Visit a San Francisco Museum for Free
If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, it's worth checking out our list of free museum days to see if your visit coincides...
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A Weekend in Yosemite
I love Yosemite any time of the year! My husband introduced me to Yosemite decades ago when we used to rock climb. Our climbing days...
Read ArticleVisiting Pinnacles National Park
In part one of a three-part series on national parks, we explore Pinnacles National Park. It’s the closest national park and a great hiking destination for your family.
Read ArticleNorthern and Central California’s Children’s Museums
Children’s museums are magical spaces where kids can explore, learn, and play through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. Families in Monterey have access to quite a few exceptional museums offering unique...
Read ArticleSnow Play Within Four Hours of Monterey
I still laugh the first time I took my kids to the snow. We still joke about that day. My ten-year-old son, all energy and...
Read ArticleEight Dazzling Holiday Light Displays in California
California lights up in November and December with sparkling displays that celebrate the magic of the season. If you'll be traveling during this holiday seasons,...
Read ArticleFive Day Trips Perfect for Monterey Families
With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, it is a great time to plan a day trip with your family. The...
Read ArticleCalifornia National Parks For Families
If your family is looking for ideas on what parks to explore this summer or fall, check out this guide on the top things for families in California’s national parks.
Read ArticleVisiting Point Reyes
Living in our area, we have endless options for incredible coastal adventures. If your family is like mine, we rarely venture outside our gorgeous Monterey...
Read ArticleCalifornia’s Quirky Fairs & Festivals
As you make travel plans for the year, consider adding one of these fun festivals to your itinerary.
Read ArticleTwo Unique Southern California Vacation Destinations
Some families have a vacation tradition, so they already know what they will do. But some may be looking for something different or less expensive. Maybe a unique experience. For those looking for something new in California, read on.
Read ArticleCamping With Your Family
Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present while out in nature are gifts to gain that will keep giving.
Read ArticleWild About California Wildflowers
Will we see a profusion of gorgeous wild colors on the hills and in the fields of our state this year? In some years, the wildflowers have been so abundant that they were visible from space.
Read ArticleOur Favorite Low-Cost Fun in San Francisco
If you’re planning a family trip to the City by the Bay, here are our favorite low-cost activities that will keep both kids and parents entertained.
Read ArticleCold Weather Adventures in SoCal
Look beyond Tahoe for your snow fun this year! The San Bernardino mountains are about a six-hour drive from the Monterey area. The area is also easy to get to by flying into Ontario or Palm Springs and renting a car.
Read ArticleGrandmas in Hawaii
What do you get when two long-time friends head to Hawaii? A vacation filled with whiskey tasting, hiking, beach sitting, and a few adventures (but no grandkids!).
Read ArticleTeen Time in Tahoe
Togetherness with your teenager just a few hours from Monterey in Tahoe. Quality time with your teen might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s achievable!
Read ArticleRoad Trip to Sunriver, Oregon
Five hundred seventy-five miles north of Monterey, Sunriver, Oregon, is a haven for families. Filled with outdoor activities and adventures, each season brings unique experiences for its visitors. It’s the perfect destination for a road trip.
Read ArticleA Weekend in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is scenic, a convenient drive from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and offers a range of adventures for any age. Here is what we learned, including some tips.
Read ArticleCalifornia Bloomin’: Where to See California’s Super Bloom
A super bloom occurs when the conditions are exactly right: there must be the perfect mix of rainfall paired with the right amount of sunshine, all at the right time. And, by all accounts, we are in for a treat this spring.
Read ArticlePaso Robles is the Place for Family Fun
If you are looking to escape the fog of the Peninsula, Paso Robles is the place to go. Located less than 2 hours from Monterey, Paso Robles offers warmer temps, sun, and fun for the whole family.
Read ArticleFive Reasons to Visit San Jose (and one great reason to visit Gilroy!)
A 70 mile drive from Monterey, San Jose offers all sorts of opportunities for military families to enjoy recreation, shopping, and dining.
Read ArticleCalifornia Must See’s for Monterey Military Families
We asked a new resident of the Golden State to share his favorite destinations so you can start a California travel bucket list.
Read ArticleHigh Desert Getaway: Cuyama Buckhorn
If your goal is to arrive home after a weekend getaway completely relaxed, look no further than Cuyama Buckhorn in Santa Barbara’s high desert.
Read ArticleExploring San Diego: Tips for First Time Visitors
If you’re heading to San Diego for your first visit, our short list of “must-sees” will help you plan a great trip.
Read ArticleHow To Enjoy the Beauty of Nature During a Family Road Trip
Traveling with our family gives us the opportunity to see new places and enjoy our surroundings. We can also utilize that dull time while traveling to our destination by seeking ways to connect to nature.
Read ArticlePlan a trip your family won’t forget
It is hard to believe that we haven’t been able to plan a summer vacation without worrying about staff shortages, canceled flights, mask rules, vaccinations, and restrictions regarding destinations, since the summer of 2019.
Read ArticleTen Reasons to Take Your Family on a National Park Road Trip
Time to plan a summer vacation and we have ten reasons why a trip to a national park should be on your radar!
Read ArticleSnow Days for Monterey Bay Families
If you’re asking “Where is the closest place to play in the snow?” here are five snow play areas and resorts that cater to families. All are within a 5-hour drive from Monterey and a few are budget-friendly.
Read ArticleCamping in Mexico: Planning is Key
With COVID still a concern, many families have chosen vacations that keep them off airplanes, out of hotels, and more in control of the environment. My husband and I are part of that group and recently enjoyed a one-week camping vacation in Mexico.
Read ArticleA Weekend Visit to Sausalito
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or step off the ferry from San Francisco into Sausalito, and you’ll swear you’ve landed in a quaint European city.
Read ArticleKids and Road Trips
With summer in full swing, there is still time for a family road trip. For me, road trips are both nostalgic and opportunities for new experiences with my family.
Read ArticleHow to Take a Family Trip on a Budget
If you’re ready to break out of pandemic lockdown with a little vacation but your wallet is looking a lot empty, check out our tips on getting away on the cheap!
Read ArticleEpic California Road Trip
If you’ve ever wanted to visit California destinations that are off the beaten path, this spring or summer is the perfect time for a road trip of a lifetime!
Read ArticleHow to Plan for a Future Vacation
Looking forward a few months to a getaway may be just the thing your family needs to make it through these (hopefully) last months of isolation.
Read ArticleFive Tips for Winter Travel
Caron Comas is a professional truck driver for Variant, one of the nation’s largest trucking companies. Comas suggests following these tips on the road and before you travel.
Read ArticleRV 101: Planning a Family RV Vacation
With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation.
Read ArticleA Weekend Getaway to Solvang
We spent a warm February weekend in Solvang and found the little town to be thoroughly charming. It’s the perfect getaway for your Monterey County family.
Read ArticleArt Road Trip: A Visit to Sensorio in Paso Robles
In Paso Robles, an easy two-hour drive from the Monterey Peninsula, you can expose your children to art in a unique way. Sensorio is installed on over 15 acres just outside of downtown Paso Robles and is comprised of over 58,800 stemmed spheres.
Read ArticleRoad Trippin’ with Kids: Hacks for Fun, Stress-Free Road Travel
With a little pre-planning, you can drastically reduce the hassles and turn your time on the road into a fun, family experience for all. Here are seven tips for stress-free road travel.
Read ArticleTen Books to Keep Kids Happy While Traveling
Whether it’s a road trip or a flight, keeping kids entertained while traveling is key to a parent’s sanity. Here are ten book suggestions to keep your kids engaged while traveling.
Read ArticleSnow Day! Fun cold-weather options for Monterey County Families
If your family is ready for a fun romp in the snow, we have great options within a 5-hour drive of Monterey for you to check out.
Read ArticleCelebrate Your Besties With a Girls’ Getaway
February is the perfect month to make plans for a girls’ getaway. You may be surprised to hear a girls’ trip will have significant benefits for your mind and body.
Read ArticlePaso Robles For Family Fun
If you are looking to escape the gloom and fog of the Peninsula, Paso Robles is the place to go. Located less than 2 hours from Monterey, Paso Robles offers warmer temps, sun, and fun for the whole family.
Read ArticleFive San Jose Attractions You’ll Want To Visit
Tech marvels, farm animals, and a big scary house–here are five great destinations for fun in San Jose.
Read ArticleLast Minute Summer Getaways for Monterey Bay Families
Haven’t had time to fit in that summer vacation? Here are some quick and relatively affordable getaways to help you make some family memories.
Read ArticleA “Beat” Tour of San Francisco
Are you a fan of Jack Kerouac? Are you fascinated with the “Beat Generation” or San Francisco hippie culture? If so, you will probably really enjoy a tour of San Francisco with a focus on Beat Generation landmarks.
Read ArticleA Wine Weekend in Healdsburg, Sonoma County
If you’re looking for a great destination for a short trip, consider Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Great food, wineries galore, and breathtaking scenery all add up to the perfect destination for a weekend of fun.
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