As we’ve set out to travel as a family full-time, we’ve come to realize that there are so many places to go and things to do! With that said, it can be hard to navigate what experiences are truly family-friendly. (Ever get stuck down a rabbit hole of online research? Yeah, us too!) We’ve put together comprehensive, kid-friendly travel guides to help make your adventures that much easier. Just click on the destination below for each detailed guide. Where will you go first?
Arizona
Marble Canyon, Arizona
Situated between Vermilion Cliffs and Page, Arizona, Marble Canyon is where the Colorado River meets the Little Colorado River, marking the beginning of the Grand Canyon.
Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona
If you plan on exploring Sedona, make a point to stop by the Red Rock State Park! You won’t be disappointed. The trails are serene, and the views are amazing!
Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation’s largest cacti, and is the perfect destination if you want to see iconic southwestern panoramic views
Sedona, Arizona
Surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests, this Arizona desert town is a hiking lover’s dream!
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Pine, Arizona
Tonto Natural Bridge is known to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, standing 183-feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is 293,689 acres of protected land. You might even know the place without realizing it! Vermilion is home to the awe-inspiring, red-and-gold swirling sandstone rock formation that is one of the most highly sought hiking permits in the Southwest.
California
Bridgeport, California
There are some places that just take your breath away. For us, that special place has always been Bridgeport, California.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Daydreaming of the desert? We’ve put together a complete overview on Joshua Tree National Park. Grab a beer and settle in for everything you need to know before visiting this vast protected land.
June Lake, California
There are few places as dreamy and breathtaking as June Lake, California. For years, this has been a must-stop spot on any road trip we’ve taken down Hwy 395.
Lee Vining, California
Never heard of Lee Vining? I hadn’t either before we set out to explore all aspects of the Eastern Sierras! This summer, we were fortunate to discover so many cool aspects of this relatively small, high elevation mountain town.
Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay is a small, coastal town about 12 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo, right off of Highway 1. It’s located on a natural harbor, making it a fantastic place to see marine wildlife.
Sacramento, California
As the capitol of California, Sacramento offers up a lot of history and kid-friendly activities for traveling families. Between our two recent stays, we’ve compiled a list of all of the fun things to do with your family in this historical city that won’t break the bank!
San Diego, California
You really can’t go wrong adding this beautiful city to your California road trip bucket list! There are so many more fun things to do here!
The Central Coast, California: San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Cambria + More
Considered the Central Coast of California, this entire region offers plenty of family-friendly activities — from beaches, to hiking, to charming coastal towns.
Santa Cruz, California
Located 72 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz the quintessential coastal town, and has been our go-to beach destination for years! It’s the ideal place for a chill and casual getaway.
Solvang, California
This adorable little town, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, is best known for its old world Danish architecture, wineries and abundance of delicious pastries.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park holds a special place in our hearts. It just so happens to be the closest national park to our hometown, so we’ve been visiting this incredible public land for years!
Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties, California
This entire region of SoCal boasts beautiful weather, beaches and plenty of kid-friendly attractions.
Nevada
Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
If you’re a fan of hiking through slot canyons, then Cathedral Gorge is a must-stop when traveling through Nevada. Only 2.5 hours northeast of Las Vegas, this state park is home to otherworldly spires that are millions of years old!
Valley of Fire State Park
Only 50 miles from the Las Vegas strip, Valley of Fire State Park is a world-renowned destination for good reason. This other-worldly location is home to 46,000 acres of bright red sandstone surrounded by tan and grey limestone, rivaling something you might see on another planet like Mars.
Utah
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is a quaint park nestled in the red rock deserts of Southeastern Utah. It spans approximately 119 square miles and it is home to the largest collection of naturally occurring rock arches, balancing rocks, and other geological formations in the world.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is best known for its stunning, sculpted hoodoos (irregular spires of rock formations) and colorful hues that shift from shades of oranges, reds, pinks, yellow and creams, depending on the time of day.
Capitol Reef National Park
Located in the south-central Utah, Capitol Reef offers visitors views of impressive cliffs and rock formations, as well as access to fantastic hiking trails surrounded by red rock country. It’s also a place rich with human history.
Dinosaur National Monument, Utah/Colorado
This 210,000-acre monument has one of the Earth’s richest dinosaur fossil beds, where you can touch some of the 149-million-year-old fossils; ancient petroglyphs and pictographs; homesteader cabins; river rafting; and miles of fantastic hiking trails!
Monticello, Utah
This adorable little town is relatively close to the southern Utah/Colorado border, and is only a few hours from Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National Parks. Monticello is an oasis!
Zion National Park
Known as the most visited of Utah’s national parks, it’s easy to see why this red rock desert oasis is popular! With over 140,000 acres of beautiful wilderness, there is no shortage of places, trails, wildlife and adventure to discover.
Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana
This incredible place features breathtaking canyons, alpine rivers, abundant forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including Old Faithful. It’s also home to bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope!
International
Baja California, Mexico
From the delicious and affordable food, to the warm weather, beautiful views and friendly locals, Baja has left an impression on our entire family that we’ll never forget.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Holbox, which translates to “Black Hole” in Yucatec Maya, is 26 miles long and part of a Mexico’s largest ecological preserve called Yum Balam (Lord Jaguar).
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a town along the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, best known for its stretch of beautiful beaches and clear waters. It’s the perfect spot to vacay!
