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...]
Yosemite lodging pick: Tenaya Lodge review
May 23, 2019 By
What a gem of a lodging option for Yosemite National Park! Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located just outside the park boundaries at the South Entrance, within very easy distance from Mariposa Grove and Wawona (just a few miles). Because the lodge is situated outside park boundaries, it can offer more guest rooms and sits on a large property. What this means for families: it's far easier to get a … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Sequoia: Wuksachi Lodge review
April 29, 2019 By
We love national park lodges! Our favorites offer incredible scenery, rustic ambiance, and a quiet, intimate feel, but also offer a few modern conveniences. Where to stay in Sequoia National Park? The winner for us is Wuksachi Lodge. Located in the heart of Sequoia National Park at the Wuksachi Village, the lodge is the only lodging in the immediate area. In fact, you won't even find a … [Read more...]
Five stops along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper and Banff National Parks
April 25, 2019 By
If you're visiting both Jasper and Banff national parks on your Canadian Rockies vacation (and you should be!), you will drive the Icefields Parkway connecting the two parks. This 3 hour stretch has been described as one of the most scenic highways in the world, and after our fall 2013 visit, I concur. The parkway takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive, but families will definitely want to stop … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Banff National Park: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge
April 15, 2019 By
During a vacation in Banff National Park, visitors have three main lodging options: camping, hotels and lodges outside of the town center, or Banff town hotels. Because Banff can get crowded and parking and driving can be a hassle even in the off-season, we recommend a hotel in town to be within walking distance of dining, shopping, and tour departures. Brewter's Mountain Lodge is located in the … [Read more...]
Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids
April 11, 2019 By
On a recent tour through several California National Parks, I heard the same thing over and over again from fellow guests and even park employees: "We love Yosemite, but we've actually never been to Kings Canyon." Or, "We come to Yosemite annually, but haven't experienced Sequoia, yet." This tells me two things: Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the nation (no surprise there), … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Miami: Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami review
April 4, 2019 By
A midtown Miami hotel is a good choice for a pre or post-cruise stay with easy access to the airport, or can be centrally-located for a Miami weekend away from South Beach. I recently checked out the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami on a recent stay, and was very pleasantly surprised. Where to stay in Miami: The Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown Miami is without a doubt the … [Read more...]
Kimpton Surfcomber review: Where to stay on South Beach with kids
April 1, 2019 By
South Beach Miami may not be the most kid-friendly destination, but as Miami's a major cruise port, families will find themselves navigating Miami Beach with kids in tow. When we realized our red-eye flight from San Francisco to Miami would land us in the city at 6 am, a full 10 hours before standard hotel check in, I knew exactly where I wanted to stay: at a Kimpton property. I knew a Kimpton … [Read more...]
Camping in Death Valley National Park: Furnace Creek Campground review
March 25, 2019 By
We love Death Valley National Park’s Furnace Creek Ranch, but as room rates for this family-friendly Death Valley lodging option rise (justifiably…it’s a great place to stay), we’ve been exploring camping in Death Valley. Here's what we discovered about fantastic Furnace Creek Campground! Families have their pick of several Death Valley campgrounds, including Stovepipe Wells campground, and all … [Read more...]
Death Valley National Park with kids: top hikes for active kids
March 21, 2019 By
We love exploring Death Valley National Park with kids! And no, you won't swelter in the heat if you follow our tips! After our fourth visit with kids (stay at either Furnace Creek Ranch or Furnace Creek Campground), we’ve narrowed down our list of favorite Death Valley hikes to our top three. These hikes--detailed below--are best for active, school-aged kids who love exploring, climbing, … [Read more...]
