If you’re looking for the best west coast family vacations , we’ve put together a list of the best destinations that offer a mix of fun activities and comfortable accommodations. Whether you want to enjoy the beaches, explore museums, or enjoy outdoor activities, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
In this article, we’ll review a group of wonderful West Coast family vacations that guarantee you a fun and relaxing winter vacation, with a focus on fun activities and family-friendly hotels.
Table of Contents
1. San Diego – California:
San Diego, California, is a great winter destination for families. You can visit the famous San Diego Zoo, or explore Sea World, which is full of fun water shows. Balboa Park offers a chance to walk and relax, and La Jolla Beach provides an excellent place to relax.
The Children’s Museum offers educational and interactive experiences for children, while boating on San Diego Bay provides stunning views of the city. San Diego residents are friendly and hospitable, and public transportation makes it easy to get between the various landmarks.
Activities:
- Visit the San Diego Zoo.
- Explore SeaWorld.
- Tour Balboa Park.
- Relax at La Jolla Beach.
- Visit the Children’s Museum.
- Boating on San Diego Bay.
Hotels:
- Hotel del Coronado.
- Manchester Grand Hyatt.
- Catamaran Resort Hotel.
2. San Francisco – California:
San Francisco offers a diverse winter experience for families. The Golden Gate Bridge is a landmark that offers stunning views, while Alcatraz offers an exciting historical experience. Riding the city’s tram is a fun experience, and the California Academy of Sciences features interactive and exciting exhibits.
Golden Gate Park is a great place to take a walk, and Pier 39 and the Aquarium of the Bay offer fun activities for the family. San Francisco’s residents are known for their diversity and friendliness, and public transportation makes getting around easy.
Activities:
- Visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Explore Alcatraz Prison.
- Ride the Tram.
- Visit the California Academy of Sciences.
- Stroll through Golden Gate Park.
- Visit Pier 39 and the Aquarium of the Bay.
Hotels:
- Fairmont San Francisco.
- Argonaut Hotel.
- Hotel Nikko San Francisco.
3. Seattle – Washington:
Seattle, Washington, offers a fun winter getaway for families with its diverse attractions. The Space Needle offers stunning panoramic views, and Pike Place Market offers a unique shopping experience with plenty of fresh food. The Museum of Flight offers educational experiences for kids, while a boat tour of Puget Sound gives a glimpse into the city’s beauty.
The Children’s Museum offers interactive experiences, and Discovery Park offers a place to stroll and explore. Seattleites are friendly, and public transportation makes it easy to get around the attractions.
Activities:
- Visit the Space Needle.
- Explore Pike Place Market.
- Visit the Museum of Flight.
- Take a boat tour of Puget Sound.
- Visit the Children’s Museum.
- Take a walk in Discovery Park.
Hotels:
- The Edgewater Hotel.
- Hotel Monaco Seattle.
- Hyatt Regency Seattle.
4. Portland – Oregon:
Portland, Oregon, offers a winter experience full of fun family activities. The Oregon Zoo showcases wildlife, and the International Rose Garden offers stunning views. Biking in Waterfront Park is a fun activity for the family, and the Museum of Science and Industry offers educational experiences.
Shopping at the Saturday Market adds a touch of fun, while exploring the Hoyt Arboretum offers a chance to enjoy nature. Portlanders are friendly, and public transportation makes getting around easy. Making it one of the best west coast family vacations.
Activities:
- Visit the Oregon Zoo.
- Tour the International Rose Garden.
- Bike the Waterfront Park.
- Visit the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Shop at Saturday Market.
- Explore the Hoyt Arboretum.
Hotels:
- The Nines.
- Hotel Lucia.
- The Benson.
5. Santa Monica – California:
Santa Monica, California, is an excellent winter destination for families. Riding the rides at Santa Monica Pier is a fun activity for kids, while Santa Monica Beach offers a chance to relax and unwind. Biking the beach boardwalk is a fun activity, and shopping on Third Street Promenade adds a touch of fun.
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium showcases marine life, and Palisades Park is a great place to take a stroll. Santa Monica residents are friendly, and public transportation makes getting around easy.
Activities:
- Ride the rides at Santa Monica Pier.
- Enjoy Santa Monica Beach.
- Bike the boardwalk.
- Shop at Third Street Promenade.
- Visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
- Stroll through Palisades Park.
Hotels:
- Shutters on the Beach.
- Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.
6. Monterey – California:
Monterey, California, offers a great winter experience for families. The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, and a whale-watching boat tour provides stunning views. A hike along 17-Mile Drive offers stunning coastal views, and Point Lobos Park offers a chance to explore nature.
A visit to Cannery Row offers a glimpse into local history, and a bike ride along the Monterey coastline adds an active twist. Monterey residents are friendly, and public transportation makes it easy to get to major attractions.
Activities:
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Whale Watching Boat Tour.
- Hike the 17-Mile Drive.
- Explore Point Lobos.
- Visit Cannery Row.
- Bike the Monterey Coast.
Hotels:
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey.
- Portola Hotel & Spa.
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.
7. Cannon Beach – Oregon:
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a fun winter destination for families with stunning beaches and natural attractions. A visit to Haystack Rock offers stunning views, and a hike through Ecola State Park offers fun nature experiences. Relaxing on Cannon Beach is a relaxing activity, and horseback riding on the beach adds a touch of fun.
Touring local art galleries provides a cultural experience, and exploring Hug Point Falls offers a natural adventure. The residents of Cannon Beach are friendly, and public transportation makes getting around the city easy.
Activities:
- Visit Haystack Rock.
- Hike at Ecola State Park.
- Relax at Cannon Beach.
- Horseback riding on the beach.
- Tour local art galleries.
- Explore Hug Point Falls.
Hotels:
- Surfsand Resort.
- Stephanie Inn.
- Hallmark Resort & Spa.
8. Santa Barbara – California:
Santa Barbara, California, offers a fun winter experience for families with beautiful beaches and a variety of cultural attractions. Families can visit the zoo to see the different animals, while boat trips in the harbor provide a fun experience to cruise the water.
State Street offers many shops and restaurants, and Mission Santa Barbara offers a glimpse into local history. Surfing is a fun activity on the beach, and a stroll through Shoreline Park provides a great place to take a stroll. Santa Barbara residents are friendly, and public transportation makes getting around easy.
Activities:
- Visit the Zoo.
- Boating in the Harbor.
- Stroll State Street.
- Visit Mission Santa Barbara.
- Surfing.
- Stroll Shoreline Park.
Hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
- Hotel Californian.
- Belmond El Encanto.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea- California:
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a charming winter destination for families. Carmel Beach offers a great place to relax, while the historic downtown offers a unique shopping experience. A stroll through Point Lobos State Reserve offers stunning scenery, and a tour of the local art galleries offers a glimpse into the artistic culture.
A visit to Mission San Carlos Borromeo offers a historical overview, and horseback riding adds a touch of fun. Carmel-by-the-Sea residents are friendly, and public transportation is convenient for getting around the city.
Activities:
- Visit Carmel Beach.
- Stroll through the historic downtown.
- Hike through Point Lobos State Reserve.
- Take an art tour of local galleries.
- Visit Mission San Carlos Borromeo.
- Horseback riding.
Hotels:
- Carmel Valley Ranch.
- La Playa Carmel.
- L’Auberge Carmel.
10. Big Sur – California:
Big Sur, California, offers a unique winter experience for families thanks to its stunning natural scenery. Hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park offers stunning views, and visiting McWay Falls Beach offers a great coastal experience. Point Sur Lighthouse offers stunning ocean views, and driving the Big Sur Coastal Road offers stunning natural scenery.
Camping in the wild offers a unique exploration experience, and wildlife watching at Andrew Molera State Park enhances the experience. Big Sur residents are friendly, and public transportation is limited so it is best to drive.
Activities:
- Hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park.
- Explore McWay Falls Beach.
- Visit Point Sur Lighthouse.
- Drive the Big Sur Coastal Trail.
- Camp in the wild.
- View wildlife at Andrew Molera Park.
Hotels:
- Post Ranch Inn.
- Ventana Big Sur.
- Big Sur River Inn.
11. Laguna Beach – California:
Laguna Beach, California, offers a fun winter experience for families thanks to its beautiful beaches and parks. Relaxing on Main Beach offers a fun time, while the gardens of Heisler Park provide a great place to picnic. Visiting art galleries showcases local culture and arts, and viewing marine life at Tide Pools provides an educational experience for kids.
Surfing is a popular activity, and a stroll through Crystal Cove State Park enhances the exploration experience. Laguna Beach residents are known for their friendliness, and public transportation makes getting around easy.
Activities:
- Relaxing on Main Beach.
- Exploring the gardens of Heisler Park.
- Visiting art galleries.
- Viewing marine life at Tide Pools.
- Surfing.
- Hiking at Crystal Cove State Park.
Hotels:
- Montage Laguna Beach.
- Surf & Sand Resort.
- The Ranch at Laguna Beach.
12. Newport – Oregon:
Newport, Oregon, offers a fun winter vacation for families with its beaches and marine attractions. Visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium provides an exciting educational experience, and viewing wildlife at Yaquina Head enhances the natural experience. A whale-watching boat tour offers great views, and exploring the shores of Nye Beach is a relaxing activity.
Visiting the Hatfield Marine Science Center offers interactive experiences, and hiking at South Beach State Park provides a fun nature experience. Newport residents are friendly, and public transportation makes it easy to get to the attractions.
Activities:
- Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
- Wildlife Watching at Yaquina Head.
- Whale Watching Boat Tour.
- Explore the Shores of Nye Beach.
- Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
- Hike at South Beach State Park.
Hotels:
- Hallmark Resort Newport.
- The Landing at Newport.
- Inn at Nye Beach.
The best west coast family vacations are a great choice for families looking for a fun and diverse winter vacation. From big cities with cultural activities to stunning beaches, these destinations offer a mix of fun and relaxation.
Using this list as a guide, you can plan an adventure-filled trip that will stay in your memory for a long time. Don’t hesitate to explore all that these wonderful destinations have to offer, and enjoy unforgettable times with your family.
