What to do in Anaheim beyond the parks: Anaheim Packing District

If you’ve planned a trip with the kids to Anaheim for the Disney theme parks, hopefully you’re taking my advice and adding at least one ‘rest day’ to your Disney itinerary. Disneyland and California Adventure are now at least a two-day affair, and by extending your Orange County trip to three full days, you can take a much needed break from the parks in the middle. Here’s what to do, beyond going … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do): Orange County without the kids: Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four … [Read more...]

Tips for making the most of Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California is, in many ways, the OG of Southern California theme parks. Originally created around an actual berry farm, where the Knott family sold boysenberry jam and homemade desserts and comfort food, Knott’s has retained many of its quaint characteristics, from its famous fried chicken restaurant to its marketplace of artisan shops and holiday-themed … [Read more...]

How to spend a day in San Juan Capistrano California

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers families something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history to your Southern California vacation. Here’s what to explore in one day. Mission San Juan … [Read more...]

Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass and how to use it

Have you heard of the new Disneyland and California Adventure MaxPass yet? Here’s what you need to know about Maxpass, in order to maximize your time in the parks. First, the facts of Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass: Disney’s optional MaxPass designed to do two basic things: 1. take FASTPASS paperless in the parks, and 2. streamline your PhotoPass experience. Here’s how: With MaxPass, … [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...]

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review

Want to be central to LegoLand and San Diego, but stay at a hotel with a distinct ‘beach’ feel? The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is located one street off a lifeguard-manned beach, with ocean views from both rooms and the outdoor pool and lounging complex, and is still within easy driving distance to area attractions. Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review: Located in … [Read more...]

A stay at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids

Parents might assume a Ritz Carlton hotel is too, well, ritzy for a family vacation. In fact, the family-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel make the acclaimed resort a smart choice for families looking for great vacation value. Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids: The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is located right on the Pacific Coast between the beach towns of Laguna Beach and … [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...]