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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip with Kids (50+ Stops Active Toddlers & Preschoolers Will Actually Love)
Planning a California coast road trip with kids? After multiple family road trips with our two energetic boys, we’ve discovered the best beaches, playgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Whether you’re driving the entire coast or just one section, this guide includes 50+ toddler- and family-friendly stops to help make every mile part of the adventure.
Malibu beach sunset views
The "Are We There Yet?" Cure: 50+ California Coast Road Trip Stops for Active Kids and Toddlers
If you’ve ever loaded two energetic little boys into the car for a long drive, you know the destination is only half the adventure. Even I have trouble with long car rides!
The real challenge is making it from Point A to Point B without hearing “Are we there yet?” or “I’m hungry” every ten minutes.
After multiple family road trips up and down the California coast, we’ve found the stops that actually work for young kids—places to run, climb, snack, spot wildlife, stretch little legs, and give everyone a much-needed break before getting back in the car.
This isn’t your typical Pacific Coast Highway itinerary filled with scenic overlooks that toddlers and little kids couldn’t care less about (although we’ll include plenty of beautiful views too!).
Instead, this guide is packed with:
🛌 Family-friendly hotels we personally stayed in
🛝 Playgrounds worth pulling over for
🏖️ Beaches where kids can safely explore
🦭 Wildlife stops they’ll actually remember
🍦 Ice cream shops and bakeries you’ll want to revisit
🥾 Easy hikes perfect for little legs
🍔 Little kids and Toddler-approved restaurants
⚡️ Charging stops (for our fellow EV families!)
Whether you’re driving one section of the coast or planning the entire journey from Santa Cruz to San Diego, these are the stops our family genuinely loved.
California Coast Road Trip Map
Save and download (reception can be tough along the coast at times) this custom Google Map here with all recommended stops:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QMxCH8qo1yiVaoEt7
How We Use This Guide
We don't stop at every location on every trip.
Sometimes we drive straight through while the boys nap.
Other times we'll spend an entire afternoon at a single playground.
That's the beauty of this guide—you can customize your trip based on your kids' ages, nap schedules, and how much energy they need to burn.
Carlsbad Hilton Pool at sunset
Crucial Survival Tips for a California Road Trip with Toddlers and Young Kids
A few things that made this trip so much easier with our boys:
Plan a stop every 1–2 hours. Even 20 minutes at a playground can completely reset everyone’s mood.
If they are napping, drive through to the next stop!
Don’t overbook each day. We usually picked one “big” activity and left room for spontaneous stops.
Pack plenty of snacks and a small cooler.
We always travel with our Regalo Toddler Inflatable Beds, making almost any hotel room work for our family.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, use charging stops as built-in adventure breaks instead of just waiting in a parking lot.
Keep a change of clothes easily accessible. Beach stops almost always turn into splash stops.
➡️ See our full guide for Successful Toddler Road Trips including snacks, games, books and more!
The Best Kid-Friendly Stops on the California Coast (From Santa Cruz to San Diego)
Jump to a stop:
Santa Cruz: The Ultimate Toddler Energy Burn Stop
Santa Cruz At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive Time
- Starting Point (or 1 hour from San Jose)
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2–3 Days
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn Rating
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Absolutely
Santa Cruz is one of our favorite places to begin a California coast road trip with kids. Between giant redwoods, sandy beaches, playgrounds, and the famous Boardwalk, there's enough here to keep little ones busy for several days. We spent two full days exploring and still left with more on our list for next time.
Huge room perfect for families to stay in at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
🛌 Where We Stayed: Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
📍Location: 407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This was the perfect home base for our family.
We stayed in Room 331, which was incredibly spacious and had plenty of room for both of our Regalo toddler inflatable beds. The location made it easy to explore Santa Cruz while still feeling close to everything.
➡️ Read our full Hyatt Place Santa Cruz review
Hunting for Banana Slugs in the Redwoods was our kids favorite activity!
Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Kids
We spent 2 full days in Santa Cruz and were surprised how much there was to do! We had jam packed days but managed to balance fun and rest throughout the day!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is great for toddlers, young kids, older kids, and kids at heart.
🎢 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
📍Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏱️ Plan: 3–6 hours
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms available
The Boardwalk is an easy favorite for kids of all ages.
Our boys especially loved Neptune’s Kingdom Mini Golf at Buccaneer Bay, and simply walking along the beach was entertainment enough.
Our four-year-old at the hands on exhibit at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
🌊 Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
📍Location: 35 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
⏱️ Plan: 45–60 minutes
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of Santa Cruz’s best free attractions.
Although there aren’t live animals inside, there are plenty of interactive exhibits designed for kids.
Our boys loved:
Creating giant waves
Magnetic fishing games
Hands-on exhibits
Even better…
Admission is completely FREE.
Bonus: Every Wednesday morning they host Toddler Time with stories, songs, crafts and themed activities.
Redwood Trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - great energy burner for kids!
🌲 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
📍Location: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
⏱️ Plan: 1–2 hours
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want your kids to experience California’s giant redwoods without a strenuous hike, this is the place.
The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is mostly flat and stroller friendly. Challenge your kids to see who can find the first banana slug! It became one of our favorite parts of visiting Henry Cowell.
Highlights include:
Massive 1,500-year-old redwoods
Trees over 275 feet tall
The famous Fremont Tree, where the entire family can step inside the hollow trunk
Parent Tip: Bring a flashlight—the kids will love exploring inside the tree.
Roaring Camp Railroads steam train was a highlight of our trip for our kids
🚂 Roaring Camp Railroads
📍Location: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
⏱️ Plan: 2-3 hours
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We walked to Roaring Camp after “hiking” The Redwood Grove Loop Trail!
This was one of our boys' favorite experiences.
The steam train winds through towering redwoods and feels like stepping back in time. The train ride is about 2 hours long - an hour up to the top and 45 mins back. There is a 15 minute stop with bathrooms.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets well before your trip. We almost missed out because trains often sell out.
➡️ See more information in our full 3-Day Itinerary in Santa Cruz post.
Penny Ice Creamery ice cream cone!
🍔 Where to Eat in Santa Cruz with Kids
The Picnic Basket
📍Location: 125 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The “Fancy Pants” grilled cheese is always a winner with kids, while parents can enjoy sandwiches, salads and avocado toast.
Bonus: They also serve Penny Ice Creamery scoops.
Kid Friendly Restaurant: The Crow’s Nest
📍Location: 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Located by the harbor, this is another excellent family-friendly restaurant.
Kids get to pick a prize from the treasure chest after dinner. Talk about motivation to eat all your food!
🍦 Ice Cream Stop: Penny Ice Creamery
📍Location: 913 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you only stop at one ice cream shop…
Make it this one. Their rotating flavors are unique and limited batch. Check in frequently!
🍨 Ice Cream Stop: Marianne’s Ice Cream
📍Location: 1020 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
A Santa Cruz classic that’s been serving ice cream for generations. So many different flavors it’s hard to choose!
Monterey Bay: Best Marine Life & Playground Stops
Monterey At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 45 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 1–2 Days
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Absolutely
Best hotel location in Monterey Bay - The Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
🛌 Where We Stayed: InterContinental The Clement Monterey
You simply can’t beat this location.
The hotel sits next door to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and right on Cannery Row, making it incredibly easy to explore without constantly loading kids back into the car.
➡️ Read our full InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel review
Don’t Miss These Activities with Kids in Monterey
Fish bigger than our toddler at the Monterey Bar Aquarium
🦦 Monterey Bay Aquarium
📍Location: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
⏱️ Plan: 2-3 hours
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There was so much to do here! We visited the penguins and the otters at their designated feeding time but it was super crowded. It’s hard to get there early with little ones who don’t want to sit! I think we had more fun watching both of them when there wasn’t a trainer around. There’s even a small playground inside the aquarium as well! If you need snacks, there are a couple spots within the aquarium but we packed snacks and ate them on the patio while we watched the otters playing in the ocean kelp fields near the back of the aquarium.
We also loved finding all sorts of fish throughout the aquarium including fish as big as my toddler, sharks, jellyfish and of course, NEMO!
🛝 Playground Stop: Dennis the Menace Playground
📍Location: 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940
⏱️ Plan: 2-3 hours
⚡️KidEnergy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lots to do at this park! Rock climb, maze wall, or even rent a paddle boat. Hours of fun to be had. The playground is safe and completely fenced in which is great for curious toddlers!
🍔🛍️ Cannery Row
📍Location: 601 Foam St, Monterey, CA 93940
⏱️ Plan: 1-2 hours
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Historic street that old sardine factories were turned into shops and restaurants. It’s charming and cute!
🦭 Seals and Sea lions
📍Location: 100 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
⏱️ Plan: 10-20 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great stop to watch the sea lions play!
🔌 Target and EV Tesla Supercharger
📍Location: 2040 California Ave, Sand City, CA 93955
Stop at Target and charge! There are bathrooms and it’s a great excuse to grab s’mores supplies before continuing south!
🍔 Best Restaurants for Kids in Monterey
🦭 The Salty Seal
📍Location: 653 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Lively English bar in a 1929 building. Darts, pool tables, live music, and fire pits on their large outdoor patio! It’s dog friendly too! Kids menu includes corn dogs and chicken strips with fries!
On our list for next time: Tipsy Putt indoor mini golf! Kids are allowed until 7:00 PM.
✨ Parent Tip: Download your offline Google Maps (https://maps.app.goo.gl/QMxCH8qo1yiVaoEt7) and toddler playlists before leaving Monterey. Cell service drops completely in Big Sur, and the winding roads can trigger motion sickness—keep the barf bags accessible just in case!
Big Sur with Kids: Quick, Low-Meltdown Scenic Stops
Big Sur At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 1 hour
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours – 1 day
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- Yes—for camping, glamping, or slowing down to enjoy Big Sur.
Big Sur is breathtaking—but with young kids, we found it worked best as a series of shorter stops rather than an all-day adventure.
Our favorite Stops with Kids in Big Sur:
🪨 Rocky Point near Rocky Creek Bridge
📍Location: 36700 CA-1, Monterey, CA 93940
⏱️ Plan: 20 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️
There’s a great viewpoint of the Bixby Bridge and a secret swing, if you’re comfortable finding it. How to get there - we went down a little road into a parking lot for Rocky Point Restaurant and just off the trail (southwest from the parking lot) there was a little swing hidden!
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
🏞️ McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
📍Location: 52974 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
⏱️ Plan: 15–30 minutes
⚡️Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available (inside the main state park parking lot)
This is "that" world-famous, postcard-perfect 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a pristine sandy beach cove. It is arguably the most photographed spot in Big Sur, and the surreal turquoise water is absolutely breathtaking. The actual walk to the viewpoint is an incredibly flat, short, and stroller-friendly stroll (under a half-mile round trip) that goes through a fun tunnel underneath Highway 1—which toddlers love.
⚠️ Crucial Parent Tip: You cannot walk down to the beach or touch the waterfall; it is strictly off-limits to protect the cove and keep visitors safe from steep cliffs. Because the official Overlook Trail has faced long-term closures for a massive retaining wall repair project, parking inside the main lot is very limited. If the trail is blocked when you visit, don't worry! You can still pull over safely at the designated highway turnouts just north of the park entrance and get an incredible view of the waterfall straight from the side of Highway 1 without loading and unloading the stroller.
🏖️ Pfeiffer Beach and Keyhole Rock
📍Location: 9101 Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
⏱️ Plan: 1 hour
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keyhole Rock has a “keyhole” arched opening that waves and rays of sunshine burst through, and it’s a popular spot for photographers to shoot.
The purple sand found on certain parts of the beach is produced from manganese garnet rocks in the cliffs. Other activities you can partake in include photography, walking the beach, and exploring the tide pools and dunes.
🍔 Where to Eat in Big Sur with Kids
Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur is great for kids!
🍔 Nepenthe Restaurant
📍Location: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Not only are there incredible views from the top, but they have good food and drinks too! There are lots of stairs for kids to walk up and down if you need an energy burner. You MUST stop at the cute Phoenix gift shop.
Kids menu: hot dog, grilled cheese, fruit
Adult Menu: Get the Ambrosiaburger with secret sauce (tasted like thousand island)
For next time on our list: Fernwood Tavern for lunch - Located beneath the redwoods and looks like its a treehouse!
San Simeon & Cambria: Best Wildlife Stops for Preschoolers
San Simeon At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 1 hour 35 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours – 1 day
- 👶 Best For
- Preschoolers, Elementary Kids & Older Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes – a great halfway stop between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles.
San Simeon Cavalier Oceanfront Resort ocean room view - perfect resort for kids along the California Coast
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
📍Location: 9415 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452
We stayed at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort for a night and it was perfect. This hotel surprised us.
Our boys spent almost as much time on the giant oceanfront lawn as they did at the beach.
Favorite features:
Giant lawn games
Beach volleyball
Oceanfront rooms
Complimentary cookies at check-in
Easy beach access
Firepits at night with S’mores kits available for purchase
There were cookies (and coffee) at the front desk which was a warm welcoming at check-in!
We booked a room with the ocean front view and it did not disappoint. There was an empty fridge and a mini fridge in our room. There was also a cute fireplace that we didn’t get a chance to use but certainly appreciated it.
Best Things to do with Kids
Elephant Seals along the California Coast is the perfect stop for kids along PCH
🦭 Elephant Seals Vista Point
📍Location: 18844 Cabrillo Hwy, San Simeon, CA 93452
⏱️ Plan: 20 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 No bathrooms
Just south of Ragged Point, don't miss one of our favorite free stops along the California coast—the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Hundreds of northern elephant seals gather here throughout the year, so there's always a good chance you'll see them lounging on the beach. If you're visiting in January, May, or October, you'll likely catch even more activity as the colony goes through breeding, molting, and other seasonal behaviors.
These incredible marine mammals are fascinating to watch. Adult males can weigh several thousand pounds and are easy to recognize by their large, trunk-like noses that give elephant seals their name. Although they spend most of their lives far out in the Pacific.
Did you miss the turn? Don’t fret, the Friends of the Elephant Seal’s website has a live webcam.
I wouldn’t take a tour with kids at Hearst Castle but I would visit the trucks! The 1920s Dodge Chemical Fire Truck
🏰 Hearst Castle
📍Location: 700 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins - 1 hour
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
🔌 EV and Tesla Supercharger
While most people who visit Hearst Castle Visitor Center go for a tour of the “castle” and grounds, we with energetic boys, seek trucks. If your toddler thinks historic architecture is boring but screams 'TRUCK!' at every passing vehicle, skip the long mansion tour and hang out at the free visitor center exhibit instead. There is a spectacular vintage fire truck and other historical transportation pieces, artifacts, and context-setting vehicle displays you can spot around the estate grounds:
The 1920s Dodge Chemical Fire Truck: This is the flagship vehicle centerpiece on display directly inside the Visitor Center museum exhibit. It was custom-purchased by William Randolph Hearst to protect the hilltop estate during construction.
The Vintage Tour Buses: Though modern buses handle the daily tours, the Visitor Centerfeatures historical photographs and archival displays dedicated to the original white, open-air buses that transported high-society Hollywood stars up the "Enchanted Hill."
Historic Ranch Equipment: In the free museum exhibition hall at the east end of the center, you can view archival photos and artifacts of the early steam-powered tractors, construction trucks, and cranes used by architect Julia Morgan to build the castle
Cambria
🚗 Drive from Previous Stop: 10 mins
🛏️ Where to Stay: Oceanpoint Ranch
📍Location: 7200 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria, CA 93428
This was our backup hotel because it had grassy area and lawn games for the kids to play or run around but for us to also enjoy the fire pits. We might stay here next time!
You can stop along the famous Moonstone beach in this area!
Pismo Beach: The Best Highway 1 Playground Stop
Pismo At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 1 hour
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛝 Playground Stop: Dinosaur Caves Park
📍Location: 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Real caves and a great place for kids to run! Look for the wildlife too - from sea birds to sea lions! Toddlers can enjoy the dinosaur-themed concrete eggs that are perfect for crawling inside and hiding. The playground also features traditional swings, spinners, and animal-themed structures close to the ground, all set on a safe play surface conducive to active, cushioned exploration.
There is also a massive open grassy lawn adjacent to the play area for open running.
🛍️ Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
📍Location: 333 5 Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
⏱️ Plan: 1 hr
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
⚡️EV Tesla Supercharger
We stopped at the Nike Factory Store and Five Below to get a new car toy and snacks.
Los Alamos: Built-In EV Charging & Caffeine Break
Los Alamos At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 40 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
⚡️We stopped to charge our electric vehicle and found the cutest little town that looked like something out of a western movie or even Radiator Springs.
Los Alamos looked like Radiator Springs to us and Bob's Well Bread Bakery was a delicious stop for breakfast with kids
🥐 Bakery Stop: Bob’s Well Bread Bakery
📍Location: 550 Bell St, Los Alamos, CA 93440
⏱️ Plan: 1 hr
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
⚡️EV and Tesla Super Chargers walking distance
We found the most amazing bakery that looked like it took over an old gas station.
Gibraltar coffee is delicious and strong for mom and dad toddler fatigue.
Pistachio croissants - get there early they sell out!
There is a large seating area outside and a bocce ball court that the kids were running around in.
Santa Barbara: Best Family-Friendly Hotels & Zoo Fun
Santa Barbara At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 1 hour
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 1–2 days
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
📍Location: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Wonderful property located right across the street from the beach! I’ve stayed there a few times and even stayed there when I was a toddler!
There’s a great pool, and giant checker boards for kids to play. There’s also a huge lawn for them to just run out energy! There are even fire pits to enjoy s’mores by at night.
Our room was really spacious and felt like a suite! We had a balcony to sit and chat with a drink and dessert once the boys fell asleep.
The hotel is walking distance from the Zoo or a super short drive!
Don’t miss these places with kids in Santa Barbara:
Santa Barbara Zoo is very hands on for kids - get up close and personal with the animals
🦁 Santa Barbara Zoo
📍Location: 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
⏱️ Plan: 2-3 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
our favorite zoo!!small zoo but you can see the animals pretty close! The Australia exhibit lets you get up close and personal with wallabies and other wildlife! There’s also a train that circles around the zoo so you can see the animals!
Santa Barbara McConnell's Ice Cream Cone
🍦 Ice Cream Stop: McConnell’s Ice Cream
📍Location: 728 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
McConnell’s has the best local ice cream in Santa Barbara!
Camarillo: Premium Outlets & A Brand New Firetruck Park
Camarillo At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛍️ Camarillo Premium Outlets
📍Location: 740 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010
⏱️ Plan: 1 hr
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
⚡️EV Tesla Supercharger
Stop and shop at the outlets! So many stores, there’s something for everyone. I’ve shopped here ever since I was little, still one of my favorite outlets!
Camarillo Park playground - Dizdar Park has a fire station theme, perfect for toddlers and kids who are fans of trucks
🛝 Playground Stop: Dizdar Park
📍Location: SE Corner of Ventura Blvd and S. Glenn Dr., Old Town Camarillo, CA 93010
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Old Town Camarillo has the cutest Firetruck themed playground that is brand new! As a former fire station once stood here, they moved to make room for a park and outdoor community area.
My boys always ask to go to the Firetruck Park!
There are fun restaurants and shops along Old Town Camarillo as well.
Westlake Village: A Convenient Overnight Stop Close to LA
At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 20 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes – a convenient overnight stop between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Hyatt Regency Westlake hotel - spacious for kids and toddlers
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hyatt Regency Westlake
📍Location: 880 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Great place to stop between Santa Barbara and LA if you need a place to break up the 2.5 hour drive. We used our free Hyatt night from our Hyatt Credit Card here. The pool is supposedly heated year round!
➡️ Check out our deep-dive review of the Westlake Hyatt Regency here.
🍔 Great restaurants nearby in Westlake:
🍷 Stonehaus
📍Location: 32039 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Stonehaus is a perfect restaurant with kids as most of it is outdoor with communal seating. It has a waterfall fountain and lots of places for the kids to walk around - there’s even a small vineyard that they can walk-through. Menu includes pizza, salads and sandwiches. Oh and wine!
🥯 Brent’s Deli
📍Location: 2799 Townsgate Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Our favorite place for breakfast and lunch. Gotta try the bagel chips!
🛍️ The Promenade at Westlake
📍Location: 140 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
🔌 EV Tesla Supercharger
Shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, a movie theater, and ice cream! It’s a Caruso property and is very clean with fountains and beautiful landscaping. We love visiting Barnes and Noble, and grabbing a latte from La La Land!
🍔 Paul Martin’s American Bistro
📍Location: 100 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362 Great spot for dinner or happy hour. Nice outside patio by the water fountain for kids to run back and forth to while you have a cocktail!
🗺️ Directions: You can take the 101 to the 405 or you can take the canyons to Malibu and continue on PCH.
Malibu: Stroller-Friendly Pier Cafe & Beach Breaks
Malibu At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛝 Playground Stop: Malibu Park Playground
📍Location: 23401 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
⏱️ Plan: 1 hr
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
🔌 EV and Tesla Supercharger
Malibu Park playground is perfect to run some energy out. There’s also a Whole Foods, Blue Bottle Coffee shop and more restaurant options walking distance.
Malibu Farm Beach Cafe at the end of the pier
🎣 Malibu Farm Pier Cafe
📍Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy Building B, Malibu, CA 90265
This restaurant is located at the end of the pier! It has great food, good views and is all around a fun stop!
🌺 Duke’s Malibu
📍Location: 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Also a favorite restaurant! located right on the water. Great Hawaiian cuisine and fun drinks. We often see dolphins swimming in the distance!
Santa Monica: Iconic Stops Along PCH for Kids
Santa Monica At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 20 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2–3 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛝 Playground Stop: Santa Monica Parks
If your kids have been cooped up in the car, Santa Monica is one of the best places along the California coast to let them burn off some energy before continuing your road trip.
One of our favorite options is to park near Santa Monica Place and head toward Palisades Park along Ocean Avenue. The wide grassy lawns, walking paths, and ocean views give little ones plenty of room to run while parents can enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the California coast.
If you're looking for a traditional playground, head to North Beach Playground (810 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90403). It's just steps from the beach and a perfect stop for toddlers and preschoolers who need to climb, slide, and play before getting back in the car.
Dinosaur fountain at the Santa Monica Third Street
🛍️ Third Street Promenade
📍Location: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
⏱️ Plan: 1-2 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
🔌 EV and Tesla Supercharger at the Santa Monica Place (3 story mall)
The Third Street Promenade is a fun place to stretch your legs with its pedestrian-only streets filled with restaurants, shops, and street performers. One of our boys' favorite stops is the famous dinosaur fountains, where kids love watching the water spray while parents grab a coffee or browse the nearby stores. It's an easy stop that offers something for everyone.
🎡 Santa Monica Pier
📍Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
⏱️ Plan: 1-3 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
No California coast road trip is complete without a walk along the iconic Santa Monica Pier. While Pacific Park's rides are geared a bit more toward older kids, toddlers and preschoolers will still have plenty to enjoy. The historic carousel is a favorite for little ones, and simply watching the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, surfers, and street performers is entertainment in itself.
Even if you don't ride any attractions, strolling to the end of the pier, spotting sea birds, and taking in the ocean views makes this a memorable stop for the whole family.
Marina del Rey: Great playground with views and boats
Marina del Rey at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 20 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2–3 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
We lived in Marina del Rey for 10 years, and was a really nice area. It is a perfect stop for kids filled with a few playgrounds and lots of kid friendly restaurants with marina views.
Mother’s Beach Playground in Marina del Rey with view of boats.
🛝 Playground Stop: Mother’s Beach
📍Location: 4101 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Just 15 mins south, Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey has great playground for toddlers and young kids (our oldest learned how to climb here) with a view of the Marina!
🍔Where to Eat and enjoy the Marina views:
The Cheesecake Factory is conveniently located right next to Mother’s Beach and has perfect Marina views.
🍝 UOVO Marina del Rey
📍Location: 4635 Admiralty Way #105, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Uovo is our favorite place for Italian food. Pasta is imported from Italy and made fresh to order. Dine and enjoy views of the Marina.
➡️ See our full UOVO Restaurant review (this is the Santa Monica Location but applies here too)
🍔 HiHo Cheeseburger
📍Location: 4625 Admiralty Way #109, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Perfect views complete with an area for toddlers to walk around and look at boats! There is a small menu but they have great burgers and milkshakes if you need a quick stop.
Parent tip: Burton Chace Park is at the end of Mindanao Way, however, it does not have a playground.
Long Beach: Fun Activity Stops Along PCH
At a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- Half Day
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
Long Beach makes a great stop if your kids need a break from the car. Between waterfront playgrounds, an impressive aquarium, and plenty of places to grab lunch, it's easy to spend a few hours here before continuing down the California coast.
🛝 Playground Stop: Caesar E. Chavez Park
📍Location: 401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
⏱️ Plan: 30-45 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
If your little ones simply need to run, this is one of the best quick stops in Long Beach. Located just minutes from the freeway, Caesar E. Chavez Park features wide open grassy areas, a playground, and beautiful waterfront views. It's an easy place to let toddlers and preschoolers burn off some energy before getting back in the car.
Things to do with Kids in Long Beach:
Most of these attractions are conveniently located around Rainbow Harbor, making it easy to park once and explore on foot.
🛍️ Shoreline Village
📍Location: 429 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802
⏱️ Plan: 1-2 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Stroll along the waterfront at Shoreline Village, where you'll find colorful shops, restaurants, and plenty of boats to admire in the marina. It's a fun place to grab lunch or an ice cream while enjoying the harbor views. We like stopping here for a relaxed break, and restaurants like Yard House make it an easy family-friendly meal stop.
Jellyfish
🐠 Aquarium of the Pacific
📍Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
⏱️ Plan: 2-3 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: available
The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of Southern California's best aquariums and well worth the stop if you have the time. Kids can explore exhibits featuring sharks, penguins, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish while learning about marine life from around the Pacific Ocean.
Toddlers and preschoolers especially enjoy the interactive exhibits and watching the animals swim overhead. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here, although it's easy to stay even longer. We spent a lot of time watching the penguins!
🚢 Queen Mary
📍Location: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
⏱️ Plan: 10–30 minutes (to admire from outside)
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️
The historic Queen Mary (or as our little one called it, “BIG BOAT!”) is one of Long Beach's most recognizable landmarks. While touring the ship is better suited for older children and adults, it's still fun to stop and admire this famous ocean liner from the waterfront.
If you're traveling with toddlers, we'd recommend simply walking around the outside and snapping a few photos before heading to your next stop. Families with older kids may enjoy exploring the ship or taking one of its popular haunted tours.
Dana Point: The Perfect "Traffic Reset" Playground
Dana Point at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 50 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 20 mins
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛝 Playground Stop: Lantern Bay Park
📍Location: 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
It’s a good quick stop if there is traffic between Dana Point and Carlsbad. There are bathrooms available too.
Carlsbad: LEGOLAND Basecamp & Ocean-View Pools
Carlsbad at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours – 1 day
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes – especially if you're visiting LEGOLAND.
Pool View at the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach Resort
Carlsbad is an easy family-friendly stop on a Southern California road trip, especially if you’re heading to LEGOLAND. It has beaches, a major theme park, outlet shopping, and enough kid-friendly food stops to make it a great place to spend a night or two.
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa
📍Location: 1 Ponto Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
We originally booked Cape Rey because we were visiting LEGOLAND, but we ended up really enjoying the resort itself. It’s a great option for families who want to stay near the beach while still being an easy drive from Carlsbad’s main attractions.
The ocean views are beautiful, and the pool area gave the boys a chance to swim and reset after a busy day. They also had fun attempting a few rounds of cornhole. It felt relaxed and resort-like without needing to plan a whole separate beach vacation.
🍔🍦 Food Stop: In-N-Out Burger
📍Location: 5950 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008
This is an easy, reliable stop right off the freeway when everyone is hungry and you need to keep the day moving. Grab burgers, fries, and milkshakes (OBVIOUSLY), then get back on the road—or take your food to a nearby beach or park if the kids need a little more time out of the car.
Other Things to do with Kids in Carlsbad:
Our toddler at Legoland with dinosaurs!
🎡 LEGOLAND California Resort
📍 Location: 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
⏱️ Plan: Full day
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available throughout the park
LEGOLAND is the main reason many families stop in Carlsbad, and it is especially fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids. The park has rides, LEGO-building areas, character experiences, and plenty of themed spaces that make it feel exciting without being quite as overwhelming as some of the larger Southern California theme parks.
For younger kids, plan to arrive early and start with the rides that have shorter lines in the morning. There are also plenty of shaded spots, snack stands, and places to take a break when everyone needs a reset. If you have the time, the water park can be a fun add-on on a warm day, but the main park alone is enough for a full day.
Parent Tip: Bring a stroller or rent one, even if your child does not normally use one. There is a lot of walking, and it makes it easier to stay through the afternoon without ending the day with overtired kids.
🛍️ Carlsbad Premium Outlets
📍 Location: 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
⏱️ Plan: 1–2 hours
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
🔌 EV and Tesla Supercharger
The outlets are a convenient stop if you need a new swimsuit, a forgotten pair of sandals, snacks for the car, or simply want to browse while the kids stretch their legs. They are located close to LEGOLAND, so they are easy to combine with a theme-park day or a slower arrival day in Carlsbad.
🌷 The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
📍 Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
⏱️ Plan: 1–2 hours
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
If you are visiting in spring, the Flower Fields are a beautiful seasonal stop. The rows of colorful ranunculus flowers make for an easy family photo opportunity, but kids will also enjoy walking the paths, riding the tractor wagon, and having room to move between activities.
The Flower Fields are typically open for a limited spring season, so check current dates before building them into your itinerary. They are close to LEGOLAND and the outlets, which makes this area especially easy to plan as a full Carlsbad day.
Encinitas: Epic Beach Playgrounds & Ice Cream Sandwiches
Encinitas at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2–3 hours
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ❌ No
🛝 Playground Stop: Moonlight State Beach
📍Location: 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Great playground with views of the ocean
Encinitas has what’s like a third street promenade with shops and restaurants nearby.
🍦Ice Cream Stop: The Baked Bear
📍Location: 587 S Coast Hwy 101 Ste. B, Encinitas, CA 92024
Fun ice cream shop with delicious ice cream sandwiches made from fresh baked cookies!
➡️ If you have a sweet tooth, see our full Baked Bear review
Torrey Pines: Kid-Friendly Hikes & Grassy Brunch Spots
Torrey Pines at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 20 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2 hours – 1 day
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes – perfect if you enjoy golf and prefer a quieter stay than downtown San Diego.
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Room spacious good for kids to run around with a large patio
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
📍Location: 10950 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
We first stayed here when our oldest was only 9 months old! Most rooms have a balcony and some of the upgraded rooms have giant balconies with ocean views and a table with an umbrella. It’s always nice to have extra outdoor space if you have naps or early bedtimes. Nice views of the golf course and ocean.
Entrance to the Farmer and the Seahorse restaurant - great for kids to run around on outdoor patio and grass
🍔Best Restaurant with Kids: Farmer & the Seahorse
📍Location: 10996 Torreyana Rd Ste 240, San Diego, CA 92121
We met friends here for brunch, the Farmer and the Seahorse had amazing food, especially their breakfast options, and a fantastic outdoor space for little ones to run around on grass.
Things to do with Kids near Torrey Pines:
Beach trail hike at Torrey Pines
🥾 Beach Trail Hike at Torrey Pines State Reserve Trails
📍Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
⏱️ Plan: 1 -2 hrs
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just North of the Hilton and golf course, you’ll find the Torrey Pines State National Reserve. We brought our baby carrier and went for a little beach hike!
There are quite a few trails ranging from 100 yards to 1.2 miles. We took the Beach Trail which was 3/4 mile to the beach but it involved a 350-foot descent and climb. The final beach entry is steep but has stairs.
Make sure you check the tide tables if you plan on going down to the beach, there isn’t a huge beachfront.
🏖️ La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool
📍Location: 834 coast S Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
⏱️ Plan: 30 mins - 1 hr
⚡️Kid Energy Burn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
La Jolla Cove is a must if your kids love animals. The sea lions and seals are usually the main event, and it is so fun for little ones to watch them bark, swim, and lounge along the rocks.
Keep children close and admire the animals from a respectful distance. Then walk around the cove, grab an ice cream, or head to a nearby beach.
San Diego: Vintage Car Dining & Famous Zoos
San Diego at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- 2–3 days
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes
San Diego is the big-attractions stop: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and potentially the Safari Park. You can stay in San Diego or at Torrey Pines or even Hotel Del Coronado.
Best Things to do in San Diego with Kids:
🐬 SeaWorld San Diego
📍 Location: 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
⏱️ Plan: Full day
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available throughout the park
SeaWorld was one of my favorite stops as a kid, and I cannot wait to experience it again with my own boys. It’s a fun choice for families who want a mix of marine animals, shows, rides, and splashy play areas all in one place. I love the Seal and Otter show!
For toddlers and preschoolers, I would focus on the animal exhibits, gentler rides, and play areas rather than trying to do everything. Pack extra clothes or swimsuits if your kids are drawn to water play, and plan a slower afternoon break if you are staying all day. We would live in the penguin exhibit if we could! 🐧
🦁 San Diego Zoo
📍 Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
⏱️ Plan: Full day
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available throughout the zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of those classic family attractions that really lives up to the hype. It is huge, so don’t put pressure on yourself to see every animal in one day. Pick a few must-see animals, use the stroller, and leave room for snacks and breaks.
For younger kids, make time for Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, which has animal encounters, hands-on play spaces, and a splash area. It is one of the best parts of the zoo for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parent Tip: The zoo is inside Balboa Park, so you can pair it with a picnic, carousel ride, or another kid-friendly museum—but I would not try to add too much on the same day. The zoo alone is plenty.
🦒 San Diego Zoo Safari Park
📍 Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027
⏱️ Plan: Full day
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available throughout the park
The Safari Park is a different experience from the San Diego Zoo, with wide-open habitats and animals that feel more like they are roaming across a savanna. It is especially exciting for kids who love giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and big animals.
It is farther inland and involves a lot of walking, so I would choose it as a separate full-day adventure—not a quick add-on. Bring a stroller, water, and sun protection, especially with toddlers.
🌳 Balboa Park
📍 Location: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
⏱️ Plan: 2–4 hours, or pair it with the zoo
⚡ Kid Energy Burn: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚽 Bathrooms: Available
Balboa Park is worth visiting even if you skip the zoo. There are gardens, wide paths, grassy areas, museums, a carousel, a miniature train, and plenty of space for kids to move around. It is an especially good lower-key day after a theme park or beach day.
For young kids, I would look at the Fleet Science Center for hands-on exhibits or the San Diego Model Railroad Museum if your kids are into trains. Balboa Park has more than 1,000 acres, multiple museums, gardens, and family play areas, so it is easy to customize based on your kids’ ages and energy level.
PARENT TIP: If you only have two days in San Diego, choose one big attraction day (the Zoo or SeaWorld), then spend the second day at La Jolla, Coronado, or Balboa Park. Save the Safari Park for a longer trip.
Coronado Island: A Relaxed Beach Break at the End of the Trip
Coronado Island at a Glance
- 🚗 Drive from Previous Stop
- 20-30 minutes
- ⏱️ Recommended Time
- half day-1 day
- 👶 Best For
- Toddlers, Preschoolers & Elementary Kids
- ⚡ Kid Energy Burn
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 💰 Budget
- $$$$$
- 🛏️ Overnight Worthy?
- ✅ Yes—especially for a beach-focused splurge or a special stay at Hotel del Coronado.
Coronado Island is a slower, beach-and-hotel stop: beach time, exploring the Hotel del Coronado area, playground breaks, ice cream, and wandering the small downtown. It makes sense for a family who wants a relaxed overnight or half-day.
Iconic Hotel Del Coronado front entrance with seahorse fountain
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hotel del Coronado
📍Location: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
If you are looking for an iconic, unforgettable grand finale to your California coast road trip, "The Del" is it. This historic beachfront resort is a total wonderland for kids and feels like stepping onto a classic movie set—only entirely family-friendly.
Parent Room Tip: We highly recommend booking a room located right above the main lobby. These specific rooms are incredibly spacious, which gives you plenty of floor space to set up toddler travel beds or pack-and-plays without tripping over each other. Even better, they feature massive balconies. Having a giant, secure outdoor space is a complete game-changer when you need a place to relax with a drink or a dessert after the kids fall asleep!
Why It Works for Active Kids:
🏖️ Steps from the Sand: The hotel sits directly on a gorgeous, wide stretch of beach perfect for sandcastles and running off steam.
🚶🏻♀️ Walkable Downtown: You can easily wander straight into the charming Coronado island downtown area to browse local shops and restaurants without needing to load everyone back into car seats.
🍦 The Ultimate Treat: Don’t leave without stopping by Sundaes at The Del for an epic gourmet ice cream cone or build-your-own sundae to celebrate finishing your epic road trip!
🍔 Best Restaurants for Kids on Coronado Island:
Enjoy pasta with a vintage car table at Garage Buona Forchetta on Coronado Island
🏎️ Garage Buona Forchetta
📍Location: 1000 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
This restaurant is so much fun! It looks like you’re walking into a vintage auto shop and in the middle of the dining room there is an iconic vintage red car inside.
Their menu is famous for Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta and other delicious Italian dishes.
🏎️ This restaurant is a total jackpot if you have a Cars or Lightning McQueen fan in the family.
The Henry is great for breakfast or brunch!
🌯 The Henry
📍Location: 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Great cafe for breakfast or brunch! Our one year old was entertained in a high chair, I was entertained with a Breakfast Burrito and mimosa.
🍦 Ice Cream Stop: MooTime Creamery
📍Location: 1025 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
MooTime Creamery has delicious hand crafted ice cream, yogurts and sorbets. The cow decor is fun for little ones and there are tons of options for everyone to enjoy!
MooTime Menu favorites:
🌮 MooTacos (ice cream tacos)
🍨 Scoops, ice cream bars, and sundaes
🍪 Mookies (ice cream sandwiches)
Cow decor and a sundae at MooTime Creamery
FAQ: Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Trip with Kids
Is the California Coast Road Trip kid-friendly?
Yes, the California Coast Road trip is kid friendly filled with plenty of places to stop along the way.
How many days do you need for a California Coast road trip?
For the full Santa Cruz-to-San Diego route, plan 7–10 days if you want time for beaches, attractions, and slower mornings. A shorter 3–5 day trip works best when you choose one section of the coast rather than trying to do the entire drive.
Where should I stop between Santa Cruz and San Diego?
if you’re looking for a place to spend the night between Santa Cruz and San Diego, I would stop and stay in Santa Barbara for the night.
What is the best age for a California road trip?
We had tons of fun on our California road trip with our 2.5 and 4 year old!
Is Highway 1 safe to drive with kids?
Yes, as long as you plan for a slower pace. The Big Sur section is winding and has steep drop-offs, so check road conditions before you go, download offline maps, and plan plenty of breaks for kids who get carsick or need to move.
What should I pack for a California road trip with toddlers?
Pack layers for chilly beach weather, sunscreen, hats, snacks, water, wipes, a change of clothes, and a small car-activity bag. For Big Sur, keep motion-sickness supplies and offline maps handy.
Final Thoughts on Planning a California Coast Road Trip with Kids
A California coast road trip with young kids doesn’t have to be about racing from one destination to the next. Some of our favorite memories weren’t the big-ticket attractions—they were the unexpected moments along the way. Watching elephant seals lounge on the beach, spotting banana slugs beneath towering redwoods, finding a hidden playground, sharing an ice cream after a long drive, or discovering a tiny bakery we never planned to visit.
The best part is that you don’t have to stop at every place on this list. Some days we drove straight through while the boys napped. Other days we spent hours at a single playground because they were having so much fun. This guide is meant to help you build the road trip that works best for your family, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or driving the entire California coast.
As we continue exploring California with our boys, I’ll keep updating this guide with new family-friendly stops, hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems. If you discover a favorite stop along the way, I’d love to hear about it in the comments so we can continue building the ultimate California coast road trip guide for families together.
Happy travels, and don’t forget—the best memories are often made somewhere between the destinations.
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50+ Free Scoops & Deals for National Ice Cream Month & Day 2026
July is national ice cream month and National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 19th, 2026! See where you can celebrate with FREE ice cream and deals at a scoop shop near you or even free delivery! We’ll update this post all month, so keep coming back! Find deals for national ice cream day at your favorite places like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jeni’s, and Coldstone! Hooray for Ice cream deals on National Ice Cream Day!
After’s Ice Cream - Venice
Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and Ice Cream DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout National Ice Cream Month - 2026
Updated: 7/18/26
Every July, my boys and I look forward to celebrating National Ice Cream Day together. Sometimes we spend the afternoon trying a brand-new scoop shop, other years we make sundaes at home with way too many toppings, and if we’re lucky, we even hear the ice cream truck coming down our street. We have gone running after it - LITERALLY!
Whether you’re planning a family outing, hunting down free ice cream deals, or just looking for an excuse to enjoy dessert together, this guide has everything you need. I’ll keep updating it with the latest National Ice Cream Day deals, local Los Angeles events, and fun ways to celebrate with kids all month long.
🍦 Check back here throughout the month for additional updates. If you see some shops are marked “Not Confirmed” below, don’t worry, we’ll update them as your favorite scoop shop confirms their deals!
🌴 If you live in Los Angeles, check out my favorite ice cream locations in LA ranked with a map: BEST ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOPS IN LA
🍦 What’s Inside
Jump to the scoop you’re looking for:
🍦 When Is National Ice Cream Day? 🎉 Celebrate with Kids 🍨 Host an Ice Cream Social 💸 National Ice Cream Day Deals 📍 Los Angeles Ice Cream Deals 🎪 Festivals & Events 🚚 Ice Cream Delivery 🏡 Make Your Own Ice Cream 📜 History of National Ice Cream Day📅 When is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday (or SUNDAE) of July, making National Ice Cream Day 2026 on July 19th! Every year, locations all over the US celebrate with free ice cream or sweet discounted deals!
A bubble waffle Dolly's Dream - cookie monster ice cream, chocolate sauce, brownie, strawberries, and whipped cream!
🎉 How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Kids
Ideas:
Visit a new local ice cream shop
Let kids order a crazy flavor
Have an ice cream taste test
Build your own sundae bar
Make homemade ice cream
Read an ice cream-themed book
Chase the neighborhood ice cream truck
Go on an evening family walk for dessert
The cheerful Ice Cream Truck from the children’s book, The Trucks that Saved the Park
🚚 Ice Cream Truck Story Time
If your little ones love ice cream trucks as much as mine do, they’ll love spotting the friendly ice cream truck in my children’s book, The Trucks That Saved the Park. She’s one of the colorful truck characters who helps save the day, and she’s always a favorite with preschoolers.
Pair story time with a scoop of ice cream and you’ve got a simple National Ice Cream Day tradition your kids will remember long after the sprinkles are gone.
🍨Throw an Ice Cream Social
See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social.
Don’t miss my favorite Ice Cream Scooper… You’ll order one as soon as you see it, I swear!
The Best Ice Cream Scoop for Hard Ice Cream
Have you ever tried to scoop ice cream straight from the freezer and felt like you needed superhuman strength? I tested a regular spoon against my favorite Zeroll ice cream scoop, and the difference was pretty impressive.
Watch the quick video below to see how easily the Zeroll scoop glides through hard ice cream.
We use this scoop for family sundae nights, ice cream socials, and anytime the kids are impatiently waiting for dessert. The Zeroll scoop is designed to help soften the ice cream as you scoop, creating smooth, rounded scoops without as much struggling.
🍦 Shop the Zeroll ice cream scoop on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yffqVn
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
For best results, hand-wash the Zeroll scoop and avoid putting it in the dishwasher.
🎂 Also don’t miss: Where to find free treats on your birthday
Try our favorite Ice Cream Word Search!
Don’t forget to grab your Ice Cream Word Search for your next flight or just hanging around the house while eating ice cream!
💸 National Ice Cream Day Deals & Freebies (2026)
Check out all the offers, contests, and sweet rewards clubs to join to get free ice cream! Remember to keep checking back, we will be updating all month long!
**If you live in Southern California - there is a Los Angeles specific section after this one! Scroll down or CLICK HERE!
After some thorough research, reaching out to my favorite ice cream places and stalking their Instagrams, here's the scoop on where to find your sweet treat! See our list of 50+ places below to find the best ice cream deals on national ice cream day.
7-Eleven
The Scoop: Cool off with a completely free small Slurpee of any flavor.
How to Get It: In-Store (Valid at any participating 7-Eleven location)
When: July 11
Wanderlust Creamery has the most unique flavors
16 Handles
The Scoop: On National Ice Cream Day, we predict 16 Handles will have an offer. Go ahead and download the 16 Handles app to keep up with their latest offers.
When: Sunday, July 19
A&W
The Scoop: Honoring National Root Beer Float Day, participating A&W Restaurants will be giving away FREE Root Beer Floats - no purchase required!
When: August 6 from 2-8pm local time
Afters Ice Cream
The Scoop: Grab a box of Afters' new ice cream "sammies," featuring Milk 'n Cookies Ice Cream sandwiched between two soft sugar cookies and loaded with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles.
How to Get It: Available in-store exclusively at Costco Wholesale locations.
When: Available now for the summer season (while supplies last).
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
The Scoop: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with $5 hand-spun milkshakes all day long, valid on any shake option including specialty flavors and the shake of the day.
How to Get It: Available for dine-in guests.
When: Sunday, July 19
Baskin-Robbins
The Scoop: Baskin-Robbins is keeping the National Ice Cream Day party going for a full week and then some. Rewards members can score $5 off any order of $20 or more. Plus, they are keeping the momentum rolling into the following week with a special Buy-One-Get-One-Free single scoop deal.
How to Get It: Order through the Baskin-Robbins app or scan your Rewards member ID at checkout to apply the discounts.
When: The $5 off $20 offer runs from Sunday, July 19 through Saturday, July 25, 2026. The BOGO single scoop deal is valid on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Second Scoop: Celebrate the end of the month with a sweet deal offering 31% off all ice cream purchases.
How to Get It: Available in-store exclusively for Baskin-Robbins rewards members (participation may vary by location).
When: Friday, July 31
Ben & Jerry’s
The Scoop: Catch Ben & Jerry’s special summer tour hitting major cities to score completely free ice cream.
How to Get It: Available in-person at designated tour stops in select cities like Miami and Los Angeles.
When: Available on select weekends throughout the summer.
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
The Scoop: BJ’s has teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association for the "Do What You Love to End Alz" campaign. When you make a donation to help fund vital care, support, and life-changing research, they’ll thank you with a sweet reward: a coupon for a free Pizookie® to use on your next visit.
How to Get It: Make a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association during your visit to BJ's.
When: Active now (and a perfect way to top off your National Ice Cream Day celebrations!).
We predict that BJ’s will offer free Pizookie (a deep-dish-inspired cookie) when you sign up for the restaurant's Premier Rewards Plus program any day of the year! PLUS you get another one on your birthday!
Burger King
The Scoop: You can get a free Burger King soft serve cone by signing up for the Burger King Royal Perks program.
When: Sunday, July 19
Carvel
The Scoop: Carvel is embracing the messy side of sweets for National Ice Cream Day. They are giving 500 lucky people the chance to win a FREE small Carvelanche® by hosting a "Dessert Disaster" giveaway.
How to Get It: Head to the link in Carvel's social media bio to enter the contest and share your own epic dessert disaster.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Second Scoop: Buy One, Get One Classic Sundae free!
When: Wednesdays in-store only at participating locations, while supplies last
Cold Stone Creamery
The Scoop: Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with their new, limited-edition Cookies 'n' Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco or grab a $5 discount on a purchase of $10 or more.
How to Get It: Text LOVEIT26 to 568348 to opt into text messages, and the $5 off $10 coupon will be loaded directly to your rewards account; the ice cream taco can be purchased in-store or online.
When: Available throughout the entire month of July (opt-in offer expires July 31, 2026).
Creamistry
The Scoop: Join their mailing list to receive the latest special promotions, offers, and updates! All new members will receive an exclusive offer for 10% off their next order! Sign Up
🍦 See our full Creamistry Review
Crumbl Cookies
The Scoop: Crumbl is celebrating with an incredible, absolutely free giveaway—no purchase required! You can score a totally FREE Cookie Thin in one of four delicious flavors: Pink Sugar, Chocolate Chip, S'mores, or Brownie Batter. Perfect to eat with your leftover ice cream (but is that even a thing?).
How to Get It: Stop by any participating Crumbl location in-person to claim yours. It is available for in-store walk-ins only, with a limit of one free Cookie Thin per person while supplies last.
When: Monday, July 20, 2026
Dairy Queen
The Scoop: Score a free Dilly Bar with an eligible purchase of $1 or more.
How to Get It: Exclusive to DQ Rewards members via an in-app purchase in the DQ app (limit one redemption).
When: July 13–19
DashMart
The Scoop: Buy two Blue Bunny Soft Pints or Mini Swirls and save $5.
How to Get It: Available online for DashMart shoppers.
When: July 12–26
Del Taco
The Scoop: Buy one get one free shakes
When: July 19
Dippin Dots - Free Mini Cups
The Scoop: Grab a completely free mini cup of Dippin' Dots in any flavor of your choice.
How to Get It: Available in-store during a specific two-hour giveaway window (check with your local Dippin' Dots or shopping center location to confirm participation and exact hours).
Enter for a chance to win FREE Dippin' Dots for a year, along with some swag (how sweet is that?!) Sweepstakes closes on July 19, 2026 (National Ice Cream Day) - so don't wait!
When: Sunday, July 19
➡️ RELATED POST: See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social. Don’t miss my favorite Ice Cream Scooper… You’ll order one as soon as you see it, I swear!
Dolly Llama
Our Favorite Flavor: Bubble waffle Dolly's Dream - cookie monster ice cream, chocolate sauce, brownie, strawberries, and whipped cream!
🍦 Planning a visit? Read my full Dolly Llama Ice Cream review
eCreamery Ice Cream
The Scoop:Treat yourself to a premium batch of artisanal pints with a special National Ice Cream Month discount designed "for ice cream lovers only." You can save $10 on your next online order of their hand-packed, gourmet flavors.
How to Get It: Head to the eCreamery website and enter the promo code SWEETSAVE10 at checkout to redeem your $10 discount.
When: Available now throughout July for National Ice Cream Month.
Fosters Freeze
The Scoop: Relive sweet summer memories with a delicious dipped cone available for just $2.50.
How to Get It: In-Store (Available at participating Fosters Freeze locations while supplies last)
When: July 2 - 6
Friendly’s - Free Cone!
The Scoop: Celebrate both National Ice Cream Day and Friendly's 91st birthday with a free ice cream cone or dish.
How to Get It: Available to Fan Club Rewards members for in-store, online, or carryout orders.If you're not a rewards member you can join for free and get this deal.
When: Sunday, July 19
Ghirardelli Chocolate
The Scoop: Celebrate National Hot Fudge Sundae Day with a special one-day offer from Ghirardelli! On July 25, participating Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shops are offering a Mini World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae for just $7.25.
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Gopuff
The Scoop: Stock up on ice cream with a special deal offering two pints of Halo Top for just $10.
How to Get It: Available online through the Gopuff app or website.
When: July 13–19
Graeter’s
The Scoop: In celebration of National Ice Cream Day and their 156th birthday, Grater’s is giving away $1.56 single dip sugar ice cream cones! Download the Graeter's App and sign up for a new rewards account to receive a FREE CONE.
When: July 19
Haagen-Dazs
The Scoop: Buy any Sundae Series flavor, get one free for Sundae Funday Club members (rewards program)
When: On July 19 or 26
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
The Scoop: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day and score a free, limited-edition Handel’s blue baseball hat with the purchase of any ice cream item.
How to Get It: Available in-store for the first 250 guests who make an ice cream purchase; there is a strict limit of one hat per customer.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 (while supplies last)
Humphrey Slocombe
The Scoop: Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with two major offers: a chance to win the ultimate pairing giveaway—featuring four pints of ice cream (including the returning, wildly popular Berry Kouign Amann flavor made with Starter Bakery) and a Starter Bakery gift certificate—or score up to 15% off everything on their Goldbelly page.
How to Get It: Enter the giveaway online to win the ultimate ice cream and bakery prize pack, or visit their Goldbelly page to shop the 15% discount on nationwide shipping orders (valid for pints, seasonal flavors, and ice cream cakes, with the option to schedule future delivery dates).
When: Available now throughout National Ice Cream Month (July)
Insomnia Cookies
The Scoop: Get two scoops of ice cream for free with any $5 purchase
When: All weekend! July 17-19
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
The Scoop: In honor of National Ice Cream Day (aka today), Rewards members can top their scoops with fudge or caramel sauce at no extra cost.
Second Scoop: Dive into the season with three highly anticipated summer flavors: Campfire S’mores, Hibiscus Chili Punch Sorbet, and Strawberry Pretzel Pie. BUY 5 PINTS, GET THE 6TH FREE Use code FREEPINT on orders of 6 pints or more.
How to Get It: Available in-store by the scoop or pint, featuring unlimited samples so you can try them before you buy.
When: Available starting this weekend and all summer long.
6th free pint available 7/8-7/10
Good News: Biscuits with the Boss, the collab flavor with Ted Lasso, is coming back. Drops Tuesday 7/21 at jenis.com (starting noon ET) and in shops nationwide. We love this flavor and Ted Lasso!
Marble Slab Creamery
The Scoop: On National Ice Cream Day, Marble Slab Creamery will be offering loyalty members a free small cup of ice cream.
When: July 19
McDonalds
The Scoop: To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, McDonalds is offering $1 McFlurry creations at participating locations
When: July 19
Menchies
The Scoop: In celebration of the release of Disney’s Descendants Wicked Wonderland, the first 50 customers at participating Menchie's locations score a FREE 5oz froyo!
When: July 17 at 3 PM
My/Mochi
The Scoop: My/Mochi is giving away sweet treats on their Instagram if you tell them your favorite flavor!
Petco
The Scoop: Even pets can get in on the National Ice Cream Day deal action, with free pup cups of ice cream in-store, courtesy of participating brands.
When: July 19
Salt and Straw
The Scoop: Salt & Straw is proving that one day just isn't enough by turning National Ice Cream Day into a week-long party. They are launching a brand-new, customizable "Create Your Own Pint Sundae" experience. You get to pack a custom pint cup with three scoops of any flavors you want, pile on all the toppings, and walk away with a limited-edition sticker pack.
How to Get It: Head to your nearest Salt & Straw scoop shop to build your custom pint sundae. Sticker packs are available while supplies last.
When: Available all week long, starting today through Thursday, July 23, 2026
Sign up for their loyalty program and get some goodies!
Sky Zone
The Scoop: Jump into National Ice Cream Day with a cool treat after you bounce! The first 50 ticketed guests aged 18 and younger will score a completely free Mini Melts ice cream to fuel their fun.
How to Get It: Be one of the first 50 eligible jump ticket holders to head to the Fuel Zone counter at participating locations. Limit is one free Mini Melts per eligible guest, while supplies last.
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Smitten Ice Cream
The Scoop: Smitten Ice Cream has special flavors this weekend like Strawberry Lemonade, Berry Lemonade, Berry Sundae, Pistachio, and the Do-Bay Waffle!
Steak 'N Shake
The Scoop: 1/2 price shakes at Happy hour weekdays 2-5p at participating restaurants
Rewards Club: Download the Steak 'n Shake App and become a member of its loyalty program to get a free Specialty Milkshake with your first purchase as a club member. Sign-up details here.
Target
The Scoop: Buy 1 get 1 50% off select frozen desserts
When: Offer expires in July 18
TCBY
The Scoop: Sign up for TCBY‘s TCBY Insider program and get special, exclusive deals for National Ice Cream Day and beyond.
Van Leeuwen Kraft Macaroni and cheese ice cream
Van Leeuwen - Not Confirmed
The Scoop: We predict Van Leeuwen will have an offer for the special day.
Wendy’s - Free Frosty
The Scoop: If you’re a member of Wendy’s rewards program and use their app, you can score a free small Frosty-cino or small coffee with any purchase.
Whole Foods & Instacart
The Scoop: Get 50% off with Prime Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts or 45% off without Prime
When: Defrost savings on Jeni’s, GoodPop, Van Leeuwen, So Delicious and more through July 7.
Yogurtland
The Scoop: Score a completely free Yogurtland & Toy Story 5 keychain with any eligible purchase.
How to Get It: Available in-store with a minimum purchase of $20 (limit one keychain per customer per transaction, while supplies last).
When: Valid only on June 16, June 30, and July 14.
🍨 See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social.
📍Los Angeles National Ice Cream Day Deals
Live in Los Angeles? Me too! Here are some awesome places to get free ice cream in Los Angeles on National Ice Cream Day. If you don’t live in Southern California, go to the next section!
🗺️ Also, see my favorite ice cream locations in LA ranked with a map: BEST ICE CREAM IN LA
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream - Rancho Cucamunga
The Scoop: Enter the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream SWEET-stakes for your chance to win the ultimate sweet treat 💫 Enter Here: brusters.com/sweetstakes/2026
Bruster’s is turning National Ice Cream Day into a full-weekend celebration with a massive loyalty perk. They are dishing out Double Points on all purchases, allowing Sweet Rewards members to earn a $5 reward for every $25 spent.
How to Get It: Make a purchase online or in-store using your Sweet Rewards account to automatically rack up double the points on your treats.
When: Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Carmela Ice Cream Co
Capri Gelato and Coffee
The Scoop: Visit their new Hermosa Beach location!
Flavor of the week: Peaches and Cream 🍑
Carmela Ice Cream Co.
The Scoop: Learn how to make artisan ice cream this summer.
Carmela is offering a limited summer series (just one class each month) focusing on their famous Strawberry Buttermilk ice cream and Lemon Basil sorbet.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream
The Scoop: Summer flavors are here!
Frozen Fruit Co
The Scoop: Raspberry Truffle Plant-Based "ice cream" - made from a creamy raspberry base of coconut cream, raspberry, and organic blue agave with swirls of our signature dark chocolate (organic coconut oil, cocoa, and date) and an additional oomph of raspberry powder.
When: Available until this Friday
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
The Scoop: Buy any 3 pints get the 4th one FREE - in store offer
National Ice Cream Day called... it said "treat yourself." Flash Sale is live - 15% off sitewide
When: July 17 through July 19.
I highly recommend trying their See’s Candies collaboration! Brown Sugar Bordeaux is my fave!
Rori's Artisanal Creamery
The Scoop: Celebrate the sweetest day of the year with a double dose of your favorite treats. Rori's is offering a free upgrade to a double scoop when you purchase any single scoop—giving you the perfect excuse to pair a classic favorite with their festive July flavor, Star-Spangled Banner.
How to Get It: Stop by any participating Rori's location and order a single scoop to get your complimentary second scoop.
When: Sunday, July 19 (National Ice Cream Day).
The Scoop: The Scoop: Celebrate July with the festive, limited-edition "Star-Spangled Banner" flavor, and grab a holiday weekend deal where you buy any pint and get a second pint for just $2.50.
How to Get It: Available in-store for mix-and-match pint purchases (toppings like seasonal sprinkles and a mini American flag are included while supplies last).
When: The BOGO pint offer runs from July 1–4, while the featured monthly flavor is available throughout July.
Our Favorite Flavors: Honey Almond Crunch, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee
🍦Read our full Rori’s Ice Cream review
Sidecar Doughnuts
The Scoop: Donuts and Vanleeuwen Ice Cream join forces! Pick your favorite doughnut and ice cream for the ultimate combo!
When: At all California shops on Saturday, July 18th
SWEET ROSE CREAMERY
The Scoop: Join their Loyalty Program, for every $1 you spend at the Brentwood Country Mart shop, you earn 10 points, which goes towards a free pint of your choice!
TWO Scoops a Day, All Year Long: Stop by our Brentwood Country Mart shop any day in 2026 for a two Scoops of ice cream! Simply check in with your Blackbird account using your cell phone — choosing a flavor will be the hardest part!
See National Ice Cream Day Deals at Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery - BOGO
The Scoop: We predict Wanderlust will have an offer coming up!
🍦 See our favorite flavors in our full Wanderlust Creamery review
🎪 National Ice Cream Day Events & Festivals
Sprinkle Pool - Museum of Ice Cream Los Angeles
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Locations: Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Singapore & New York
How about a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream? Make sure you buy tickets in advance! Unlimited ice cream, over 14 interactive playscapes, exclusive treats, and a sprinkle pool - what could be better?!
A NEW LOCATION is opening soon in Los Angeles! See our post from the last time MOIC was in LA!
ICE CREAM ALLEY at Smorgasburg LA
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ice Cream Alley, Smorgasburg’s ultimate summertime showcase of Los Angeles' best independent ice cream makers. For a decade, this spot has been the launchpad for iconic local brands like Wanderlust Creamery and Happy Ice. This year, a brand-new class of vendors joins the lineup for a summer-long dessert crawl alongside Smorgasburg’s usual 60+ food and shopping vendors, DJs, and family activities.
The 2026 Vendor Lineup:
🍦 SadGirl Creamery: Latin inspired nostalgic creations including their fan favorite, Ice Cream Tacos (Try the popular Strawberry Tres Leches Shortcake Taco)
🍨 Moom Maam: Thai flavors meets mad scientist creations for one of a kind flavors like Thai Tea, Atole de Maiz, Buckwheat Soba and much more!
🍧 Bernie’s: Italian Ice made with fresh fruit and toasted meringue.
🍦 Churros El Bochito: Fresh fried churros topped with ice cream served from a Dodger themed VW Bug
🍨 Sweet Lady Jane: Beloved LA bakeshop debuts their new gelato.
🍧 Boutcha Gelatea: Where the art of tea brewing meets artisan gelato craftsmanship.
🍨 Bestie's Vegan Paradise : Vegan grocery store serving vegan ice cream
🍦 Swrlies : Drill your own mix of real fruit fray or ice cream.
🍧 Innamorata Gelato : Italian gelato infused with LA flair.
📅 Don't Miss: The Great Ice Cream Fair on July 19! It’s Smorgasburg's biggest family party of the summer, packed with exclusive one-day-only treats and activities
When: Sundays, July 5 – September 6 | 10 AM – 4 PM | ROW DTLA
Ice Cream Made Here Sign at Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream
🚚 Ice Cream Delivery Deals
Don't want to go anywhere? Don't fret, you can get ice cream delivered to your front door!
DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates will also deliver sweet ice cream from places like Carmela Ice Cream Co or Sweet Rose Creamery!
🍦 Make Homemade Ice Cream
I love making my own ice cream! Check out the best ice cream makers and starter kits at Williams Sonoma!
Every good scoop from home deserves a good scooper!
Ninja
The Scoop: The Ninja CREAMi is currently $50 off!
Where to Get it: Amazon https://amzn.to/4vwrkri
To throw the BEST Ice Cream Social you need an Ice Cream Garland and our MUST HAVE Scoop! Check out our Amazon Shopping list!
National Ice Cream Day Deals 2026: 50+ Free Offers including Afters Ice Cream
📜 History of National Ice Cream Day
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared the third week of July to be National Ice Cream Day along with July known as National Ice Cream Month by signing proclamation 5219. In this proclamation, the president called ice cream the perfect dessert and snack food and stated that over 90 percent of Americans enjoy it on a regular basis. He also stated that Americans should observe this day with activities and celebrations. So let's party, it's basically the law.
Now, let's EAT!
❓ National Ice Cream Day FAQs
Is National Ice Cream Day always the third Sunday in July?
Yes! National Ice Cream Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in July as part of National Ice Cream Month. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, July 19.
Which ice cream shops give away free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day?
Many popular ice cream shops celebrate with free scoops, discounts, buy-one-get-one offers, or rewards for loyalty members. Participating brands often include Baskin-Robbins, Dippin’ Dots, Carvel, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and local scoop shops. Since offers vary each year, be sure to check your favorite location before you go.
Is National Ice Cream Month the same as National Ice Cream Day?
No. National Ice Cream Month is celebrated throughout July, while National Ice Cream Day is one special day during the month—the third Sunday in July.
Does every Baskin-Robbins participate in National Ice Cream Day?
Not always. Because many Baskin-Robbins locations are independently owned franchises, promotions may vary by store. Check with your local shop or the Baskin-Robbins app before visiting.
What are fun ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with kids?
Celebrate by visiting a local ice cream shop, making homemade ice cream, creating a DIY sundae bar, chasing the neighborhood ice cream truck, or having an ice cream picnic at your favorite park. It’s an easy way to make sweet summer memories together.
When is National Ice Cream Day in 2027?
National Ice Cream Day in 2027 falls on Sunday, July 18, 2027. Like every year, it will be celebrated on the third Sunday in July, making it easy to plan your family’s favorite ice cream tradition.
****All offers may subject to change. Offers were researched by contacting shops directly or taken from their websites/social media.
Please share in the comments below where you are celebrating! See you for some #sundayfunday or as I like to call it, #sudaefundae
This post was made from my love for ice cream and National Ice Cream Day! Please help me by sharing with your friends on social media!
National Ice Cream Day Deals 2026: 50+ Free Offers
MORE ICE CREAM POSTS? Yes PLEASE!!!
3-Day Santa Cruz Itinerary with Kids: The Best Things to Do, Eat & Stay
Planning a family trip to Santa Cruz? Here's our exact 3-day Santa Cruz itinerary with toddlers, including redwoods, trains, beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, and hotel recommendations.
Checking out the redwood trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
3-Day Santa Cruz Itinerary with Young Kids
The first time I visited Santa Cruz was about 15 years ago, and let's just say it was a very different kind of trip.
Fast forward to today, and we're exploring Surf City with two high-energy little boys who don't nap and need constant activity to avoid a complete meltdown.
If that sounds familiar, this itinerary is for you.
We recently spent three days in Santa Cruz with our 2- and 4-year-old boys and packed our trip with redwood forests, steam trains, mini golf, beaches, playgrounds, ice cream, and plenty of opportunities to burn energy. Santa Cruz turned out to be one of our favorite California family destinations because there is so much to do within a short drive.
Here's exactly what we did, where we ate, where we stayed, and what I'd recommend for families visiting Santa Cruz with young kids.
Find Banana Slugs with kids near the Redwood Trees in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Why Santa Cruz is Great for Young Kids
Santa Cruz is one of those rare destinations that has a little bit of everything:
✔ Beaches and tide pools
✔ Redwoods and nature walks
✔ Trains and playgrounds
✔ The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
✔ Family-friendly restaurants
✔ Easy day trips nearby
Most attractions are within 15-20 minutes of each other, making it easy to fill your day without spending hours in the car.
Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Young Kids
Neptune's Kingdom Mini Golf - Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Neptune's Kingdom Mini Golf
📍 Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk)
⏰ Time Needed: 45–60 minutes
👶 Best for: Ages 3+
💲 Cost: Paid attraction
⭐ Our Favorite? Yes!
Located at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Neptune's Kingdom is an 18-hole indoor pirate-themed mini golf course that was a huge hit with our boys.
Cannons randomly fire, seagulls pop out from hidden doors, and several holes feature glow-in-the-dark effects that kept the kids completely entertained.
If you're looking for a break from the sun or something fun to do after dinner, this is a great family activity.
Parent Tip: The course is indoors, making it a perfect option on chilly evenings or rainy days.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
📍 Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 3–6 hours
👶 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Free to enter; ride tickets or wristbands required for rides
⭐ Our Favorite? Absolutely!
Even if your kids are too small for the big roller coasters, there are still plenty of rides geared toward younger children.
Our boys especially loved the smaller rides and watching the Giant Dipper race overhead. Before your visit, be sure to check the current height requirements so you know which attractions your kids can ride.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
📍 Location: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
⏰ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👶 Best for: Toddlers & Preschoolers
💲 Cost: California State Park day-use parking fee
⭐ Our Favorite? Yes!
Just a short drive from downtown Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was one of our favorite stops of the trip.
The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is flat, easy for little legs, and stroller-friendly. The giant redwood trees are impressive even for young kids.
Parent tip: Turn the hike into a scavenger hunt and see if your kids can spot a Banana Slug. Ours became completely determined to find one and it kept them engaged for the entire walk. We found several Banana Slugs around 10:00 a.m. while the forest was still cool and damp. Check around the bases of large redwood trees where it's shady and moist.
Roaring Camp Railroads train stop
Roaring Camp Railroads
📍 Location: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
⏰ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
👶 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Paid attraction
⭐ Our Favorite? Definitely!
Located right next to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroads is a must for families with young train lovers.
The historic steam train winds through towering redwood forests, crossing bridges and climbing into the mountains. It was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
This was easily one of the highlights of our trip. If your kids love trains, don't skip this one.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
📍 Location: 35 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 45–60 minutes
👶 Best for: Toddlers & Elementary-age kids
💲 Cost: Free
⭐ Our Favorite? Great rainy-day or break-from-the-beach activity!
Don't expect an aquarium—there aren't any live animals here—but don't let that stop you from visiting.
The Exploration Center is completely free and packed with hands-on exhibits designed for kids. Our boys loved creating waves, building a magnetic kelp forest, listening to underwater marine animal sounds, and using magnetic fishing poles to learn about recycling and ocean conservation.
It's a fun indoor stop if you need a break from the beach or are looking for something educational.
Parent Tip: The center closes at 4:00 p.m., so plan to visit earlier in the day.
Santa Cruz Wharf
📍 Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👶 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Free to visit
⭐ Our Favorite? Yes—don't skip it!
Conveniently across from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, take a stroll down the wharf!
Even if you don't plan to eat here, the Wharf is worth visiting. The boys kept looking over the railings to watch the sea lions lounging and barking beneath the pier. There are also candy shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, and beautiful views of the beach and Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz Riverwalk Playground - Serpent Slide
Santa Cruz Riverwalk Playground
📍 Location: San Lorenzo Riverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
⏰ Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
👶 Best for: Toddlers & Preschoolers
💲 Cost: Free
⭐ Our Favorite? Great energy burner before dinner!
If your kids still have energy to burn (ours always do!), the Santa Cruz Riverwalk Playground is a great stop.
Located near downtown, this neighborhood playground has plenty of room to climb, slide, and run around before heading to dinner or back to the hotel. It became the perfect late-afternoon reset for our family after a busy day of sightseeing.
Leo's Haven at Chanticleer County Park
📍 Location: 1935 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
⏰ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
👶 Best for: Toddlers & Preschoolers
💲 Cost: Free
⭐ Our Favorite? One of the best playgrounds!
Leo's Haven is absolutely worth the short drive.
This massive farm-themed playground is fully fenced, making it perfect for little explorers. There are climbing structures, slides, swings, sensory play areas, and plenty of room for kids to burn off energy.
If you're traveling with young children, I'd put this near the top of your list.
Neary Lagoon
📍 Location: Bay St & California St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
👶 Best for: All ages
💲 Cost: Free
⭐ Our Favorite? A peaceful hidden gem.
Neary Lagoon is one of Santa Cruz's hidden gems.
The floating boardwalk winds through a peaceful freshwater marsh where kids can look for ducks, turtles, fish, and birds. It's an easy walk for little legs and offers a nice change of pace from the busy Boardwalk.
If your kids enjoy spotting wildlife, this is a fun and relaxing stop.
Where to Eat with Kids in Santa Cruz
One thing we loved about Santa Cruz was how easy it was to find casual, family-friendly restaurants. With a toddler and preschooler, we usually prioritize quick service, outdoor seating, and kid-approved food over anything fancy.
El Hermoso Mar
📍 Location: 45 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 45–60 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Good For: Lunch or dinner with kids
💲 Price: $$
⭐ Our Favorite? Yes!
This was one of our favorite meals of the trip. Located near the harbor, El Hermoso Mar serves delicious Mexican food with plenty of options for kids. Our boys happily devoured tacos and quesadillas while we enjoyed a more flavorful meal than the typical kid-friendly chain restaurant.
If the weather is nice, grab your food and enjoy the harbor views nearby while the kids stretch their legs.
The Picnic Basket
📍 Location: 125 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
⏰ Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Good For: Breakfast or lunch before the beach
💲 Price: $$
⭐ Our Favorite? Great quick stop!
Located across from Main Beach, The Picnic Basket is perfect before or after a beach day.
They offer a dedicated kids menu and serve casual favorites like sandwiches, salads, and grilled cheese. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it an easy choice when everyone is hungry and ready for a quick meal.
Bonus: They also serve scoops from Penny Ice Creamery.
The Crow's Nest
📍 Location: 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
⏰ Time Needed: 1–1½ hours
👨👩👧👦 Good For: Family dinner with harbor views
💲 Price: $$$
⭐ Our Favorite? Beautiful location!
If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant with a view, The Crow's Nest is a great family option.
Overlooking the harbor, it offers beautiful waterfront views while still being welcoming to families with young children. One of the highlights for kids is the treasure chest they can choose a prize from after their meal—a simple touch that our boys would absolutely love.
Penny Ice Creamery in Downtown Santa Cruz
Best Ice Cream in Santa Cruz
No family trip to Santa Cruz is complete without ice cream.
Penny Ice Creamery
📍 Location: Multiple locations (we visited the Downtown Santa Cruz location)
⏰ Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
🍦 Known For: House-made ice cream & toasted marshmallow fluff
💲 Price: $
⭐ Our Favorite? Absolutely!
If you only visit one ice cream shop in Santa Cruz, make it Penny Ice Creamery.
Their handcrafted ice cream is delicious, but the real star is the famous toasted marshmallow fluff they torch right on top of your scoop. Watching the marshmallow being toasted was almost as exciting for our boys as eating the ice cream itself.
There are multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz, but we especially liked the downtown location during our visit.
Marianne's Ice Cream
📍 Location: Multiple locations (we visited the Ocean Street location)
⏰ Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
🍦 Known For: Dozens of classic and unique ice cream flavors
💲 Price: $
⭐ Our Favorite? A Santa Cruz classic!
A Santa Cruz institution, Marianne's has been serving ice cream for generations.
They offer dozens of flavors ranging from classic favorites to more unique local specialties. If everyone in your family likes something different, Marianne's is a great choice because there are so many options to choose from.
It's one of those places that feels like a classic beach-town tradition.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz with Young Kids
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz and it worked really well for our family.
The rooms were spacious enough for our two boys to play and unwind after a full day of activities, which is always a huge win when traveling with young kids. We also appreciated the heated pool, outdoor fire pits, and complimentary breakfast each morning.
The location made it easy to access both downtown Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk while still providing a comfortable place to recharge at the end of the day.
For families looking for a reliable hotel with plenty of space and family-friendly amenities, I would definitely consider staying here.
→ See our full review here: Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Our boys are too big for cribs but not quite ready for regular hotel beds, so we brought our inflatable toddler beds. The room had plenty of floor space to comfortably fit both beds without feeling cramped.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
3-Day Itinerary in Santa Cruz with Kids
If you have active kids who need constant stimulation to avoid a meltdown, Santa Cruz is an absolute playground. Because our boys don't nap, we packed our schedule full of redwoods, roller coasters, and beach days. Here is our exact, tried-and-tested 3-day Santa Cruz itinerary for active families.
Day 1: Tacos, Tide Air, & Twilight Mini Golf
1:00 PM – Land at San Jose Airport (SJC): Grab your rental car or bags. The drive from SJC to Santa Cruz takes about 45 minutes winding through the scenic Highway 17.
2:00 PM – Check-In at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz: We chose this as our base camp because it’s centrally located and offers crucial perks for families (more on that in our hotel review!).
3:00 PM – Neptune’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Skip the big roller coasters on arrival day if the kids are tired from travel, and head straight for a 10-minute walk to the boardwalk. We played 18 holes of pirate-themed mini golf at Neptune’s Kingdom.
Tip for parents: A few of the holes glow in the dark, which is a massive hit for high-stimulation kids.
6:00 PM – Beachside Dinner at El Hermoso Mar: Instead of a formal sit-down restaurant, grab quick tacos and quesadillas here. Walk your food over to the Aloha Terrace Group Picnic Area. It’s the perfect spot to watch boats sail by and beach volleyball games while the kids burn off their remaining energy running in the sand.
7:00 PM – Walk Back & Wind Down: Walk back to the Hyatt Place to start the bedtime routine before day two.
Day 2: Redwoods, Steam Trains, & Marine Life
8:00 AM – Fuel Up: Take advantage of the free hot breakfast at the hotel to save time and money.
9:00 AM – Hike Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Head inland to the mountains (about a 15-20 minute drive). Do the Redwood Grove Loop Trail. It’s completely flat, stroller-friendly, and lets the kids climb inside massive, hollowed-out Redwood trees.
Active Kid Challenge: Challenge your kids to spot a Banana Slug 🐌 on the forest floor. It kept our boys completely locked in and hunting along the trail!
10:30 AM – Roaring Camp Railroads: Right next door to the park is Roaring Camp. We hopped on the authentic steam train for a ride through the mountain forest. It’s loud, exciting, and highly engaging for kids who love trains
12:30 PM – Lunch at Georgie’s Cook House: Located right inside Roaring Camp. Expect theme-park pricing, but it's convenient: it cost us about $40 for a standard kid-friendly spread of chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries.
2:00 PM – Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center: Head back down to the beach. This center features interactive exhibits, and admission is completely free.
Note: They close at 4:00 PM, so make sure you don't arrive too late!
3:30 PM – Stroll the Santa Cruz Wharf: Walk right outside the exploration center onto the historic wharf to look for sunbathing sea lions barking under the pier.
4:00 PM – Hotel Recharge: A quick reset, snack, and outfit change back at the room.
5:00 PM – Santa Cruz Riverwalk Playground: If your kids still have energy to burn before dinner, walk over to this local playground to let them climb.
6:15 PM – Dinner: We kept it simple and ate back at the hotel to keep the mood relaxed.
7:00 PM – Dessert at The Penny Ice Creamery: You cannot leave Santa Cruz without trying this spot. They make everything from scratch, and getting a scoop topped with their famous toasted marshmallow fluff is the ultimate reward for a packed day.
Day 3: A Sweet Goodbye to Surf City
8:00 AM – Free Breakfast at Hyatt Place: One last round of free breakfast to fuel up for the road ahead.
9:30 AM – Hit the Road: Pack up the car and begin the scenic drive down the California coast!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Santa Cruz with Kids
Is Santa Cruz good for toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes! Santa Cruz has a great mix of beaches, playgrounds, nature walks, trains, and family-friendly attractions. We visited with a 2- and 4-year-old and found plenty to keep them entertained for three full days.
How many days do you need in Santa Cruz with kids?
We found that three days was the perfect amount of time. It gave us enough time to visit the Boardwalk, ride the Roaring Camp train, explore the redwoods, enjoy the beach, and still have time for ice cream and playground stops.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz with young kids?
Some of our favorite activities included:
Roaring Camp Railroads
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Neptune's Kingdom Mini Golf
Leo's Haven Playground
Santa Cruz Wharf
Penny Ice Creamery
Is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk good for toddlers?
Yes, although many rides have height requirements. There are several rides designed specifically for younger children, plus arcade games, mini golf, and the beach right next door.
Where should families stay in Santa Cruz?
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz and found it to be a great option for families. The spacious rooms, heated pool, free breakfast, and convenient location worked well for our trip.
What is the best ice cream in Santa Cruz?
Two local favorites are Penny Ice Creamery and Marianne's Ice Cream. Penny is famous for its toasted marshmallow fluff topping, while Marianne's offers dozens of classic and unique flavors.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz with kids?
Spring, summer, and early fall are all great times to visit. We visited in spring and enjoyed mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Can you visit Santa Cruz without riding the big roller coasters?
Absolutely. Our kids were far too young for most of the larger rides, and we still filled three days with family-friendly activities including mini golf, train rides, beaches, playgrounds, redwood hikes, and ice cream stops.
See all CALIFORNIA POSTS, or here are the latest:
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Review: A Great Family Hotel Near the Boardwalk
Planning a Santa Cruz family vacation? See our Hyatt Place Santa Cruz review, including breakfast, pool, rooms, and nearby attractions.
We were looking for a family-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz and the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz ended up being a great fit for our trip.
Location: 407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We used our annual free night certificate from our Hyatt credit card, which honestly felt like a pretty great redemption.
The hotel had spacious rooms, free breakfast, a heated pool, and was close to so many toddler-friendly activities around Santa Cruz.
➡️ CHECK ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT PLACE SANTA CRUZ
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz had a very nice lobby to lounge in
Why We Chose Hyatt Place Santa Cruz for Our Family Trip
Traveling with toddlers means our hotel checklist looks a little different these days.
We wanted:
✔ Space for toddler beds
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Pool for downtime
✔ Close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
✔ Easy access to family activities
The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz checked all of those boxes.
🚂 See our full 3-Day Itinerary in Santa Cruz with Kids and (what we did that tired them out) here: https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/santa-cruz-itinerary-with-young-kids
A fridge is always handy for leftovers or holding yogurts! The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz had a nice sized mini fridge.
My biggest complaint is the powdered milk for creamer in the room, but I just went downstairs and grabbed a freshly brewed coffee with cream in the morning.
Open mini fridge (empty) in Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Amenities for Families
Free Breakfast that is included with Hyatt Santa Cruz room - eggs, French toast, sausage, potatoes
Free Breakfast Included
The hotel includes complimentary breakfast in the lobby area every morning.
When you have toddlers, quick food options are a lifesaver and while this wasn’t the best hotel breakfast we’ve ever had, it absolutely worked for busy mornings.
Breakfast options during our stay included:
Fruit Loops and Cheerios for the kids
Eggs
Breakfast potatoes (hash browns or diced potatoes depending on the day)
Sausage or bacon
French toast, waffles, or pancakes
Donut holes
Bagels and toast
Yogurt and granola
Fresh fruit
Sometimes you just need food immediately with little ones and this definitely made mornings easier.
Pool at the Hyatt Place in Santa Cruz is perfect for kids
Heated Pool, Spa & Fire Pits
The pool area was another big hit for families.
Amenities included:
Heated pool
Spa / hot tub
Outdoor rinse shower before heading back to your room
Evening fire pits
S’mores kits available for purchase
One note for families with little swimmers: the pool appeared to be under 5 feet deep, which felt very kid-friendly.
Large rooms at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz - perfect for families
Spacious Rooms Make a Huge Difference with Toddlers
One thing we loved most was how spacious our room felt.
Our boys are in that awkward phase where they’re too big for cribs but we don’t trust them on tall hotel beds yet, so we travel with our Rigalo Toddler Inflatable beds.
Sometimes hotel rooms feel cramped once we set them up, but our room at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz felt huge.
We stayed in Room 331, which had a wider layout (some rooms appear longer and narrower).
The extra width gave us room for:
Two toddler beds
Walking space around them
Storage space when not in use
Enough open floor area that the boys could literally do cartwheels
We also had a slight view of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and even a small peek of the ocean in the distance.
My favorite part of the room was the cozy couch nook! there is an “L” shaped pull out couch sofa with a lamp overhead creating a cute little nook where we sat and read bedtime stories. I had the boys snuggle up and we read a few of our favorite books we packed including The Trucks that Saved the Park!
Cozy nook at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz - perfect for reading books to kids
Bathroom in hotel room at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz did not have a bath tub for kids
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz is a great central location
We loved the location of the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz because it was close to the boardwalk while also being within easy driving distance of several toddler activities.
Serpent Slide at San Lorenzo Park - walking distance from Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Things to Do Near Hyatt Place Santa Cruz with Kids
San Lorenzo Park
Location: 137 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We walked less than 10 mins to the San Lorenzo Park that had a cute playground! It had lots of structures to climb and burn out some kid afternoon energy. There was
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The hotel is about a 15-minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
That said, personally I’m not sure I would choose to walk back after dark with little kids.
We drove and found parking by the boardwalk for $5 midweek in May 2026.
The valet mentioned nearby lots can reach around $30, especially on weekends.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Location: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
One of our favorite stops was the flat Redwood Grove Loop Trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
It was only about 15 minutes from the hotel and perfect for toddlers.
The loop is approximately one mile, mostly flat, and stroller friendly.
Roaring Camp Train in Santa Cruz - fun thing to do with toddlers
Ride the Roaring Camp Train Through the Redwoods
Location: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Right next to the redwoods is Roaring Camp Railroads.
They offer train rides through the redwoods (we saw departures twice daily during our visit).
We were also told the Beach Train connecting the boardwalk and redwoods is beautiful, though it can be slower because it travels through town and stops frequently at crossings and intersections.
Final Thoughts: Is Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Worth It for Families?
For families traveling with toddlers and young kids, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz worked really well for us.
The highlights were definitely:
✔ Spacious rooms
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Heated pool and fire pits
✔ Close to the Boardwalk
✔ Easy access to toddler activities like Henry Cowell and Roaring Camp
If you travel with inflatable toddler beds like we do, the room size alone was a huge win.
➡️ CHECK ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT PLACE SANTA CRUZ
Disneyland With Toddlers: 10 Tips We Learned Visiting With Two Little Boys
Planning Disneyland with toddlers? Here are our favorite Disneyland tips, Rider Swap hacks, toddler rides, hotel recommendations, and California Adventure favorites from visiting with our two boys.
One of my favorite parts of Disneyland with toddlers isn’t even the rides — it’s watching them take it all in. ✨
Disneyland with toddlers is one of those trips that feels equally magical and slightly chaotic at the same time.
We’ve now visited Disneyland multiple times with our two boys and every trip we learn something new. We’ve learned where to start, which rides are actually worth it for little kids, when Rider Swap saves the day, and which waits are absolutely not worth it with toddlers. Don’t miss our Southern California ticket hack too!
If you’re heading to Disneyland with little ones, these are the tips that have worked best for our family.
Look closely - Mary Poppins and Bert are often found in Fantasyland!
1. Bring ALL the Snacks (and Don’t Feel Like You Have to Take the Tram)
My number one Disneyland tip for toddlers? Snacks. So many snacks. Don’t forget to bring some for you too.
We usually load up before heading into the parks because little kids seem to become hungry approximately every 17 minutes at Disneyland.
We always bring a stroller because it ends up carrying everything — snacks, water bottles, jackets, souvenirs, and occasionally tired children. Also, you might want to put an Airtag in the stroller in case you forget where it is!
One thing to know though: if you take the tram from the parking garage, you have to fold the stroller. Our stroller is a pain to fold so we usually skip the tram entirely and walk through Downtown Disney to the parks instead. It’s an easy walk and saves us the stroller fold-up process.
Sleeping Beauty's castle decorated for the 70th Anniversary celebration at Disneyland.
2. Get There Right When the Park Opens
If you only take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this:
Get there early!
The first few hours of the day are magic at Disneyland with toddlers.
Wait times are shorter, it’s cooler outside, kids still have energy, and you can knock out several rides before the crowds build.
Rope drop is absolutely worth it for families. Besides, aren’t you up at the crack of dawn anyway?!
3. Start in Toontown
If you have toddlers, Toontown is our favorite place to start.
Our boys love:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Gadget’s Go Coaster
Exploring Toontown
Meeting Mickey in his house
Meeting Mickey first thing in the morning has usually meant shorter waits for us too.
Toontown just feels made for little kids and is such a fun way to start the day.
There is a stationary Dumbo when you get off the ride so you can get that picture perfect shot!
4. Keep an Eye on Fantasyland Wait Times (or Head to Big Thunder!)
Fantasyland is obviously classic Disneyland toddler territory, but don’t forget to watch the wait times. Don’t wait more than 40 mins for anything. Dumbo is great but only when the line is 20 mins or less.
And if you happen to have a little thrill seeker…
Big Thunder Mountain might surprise you.
Our son LOVES Big Thunder.
A 20–30 minute wait for Big Thunder is pretty good in our book, and it has become one of his favorite rides. There is a 40 inches height requirement for this one! Check before you go!
We also LOVE Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
5. Learn Rider Swap — It Is the Parent Hack Nobody Told Us About
Rider Swap is one of the best things Disneyland offers for families with little kids.
Here’s how it works:
If one child is too small (or doesn’t want to ride), one parent rides first while the other waits with the younger child.
Then the second parent gets to ride without waiting in the full line again.
You just need to talk to the Cast Member at the ride entrance before anyone gets in line.
We’ve used Rider Swap on so many attractions and it makes a huge difference.
It’s especially helpful if you have one toddler who loves bigger rides and one who isn’t ready yet.
Galaxy’s Edge ended up being way more toddler-friendly than we expected. Meeting Chewbacca was a huge hit for our little Star Wars fan. ✨
6. Don’t Skip Galaxy’s Edge if Your Kids Love Star Wars
Our boys are huge Star Wars fans and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was a massive hit.
Honestly, Galaxy’s Edge ended up being way more toddler-friendly than I expected.
Even walking around the land was fun for them. Give Chewbacca a high five and say hi to Han Solo!
If you have little Star Wars fans, definitely add this to your Disneyland day.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is the best toddler ride and relatively short line!
7. California Adventure Has Some Great Toddler Rides Too
We love Disneyland, but California Adventure has become one of our boys’ favorites too.
Our must-do rides are:
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
The Little Mermaid
Mater is always a hit.
And The Little Mermaid is such a nice break when you need air conditioning and a slower ride.
Eat at Flo’s and catch Lightning McQueen an Mater roll by!
8. Don’t Wait in the Radiator Springs Racers Line
This may be my slightly controversial Disneyland opinion…
Don’t wait in the regular Radiator Springs Racers line.
We have almost never seen it under an hour and it breaks down fairly often.
If it fits your budget, this is the ride I would consider buying Lightning Lane for.
And if you can combine it with Rider Swap? Even better.
Pro Tip: Our favorite place to eat is Flo’s Cafe. If you sit in the back patio area, Lightning and Mater drive by! Chicken nuggets and fries for the kiddos is one of our favorite meals there.
Meeting Mater and Lighting McQueen was DEFINITELY a highlight for our little Cars fan!
9. Pixar Pier Is Great for Toy Story Fans
If your kids love Toy Story, don’t miss Pixar Pier.
Toy Story Midway Mania is one of our family favorites and is always a hit.
There’s just something about competing for points that keeps everyone happy — kids and adults included. I will beat Josh one day… I swear!
10. Don’t Miss the Spider-Man Show in California Adventure
One thing that surprised us was how much our boys loved the Spider-Man training show near the entrance of California Adventure.
The show runs pretty frequently (about every 50 minutes or so) and lasts around 10 minutes.
You don’t need a huge strategy here.
We usually just walk over when it’s about to start.
Bonus: you can often meet Spider-Man nearby too.
Buzz Lightyear greeting our toddler at the beginning of the ride.
What We Pack for Disneyland With Toddlers
A few things we always bring:
✔ Snacks (LOTS!)
✔ Refillable water bottles
✔ Stroller
✔ Portable charger
✔ Change of clothes
✔ Hats + sunscreen
✔ Small toys for line waiting (always Hot Wheels cars - we have them everywhere)
✔ Extra wipes (always)
For quieter moments back at the hotel, we also usually pack a few screen-free activities.
Lately our boys have loved bringing books from The Trucks That Saved series and truck activities for downtime between park days.
Disney days are amazing, but having a little quiet hotel reset time has helped us a lot.
More Disneyland Posts You Might Like
Planning a holiday Disney trip?
→ Read our Disneyland at Halloween guide or Disneyland at Christmas guide
Need a sweet break between rides?
→ Check out our favorite Disneyland desserts
Disney fan?
→ Check out Walt Disney’s Office
Southern California Parent Hack: Use the 3-Day Resident Ticket
If you live in Southern California, this is one of our favorite Disneyland hacks.
Disneyland often offers a Southern California resident 3-day ticket between January and mid-May, and one of the best parts is that the days typically do not have to be consecutive.
We love this because it makes Disneyland feel so much more manageable with toddlers.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything into one long weekend, we can spread visits out and move at toddler pace.
Just make sure to check Disneyland’s current offers because they change year to year. Costco also sometimes offers a 3-day pass!
Our Favorite Family Hotel Near Disneyland
We almost always stay at Hyatt House Anaheim Resort / Convention Center and honestly… I think it might actually feel closer to walk from there than the parking structure.
It has become one of our favorite family hotel stays because it checks so many boxes for traveling with kids.
What we love:
✔ Walking distance to Disneyland
✔ Large rooms for families
✔ Small kitchen area
✔ Sitting space to spread out
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Hyatt free night certificates or points can work here
The breakfast isn’t the most amazing hotel breakfast we’ve ever had, but not paying for one extra Disney meal is a win in my book.
I’m planning a full review because this has honestly become our go-to Disneyland hotel.
Hyatt House Anahiem Resort Convention Center
1800 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, United States of America
Final Thoughts: Disneyland With Toddlers Is So Worth It
Disneyland with toddlers definitely looks different than pre-kid Disney trips.
There are more snack breaks, slower mornings, stroller parking, and bathroom stops…
But there’s also seeing Mickey through their eyes for the first time, watching them light up on their favorite ride, and hearing them talk about the trip for weeks afterward. 🥹
And honestly? That magic is pretty hard to beat.
More Disneyland Posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream Trucks and Catering in Los Angeles (2026 Menu & Tracker)
Exceptional artisan ice cream trucks found in Los Angeles! Soft serve, vegan options, and more can be found in our top 11! Ice cream trucks are fun for catering parties and corporate work functions, but also nice when they are near you so you don’t have to drive across LA to their shop.
Mister Softee is my favorite ice cream truck in Los Angeles
Best Ice Cream Trucks with menus you need to try in LA!
Updated: April 28, 2026 - Original Post: 2020
If you haven’t noticed by now, we love trucks and ice cream around here, and living in Los Angeles, there are a lot of ice cream truck and catering options. These aren’t your creepy vans that sell Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pops, these are exceptional artisan ice cream trucks that Angelino’s seek out!
Ice cream trucks are fun for parties and work functions, but also nice to enjoy when they are in your area.
Sweet N Hollow Chimney Cake
Trucks for Kids!
If you’ve read the latest adventure in my children’s book series, The Trucks That Saved, you know that the ice cream truck is the ultimate hero that brings the whole park together!
Seeing these incredible trucks in Los Angeles reminds me so much of that spirit of community and joy.
Whether we're exploring the city for a travel guide or reading about our favorite truck friends, it’s all about those sweet moments.
The Top Ice Cream Trucks in Los Angeles Neighborhood (2026 Edition)
The classic pre-packaged bar model has evolved into a world of artisanal scoops and Instagram-ready treats. Here are the most popular trucks currently dominating the LA food scene:
1. The Aesthetic & Artisanal Ice Cream Truck Menu Leaders
Recess Ice Cream Truck sundae with chocolate sauce served at a work event
Creamy Boys Ice Cream Truck
Arguably the most "Instagrammable" truck in LA right now. They specialize in New Zealand-style Real Fruit Ice Cream, blending fresh fruit into a vanilla base on the spot.
Their custom-branded wraps make them a favorite for major brand activations and influencer events.
Recess Ice Cream Truck
Known for its "back-to-school" nostalgia, this truck focuses on ultra-premium, small-batch ice cream with high butterfat content. They are legendary for their "un-cone-ditional" hospitality and creative cookie sandwiches.
The Menu: Recess offers fun options like french toast sliders, frozen hot chocolate, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and more!
We ordered this truck a few times for work functions (located in Burbank) and the Recess Ice Cream Truck didn’t disappoint!
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck
I often see the Van Leeuwen truck on Abbott Kinney on the Westside, but you can also rent for parties, weddings, baby showers, wedding showers, birthdays, and events!
The Menu: Their artisan ice cream flavors will please any audience and they offer gluten-free and vegan flavors!
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Truck in Los Angeles
McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Truck
“Have ice cream, will travel” is this Santa Barbara-based company’s motto! LA locals are familiar with McConnell’s scoop shops around town and their ice cream truck can often be found at street fairs.
You can book them for parties, weddings, corporate events, and more!
The Menu: Delicious creamy scoops of ice cream flavors that are irresistible.
Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck in Los Angeles
Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck
The Menu: Oat-ly is an original oat milk company from Sweden that turns nutritious liquid oat milk into ice cream! It’s plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free!
Oat-ly also are earth-conscious, making their ice cream while reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible.
Download a free truck scavenger hunt for kids - screen-free activity for toddlers
🚒 Want to make your Ice Cream Truck hunt even more fun?
Download my Free Truck Hero Scavenger Hunt Printable! It’s the perfect way to keep the little ones engaged while you track down the best scoops in LA. See if you can spot all 17 truck heroes—including the ice cream truck!
2. The Niche & Unique Crowd-Pleasers
Blaque Parlor Ice Cream Truck
Famous for its striking organic black ice cream, this truck fits the "edgy" LA aesthetic perfectly. It is a top choice for luxury brand events and stylish weddings.
Ridges Churro Bar
This fan favorite serves Churro Sundaes—creamy soft serve topped with warm, artisanal churro loops. It consistently ranks as one of the most-liked dessert trucks on local food platforms.
Saffron & Rose Ice Cream Truck
Bringing their Westwood brick-and-mortar quality to the streets, their mobile truck serves Persian Ice Cream featuring flavors like rosewater, saffron, and pistachio.
SuperCool Creamery ice cream catering with a touch of magic
SuperCool Creamery Catering - Ice Cream and a Magic Show
Supercool combines ice cream and magic with a little liquid nitrogen! Fantastic flavors and a variety of toppings (including booze), they’ll add pizaazz to any party!
The Menu: Nitro-artisan ice cream, nitro-artisan frozen cocktails, and a fabulous toppings bar. Gotta try the Dragon’s Breath - patrons chew frozen corn puffs with mouths closed and breath smoke out of their nose!
Kosher and dairy free options are available, see the full menu here.
They used to have a shop in Silver Lake but are currently only offering their catering service.
🎩 See our full post: SuperCool Creamery Review
Great for corporate function, red carpet premieres, kids parties, and more!
Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck
3. The Cult Classics & Modernized Favorites
CVT Soft Serve Truck
CVT’s goal is to make the best soft serve around! Using local California dairy, they have perfected their soft serve and claim it is the best west of the Atlantic. As they say, “is it arrogant if it’s true?” Their comedic and transparent personality makes for a great follow on their Instagram! Whatever you do, don’t ask them for free things in exchange for social media posts, Influencers pay double! #welovemostofourcustomers
The Menu: Simple Soft Serve choices of chocolate, vanilla, or twist. Their East Coast-style soft serve and vintage truck are iconic in the city.
Mister Softee Southern CA
My personal favorite!!! This isn't your average neighborhood truck; it’s a high-end, polished fleet. They recently expanded with "Surfside Softee’s Bikes & Carts," perfect for smaller event spaces.
The classic Mister Softee ice cream truck menu has received a polished, high-end makeover for the Southern California scene.. From traditional dipped cones to the new "Surfside" specialties, it’s a menu built for modern LA adventures.
Goodies Truck
A clean, professional take on the traditional model, serving classic pre-packaged bars from a bright, trusted truck.
King Kone Ice Cream Truck
The Menu: If you’re looking for soft serve and sprinkles, this truck’s got you covered! Their menu doesn’t end there, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or banana split!
No matter what, there is something for everyone!
Happy Ice Truck
You can spot this truck from miles away with the vibrant colors.
The Menu: Happy Ice, per their website, is an “ultra-premium Water Ice product, made from a secret recipe from Philadelphia with an artistic LA twist. It has the smooth, rich, creamy texture of ice cream and the light, fruity refreshment of a sorbet, without egg or dairy products of any kind.”
It is also black-owned business, show some support!
Kona Shaved Ice Truck
Have a luau or tropical island-themed party? Have some authentic shave Ice to go with your tiki decor!
The Menu: Shaved ice, fruit smoothies, Tops - sour powder, Kandy spoons
They even do fundraisers for functions like schools and sports teams!
My favorite detail, they offer color changing cups! Great truck for kids birthday parties - colorful truck, cute characters, endless flavor combinations.
King Kone Ice Cream Truck Soft Serve cone with sprinkles in Los Angeles
The Sound of Summer: Iconic Ice Cream Truck Music
Nothing signals the start of summer in LA quite like the distant, tinkling jingle of an ice cream truck. Whether it's the classic "Turkey in the Straw" or the unmistakable Mister Softee theme, that music is the universal "bat-signal" for a sweet escape.
In my children’s book, The Trucks That Saved, the jingle is more than just a song—it's the signal that the hero has arrived to save the day at the park!
Looking for more sweet inspiration? If these jingles have you feeling nostalgic, check out my ultimate list of Ice Cream Quotes & Songs to find the perfect caption for your next sundae selfie.
Finding the Best Ice Cream Truck Near You in Los Angeles
While these trendy trucks travel all over the city, finding an ice cream truck near you in a place as big as LA requires a little bit of "insider" knowledge. Most of the trucks on this list don't just wander neighborhoods; they park at specific "sweet spots" like First Fridays in Venice, Smorgasburg LA, Marina del Rey’s Beach Eats, or popular parks like Lake Balboa and Griffith Park.
Pro-Explorer Tip: The best way to track down a specific truck "near me" in real-time is to check their Instagram Stories. Most LA favorites, like Creamy Boys and Ridges Churro Bar, post their daily "GPS" locations every morning.
Just like in my book, The Trucks That Saved, the best part of finding a truck hero is the community that gathers around it! Whether you find them at a local park or a city festival, it’s all about those shared sweet moments.
RIP Ice Cream Trucks
A few ice cream trucks that were amazing but have ceased operation and are deeply missed:
Blast Ice Cream Truck
Sweet n Hollow Ice Cream Truck
Blast Ice Cream Truck - no longer in service
Love trucks as much as we do?
At The Sweetest Escapes, we believe every journey should be a little bit sweeter. If your little ones loved learning about these LA ice cream trucks, they’ll fall in love with the heroes in The Trucks That Saved book series.
📚🚚 Shop the Books & Travel Guides here: www.thesweetestescapes.com/trucks-that-saved
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Best Ice Cream Trucks in Los Angeles
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Toddler Friendly Guide and Itinerary for Spring and Summer in Lake Tahoe
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers? As a lifelong Tahoe local, I’ve updated this guide to include Blue Health alpine resets and multi-gen itineraries for grandparents and kids. Discover the best toddler-friendly spots in South Lake Tahoe, from the East Shore Trail to STEM adventures with local helper trucks. Whether you need easy hikes at Glen Alpine Falls or family dining at Riva Grill, this 2026 guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable mountain escape.
Pine trees, Lake Tahoe views from high above in Heavenly gondola ski lift
Last Updated: April 2026 | Originally Published: 2025
From Playgrounds to Pine Trees: Lake Tahoe Adventures for Tiny Feet
There were many summers that I went with my family to Lake Tahoe growing up and I couldn’t wait to take my little family! I did have to do some research as I was curious about what activities we could do with two toddlers!
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe?
Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack with toddlers!
Best toddler-friendly activities and things to do in South Lake Tahoe
heavenly Gondolas from the Heavenly Village Center
Heavenly Gondolas
Location: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Heavenly Village Giant Chair made of Skiis
This was a great idea… kids under 5 ride free (adults are currently $124) and it’s unlimited rides for the day. It sounded perfect, however, they were closed the duration we were there and re-opening for summer just before Memorial Day.
Note: they aren’t open every day, so it’s a great idea but just check the website to make sure they are open!
All else fails, the shopping center around the Gondola base is fantastic. Tons of restaurants and stores to explore and some grassy areas to run around. In summer months, there is a mini golf course and a trampoline adventure in the center of the plaza.
Making it a road trip? See our Toddler Road Trip Essentials. You won’t want to miss our favorite toys for the car and hotel room!
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Parks and Recreation
There are tons of parks in Lake Tahoe and we found some awesome playgrounds!
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Location: 3199 Sacramento Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located right on the water with perfect lake views, parking lot, and restrooms! The playground was small but there were a few slides and swings as well as a beach volleyball court and lots of grass to run around!
Kahle Park
Location: 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449
Nestled higher up in the mountains, there’s a really fun park with partial lake views. There’s a playground for 2-5-year-olds and one for 5-12-year-olds. Our kids played on both playgrounds.
Speaking of PARK, get The Trucks that Saved the Park story book and coloring book for your trip!
Glen Alpine Falls at Fallen Leaf Lake
See a Waterfall (without much of a hike!)
Glen Alpine Falls - 1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
My toddlers are over 30 pounds and I didn’t really want to hike with them as it would be fun for 5 minutes and then I’d be required to carry one for the rest of the duration. Luckily, Glen Alpine Falls is located just off of Fallen Leaf Lake and literally can be seen from the road! We went midweek around 11a and it wasn’t very crowded with front-row parking!
There’s a split rock with a little deck that my littles liked to climb on. Afterward, we drove down to the Kiva picnic area (follow the Tallac signs) and had lunch on a picnic table steps away from the lake. It was about a 5-minute walk to those tables by the lake but there were also some closer to the parking lot with bathrooms! The path was flat so we loaded up our wagon and were able to only carry one kid who didn’t want to ride in the wagon! Win! My only complaint is that the tables are wood and old so I would bring towels to sit on next time. Luckily no splinters incidents on this adventure!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
Kiva Beach Picnic
Go for a Picnic!
Why is a picnic at Lake Tahoe so much fun? For starters, it's a chance to relish the crystal-clear waters and graze on delicious food with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop. You get to enjoy the glorious Lake Tahoe sunshine (which is usually a breeze in June!), the crisp mountain air, and maybe even some antsy entertainment if a few uninvited guests try to join your feast, though the views will surely distract you. It’s a delightful escape from the usual routine, and let's be honest, everything just tastes better when you're eating on a blanket with the magnificent Big Blue just a stone's throw away. Plus, there's always the excitement of seeing what surprises are in the basket – it's truly a sand-witch of an adventure, especially when you're surrounded by one of nature's most stunning masterpieces!
There are so many places to picnic around the lake:
Kiva Beach
Emerald Bay State Beach
Kings Beach
Zephyr Cove Park
Pope Beach
Trucks that Saved the Park coloring and story book great story to bring when traveling with kids
Blue Health: The "Alpine Water" Reset for the Whole Family
Lake Tahoe is more than just a beautiful destination; it is the ultimate Blue Health Escape. The lake’s legendary clarity and specific deep blue hues offer a science-backed "mental reset" that benefits every generation.
For Kids: The calm, shallow waters at parks like Sand Harbor or Pope Beach provide restorative sensory play. Watching the ripple of the clear alpine water helps settle busy growing minds.
For Grandparents: The quiet, expansive views of the lake offer a peaceful environment for relaxation and connection without the overstimulation of more crowded tourist spots.
Multi-Gen Pro-Tip: The Alpine Reset Take a moment to sit together by the water’s edge. In 2026, travel is about "slowing down" to appreciate the science of nature’s calming effects on our mental well-being.
Multi-generational Logistics: Finding the "Middle Ground"
The key to a successful three-generation trip to Tahoe is balancing shared communal spaces with private retreats.
What are the best multi-generational resorts in Lake Tahoe?
Look for properties that offer "Accessibility with Dignity"—meaning everyone can enjoy the standout moments regardless of mobility.
The Shared Space Strategy: Consider booking condos or lodges with ground-floor access and communal kitchens. This allows for slow, easy breakfasts together before heading out for the day's adventures.
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (formerly Harveys) – Spacious rooms with incredible lake views make this a perfect multi-generational stay. We loved having connecting rooms so the kids had space to play, while parents and grandparents could easily sneak away for a drink or head up to the rooftop restaurant for dinner with a view. See more on this hotel below!
Paved Exploration: We highly recommend the East Shore Trail. This 3-mile paved path is perfect for a stroller and a grandparent who prefers level ground, all while offering spectacular lake views.
Low-Impact, High-Reward: The Best Multi-Gen Hike in Tahoe
One of our favorite discoveries was a stunning waterfall hike that is perfect for toddlers and grandparents alike.
The Waterfall & Stream: This particular spot is a "hidden gem" because the waterfall and the stream leading to it are very close to the road. This ensures that even those with limited mobility can experience the "Blue Health" benefits of rushing water without a strenuous trek.
As mentioned, see more details above - Glen Alpine Falls - 1580 Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Pacing for Success: This stop provides a high-visual impact moment with minimal effort, ensuring every generation feels included in the "standout moments" of the trip.
Planning a Tahoe trip with kids? These free printable games are an easy way to keep little ones engaged while you explore the lake.
The "Helper" Tour: A Lake Tahoe Truck Scavenger Hunt
To add an Educational Adventure to your trip, keep an eye out for the "Real-Life Heroes" that keep the Tahoe basin running.
Finding the Trucks That Saved the Lake
Living in Southern California, we don't often see the heavy-duty machinery required for mountain life. Our kids were fascinated by:
Snowplows: Even in the warmer months, you can often find these massive "helpers" parked and ready for the next big winter storm.
Lumber Trucks & Fire Stations: Tahoe is home to many specialized vehicles used for forest management and community safety.
Vertical Helpers (Gondolas): While not exactly trucks, the gondolas heading up the mountains are incredible machines. Challenge your kids to spot the "wheels at the top" that keep everyone moving safely up the slopes!
Literary Travel Tip: As you spot these vehicles, it’s the perfect time to talk about teamwork and community helpers. We love reading The Trucks That Saved the Park while watching real-life versions of our favorite characters at work.
To make your 'Helper Tour' even more fun, we created a printable Bingo game!
📥 GIVEAWAY: "Want to keep the kids busy while you enjoy the lake views?
Click here to download our Free Tahoe Helper Bingo Game!
Best things to do in North Lake Tahoe
Impossible trail - Tahoe East Shore Trail
Location: Tahoe East Shore Trail, 1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
It’s called the Impossible Trail by the locals because it took forever to build but if you look it up on google maps, it’s call the Tahoe East Shore Trail!
🥾 The "Impossible Trail" in Lake Tahoe, more formally known as the Tahoe East Shore Trail, earned its dramatic moniker because constructing a path along this rugged and incredibly scenic stretch of shoreline was once considered an almost insurmountable feat.
For decades, accessing the breathtaking beaches and coves along Lake Tahoe's East Shore was challenging and often dangerous, with vehicles and pedestrians sharing a narrow, winding highway. The idea of building a safe, dedicated pathway seemed "impossible" given the complex terrain, environmental concerns, and the need for collaboration among numerous agencies.
However, through extensive planning, funding, and engineering, this dream became a reality, transforming the "Impossible Trail" into "America's Most Beautiful Bikeway."
This paved, 3-mile trail is absolutely wonderful for toddlers and families. Its smooth, wide surface makes it perfect for strollers, trikes, and little wobbly walkers, eliminating concerns about uneven terrain or roots. The trail hugs the shoreline, offering continuous, stunning lake views that will captivate even the youngest adventurers. With numerous access points to secluded beaches and picnic spots, families can easily hop off the trail for a splash in the crystal-clear water, a snack break, or simply to marvel at the massive granite boulders.
The lack of significant inclines means little legs won't get too tired, ensuring a fun, accessible, and truly memorable outdoor experience for everyone, making it far from "impossible" to enjoy with your tiny explorers!
Truckee
Location: KidZone Museum, 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
While the glittering waters of Lake Tahoe are the main draw, the charming mountain town of Truckee, located about an hour's drive (approximately 44-45 miles) north of South Lake Tahoe, offers a fantastic change of pace and a wealth of toddler-friendly activities. Truckee's historic downtown is a delight to explore with its old-west charm, train tracks (a huge hit with train-loving tots!), and unique shops.
For active little ones, the KidZone Museum is a must-visit, providing interactive, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young children, offering hours of engaging play.
You can also head to Donner Lake (just a short drive from downtown Truckee) for a different lakeside experience with sandy beaches and calm waters perfect for splashing and building sandcastles.
Many of the larger resorts in the Truckee/Northstar area also offer fantastic summer activities for families, including mini-golf, outdoor play areas, and even gentle scenic gondola rides that provide stunning views without strenuous hiking. Truckee truly rounds out a Lake Tahoe adventure by offering a blend of history, indoor fun, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for the little ones.
Speaking of TRUCKS…
Get your free printable now! Play in the car anytime, anywhere!
Where to Stay with Toddlers in South Lake Tahoe
There are a lot of adorable cabin rentals that you can book through Booking.com - just turn on the search option for “Vacation Homes”.
Caesars Republic
Location: 18 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449
We have stayed at Harvey’s a few times which is now called Caesars Republic and currently under major renovation.
However, the rooms are spacious with lots of lake view options! There is a casino which isn’t great for kids, but good if you want to take turns going down to gamble or go to a bar when the children are sleeping!
There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center too. Though I’ve never seen the fitness center, good for you if you make it!
The restaurants are great but not exactly kid friendly! Here’s what you need to know:
Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramseydoes not have a dedicated kids' menu, but they are accommodating to families and can offer options for children. Yelp users report that servers can usually suggest items from the main menu or prepare something simple like chicken tenders or mac and cheese.
Wolf by Vanderpump doesn’t have a kids menu either and is 21+ after 8p.
My favorite restaurant is the Sage Room which is located on the 19th floor with a perfect view of the lake! Try and get a reservation ahead of time around sunset. Again, they don’t have a kids menu but check ahead of time to see if there is something your tot might be into.
Holiday Inn Express Exterior
Budget friendly option - Holiday Inn Express Lake Tahoe
Location: 3961 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
We had a free night through our IHG credit card that was expiring and we decided to give Holiday Inn Express a try. For a 3-star hotel, it was great. We got the double queen room with an extra floor space option, which was perfect for our two tots to run around or play with the knock-off magnatile set (Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set). Our stay included free breakfast and was walkable to the Heavenly shops and restaurants as well as the state-line casinos!
Where to Dine with Toddlers in Lake Tahoe
Chances are your toddler sits for 5-10 minutes and then is bored. No matter how many toys, coloring books, or crayons I pack, all I want is someone to serve me a nice meal to enjoy. Here are a few spots that we had good luck with:
Riva Grill views
Riva Grill on the Lake
900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
I love this place! It’s right on the water and there is plenty to see if you’re sitting inside or outside! The tables outside on the patio were large so we could sprawl out with coloring books and food. There’s even a walkway just off to the side if you have to take a breather or wait for Dad to pay the check. Get a Woody drink!
Edgewood's Brooks Bar and Deck on the patio overlooking a golf course and Lake Tahoe
Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck
180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
For a memorable dining experience that caters to both adults and toddlers, consider Edgewood Tahoe's Brooks' Bar and Deck. While Edgewood is known for its upscale golf course and lodge, Brooks' Bar and Deck strikes a perfect balance, offering a refined yet comfortable atmosphere that warmly welcomes families. Situated right off the picturesque 18th hole, the expansive deck boasts unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras – a constantly changing panorama that can keep even the most restless toddler entertained. Their "gastropub" menu features elevated comfort food, with options that are often appealing to a wider range of palates, and the casual-yet-classy ambiance means you won't feel out of place with a high chair and a few kid-friendly snacks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the iconic Lake Tahoe scenery, creating a special memory for everyone in the family.
California Burger Co.
California Burger Co.
1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located in Heavenly Village, this outdoor spot was great for toddlers. There was enough fake grass, a fire pit to run trucks over (when the fire was off and not hot), and live music. They also had frozen lemonade so the kids had a drink while Mommy and Daddy also had a fun drink. Wink, wink! The food was good - burgers were great but they didn’t have a kid’s burger, luckily there were chicken tenders and a grilled cheese to choose from.
🍔 See more of our FAVORITE LAKE TAHOE RESTAURANTS - don’t miss the one with my favorite view of the lake!
Itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe during Spring or Summer
Day 1
5p - Arrive in Reno
5:30p - Pick up rental car
6:30p - Grab Chick-fil-a by airport and drive to Tahoe (about an hour)
7:30p - Check into hotel
8p - Bedtime - Read our favorite story, The Trucks that Saved the Park
Day 2
5:45a wake-up call from excited 1.5 year old, 3.5 year old slept longer
6a walk around the neighborhood grab breakfast - we had free breakfast with our room but there are lots of coffee shops in the area if you need a destination. We also made muffins and brought them with us.
8a - eat breakfast together as a family - Social House was a good recommendation
10a - head to the park on the lake
12p - lunch at Riva Grill
1:30p - naptime
3p - drive over to Kahle Park
5p - drop car off, walk to California Burger Co. outdoor seating, live music
6:30p - walk back to hotel, get ready for bed
7:15p - bedtime
Day 3
6:15a Wake-up call from a happy toddler
7a - Free breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8a - walk over to the shopping center to entertain toddler
10a - 35 min Drive to the waterfall (Glen Alpine Falls)
10:40a - Arrive and explore
11:45a - drive to Kiva picnic area
12:05p - arrive Kiva picnic area, walk down, eat lunch
12:40p - drive back to hotel
1:15p - naptime
3:30p - walk over to Heavenly shopping center - shops, restaurants, mini golf (during summer)
5:45p - dinner
6:30p - walk back to room, get ready for bed
7:30p - bedtime
Day 4
6:20a Wake-up call from toddler
7a - Breakfast at Heaven’s Little Cafe (eat it there or take it to go!)
8a - drive to North Shore’s Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
8:40a - Hike Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
11:30a - Lunch at Inclined Burgers and Brews - kids menu includes hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and chicken strips
12:30p - take a drive for a car nap
3p - Arrive at KidZone in Truckee - 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
5p - Drive back towards the south shore
6p - Dinner at Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck and enjoy the sunset
What to pack for Toddlers?!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
What was in our suitcase? Pretty much everything! Being there mid-May, there was still snow on the mountains so it was mid 60’s during the day but 30’s at night!
For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers), we packed:
3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag
Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Coloring Books.
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars,
wagon (instead of our stroller, but we LOVE this travel stroller)
Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is my FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries - what could be better! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!
See our full list on Amazon.com!
Don’t forget to print these free coloring pages from The Trucks that Saved the Park
So pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and get ready for a Lake Tahoe trip that’s anything but ordinary. It’s an adventure waiting to be explored, even with the littlest legs leading the way!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Things to do in Summer in Lake Tahoe with a Toddler
Read more about Lake Tahoe in these posts:
Chilly Chic & Cabernet Ready: Your Ultimate Napa Winter Packing List (Mustard Season Edition!)
Think Napa is only for sundresses and rosé? Think again! Winter in the Valley—or 'Cabernet Season'—is a hidden gem of misty vineyard mornings, cozy fireside tastings, and the vibrant yellow Mustard Bloom. As a native Californian who’s explored Napa in every season, I’m sharing my tried-and-true packing secrets to help you stay effortlessly chic (even in 40-degree weather). From the secret to wearing skirts in the cold to the $18 rain boots that saved my trip, here is exactly how to master the 'Wine Country Chic' look this winter.
Wine Country Winter: The Ultimate Packing List for a Luxury Napa Getaway
Napa Winter Outfit Idea: Sweater. Skirt, Tights, and Booties
Forget everything you thought you knew about what to wear in Napa Valley. While everyone else is picturing sundresses and rosé, you, my smart traveler, are about to discover the absolute magic of Napa in winter! Think cozy firesides, fewer crowds, rich Cabernet Sauvignons, and vineyards painted vibrant yellow by wild mustard flowers. It’s gorgeous!
But here’s the thing: "winter in California" isn't quite what most travelers might imagine, spoken from a native Californian. It’s mild, yes, but it can also be misty, muddy, and surprisingly chilly. So, if you're dreaming of a sophisticated winter escape to wine country, the biggest question isn't which Cabernet to sip, but what in the world to pack?!
Don’t fret, sweet escapist! They say fourth time is a charm, so I’m practically a local! After visiting Napa multiple times, I've bundled up all my secrets, tried-and-tested tips, and "oops, wish I'd brought that" moments into your ultimate Napa Winter Packing List. Get ready to be effortlessly chic, perfectly comfortable, and totally prepared for everything from a misty morning vineyard stroll to a cozy Michelin-starred dinner.
Related Post: If you’re heading to Napa, check out our ULTIMATE NAPA TRAVEL GUIDE with hotel, winery, and restaurant recommendations!
Christmas outfit for Wine Tasting in Winter in Napa
The Golden Rules of Napa Winter Packing (Before We Dive In!):
Layers, Layers, Layers: This isn't just a suggestion; it's the law in Napa winter. Morning fog can give way to afternoon sun, only to drop sharply as dusk settles.
The Winter Reality: Temps in St. Helena/Yountville usually hover around 55°F during the day but drop to the high 30s at night. * Pro Tip: wine caves and barrel rooms are naturally chilled (around 55-60°F year-round), so layers are non-negotiable even if it feels sunny outside.
The Vibe: It’s not "red carpet" and it’s not "farmhand." It’s Wine Country Chic.
Comfortable Chic is Key: You'll be walking, standing, and potentially even getting a little muddy. No sacrificing comfort for style here!
Weather App is Your BFF: Always check the forecast a few days before you go, but remember rule #1 – layers will save you from any surprises.
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What’s in my suitcase Napa Winter edition
Your Essential Napa Winter Wardrobe: Look Fab, Feel Warm! Outerwear that Works (and Wows!):
The "Statement Coat": Since it’s Christmas, a classic wool wrap coat or a tailored trench is the hero of your photos.
My coat has a hood and is waterproof (hello, mist!), effortlessly chic, and perfect for layering over everything. It instantly elevates any outfit.
A Cozy Wool or Cashmere Wrap/Pashmina:
Why it's a must: Essential for those chilly wine cave tours (they’re usually around 55 degrees all year, but feel colder in winter!) and for adding an extra layer of warmth over dinner. Plus, it’s super stylish!
Planning your route? Check out Where to Stay, Sip, and Snack: A Curated 3-Day Winter Guide to Yountville & St. Helena!
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Tops & Bottoms: Smart & Stylish Layers
Long-Sleeve Blouses/Tops (1):
Why it's a must: Think silk blouses, fine-gauge knit tops, or elegant merino wool. They layer beautifully under sweaters or jackets.
Cashmere or Fine Knit Sweaters (2-3):
Why it's a must: For that ultimate cozy-chic vibe. Perfect for tasting rooms or a relaxed dinner.
Dark Wash Jeans (1-2 pairs):
Why it's a must: A well-fitting pair of dark jeans can absolutely be dressed up for wine tasting. Stick to slim or straight-leg styles.
Stylish Trousers (1 pair):
Why it's a must: Think wool blend, tailored wide-leg, or even a chic black ponte knit. Great for a nicer dinner or when you want a break from denim.
Midi Skirt or Dress (1):
Why it's a must: For a more feminine look. Pair with fleece-lined tights (your secret weapon!) and knee-high boots.
Fleece-Lined Leggings/Tights (1 pair):
Why it's a must: Trust me on this one! Wear them under skirts, dresses, or even under trousers on super cold (40 degrees) days. You'll thank me.
Shoes: Where Function Meets Fashion (Crucial for Winter!)
Waterproof Fashion Booties: Why it's a must: THIS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT SHOE. Vineyard paths can get muddy after winter rains, and you don’t want to ruin your favorite suede. Choose a comfortable pair with a block heel or flat.
Brands to look for: Blondo, Aquatalia, Sorel, or even a chic pair of Dr. Martens. Don’t judge my $18 rain boots from Target!
Comfortable Flats or Loafers:
Why it's a must: For indoor tastings, gallery browsing, or just giving your feet a break from boots.
Dressier Heels (Optional, 1 pair):
Why it's a must: If you’re planning a fancy dinner (like The French Laundry or Auberge du Soleil), bring one pair of comfortable block heels or wedges. I brought block booties. Leave the stilettos at home—Napa sidewalks are not kind!
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Winter Napa Outfit Idea: Gold Crossbody Kate Spade Bag, White sequin Sweater, pink Trousers, and black rain boots
| Location | The Vibe | Suggested Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Yountville | Elevated & Chic | Trench coat, silk blouse, dark denim, and waterproof booties. |
| St. Helena Vineyard | Cozy & Rustic | Fine knit sweater, pashmina wrap, and those $18 rain boots! |
| Michelin Dinner | Pure Luxury | Midi skirt, fleece-lined tights, and block-heel booties. |
| Wine Cave Tour | Subterranean Chill | A heavy wrap or statement coat—it's 55°F in there! |
Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Warm Scarf & Gloves:
Why it's a must: For those crisp morning walks or when sipping wine outdoors on a chilly patio.
Crossbody Bag:
Why it's a must: Hands-free is the way to be for carrying your essentials, tasting notes, and phone.
Sunglasses:
Why it's a must: Even in winter, the California sun can be bright!
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Cozy quarter Zip on Arrival Travel DAy - Napa Winter Outfit Idea
Beyond the Clothes: Napa Winter Essentials
Portable Power Bank: You’ll be taking so many photos of the mustard fields!
Lip Balm & Moisturizer: The dry indoor heat and crisp outdoor air can be tough on skin.
Electrolyte Packets: For staying hydrated (and recovering from all that delicious wine!).
Travel Umbrella: Just in case! Better safe than soggy.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated between tastings!
Wine Stain Remover Wipes (Optional, but Smart!): Shout Wipes or Wine Away are lifesavers for unexpected spills.
Airtags/Tile: If you're checking a bag or plan to ship wine home, these are brilliant for peace of mind.
What to LEAVE at Home (Especially in Winter!):
Open-Toe Shoes/Sandals: Unless you're strictly staying indoors, your toes will freeze and get dirty.
Light-Colored Suede Shoes: Mud and wine are not their friends.
Anything "Too Casual": Think gym clothes (unless you're actually going to a gym!), ripped tees, or overly worn sneakers for tasting rooms.
Stilettos: Save them for Vegas. Napa's charm is its relaxed elegance.
Beanies, gloves, etc. most wine tours and tastings are inside. We would walk from the car to the winery or restaurant and back. I wouldn’t waste the packing space for those unless you really want to hang outside for long periods of time.
Suitcase: Winter outfit packing essentials for wine tasting in Napa
Ready to Rock Napa's Winter Wonderland?
Packing for Napa in winter doesn't have to be a puzzle. With this list, you'll be prepared for any weather, looking effortlessly stylish, and ready to dive into the unique charm of Cabernet Season and the vibrant Mustard Bloom.
So, grab your trench, pack those booties, and get ready for an unforgettable, cozy, and delicious escape. Napa’s winter magic is calling!
Pin this post for your next Napa adventure!
What are your favorite winter packing tips? Share them in the comments below!
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A Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville
Forget the summer crowds—there is a secret, sparkling magic to Napa Valley in December that feels like stepping directly into a Hallmark movie. From waking up to vineyard views by your private fire pit at the Alila, to standing in awe of the 36-foot wine barrel Christmas tree at Beringer, this is the 'cozy season' at its absolute finest. Whether you’re chasing the legendary English muffins at Model Bakery or sipping Cabernet at a Michelin-starred lunch at Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena and Yountville offer a sophisticated holiday escape that truly shines once the vines go dormant. If you’re looking for the ultimate 40th birthday itinerary or simply the brightest town in California, here is how to spend a curated, festive three days in the heart of wine country.
Vines, Lights, and Luxury: Our Hallmark Movie Escape to St. Helena
We recently celebrated my 40th birthday just north of Napa in St. Helena and Yountville, and it was truly magical! Since my birthday is in December, the entire region was decorated for the holidays—it felt like walking onto a Hallmark movie set.
While many people flock to Napa in the summer or for Harvest Season, I wouldn’t trade this cozy, festive vibe for the world. The crowds are thinner, the vines are dormant (making way for the yellow mustard flowers!), and it’s much easier to snag reservations at luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Three days is the perfect amount of time to soak it all in. Here is our tried-and-true winter itinerary.
The Alila main building - front desk and restaurant
Day 1: Arrival and Fireside Luxury
Where to Stay: Alila Napa Valley
Address: 1915 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
I actually teared up a little saying goodbye to our room at checkout. The Alila Napa Valley is the ultimate luxury retreat. Our balcony featured a private fire pit and a giant outdoor soaking tub with relaxing bath salts. The hotel's main building is a stunning Victorian, but the rooms are sleek, high-tech, and modern.
• Pro-Tip: This is a fantastic use of Hyatt Points if you’re a member!
Bath tub and fire pit on the Balcony of our Alila Hotel Room
Bouchon front Entrance in Yountville
Dinner: Bouchon (Yountville)
Address: 6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
This wasn't our first time at a Bouchon, but it was our first time at the Yountville location. Since Thomas Keller is a local, his restaurants operate with absolute perfection. Our waiter even offered to take photos of us by the Christmas decorations!
• Must-Haves: The roasted chicken, the Mac n Cheese (trust me), and the profiteroles.
Looking for the current Bouchon Napa menu and prices? Here's a photo of the dinner menu from our visit.
Bouchon Napa dinner menu and prices during our visit. Menu offerings included Steak Frites, French Onion Soup, Salmon, Mussels, Seafood Platters, and other French bistro favorites.
Model Bakery Breakfast: Latte and English Muffin
Day 2: Historic Vines & "The Brightest Town"
Breakfast: Model Bakery
This St. Helena staple has been around since 1908 and is world-famous for its English Muffins (Oprah’s favorite!).
• Insider Hack: We ordered via Uber Eats and had them delivered to our Alila balcony to eat by the fire pit. It’s the perfect way to skip the line at the shop or the even longer line at Bouchon Bakery.
The warm English muffin didn’t disappoint, especially after being smothered in butter and strawberry jam!
Christmas in the Beringer Wine Caves
Wine Tasting: Beringer Vineyards
Address: 2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
Don’t let the grocery store labels fool you—Beringer’s estate wines are high-end, exclusive, and incredible. You can book a tasting in the Rhine House, which feels like a Victorian Christmas dream or the cozy caves are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. We opted for the cave tour where Corey was our tour guide and was fantastic!
• The Bridge: If you stay at the Alila, there is a private bridge that lets you walk right into the Beringer vineyards.
• Christmas tree made out of wine barrels: The Beringer wine barrel Christmas tree is not located on the Beringer property but it is setup off a side street in St. Helena. If you’re on 128 or Main Street you’ll see the setup on Hunt Avenue which is currently closed for the display. It’s across from Model Bakery which I recommend getting a peppermint latte and frosted sugar cookie to add even more Christmas spirit!
St. Helena Beringer Wine Barrel Christmas Tree near Napa - Main Street 128 and Hunt Ave
Brew Bus at Burgers and Half Bottles Pop-up in Napa
Lunch: Burgers and Half Bottles Pop-up
We were lucky to catch this seasonal Thomas Keller pop-up. The menu featured Wagyu burgers, lobster rolls, and fried chicken sandwiches paired with half-bottles of wine.
• The Vibe: Grab a "Pliney" from the VW Brew Bus and enjoy the casual, festive atmosphere.
Handwritten Wines Tasting Room in Yountville
The Afternoon Stroll & Tasting: Handwritten Wines
Walk off lunch by exploring the Yountville Art Walk, which is beautifully lit for the holidays. Then, head to Handwritten Wines for a boutique, intimate "Side by Side" tasting. It’s a wonderful contrast to the grand scale of Beringer.
Ciccio Pizza - pepperoni with Hot Honey
Dinner: Ciccio
Address: 6770 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
This spot is a local favorite. It has a cozy, lively, and unpretentious vibe that is perfect for a festive winter night out.
The pepperoni pizza with hot honey cannot be missed. It’s even good cold by the fire.
Day 3: The Grand Finale
Breakfast: Model Bakery (Part 2!)
We loved it so much we walked down St. Helena’s Main Street to visit in person. They have a much larger menu in-store.
• Must-Have: The Chipotle Breakfast Sandwich (egg, pepper jack, tomato, and chipotle aioli).
Model Bakery is decked out with Christmas Decorations in St Helena
Last Minute Shopping: Browse the festively decorated boutiques on Main Street in St. Helena.
In the middle of town you can find a festive 36-foot Wine Barrel Christmas Tree (a major photo op).
7 Wine Barrel Tree Fun Facts
109 Wine Barrels Stacked
Recycled Barrels Donated by Beringer Vineyards
10,500 Pounds - 36 Feet Tall
Earthquake Proof
800 Feet of Garland Used
Nearly 2600 Ornaments
St. Helena Chamber of Commerce Designed the Tree with JCD Atmospheric Studios
This Christmas tree made of Beringer wine barrels can be found in St. Helena on Hunt Ave off Main Street 128.
St. Helena Wine Barrel Christmas Tree near Napa Valley
Lunch: Auberge du Soleil
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
Even on a foggy day, the view of the valley is breathtaking. This Michelin Star Restaurant didn’t disappoint! It’s a 2 or 3 course menu, so naturally I picked a main and dessert.
• The Food: The short rib with Cabernet sauce is decadent, and the Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Fondant with mint ice cream is a chocolate lover's dream.
Auberge du Soleil Desserts by the fire
Final Stop: Kollar Chocolates
Address: 6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Before heading out, stop here for some edible art. Their truffles take three days to make and are incredibly intricate.
• Seasonal Treats: We loved the Peppermint Bark and the Chocolate Cinnamon truffle with the snowflake pattern.
Kollar Chocolates in Napa Valley (Yountville)
Wine Tasting in Bering Vineyards - Cave tour
4 Reasons to Visit Napa in December
1. The Christmas Spirit: Every winery decks the halls with massive wreaths and garlands.
2. The Lights: Yountville is officially the "Brightest Town in the Valley." Don't miss Bunny Foo Foo (the giant bunny statue) dressed as Rudolph at Hall Winery!
3. The Cozy Factor: Nothing beats tasting world-class Cabernet by a massive stone fireplace.
4. The Seasonal Flavors: You get access to winter-only treats like Kollar’s holiday truffles and Model Bakery’s seasonal cookies.
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Hotel Review: InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
Ready for a hotel stay that's equal parts grown-up zen and toddler-approved fun? We're spilling all the tea (and Nespresso!) on the InterContinental the Clement Monterey. From surprisingly spacious rooms with secret zen gardens to a jellyfish-inspired lobby staircase and a prime location next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, find out why this hotel is a family favorite for all the quirky, comfy reasons. Get ready for gourmet breakfasts, gigantic bathrooms, and just enough space to stash your emergency juice boxes!
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG Entrance and Valet
InterContinental Clement Monterey: Where Grown-Up Zen Meets Toddler-Friendly Fun!
Address: 750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Remember those glorious, kid-free days when you'd waltz into a swanky hotel, sip fancy cocktails, and just exist? Yeah, neither do I. But fear not, fellow parent warriors! We recently revisited the InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG – first as carefree adults, and then as a tag-team duo with two energetic toddlers in tow. And guess what? Both experiences were pure magic! (Well, as magical as it gets when you're traveling with tiny humans.)
The Clement Monterey Bridge over cannery row
Location, Location, Location: Where Everything's Practically at Your Fingertips!
If you're all about convenience (and who isn't when wrangling little ones?), the Clement Monterey's location is practically a superhero! Nestled right on the breathtaking Monterey Bay, this elegant hotel is literally a two-minute stroll from the bustling charm of Cannery Row, where you can find everything from quirky shops to delicious eateries. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Fisherman's Wharf, with its clam chowder delights and barking sea lions, is just a mile away.And for those who dream of pristine greens and ocean views, the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links is a mere six miles down the road. But the real cherry on top for families? You're literally steps away from the magnificent Monterey Bay Aquarium! Prepare for your tiny marine biologists to lose their minds (in the best possible way, of course).
Fireplace and orchids in Lobby at the Clement Monterey
The Lobby: Where Grandeur Meets Giggle-Inducing Details
First impressions? The lobby at the Clement Monterey is a whole vibe. The check-in desk is conveniently tucked away with the elevators just across the hall (super handy for the hotel hosts, but also for you when your toddlers are doing their "let's push all the buttons" routine). But the real magic happens just around the corner.
There's this absolutely gorgeous area with a cozy fireplace and comfy couches. It's the perfect spot to sip your Nespresso (from your room, naturally) and watch the water, patiently wait for your significant other to finally emerge from the bathroom, or even, as we discovered, have an impromptu pizza party with your tiny humans!
Off the lobby was a patio with tables and chairs, some even had firepits, AND best of all…CORNHOLE! It was entertainment for at least 20 minutes and a place for the kiddos to run around. We even saw whales in the distance and otters below the deck.
Outdoor patio Monterey Bay view
But my absolute favorite part of the entire hotel? The staircase just off the back of the lobby. It's a total showstopper! Inspired by the nearby aquarium, there's this incredible fixture that looks like a giant jellyfish gracefully changing colors. And with the shimmering lights, you genuinely feel like you're underwater. It's quirky, it's mesmerizing, and it's definitely worth a photo op (or three!).
Undersea scape Light art staircase at the InterContinental Clement MONTerey Bay
Your Room: Where Spaciousness Meets Serenity (Seriously!)
Spacious Gust Rooms at the Intercontinental Monterey Bay
Prepare to have your mind (and your claustrophobia) blown! The guest rooms here are so ridiculously spacious, you could probably host a small-scale toddler dance party without anyone tripping over furniture. Those high ceilings and massive windows aren't just for show; they let in all the good vibes and keep those "walls closing in" feelings at bay. Some rooms even have fireplaces!
And then there's the zen corner. No, really. They've got a tiny bonsai tree and a little Zen sand garden to help you achieve peak relaxation. Because after a day of chasing toddlers, who doesn't need a moment of inner peace? Plus, the fridge/mini-bar is just big enough to stash a few emergency juice boxes or that leftover gourmet burrito you snuck from breakfast. Priorities, right?
Nespresso Machine in Monterey Bay IHG Hotel Room!
But my absolute favorite touch? The Nespresso machine! Look, I love my Keurig, but a Nespresso in a hotel room? That's next-level adulting. Say goodbye to sad, watery hotel coffee and hello to liquid gold that'll help you conquer another day of toddler adventures.
Ginormous Bathroom at the Clement Monterey Bay
Shower in Monterey Bay Intercontinental
Oh, and the bathroom? It's ginormous! We're talking separate shower and a tub big enough to actually soak in (if your kids ever let you). And the towels were large bath sheets and felt like brand-new, fluffy, warm hugs after a long day. Most hotel towels are stiff and small. The body products smell delightful without making you feel like you just bathed in a perfume factory.
Mini Bar and Fridge
Mini Bar & Fridge: A Treasure Chest (Mostly) for Your Tiny Treasures
Alright, let's talk mini bar. In a world full of sad, empty hotel fridges, the Clement Monterey decided to be different. They actually had snacks and drinks! (Gasp!) Now, don't get me wrong, it's not a full-blown grocery store, but there was enough wiggle room to stash a few of your own emergency juice boxes or, you know, that leftover gourmet burrito from breakfast. Because priorities.
The Outdoor Pool at the Monterey Bay InterContinental
Pool & Fitness: More Like a (Very Pretty) Pond and a Spa for Grown-Ups!
Okay, let's be honest, the "pool" is more like a charming, oversized fountain that could comfortably fit about four adults (or, let's be real, two adults and a handful of splashy toddlers). But hey, it's pretty AND WARM! It's located on the second floor, right across from the fitness center, which means you can pretend you're going to work out, then sneak over to the pool for a quick dip instead. The spa, however, is a different story – it's big enough for six adults to soak their worries away. Just imagine!
The Spa at the InterContinental Monterey Bay
The C Restaurant Dining Room
The C Restaurant + Bar: Where Tiny Hands Meet Gourmet Delights
This place is seriously cute and upscale, with stunning views overlooking the bay. We hit them up for both breakfast and dinner, and let me tell you, everything was delicious! Beyond the typical breakfast fare, they've got some intriguing seafood breakfast options and a gourmet breakfast burrito that'll make your taste buds sing.
And for the little ones? They have a kids' menu! My tiny food critics devoured their pancakes – four fluffy, palm-sized pancakes each. Because apparently, little hands need big pancake portions.
Now, for the main event: dessert. Because, of course, we had dessert. We indulged in the Milk & Honey Toast ($18), which was basically buttery brioche, dreamy milk ice cream, crunchy honeycomb candy, and a dollop of strawberry guava jam. And then there was The Chocolate Bar ($18), a decadent symphony of chocolate ganache, peanut butter crunch, salted caramel, sesame brittle, and a sprinkle of Maldon Salt. Did I take pictures of them in the bathroom because the tots were finally sleeping? You bet your sweet tooth I did!
The Chocolate Bar ($18), a decadent symphony of chocolate ganache, peanut butter crunch, salted caramel, sesame brittle, and a sprinkle of Maldon Salt
Milk & Honey Toast ($18), buttery brioche, dreamy milk ice cream, crunchy honeycomb candy, and a dollop of strawberry guava jam
There is also a full spa if you want to get your massage on. Mama didn’t have time this trip, but next time will be a different story. Hubs can play Pebble Beach as long as Mom gets a spa day!
So, whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun-filled family adventure, the InterContinental the Clement Monterey manages to pull off both with quirky charm and undeniable comfort. Ready to book your next Bay Area escape?
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
The back of the hotel
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Where to (and where not to) watch Fireworks on the 4th of July in Marina del Rey, California
Get the best tips for watching 4th of July fireworks in Marina del Rey, CA! Discover ideal viewing spots, where to park, and how to navigate street closures. Avoid the crowds and find hidden gems for a spectacular Independence Day celebration. Your guide to a fun and stress-free Fourth in Marina del Rey!
Fireworks on the Fourth of July in Marina del Rey, CA
Crack the Code: Your Insider's Guide to Marina del Rey's 4th of July Fireworks!
Having spent over a decade living in Marina del Rey and celebrating every 4th of July there, I've got the inside scoop on how to make your Independence Day celebration a blast. From prime viewing spots to navigating the notorious traffic, here’s my best advice for a fun-filled Fourth in the Marina!
For more information, here is the city website http://marinadelrey.lacounty.gov
Keep in mind, they also shoot off fireworks on New Years Eve in the same spot. Typically a small show around 9p and the big show at midnight!
Ride a bike around the Marina!
Getting To and From Marina del Rey on the 4th
Be prepared for street closures! Typically, roads around Marina del Rey start shutting down to non-residents around noon. It's smart to check the Beaches and Harbors website beforehand for specific closure times and locations, depending on where you're headed.
Bring a bike or you can hop on a scooter (check out the apps Spin, Veo, or Wheels, to locate the closest scooter) or city bike to get from here to there!
See my Google Map for parking and viewing references.
Sunsets in Marina del Rey
Where to Park in Marina del Rey for Fireworks
Parking on the 4th of July in Marina del Rey is a competitive sport. If you don't snag a street spot by 10 AM, you're likely looking at paying for a lot, which usually runs $25-35 for the day. These paid lots also fill up quickly, often by noon. I've put together a Google Map with my best parking tips and viewing references to help you out.
Map of Marina Del Rey with Parking and Viewing Locations for the Fireworks on the 4th of July
Considering a shared ride? They're great, but hold off on ordering your Uber or Lyft until around 10:30 PM, once the post-fireworks traffic starts to die down. Otherwise, you could be waiting an hour or more. My pro tip: bring some cookies and a deck of cards (we love Monopoly Deal!) and enjoy a relaxed dessert while you wait.
Find your spot for the fourth of July befor the sunsets!
Where to Watch Marina del Rey Fireworks on the 4th of July
On 4th of July, Marina del Rey sets off quite a show! The 20 minute spectacular can be anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach.
The fireworks barge has moved in recent years from its former spot near Whiskey Red's to further down the jetty, closer to the ocean. If you have a chance earlier in the day to check out where it is, that’s your best bet to know where to watch the fireworks. This change significantly impacts visibility, making it challenging to see the show from the west side of the Marina. For the best views, you'll want to be on the east side, facing southwest.
Here are some top viewing spots:
Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292): This is a fantastic spot on the east side of the Marina. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with a DJ playing music, food trucks, and a festive crowd. We've brought a blanket, a picnic, and deck of cards and simply found a cozy spot on the grass.
Charlie Beach: If you're looking for a beachside view, this is a great option, especially if you can get a spot along the jetty fence. It's perfect if you plan on spending the day partying on the beach and then just walking closer for the show.
Whiskey Red's (13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292): This remains a perfect spot for viewing from the west side, thanks to its direct line of sight. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, as it gets incredibly crowded.
From a Boat: If you're lucky enough to have access to a boat, it's an awesome experience! Just be aware that the Marina gets packed with boats, which can be a bit stressful for the captain.
You can enjoy synchronized music to the fireworks from the following locations:
BURTON CHACE PARK - 13650 Mindanao Way
FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE - 13755 Fiji Way
Where NOT to Watch the Fireworks in Marina del Rey
Avoid the west side of the Marina facing east. Areas like Bora Bora Way, Tahiti Way, Marquesas Way, and Panay Way will have obstructed views, if any at all. You might catch a glimpse of a few flares, but you'll miss the main show.
Fireworks view at the end of Bora Bora Way
Fun Things to do in Marina del Rey
If you decide to arrive early to beat the traffic, there's plenty to keep you entertained throughout the day:
Hang out at the beach
Take the Water Bus around the Marina. A one way ticket is only $1 https://marinawaterbus.com
Book a tour on a yacht https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Monica/Marina-Del-Rey-Rentals/d32539-378698P6
Walk or bike to Santa Monica Pier
Bike the scenic paths around the Marina
Kayak or Paddleboard - rentals be found at Mother’s Beach
Enjoy the local restaurants. Our favorites include Uovo, Killer Shrimp, 26 Beach, and even The Cheesecake Factory (great views and drinks!).
Grab some ice cream! Try Capri Gelato and Coffee Bar or Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream
Spot some sea lions – they're always "lion" around (ha!).
Keep an eye out for all the fun characters dressed head-to-toe in red, white, and blue!
After the fireworks spectacular, all the boats in the Marina honk their horns for a few minutes in a noisy "round of applause." Surprisingly, our babies slept through it every year!
Related Article: Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/best-ice-cream-los-angeles-2020
If you're planning to enjoy the dazzling fireworks display over the Marina del Rey harbor and want to avoid the post-show traffic and crowds, consider extending your visit with a stay at one of the area's excellent hotels. You can find great rates and a variety of options on booking.com, including:
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey Marriott
Marina del Rey Hotel
Jamaica Bay Inn
Hotel MdR Marina del Rey - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey
Staying local means you can simply walk back to your room after the last rocket bursts, ensuring a relaxing end to your festive evening.
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Do you have any favorite 4th of July traditions in Marina del Rey? Share them in the comments below!
Boat horns blasting after the fireworks on the Fourth of July in Marina del Rey.
Hope you have a happy and safe 4th!
More things to do in LA:
Ice Cream Review: The Dolly Llama - Los Angeles
Looking for a unique ice cream experience? Dolly Llama Ice Cream offers quirky flavors, Instagrammable llama decor, and a fun atmosphere. Discover why this is the perfect spot for a sweet treat and a mood boost. #icecream #llama #quirky #foodie
I'm holding a bubble waffle Dolly's Dream - cookie monster ice cream, chocolate sauce, brownie, strawberries, and whipped cream!
Alpaca Your Bags (and Your Spoon!): A Quirky Ode to Dolly Llama Ice Cream
ICE CREAM SPOT: DOLLY LLAMA
LOCATIONS: Across the US
Pricing: -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ $10 for a fresh made waffle ice cream and toppings - its kinda like a meal
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine was as I was handed the delicious Dolly Llama “cone” above!
Let's be honest, the ice cream scene is saturated. Every corner boasts artisanal swirls, gourmet toppings, and flavors that sound like they belong in a Michelin-star restaurant (lavender-infused goat cheese with black truffle dust, anyone?). But sometimes, you just want something… different. Something with a touch of whimsy, a sprinkle of fun, and maybe, just maybe, a hint of llama magic. Enter: Dolly Llama Ice Cream.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Llamas and ice cream? Is this some kind of fever dream?" Fear not, dear reader, for Dolly Llama is not some hallucination brought on by excessive sugar consumption (though that is a distinct possibility after a visit). It's a real, tangible, and utterly delightful ice cream experience that I'm here to wholeheartedly endorse.
Let’s start with some fun facts of why we at the Sweetest Escapes and Dolly Llama get along… we both love travel and ice cream (but I mean, really, who doesn’t?):
Belgium OG Liege waffles served - I’ll explain more later…
Hong Kong-style crispy on the outside and soft on the inside Bubble Waffles
The Dolly Llama sent two employees and chefs to Belgium to learn how to craft the perfect OG Liege waffles
The name 'The Dolly Llama' comes from co-founder Samuel Baroux who was in the South of France and met a real-life llama named Dolly and just fell in love with the weirdness of naming a shop after the llama. MY FAVORITE FACT!
Dolly Llama logo - Sherman Oaks location is now closed :(
Why should you ditch the predictable and embrace the llama-licious? Let me break it down:
The Names are Pure Genius: Forget boring vanilla and mundane chocolate. At Dolly Llama, you're ordering things like "Salted Caramel Swirl," "Cookie Monster," and "Matcha Made in Heaven." Okay, those might sound normal, but they have unique twists. The names on the menu themselves are fun and quirky. It's like they hired a poet laureate of puns to craft their flavor descriptions. It's an experience just reading the menu!
Dolly Llama Menu
More reasons…
It's an Instagram Dream: Let's be real, we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love a good photo op. Dolly Llama understands this. Their shops are designed to be utterly charming, often featuring, you guessed it, llama-themed decor. Think pastel colors, quirky artwork, and maybe even a plush llama or two hanging around. Your Instagram feed will thank you.
The Ice Cream is Actually Amazing: All the quirky branding in the world wouldn't matter if the ice cream wasn't up to snuff. Thankfully, Dolly Llama delivers. They use high-quality ingredients and create unique and delicious flavors. It's not just a gimmick; it's genuinely good ice cream.
It's a Mood Booster: Walking into Dolly Llama is like entering a tiny pocket of pure joy. The vibrant colors, the playful atmosphere, and the promise of delicious ice cream are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It's the perfect antidote to a bad day, a mid-afternoon slump, or, let's be honest, any time you just need a little bit of happiness.
Dolly Llama Ice Cream options
How to build a yummy concoction? Well, let’s pick an ice cream base and a cup or cone (always pick the bubble waffle) and then sprinkle toppings to your heart’s content!
Fan that fresh bubble cone! Don’t let the ice cream melt!
Ice Cream Artist at work!
AND TA DAAAAAAAA!
The llama is having an OG Liege waffle with caramel salted ice cream!
The llama above is having an OG Liege waffle with caramel salted ice cream! What the heck is that? The Liège waffle is one of the two main types of waffles that originated in Belgium. Known for its rich sticky texture, its unmatched flavor and caramelized finish are what make it so unique.
My only word of warning: Be prepared for a sugar rush. And maybe a slight obsession with llamas. But hey, there are worse things in life, right?
So, next time you're craving a sweet treat, skip the usual suspects and head straight for Dolly Llama. You won't regret it. Just remember to alpaca your spoon! (I couldn't resist.)
P.S. If you see a real llama wandering around the shop, please alert the authorities. That's probably not supposed to happen.
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Another scoop please!
Hyatt Regency Westlake Review: A Family-Friendly Hotel in Westlake Village
Hotel review of the Hyatt Regency Westlake location! Perfect for events and overnight stays in Los Angeles. The guest rooms have been recently renovated and are very nice!
Updated May 30, 2026
Is Hyatt Regency Westlake Good for Families? Our Stay with a Toddler
Address: 880 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
We had a free Hyatt reward night expiring and wanted to see how the baby would do away from home, so after a day trip to Santa Barbara, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. It was a midpoint from Santa Barbara to LAX, and it was weird staying in a hotel 15 minutes from where I grew up, but nice to break up the 2+ hour drive, and baby’s first hotel stay!
Hyatt Regency Westlake at a Glance
✔ Family-friendly hotel in Westlake Village
✔ Spacious renovated rooms
✔ Pack 'n Play available upon request
✔ Outdoor pool and hot tub
✔ On-site restaurant and bar
✔ Free World of Hyatt award night option
✔ Convenient stop between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
✔ Easy access to restaurants and shopping
➡️ Check the best room rate here: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Main Entrance - Hyatt Regency Westlake
There is valet or self park, we opted to self park because we knew we’d be in and out. Self parking was FREE!
The lobby was large and felt a little dated but had some charm to it.
Hyatt Regency Westlake Rooms
The guest rooms are really nice and spacious! They have been recently renovated and have really nice wood floors, modern furniture, and are relatively quiet, though we were on the top floor and I don’t think anyone was in the room next to us.
The room had a very large TV and an empty mini fridge, perfect for leftovers and baby bottles! There was a nice Keurig with some pods and paper coffee cups. Not sure if it’s a new thing, but there weren’t any glasses or cups in the room. I like to take a glass and put my toothbrush in it in the bathroom. I improvised this trip.
The 4th and 5th floors have balconies but there isn’t a ton of room to do anything but stand and get fresh air. We were hoping to hang out there after the baby went to bed but there wasn’t any patio furniture or room to pull out a chair. There isn’t much of a view, just of the parking lot, which by the way, has plenty of self-parking and is free!
When the curtains and blackout curtains are drawn, the room is nice and dark. The hotel is really close to the freeway so you could occasionally hear freeway noise, but we brought our white noise machine and it really drowned it out.
One nerdy thing that got us excited was that the outlets by the bed had not only usb3 chargers but USB-C chargers for our iPhones! There was also a hole that you could slip the cord down and charge in the shelf below the drawer so you have more room on top of the nightstand.
There is a couch in the room with a pullout bed, or you can just use it as a couch to write blog posts and eat your Sprinkles cupcake. I do regret not taking a picture of said cupcake, I do not regret eating the cupcake. 😂
We asked for a crib and they brought us a Graco pack n play that is just like ours at home! It didn’t have a mattress but had a pad with a sheet tightly wrapped.
Balcony at Hyatt Regency Westlake
The bathroom was a decent size, though it’s not huge, but had enough counter space for our toiletries and a shelf below for towels and storage. There wasn’t a tub, but a shower with a wand so we could give baby a bath. I did like the clock in the mirror as well as the dim automatic light while I was trying to be quiet and keep it dark to not wake the baby.
Bathroom Hyatt Westlake Guestrooms
Shower Hyatt Westlake Guestrooms
The Hyatt Regency Westlake features a large outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and shaded seating areas.
Pool and Outdoor Areas
The Hyatt Regency Westlake has a large outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs. While we didn't spend much time at the pool during this quick overnight stay, it's one of the hotel's biggest family-friendly amenities and would be a great place to relax on a longer visit.
Dining at Hyatt Regency Westlake
There’s a restaurant and bar called Harvest in the hotel, which has indoor and outdoor seating. There were also some grab and go items for breakfast.
There are a ton of restaurants nearby and shopping centers if you need anything! May I recommend Brent’s deli for breakfast or lunch, Paul Martins for dinner, and Sprinkles Cupcakes for dessert! I also love the wine bar, Stonehaus, which is about a mile away, they have tons of outdoor seating in a beautiful garden and great wine and food (mainly salads, sandwiches, and pizza). Perfect spot for lunch or cocktail hour!
What We Loved
Recently renovated rooms
Free self parking
Spacious room layout
USB-C charging ports by the bed
Pack 'n Play available for babies
Convenient location between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
Plenty of nearby restaurants
Located close to Thousand Oaks area in the Conejo Valley
Things to Know Before Booking
The hotel is located close to the freeway, so light traffic noise is possible.
Most room balconies are small and do not include patio furniture.
Some rooms overlook the parking lot rather than scenic views.
Bathrooms have showers rather than bathtubs.
Brent’s Deli Westlake
Things to Do Near Hyatt Regency Westlake
Here are a few things that are a must to visit in Westlake Village:
Zin Bistro - Cute little bistro with Westlake Lake views
The Stonehaus - Excellent outdoor wine bar and restaurant. Beautiful outdoor atomosphere and fire pits on cool nights. Great for toddlers to run around! We also bring hot wheel cars to roll around.
Brent’s Deli - Walking distance from the hotel and perfect breakfast spot. Their bagel chips are my favorite.
Gardens of the World - Beautiful flowers and a nice walk.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden - A nice little hike (and there is a park next to it too that we love). On Sundays, there is a special garden for kids open in the morning.
Malibu Creek State Park - great place to for for a walk and find tadpoles.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - Beautiful grounds and rotating exhibits. Our kids loved seeing Air Force One!
Triunfo Park - amazing park for young kids, our toddlers love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at Hyatt Regency Westlake?
Yes, self parking was free during our stay.
Does Hyatt Regency Westlake have a pool?
Yes, the hotel features an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Is Hyatt Regency Westlake family friendly?
Yes. The hotel offers spacious rooms, Pack 'n Plays upon request, and family-friendly amenities.
How far is Hyatt Regency Westlake from Los Angeles?
Westlake Village is approximately 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, depending on traffic.
Would We Stay Here Again?
For a quick overnight stay with a baby, absolutely. The recently renovated rooms, free parking, convenient location, and family-friendly amenities made this an easy and comfortable stop. While it isn't a luxury resort destination, it's a great option for families looking for a clean, spacious hotel in Westlake Village or a convenient stop between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
➡️ Check the best room rate here: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
More to read:
Malibu Wine Hikes - Best Hike in Los Angeles, California
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Malibu Wine Hikes Trail and Saddle Rock Wine!
Malibu Wine Hikes - The best thing to do outside in LA!
Address: 32111 MULHOLLAND HWY. MALIBU, CA 90265
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Malibu Wine Hikes Trail
Our Wine Hike Experience
I went with 7 of my girlfriends, who I hadn’t seen since the beginning of the year! We wore masks (took them off for pictures) and kept our distance, it was so nice to see them in person and not on a screen!
We checked in and waited in the shade for our guide, Joe! He was nice, entertaining, and knew so much about the vineyard and grounds. Since we’re all concerned about the spread he took photos of us throughout the hike and sent them to us in a dropbox at the end of the day. This was above and beyond our expectations.
Strike a pose in the Santa Monica Mountains
Typically the hike starts with Rosé pops, but ours weren’t frozen enough, so they gave them to us at the end.
We toured around the grounds on a 2-mile loop, the trail wasn’t too steep. It took us about 3 hours, but we weren’t in any rush, just enjoying the sunshine and company. There were water stations at the beginning of the hike and about halfway through. You can bring your own reusable bottle or purchase one of theirs.
Joe would point out the crops that were growing in the gardens, and said we could try the berries (SNACKKKS).
Berries on the hike!
White Sage growing
There are even Chumash Native Cave paintings on the property and if you’re lucky, you might even find one of their spearheads!
Chumash Native Cave Paintings
The Woolsey fire in November 2018 took out the tasting room and a lot of the vegetation on the grounds. Luckily the animals were ok and from our hike, many of the crops came back and a lot of the vineyard survived! 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, but their safety protocols and open-air tours make it easier for people to be together and still do fun things! We saw zebras, water buffalo, and other animals!
Malibu Wines Zebras
After we were done touring around, we returned back to the entrance where we had our rosé pops and chose our bottle of wine to take to go. I like their rosé but went with the Merlot, which is a nice red with notes of spice and pepper. These weren’t full bottles but enough for 2 large glasses of wine!
Saddlerock wines
Booking Your Hike Reservation
The grounds are not open to any to walk around, you must be on a tour or attend an event. Book your ticket and reserve your spot on malibuwinehikes.com. We booked 3 weeks in advance to get our desired date and time.
WINE HIKE - The open hike is a 2 mile loop hike where you get to explore the vineyards of Saddlerock Ranch, organic gardens, Chumash Native American cave paintings, and more! Guests will receive wine to-go when the hike concludes. $49/person
4x4 VINEYARD TOUR - There is also a vineyard tour that you ride in a 4x4 for an adventure tour around the Saddlerock Ranch Vineyards. Guests will explore the vineyards and natural areas on the property. Includes snacks, beverages and wine to-go! $375/Vehicle (each vehicle holds 1-5 people).
Saddle Rock Ranch Sign
Arrival and Parking
There is a huge dirt and gravel parking lot with plenty of parking spots. There are also nice trailer bathrooms in the parking lot too, better than a port-a-potty, but it’s not the Four Seasons or anything.
Don’t drink and drive!
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Ice Cream Review: Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Great Ice Cream in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing organic ice cream flavors can be found at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Los Angeles such as Wild berry Chocolate Crisp. YUM! Best ice cream in LA | Ice Cream in Los Angeles | things to do in LA #icecream #LA #losangeles
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Century City
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Fantastic Los Angeles Local Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Long Beach (and up the coast)
Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available and you can find them in select grocery stores. See their website for more!
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Ice Cream Cone
LA Ice Cream Natives
Rori’s originates here in California, freshly scooped from Carpinteria! Owner, Rori Trovato, makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes, and try some of her great flavors like Biscoff, Black Pepper Pistachio, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, Nutella, Peanut Butter Candy Swirl - mix a unique flavor with a classic flavor for the best combo!
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Get shakes, floats, homemade cookies, brownies, What the Fudge bars and pints to go here too! They even cater parties, but you have to invite me if you hire them! ;-)
Rori Trovato makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes! She finely crafted each flavor to organic perfection. Rori used to supply the lavender and lemon from her garden but has since sourced it from local organic farms.
Straus Family Creamery Organic cream, milk and eggs create a delightfully creamy texture to their unique flavors including Honey Almond Crunch, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.
"The best cream for your coffee is ice cream!!" I'm adopting this as my new motto. Need a pick me up? Try an affogoto (coffee/espresso with ice cream)! Also, love that they have candy and cookies - SO MANY SWEETS!
Rori has even made ice cream for your dog to enjoy! Organic yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter will leave your four-legged friend happy too!
Not near a scoop shop? That’s okay! Local supermarkets like Erewhon are selling Rori’s ice cream by the pint!
You MUST try the Wildberry Chocolate Crisp and Malted Milk ball
GET FREE ICE CREAM ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
Join their birthday club! CLICK HERE - see the bottom of the page for email signup. They also make ice cream cakes to make your special occasion even more special! AND they have Taco Tuesday... ICE CREAM TACOS! WHAT! Anyone wanna try these with me?! Also, they sell ice cream by the pint if a scoop isn't enough! ;-)
Rori’s Ice Cream Locations
Rori's has more locations along the California coastline, including Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica. Visit the factory near Santa Barbara next time you’re in town!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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How to Spend a Weekend Wine Tasting in Temecula, California (with map)
Here's how to spend the weekend in Temecula, California, and our wine tasting itinerary - Where to go in Temecula | Best places and vineyards to taste at in Temecula | Where to stay in Temecula | Best wine in Temecula, CA #wine #temecula
Temecula Wine Tasting is the best!
Best wineries and where to go in Temecula, California - with map!
My sister and I had a wedding to attend in Temecula and decided to make the most of it. Since it is only a few hours away from Los Angeles, we decided to drive up on a Saturday morning and come back on Sunday. We went to 4 wineries across the 2 days and here's how it went down..
My sweet sister kindly picked up some Starbucks and swooped me up along the way, leaving LA with enough time to drive to Temecula (approx 2 hours without traffic) to make it to our wine tour!
Here is a Temecula winery map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation!
ENTRANCE TO OLD TOWN TEMECULA
A little after 9a, we arrived at our hotel, the Extended Stay America (see review below), checked-in and called for our Uber to take us to the Stampede where we were to meet our tour, Grapeline Wine Tours Temecula, and get our taste on.
Temecula Antique Shop
We entered through the Old Town, which the downtown area, that looked like an old miners town with wood-planked sidewalks and old tanks of all sorts, with antique shops galore! Super charming!
Grapeline Wine Tours - Best Wine Tour in Temecula!
OUR WINE TOUR ITINERARY FOR THE DAY.
We booked a half-day wine tour for $95 which included tasting flights at 3 wineries, vineyard tour, cheese pairing, and a driver for the day. We reserved our spots about a month prior and emailed them directly, requesting the vineyards we were interested in.
The tour picked around 10a and was scheduled to drop us off at 2p just in time to get ready for the wedding we were attending at 5p. We were greeted by Robert, our guide, and he told us that we would be visiting all the wineries we requested and we had a great selection. He handed us a detailed itinerary and a discount card that basically gave 10-20% off all bottle purchases! He also told us the cheesiest, most amazing jokes to keep us entertained.
South Coast Winery
STROLLING THROUGH SOUTH COAST WINERY, TEMECULA
We traveled about 10 minutes to our first stop, South Coast Winery.
The grounds were so beautiful, full of flowers and Instagrammable photo ops. The inside was different with animals everywhere. We went in for our tasting and we were the first and only ones there, but it was also 10:30am. Pamela helped us out, and she was very generous with her pours. She even volunteered to take a picture of us... and we got a selfie of her as well! Didn't even know she was taking it!
The most notable wines we enjoyed were:
Extra Dry Sparkling - Yummy Champagne taste
Boulder Red 2.0 - Closest to a petite Sirah
Wild Horse Peak Temporale - Earthy with a pepper taste
South Coast Wine Tasting Room
Robert kept us on schedule (even though we wandered off to take pictures) and got us back on the bus to take us to our next stop, Falkner Winery.
Falkner Winery
Gorgeous Temecula Views from Falkner
Falkner had beautiful views from the top of the hill of Temecula Valley. We really wanted to come here because of the name to say things like Falk you and Falk off. Robert said no one had ever made those jokes before. We didn't believe him!
We went down into the cellar where we had the wine tasting along with a cheese and fruit pairing. Our fave was the Amante Super Tuscan which was similar to Sangiovese. I wasn't sure if I liked the Risque Riesling, or if I just liked the bottle and name... either way it wasn't bad!
We were kinda disappointed we were in this dark room and the day was so beautiful. I was just excited that they let us keep the glass! FREE SOUVENIRS!
Falkner Winery Free Glasses
Europa Village Winery
THIS WAY TO EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY!
Our last stop was Europa Village Winery which was under construction but you couldn't really tell at first glance (especially after 2 other tastings).
EUROPA VILLAGE WINERY - OUTSIDE TASTING BAR AND SEATING
EUROPA VILLAGE WINE TASTING PASSPORT AND COUPON
We were handed a tasting passport that they would stamp after each tasting (sometimes they forgot) and had a large selection of wines. Our favorite Europa wine was the Vendetta, which was a fruity yet rich red. We decided to buy a couple bottles and upon purchasing, we decided to become a member!
We were dropped back off at the Stampede in the old town area and picked up a pizza to eat at our hotel to get ready and go to our friend's wedding. We proceeded to eat our Shakey's pepperoni pizza and popped a bottle of Vendetta.
Old Town Temecula Restaurants
The next day we got ready (slowly) and sought out a good brunch spot. Our options seemed limited via Yelp so we decided we would drive through Old Town until we found a place we liked. 1909 was the happening spot, we put our name down for a 40-minute wait while we looked around for another restaurant before we ate each other out of starvation. Luckily it didn't come to that and right next door was Public House, which had a shaded patio and no wait! I had the eggs benedict with bacon (pork belly) and a coffee since we weren't ready for mimosas yet.
Briar Rose Winery
Briar Rose Winery House - Straight out of a Disney movie
Before heading back to LA, there was one more spot we HAD to check out, Briar Rose Winery. It was like a Disneyland vineyard, with a cottage and princess statues.
The gardens were filled with statues that were very Disney like. We were convinced that Snow White or Cinderella were going to come out and break into song at any moment! It didn’t happen, probably for the best!
We didn't make a reservation so our only option was to buy a bottle or glass of wine to walk around. I got a glass of the White Zin which I hadn't seen white zin at any other vineyard (or ever) - it was refreshing and pink!
Briar Rose Wine Tasting Room
Finally, it was time to head home to beat traffic. I took one last look at the rolling hills covered in grapevines. BUT, before we left, we needed ice cream! So we stopped at Creamistry for some Liquid Nitrogen ice cream and then got on the freeway.
VINES AND KATE SPADE ICE CREAM UMBRELLAS
Where we stayed: Extended Stay America - Temecula Hotels - Wine Country
27622 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590
I would never stay here again. We booked through Expedia which apparently means you are automatically signed up for a smoking room. The lady at the front desk said it doesn't smell THAT bad. She at least let us check it out before we took it. The hallway smelled terrible but the room wasn't too bad. It had new hardwood floors and was relatively clean. The view was of the parking lot and the freeway, which you could hear the cars rushing down the 15. The clientele was interesting as people hung out and smoked blunts in the parking lot. We were worried our car wasn't going to be there the next day. Luckily, we spent just one night and had enough wine to make it bearable. I’d recommend staying at an Airbnb or some of the vineyards have fancy rooms available!
If you have ever been to Temecula, let us know about your favorite places! We'll be back soon - I have to pick up wine at Europa Village for my wine club! A hot air balloon ride over Temecula is on my list, which my friend highly recommended! Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Wine Tasting in Temecula
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Ice Cream Review: Halo Top Scoop Shop in Los Angeles, CA - Best soft serve!
Love ice cream? Hate dieting? Halo Top’s got you covered - a lower calorie treat yet creamy and full of surprises. They’ve permanently closed most Halo Top Scoop Shop locations but one is still open in the Grove, where you must try their fabulous soft serve ice cream! Read all about it in my review! #icecream #whatdiet #losangeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop
LA Location: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - all other locations have been permanently closed! :(
Website: https://www.halotopscoopshop.com/
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 for their soft-serve but 3/5 for their ice cream)
Take-out: Take-out only - enjoy on the grass near the fountain!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy Free Options Available and Guilt-Free Options!
Hot pink ice cream cone with Halo Top’s Peaches and Cream Soft Serve!
I love ice cream but I hate dieting! I was thrilled when I discovered Halo Top at my local Ralphs, finally, a low-calorie ice cream that is delicious! I love everything about this brand, their marketing, flavors, and was so excited to hear the news that an ice cream scoop shop was opening near me!
2020 UPDATE: A lot of the scoop shop locations have closed but The Grove is open with the same options as my visit to Century City! The Grove location is right in front of Nordstroms where Haagen Dazs used to be. It’s best to grab a soft serve cone and enjoy it near the fountain!
Don’t forget to check out our complete list of Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops in Los Angeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop - Century City - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu Flavors
If I buy the pint, I’ll want to eat the whole thing! Here you can get not only your favorite pint flavors but also incredible soft serve options! Since I can get a pint anytime at my local Ralphs, I wanted to try something different so I went for the soft serve. I tried all three soft serve options - Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peaches & Cream. All were tasty, but the peaches and cream flavor was perfect for the warm summer day!
There were so many different options from 4 different kinds of cones to ice cream sandwiches and ICE CREAM TACOS! Also, the cones came in the best colors - pink and a bluish turquoise!
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
Halo Top Ice Cream Scoop Shop
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
It was also chock full of topping options to add to your delectable treats.
Toppings bar at Halo Top
I was debating on what my base should be, and when I heard they had pink ice cream cones, I knew it was a must (and it matched my nails!).
YUM! If you get the chance, grab a cone or a taco and always add sprinkles on top!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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MORE LOS ANGELES POSTS:
PACKING SECRETS: What to pack and what to leave at home when wine tasting in Napa!
Packing checklist for Napa, California. Things you’ll need for a weekend in Napa any season of the year. Style and outfits for Napa Valley wineries. What to pack for Napa and a free downloadable packing checklist.
PACKING ESSENTIALS for wine tasting in Napa Valley in Northern California plus FREE packing checklist!
We go to Napa about once a year, so I’m sharing my packing secrets with you! Layering is very important as mornings and evenings tend to be cooler in Northern California no matter what season it is! Here are year-round suggestions for what to pack for Napa!
Related Post: Planning a trip to Napa? Start with our Napa Valley Travel Guide for hotel, restaurant, winery recommendations and more! Don’t miss: How to Spend a Weekend in Napa - Complete Itinerary
Download our FREE Napa packing list!
Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Napa does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!
Want a FREE printable/downloadable pretty travel checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
Click the image to shop Great Dress Options for Napa that Won’t break the bank!
CLOTHING TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND IN NAPA
Dresses - I love wearing short dresses around the wineries and to maxi dresses to dinner. During Winter, I pack cute sweaters for the day and maybe a dress for a fancy dinner.
Stay Warm - For mornings and cooler nights bring a sweater or three. During Winter, it can get to 50 degrees during the day and even cooler at night; so I’d pack a cute coat!
Workout Clothes - If you need to sweat it out! Some great scenery to run around Napa or hit the hotel gym.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings.
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch
Bubble wrap or a travel wine bag - If you think you will be purchasing some wine, bring some bubble wrap or something to put wine in and then pack the wine in the middle of your suitcase on your way home with your clothes protecting the bottles. You’ll have to check the bag if you’re flying with wine. Pro TIp: If you sign up for a wine club at the winery, you can add your favorite wines you sampled that day and have them ship with your first order.
What not to pack: DON’T OVERPACK! Plan your outfits ahead of time and see what you can mix and match or get away with packing just 1 extra pair of shoes! Everything should fit in a carry-on. Don’t pack a wine opener with a small blade for the foil - I speak from experience.
WINE TASTING DAY ESSENTIALS
Comfortable Footwear - Summer is warm with a breeze, Fall and Spring can go either way, Winter can be cold and rainy. No matter when you go, cute and comfortable shoes are always a great idea.
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Camera - Napa Valley is picturesque, take it all in and take a photo!
Compact Travel Umbrella - Northern California is often rainy! Check the weather in Napa before you go!
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the car, in the room, or just to enjoy with some wine!
Cute tote or purse - You’ll need something to hold the above. If you have a designated driver, bring a small purse, and leave some things in the car!
What not to pack: Don’t bring your make-up bag, tons of lotions, or heavy things in your bag. Your day will typically consist of walking around or standing, don’t put too many things in your purse.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
TOILETRIES FOR NAPA
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant - Might be considered a basic, but something you really don’t want to forget!
Sunblock - We like to walk the vineyards or sit on a patio, protect your skin!
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case (so much wine)!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - Never know when the wind will pick up and no one likes hair in their wine.
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Get Instagram ready!
Feminine Products
ELECTRONICS FOR NAPA
GoPro - Get those driving shots with a camera mount on your car!
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine.
Headphones - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices
External battery - keep your electronics charged!
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables
See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane
Want a FREE printable/downloadable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION
Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!
Travelpro Crew 11 - Softside Expandable Rollaboard Upright Luggage, Black, Carry-On 22-Inch
Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Packing checklist for Napa, California. Things you’ll need for a weekend in Napa any season of the year. Style and outfits for Napa Valley wineries. What to pack for Napa and free downloadable pack checklist.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials Checklist for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Packing Essentials for Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California
More Napa Valley related posts:
Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage and the little black cone | Downtown Los Angeles
Little Damage is located in Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its iconic charcoal black waffle cone! Ice cream flavors are made in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms. Vegan options are available. See our full review of this Instagrammable LA ice cream scoop shop! Grab this gothic cone in DTLA!
Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Website: littledamage.com
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price (one free topping included -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for that)
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
I had been wanting to visit Little Damage for a long time and always saw on social media how the line went out the door and wrapped around the corner. I waited until winter to finally check it out and it was definitely worth the hype!
Little Damage counter and menu with a list of their flavors!
ABOUT LITTLE DAMAGE
Little Damage is known for its devilish, black charcoal waffle cone. It gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
Little Damage Ice Cream Quote - “I licked it, so it’s mine!”
LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM QUOTES
The shop is small but has cute neon signs with fun sayings like:
“I licked it, so it’s mine”
“Cute but psycho, but cute”
“I like love you”
Are you singing the “Cute but Psycho” song too?
Little Damage neon sign quote - Cute but psycho, but cute
HOW IT TO ORDER AT LITTLE DAMAGE
I mean it’s not complicated but here we go: there are a handful of flavors listed on the wall, pick one of those plus a free topping from the selection of topping jars on the counter!
Kiki n Cream was blue! Tasty with crumbled Oreos on top!
LITTLE DAMAGE IS SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY
This place is an Instagram dream! So many great spots for social media pics from neon signs to spots on the side walk out in front! They even have a FREE photo booth in the back to entice you to take pics with your ice cream and post to social media!
Cute outline for Instagram pictures of gothic ice cream in front of Little Damage
In conclusion (because that’s how you end a good blog post, right?) if I’m in DTLA, I’d stop here again for a gothic black ice cream cone!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Ice Cream Review: Little Damage Ice Cream DTLA
More Ice Cream Related Posts:
6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has tons of Instagram worthy ice cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, LA locals - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures! Best Instagram spots in Los Angeles!
6 Best Instagram Ice Cream Spots in LA
You know I love ice cream… especially pretty ice cream pictures! You can go to places like Black Tap and get crazy Freak Shakes for $15 or you can go to a local ice cream shop and get something just as tasty and Instagram worthy! Los Angeles has tons of Instagram Ice Cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, Angelinos - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures!
Related Post: BEST ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOPS IN LOS ANGELES (Rated, ranked, and map included)
After’s Ice Cream in Venice
Afters Ice Cream
Locations: All over LA (this photo was taken at the Venice Beach location)
Afters Ice Cream has tons of tasty flavors and some are bright in color! Cookie Monster ice cream is blue and tastes amazing, but caution, it will temporarily leave your mouth blue! Totally worth it though. The Venice location is nice with a picture-perfect beach background, however, keep in mind ice cream can melt pretty fast!
They also have witty sayings like, “ruining diets everywhere.”
See more photos in our full review: AFTERS ICE CREAM REVIEW
Little Damage Ice Cream - Downtown LA
Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
This devilish, black, charcoal waffle cone gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
See our full review here: LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM REVIEW
Milk Bar LA
Milk Bar
Location: 7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Shopping in Melrose? Momofuku’s Milk Bar is open in Los Angeles and people are flocking from all over for these tasty treats! Cookies, cakes, and soft serve will leave you happy and full!
Lots of hot pink colors here! Outside there is a cake painted on the side of the building that is a full story high! See it in our full review: MILK BAR REVIEW
Sloan’s Ice Cream Shop
Sloan’s Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica and Woodland Hills
These pretty pink stores are vibrant and can be seen a mile away! Inside, you’ll find walls with sprinkles and lollipops with fancy chandeliers hanging. Sloan’s also has amazing ice cream flavors and serves up generous portions!
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Location: Koreatown - 534 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Ok, don’t these pretty ice cream cones just scream Instagram ME!? The colors, toppings, and fancy swirl give these classy cones an edge. Bumsan serves premium 100% organic soft-serve ice cream from the leading organic dairy producer in Korea.
SomiSomi Ah-Boong Fish Shaped Waffle Cone with Ice Cream
SomiSomi Soft Serve and Taiyaki
Locations: Santa Monica, Glendale, Little Tokyo, Koreatown and more!
SomiSomi serves a very special Korean dessert known as “Ah-Boong,” which is a fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of filling and topped with soft serve.
Flavors include: Milk, Matcha, Ube, Black Sesame and more.
Filling stuffed inside the taiyaki cone include: Custard, Nutella, Red Bean, Cream Cheese and Taro.
Don’t forget a topping like Oreo crumbs, Strawberry, macaron, Graham crackers, Fruity Pebbles, or rainbow sprinkles (always my fave)!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
More ice cream posts please!
Planning a California coast road trip with kids? After multiple family road trips with our two energetic boys, we’ve discovered the best beaches, playgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and hidden gems from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Whether you’re driving the entire coast or just one section, this guide includes 50+ toddler- and family-friendly stops to help make every mile part of the adventure.