
California is home to many beautiful state parks that are perfect for visiting during the summer months when traveling with kids. This is by no means a comprehensive list of California’s State Parks. This is more of a variety of the many different types of parks here in California. For a full list of California’s State Parks visit their website here!
Here are some of the most unique California State Parks to consider while traveling with kids during summer months.
- Lake Tahoe State Park: Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, this park offers a variety of water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds available.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park: This park features majestic redwood trees, hiking trails, and a waterfall. It also has a visitor center and campgrounds.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: This park is known for its stunning coastal views, including the famous McWay Falls. There are also hiking trails, a beach, and a campground.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: This park is located in the desert region of Southern California and offers a unique landscape for kids to explore. Activities include hiking, stargazing, and visiting the park’s visitor center.
- Mount Tamalpais State Park: This park is located just north of San Francisco and offers hiking trails, stunning views of the Bay Area, and picnic areas. There are also campgrounds available.
- Andrew Molera State Park: This park is located in Big Sur and offers hiking trails, beach access, and campgrounds. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea otters and harbor seals.
- Pismo State Beach: Located on the central coast of California, this state park offers beach access for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. There are also campgrounds available for overnight stays.
Planning Your Summer Road Trip With Kids In Advance Will Make Your Trip More Successful and Memorable

Planning ahead of time is crucial when traveling with kids during the summer months for several reasons:
- Availability: Many popular travel destinations, attractions, and accommodations tend to book up quickly during the summer months, so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure that you’re able to secure the reservations you need. By planning ahead, you can secure your preferred travel dates, accommodations, and activities before they sell out.
- Budgeting: Planning ahead allows you to research the costs associated with your trip and create a budget accordingly. This helps you to avoid overspending and ensures that you have enough money set aside for all of the activities and expenses that you and your family will encounter on your trip.
- Convenience: Planning ahead can also make your trip more convenient, especially when traveling with kids. You can schedule activities, book accommodations, and plan meals around your family’s needs and preferences, avoiding long wait times and making the most of your time at each destination.
- Safety: Planning ahead can also help ensure your family’s safety while on the road. By researching the areas you’ll be traveling to and planning your routes accordingly, you can avoid potential hazards and stay safe during your trip.
- Fun: Finally, planning ahead can make your trip more fun and enjoyable for everyone in the family. By researching and booking exciting activities in advance, you can ensure that everyone has something to look forward to and that you make the most of your time together on vacation.
Overall, planning ahead can help reduce stress, save money, and ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable trip.

