When I headed to Yosemite National Park for work last summer, I knew I’d come face-to-face with towering sequoias, the steep, granite walls and cascading waterfalls. What surprised me was how often I reached for my phone — not to document the trip, but to FaceTime my children. 

As a frequent solo traveler and new empty nester (or free bird, as I call it), I’m familiar with the feeling of being in awesome places that make you wish the people you love were standing beside you. That feeling stayed with me during my time in Yosemite. 

For Los Angeles families who are traveling together or meeting up for a reunion, Yosemite is one of those bucket-list destinations that is closer than many realize. After navigating traffic, busy schedules, school calendars and the hectic pace of city life, the transformation is palpable. Within a few hours of leaving L.A., the scenery changes completely. Palm trees, smog and freeways give way to winding mountain roads, varieties of pines, fresh air and primordial-rock landscapes. 

Yes: the perfect escape.

A comfortable basecamp outside Yosemite

Part of what made this trip especially enticing was a preview stay in the deluxe private cabins that officially launch this month as Waybound Yosemite, a boutique collection of reimagined premium cabins immersed in nature and located in Fish Camp just outside Yosemite’s south entrance. Situated alongside its sister property, the longtime family favorite Tenaya at Yosemite, the 50 spacious, two-bedroom Waybound cabins, called The Havens, sleep up to six, providing multigenerational families (and their pets) with a comfortable vacation home. 

The Havens also include all the amenities at Tenaya’s full-service resort. Together, the two hotels, operated by Delaware North Parks & Resorts, make an ideal basecamp for exploring Yosemite. Each stand-alone Haven features a front porch, back patio and expansive picture windows opening to abundant nature, a living room with a fireplace and plush, leather couches and a full kitchen (including a full-size fridge), plus curated touches, including cocktail chests for craft mixology and spa boxes with locally inspired wellness products. 

Speaking of wellness, restorative treatments are available at Tenaya’s expansive spa. In August, a resort pool and hot tub will make a welcome debut. For now, guests at The Havens have access to three pools, four hot tubs and lounge areas at Tenaya.

The Commons serves a central hub with tables and chairs, ample couches and plush lounging chairs, a large fireplace and big screen TV, plus a long wooden patio for outdoor dining and socializing. Dining options onsite include The Coffee Counter, with breakfast bites and barista service; Plates + Pours, a social spot with afternoon and evening bartenders and á la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner and The General Store, with curated provisions, merchandise and grab-and-go meals. 

Full dining and restaurants are available for Havens guests at nearby Tenaya. At The Havens, evenings come alive with multiple fire pits circled by Adirondack chairs and complimentary s’mores, a fun way for families to gather under the star-studded night sky.

When I excitedly opened my door to my Haven, I first noticed how it fit into the surrounding landscape. I was delighted to discover the native flowers, birdsong and a babbling brook, shaded by fragrant pines that surrounded my cabin and back porch. I breathed in the cool, fresh mountain air and felt refreshed. Throughout my stay, I indulged in reflective moments on the back porch, sipping my morning tea while lounging in my hotel robe in a red rocking Adirondack chair and watching squirrels dance in the trees. Late at night, after spending my days and evenings exploring, dining and stargazing, I relaxed in front of my own fireplace. 

Getting to Yosemite from Los Angeles

For many Angelenos, planning a family vacation often comes down to one question: How far do we need to travel to feel like we’ve escaped? While popular spots in Hawaii, Mexico or Europe may top wish lists, daunting airfare prices, flight delays and security concerns are keeping many families closer to home this season. Luckily, for L.A. families, some of the most unforgettable adventures are fairly close to home.

For road-trippers, the drive to Yosemite takes about five to six hours, making the park an ideal destination for a long weekend, school holidays and summer vacation. Families who would rather fly have convenient options. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest commercial airport, just about a 90-minute drive from Waybound Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite. 

Several flights connect L.A. with Fresno each day, allowing families to be surrounded by mountain scenery before lunchtime. I took an easy, quick flight on Southwest. Once in the area, rental cars are readily available, and the resort can assist with arranging airport transportation, as well. 

Exploring Yosemite National Park

Planning a trip to Yosemite is simpler this year, as the national park is not requiring advance vehicle reservations for most visits in 2026. Guests of Waybound Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite receive complimentary park entrance passes, making it even easier to begin each day’s adventure. 

Visitors who prefer not to drive through the park can explore Yosemite on guided excursions and transportation, so parents and kids can relax and enjoy the scenery, while learning about the abundant natural flora, fauna and jaw-dropping landmarks. Through Tenaya’s Yosemite 360° Tours, families can book private guided sightseeing tours and customized excursions within the national park.

A highlight was exploring Yosemite with my guide, Janet, who was personable, kind and knowledgeable. She told my group stories about the black bears we saw on our drive to the park and kept us laughing — and safe. She also made sure we stopped at Tunnel View, one of the most remarkable vistas in the U.S., where El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome are visible in a panorama; walked a trail beneath the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove (some more than 2,000 years old) and strolled to Lower Yosemite Fall for a refreshing break. Though tourists made their way to these same spots, it didn’t feel overcrowded. 

One of the most memorable moments of our Yosemite adventure day was sharing an idyllic picnic prepared by Tenaya, complete with a basket and red-and-white checkered tablecloth. Sitting beside the Merced River, I watched families floating along. When a current picked up quickly, my group spotted a young man in danger and called out to some sturdy swimmers for help.

Later, Janet took us to an ancient natural spring gushing beside the road, and we gleefully filled our bottles with pure, ice-cold water, sipping it on the drive back.

Relax and recharge after a day outdoors

Whether after a day on the trails or just to recover from L.A. stressors, Ascent Spa at Tenaya gives guests a chance to recharge. Its services include customized massages, hydrating facials, body treatments and wellness experiences inspired by the Sierra Nevada. 

Family activities beyond the trails

It’s also an ideal retreat for parents while the kids enjoy the pools or other supervised activities. My work group and I bonded as we waited for our treatments in the relaxation room in our matching robes, sampling teas, fruits and snacks and chatting about our park adventures. My Swedish massage was gentle and restorative.

The activities at Waybound and Tenaya are designed to bring families closer together, whether they are embarking on a guided nature walk, cooling off in resort pools or relaxing on their Haven’s private porch after a rewarding day in the park. 

And in addition to playing or swimming in the pools or lounging poolside, fun activities to do with kids include lawn games, pickleball, bocce ball, rock wall climbing, archery lessons and a fascinating, interactive “noctotourism” stargazing experience, led by astronomer Andy Skimmer. The Sierra Nevada’s limited light pollution makes it one of California’s best areas for seeing stars. On clear nights, constellations, planets and the Milky Way creating a glittering, magical skyscape.

Where to eat near Yosemite

In addition to the casual food options at The Havens, guests at both properties have lots of choices at six diverse dining choices, in addition to room service. Some recommendations: Jackalope’s Bar & Grill serves hearty breakfasts before families head into the park, along with favorites like the Jackalope Burger, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, grilled salmon and blackened chicken tacos later in the day. 

Desserts such as warm sticky toffee pudding and huge chocolate-chip cookies topped with vanilla ice cream are big-time faves. For a more refined dinner, Embers features seasonal California cuisine, premium steaks, seafood, handmade pasta and thoughtfully curated wines in an upscale setting.

Travel to Yosemite with your dog

For many Angelenos, the best vacations include family pets. Waybound and Tenaya offer pet-friendly accommodations, as well as dog-friendly areas and kennel services for days when families want to explore parts of Yosemite where pets aren’t permitted. 

Nature sounds on

The final morning of my stay, I took a meditative solo walk from my Haven to the brook below. I recorded a video of the path that lay before me, capturing a sun star and its side rays shaped like iridescent butterfly wings shining through pine trees, the soft crunching my sneakers made over dirt, leaves and sticks, the sound of birds singing and the brook gurgling hello. 

I felt a sense of calm and, of course, I couldn’t wait to return and share it all with my children. While technology kept us connected, there’s nothing like the real thing. 

Michele Raphael is an L.A.-based culture, health, lifestyle and travel writer and editor. She can be found on Instagram at @michelebraphael.

The post Why Yosemite Is One of California’s Best Family Getaways appeared first on L.A. Parent.

As a parent, I love the idea of outdoor adventure, but the reality is often somewhat less glamorous.

Family camping trips can involve enough organization to launch a small military operation. There are tents to pack, meals to plan, sleeping bags to remember, and somehow, despite being surrounded by nature, parents often end up putting in more work than they do at home.

So, when I discovered an overnight Kern River rafting and glamping experience near Kernville, I was intrigued. Could it really deliver all the benefits of a family adventure without the stress?

The answer, it turns out, is yes. In fact, it may be the easiest family adventure we’ve ever done and here’s why.

Why an Overnight Kern River Rafting Trip Is Perfect for Families

Just a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Momentum River Expeditions offers everything from half-day rafting trips to multiday adventures. For families testing the waters, however, the overnight experience hits a sweet spot.

You get the excitement of a real outdoor escape without committing to four or five days in the wilderness. As someone who has done her share of family travel, I cannot sing the praises of the overnight option loudly enough.

You feel completely immersed in the experience, yet you’re never too far from home. It feels like a true expedition without requiring a week off work or a boot camp mentality.

In short, it’s adventure with the perfect exit strategy.

A Stress-Free Outdoor Adventure for Parents

Our getaway really began in Kernville, a charming mountain town 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield. We stayed the night at the family-owned Piazza’s Pine Cone Inn, a vintage-style motel within walking distance of town.

The next morning we fuelled up on pastries and coffee from the delightful Sequoia Mountain Bakery, then headed to meet the team at Momentum.

From the moment we arrived, it was obvious we were in good hands. Life jackets? Sorted. Wetsuits? Sorted. Dry bags? Sorted. This entire operation runs like a well-oiled machine.

As a mom, there’s is something incredibly reassuring about arriving somewhere and discovering that every detail has already been thought through. All we had to do was show up and enjoy the adventure.

What It’s Like to Raft the Kern River With Kids

The rafting itself was exhilarating, although I’ll admit, before we got into the water, I was worried about the cold, worried about my shoulder, worried I might spend the entire day exhausted. 

Instead, I found myself enjoying every splashy moment, and that was thanks to the incredible team leading our expedition. 

By sheer coincidence, every guide happened to be a woman, and they were a highlight of our stay.

Our personal guide, Shana, had rafted everywhere from Alaska to South America. Watching her expertly navigate the river, while keeping a raft full of nervous beginners relaxed, was genuinely impressive.

I loved that my teenage son got to see women leading, teaching and thriving in the outdoors. This wasn’t fake social media empowerment; these were real women doing remarkable things. 

Confident, capable, funny and utterly in command, they ran the camp, led the river expeditions and made the entire experience feel effortless.

Why Families Love Rafting the Kern River

The Kern River carries you more than you might expect. There were exciting rapids, calmer stretches where we could take in the scenery and plenty of opportunities for the kids to play in the water.

At one-point, older children took turns leaping from a cliff into the river below, all fully supervised. My son and his friend thought it was the greatest thing ever.

The entire experience encourages teamwork. Everyone has to paddle together, work together and trust each other. Best of all, it’s impossible to stare at a screen when you’re navigating rapids. 

I was truly grateful that my son had the chance to bank some big memories that didn’t involve a phone connection. There was no signal and nobody cared. It was a gamble — but one that paid off.

Glamping on the Kern River: Camping Without the Hassle

We arrived back at camp late afternoon and were treated to snacks of fruit and cold cuts. It was here that the trip became something else entirely. 

Momentum describes the experience as “luxury camping,” but I prefer the term “concierge camping.” Biggest mom win: no schlepping anything.

Our gorgeous riverside safari-style, walk-in tent sat just steps from the water. There were comfortable beds, communal dining areas, hammocks strung between trees and the constant soundtrack of the river rushing past.

I found myself stretched out in a hammock overlooking the water while somebody else prepared dinner. For years, I’ve planned family adventures, packed bags, planned meals, booked campsites and managed logistics. This time, someone else did the work and it was glorious. 

Dinner was served under a canopy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere relaxed and by the time darkness settled over the river, all the guests were chatting away. 

Why This Kern River Getaway Is Worth the Drive

The next morning, we woke to birdsong, fresh mountain air and another day on the river. As family trips go, it struck the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. 

What surprised me was how much adventure was packed into a short amount of time. Before the trip, I assumed a meaningful outdoor experience required a significant commitment. Instead, one overnight stay delivered all the magic.

For families curious about rafting, camping or simply spending more time outdoors together, it offers a wonderfully accessible introduction. And perhaps the greatest luxury of all: A family adventure where the parents get to enjoy themselves, too.

Family Tips for a Kern River Rafting and Glamping Trip

Pack bug spray, a flashlight and water shoes.
Simple essentials can make a long day outdoors much more comfortable. 

Bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer.
They’re handy for quick clean-ups before meals and after rafting. 

Wear sun-protective clothing.
Rash guards, hats and lightweight layers are ideal on the water. 

Take a waterproof phone pouch.
You’ll be able to capture the fun without worrying about splashes. 

Go with the flow (literally and figuratively).
Let someone else handle the logistics and focus on enjoying the ride.

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

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Until recently, I never understood the appeal of escaping to the desert for a summer vacation. Why swap a mild L.A. summer for a dry and brown furnace intent on sucking every drop of moisture out of your hair, skin and throat?

In the middle of L.A.’s “June gloom,” I left behind our 70-degree weather for a scorching high of 109 in Palm Desert, which averages about 300 days of sunshine per year.

On the drive, I consoled myself with imaginings of sparkling lagoons and spa tubs, crystal bowls and chimes and the feel of cool hotel-room air on my skin. This was, after all, a solo retreat to one of Palm Desert’s oases: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. 

I wanted to see how Spa Desert Springs incorporates treatments, wellness tech and practices inspired by those who live in the world’s blue zones — five regions across the globe where researchers have found people live exceptionally long, active lives.

Who doesn’t want to live to 100, especially if they can do so in reasonably good health? I hope to still be dancing, writing up a storm, making new friends of all ages and seeing new-to-me parts of the world well into my 10^th decade. 

A girl can dream. Especially when she’s on a solo retreat.

Best Desert Advice: Hydrate, Eat Light, Embrace the Night

I didn’t need to run the A/C for the first part of my drive, but I switched it on as my car floated into an invisible cave of heat that had me reaching for my water bottle. It was already warm. Luckily, I had stopped in Rowland Heights for two throat soothers: a jelly-lychee drink and coconut-pineapple juice, so I sipped on those until I pulled into the resort’s self-parking garage. 

I decided to leave my bags in the car and relax in my room with no agenda until the sun said its final goodbye. On the way to the checkout desk, I saw a table holding two large containers of ice water — one with orange slices and one with cucumbers. I drank a glass of each. 

The lobby was buzzing with activity. Folks were seated around the bar at Aquifer65 (which serves California cuisine, bar bites and sushi), watching the FIFA World Cup. A few families with children were waiting in line to board boats for the sunset cruise around the resort’s lakes. The boat rides are $5-$10, depending on the day and time. 

Set on 450 acres of desert gardens, lakes and mountain views, the hotel is Palm Desert’s largest resort, with 884 guest rooms.

From my 7^th-floor room balcony, the sun was casting a pink light across the jagged edges of the San Jacinto Mountains. I could see couples and families dining on Rockwood Grill’s patio to my left, lit-up boats sailing across the wide lake in front of me and people soaking in the cool waters of the three Oasis pools tucked in the center of the lake. 

The sound of water runs throughout the resort, a soundtrack that seems to cool things off. A little.

Once the sun was nowhere to be found, I slipped out of my room and descended to the walking path surrounding the lake, familiarizing myself with the location of the restaurants and my main reason for being here: the spa. Before I left, I stashed my water bottle and the hotel’s courtesy waters in my room’s fridge — treats to look forward to after my daring venture into the hot, hot night. 

I took at peek inside Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, which offers a classic teppanyaki experience where the entertainment is as much a part of the main course as the food. Guests sat around a sizzling grill while chefs put on a lively, family-friendly show. The menu features steak, chicken and seafood cooked right in front of you, along with sushi options if you want something lighter. I backed out, deciding to save this bit of theater for a return visit with family. 

After locating the spa, I circled back to the hotel to check out a popular family venue: JW Entertainment Zone, a 12,000-square-foot space that just so happens to be California’s largest resort arcade. You’ll find Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, duckpin bowling, simulators, racing games and many more machines lighting up the space. There’s also a movie lounge with beanbags to stretch out on. The film of the night was “A Goofy Movie.” I smiled at a little girl tugging on her father’s hand. “Let’s watch the movie,” she said, and he followed her lead without protest. 

Like most of us parents when we get to treat ourselves to some me-time, I thought of my own son. Even at 19, he’d love it here, heading straight for what he considered “vintage” games.  

By the time I retrieved my bags and returned to my room, the temperature had tiptoed to 86 degrees. I ran my bubble bath in the deep oval tub flanked by shutters exposing it to the room. Under this additional sound of water, I sipped my refrigerated H20 and nibbled on a yellowtail roll I picked up from Aquifer65. 

It was a perfect bath and dinner. In fact, Japanese cuisine, seafood and salad turned out to my only nutritional sources during my entire stay. Light, tasty, satisfying and, most importantly, cool.

It’s Spa Time

Like many people around the world, I was mesmerized by Netflix’s “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” In the early 2000s, National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner set out to decode the secrets of longevity. His expeditions unveiled the world’s five “blue zones” — Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, Calif. — areas with the highest rates of living centenarians.

Buettner dubbed the habits and characteristics these regions share as the “Power 9” — from natural movement to having a strong purpose to being part of the “right tribe” for you.

After bingeing the docuseries, I was determined to increase my practice of these habits. First, I scoured grocery stores looking for the “magic” purple Japanese yam featured in the series. And while I’m a bonafide gym rat, I push myself to walk in nature, including a weekly walk with a big, all-ages neighborhood group. We stop to point at flowers, coo over a gaggle of front-yard roosters, eat mulberries from Dan’s wild “sidewalk farm” in our dense urban neighborhood.

Still, I’m always on the hunt to find additional ways to effectively reduce my stress levels, and lying face-down for a treatment at Spa Desert Springs is an activity I would gladly do daily. Each experience blends local tradition, natural elements and longevity-focused practices inspired by the blue zones, Spa Director Dawn Ferraro told me during our tour.

Palm Desert’s largest spa, it spans 38,000 square feet and includes a shop and Spa Bistro, which serves light and refreshing meals representing the culinary culture of each blue zone.

 “Live to 100” highlighted how Okinawa has long been nicknamed “Land of the Immortals.” Feeling inspired, I signed up for the Okinawa treatment, a nourishing body wrap that blends hand-harvested rice, clay, seaweed and botanicals to hydrate, brighten and smooth skin while reducing dullness and signs of aging. 

My appointment was set for late afternoon. Early that morning, I ate a salad for breakfast on Rockwood Grill’s patio, watching the black swans glide across the lake. My son FaceTimed me, and I was not annoyed in the least to share my time with him. I pointed the phone toward the lake. “That’s beautiful, Mom,” he said. “I’m so happy for you.”

At lunchtime, I sauntered over to Spa Bistro, choosing the Okinawa Bowl (sweet potato glass noodles, shaved carrots, cilantro, miso-honey vinaigrette and chili crunch topped with a hot-smoked salmon fillet) and a blackberry cocktail, remembering not to overeat. My taste buds were tingly and satiated, a foreshadowing of my treatment.

In the candlelit, calm music-filled Couple’s Spa Suite featuring two plush massage tables and a massive tub, Miranda worked miracles on my sore body, gently wrapping it in the rice mixture that included uplifting scents of peppermint, lime and eucalyptus. “Any problem areas I should know about?” she asked, and I told her I’d recently been to the doctor for foot pain. My podiatrist, in fact, was suggesting the impossible: That I take at least a monthlong break from my beloved Zumba classes. 

As Miranda massaged away the hurt, the prospect of cutting back my seven-day-a-week workout schedule seemed a little less anxiety producing. Why have I so doggedly worked out past these chronic pains? I thought. And why don’t I reward my muscles, joints and bones more with recovery? 

The 90-minute treatment included a cooling rice bath and, to my delight, a rubber ducky! Who knew a childhood toy could be a meditative device? As I pushed the ducky towards my feet and watched it float back toward me, I was entranced. Deep in a zone that maybe, just maybe, was blue.

The spa also has gender-separate and co-ed relaxation lounges, a spa wardrobe, an aromatic hammam, Finnish sauna and a Turkish steam room. After my treatment, I had about an hour until closing time. I chose to spend it in the spa’s first interactive co-ed wellness lounge, which integrates wellness with technology and features 15 state-of-the-art lounge chairs designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

While I’ll never submit to a robot giving me a body treatment, I sank happily into the MindSync Chair, reclined and donned headphones. Ferraro chose the “emotional reset” option on the screen. The music, designed to synchronize brainwaves, made me feel as though I was simultaneously flying and grounded. After the first session stopped, I hit “soul soak” and had no idea I’d fallen asleep until an employee woke me. 

The spa was closing. It was time to go.

“Oh my goodness! So sorry,” I yelped.

 “Don’t be embarrassed,” Ferraro said. “It just means you needed the rest, and Miranda did a great job.” 

I asked her what I should check out in town, and she launched into how beautiful the Shops at El Paseo are at night. Mid-sentence, though, she changed her recommendation. “You know, the best thing might be for you to go to your room, order room service and rest for the rest of the night.”

She was right. I don’t even remember how I got into bed. 

Rising with the Desert Sun

I rose just before dawn the next day and went to sit out on the balcony. It was only 83 degrees, and the breeze did not yet feel like invisible fire. I sat down on the chair, then gasped when I looked across the table to discover that I was not alone. 

A mourning dove was perched on the chair opposite me, her head bowed, her chest inflated like a balloon. She side-eyed me. I left her alone. We watched the sun begin to wake up the mountains.

As the light grew stronger, the dove began to move. Fluffing her feathers to wake them up, to get herself ready for the day. Your tai chi, I thought. 

When she finally flew away, I stood and did a few stretches of my own, then went down to visit the Chilean flamingos, a delightful draw for early risers like me and the families with children who would make their way down later, perhaps after a breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

While my purpose in the desert was to find respite through the resort’s innovative wellness offerings, I appreciated that the property also creates meaningful ways for people of all ages to connect.

The promise of blue zones, Buettner says in “Live to 100,” is “to get every good year we can get out of this body of ours.” And that includes purposeful time alone and with our right tribes.

 Family Fun on the Resort 

• Families can enjoy 5 pools at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. 
• Play golf on 2 Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses.
• The Desert Springs Tennis Club has 8 pickleball courts. 
• Guests have complimentary access to the 18-hole mini championship putting course, with clubs available for all ages.
• Take electric boat rides across the resort’s lakes and waterways. These set sail from the lobby. The resort’s lakes are home to swans, flamingos and other aquatic wildlife cared for by the on-site conservation team. 
• The 12,000-square-foot JW Entertainment Zone is California’s largest resort arcade, featuring Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, duckpin bowling, simulators, racing games and more. 
• The JW Family Passport program offers activities for all ages, including nature walks, family yoga, flamingo feedings, scavenger hunts, trivia nights and ice cream socials, with prizes for participation.
• The resort’s Hot Shoppe serves nostalgic treats including root beer floats and ice cream.
• The hotel’s “Paws & Pamper” program for VIPs (Very Important Pets) offers dog-friendly in-room amenities and pet spa items such as lavender blankets and CBD treats for four-legged guests.
• Access to bike rentals, fish feeding and group fitness (18 and up).
• To view and book resort activities, visit JW Marriott Desert Springs activities calendar.

Cassandra Lane is a mom, author and editor-in-chief of L.A. Parent. 

The post Why JW Marriott Desert Springs Is the Perfect Palm Desert Getaway appeared first on L.A. Parent.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a Disney cruise but have been dreading the time, exorbitant cost and general hassle of flying your family across the country, here is some genuinely exciting news: Disney Cruise Line just doubled down on San Diego as a home port.

And it fundamentally changes the cruise game for those of us living in Southern California.

Disney Cruise Line and the Port of San Diego recently announced a new partnership through at least 2031 that will approximately double the number of annual Disney sailings from San Diego. Translation: more ships, more departure dates and more opportunities for L.A. families to skip the airport hassle entirely and drive to the dock instead.

For those of us watching airfare and hotel prices skyrocket and feeling the sting of travel delays, this is the kind of travel news that actually matters. No flights to catch. No scrambling to the airport hours early. Just load the car, drive a couple of hours and board a ship full of Disney magic.

Which Disney ships are sailing from San Diego

The reality is that a Disney cruise has become an increasingly appealing option for families — even those who aren’t die-hard Disney fans. But the logistics have always been part of the equation. Most Disney ships depart from ports such as Port Canaveral in Florida, which itself requires significant travel for many of us. Adding flights into the mix means higher costs, more stress and the very real possibility that someone in your party will be exhausted before you even set foot on the ship.

San Diego solves all of that. Starting this fall, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will both homeport there, offering three- to seven-night voyages with a range of destinations that appeal to different families.

The Disney Magic offers sailings through November before repositioning to Galveston, while the Disney Wonder will stay put from October 2026 through April 2027, sailing to Catalina Island, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta.

That proximity matters more than you might think — especially when you consider the cost of flights for a family of four or five. Even a quick regional flight to another cruise port easily runs $800 to $1,500 per person when you factor in parking, fees and all the hidden expenses that come with flying. For many L.A. families, that’s the difference between taking a vacation and skipping it altogether.

What the itineraries look like

I was fortunate enough to take a four-night Disney cruise last week with my three kids — ages 14, 12 and 7 — to see what all the fuss was about, and I came back understanding why families keep coming back to Disney Cruise Line year after year, even with ships from other lines sailing the same waters.

The difference isn’t subtle, and it’s not just about character meet-and-greets (spoiler: Bluey and Bingo just may pop up). The differences are baked into everything, starting with cruise line’s rotational dining.

Disney’s rotational system means you visit different-themed restaurants throughout your cruise, which is common with other cruise lines, but this one came with dinner and a stellar show. From live jazz performances and an interactive dance element in Tiana’s Place to a surprise character visit at the visually arresting Animator’s Palate, my kids were entertained throughout the entire meal. 

The servers that stay with you night after night are also exceptional (shoutout to Miss Spicy and Kallis!) and truly get to know your family and their preferences. They even had my daughter’s favorite drink waiting for her before we sat down each night and crafted a Baby Yoda out of a napkin that she insisted on sleeping with and may have taken home. 

Movie screenings are all day long, both indoors in the massive theaters and out by the pool. We were lucky enough to catch a viewing of “Hoppers,” a film my kids had been bummed to miss in the theaters at home.

But the real magic happens during the nightly Broadway-style shows. We caught three shows, including a musical version of “Frozen,” and they were genuinely professional-caliber performances. Not the kind of cruise entertainment you endure; rather, the kind you look forward to and talk about afterward.  

Another highlight: Pirate night (costumes encouraged) and the epic fireworks at sea finale. Ultimately, every family member found something to love, which is harder to pull off than you’d think when you’re spanning ages 7 to 14.

The Oceaneer Club is a game changer

Here’s something I wasn’t prepared for: My 7-year-old didn’t want to leave the Oceaneer Club. Like, not at all, and often told me to only come get her for meals.

This is the kind of kids’ space that actually lets parents breathe for a few hours without guilt and maybe even enjoy the spa or the adults-only area of the ship for a few hours, because you know your children are genuinely engaged and having the time of their lives — not just being babysat.

The club itself is expertly designed for different age groups, with activities that range from creative and imaginative for younger kids to a variety of spaces for tweens and teens. 

Ports of call that work for everyone

Our four-night itinerary hit Catalina Island and Ensenada, which meant we had options for every energy level and interest. In Catalina, we embarked on an open-air bison expedition while other families snorkeled or zip lined.

The beauty of these shorter sailings is that you’re never far from home if you get homesick, but you’re also far enough away to feel like you’ve genuinely escaped.

Ensenada was our other port of call, and we chose to stay onboard to enjoy a quieter ship and had zero regrets. We heard other guests raving about their wine country excursion and saw happy kids wander around who got their faces painted at “A Mexican Family Celebration” outing, where they learned about the Day of the Dead and participated in various kid-friendly activities.

Longer cruises also stop in ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

A rare discount makes the cruise more accessible

Timing is everything, and Disney is making it easier to pull the trigger. Through June 14, Disney Cruise Line is offering “Together at Sea Savings,” which gives you up to 50% off the voyage fare for up to three kids (ages 17 and younger) on select sailings from October 2026 through March 2027.

For families new to cruising, this is rare. Disney doesn’t typically discount this heavily, and it’s a golden opportunity to try a cruise without the full financial commitment.

The math is straightforward. One adult flight to another port could cover a significant portion of a Disney cruise from San Diego. When you add in the time saved, the stress eliminated and the fact that you’re within driving distance, suddenly a Disney cruise becomes the kind of family vacation that makes sense for L.A. parents in 2026.

The bigger picture

San Diego’s expanded agreement with Disney means more than just additional sailings. The port is expecting to welcome more than 1 million Disney passengers through the course of the agreement — the first time in more than 20 years that a cruise line has offered a minimum annual guarantee at the Port of San Diego. That’s a vote of confidence in both the port and the cruise experience that families are craving.

For those of us living in Los Angeles and Orange County, this expansion means something simple but powerful: The Disney magic that families have traveled across the country to experience is now in our backyard.

And I have to be honest: One of the best parts of the trip for me was getting off the boat at 8 a.m. and being back in my own home before 11 a.m. If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is. 

Quick Facts for Booking:

• Ships sailing from San Diego: Disney Magic (October-November 2026) and Disney Wonder (October 2026-April 2027)
• Itineraries: 3 to 7-night voyages to Catalina Island, Baja and the Mexican Riviera
• Current Offer: Up to 50% off voyage fares for up to 3 kids (ages 17 and under) with purchase of two full-fare guests. Book by June 14 for sailings Oct. 1, 2026-March 27, 2027.
• Distance from L.A.: Approximately 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids. 

Read her review of the Disney Destiny cruise here. And check out more of our travel stories here.

The post Disney Cruises from San Diego: Why Southern California Families Should Book Now appeared first on L.A. Parent.

“No, we don’t have time!” is a refrain that echoes through my family’s days more than I’d like to admit — when the girls want one more outfit change before we’re out the door, when they beg for one more book at bedtime or when the idea for a vacation pops up.

What parent of young children enrolled in karate, piano lessons and theater — and a house overrun by dishes and laundry — has time to take off for 48 hours, no matter how badly their kids want to just jump into a pool and eat French fries? This would be, of course, a perfectly reasonable request from a child — or an adult, for that matter.

When my family of four got an opportunity to escape to the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa during a rare open weekend between my youngest daughter’s third birthday and my dad’s 80^th, I worked hard to quiet the refrain — “No, we don’t have time!” — and found a way to say, “Yes.” 

My husband and daughters, however, required very little convincing. They were right, of course: We all needed the reset. 

Settling in at the resort

“This place is amaaazing,” exclaimed Naomi, our 7-year-old, as ran excitedly from room to room within our suite, opening every closet and curtain. “I wish we lived here!” 

The resort has 600 rooms and suites across its 400-acre property, plus two pools, seven onsite restaurants and cafes, a 24-hour fitness center, luxury spa and gift shops. Our bedroom balcony overlooked the resort’s new North Course, a links-style golf course that tempted my golf enthusiast husband. (“Just a reason to return,” he says).

Hungry and stir-crazy from the 95-mile drive south from L.A., everyone was ready for dinner. I was a little apprehensive walking through the grand lobby to Bar Traza, the hotel’s Spanish-inspired eatery. But when we were seated with kids’ menus and crayons (universal code for “Your kids are welcome here”), I knew I’d be relaxed enough to order from the Olympics-themed cocktail menu. Our server, Ramiro, took our order and picked up the dropped crayons without missing a beat. 

Bellies full, we retreated to our room where, unsurprisingly, our girls passed out in record time. Unfortunately, my husband and I did, too, despite my ambitious plans for a round of cribbage and wine on the balcony.

Flexibility is your friend on vacay 

A rare full night’s rest did mean plenty of energy to tackle the next day. After breakfast at Omni La Costa’s marketplace, my husband took Naomi to the pool and I took Juna, our 3-year-old, to The Lullabar, a nail salon with a café and onsite child care. How genius is that?

Ting, a newlywed from Oceanside, did my manicure while Jill, a recent empty nester, took care of my pedicure. All three of us are in various stages of life: Ting is contemplating starting a family but wisely wants to enjoy child-free time with her husband; Jill is adjusting to life without seeing her daughter daily and I am in the thick of it all with young children. Right on cue, one of the caregivers entered the salon, holding my little tear-stained, barefoot girl.

“I’m so sorry. We tried everything,” she began. I immediately felt embarrassed, like I had failed because my kid is too attached. Well, it was worth a shot, I thought. I guess my appointment is over.

“Is that OK if she joins you?” the caregiver asked.

 I felt so relieved! “Of course!” I said as Juna ran over to snuggle next to me in the big salon chair. No one batted an eye. It was as if a child joining her mother during a pampering session was the most ordinary thing in the world. 

I settled back into my chair and breathed a sigh of relief.  

Exploring Carlsbad Village 

For lunch, we headed to Carlsbad Village, the town’s walkable downtown area of shops, bars and restaurants so family-friendly it made my husband seriously consider moving here. 

We sat down at Sushi Taisho, a husband-and-wife-owned Japanese fusion restaurant with vibrant green booths, a patio and neon sign above the sushi bar: “Seas the Day.” I seized my day and enjoyed fresh sushi and tempura while Juna napped on my lap. She woke up just in time for dessert from GelatoLove and gymnastics in the fountain courtyard at the Village Faire Shopping Center.

Although our girls could play forever, we adults needed a pick-me-up, so we headed to Kids & Coffee, a beautiful indoor playground and café with quality coffee and my husband’s favorite: matcha. Local husband-and-wife duo and parents Vivian and Ken first got the idea for their hybrid play space café during the pandemic. Like so many of us, they felt trapped in a small condo with young kids, desperate for a safe place to relax and roam free.

“This is my third baby,” Vivian said. From the extra toddler clothes and diapers in the bathrooms to the sensory-friendly “comfort room” to the Montessori-inspired classrooms, you can see how much love and care was put into creating a space that feels good for both parents and kids. As I sat there sipping my honey-lavender latte and chatting with Vivian while our girls played, I asked that question a lot of moms get: “How do you do it all?” But I really wanted to know! 

“I think being optimistic is key to being a mom — and an entrepreneur,” she answered. “If you can’t change your reality, you can change your perspective.”

Final adventures  

We started our final day in Carlsbad with our own mini reset: My husband and I got two glorious hours to ourselves while Naomi and Juna made butterfly crafts and plant seeds at Hazel’s Gardening Club, part of Omni La Costa’s onsite family activities.

Once we reunited, we said farewell to the resort and headed to Legoland, about seven miles away. 

Our girls haven’t discovered the joys of Lego builds yet, but they are ocean obsessed. We ran straight to Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium inside the park. The aquarium features more than 350 different species, interactive exhibits and knowledgeable aquarists ready to tell you about their favorite marine creatures. My girls were all about the jellyfish. 

We had one final stop before making our way home: Carlsbad Strawberry Company. These delicious berries made for the perfect car snack. I knew we were driving back to the same dish-piled sink, laundry and overpacked schedules, but with a renewed perspective: Time together is always time well spent.

Nina Harada is an artist, writer, mom and Digital Editor of L.A. Parent. 

The post Carlsbad Family Getaway: The Perfect 48-Hour Escape from Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

When my two boys were between the ages of 3 and 10, I had some great success along with some not-so-great success providing creative activities when traveling that did not include screen time. Whether a road trip or flight, I came to realize the more prepared I was with “insta-activities,” the better the trip was from beginning to end.

After years of trying different things, the one activity that really became a favorite was what we called “The Awesome Drawing Kit.”

Here are a few quick ideas to create your own Awesome Drawing Kit that will make your trip not only more enjoyable, but also cost-effective, easy and fun!

Pencil boxes or pouches

Kids love to open things, zip things, unzip things and close things. Bringing or purchasing a small pencil pouch or box before your trip is close to guaranteeing many smiles. If you have drawing supplies at home, have them choose their favorite markers, pencils, erasers and crayons. If you need to run to a store to purchase a new set of markers, the investment is truly worth 1,000 pictures. 

Diversify your papers

Grabbing a large Ziploc bag and filling it with drawing paper has saved me a million times. In addition to white paper, add bright-colored and different-sized paper. Pre-cut a few sheets in half, quarters and even mini size … those little mini sheets are great for little hands and somehow spark new ideas!

Tracing paper and magazines

Tracing paper has been an A+ activity with my boys. Tracing their favorite characters in books or magazines is an activity that really keeps them engaged. Tip: Include a small roll of tape in the Ziploc bag just in case you need to tape down the sides of the tracing paper to keep it more secure.

Clipboard

Including a clipboard adds a great dimension to the drawing kit, allowing your child to move around a bit and tilt it so they’re comfortable.

Bonus tips

Placing everything in the large Ziploc bag — papers, the pouch or box and the clipboard — is the surest way to be ready in a minute for instant creative activities. 

Every child is so different in how they approach creative activities. Occasionally, after spending time free drawing, I saw that my boys needed a small prompt or theme to keep the drawing activity fresh and new. Doing this provided a very different experience than open-ended drawing. Within minutes, they were focused again — laughing, talking and creating amazing things.

A few drawing themes can include:

• Creating a Dream Amusement Park
• Magic Under the Sea
• My Comic Book Design 
• Make up your own themes. The sky’s the limit, so have a ton of fun with your Awesome Drawing Kit and happy travels!

For more family travel packing essentials, check out advice from a local pediatrician.

Lauren Dennis-Perelmuter is founder and CEO of a Los Angeles-based art education company, The Art Box Academy. Find her on social media @theartboxacademy.

The post Screen-Free Travel Activities for Kids on Road Trips and Flights appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Family travel goes a lot smoother when you plan with purpose. I spoke with a Los Angeles-based pediatrician about the essentials that can help parents stay prepared, whether they’re flying, driving or heading abroad with kids.

Pack like a pro

To increase your chances for a family trip filled with happy memories, Leian Chen, M.D., a pediatrician with UCLA Health in Marina del Rey and a mom of two (ages 12 and 9), urges us to plan well, yet always expect the unexpected. 

“On my family’s trips, we’ve gotten stranded in sand dunes and snowstorms, used the first-aid kit more times than I can count and often relied on the kindness of friends and strangers,” says Chen. “While it would have been easy to let these things derail our vacations, we had to learn to be flexible and to make the best of the unexpected situations, which ultimately led to some great stories and memories.”\

Road trips vs. flying 

“Road trips are sometimes easier, as you’ll have access to all of your things, but you may need to include some medication like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) for carsickness along with some barf bags if your child is prone,” Chen says. “Of course, some kids experience motion sickness with air travel, too, so this may be an essential either way.

“For flights, some airlines will require proof of age (like a birth certificate or vaccine record) for lap infants or a notarized consent form if traveling with only one parent,” she says. “If your child will need a car seat or booster seat at your destination, that would also be important to gate-check or bring on board so that it doesn’t get lost in transit.”

International travel tips

“Keep passports on your person or locked somewhere safe once you arrive at your destination, with a copy readily available on you,” Chen says. 

“Consider bringing some commonly used medications or baby formula with you in case access is difficult at your destination or there is a language barrier. Other items to consider:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil, for infants/children 6 months and up) for fevers or pain
• Cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) for allergies
• First-aid items
• Contact your pediatrician well ahead of time for refills on prescription medications

Pack for your destination

“If you’ll be outside at all, I would have sunscreen and a hat in your bag,” Chen advises. “If you’re going to an area with mosquitoes, I would recommend carrying repellent spray or wipes and, perhaps, some hydrocortisone cream for itchy bites.

“For travel in cold weather, extra layers of clothing and hats/gloves would be helpful to have on hand. I’ve also thrown hand warmers (rechargeable or single use) in there on ski trips.”

Essentials for every trip

To keep the kids busy without relying on electronic devices during travel, check out our article on screen-free travel fun.

Elena Epstein is editorial director of L.A. Parent.

The post Family Travel Tips: What to Pack for Kids and Stress-Free Trips appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Flying while pregnant is considered safe (unless there are pregnancy complications), yet it can be uncomfortable, especially in the first trimester, which is when many people experience morning sickness. Increasing your comfort during the flight starts long before you board the plane, but what you pack in your carry-on bag can make your time in the air much more bearable.

As a journalist who takes more than 100 flights a year, I continued flying frequently during my pregnancy. With the right prep, you, too, can jet set around the world … within reason. After 28 weeks of gestation, airlines may require a doctor’s note to confirm a pregnant person has been cleared to fly, and after 36 weeks (or 32 for pregnancies with multiples), it is not advised to fly. 

Increasing physical comfort 

​The one thing my doctor told me was non-negotiable was to wear compression socks while flying to avoid blood clots, improve circulation and reduce leg swelling. Doctors also recommend frequent movement during the flight: ankle rotations, standing every hour and walking the aisles. Choosing the aisle seat is ideal. 

In addition, I swear by a foot swing to reduce swelling. If you don’t already own one, a sturdy scarf works just fine. Open the tray table, tie the scarf into a tight loop, lock the tray table in place, and — voilà! — you’ve made a DIY foot swing.

If you get chilly easily on flights, make sure you bring a backup scarf to wrap around your shoulders. Or if you overheat, a small, portable electric fan will be your new best friend.

Navigating fatigue

If the thought of even going to the airport makes you feel exhausted, you are not alone. Exhaustion can hit hard, especially during the first trimester, so to help you navigate a large airport, consider requesting wheelchair assistance, which you can reserve through the airline.

To ensure you can fall asleep more easily once you’re on board, pack your favorite neck support travel pillow. I also wore noise-canceling headphones to block out the plane’s white noise and the chatter of fellow passengers.

Managing nausea

My sense of smell was extremely high while pregnant, so I stashed an herbal inhaler in my fanny pack for easy access to sniff during any unpleasant, stinky moments. Alternatively, you can also bring your favorite essential oils.​

Morning sickness can also make flying challenging. Packing anti-nausea and heartburn medication can help, and some travelers find relief by smelling a cotton ball lightly dipped in alcohol and stored in a small zip-top bag. Frequent snacking may also help keep nausea at bay.

 In addition, some pregnant people find that frequently snacking can help curb morning sickness. I’m gluten-free and vegan due to allergies, so I can’t rely on airline snacks; I bring my own, including rice crackers, fruits and nuts. I also suggest bringing plenty of ginger chews to help fight nausea and electrolyte packets to add to your water to keep you satiated and hydrated.

Since the immune system can be weaker during pregnancy, I wore an N95 mask to do my best to keep myself healthy while flying. I brought cleaning wipes with alcohol to clean my space and hand sanitizer that I used as needed.  

Keeping these essentials in my carry-on gave me peace of mind and made flying during pregnancy far more manageable.

Pregnancy Carry-On Essentials

• Compression socks
• Neck pillow
• Electrolyte packets
• Ginger chews
• Anti-nausea medication
• Healthy snacks

• Hand sanitizer + wipes
• Essential oil or inhaler
• N95 masks
• Portable fan
• Foot sling or scarf
• Warm throw

​ Lola Méndez is a Uruguayan-American journalist with more than a decade of experience in print and digital media, covering travel, sustainability, culture and wellness for major publications, including the L.A. Times, CNN and National Geographic.

​

The post Flying While Pregnant: Travel Tips and Carry-On Essentials appeared first on L.A. Parent.

We’re dreaming about beach days, concerts in the park, road trips, sunset sailing, ice cream on a warm night and, most of all, making family memories together. Our Beyond L.A. summer travel guide is filled with places to go, must-do events and much more.

The post Beyond Los Angeles: Summer Travel Ideas and Family Getaways appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Summer in Southern California is made for adventure, and Buena Park is the perfect hub for a getaway that blends thrills, culture and flavor. Nestled just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the coast, this lively city packs more into one visit than most could imagine. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping rides, immersive shows, unique eats or one-of-a-kind experiences, Buena Park makes every day feel like a vacation.

Dinner Shows
Start your adventure with a touch of theater and excitement. For families and thrill-seekers, Pirates Dinner Adventure offers swashbuckling fun where guests can get involved in the action alongside daring pirates. If medieval knights are more your speed, Medieval Times delivers jousting, swordplay and feasts fit for royalty. Adults looking for a more relaxed evening can unwind at the Beach Boulevard Club, a 21+ spot featuring creative cocktails and lively dueling pianists.

Theme Parks & Seasonal Fun
No Buena Park getaway is complete without a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park. From corkscrew coasters and high-speed thrill rides to kid-friendly areas in Camp Snoopy, the park offers fun for all ages. Cool off during the warmer months at Knott’s Soak City, a seasonal water park with 23 exhilarating slides, a lazy river and private cabanas for the ultimate sunny-day retreat.

Free & Historic Attractions
For a slower pace, step back in time at the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center, located within the 104-acre Ralph B. Clark Park. Exhibits, guided tours and programs showcase prehistoric Orange County, including a jaw-dropping 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton. Continue your historical journey at Knott’s Independence Hall, a brick-by-brick replica of the original Philadelphia landmark, or stroll through Buena Park’s Historic District, where buildings from the 1800s offer a charming glimpse into the past.

A Taste of Buena Park
Food lovers will feel right at home in Buena Park. Just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, the Knott’s California Marketplace is a must-visit. Savor the famous fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant or enjoy boysenberry-inspired treats — a tribute to the fruit invented right here in Buena Park. Beyond Knott’s, explore Buena Park’s culinary diversity. At Porto’s Bakery, delight in Cuban favorites like potato balls and cheese rolls. Uncover inventive cocktails at The Cauldron, a witch-themed bar with a secret room hidden behind a bookshelf. Enjoy classic American dishes and outdoor cornhole at Rock & Brews, boasting more than 60 beers on tap. Indulge in Chicago-style sandwiches, hot dogs and the iconic chocolate cake shake at Portillo’s. Don’t miss the food award winners for a curated foodie experience.

Unique Experiences
For something truly one-of-a-kind, explore Buena Park’s Koreatown, stretching 2.5 miles and home to over 90 restaurants serving everything from classic Korean BBQ to to classic dishes like gimbap. Back at Knott’s Berry Farm, visit the Ghost Town Blacksmith to watch craftsmen shape intricate metalwork—you can even take home personalized pieces.

For hands-on creativity, take a 90-minute class at Daniel’s Truth to craft your own custom perfume or join a baking session at The Bakery School to master sweets and new culinary skills. Discover even more unique experiences in Buena Park.

Shopping in Buena Park
The Source OC, a three-level shopping center, features Korean boutiques, K-pop stores, and skincare shops. For designer brands, South Coast Plaza is just 20 miles away, boasting over 250 high-end boutiques. Those looking for bargains can head to the Outlets at Orange, only 10 miles from Buena Park, for top retailers at outlet prices.

Sleep Easy in Buena Park
Buena Park offers over a dozen affordable and comfortable hotels. Knott’s Hotel, within walking distance of Knott’s Berry Farm, offers a spa, steam room, and a free shuttle to Disneyland. DoubleTree provides shuttles to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, on-site dining, a bar, and their signature warm cookie at check-in.

Hilton Buena Park features a rooftop heated pool, bar, dining, and direct access to The Source OC, while Courtyard Buena Park includes a Starbucks, EV charging, and an outdoor firepit, conveniently located across from dinner shows and Porto’s Bakery. For a pet-friendly option, Hampton Inn & Suites offers EV charging and a free hot breakfast. Fairfield Inn & Suites features spacious rooms and a complimentary hot breakfast. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals

Plan Your Buena Park Summer Getaway
From heart-pounding thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm to flavorful culinary adventures, immersive cultural experiences, and comfortable lodging, Buena Park, CA, is the ultimate destination for a summer vacation. With so much to see and do, one day is simply not enough—but that’s the perfect excuse to extend your stay, explore at your own pace, and make memories that last a lifetime. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

The post Things to Do in Buena Park with Kids This Summer appeared first on L.A. Parent.