So you want to head to California but can’t decide which city to visit, we have the vacation plan for you! Stay in Santa Monica. The pace is slower compared to Los Angeles or San Diego and there is an abundance of kid-friendly activities to choose from!
Kid Friendly Hotel Choices:
The DoubleTree Suites in Santa Monica is a good choice for you and your crew! The rooms are larger than traditional hotel rooms and the location is close enough to the pier that you can walk there!
Loews Santa Monica Hotel is a beachfront property that is at its core a luxury hotel but is down to earth enough that you will totally feel comfortable with your kids in tow.
Things to do and see:
First on the list has got to be the Santa Monica Pier! The attractions are abundant at the pier! You can get up close and personal with the marine life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Fancy learning to fly on a trapeze? The TSNY Trapeze school is located right on the pier and children as young as 4 can get in on the action! You can also, rent a bike, get rid of quarters in the arcade, and try your hand at fishing off of the pier. Make sure you stop by Pacific Park and take a ride on the iconic ferris wheel in addition to all of the other rides they offer!
Take a hike or drive, through the Santa Monica Mountains. When you drive through the mountains, you also get to travel the Pacific Coast Highway. There is a waterfall along the hiking trail and is overall a family friendly spot.
If your kids love planes, make sure that a stop at the Museum of Flying is on your agenda. The museum even has a flight simulator!
If you have a chess lover in your family, check out the Chess Park. The park is located near muscle beach and there are lots of tables for chess lovers to stop and play for a while. There is even a human sized chess board!
Enjoy nature at Tongva Park, with beautiful views of the ocean and unique climbing structures for the kiddos. It is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon!
If your family is satisfied with lazy beach days, then Santa Monica is a fantastic place to spend your time soaking up the rays and enjoying a good book!
samantha
Wednesday 22nd of July 2015
I love taking the kids to Santa Monica! It is just a quick 2 hour drive for us and they have great food and shopping. :)