Whenever your family’s spring break falls, a desert getaway will likely mean pleasant temperatures and the sunshine you may still be lacking at home. Not to mention, the giddy joy that comes with spotting desert wildflowers, cacti, and Joshua trees in bloom!

And if you’re really lucky? 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 three 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.

Yet, thanks to the underground springs feeding into Crystal Creek, the miracle that is Whiskeytown Falls continues cascading over its rocky slopes and mossy ledges, refreshing the eyes, ears, and souls of hikers year round—even in the midst of a mega-drought.

After driving past haunting acres of wild land scorched by the 2018 Carr Fire to reach the trailhead (the most devastating wildfire in National Parks Service history), you’ll feel especially grateful that this peaceful trail and its scenic wonder were spared.

But be warned: This hike is a workout! Prepare for a total elevation gain of 794 feet (about 73 stories), with nearly all of that achieved in the first 1.7-mile leading you to the base of the lower Whiskeytown Falls.

Fortunately, you’ll find strategically placed benches along the way and plentiful shade in hot summer months. But for the best resting spot of all on this hike? Take a seat on the long log or boulders right at the base of Whiskeytown Falls. (Don’t forget to pack a picnic!)

Here’s more information to help you plan your family’s hike to Whiskeytown Falls.

At-a-glance specs for this hike

Distance: 3.4 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 794 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous, steep with up to 20%-24% grade in some sections, also steep uneven rocky steps to upper falls viewpoint

Seasons: This spring-fed waterfall flows year round, even in drought years. Visits are best spring through fall, with the best wildflowers usually February – May. Wet weather could mean slippery conditions on the trail and possible risk of mudslides in surrounding burn areas.

What you’ll find along the way

Just a short distance into the hike you’ll start hearing the rushing waters of Crystal Creek. And at 0.2 mile the trail leads you over the creek on a sweet little wooden bridge. Take a moment to enjoy the shady spot—once you’ve crossed, the climbing begins!

At 0.4 mile, you’ll see a fork in the trail, with a sign smack dab in the middle of the Mill Creek Trail to your left, advising of its closure. With many other trail closures in the area due to safety risks and restoration efforts, be sure to respect any signs requesting you stay on the well-marked route to Whiskeytown Falls.

You’ll be rewarded by many lovely glimpses of Crystal Creek and its mini-waterfalls along the way.

However, around 0.8 mile (depending on the timing of your visit), you may notice the small creek beside the trail seems to have dried up, and there’s no longer the sound of any rushing water at all. (Not a good sign when it’s only 1.7 miles total to a massive water fall, right?) Don’t panic!

Over the next half a mile, you’ll encounter some of the steepest sections of the hike (including that 24% grade I mentioned), and without a hint of flowing water you may be ready to throw in the towel. Just take advantage of one of the benches along this stretch to let the family re-water and refuel with a quick energy snack.

It won’t be long before you hear the sounds of rushing water once again, and find yourselves crossing over a lovely box canyon whilst feeling the cool breath of a gentler micro climate.

Once you come upon a small waterfall cascading out beneath a red wooden bridge, you’ll know you’re almost to Whiskeytown Falls (think of it as the 1.5-mile marker).

Photos from this post are available in my Whiskeytown Shasta Trinity stock photo gallery.

Continue following the trail up the left side of the creek, past boulders and small pools until the 30-foot lower Whiskeytown Falls comes into view. Here, you’ll find the falls spilling into a pool of water with a perfectly placed long log and side boulders to sit upon and enjoy the view.

This could be a pleasant enough reward to pause and take in, but before you go, you’ll want to see the upper falls as well–unless you have a fear of heights, tricky knees, or issues with vertigo (then just stay put!).

Look for the steep and ridiculously rugged “staircase” (with handrail to help hoist yourself up) to the left of the lower falls. This treacherous route leads the most adventurous visitors up to view the upper Whiskeytown Falls (scroll down to see the upper falls).

When ready, you’ll simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead, where chances are you’ll all be very glad to have extra cold water waiting for you and yours in the car.

Know before you go

Restrooms: Vault toilet at trailhead

Fees/permits: A Visitor Pass is required, but any of these will work: The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area private vehicle pass ($25 for 7 days), the Lassen Volcanic and Whiskeytown Annual Pass ($55 for 1 year and good in Lassen Volcanic National Park as well), or the America the Beautiful pass. If you have a current 4^th grader, display your FREE Every Kid Outdoors Pass.

Parking: At trailhead

Dogs: Yes, see note below

Trail Contact: Whiskeytown Visitor Center, 14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA 96095 (note they are open limited days and hours); (530) 246-1225, https://www.nps.gov/whis

Dogs on the trail?

Yes! Dogs are welcome on trails in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, including the hiking trail to Whiskeytown Falls, as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them.

Just remember, this trail will be a workout for Fido, too, and you’ll want to bring plenty of water for you both. The trail is mostly dirt with lots of shade, so its pretty easy on a pup’s feet even on hot days.

How much time should you plan for this hike?

For the average family, I’d plan to spend 2-3 hours on this hike. Our family spent about 2 hours overall on this hike, including about 30 minutes overall of resting breaks and enjoying the waterfall.

However, we rushed a bit for the return portion (speed hiking!) knowing we still had relatives expecting us for dinner in Bend, Oregon, that evening.

Suffice to say, it took only about half as long for us to hike back down as it did going up thanks to the significant elevation gain—and loss!

Getting there

The James K. Carr Trailhead is about 30 minutes west of Redding, California. From central Redding, take CA-299 West/Eureka Way for 16 miles, then turn left onto Crystal Creek Road.

Be prepared to lose cellular service and watch your odometer. In 3.7 miles, on your left (east) you’ll see the small restroom, several parking spaces, and staging area for the trail.

To the left of the restroom, you’ll find an information kiosk with area map and just beyond it, the signed “James K. Carr Trailhead” where this hike begins. Trailhead GPS: 40.639, -122.676 (click here to see on Google maps).

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The post Hiking to Whiskeytown Falls | Shasta County, Northern California appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Consider California’s giant sequoias and world’s tallest redwood trees awaiting in ancient forests. Classic cable cars climbing the hills of San Francisco and golf carts cruising the streets of Catalina Island. And some of California’s best vacation spots may still even be off the radars of many families! (It’s a pretty big state.)

The unique vacation experiences to be had in the Golden State are too many to number. That’s why I’ve rounded up ten California vacation ideas from our contributors your family will never forget — with more fun family trip ideas linked below.

From sunny beaches to snowy slopes to a surprising safari and island escape, each recommendation here links to an additional feature filled with planning tips and details for some of the best California family vacation spots. (Be sure to pin this to your travel boards for future family getaways in California!)

1. The Catalina Island Family Getaway

For the parent whose days feel like an endless shuffle of get-in-the-car-and-out-again en route to school, soccer, dance lessons, sports camps, play dates and the like, Catalina offers the perfect respite: a family vacation of car-free bliss.

On Catalina Island, cars are not allowed except for those already ‘grandfathered in’ or operating as taxis to whisk you from ferry port to port cochère of your hotel. Once there, walking in Avalon is perfectly lovely and can get you anywhere your happy feet may want to go, from lodgings to restaurants and from bakery to beach.

But there’s no need to wander aimlessly. Read our 411 on Catalina Island with Kids travel guide for our recommended activities, dining and lodging on the island for families considering this California vacation.  >>> Read more in “Catalina Island with Kids” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

2. A South Lake Tahoe Winter Family Vacation

The kids shrieked with joy and screamed in delight as the first snow-clad Sierra pines came into sight, and the cacophony of, “Oh, my gosh! Oh, my GOSH!” and “Guys, over there!” and “Oh! It’s like…like… giant mushrooms!” continued with increasing volume  as we ventured on over the mountain toward our favorite summer playground–now transformed into a winter wonderland they only recognized from holiday greeting cards.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area and on the heels of years of drought, there is one thing my kids will tell you they have NOT had enough of. But with the glorious “snowpocolypse” blanketing Tahoe with impressive snowfall, this is clearly the year for families to get out there and seize the snow.

That’s exactly what we did on our recent trip to uncover the best of South Tahoe with kids. If you’re headed that way, here are 4 great family-friendly activities, along with recommendations of 1 amazing winter California family resort and 1 great place to eat while you’re there. >>> Continue reading “South Lake Tahoe with Kids – Winter Edition” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

3. A San Francisco Urban Family Adventure

Riding cable cars, sampling Ghirardelli chocolates, getting that Golden Gate family photo op, savoring clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl, and souvenir shopping in Chinatown? The first-timer’s San Francisco Travel Bucket List is long to say the least.

And don’t even get me started on all of the great neighborhoods to explore across the city, each with its own brilliant cafes, bakeries, small restaurants, and intriguing shops.

Yet if you’re like many traveling families I know, you’ll have to pack all your San Francisco fun into just a handful of days. So you’ll be especially glad to make use of our travel guide, with details and tips for our top-recommended activities for this classic California family vacation spot, including 1 great place to eat and 1 great place to stay.  >>> Read  more in “San Francisco with Kids – Northern California family vacation guide.” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

4. A California Family Safari Vacation–staying in real African Tents!

The first question any child of three years or seventy-five will likely ask is, “Who gets to ride on the top?” Indeed, everyone in our group of ten safari goers would have liked a turn to enjoy the view from the top deck of the jeep.

Especially when we happened upon certain curious and, later, potentially deadly inhabitants of the “Sonoma Serengeti.” However, this privilege is only bestowed upon those measuring at least 45 inches in height.

Having confirmed these qualifications where necessary–and that everyone who needed to use the facilities one last time had, we boarded our safari jeep, settling into its three tiered bench rows on the lower level and solitary bench above (the only seating with safety belts).

With water bottles, cameras, and wide eyes, we set out on our 2-hour exploration of Safari West Wildlife Preserve, set on 400 acres of rolling hills just an hour and a half north of San Francisco. Our safari adventure took us among the giraffes, cape buffalo, ostriches, zebras and others. But all the more fun: our overnight stay in the luxury safari tent from Botswana

Find out more about one of the most memorable family trips in California >>> Read more in “On Safari in Sonoma: Our Tour of Safari West Wildlife Preserve,” and also “One Night in the African Tent Camp: Our Review of Safari West, Santa Rosa” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

5. A Carlsbad Family Vacation

The captivating shimmer of rescued treasures and inviting smell of old books permeate from antique shop entryways as visitors soak up this uniquely “European” city center situated on the beautiful Southern California coast.

Just 87 miles south of Los Angeles and 35 miles north of San Diego, Carlsbad has discovered its inner-glam and is not afraid to show it. Visitors revel in its world-class dining, shopping and cultural events with friendly, small-town charm.

Carlsbad is also know as the Village By the Sea. Lucky visitors can explore nearly 7 miles of pristine coastline and 50 miles of biking and hiking trails. Have I mentioned the year-round perfect climate for enjoying the outdoors?  >>> Continue reading “Carlsbad with Kids – Southern California family vacation guide.” – contributed by Jennifer Fontaine

6. A Sequoia National Park Family Vacation

Want to show your kids some seriously big trees this year? Then pack your bags and make way for Sequoia National Park in southern California. Sequoia is not simply home to some of the largest living organisms on earth; it’s also home to “the world’s largest tree” based on volume.

Yet Sequoia has more to offer than just spectacular trees. To get the most from your visit to Sequoia National Park, take a look at our guide to see why Sequoia National Park is one of the most beloved family vacation spots in California. >>> Continue reading “Sequoia National Park with Kids – Southern California family vacation guide.” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

7. A Morro Bay Family Vacation on California’s Central Coast

Harbor seals, sea otters, and egrets aplenty await where the land meets Morro Bay on California’s scenic Central Coast. This once remote fishing village offers families an ideal combination of nature and recreation. And better still, you can enjoy Morro Bay without the crowds and exorbitant price tags that come with many California beach towns (shhhh).

Granted, the scenery is hard to top and dock-to-dish dining options abound. Yet Morro Bay also registers high on my family-friendliness-ometer for some very practical reasons. Among them: available free street parking, abundant public restrooms, and great walkability.

All together, it’s what a great coastal family destination should be. And given its Central Coast location, Morro Bay makes a great weekend family getaway for families driving in from north or south.

Morro Bay is just under 4 hours south of San Francisco or north of Los Angeles by car.

When you get there, dive into these great family-friendly activities, including hiking trails, kayaking tours, sea otter viewing, and more. >>> Continue reading “Morro Bay with Kids – Central Coast family vacation guide” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

8. A Los Angeles Family Urban Vacation

Take a sip of a cool fruit smoothie, your feet buried in warm golden sand. As you watch your children make sand castles, thoughts of your afternoon plans sleepily buzz in your head. Old Hollywood? Ancient Rome? Natural history? It’s all possible when you plan a family vacation in Los Angeles.

Yes, it is sprawling. Yet in spite of the driving, you’ll find that Los Angeles is well worth the trip for families. The key is to plan no more than one big activity a day. Play the rest of your day by ear, you know, in that laid-back California-style you perfected on the beach. >>> Continue reading “Los Angeles with Kids – Southern California family vacation guide” for our top priorities for family vacation in L.A. – contributed by Veronique Autphenne

9. The Bucket-List Yosemite National Park Family Vacation

Yosemite is one of the most popular destinations to visit in California with kids and with good reason. Granite domes, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, ancient and enormous trees, alpine meadows, and a lush river valley all come together in one of America’s most famous and beloved national parks.

Yosemite is just a few hours’ drive from the Bay Area, so it may be tempting to add a few days to your San Francisco itinerary to go visit the park (or make a side trip to San Francisco if you’re already visiting Yosemite).

Living in such close proximity to Yosemite, we’ve been lucky enough to visit nearly every year since becoming parents. And what’s as much a treat as seeing the park in different seasons? Seeing the different “seasons” of our kids experiencing Yosemite in new and changing ways.

Ready to check Yosemite off your family’s National Park bucket list? Here are some of our favorite ways we’ve found to experience Yosemite National Park with kids, including hiking trails, biking recommendations, and more. >>> Continue reading “Yosemite National Park with Kids – Northern California family vacation guide” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

10. A Family Horseback Riding Vacation in Santa Barbara County

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang, CA (just north of Santa Barbara) offers a fun, western twist on traditional California family resorts. What’s more, in addition to all the fun outdoor activities, swimming pool, and activities club, the riding experiences here are perfect for beginners through accomplished equestrians.

Tired of nose-to-tail, no-trot trail rides on your family vacation? When we visited, the riding experiences proved to be anything but, making for an enjoyable family horseback riding vacation for all three generations of our family, and all level of riders (and levels of horseback enthusiasts) among us.

Set on 10,000 acres outside of Santa Barbara, the active cattle ranch is home to a herd of 100+ geldings. Among them are horses suitable for the youngest beginning riders through advanced riders. Suffice to say I wasted no time getting over to the barn to see what it’s all about. >>> Continue reading “A Family Horseback Riding Vacation at The Alisal Guest Ranch” – contributed by Shelly Rivoli

Traveling with a child under 5 years? Don’t miss “How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)” and my ultimate index to Flying with a Baby or Toddler advice at TravelswithBaby.com.

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The post Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas appeared first on Family Travel 411.

ONE NIGHT IN THE AFRICAN TENT CAMP….

That the wood floor was polished to a higher luster than ours at home was the first sign there would be no roughing it in this particular tent. A king-size bed was the second.

And the presence of a private bathroom with a shower behind the children’s queen-size bunk beds clearly argued that our lodgings at Safari West Wildlife Preserve were more “cabin” than “tent,” although our walls and ceiling were no more than canvas and our windows a breezy mesh. (Ahhh…. California glamping!)

Perched on our lake-view porch amid the oak tree tops, we raised two glasses of a local Zinfandel, admiring the view from our temporary home on stilts. I whispered, “No worries of a snake crawling into this tent cabin, dear—no matter what the kids try to tell us.”

We exchanged quick grins before retrieving the dry salami and cheeses we’d packed along from the tent’s ice chest, and called the kids who—now having conquered the hand-hewn bunk beds and confirmed the toilet in our tent really flushed—were busy chasing lizards and butterflies beneath our hillside dwelling.

I’ll admit I was a little disappointed during the escorted jeep ride up to our cabin after check in, when I realized we would not be staying in one of the tents I’d seen advertised with a porch view of giraffes. I’d already taken the photos in my mind, and who doesn’t love giraffes?

Yet, as we shuffled the deck of Uno cards with an exotic rumble of wild animals in the distance, and watched another iridescent bird of mystery flit to the treetop beside us, we had to admit this lakeside location, at the farthest edge of the tent cabins, was ideal for us.

Our driver, upon delivering us to our tent and carrying our bags up the several steps, gave us helpful tips and specific instructions to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Tips from our Safari West African Tent Stay:

1) Carry our flashlights to dinner—it will most likely be dark on our way back.

2) To stay cozy in our glamping tent, close the window flaps before it gets cold, and keep the door to the bathroom—which had open mesh for a ceiling—closed during the night.

3) If it gets really cold, which seemed unlikely as I felt the sweat trickle down my neck and watched my son crack open his second bottle of water in under 5 minutes—we could turn on our electric space heater and use the ceiling fan to force the warmer air down towards us.

“And if you’re still too cold in the night” (I think at this point I laughed out loud), he pointed out, “each bed has an electric blanket.”

Well, have no fear of snakes or getting too cold at night in this tent. Or too hungry, I thought, looking forward to our dinner at the Savannah Grill. The concept of “Sonoma County glamping” was definitely growing on me.

After our snack, we would take a stroll back down to the Safari West village and get a closer look at the flamingos, lemurs, cheetah and other animals residing there, all before the family-friendly happy hour and buffet dinner at the Savannah Grill (included with some packages or $29 adults / $17 kids 4 – 12, reservations required).

The one do-over from our Safari West stay:

Our one mistake, however, was arriving on the later side for dinner, which is promptly served at 6:30 p.m. The line was long and the kids, having skipped the happy hour snacks and refreshments in favor of extending their visits to Fennec Fox and Felis Serval, were hungry. Trying to help them make their selections of unfamiliar dishes and juggle their plates in addition to our own was almost as challenging as finding something other than fruit for my pickiest eater to eat.

It’s not to say there wasn’t a wide selection of food at the buffet, or that the chicken and beef grilled Serengeti-style and salads weren’t enticing to me. It just would have been helpful to have a few more bland options for those young children who don’t recognize the lumpy (though delicious) homestyle macaroni and cheese by its name. Plain pasta or plain rice would have been helpful here. However, what the kids may have lacked in dinner they soon made up for in desserts.

After freshly baked bread pudding with whipping cream and a cherry on top was delivered to all of the tables, the child guests were invited to come out and roast marshmallows over the glowing coals of the enormous grill. What kid could resist? Not one in my camp.

The evening stroll… back to the tent

We strolled back toward our tent by way of reticulated giraffes and African crested cranes, glad to have the flashlight as it became darker and darker… and the kids spotted their first Sonoma-size toad. A new wildlife adventure unfolded as my husband and I took our seats on the deck, admiring the first stars shining above as the kids admired amphibians emerging below.

“Do you think I should start closing the windows?” I asked.

He chuckled. “You really think it’s going to get cold tonight?”

“I don’t know, it is pretty clear out. What’s our elevation?” We stepped in to the tent and took a closer look at the large canvas flaps and Velcro tabs. “Well, it’s not like it will obscure the view now—you can’t see a thing out there.”

That’s when the first child screamed.

Then the second.

And as the third child shouted, “SNAAAAAKE!” we could see them all standing at the bottom of the steps closest to our tent cabin door, their flashlight fixed on something.

“SNAAAAKE!” they all shouted, but without the hint of terror in their voices that I felt in my bones. How could there be a snake out at night? When it was cooling down? When snakes are supposed to be back in their sleeping dens and far, far away from our feet?

“Is it dead?” I asked optimistically.

The kids assured me—and all of our tented neighbors within three quarters of a mile—that the snake was not dead. “And it has something in its mouth!”

A garter snake, I assured myself. I’m sure it’s just a harmless garter snake. But as I took a few steps closer, I could see this was no type of snake I had seen in the wild before. Not that I go looking for them. And it did have something in its mouth—or rather, hanging out: frog legs.

As exciting as it all was, it was soon time to brush teeth in our gleaming copper basin in the tent’s bathroom which was, with certainty, getting colder. We shut the door to the bathroom, closed our window flaps, tucked ourselves into each cushy bed, and turned out the lamp on day 1 at Safari West. In the morning, we’d have to rise early to get breakfast back at the Savannah Grill (included with with overnight stays), before our 2 ½ hour double-decker jeep safari.

Dreams rolled over me and away again, and in between each I surfaced just long enough to catch bits of distant conversations punctuated by a deep and chesty “OOOOOHRAH! OOOOOHRAH!” and warbled “HOOO-HOO-HOO-HAW!” and I couldn’t be sure which speaker was native to my continent and which, if any, was not. But it didn’t matter.

I was warm and toasty in my bed, in an authentic African safari tent brought all the way from Botswana. We may have been just an hour and a half away from our home by San Francisco Bay, but in the hills behind us slept the zebras, wildebeests, and Cape buffalo we’d go searching for tomorrow. I knew my kids were thrilled to be there overnighting in the African tent. And best of all? I was, too.

Next up: Photos from our 2+ hour guided safari at Safari West

Thanks to Safari West Wildlife Refuge and Safari Tent Camp for providing this opportunity to review their accommodations and tours. For more information about Safari West’s guided safari tours, overnight accommodations, packages, and special offers, visit https://www.safariwest.com/ An earlier version of this review first appeared May 22, 2014, and has since been updated.

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The post Review of Safari West: One Night in the African Tent Camp appeared first on Family Travel 411.

One of the double-decker jeeps used for Safari West Wildlife Preserve tours.

REVIEW OF SAFARI WEST JEEP TOUR IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The first question any child of three years or seventy-five will likely ask is, “Who gets to ride on the top?”

Indeed, everyone in our group of ten safari goers would have liked a turn to enjoy the view from the top deck of the jeep (especially when we happened upon certain curious and, later, potentially deadly inhabitants of the “Sonoma Serengeti”), but this privilege is only bestowed upon those measuring at least 45 inches in height.

Passengers must be at least 45″ to ride on the upper level–whew!

Having confirmed these qualifications where necessary–and that everyone who needed to use the facilities one last time had, we boarded our safari jeep, settling into its three tiered bench rows on the lower level and solitary bench above (the only seating with safety belts). With water bottles, cameras, and wide eyes, we set out on our 2-hour exploration of Safari West Wildlife Preserve, set on 400 acres of rolling hills just an hour and a half north of San Francisco.

Setting off into the “Sonoma Serengeti” on our tour of Safari West Wildlife Preserve.

Reticulated (left) and Masai giraffes at Safari West Wildlife Preserve.

Within moments of passing through the first gate, we were alongside reticulated and Masai giraffe, with the Masai, which boast the title of the tallest land mammals on earth, on our side of the fence. Our guide, Robert, stopped the jeep a short distance away, and began telling us facts few might guess about giraffes, from the bizarre blood pressure that’s required to nourish a brain atop animals nearly 18 feet tall to what they are really doing in those cute photos where they appear to be “necking.”

Heads up! The giraffes are getting a little curious about those new sun glasses…

Along with other details I never would have guessed about these creatures, I learned that a giraffe’s neck has only as many vertebrae as a human’s.  After a close inspection by a curious onlooker with a curious-looking black tongue, we rambled on. Soon, our guide stopped to allow us to rotate seats as he retrieved something from behind a stump on the side of the road.

It was time to learn equally fascinating facts about the ostriches strutting behind the fence. Prolific layers, ostriches can lay their enormous eggs as often as every other day. One egg, weighing anywhere from 3 to 5 lbs., is the equivalent of one dozen chicken eggs where omelets are concerned. “Would anyone like to hold it?”

Holding this three-pound leathery wonder is still one of my daughter’s favorite moments from the tour of Safari West Wildlife Preserve.

The excitement of holding  a real ostrich egg was nothing compared with what many of us felt as we realized Robert was driving us up to–and then through–the gate into the field with the ostriches. As he set the brake on the jeep and returned to close the gate, it was suggested that we keep our hands to ourselves and make no sudden moves.

My daughters and I were very glad to be taking our turn on the upper level at this point, though I was a little concerned about my husband and son below.

Having been warned as a child that ostriches are extremely dangerous, I was concerned for the passengers below, but not enough to give up my seat on the upper deck. Ostriches were soon to be the least of our worries, however.

The road became more rugged and steep, and I was thankful to have the safety belts around my daughters as we lurched bobbed on the upper deck, which felt every rock and pot hole exponentially, until Robert slowed to a pause and drew our attention to something in the nearby shadows.

We’d happened upon the morning siesta of one of the deadliest mammals on the African continent.

Cape buffalo rest in the shade at Safari West Wildlife Preserve.

Male Cape buffalo grow a shield across the forehead for extra protection when fighting.

The Cape buffalo watched us watch them for a moment, then Robert eased the jeep a bit farther down the road, before stopping to tell us about these bullish beasts at a safer distance. They are more than just physically powerful.

The Cape buffalo has an amazing sense of smell and memory–two things that make it possible for it to hold a grudge for a very long time. Look forward to a great hair-raising story from your guide if you’re lucky enough to spot the Cape buffalo on your tour.

While there are no guarantees which African animals you may get to see during your Safari West jeep tour, I suspect that the earliest morning tours offer the best odds. We not only had the good fortune of crossing paths with a few zebras that morning; we couldn’t quite count them as they continued to appear from the shadows, mingled among themselves, meandered, and eventually surrounded our jeep on all sides–though seemingly oblivious to our presence.

Stop the jeep! There’s a zebra!

Are you seeing stripes yet? You can see how their camouflage helps hide them as a group–especially in shadows.

As you can also see, the zebra population is a growing success here!

We were all quite moved by the zebra visitation during our jeep safari, and I’m sure hundreds of photos were snapped. Eventually, the zebras began to wander off into the shadows, and we began to work our way back, slowly, toward the village at Safari West. But the animal sightings were not over yet.

A pair of southern white rhinoceros snooze as we pass by.

A young African sable dazzles us as we drive by.

The driving portion of our Safari West Wildlife Preserve  tour took more than two hours, though even the three-year-old girl in our group and my four-year-old son never seemed bored or antsy. We saw roan antelope, gazelles, kudu, a warthog, and then some, and unlike the self-drive wildlife parks you may visit, our experienced guide was there to educate and entertain us throughout.

After a pit stop and water break at the village, we continued on with Robert for the guided walking tour included with the jeep tour, calling on a resident cheetah and several other rescued animals living in fenced areas and enclosures. Walking through the African aviary was even more of a treat than I’d anticipated.

Visit African spoonbills, scarlet ibises, as you continue your tour of Safari West Wildlife Preserve.

A postcard-perfect scarlet ibis.

As a family of wildlife enthusiasts, it would be hard not to fall in love with Safari West. Not only is the guided jeep tour experience one of the most enlightening and enjoyable animal encounters we’ve had yet, but learning more about the accomplishments of the preserve and its commitment to wildlife preservation, “through breeding, education, research and public interaction,” was inspiring as well.

Oh, and did someone mention teen internships? Let’s just say I won’t be surprised if we’re back in a few years to visit one of our own “on the job” here.

Tips for planning your visit to Safari West, Santa Rosa:

Tour Notes: Safari West’s African safari jeep tours are available 7 days a week, but you must reserve yours in advance (call 1-800-616-2659 or book online at www.safariwest.com). Children under 3 years are not allowed on the driving portion of the tour, but groups with a toddler may have one adult and the child join the group for the walking portion afterward for $25 for the adult (with no charge for the toddler).

Tour prices vary by season, ranging from $115/adult and $50/child on peak weekends (summer) to $93/adult and $45/child on winter weekends (discount for seniors). If you have flexibility, weekday tours cost less than those on the weekends. Also, overnight guests staying in Safari West’s African tent camp receive a reduced tour price. Other special offers and packages are available at www.SafariWest.com.

Getting There: Safari West Wildlife Preserve is 75 miles north of San Francisco, nearest the city of Santa Rosa, in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country. It may take anywhere from 1 hour 15 minutes in light traffic to nearly 2 hours to reach from San Francisco during commute times.

We drove past the entrance before seeing it, and many GPS systems are apparently giving false directions, so I recommend taking a look at the website’s directions from your starting point.

Practical Tips: You will be out on safari for at least 2 hours, and in the case of our early tour, I went from cool enough to be in SmartWool socks to sweltering in my vented UV-guard shirt. Dress in layers, bring your water, and make sure you’re armed with a fully charged camera with an extra memory card–you may need it.

Also, make sure everyone has had plenty to eat before you go and has used the restroom; there aren’t any facilities along the way (and you never know who might be hiding behind a tree!).

Dining: Delilah’s Snack Shop is open in late spring and summer months, with pre-made sandwiches and salads, popsicles, chips, and cold drinks including wine and beer. The Savanna Grill serves BBQ lunches and dinners at set times each day (changes by season), with dining indoors or on the outdoor patio (more in my Review of Safari West: One Night in the African Tent Camp).

Thanks to Safari West Wildlife Refuge and Safari Tent Camp for hosting my family and providing this opportunity to review their accommodations and tour. For more information about Safari West’s guided safari tours, overnight accommodations, packages, and special offers, visit https://www.safariwest.com/. An earlier version of this review appeared June 3, 2014, and has since been updated.

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The post On Safari in Sonoma: Jeep Tour Adventure at Safari West Wildlife Preserve appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Set on 10,000 acres outside of Santa Barbara, the active cattle ranch is home to a herd of 100+ geldings. Among them, horses suitable for the youngest beginning riders (lessons offered for kids 4 to 6 years in the corral, and 7 years+ on the trail) through advanced riders. And I wasted no time getting over to the barn to see what it’s all about.

Horseback Rides for all Levels of Riders–with and without the Parents

For starters, on our first evening there I was able to set out on an “Advanced” trail ride with a small group. We were not only trotting through portions of the 2-hour ride, but we also enjoyed portions of the ride led along at full lope! In the evening light on the beautiful open hills surrounding Alisal Lake, with nary a hint of the busy Bay Area life I’d left behind, it felt at times like I was starring in my own Western film.

To my delight, our wrangler Meaghan took us on a special route where we could view two bald eagle nests–one which had been far larger in the past, but was damaged in a storm. The other, the newer nest replacing it and currently inhabited by a pair of eagle parents and two eaglets. Watch closely, she advised, and you might see one. (Watch closely here, and you might just see one, too…)

Wrangler Meaghan leads the way to an oak tree adorned with bald eagle nests.

Lucky day! Just when I was ready to give up, I spy something up through the lacy lichen of an old oak tree.

Meanwhile, my daughters were on an Intermediate trail ride suitable to their skill levels and having a great time. And guess what? A parent didn’t have to accompany them at the same level (yes!). When we met up back at the barn afterward, it turned out we all three had bald eagle tales to tell. In their story, one of the adults swooped down beside them right at eye level above the water as they rode along the lake.

… it felt at times like I was starring in my own Western film.

When your wrangler literally rides off into the sunset…

The next morning was an early start for the kids with my son also saddling up for a 1-hour Instructional Trail Ride. Though he’s been on horseback rides before, the Instructional Trail Ride was a great opportunity for him and both of his sisters to brush up on the finer points of Western riding.

“Little T” ready for his morning instructional ride during his Alisal dude ranch vacation.

Shortly afterward, my daughters and I hit the trail for a 2-hour morning Intermediate trail ride. As promised, I saw plenty of new trail and views on my second ride. With more than 100 miles of trail through the hills surrounding The Alisal dude ranch, you may never take the same exact route twice even in a week of riding there.

My middle kid “on her happy place,” at The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort.

Sure, there was time for the pool, an archery lesson out at the lake, a visit to the Little Barn (don’t miss the free-range guinea pig and bunny room!), and lots of eating. But for my horse-starved daughters, they were back at the barn before we could blink.

Drill Team & Rodeo Night at the Alisal Dude Ranch

It was time to train up for the Alisal’s first inaugural drill team performance. This wrangler-led group of guests ranging from 7 years to non-of-your business(!) would be the opening act in The Alisal’s weekly Rodeo Night. Interested guests of the dude ranch can sign up to practice and ride as the drill team in front of the audience (click here to see my feature on the Rodeo Night at the Alisal and see action shots of the amazing rodeo riders in my photo gallery of the American West).

Drill team riders kick off the Rodeo Night at The Alisal Guest Ranch.

The Morning Breakfast Ride at The Alisal Dude Ranch

But what turned out to be a most magical highlight for our family horseback riding vacation was when we all set out on the “Morning Breakfast Ride,” Daddy and Grandma included.  This 3-hour adventure starts and ends with a scenic ride (again, new trails and views for me!). But in this case, there is a stop at the Old Adobe, a house on the ranch property that is well over 100 years old. There, we gobbled a hot Western breakfast served in the open air, with live music and even a special performance by cowboy poet Chris Henrich.

Setting out through lacy lichen-draped oaks on our breakfast ride at The Alisal Ranch.

Enjoying a misty morning ride to breakfast in The Alisal hills.

The lineup! Arriving at The Alisal’s breakfast ride hitching area.

Breakfast served hot off the griddle for guests on The Alisal’s breakfast ride.

Outdoor breakfast area behind the Old Adobe for guests on the 3-hour morning breakfast ride at The Alisal.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t miss your chance to try the legendary bacon-pancake of the breakfast ride!

Cowboy poet Chris Henrich recites favorite campfire verses for guests at The Alisal’s Breakfast Ride.

Our breakfast ride was the perfect ending to our vacation at The Alisal Guest Ranch. And just before the ride back, the morning mist evaporated and revealed a perfect blue sky. As if made-to-order, my wish for the entire family to see a bald eagle on the ride back was delivered. Threefold. Searching the trees near the eagles nests, we suddenly spotted a scrappy mess of tree bark. Yet as it moved, we realized was actually a flutter of feathers.

BOTH eaglets (brown feathers without the bald head yet) and one adult parent bald eagle dazzled us as we rode by. Unfortunately, in my excitement to try and capture the moment from horseback, the results came out rather bigfoot-like. So instead I leave you with one of several lovely herons we also enjoyed on our Alisal dude ranch vacation.

Find out More about dude ranch vacations at The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

For more information about all of The Alisal’s horseback riding lessons, specialized trail rides, and horseback riding vacation packages, click here to visit the official site of The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. And whether you hope to participate or just enjoy the excitement and fun (and food!), don’t miss my feature Grit and Glory: Rodeo Night at the Alisal. Full disclosure: We have a new family connection to the Alisal and enjoyed friends & family rates and discounts on most activities. As always, no promise of positive review was given, and my opinions remain my own.

Riding back from breakfast beside Alisal Lake, a heron comes into view…

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Love horses? See my “American West” gallery!

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