, this is it.
6 Angel Island
- Angel Island makes for a nice day trip while in Northern California.
- Ferry rides are constant here, giving guests a new perspective of the area.
Angel Island is one of the top spots in Northern California to visit with kids. It is an excellent option for a day trip or a weekend getaway for families, guaranteed a fun-filled adventure for everyone. It offers outdoor activities, an incredible food scene, fascinating history, a perfect beach vacation, and of course, stunning scenery. A ferry ride offers a memorable experience for kids on their way to Angel Island.
One can choose to board from either San Francisco or Tiburon – and it's important to arrive early to not miss parking. Angel Island is home to hiking, camping, and plenty of sightseeing. So, a visit to this beautiful California place is always worth it.
5 San Jose
- San Jose is known to be charming and incredibly family-friendly.
- There are historic sites, museums, parks, and even a zoo.
San Jose is one of the most charming cities in Northern California and is an excellent spot to explore as a family. Whether visiting the city with a toddler, an infant, a kid, or a teenager, this city has something that would suit the interests of everyone. There are plenty of magnificent parks, incredible historic sites, and numerous outdoor adventures. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides and other beautiful kid-friendly attractions in the amusement parks. Some of the top spots to visit include Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Tech Interactive, and Winchester Mystery House.
4 Sacramento
- This is one of the more-visited Northern California cities and is the state capital.
- There is a zoo, countless parks, shopping, great food, and beautiful scenery.
Sacramento is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern California and a place no one would want to miss when visiting with kids. California’s capital is home to impressive museums, such as the California State Railroad Museum. Old Sacramento is another top spot to not miss in the city, thanks to having plenty of kid-friendly things to do, including strolling the wooden sidewalks, window-shopping at the candy and toy shops, and exploring the Gold Rush-era underground city. William Land Park, home to Sacramento Zoo, is also among the truly fun things to do in Sacramento with kids.
3 Santa Rosa
- Santa Rosa is well-regarded for its wineries and family-friendly attractions.
- There are children's museums, state parks, hiking trails, and endless scenery here.
Famous for its incredible wineries, Santa Rosa makes an excellent family getaway in Northern California. Families will enjoy the numerous exhibits that kids would enjoy, especially in museums like the Children's Museum of Sonoma County and the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
Families with older kids who are interested in exploring the area's wine scene can stroll through the nature trails in Annadel State Park. Families can also enjoy picnicking in the park. There are numerous walking tours that families can take to explore the hiking trails or the wine country. Kids will also enjoy perusing the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall during their visit.
2 Lake Tahoe
- Water sports are especially fun here.
- Hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking can all be at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in California, making it a popular spot for skiing in winter. There is plenty to enjoy around this place, including the beautiful scenery, perfect ski conditions, numerous kid-friendly activities, and delicious restaurants that serve some of the tastiest food in Northern California. Lake Tahoe is also located not far from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it one of the best day trips to not miss. Families can explore the scenery of Lake Tahoe through boating, swimming, or floating. Travelers can also explore Lake Tahoe hikes that will take them to the most scenic views.
Book a Lake Tahoe cruise to enjoy the area's scenery and some of the most beautiful sunsets while having a delicious dinner meal and listening to music.
1 Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite is one of the nation's premier outdoor attractions.
- Children and families can learn about California's various ecosystems inside the park.
Yosemite Valley is one of the top spots in California to experience nature at its best. The valley features meadows, gorgeous cliffs, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. It's also one of the best places in Northern California for a family vacation; there are several family-friendly things to do in Yosemite (besides hiking), including biking, climbing, wildlife watching, and floating.
The only drawback of visiting Yosemite Valley is crowded, especially during weekends. Whether taking kids to learn how to rock climb, chase the stunning falls, or watch impressive sunsets, Yosemite is one of the top US spring vacation destinations for nature lovers, but other seasons are also good to visit.