10 Top Family Spots in Southern California

Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, CA

I had the pleasure to live in Southern California for a year in the late 1980's.  I remember feeling so excited to finally see the Golden State.  I have returned about four times since the 80's and every time I visit I discover more treasures about the 31st State.  My hubby and I enjoyed this part of the west coast last week. Here are my 10 top family spots in Southern California:

1.  Santa Monica.  The pier is a step back in time with rides, booths and junk food.  The Fairmont Miramar is my favorite hotel practically across the street from the pier and ocean. The Third Street Promenade is the shopping area with great restaurants. 

2.  Beach biking, jogging, and skating trail.   Rent a bike at the Santa Monica pier and  hop on the trail that is paved along the coast.  At one point you have to navigate out into the streets but follow the path and you will return to the beach.

3.  Venice Beach.  Muscle Beach is still located in this area of craziness.  The skateboard park is awesome and reminds me of a sculpture.  Beach trinkets and hippies or hipsters and homeless people are scattered in this area.  Worth a trip to at least pick up a t-shirt for home.

4.  Marina Del Rey.  The Ritz Carlton is located along the marina lined with celebrity yachts. The shops are nothing to brag about but Shanghai Reds Restaurant on the water is unique with waterfalls cascading from the rooftop.

5.  Redondo Beach Pier.  Another pier with shops, snacks and fresh seafood restaurants.  Sunbath on the beach or surf the ocean.  The beaches are never crowded.

Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes

6.  Palos Verdes.  The bike bath ends before you reach this mini mountain of wealth.  Celebrities have homes up in the hills of winding roads, cliffs and a classic Mexican restaurant, The Red Onion.

Catalina Island

7.  Catalina Island.  Take a ferry from Long Beach for a day trip to this island where actress Natalie Wood drown near her yacht.  Rent a jeep and view the gorgeous scenery of the harbor, gardens and fishing village.

8.  Hollywood.  Back to the mainland you can follow Sunset Blvd. from the coast and pass through Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive to Hollywood.   It appears less grand than in the TV and movies.  Catch a tour at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and   homes of the stars.  Keep an eye out for celebrities because they are everywhere.  Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a TV or movie set filming in the streets of Los Angeles. 

9.  Coronda.  The Hotel Del Coronado is the place to stay near San Diego.  Rich in history and situated on the ocean with great food makes this resort a perfect California retreat.

1000 Palms Oasis

10.  Palm Springs.  Super hot in the summer.  Winter offers temperatures in the 70's with plenty of golf and tennis.  Visit the 1000 Palms Oasis to see picturesque palm tree groves clustered in the middle of the desert.

The weather seems perfect if you come from the east coast. The rain season is in January.  Humidity along the southern west coast is almost nonexistent.  When I was moving to this region back in the 80's, I was shocked that most of the homes had no air conditioning.  It was not necessary.  I must admit that I did miss the change in seasons after a year of continuous sunshine. 

If you have visited Southern California, what was your favorite family spot?