While the scenery is hard to top and dock-to-dish dining options abound, Morro Bay also registers high on my family-friendliness-ometer for some very practical reasons. Among them: free parking, abundant public restrooms, and great walkability. All of which makes it a good alternative to bustling Pismo Beach (30 minutes to the north), especially for families with little ones.

All together, it’s what a great California coast family destination should be. When you get there, here are my top recommended things to do in Morro Bay with kids, along with recommendations for 1 great place to eat and 1 great place to stay while you are there.

1. Get Your Bearings at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History

Morro Bay has the only California state park with a Museum of Natural History. Better still, it happens to be FREE for kids up to 17 years old and is only $3 for adults, which might lead you to believe there’s not a whole lot there to see.

To the contrary, I was quite surprised to find room after room of interactive exhibits and viewing areas that gave a fantastic overview of the natural forces shaping the landscape of the area and the marvelous creatures that call it home.

It’s a great place to start your vacation in Morro Bay (or even without) and will especially help you identify many of the bird species you are bound to see and get the lay of the land.

There is also excellent viewing of the bay from the museum’s lofty vantage point–keep an eye out as you never know what kinds of critters you might spot. Find out more: www.facebook.com/MBMuseum.of.Natural.History

2. Visit Morro Rock — and sea otters, and hermit crabs…

A surprising number of visitors to Morro Bay are satisfied to enjoy Morro Rock as the photogenic landmark that it is as viewed from throughout the town. I encourage you to not be one of them. A visit out to the rock itself is easy enough and free—and may just prove to be your kids’ favorite highlight of your trip to Morro Bay.

Forged as a “volcanic plug” twenty million years ago, Morro Rock is now an ecological reserve and home to numerous nesting birds as you’ll see when you walk the short trail from the parking area out to its south-facing side (stay left), where weather-worn pocks … and of the 200 peregrine falcon nesting sites in California, Morro Rock is home to two.

But don’t stop there. As you can see in the video, the beach below Morro Rock’s south side has foot-friendly sand and enormous boulders that make the perfect setting for some serious hide-and-seek (or hide-and-ambush, as my kids prefer).

As you get closer to the beach’s end, the rocky jetty that juts to the left helps shelter this part of the beach from ocean wind. And there you’ll find more rocks and smaller pools that form between them when the tide is low—leaving many hermit crabs to be found.

However, one of the best reasons to venture out to the rock is for your best chances of viewing (and photographing) the adorable sea otters that favor this part of Morro Bay. They often spend their midday slumber “rafting” in this area (the otters’ way of latching on to each other for safety while resting).

Make sure to tell the kids you need to keep your distance and use very soft voices when observing these protected creatures.

Tip: For an even more memorable family visit out to Morro Rock, go by Surrey Bike! We picked up a four-pedal surrey (seated 5 of us just fine) from nearby Farmer’s Kites & Surreys and laughed our whole way there. We pedaled out along the bike path toward the rock—and giggled fantastically as we parked our “surrey with the fringe on top” right alongside the other cars in the area nearest the resting sea otters. Regular bike rentals are available, too. Find out more: Farmer’s Kites & Surryes

3. Kayak Morro Bay

More than 250 species of birds frequent the Morro Bay Estuary Natural Preserve and its 800-acre wetland. Paddle along quietly in your kayaks, and watch closely. You’ll have some of the best bird-watching opportunities right from the water. Herons, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, and other feathered residents are regularly spotted in this protected region.

A guided kayak tour with Central Coast Outdoors will take you to the best viewing locations on the water and at the shore’s edge, and teach you all about their lifestyles and life cycles. Keep your eyes peeled for harbor seals as well along the way. If conditions are right, you may also have the chance to paddle the “back bay” with your guide.

We had the good fortune to paddle by several harbor seals snoozing on a sleepy “haul out” they favor in this quieter part of the bay. Central Coast Outdoors’ paddling tours include 1.5- to 2-hour family-friendly short paddles.

Want more time on the water? Book a half-day tour, sunset paddle, or private tour options (great for families and those with wee travelers). Find out more: www.centralcoastoutdoors.com

Morro Bay photos from my stock photo gallery (click here for more info).

4. Hike Black Hill

As you drive up and up through the Morro Bay Golf Course toward the Black Hill trailhead, you might wonder just how much of a hike will be left once you reach it. And the view from the staging area is impressive already.

Yet the 3-mile round trip hike up through coastal pines, brush, and wildflowers gains you another 600+ feet in elevation. Suffice to say you’ll earn yourselves the spectacular 360-degree view once you reach the top.

It was the perfect way to end our visit to Morro Bay, looking out at the places we had played, kayaked, bicycled, and dined during our visit. Not to mention, our legs got well-stretched before the drive to Los Angeles. Find out more:  http://morrobay.org/things-to-do/outdoors/black-hill

For more great hiking trails in and around San Luis Obispo County, check out the Central Coast section of my new Hiking with Kids Southern California guidebook from Falcon Guides (shown here). More Morro Bay family tips follow below.

1 Great Place to Eat in Morro Bay with Kids: Tognazzini’s Dockside

Do you like extremely fresh seafood that’s sustainably harvested by small fleets? Whose boats dock within a mere block or two from where you sit as you dine? If so, you will love dining in Morro Bay. And Tognazzini’s Dockside restaurant, as it happens, is owned by a commercial fisherman. Need proof? Stroll past his fishing operation and fresh fish market right next to the restaurant.

The casual atmosphere at “Dockside” puts families at ease — as do the prices. And the kids menu options ensure everyone will be happy here. Even as mom rolls her eyes back in ecstasy over one of the day’s specials: halibut cheeks piccata. Clam chowder fans should also note they serve what my husband remains convinced is the BEST New England-style clam chowder on earth.

But don’t kid yourself–no matter how full you think you are after dinner, you will find room for dessert. Particularly when you first lay eyes on that strawberry-banana chimichanga, and I say go for it. You’ll need something to occupy you while the kids enjoy making at-table s’mores anyway. Find out more:  www.morrobaydockside.com

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1 Great Place to Stay in Morro Bay with Kids: Inn at Morro Bay

Bird lover’s will especially delight in The Inn at Morro Bay’s location–adjacent to the heron and egret rookery. (For optimal viewing, go down to the inn’s large waterside deck that ends right at the edge of the rookery. Bring your binoculars!)

Our king room with queen sofa bed was plenty spacious to also fit a rollaway (extra fee). Even then, we still had room for the five of us to stretch.

Family-friendly extras:

Flipping on the fireplace in the evenings was also a special treat. Though we first had the challenge of once getting the kids out of the courtyard swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Note that the rooms have mini refrigerators and coffeemakers, but just showers and no bath tubs. I leave it up to you whether or not to reveal the flat screen TV concealed behind the panels above the fireplace.

Hotel dining:

The Inn at Morro Bay’s on-site restaurant, 60 State Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with extraordinary views of the bay.  In fact, I snapped the lead photo from their dining patio before breakfast one morning. While they don’t offer a children’s menu, there are plenty of breakfast items so suit.

Just be warned that an order of “pancakes” turned out to be three fluffy plate-sized pancakes that could have easily fed all three kids. But I heard no complaints from my crew as I myself delighted in the spinach eggs Benedict (menu on website). Find out more: www.innatmorrobay.com

For more help planning your visit to Morro Bay with kids, visit www.MorroBay.org. For more California family travel recommendations click here.

You might also like:

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

San Francisco with Kids

Los Angeles with Kids

Catalina Island with Kids

Sequoia National Park with Kids

Review of Safari West: One Night in the African Tent Camp

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort Review (Solvang, CA)

Review of The Greenhorn California Family Dude Ranch (Quincy, CA)

Ten Things You Should Always Pack for Road Trips with Kids

Great Travel Toys and Games for Kids from Tots to Teens

Screen-Free, Battery-Free Travel Games & Toys

The post Morro Bay with Kids? Your Must-See California Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Whenever your family’s spring break falls, you’re likely to enjoy pleasant temperatures, the sunshine you may still be lacking at home, and the giddy joy that comes with spotting desert wildflowers, cacti, and Joshua trees in bloom.

Not to mention, you might also happen upon some well-timed contrasts like a snow-dusted Telescope Peak jutting up above Death Valley, or tumbling waterfalls in a palm-filled canyon fed by a desert oasis.

Just remember, the later you visit in spring, the hotter the days may get! So plan accordingly for your sun and fun–and frequent hydration on the run.

Here are my recommendations for eight spring break vacation ideas for families excited to explore our incredible California deserts. All are in southern California, with approximate drive times from the major cities included to help in your planning.

But first! Pin it to your travel board for future vacation planning …

And don’t forget — I’ve got complete details, tips, maps, and advice for 14 unforgettable desert hikes (from easy to strenuous) in Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families!

This post may contain affiliate links that help fund this independent website at no cost to you.

1. A Joshua Tree National Park Family Getaway

Approximate drive time: Los Angeles 3 hours, San Diego 3 hours, San Francisco 8 hours

What you’ll find:

Joshua tree is a fascinating family desert destination thanks to its “Jumbo Rock geology” and the contrasts that come from straddling two distinctly different desert ecosystems.

On its western side, you’ll find classic Mojave Desert habitat with prickly pear cacti, pinyon pines, Mojave yucca, and the Joshua trees for which the park is named.

To its east, you’ll find Colorado Desert habitat (part of the larger Sonoran Desert), with a different personality punctuated by spiky ocotillo, palo verde, and teddy bear cholla.

And as your spring break family vacation destination, you’ll have the chance to see both deserts when many visitors feel they’re at their most beautiful.

Good to know:

Three important things to know before planning your first visit to Joshua Tree National Park include:

1. There are no concessions and very limited potable water within the park. That means you need to bring all the food and snacks, drinks, and water (and backup extra water) for your time spent in the park.
2. The only overnight accommodations in Joshua Tree National Park are in its campsites. And reservations can fill up 6 months in advance–as soon as they open for popular seasons. So if you’d like to camp in the park itself (beneath its dark night skies!), plan your timing well in advance and set a reminder to book your camping reservation 6 months earlier if possible at at Recreation.gov.
3. It’s a popular national park — especially in spring! But most visitors stick to the primary (paved) roads in the north and easiest-to-reach attractions. To encounter fewer crowds, I recommend STARTING EARLY and with the most popular attractions and hiking trails you’re interested in (eg. Jumbo Rocks, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Hidden Valley). Then use the rest of the day to explore the less-traveled areas that interest you most.

There are more great tips for planning your visit to Joshua Tree NP in the article “Plan Like a Park Ranger.” And be sure to download your “offline accessible” guide to the park and maps from the free National Parks App. (Don’t expect cell service inside the park!) Click here for more info about the app.

Where to stay when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids?

If you won’t be camping in the park, there are several campgrounds outside its borders. There are also numerous hotels to be found in the towns surrounding the park and of course in the Palm Springs Area.

But for many families, a full-service vacation rental house or condo in one of the 9 Coachella Valley communities might make an ideal base for exploring the wider area.

We’ve found great value in family vacation rentals in La Quinta, a small town southeast of Palm Springs and Palm Desert. It’s on the edge of the Santa Rosa Mountains (I love looking at those mountains) — and also puts you near the the scenic Book Hoff trailhead!). Click here to see available vacation rentals in La Quinta.

Alternatively, you might check for deals at the Cathedral City Hampton Inn & Suites. It has some very large rooms for families, free breakfast, and an outdoor swimming pool with a nice mountain view (we saw snow on the mountains during our stay!). Click here to check availability and pricing for your dates.

2. An Anza Borrego Desert State Park Family Adventure

Approximate drive time: San Diego 2 hours, Los Angeles 2 hours 45 minutes, San Francisco 9 hours

What You’ll Find:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a favorite spring break destination for many reasons. One of the best known reasons is the potential for its spring wildflower spectacular (especially in super bloom years!).

Golden brittlebush, beavertail cactus, desert woolstar, wild heliotrope, pink-blooming cheesebush, barrel cactus, and then some. Seriously, how many state parks have a dedicated wildflower hotline for updates? Just dial (760) 767-4684 for the latest updates. (For a great Mojave Desert Wildflower guide, see this book.)

But Anza Borrego is more than a world-famous destination for desert wildflowers. This 600,000-acre park is home to big-horn sheep, not to mention dramatic canyons and badlands, and California’s native palm trees and oases.

Better still, there is evidence of human history and culture here dating back more than 5,000 years (see my post for a fairly easy hike that will lead you to a cool pictograph and kitchen rock!).

And dig this: The Colorado Desert portion of the park to the east has a fossil record dating back 7 million years! This arid landscape was an ancient inland sea teaming with life 5 million years ago?

Good to know:

The best place to start your visit to the park is at the Borrego Visitor Center. The exhibits give a great overview of the flora and fauna (and geology) of the park throughout time. And the rangers will give you updates on the best locations to visit and hikes to do at the time of your visit (and a heads up if there’s anywhere you should avoid!).

Where to Stay for an Anza Borrego Family Vacation

You can camp in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and enjoy its starry dark-sky splendor (make reservations well in advance at ReserveCalifornia.com). Or choose from several campgrounds and RV parks, hotels and motels, and vacation rentals nearby in Borrego Springs–which is literally surrounded by the park. Click here to check available accommodations and pricing in Borrego Springs.

3. The Bucket List Desert Family Vacation: Death Valley National Park with Kids

Approximate drive time: Los Angeles 5.5 hours, San Diego 7 hours, San Francisco 9 hours 20 minutes

Death Valley’s staggering landscapes can surely bend the mind. I wish everyone the opportunity to see its salt flats, sand dunes, jagged peaks, waterfalls both wet and dry, craggy mountains, captivating canyons, and bewitching badlands. (That’s why I included hikes that explore them all in my guidebook!)

Death Valley NP, is in the northernmost part of the Mojave Desert (on the border of the Great Basin Desert). The park actually comprises TWO valleys: the Panamint Valley and Death Valley. However, most visitors enter the park from the east side (from the east / Las Vegas side). And many never make it to the Panamint Valley side — though both sides are worth exploring!

Good to know:

In 1913, Furnace Creek in Death Valley was recorded as the hottest place on earth at 134 Fahrenheit (56.7 Celsius). The record is yet to be broken, though the same location came close again in 2023. As you can imagine, Death Valley NP is no place to take kids in summer! And be warned that it can feel plenty hot already in mid to late spring.

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your sightseeing and activities accordingly. Here’s a sample day in Death Valley:

• Hike in the early mornings
• Do other outdoor activities later morning,
• Visit the air-conditioned Furnace Creek Visitor Center in the afternoon
• Get ice cream and go for a swim in the afternoon
• Visit Artist’s Palette at sunset.

But remember, if there’s any chance of precipitation, steer clear of the canyons — flash floods and mud slides happen!

Also, when you visit Death Valley with kids, your accommodations can make a big difference how you structure your days. Not to mention how much you’re able to enjoy your time there. Which brings me to…

Where to Stay for a Death Valley Family Vacation

There are only two hotels located inside Death Valley National Park. And given the size of the park and likelihood of hot temperatures, I highly recommend staying at one of them.

And for families coming for spring break, I recommend staying one of these hotels in particular. The sprawling Ranch at Death Valley is family friendly and well located for exploring the major attractions. It gives you the advantage of short distances and an early start compared with those staying outside the park.

In addition to air-conditioned rooms and cottages for afternoon siestas (if needed), there is a huge outdoor swimming pool. And you’ll find lots of outdoor areas for visiting, playing corn hole or horse shoes.

You won’t have a kitchen, and the on-site dining prices may make your eyes pop (hello, $20 hot dog). But you will be so efficient with your time in the park with this as your base. And the kids will really enjoy that pool when it heats up! So it could be well worth the high cost of hot dogs for a short stay. Click here to see availability and pricing for your dates at The Ranch at Death Valley.

Get more California Family Vacation Ideas:

• Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas
• Sequoia National Park with Kids
• Yosemite National Park with Kids
• Los Angeles with Kids
• Carlsbad with Kids
• Morro Bay with Kids
• See Monarch Magic at Pismo SB
• Greenhorn Family Dude Ranch Review
• Alisal Family Dude Ranch Review
• Review of Safari West African Tent Camp and Wildlife Preserve
• The Best Places to See California’s Giant Redwoods and Sequoias

Get More Family Hiking Inspiration:

• Shelly’s guidebook Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families
• Anza Borrego’s Best Hikes for Kids – Anza-Borrego Desert SP / SoCal
• The Hike to Whiskeytown Falls – Shasta Trinity / NorCal
• Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids – and Confidence!
• Hiking Bryce Canyon with Kids
• Bend with Kids – Oregon Family Vacation Guide

Get More Family Vacation Ideas:

• Five Great National Park Vacations for Families
• Six Great Mexico Family Vacation Destinations
• The 6 Best Places to Visit California’s Giant Redwoods and Sequoia Trees

The post Three California Desert Family Vacation Ideas for Spring Break appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Photos from this post are available in my Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove stock photo gallery.

What makes the Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove so special?

The monarch grove at Pismo State Beach is one of the most populous monarch butterfly colonies in North America. Even with the tragic decline in monarch populations over recent decades (down by as much as 90% over 25 years), this grove still manages to host migrating monarchs in the tens of thousands.

When we visited in January of 2022, there were an estimated 16,975 monarchs in the grove that day! Check the information board to see the daily count during your visit, and don’t miss the daily docent talks during peak season (usually 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) – or just look for them along the path on your visit.

What brings these monarchs to this grove each winter?

California’s coastal eucalyptus groves like this provide the perfect combination of shelter, camouflage, and humidity for overwintering monarchs migrating west of the Rocky Mountains. As you can see, when the monarchs close their wings to rest in clusters, they look like bunches of dried leaves hanging high in the trees.

And rest they should! These miraculous monarchs can fly as many as 200 miles per day during their seasonal migrations to escape the freezing winter temperatures farther north that could kill them.

Seeing them in such high numbers in this habitat, it’s hard to believe that monarchs haven’t always had a tie to eucalyptus trees. However, eucalyptus trees are not native to North America, and they only arrived in California the 1850s–first as envelopes of seeds from Australia promising fast-growing trees!

Before the rise of the (since invasive) eucalyptus groves along the California coast, monarch butterflies relied upon native trees like the Monterey pine and Monterey cypress for winter shelter. In harsh winds and stormy conditions, they monarchs still favor these trees–and the Pismo butterflies have the advantage of Monterey cypress here as well.

But the other attraction of the blue gum eucalyptus to these butterflies is its early winter blooms, which provide a bounty of nectar. When combined with nearby butterfly-friendly gardens, like the nectar-rich native flower garden adjacent to the Pismo grove, it’s no wonder so many monarchs love the location.

When is the best time to see monarch butterflies at Pismo State Beach?

To see the highest numbers of monarchs, park rangers and docents recommend visiting the grove during the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day). But the weather and time of day can make a difference in what you see on your visit as well.

For most of the winter, the monarchs are “clustering” in the eucalyptus trees to stay warm and conserve energy. Since they cannot fly at temperatures below 55 Fahrenheit, they will be least active on colder days or early and late in the day.

When bringing young children to see the butterflies, a midday visit is probably your best bet–and you can time it with a picnic lunch on the beach!

This makes for the most impressive clusters to see, however, the monarchs can also be the trickiest to see with their wings closed up to help them camouflage in the trees (binoculars definitely help here!).

But on warm days, or when the temperature rises at midday, the monarchs stir with bright flashes of their orange wings and can be seen flitting through the grove and to the neighboring garden for nectar–monarch magic!

Can I bring my dog to the Pismo monarch grove (or stroller)?

The Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. And dogs are welcome to visit the grove as well–along with the adjacent Grover Beach (just keep your pup on a 6-foot leash).

You can simply walk out of the back side of the grove near the campground and onto the beach. However, you may need to cross a small lagoon en route so be prepared to get your feet wet!

Find out more on the Butterfly Grove’s web page.

Getting there:

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is at the south end of the city of Pismo Beach. You’ll find it just off Highway 1 right after passing the campground driving south, or just after Grover Beach if driving north. TIP: If parking is tight, you can simply park free at Grover Beach (near Finn’s Restaurant) and walk to the grove on the lovely boardwalk trail that leads from behind the restrooms.

Note to readers: This post was originally published on October 13, 2022, and has since been updated.

If you’re planning a visit to the Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove, don’t miss these posts:

Morro Bay with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of the Alisal Guest Ranch at Solvang

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

San Francisco with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of The Greenhorn California Dude Ranch

Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids — and Confidence!

Catalina Island with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of Safari West: One Night in the African Tent Camp

The post See Monarch Magic at Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Its pristine lakes and waterways call to fly-fishing and kayaking enthusiasts from around the globe. Our favorite season to visit is summer when we can hike, paddle, go horseback riding, swim, bike, and savor the sweet sage in the air.

Want to experience Bend with your own family this summer? This beautiful Central Oregon destination can be reached by car in 3.5 hours from Portland, or in 9 hours on a road trip north from San Francisco Bay (we recommend the Highway 97 route).

The Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is also just 20 minutes from Bend and now has daily direct flights from Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco (click here for more info).

However you plan to get to there, here’s what we recommend you put at the top of your list for your family vacation in Bend, Oregon.

1. Visit the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum is not only TripAdvisor’s #1 rated “Thing to Do” in Bend, it is also a great place to get an overview of the history and nature surrounding you in this part of the Pacific Northwest. But if you plan to visit the High Desert Museum with kids, you’d better plan to visit for a good, long while (3 hours minimum).

There is far more to see here than you might expect, and once you do make it through all of the indoor exhibits, (visit the wild west and a fur trappers’ camp, follow the journey of the Plains Indian Nation, and see the Desertarium, in addition to six or seven changing exhibits usually on display), there will still be much more to explore outside.

Make a stop at the Birds of Prey Center and then head to the Otter Exhibit. But you might want to take a lunch break before you head over to the Miller Ranch, and you can do so either dining in the Rimrock Cafe or enjoying your own picnic at the shaded tables by the parking lot.

At the Miller Ranch, you’ll find several buildings including real log cabins and a functioning sawmill where costumed characters from 1904 await, all ready to share details and answer questions about the frontier lifestyle in this region in the late 1800s and beginning of the 20th century. Kids can join in popular pioneer games, learn to card wool, and operate the hand-powered tools of the time among other activities. Find out more: https://www.highdesertmuseum.org/

Tips: The High Desert Museum offers special activities and events seven days a week (except when closed for the major holidays), so be sure to check the schedule in advance to make sure you don’t miss something you’ll regret. Kids 4 years and younger visit free and the museum provides complimentary strollers and wheelchairs as well.

2.  Conquer the “Misery” at Smith Rock State Park

The Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park is not for everyone. Particularly not for those with a paralyzing fear of heights, bad knees, or a heart condition. But for those who welcome the challenge of the near-vertical climb with almost 1000-foot elevation gain (from that lovely flowing Crooked River you see below to the trail’s top up to the summit still a ways above this photo) it’s a spectacular hiking opportunity.

Bring a picnic to eat at the top while you continue taking in the hard-earned view. Then stroll on over where the path continues to alternative views–which may include some extremely accomplished rock climbers and the bizarre stone column called “Monkey Face.”

When you’ve had enough, simply return the way you came but slowly–and take special care in a couple areas where you might encounter slippery scree. The trail is recommended for kids 8 years and older, and is obviously a better match for kids who can be calm and cautious (ours did the hike at 7 years, but was willing to stick to the inside and hold on to Dad’s hand whenever we said to).

For the workout, it’s hard to believe that the round trip from the bridge to the top of the summit is only 1.5 miles, though if you continue over to the Monkey Face viewpoint the round trip is 3.8 miles. Those who want to do and see more can continue on the Smith Rock Loop Trail (5.8 miles total). Smith Rock State Park is just outside of Bend, Oregon, in the tiny town of Terrebonne. Find out more: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Misery_Ridge_Loop_Hike

Tips: There is a $5 Oregon State Parks fee to visit and dogs are welcome on leash. In hot summer weather, you’ll want to avoid hiking during peak temps as there is almost no shade and the monolith itself radiates the heat.

3. Stretch Your Legs in a Lava Tube

As you travel around and through Bend with kids, watch for the geologic clues its volcano-forged history–and future! Right in town, you’ll see the cinder cone of Pilot Butte rising up (you can drive to the top to take in the view). This landmark once helped guide wagon trains crossing the Central Oregon Plateau. And to the south of town you’ll see the 7,000-year-old cinder cone called Lava Butte.

That’s where the official–and still-active–Newberry National Volcanic Monument begins, stretching on for 55,500 acres (225 sq. kms). Among its marvels, you’ll find the 700-acre Big Obsidian Flow, the Lava Cast Forest, Newberry Caldera, and more. Want a truly memorable way to teach your kids about the geology of Central Oregon? Take them for a hike inside an actual lava tube–the only un-collapsed lava tube you’ll find in Oregon.

A visit to the one-mile-long Lava River Cave makes for a thrilling adventure illuminated only by the flashlights you carry yourself. With the curves and unexpected jags of rock below, beside, and sometimes above you, you’ll want a light for each member in your party (there are some for rent at the entrance, but the prices are steep). Everyone should wear closed-toe shoes.

Note: It gets very tight toward the end–claustrophobic members of your party might not want to go the entire way. Also, Lava River Cave is a steady 42 degrees Fahrenheit year round and you will all want to have your jackets inside, no matter how hot it may be above in the parking area. What’s more, remember there are roughly 150 steps down just to access the cave–which means another 150 steps to climb back up at the end of your hike (have snacks waiting in the car).

Lava River Cave is only open to the public May through September. Check the official site for exact hours on the day of your visit. Find out more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38396

4. Float through Bend on the Deschutes River

While much of what calls one to visit Bend is in what surrounds the central Oregon city, there is one special attraction that actually flows right through it. The Deschutes River is a designated “Wild and Scenic River” right up to the Bend urban growth boundary. But if you ask me, it’s still quite attractive where it runs right on through town, beckoning rafters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and tubers to take to the water throughout the warm season.

The most popular float route starts at Riverbend Park in the Old Mill District and concludes at Drake Park in downtown Bend. Owing to the urban waterway’s popularity, a whitewater channel has been added roughly halfway through this route. Experts can opt for the challenging course, while soft-adventurers can opt for the small whitewater route (stay right). And those who want to skip any white stuff can hop out and carry their tubes around this part of the course on a riverside walkway (this will help you get the picture).

Tube rentals are available from Sun Country Tours at Riverbend park (look for their rental trailer). All rentals include life jackets at no extra cost.  Whether you opt to rent your river tubes or bring your own, a municipal shuttle will haul your troupe and its tubes back from Drake Park to Riverbend Park for $3 per person. You can purchase your shuttle wristbands from the Sun Country Tours kiosk at Riverbend Park.

1 Great Place to Stay with Your Family in Bend: Sunriver Resort

About 15 miles south of Bend, Sunriver Resort is like a village unto itself. In fact the shopping and dining center is called “the Village.”  Nearly 300 different vacation rental properties pepper pockets of the property. More than 40 miles of biking, walking, and jogging trails meander between them and on through the forest and alongside some of the most picturesque stretches of the Deschutes River.

Did I mention the horseback riding with Sunriver Stables? Or the bicycle rentals? Or in the case of many Sunriver vacation rentals, the complimentary cruiser bikes may be waiting for you in the garage? And if you’re really lucky (or clever), your vacation rental may even include member passes to SHARC. Set your JAWS flashbacks aside. That’s the Sunriver Homeowner’s Association Recreation Center, with a lazy river, two big water slides, and a zero-entry splash pool area for toddlers and the littlest kids.

If you don’t have other access to SHARC, day passes are available for an extra fee. Click here to search for Sunriver vacation rentals at VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner – affiliate link helps support this site).

1 Great Place to Eat in Bend with Kids: Deschutes Brewery & Public House

If there’s one thing Bend is known for besides it’s amazing year round recreation and gorgeous natural setting, it would have to be its beer. One of its earliest craft brewing companies also happens to have a family-friendly pub right in downtown Bend: The Deschutes Brewery & Public House.

Its food alone may be worth your visit. Tempt your palate with Pacific Northwest-inspired, sustainable fare. Notables include Juniper Elk Burger, Brie Bird (pan-roasted turkey), Fried Chicken Schnitzel Club Sandwich, and kid-friendly Pub Mac ‘n Cheese. You’ll also find multiple vegan mains and a few gluten-free.  I can whole-heartedly recommend the Sourdough Pastrami Sandwich: house-smoked pastrami served sourdough bread with gruyere cheese, apple-onion sauerkraut and 1000 Island.

But you’ll also find many of their signature brews on tap, some named for the Bend & Deschutes area itself like Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, and Nitro Obsidian Stout, plus an offering of specialty pub-releases. And don’t worry, kids are welcome in the dining area (even if they just came off the river).

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The post Bend with Kids | Central Oregon Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families includes my recommended hikes in Joshua Tree, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

And for each hike, I’ve included all the details you need to know BEFORE you go to plan for hiking success! You’ll see:

• Multiple color photos
• An easy-to-follow map
• Difficulty ratings (from easy to strenuous)
• Recommended ages on foot (from 2 years through teens)
• Directions and GPS to the trailhead
• Dog-friendliness info
• Mile by mile directional cues
• Even restroom availability for every hike!

Plus my detailed hike descriptions take you along each unique trail so you’ll know what to expect — and what cool things to look for as you hike with your family.

Of course, the book includes several MORE hikes in other incredible California locations as well, from San Luis Obispo County through Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

If you want to experience some of California’s biggest bucket list destinations with your kids, please consider this guidebook your formal invitation!

You can preview the book online at Amazon and order your copy now. And if you find it helpful, I hope you’ll leave a review to let others know. And drop me a line @shelly.rivoli – I’d love to hear what you think of Hiking with Kids Southern California!

Here are some related posts you might like:

Sequoia National Park with Kids

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

Anza-Borrego’s Best Hikes for Kids

Yosemite National Park with Kids

Hiking to Whiskeytown Falls – Shasta County

Review of Merrell Siren Sport 2 women’s hiking shoes

How Can Fourth Graders Visit U.S. National Parks for FREE?

The post Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids — and Confidence! appeared first on Family Travel 411.

1. Geology – including radically different canyon types and badlands.
2. Human history and cultures – dating back 5 thousand years (and more), including the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay people and their ancestors.
3. Desert flora – including the only palm trees native to the western United States, a variety of cacti, agave and yucca, and spring wildflowers so famous they’ve earned their own hotline (no joke!).

Before heading off to any of these hikes, I recommend a stop at the Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and information guides for the park and three of these trails.

The friendly rangers can also advise you about the latest trail conditions and any current advisories for the areas you plan to visit — including current conditions of the dirt roads you may need to take to reach some trailheads.

I’ve included some overall tips for your family’s hiking trip(s) to Anza-Borrego at the end of this post. And if you’d like to see more photos from our time in the park, check out my Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo gallery.

As promised, here they are–the best hikes for kids in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. And best of all, everything I want you to know BEFORE you go to have your best hikes possible. Happy hiking! -Shelly

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website.

1. Borrego Palm Canyon

• Distance: 3.0 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 344 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate (see notes)
• Avg. time: 2 hours+
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.27, -116.42

It’s the most popular hiking trail in Anza-Borrego and with good reason. The most obvious being proximity. The trailhead is close to the town of Borrego Springs, the visitor center, and the Palm Canyon campground making it a convenient stop for the majority of visitors to the park.

But the 3.0-mile hike also starts smack-dab in the middle of a stunning landscape, then leads you into a craggy canyon, dotted with ragged rocks, spiky ocotillo, multiple species of cacti, and eventually palm trees–and occasionally bighorn sheep!

And in spring? It’s one of the best places to see the wide variety of Anza Borrego’s famed wildflowers on display, including mounds of yellow brittlebush, apricot mallow, beaver tail cactus, desert lavender, and towering ocotillo.

Add to that the delicious contrast of small waterfalls cascading over boulders in the middle of the desert (with the excitement of possible creek crossings) and a native California fan palm tree oasis as your outbound destination? And Borrego Palm Canyon is destined to be a memorable hike for your family.

Be sure to grab the tri-fold numbered brochure at the trailhead or save it to your phone and learn more about what you see (and might otherwise miss) along the way.

Things to know before you hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

The round trip out-and-back hike to the oasis is 3 miles, and is often described as “easy.” However you’ll do a fair amount of steps and scrambling up and down uneven rocky surfaces with 344 feet elevation gain overall (700 ft. if you return on the alternate trail–see note below). Plan for at least 2 hours.

If there’s much water flow during your visit, expect creek crossings either over slippery (and possibly rolling) rocks or directly in the water.

This is a $10 day use fee area. You can pay by phone using a credit card and the Yodel app (instructions in parking lot) or display either of the annual California state parks passes (California Poppy or Explorer both work here). Fourth graders with the California Adventure Pass can visit this park FREE.

Door-less (and roofless!) toilets are at the trailhead, so your family will either want to stand guard for each other or use the restrooms at the adjacent Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (yay, doors!) or nearby visitor center.

This hike can get HOT — even hotter than surrounding parts of the park as the canyon narrows and its walls amplify the heat like an oven. Bring plenty of water per person and be sure to drink it throughout your hike. And leave extra water in your car for when you return. (There is a drinking fountain near the trailhead, but don’t depend on it working.)

The “alternate trail,” which forms a lollipop of about the same distance but with an additional 350 feet of elevation gain is not nearly as interesting to most kids as following along (and over or through) the creek and boulders route.

The palm oasis suffered a horrible human-caused fire in 2020, but is making a fabulous comeback. For now, hikers need to appreciate the native California fan palm grove from the overlook as the resilient trees continue their recovery and the fragile topsoil stabilizes. (Please respect the signs!)

You can rest and enjoy a picnic on boulders at the oasis overlook or at picnic sites with tables near the trailhead.

2. Ehmuu-Morteros Trail

• Distance: 1.1 mile out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 105 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (see notes below)
• Avg. time: 1 hour
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.00, -116.38

When you’re ready for one of Anza-Borrego’s off-the-beaten paths, head for the Ehmuu-Morteros Trail in the Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve (be sure to read driving notes below).

Be sure to pick up the numbered trail brochure beforehand or save it to your phone (get the PDF here). This location was a seasonal home to the Kumeyaay people and their ancestors before them.

As you explore the main trail and the numbered (and unmarked) offshoots, you’ll see archaeological evidence of the many generations that stayed, gathered and prepared its foods here–including the agave, yucca, and berries from juniper you’ll see still growing along the way.

Look for the many ground-out holes in the large rocks which give the trail its name. “Morteros” is actually the Spanish word assigned to these, but the Kumeyaay word is “ehmuu.”

You’ll also see a “kitchen rock,” with many of these in different sizes as well as grinding slicks where the rock was worn smooth from other methods of grinding seeds and preparing flour.

The star attraction of the trail is a large, painted pictograph on the side of a massive boulder. Its exact age and meaning is unknown, but the Kumeyaay created the black weather-proof paint for their artwork from charcoal and the oil from roasted wild cucumber seeds.

On your return, don’t miss the side trail to what looks like a pile of boulders, but was in fact a small shelter for the Kumeyaay when staying in this valley. Look closely and you’ll see yet another ehmuu worn in its floor.

Pssst! For more photos from our time in the park, check out my Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo gallery.

Things to know before you hike the Ehmuu-Morteros Trail

You will need to drive about 3.5 miles of dirt road to reach this trailhead — either Little Blair Valley Road or Blair Valley Road to get to the trailhead. Both are usually passable in a 2WD car (30 miles/1 hour from the visitor center). You might want to check with the park rangers first about the road’s current condition. Continuing beyond this trailhead to Pictographs Trail DOES require 4WD and a higher clearance than the average SUV.

Expect to lose signal during the drive and hike. Keep your map and compass handy, and look extra closely for road signs.

There is no day use or parking fee at this trailhead, so it is possible to do this hike for free (or just the cost of gas), though you’ll need to pay the day use fee to park at the visitor center or Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead.

The nearest toilets (vault) are by the Blair Valley Campground, toward the north end of Blair Valley Road (not “Little” Blair Valley Road), near S2/Great Southern Overland Stage Route. If you’d like to make a pit stop before or after the hike, take Blair Valley Road.

My version of this hike goes beyond the pictograph, making it slightly longer than the official trail described by the park. You’ll see an established trail continuing past the pictograph boulder, following through the scenic wash until it finally dead ends at boulders (your cue to start back).

3. The Slot

• Distance: 2.3-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 300 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous (see notes)
• Avg. time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.18, -116.21

The Slot is another of Anza-Borrego’s most popular hiking trails — and again, with good reason! The adventure through the slot canyon and views of Anza-Borrego’s weirdly wonderful badlands are incredibly fun for kids and adults alike.

Plus, the contrast between this canyon and other parts of the park you’re likely to see — especially on these recommended hikes — will give you an even better appreciation of the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

This is a trail you will want to hit EARLY, and on a weekday morning if possible, to avoid the crowds and un-pleasantries of vying for parking spaces (not to mention mid-day or afternoon heat).

Most hikers start at the signed trailhead at the northeast end of the parking area, which starts with a short and steep uphill climb. But that quickly turns into a descent into the canyon, and so the adventure begins!

Hiking in this counter-clockwise direction, however, means the most exciting portion for kids comes first. And a steep uphill climb in soft sand to the tune of a 20% grade(!) comes nearly at the end–though with fantastic, sweeping views over the park to the north.

For that reason some families might want to do this hiking route in reverse, starting with the dirt/service road leading from the west end of the parking lot. If you’re not confident where to start if going clockwise, look for hikers completing the route and returning to the parking lot.

For this direction, you’ll follow the dirt road along the top of the canyon to the sign warning 4WD ONLY with an arrow to Borrego Mountain Wash Road (my stomach flips imagining someone actually driving down that?!).

At the bottom, you’ll follow the road and turn right into the wash, where rocks block entrance to any possible vehicles.

However, if you’ve arrived at a very busy time, you might not want to play salmon-fighting-upstream through the many hikers in the narrow parts of the canyon. Again, more reason to arrive early and on a weekday morning if possible.

Alternatively, I’m not aware of any rule that says you can’t do your own out-and-back version, hiking the slot portion in each direction. If you do, you might also want to take a leisurely stroll afterward along the portion of Borrego Mountain Wash Road that heads west from the parking area to see some fabulous ocotillo and take in the views over the canyon.

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. Continue reading below.

Things to know before you hike The Slot Trail

You will need to drive on a dirt road to reach this trailhead. Again, the road is usually manageable in a 2WD car, but check the latest conditions with a ranger before heading out if there’s any question.

This is a $10 day use fee area. You can pay by phone using a credit card and the Yodel app (instructions in parking lot) or you may find envelopes for cash with tear-off tabs to display on your dash. Or display either of the annual California state parks passes (California Poppy or Explorer both work here). Fourth graders with the California Adventure Pass can visit this park FREE.

Toilets are at the trailhead.

The park brochure claims this trail is 1.5 miles round trip. However, I and other hikers confirmed a distance of 2.3 miles when hiking the full loop.

My difficulty rating for this trail is “strenuous” because some good scrambling and squeezing are necessary, and a 20% grade climb in loose sand (if going the most common, counter-clockwise direction) is intense for most hikers.

Bulky baby or toddler backpack carriers may need to be removed to get through some parts of the slot.

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. Continue reading below.

WANT MORE FAMILY ADVENTURE?

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