California Family Vacations | Ciao Bambino!

There’s a reason that California has inspired countless songs and movies: It really is one of the best destinations in the world for a memorable getaway. California family vacations work for just about everyone. Are you seeking sunshine, beaches, or Hollywood stars? Head south to Los Angeles, and don’t forget to tack on a few days in San Diego for the many kid-friendly attractions there, like the kid-friendly San Diego Zoo. And when planning a California vacation with kids, few families can resist a night or two at a Disneyland resort or one of the many theme parks or water parks in southern California. Want an international, culturally enriching urban experience? San Francisco delivers to make it one of the best family vacations in California. Nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts gush about places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and the impressive network of state parks. Among our favorite California vacation itineraries is a road trip that hugs the incredible coastline from one end of the state to another. Popular stopping points on this family-friendly journey include Big Sur just south of Monterey Bay, and Newport Beach in Orange County. Scenic resorts tucked away in amazing settings, urban hotels with kid-friendly amenities and small coastal inns all welcome families back to California again and again. Consider the Golden State one big play area for children and adults alike. Our advisors can help you craft a personalized California family vacation package. We are never short on California vacation ideas for families!

Travel Planning

Experience the Best of California with Kids

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip

Our expert Family Travel Advisors are passionate about exploring the world with children — and empowering you to do the same. From handpicked accommodations to insider experiences, we can craft a custom vacation that’s uniquely suited to your family’s needs. Click to get started!

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Our Happy Travelers
"We were lucky to work with Lynda to design our four-week trip to Hawaii and California. Thanks to her we discovered volcanoes, underwater life, beautiful starry skies, magnificent sunsets, and we will have wonderful memories to share and talk about for decades."

–Corsilli Family Hawaii & California Trip

"The trip was fantastic! The hotels were great. The tours were all exceptional. Our experience with Ciao Bambino was wonderful! Thank you for all of your help!"

–Widicus Family Trip

"Overall the trip was incredible and I am so thankful to you for helping me plan it! We had such a good time and it was so well planned. I would love to use your services again for our next big adventure!"

–Millman Trip

"It was an amazing trip. I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I loved the itinerary app. It made the trip so easy. You’re truly the reason this trip was perfect."

–MacNeill Family Trip

"We just returned home and we are all still feeling the glow of the wonderful 2 weeks. Everything went smoothly and the itinerary was well thought out and worked well for our group. I know a lot of thought went into planning it."

–Heckman Family Trip

"Everything was great on the trip! Thanks so much for all of your help in planning everything and organizing the tours. All of the guides were great! Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and did a great job with the kids."

–Tomeny Family Trip

Hotels

Family-Friendly Hotels in California

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Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa »

41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa »

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA

Hotel del Sol »

3100 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

Bernardus Lodge »

415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley

Fairmont Grand Del Mar »

5300 Grand del Mar Court

Cavallo Point Lodge »

601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito

Carmel Valley Ranch »

One Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley

El Capitan Canyon »

11650 Calle Real

Dream Inn »

175 West Cliff Drive

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa »

2727 SHELL BEACH ROAD

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows »

101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica

Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa »

71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage

Evergreen Lodge »

33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland

Rancho Mirage, CA
Great for ages: 0-12
Carlsbad, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
San Francisco, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Carmel Valley, CA
Great for ages: 0-2, 6-12
San Diego, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
San Francisco, CA
Great for ages: 0-5, 13-18
Carmel Valley, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Santa Barbara, CA
Great for ages: 3-18
Santa Cruz, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Pismo Beach, CA
Great for ages: 0-12
Santa Monica, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Rancho Mirage, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Groveland, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Dana Point, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
San Francisco, CA
Great for ages: Multi-Generational
Destinations

Build a Lifetime of Memories

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Nevada Family Vacations
Oregon Family Vacations
Washington Family Vacations
Arizona Family Vacations
Mexico Family Vacations

Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas

Experiences

Immersive Family Activities Around the World

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City Breaks for Families
Cultural Immersion Travel
Family Adventure Travel
Family Beach Vacations
Family Biking and Multi-Sport Trips
Family Dude Ranch Vacations
Family Ski Vacations
Food & Wine Trips for Families
LGBTQ
Multigenerational Trips
Nature & Wildlife Trips for Families
Vacations with Babies & Toddlers
Vacations with School-Age Children
Vacations with Tweens & Teens
Weekend Getaways for Families

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