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A Weekend in Yosemite National Park

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Last April, we decided to take our kids, who were then 3.5 and 1.5, to Yosemite National Park and had a wonderful experience. 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.

WHEN TO GO

In terms of weather, summer is a fantastic time to visit Yosemite. However, the biggest drawback can be the large crowds during the high season when visitors from across the country and the world visit. Fall and spring can be less crowded but less predictable regarding weather. I have yet to visit in the winter, and while it would be beautiful, I don’t think our children at this age (under 5) would enjoy it quite the same. We found our visits in fall and spring peaceful, and we were less concerned about lines and general traffic.

GETTING TO YOSEMITE VALLEY

I highly recommend visiting Yosemite Valley with young children, as it is a convenient road trip. The Valley offers lots of food and lodging nearby with shuttles. Depending on where in Monterey or Santa Cruz counties you are located, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive without traffic. Once you are there, you can park your car and not drive again until it’s time to go home if you choose to walk and use the shuttles.

On your drive to Yosemite, make sure you make a stop at the Merced Fruit Barn. It’s on the way and an excellent spot for young children to get a break and play. It has food, clean bathrooms, and an assortment of animals. In addition, it splits the drive almost evenly (if you’re heading to Yosemite Valley, about 2 hours on either end from the Merced Fruit Barn) and has a few gas stations nearby where you can fill up too.

If you are driving in the summer or on a long spring or fall weekend, consider leaving early in the day to beat weekend traffic. If you have children who get squirmy in the car, they’ll appreciate not having to sit in traffic, particularly at the park entrance.

If you are traveling with a grandparent, consider taking advantage of the Senior Pass to enter the park. A lifetime pass is available for $80, a pass for one-year is $20 for those over 62. The pass entitles the pass owner and up to three adults to enter national parks for free.

WHERE TO STAY

Staying in the park is well worth it, especially with young children. If you need a midday break, your lodging is right there. You also avoid traffic entering and exiting the park, which we noticed daily. We booked our travel plans about nine months in advance. When we booked, a range of options was available at The Ahwahnee, Curry Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge for our family of 4 that did not involve camping or unheated tents. If you are going with a large group, book earlier.

Here are your in-park lodging options with pros and cons:

The Ahwahnee

Majestic is a great descriptor for The Ahwahnee. It’s breathtaking and full of history. The rooms are older and might be due for some upkeep, but this felt like a luxury hotel.

Tip: If you are a guest staying at the hotel, you can make reservations at the restaurant in advance, which I highly recommend. It’s a beautiful dining room and quite the treat at the end of a long day.

Curry Village

Curry Village is the most rustic feeling. The accommodations are canvas tents and cabins. This is an excellent location if you have a large group or want a more nature-focused lodging experience.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge feels like a standard, average hotel. The buildings are short (two floors), and the rooms are 2 Queen beds. The location has more food options, a store, and bike rentals.

You can rent bikes and bike trailers for smaller kids here. We fit both kids in one trailer and biked Cook’s Meadow Loop, frequently stopping to admire the views. Even so, it was not a long or overly challenging bike ride. It was much better than carrying the kids when tired, and they loved riding in the carriage.

If you cannot book early and are traveling with a small group (like a family of 4), regularly check the website the month before, as the cancellation policy says to cancel seven days in advance for free. Usually, a few (non-camping) last-minute options open up.

WHAT TO EXPLORE IN YOSEMITE VALLEY

Here’s what we explored with our young children:

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. This was a great, easy walk. Our general experience has been that this was the busiest of all the trails but a good one. Seeing these waterfalls up close and far away on a well-maintained, minimal-elevation trail was a special treat for our kids.

Mirror Lake Loop (we did the out and back, not the full loop)

We made Mirror Lake harder than it should have been. We accidentally strayed onto a more challenging trail, so we had to double back before doing the out and back. Mirror Lake offers a beautiful view, which is quite different and more serene than the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The last portion of the trail has an elevation (uphill on the way there), so be prepared to motivate kids to keep going. We brought snacks and took breaks. Our goal was to do as little carrying of the littles as possible.

Cook’s Meadow Loop. As mentioned earlier, we biked this, which was a highlight for the whole family. Elevation was insignificant, and the paths were wide and relatively easy to bike, even while pulling a kid bike trailer.

I hope your experience with your family is wonderful. Most importantly, savor exploring nature and making memories at the beautiful Yosemite Valley together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Check nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm before heading out to see what trails are open. You can also view the available trails with difficulty ratings to plan your trip, find links to downloadable apps, and find park services on social media. You can also download maps ahead of time or pick up hard copies in case you lose reception.

Denise Green has worked in education for over a decade, specializing in mathematics pedagogy and professional development. She, her husband, and their two children reside in the sunny hills off Highway 68.

California Bloomin’: Where to See California’s Super Bloom

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Historically, California has experienced what has been called a “super bloom” every ten years. Despite the persistent drought in our beautiful state, we have been lucky enough to have a couple of very wet years between the heat and sunshine. There was a super bloom in 2017 and again  in 2019. Experts say the Spring of 2023 should give us another opportunity to revel in the glorious bursts of color!

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. Native wildflowers lie dormant in the soil for years as a result of California’s drought conditions. When the rain comes, followed by sunshine, the wildflowers bloom all at once, creating colorful carpets of flowers. Believe it or not, deserts are one of the best places to see a super bloom. While it is difficult to predict where the “best” sites will be, there are a few places that are a good bet to have flowers.

My favorite place to see wildflowers is Anza Borrego State Park located in the Southern California desert. It’s a road trip well worth the miles. There are some fun mid-century-style motels in Borrego Springs, which is an excellent spot to start your wildflower tour. There are also campgrounds if you want to go that route. I recommend following the Facebook page “Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide.” They always have tips on what colors are blooming and where, and the page is updated daily.

Plan a night or two at Joshua Tree National Park if you decide to make the So Cal desert road trip. When the super bloom happens, it adds another dimension of beauty to this stunning park. This once-desolate park has become trendy, so make sure you have reservations. Gorgeous sunsets and California poppies are guaranteed to fill the camera roll on your phone.

Adding to the list of desert locales, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a great destination for those seeking a colorful landscape. Purple, yellow, and gold flowers cover the hillsides of this desert community in the northern end of Los Angeles County. Vehicles are not allowed in the park, but there are miles of trails, so bring your walking shoes.

One year on spring break, I took my kids to camp in Death Valley National Park, the flowers were spectacular. Something about the desert’s starkness and the flowers’ fragility makes for a breathtaking backdrop. There are campgrounds and a few hotels in the park. If you take an RV, there is only one campground with hookups, so plan accordingly!

Carrizo Plain is a spot that should be on your list. Located about two and a half hours from Monterey, this location should get more attention. If you have a four-wheel vehicle, there are dirt roads you can follow to get away from the crowds. But be sure to stay on the trails. If you want to stay the night in the area, there is a sweet little motel in New Cuyama on Highway 166 called Cuyama Oaks. Offering mid-century charm in a small roadside motel, with gourmet-quality food at the restaurant on the grounds, it’s perfect for any length stay and great for families.

As you can see, most well-known destinations to see the super bloom are south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. But a popular spot to see the flowers in the northern half of the state is Lassen Volcanic National Park. While the desert locations experience the most colorful bloom in March, Lassen is at a higher elevation and has snow on the ground well into spring.

So the bloom there happens later than in other popular spots. Late April into May will still have beautiful blooms to see. Although this national park is not as popular as Yosemite or Yellowstone, it is a hidden gem. Lassen is a beautiful place to hike and go sightseeing, one of my “gotta go again someday” spots!

Lastly, another Northern California spot I have read about – but never visited – is Mount Diablo State Park. A little over three hours from Monterey, the abundance of hiking trails and camping make this a great weekend destination.

Wherever you choose to view the super bloom, please follow the commonsense suggestions on the next page. It’s up to all of us to preserve the beauty of nature.

Tricia Vlasak works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures with her grandchildren. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.

Five Reasons to Visit San Jose (and one great reason to visit Gilroy!)

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San Jose, located 70 miles north of Monterey, is the largest city in Northern California. While San Francisco and Oakland tend to get more headlines and name recognition, don’t overlook this slice of the Bay Area. San Jose is a great place to take the family for all the benefits of an urban environment without nearly as much traffic!

Below are a few family-friendly locations where you and your loved ones can enjoy a day…or three!

The Tech Interactive

Located in the heart of San Jose, The Tech Interactive is one of the best science and technology museums and activity centers on the west coast. With STEAM-targeted exhibits like BioDesign Studio, Cyber Detectives, Space Exploration, and Social Robots, the entire family can learn more about science, tech, and the way it is helping to shape our future. Don’t forget to check out the IMAX theatre, currently offering a variety of programming.

  • 201 S. Market Street, San Jose

  • 408-294-8324 • thetech.org

  • Open Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Winchester Mystery House

This is one of those you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it sort of places. Originally an eight-room farmhouse, the official website describes the current facility as the result of “the world’s longest home renovation.” Sarah Locke Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester and heiress to a significant portion of the Winchester® Repeating Arms fortune, purchased the farmhouse shortly after relocating to the area after the death of her husband and child. From 1886 until Sarah’s death in 1922, constant construction resulted in 24,000 square-foot behemoth with 160 rooms, 10,000 windows and six kitchens.

The motivation behind such a project remains part of the mystery, along with reports of paranormal activity around the residence. With over 12 million visitors to date, the attraction has been named a “Top Destination” by USA Today, Time Magazine, Travel Channel and more. Several tours and activities are available at different times and price points—please see the official website for information and booking.

  • 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose

  • 408-247-2000 • winchestermysteryhouse.com

  • Open daily: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekends


Raging Waters

As lovely as the Monterey Peninsula beach offerings are, sometimes there just isn’t a substitute for screaming down a waterslide. Raging Waters is the largest water park in Northern California, with over a million gallons of water spread over 23 acres of attractions. Popular spots include the Wave Pool, Pirate’s Cove, and Bomb’s Away—an enclosed waterslide with a surprise beginning! Throw in the Endless River and Activity Pool and you’ll never want to feel salt water again!

  • 2333 South White Road, San Jose

  • 408-238-9900

  • rwsplash.com

  • Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through August 6


California’s Great America

Featuring thrilling rides, entertainment and a top-notch waterpark, California’s Great America is the perfect choice for families of all ages. Great America features more than 60 rides, from heart-fluttering roller coasters to quiet track rides perfect for your youngest kiddo. It’s also the only amusement park in Northern California that has a waterpark included with park admission. Be sure to check out the Gold Striker, an old-school wooden roller coaster that zips patrons along at over 50 miles per hour!

  • 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

  • 408-908-1776

  • cagreatamerica.com

  • Open daily during the summer except for Tuesdays. Park: 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Waterpark: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—some exceptions, please check the website calendar for details.


Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Have a little one who wants to go to the zoo?  Don’t want to drive to San Francisco or Oakland? You’re in luck. The perfect place to meet and greet animals and enjoy age-appropriate rides is only an hour away in south San Jose. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals such as the Black & White Ruffed Lemur, Capybara, Giant Anteater, Jaguar, Monkeys, Tortoises, many different species of birds and much more.

  • 748 Story Road, San Jose

  • 408-794-6400

  • hhpz.org

  • Open Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

How To Enjoy the Beauty of Nature During a Family Road Trip

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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.

Whether you are driving in your family car or taking public transportation options like a bus or train, your children can take in the beauty of nature from the back seat. (Warning: drivers may not be able to take in the scenery as much as the passengers–safety first!).

BENEFITS OF EXPERIENCING NATURE

Giving our children the chance to soak in nature’s beauty during a road trip is especially important these days as children suffer from nature-deficit disorder. This term was coined by Richard Louv, author of the book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder and co-founder of the Children & Nature Network (C&NN). It refers to children having less experience with and connection to nature over the last couple of decades. Unfortunately, children spending less time outdoors has been linked to decreased appreciation of our environment, health problems including childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency, diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of emotional illnesses like anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, a growing number of studies from around the world show that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mood and behavior, helping us to reduce stress and anxiety and to increase our attention, creativity, and our ability to connect with others. In an article on the Greater Good Science Center’s website, researcher David Strayer of the University of Utah explains that “Now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we are interacting with nature.”

One study indicated that hospital patients can reap the benefits of nature even just by observing natural scenes from their hospitals window. This idea can be translated to when you’re on the road; therefore, we can also feel better by enjoying nature from a car, bus, or train window.

SEVEN WAYS CHILDREN CAN ENJOY NATURE DURING A ROAD TRIP

Here are seven fun ways to expose children to the beauty of nature while traveling from place to place either by car or when using public transportation options like a bus or train.

1. TAKE A SCENIC TRIP

Look for local spots to drive to or plan vacations around areas you would like to explore. Some ideas include farms, drive-through zoos or safaris, tree-lined paths, and coastal roads. This country is packed with so many gorgeous places to explore from the Road to Hana in Hawaii to the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Mount St. Helens and the surrounding snow-covered mountains in Washington State. For more ideas, check out America’s most scenic roads to view exquisite nature put together by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Another great resource to use when planning your next drive is www.myscenicdrives.com, which offers a free Road Trip Planner and Scenic Drive Finder. You can look up nature-filled drives to take in each state that you can use to plan day trips, weekend getaways, or cross-country adventures. Each pre-planned scenic drive features an overview, interactive map, and GPS directions. It also highlights recreational activities and places of historic and cultural interest to visit in the area.

2. PLAY THE CLOUD IMAGINATION GAME

I always find it so fascinating to stare at fluffy white clouds and observe the amazing images that appear in the sky. Ask your children what they see in the clouds, such as animals, shapes, people, or other objects. Take it one step further and challenge them to create a story about the cloud images.

3. WATCH FOR WILDLIFE

Have your children keep an eye out for wildlife. If you are traveling in a rural area, you can spot cows, horses, and sheep. If you are in a coastal area, look for birds like seagulls. In wooded areas you can find squirrels, deer, skunks, and raccoons. You can even look for animals in your local neighborhood, such as squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of birds.

4. FIND FLOWERS AND TREES Ask your children to keep a look out for different kinds of flowers and trees that they see during the drive. Colorful gardens can be a real source of peace and can be found in all types of communities. You can make a game out of searching for flowers and trees by asking questions like: Who can find the tallest tree? Who sees the most colorful garden? Can you name that flower or tree? Feel free to bring a nature guidebook on the drive to look up what they discover.

5. SOAK IN A SUNSET

What is more inspiring than a golden sunset? Time your drive when the sun is setting and point it out to your children. Have your children describe the colors and how the sky is changing as the day slowly ends. Add excitement with a countdown or contest to see who can guess how long it will take for the sun to disappear. Capture the moment by taking a photograph and then see if your children can recreate the sunset by drawing or painting it. I highly recommend catching a sunset as you drive along the coast.

6. GAZE AT THE EVENING SKY

I remember driving home at night from my grandmother’s house many times as a child and being awestruck as I looked up at the moon and stars in the sky. The night sky provides us with a sense of awe and makes us think about the infinite possibilities of our universe. See if your children can spot any planets or name the constellations. A really simple game is to have your young children count the stars and see who can find the most.

7. PLAY CAR NATURE BINGO

The National Wildlife Federation created a do-it-yourself nature bingo game to encourage children to be observant of nature during a car drive. You can print out the bingo cards, which include pictures of animals and scenery that you are likely to see out the car window. Your kids will have a blast looking for butterflies, trees, dogs, flowers, ponds, and parks.

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance journalist and editor and the author of Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer.

A Weekend Visit to Sausalito

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“The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is arguably one of the greatest pop songs ever written. The song is filled with emotion: peace, awe, and a little loneliness. In the summer of 1967, Redding was on a houseboat at Waldo Point in Sausalito, California, when he first began penning the lyrics to “Dock of the Bay.” The first line he wrote down was, “Watching the ships come in and then I watch ‘em roll away again,” after being inspired by the sights and sounds of the San Francisco Bay. Sausalito will do that to you.

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. The boutiques, art galleries, scenic waterfront walks, homes perched on the sides of the hills, and boat-filled marinas give off Italian coast vibes. It’s the perfect destination for a short family vacation or a romantic adults-only getaway (in which case you have permission to skip the Discovery Museum!).

WHERE TO STAY

There are a variety of options for lodging in Sausalito. The family-friendly Cavallo Point is within walking distance of the Bay Area Discovery Museum and offers grand views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Most Sausalito hotels are of the boutique variety, so if it’s a national chain you’re looking for, you’ll have better luck in Corte Madera (10-minute drive) or San Rafael (20-minute drive).

WHAT TO DO

While you can easily enjoy a couple of days in Sausalito without anything more pressing on your schedule than strolling the town and sitting by the bay, here are a few places you may want to explore:

Bay Area Discovery Museum. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge on 7.5 acres of National Parkland, BADM features exhibition spaces and daily programs for children six months to 10 years. A long, wide pathway is centered between the two rows of exhibition rooms so kids can roam from one space to another. There are outdoor play spaces, including BADM Beach, which is surrounded by comfy Adirondack chairs. Parents can relax and take in the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge while the kids play with the sand toys.

Our family favorite was the bubble garden. Giant tubs of bubbles and various wands, including shovels with dozens of holes, are available for kids to fill the air with bubbles.

Advanced ticket reservations are required due to limited capacity.

San Francisco Bay Model. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model is a working hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. While the Bay Model is still operational, it is no longer used for scientific research but is instead open to the public alongside educational exhibits.

The Army Corps of Engineers built the Bay Model in 1956-57 to demonstrate what would happen if the South Bay were dammed (as had been proposed). Using simulated tidal action, the Corps proved that the results would be disastrous for the bay environment, and the plan was shelved.

The model is approximately 320 by 400 feet long. It is constructed out of 286 five-ton concrete slabs joined together like a jigsaw puzzle. Features that affect the water flow of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are reproduced, including ship channels, rivers, creeks, sloughs, the canals in the Delta, fills, major wharves, piers, slips, dikes, bridges, and breakwaters.

The model is located in the Bay Model Visitor Center at 2100 Bridgeway Blvd. in Sausalito.

Sausalito Boardwalk. Sausalito is a town made for walking, and there’s no better place for a stroll than the Sausalito Boardwalk. The term “Sausalito Boardwalk” is generally used to refer to three different places in the town (only two of which have wooden sidewalks.)

The Bridgeway Promenade is not specifically a boardwalk but a road that runs through town. You’ll use Bridgeway to get almost anywhere in Sausalito by car, but it’s nice to take a walk or bike ride to check out the many locally-owned boutiques and art galleries.

The Southern Boardwalk is near Sausalito’s Old Town. This is the spot where you’ll have spectacular views across the bay to San Francisco that will be the backdrop for a gorgeous photo or ten. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. The Northern Boardwalk stretches along the yacht harbors near downtown.

Schoonmaker Beach. This tiny beach is tucked away from the tourist part of Sausalito and is perfect for safe wading and fun sand play. You can even launch a paddleboard–it’s a great, protected spot for learning! This little hidden beach has a bathroom and easy, free parking.

Pick up takeout and have a beach picnic or step across the parking lot to Le Garage, a French bistro housed in a renovated garage for lunch. Open Tuesday through Friday at 11:30 am, you’ll find indoor-outdoor seating and tables overlooking the water. The food is delicious, the wine list expansive, and they have a children’s menu.

Vista Point. Each year the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors to its 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, and signature orange color. There isn’t a more Instagram-worthy photo than one of the bridge with the San Francisco skyline behind it, fog swirling around the base. The perfect place to take that photo is Vista Point.

Right after you exit the bridge from San Francisco into Marin, you’ll find the turn-off. Parking is usually readily available even if you have to circle once or twice. Time your stop for late morning, and you may be able to catch the fog burning off against blue skies. Later in the afternoon, you may luck into spectacular sunset skies.

While we can’t promise Sausalito will inspire you to write a legendary song, we can promise that you’ll fall in love with this lovely little city by the bay. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, it’s a great choice for a laid-back weekend visit –hopefully soon.

Kids and Road Trips

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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. Recently, we headed south to Los Angeles to visit relatives we have not seen since before the pandemic. I have learned lots of tips to have a successful family road trip.

In preparing for the trip, it is easy to cede the packing to mom. As a dad, if you are not doing the packing, I suggest you take charge of the in-car snacks. I have become responsible for the snack bag (with consultation, of course) and ensure a good mix of healthy and less healthy treats, salty and sweet ones, and novel snacks. To make the long car ride less tiresome, special, car-trip-only snacks help, even if they are junk. This time, it was special gummy candy, which was doled out in intervals for all to enjoy.

I also loaded up the tablet with movies and kid-appropriate TV shows. I am not a fan of the electronic babysitter, but on a long car trip, I don’t see much harm in providing my daughter with entertainment that she doesn’t usually watch. We also limited the amount of time watching the screen to after lunch so that there was an incentive for expected behavior. It worked, and there was far less whining as a result. Headphones are essential for happy parents, and I have found that the over-the-ear type is more comfortable for most kids.

I want my daughter to see the expanse of what California looks like outside of our area.  My wife and I are veterans of long car trips with our parents and recall many hours spent staring out the window. We talked about how the landscape of dry, yellow hills, oak trees, and stray cows was more of what California looks like than the beachy coastline where we live.  As we drove, I pointed out the neat rows of almond trees and the oil rigs in the middle of the state so that she would learn more about California. I showed her the California aqueduct and explained how the water travels south to supply the residents. We also talked about the range of temperature, given the summer heat.

As a kid, I remember being told to wait to use the bathroom until another exit or two (or more). I now do the opposite. We take advantage of the expected rest stops, stretch our legs, and feel the difference in the climate. I especially like this part of the road trip. On our coastline, summer often seems like a mythical creature. The intensity of the heat is a novelty (for a limited time). My wife and I both grew up in hot places, so it is reminiscent of our pasts. It is a new experience of hunting for the shady spot, keeping a drink handy, and being wary of metal playground equipment for our daughter. We also read the signs about the region’s history, learning how the Native Americans shaped the land and the animals seen in the area (including warnings of rattlesnakes).

In the past, I would have focused just on getting to the destinations. This time, we stayed in a reasonably-priced Santa Barbara hotel on the way home for two days. With the last year of being at home, we felt like the benefits of exploring somewhere new and mitigating risks by wearing masks were worth the detour. My family would accompany my father on sales trips he would take to the cities and towns up and down California as a child. While he was out drumming up business, my mother would take my sister and me to see what the town had to offer. We saw lots of historical sites, local museums, playgrounds, or just enjoyed the hotel pool. For my daughter, I want her to know the diversity of places and see the uniqueness of towns on the way. Knowing we were going to travel to Santa Barbara, I looked at what kid-friendly activities were there. I planned one major kid activity (the Zoo) and then left the other time open to figuring out something else to do. We ended up finding a great science museum that offered fun for all of us.

Once we returned to the hotel, we joined our daughter in the small pool to be her playmates. As a family, we rarely are in a pool together. Fun was had as we chased each other underwater, had splash fights, and I threw my daughter up in the air to land with cannonballs in the water. As a dad, I would hope my daughter would learn lot from the Zoo and science museum, but it is these activities that my daughter will remember–the playful, relaxed activities as a family.

For a successful road trip, you need to set aside the expectations of a rigid schedule and adopt the right attitude of exploring what you see along the way. Take the time to read the posted information, try new foods, and explore what is unique about your destination.  We don’t usually have to watch carefully for rattlesnakes at home, but we did on this trip.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school-aged daughter and reside in Marina.

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