My family and I had a fantastic time traveling to the West Coast this summer! The kids were wonderful traveling companions, and with a group of nine people, we were never bored. A family vacation can be a great way to bond and create lasting memories, but finding an activity that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge. Our trip was primarily divided between San Diego and Anaheim, allowing us to explore both big cities (and the smaller ones in between).
Some of the must-see attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum. For those who love the beach, Carlsbad State Beach, La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach are all great options. If you're looking for some delicious food, I heard great things about Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have a wonderful time in the area!
If you're traveling to Anaheim, Disneyland is, of course, the most popular attraction and a must-do for many. But there are a few other great spots you won't want to miss! The Anaheim Packing District is also a popular spot, featuring unique shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. For sports fans, the Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a great spot to catch a game. The Yorba Regional Park is said to offer scenic views and recreational activities, if you're looking for a more relaxing outdoor experience.
USS Midway Museum | 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Once aboard the USS Midway Museum, we were greeted immediately and told about their Junior Pilot Program. This allows children to remain engaged, with their own self-guided audio tour and a checklist of tasks to complete. Then we watched a short video (about 15 minutes) about the Battle of Midway, before heading to the various exhibits. There is so much to see and read about in there! The Midway audio tour is divided into three parts: Flight Deck, Hangar Deck, and Below Deck. Guests can choose the locations they want to visit and listen to, using the self-guided audio tour. The Flight Deck offers a glimpse into the pilots' experiences, flying over 20 aircraft and exploring Admiral's and Captain's Country and the Ready Rooms. The Hangar Deck brings enlisted sailors' stories to life, with tales of WWII aircraft, anchor drops, and bunk sleeping. Lastly, the Below Deck section includes stops at Sick Bay, Galley, Laundry, and Engine Room - giving guests a chance to learn about daily life aboard the ship. The tour takes 2-4 hours and promises to be a fascinating, immersive experience. For ticket information, special events, and more, visit the website, Facebook and/or Instagram page for the USS Midway Museum!
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Birch Aquarium | 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography features more than 60 habitats. We were able to enjoy the Little Blue Penguin feeding presentation at 10am, which is a great time to visit if you're making your own travel plans - as they are at their most active at that time. In addition to seeing fish, seahorses and sharks - they also have an exhibit inspired by comic books that showcases the "super powers" of various ocean species. Our family especially enjoyed watching the jellyfish and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. There are also touch-tanks outside where you can see and feel sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and more. I held a shark egg and my mom even touched the baby shark that came from that egg! Visit their website, Facebook and Instagram page to get your tickets, find out about their special events, and learn more about the organization!
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The Huntington | 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
The Huntington is a world-renowned cultural destination - with a library, art museum and botanical gardens - that features an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts and art. With over 120 acres of botanical gardens, visitors can explore a diverse range of plant life from across the globe, including a Japanese garden, desert garden, Chinese garden and more. Inside the art museum, you'll find an impressive selection of European art, featuring works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Van Dyck, as well as American art from the 18th to 20th century. For those interested in art, history, and nature, a trip to The Huntington is a must-see. Check out The Huntington's Facebook, Instagram and website for more information and to purchase your tickets!
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Breeze Photography | Oceanside, CA 92054
It is a rarity to have all nine of us together, so one thing I knew before we even left for our vacation was that we were going to do a family photo shoot at the beach. The ocean provides a beautiful backdrop and a professional photo session is a great way to capture memories! Our photographer, Brea, is highly skilled and has a keen eye for capturing visually stunning images. Her attention to detail and ability to work with lighting, uncooperative kids, and the natural elements was exceptional. Although the location, at first, seemed small and limited, Cassidy Beach actually offered a lot of variety for our photos. To view more of her work, see her Instagram or Facebook page. To get in contact with Brea directly, visit her website. Breeze Photography is a top-notch choice for anyone in need of high-quality photos.
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There is so much to do in California, there is no way we could have seen or done it all. Find Your Family Fun® in the Southern California area by following the local Macaroni KID pages below:
- Carlsbad-Encinitas-Solana Beach covers Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Cardiff and Solana Beach
- Oceanside covers North San Diego, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Bonsall, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido
- Fullerton covers Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Placentia and Anaheim Hills
- Newport Beach covers Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Corona del Mar
- Central San Diego
- San Diego East
- Huntington Beach
- Santa Ana
From the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica and Venice to the stunning views at Griffith Observatory, there's something for everyone. Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or catch a game at Dodger Stadium. And for a taste of nature, head to the Botanical Gardens at The Huntington, Joshua Tree National Park or hike the trails at Runyon Canyon. SoCal has a lot to offer, so be sure to plan accordingly and make the most of your trip.
To see even more photos from our trip, check Macaroni KID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola's Instagram page!
