Northern California with Kids

We’ve scoured the web and polled expert family travelers on their top beaches for families. Read on for our top picks to visit in 2015.

Can you imagine traveling 10,000 miles just to give birth? Gray whales do it every year. After spending the summer in the Arctic, the whales embark on an epic migration as they travel from Alaska’s Bering Sea to Baja California’s breeding lagoons. As they skirt the North American coastline, us humans hop on boats, kayaks, and peer over cliff’s edge in hopes of catching a glimpse of these peaceful creatures on their incredible journey. We bring our kids with hope that they will join us in collective awe and respect for nature, learning more in two hours on that boat than they could during a week’s worth of science classes. Plus, it’s fun! Ready to go whale watching with kids but don’t know where to start? Trekaroo to the rescue!

With both sandy beaches, and rugged coastline, Pismo Beach, is a haven for families who seek relaxation and fun in the sea.

California’s Eastern Sierras: Geological wonder, rustic wilderness, wide open plains, and varied topographies, that’s just the beginning.

As lifelong residents of the Western US, my family and I love pioneering history. Since the moment my 4th grade class studied the California Gold Rush, I was hooked, and I’ve passed on my passion for this chapter of our nation’s history to my kids. Nearly everywhere we drive in the West harbors some vestige of early settlements, Native American life, or pioneering struggles.

Don’t just read about California history, explore it with your kids!

Dog sledding is a unique opportunity for families to enjoy. There are many outfitters across the country providing kennel tours, education, sled tours, lessons, and hands-on experiences. Without doubt, dog sledding is an experience your family will not soon forget.

Autism cases in the United States are on the rise. As such, many ski resorts are offering tailored programs introducing kids on the autism spectrum to skiing. Among these forward thinking ski resorts is Northstar at Tahoe, where my son participated in a lesson using an approach called Adaptive Skiing.

I have lived in California for 28 years, but never visited any of its national parks. When the opportunity to visit three national parks in three days presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

Trekaroo spent 2012 reviewing the best family dude ranch vacations across the country (it was a hard job, but someone had to do it!) We are excited to provide you with this handy guide to our favorite ranches and why they are so special as family friendly vacation getaways.

Hospitality is a family affair at Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch in Caliente, CA. It’s a dude ranch where riding experience isn’t necessary, a great children’s program entertains all ages, and you can unplug.

Free speech and “flower power” are forever in the city’s DNA, but Berkeley has evolved into a culinary and cultural travel destination with a “green” soul.