Glamping on the Oregon coast at Bay Point Landing

Located in Coos Bay, Oregon, Bay Point Landing offers safe and affordable glamping on the Oregon coast. You can see their safety and sanitation measures here. What elevates this luxury RV resort to 'glamping' status: its Airstream and cabin rentals, amenities, and location. Located ight on the bay on the Southern Oregon 'adventure' coast, Bay Point Landing features a short section of … [Read more...]

The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: What to know before you go

If you have kids who live and breathe all things Harry Potter, and you can't take them on a trip to the motherland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is the next best thing. With the Wizarding World is now open on both coasts, we opted to check out Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Hollywood. Read on for our best planning tips: Don't forget to budget time for one of the best … [Read more...]

Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor's center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely … [Read more...]

Santa Barbara CA with kids

Santa Barbara is a land of mission-style terra cotta architecture, sunshine, ocean views, and AVAs. And while it’s gotten plenty of attention as a grown-up getaway, it’s a prime destination for families with kids too. Here’s what not to miss (and what to sneak in should you and your partner get some adult-time): Santa Barbara history: Start with the Santa Barbara trolley tour … [Read more...]

24 hours in Carpinteria CA with kids

If you're not familiar, Carpinteria, California is a beach town just south of Santa Barbara that, in the three decades I've visited, has managed to retain its beach-town charm and distinct lack of city or suburbia influence. Located just off Highway 101, Carpinteria is characterized by sandy beach bungalows (each valued around a million dollars, of course), a quintessentially laid-back downtown of … [Read more...]

A Southern California Ojai retreat: a stay at The Blue Iguana Inn

When you arrive at Ojai, California's Blue Iguana Inn, the first thing you'll feel is peace. If you have kids in tow, it will be because of the lush gardens, tucked-away lawns, outdoor pool, and spacious lodging options. If you're vacationing kid-free, it will still be because of all those things, plus the hush of quiet and ample space for meditation, reflection, or simply a nap or two. Either … [Read more...]

Things to do in Ojai with kids

When most travelers think of Ojai California, they imagine a lush Southern Californian oasis of spas, retreats, and artistic shops and galleries...not exactly kid-paradise. In fact, an Ojai vacation can be family-friendly, as long as you know where to stay, where to find child-friendly activities, and what to avoid. Read on to ensure a relaxing Ojai getaway...with the kids. Get outside. Ojai … [Read more...]

Grown Up Getaway: Eureka California wine and cider weekend

A wine weekend in...Eureka? Yes, California's rugged northern 'lost coast' can make for an ideal grown-up getaway, provided you know where to go. Parents will feel completely away from it all, with cell service cutting delightfully in and out with each curve of Highway 101. The scenery is spectacular, the shopping and art scene funky and fun, and the cuisine is original, yet … [Read more...]

Whaleshead Beach Resort

  Summer isn't the only time to visit the Oregon Coast. In fact, our favorite time of year for a coastal getaway is late fall, when the beaches are empty, the rental prices drop, and the weather remains near-perfect. If you're lucky enough to getaway this November to the Southern Oregon Coast, Pit Stops for Kids recommends Whaleshead Beach Resort, nestled along a hillside just … [Read more...]

Weekend Guide to the CA Redwoods

We’re a family who loves spending our vacation days in the wilderness, and few places are as wild and beautiful as the Northern California and Southern Oregon Redwoods. However, we prefer hiking into isolated backcountry sites to campgrounds, and while the Redwoods feature some of the most stunning scenery I’ve seen, the trails are short in length, without ample backpacking options. Because … [Read more...]