Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation

California has many great vacation opportunities for families. It can be daunting however to try to find THE perfect place to go to. There are several things you need to take into consideration before choosing an area to visit such as how long you're staying, the ages of your children, your budget, etc. This article will give you several places you should consider going in the golden state.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #1: MorroBay

Morro Bay is a beautiful, quaint and picturesque town located on the coastline. This is one of my families' top choices to go to for a family vacation. You can stroll down the embaradero and take in the sights (such as the famous Morro Rock). What is also great about Morro Bay besides the beautiful scenery is that it's close to several other small towns such as San Luis Obispo. If you have younger kids, drive to San Luis Obispo to take your children to the children's museum and enjoy a meal at The Madonna Inn. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #2: Rotary Storyland & Playground in Fresno

Storyland is located in Fresno, California. It's a perfect place for families with younger children. Storyland is a magical place filled with different areas that represent fairytales. They have a small amusement park in the area and the Fresno Zoo is located close by. Stay at a hotel across the street and make a weekend of it. It is located at 890 W Belmont Ave, Fresno. For more info call (559) 486-2124.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #3: San Francisco

San Francisco is a no brainer. It's well known for being a vastly unique area with lots to do and that is why you should take a family vacation there. There is something for everyone in the family. Take the kids to a show, a museum or over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #4: Cabazon

Cabazon hosts two huge famous dinosaur statues. These are fun to see regardless of what age you are but especially are thrilling to the younger crowd. The dinosaurs have been in music videos and movies alike. The Apatosaurus has a museum in it's stomach that also sells souvenirs. Admission is $5 dollars.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #5: MuirWoodsNational Monument

Muir Woods National Monument (located in Mill Valley) can be a breathtaking family experience for your family. You can hike through the woods under redwood trees that are over 1000 years old! It's a good way to spend some time outdoors as you teach your children about living things that have been on the earth for a long time.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #6: Anaheim

While one of the most populated places for a family visit, you really can't skip Anaheim. Its home to Disneyland and you can certainly make your child's dream come true. If you get bored of Disney, drive less then an hour away to Knott's Berry Farm or Universal Studios.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #7: Long Beach

Long Beach is another area that is chock full of places to visit but one to keep in mind is the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium has more then 12,000 marine life for guests to see. Kids can also walk through a whale skeleton and make their way to sit on a giant sea bird egg and dig in the sand (like hermit crabs). They are located at 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, California 90802.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #8: Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town is a place that I have several childhood memories of. It is located in Yerma, California and kids and adults will both have fun pretending that they are back in the days of old. There are shops to visit, live shows to see, you can mine for gold and much more. It's best to visit during the spring, fall or winter as the summers can be quite hot. You can take a tent or RV or rent one of their cabins or bunkhouses. Calico is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road Yermo, California 92398. Call 1-800-86-CALICO for more info.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #9: San Diego

San Diego is another one of the places that has a lot of family stuff to do. If you have train fans in the family, consider going to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. They are one of the largest operating model train museums. They have interactive areas for kids as well as things for adults to see. They are located at 1649 El Prado San Diego, California 92101.

Top Ten Places in California for a Family Vacation #10: PismoBeach

Pismo is well known for being a tourist area and with good reason. If you love the beach, go down by the pier where they have what I consider the perfect place to lay on the sand. The sand by the pier is smooth and very inviting. If you get hungry, there are nearby restaurants and loads of shopping opportunities.