9 Family Weekend Getaways from the Bay Area

Kids will be in awe when they see this national park: it's home to groves of giant sequoia, the world's largest tree! Many groves are accessible via car, so kids won't be too exhausted to enjoy the sights once you get there. Kids and families should also check out Crystal Cave, an all-ages marble cavern by guided tour. Visitors will enjoy hiking among acres of fairy-tale like forests, huge canyons, and sunny groves. Stay the night at one of the many wilderness lodges and camps on site, complete with various dining options.

Yosemite is known globally for its iconic granite outcroppings, beautiful views, and tons of tourists! Camping is a great way to truly immerse yourself into your surroundings, but there's fancier lodging available in the area, too. Reservations are recommended, but availability depends on the season, with spring and fall being busiest. There's plenty to do, from camping, hiking, and backpacking to guided tours, ranger and interpretive programs, bird watching, horseback riding, rock climbing, stargazing, and more!

From the exhilaration of ropes courses and zip lines at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park to scenic gondola rides at Heavenly, there's something for everyone at this mecca for outdoor exploration. You can go fishing at the Trout Farm (a great place to introduce beginners to fishing), hike, explore, and take epic selfies around Emerald Bay State Park, visit the Maritime Museum, or even do a bit of shopping or go ice skating at Heavenly Village. Of course, skiing is also a peak pastime for winter!

Although farms and ranches are spread all over the hillside, Camino, CA is the center of what's known as Apple Hill, where you can find fresh fruit and veggies year-round at select farms and seasonal happenings at others. Select farms have attractions for the kids, like a miniature town to play in at Mill View Ranch, trains to ride at El Dorado Orchards and Hillside Tree Farm, and mazes, pony rides and more at Abel's Apple Acres. And don't forget to visit the city of Placerville for gold panning at Gold Bug Park, shopping downtown, and more!

Yes, it's the state capital--which doubles as a living museum-- but there's more to this town than historic significance. Check out the California State Railroad Museum (and catch a train ride!), the Sacramento Zoo (and the interactive playground Fairytale Town across the street), and get down on the kids' level at the Sacramento Children's Museum. Feeling adventurous? Try river rafting, fishing, and urban or scenic biking. Want to stick to indoors pursuits? Visit the Crocker Art Museum or the Sacramento History Museum instead.

Big Sur is an ideal location for spotting sea and other wildlife (like otters!), but it's also a great spot for hiking in both coastal and forest areas. Check out Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for hiking and amazing views, Point Sur Lighthouse for a history lesson, and Andrew Molera State Park for small-kid-friendly trails, many of which can accommodate bicycles, too.

Erynn:  Monterey is known worldwide for its expansive Aquarium, but that's not all there is to see! Monarch butterflies make their seasonal flight to nearby Pacific Grove at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. While you're in PG, visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse (the oldest existing lighthouse on the West Coast!) for a tour or check out the Museum of Natural History (the bird collection is magnificent!). There's plenty of shopping along Cannery Row, but my kids' favorite is the Dennis the Menace Playground at El Estero Park--complete with views of the bay from the play equipment.

From the iconic Boardwalk--complete with rides, food, and beachfront access--to the Mystery Spot (an illusion-based tourist attraction) to towering redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz has plenty for families to enjoy. For kids who are budding marine biologists, make sure to stop by the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for hands-on sea creature fun, too. There's also the opportunity for a train ride to see it all with Roaring Camp Railroads.

There's a lot of coast to see in Mendocino, but there are inland attractions, too. Kids and grownups will love snapping a pic of the family vehicle inside the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, but the Park also has picnic and hiking opportunities. Of course, beach access is a big part of Mendocino, too, but there's also the B Bryan Preserve where kids can get close to exotic animals like giraffes and zebras. For tiny train lovers, a visit to (and ride on) the Skunk Train is a must!