When people think of vacationing in California, Los Angeles or Hollywood automatically comes to mind. There are lots of beautiful beaches and the weather is warm almost all year around. However, there are fun, family activities in Northern California as well.
Take a drive all along the northern coast of California following Highway 101. Make sure this is a relaxed drive with the family. Stop to view the scenery and the beaches whenever anyone in the car wants to stop. Have a camera ready at all times to take pictures of the ocean and anything else that interests you. Bring a picnic lunch and stop at one of the public beach areas to take a swim and eat.
Visit Redwoods National Park. California is famous for the huge trees that grow in the state. Some of the trees are hundreds of years old. The park has exhibits that show the plant and animal life of northern California and the Redwoods.
Redwoods National Park has camping and hiking areas. The park also offers a Junior Ranger Program where kids can learn more about life for the animals in Redwood National Park. The park also has picnic areas underneath the Redwood trees and a gift shop for purchasing souvenirs.
Redwood National Park
1440 US Highway 199
Crescent City, CA 95531
707-464-9150
nps.gov
Families with children who are a little older might enjoy this stop on your vacation. Bodega Bay is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed his classic movie, "The Birds." You can watch the movie as a family, if your children are not too little to be scared, and then visit the building that was the schoolhouse in the movie. Bodega Bay also has an annual Fisherman's Festival, whale watching adventures, kayaking and trails for bicycling and hiking. For more visitor information, please call 707-875-3866.
Climb in some vintage planes and look around at the Pacific Coast Air Museum. Here you will learn about the history of aircraft, especially aircraft used by the military. The museum has several exhibits that include famous pilots, both civilian and military, local history, personal stories and a variety of aircraft on display. Call for rates and admission fees.
Pacific Coast Air Museum
2230 Airport Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-575-7900
Pacificaircoastmuseum.org
