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Our Favorite Family Spots | California
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items Our go-to spots for family fun, good food, and memory-making. From local parks and kid-friendly restaurants to weekend getaways and travel favorites—these are the places we love and keep coming back to.
Map
Sections
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Out & About with the Boys
Bites We Love 🤤
Places to Stay
Out & About with the Boys
Our favorite spots to explore, play, and make memories as a family. From kid-approved museums and epic playgrounds to coastal favorites and hidden gems.
A total win for the whole crew. The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito had something for everyone—our 8-year-old was all in, the toddler had a blast, and even the baby was set with a great play area and nursing rooms (yes, please!). Plus, the vie...
Bay Area Discovery Museum
This park lives up to the name. Heaven for Kids is one of the best playgrounds we’ve ever been to—old-school style, packed with things to climb, swing, slide, and explore. It has hidden nooks, and so much room to run. Perfect for your little adventur...
Heaven For Kids Playground
A longtime favorite for our family. We’ve been coming to the Monterey Bay Aquarium since our oldest was just 9 months old, and it never gets old. The atmosphere is peaceful, the exhibits are stunning, and it’s right by the beach and shops on Cannery ...
Monterey Bay Aquarium
If your kids love trains as much as mine this is a must! So many cool trains to checkout + you can even walk through some of them + there is a play area to build your own track.
California State Railroad Museum
One of our favorite hidden gems! Mara Beach has soft white sand, gentle wind, and it’s never too crowded—thanks to limited parking. You can spot so much sea life here—it feels like a little slice of magic.
Mara Beach Carmel | California, Carmel By The Sea - Sandee
Such a fun spot for all ages! From toddlers to big kids, there’s so much to explore and climb. It’s one of those parks where you can really spend hours—we always have a great time here.
Dennis The Menace Playground
Bites We Love 🤤
Our favorite restaurants—whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a date night worth getting a sitter for. Just good food, good vibes, and places we keep coming back to.
A local favorite for a reason. Brother 209 serves up huge, delicious portions that satisfy the whole family. Bonus: there’s a little play area for the kids—because we all know they hate sitting still—and yes, they have fries, because let’s be honest,...
Brothers 209
If you going up Highway 88 you have to check out Mel’s Diner. It’s one of our favorites. Such good food and great atmosphere. The Moo burger is the best! 🐮
Mel’s Diner
Oh man do we love this place! So many fun and delicious craft beers to try! The old brick is just beautiful and the food is amazing!
Brickhouse Brews | Jackson CA
Places to Stay
From cozy hotels to scenic camp spots, these are the stays we’ve genuinely loved. Comfortable, welcoming, and perfect for making memories—whatever your travel style.
We loved this place. The staff was amazing, the beds were super comfy, and you cannot beat the beachfront location. It’s been recently remodeled, and you can totally feel the luxury—clean, modern, and just the right amount of cozy. Highly recommend f...
Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Just an absolutely gorgeous state park. They have tent and tv hook ups. Bathrooms were basic but kept clean. Walking distance to a black sand beach with great views.
Mendocino Headlands State Park