Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

California offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including renowned theme parks, scenic beaches and outdoor adventures.
Top theme parks for families include options designed specifically for children, with attractions suitable for various age groups and interests.
Beaches with playgrounds, boardwalks and nearby amenities make coastal visits enjoyable and convenient for families.
Outdoor and animal-focused experiences, such as national parks and wildlife centers, provide educational and engaging opportunities for all ages.

What to consider

Some attractions, like theme parks and campgrounds, may require advance reservations or have seasonal operating hours.
Certain activities, such as tide pool exploration or guided hikes, may be subject to weather conditions or specific etiquette guidelines.
Combination tickets or proximity to points hotels can help families maximize convenience and value during their stay.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed breakdown of standout parks, beaches and outdoor sites, plus tips for tailoring a California itinerary to your family's interests.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Even though I reside smack dab in the center of the Midwest, California is one of my favorite places to visit with my family. We have made some of our best memories in the Golden State's theme parks and on its beaches.

My three kids' ages currently span from preschooler to almost tween, so finding activities that please everybody can be difficult. But that's never a problem when we are in California. There are so many options that it's easy to find something for everyone.

Based on my own travels and the fun family vacations of other TPG staffers, here is a list of the best family-friendly activities in California.

Best California theme parks for families

I am a theme park girl through and through. I visit Disney and Universal often, sometimes with my kids and sometimes without. In the same way that I think grown-ups can have fun at a theme park whether or not kids are present, I also know some theme parks are better suited for visiting with kids. At the parks listed here, my kids can lead the way and pick what they want to do. From entire lands designed for kids to family-friendly roller coasters, we can all have fun together.

Legoland California Resort

Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad is a theme park designed specifically for kids ages 2 to 12, so my kids are at the perfect age to visit. My youngest son still gets scared on some "big kid" attractions that he is technically tall enough for, so he had fun getting on rides that were just right for him. All three of my kids enjoyed Legoland's outdoor play areas, and though we didn't have time during our visit, there are a water park and aquarium on-site as well.

Disneyland Resort

There is no more classic theme park for families than Walt Disney's original park, Disneyland. There are plenty of rides for kids, and most of the coasters have thrill levels that are "just right" for kids still working up the courage for more grown-up rides. In recent years, Disneyland has added an entire land dedicated to "Star Wars" and refurbished Mickey's Toontown. Over at Disney California Adventure, kids can visit Cars Land and Marvel's Avengers Campus.

Knott's Berry Farm

What began as a berry farm in the 1920s is now one of the most popular theme parks in Southern California. Knott's Berry Farm has some of California's tallest and fastest coasters, an entire Snoopy-themed area for kids and family-friendly attractions like the Calico Mine Ride — one of the park's original rides. If you have more than one day to spend at the park, check out the Soak City water park adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm. You can save money on your visit by purchasing a combination ticket for both parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood

At Universal Studios Hollywood, kids can essentially become a character in favorite movies like "The Secret Life of Pets," "Jurassic World" and the "Harry Potter" series. As of January 2023, kids (and kids at heart) can step through the warp pipe into Super Nintendo World. You can ride a real-life Mario Kart game and meet characters like Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi and Toadstool. There are even a couple of great points hotels within walking distance of the park.

Children's Fairyland

Children's Fairyland is a storybook theme park in Oakland that predates Disneyland by five years. In fact, Walt Disney visited the park in 1954, and it may have even provided a bit of inspiration for the now world-famous park. Children's Fairyland is only 10 acres — the perfect size for tiny visitors. Kids can explore lifesize storybook sets from classic fairytales, meet the farm animals who call the park home and enjoy a handful of rides like a carousel, train and small Ferris wheel.

Best beaches in California for families

If a beach has sand and water, it's a good beach for kids. But there are some beaches with additional amenities like playgrounds and kid-friendly eateries that make them even more appealing for families. Here are a few of my favorite California beaches.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach's main stretch of beach, aptly dubbed Main Beach, sits along the Pacific Coast Highway. In addition to sand and sea, Main Beach has a playground, basketball, volleyball and a boardwalk. There are showers and restrooms near the playground, which is always a huge help when traveling with kids who usually get sand everywhere.

South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach is a great spot for surfing, swimming and sunbathing, but there's more to this stretch of beach about 30 miles north of San Diego. The South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is on a cliff overlooking the beach and has spots for tents, campers and RVs. Families can stock up on supplies or enjoy pizza and refreshments (including beer, wine and cocktails for parents) at The Camp Store. The Camp Store is a combination restaurant, shop and outdoor music venue where families can gather and catch a splendid California sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is in Newport Beach, off the Pacific Coast Highway. The popular state park has 57 campsites, some with hookups and some without, as well as backcountry primitive camping for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are staying overnight or just visiting for the day, you can explore Crystal Cove's tide pools at low tide. You can observe the organisms living in these tide pools on your own (given that you follow the etiquette guidelines). Or, you can attend public events such as guided hikes and ranger-led tide pool walks held throughout the week.

Santa Cruz

Sant Cruz may be best known for its beachfront boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has rides, games, dining, shopping and special events like live music, free movies and more. Some of the park's rides boast a bit of California history, including the Giant Dipper wooden coaster that originally opened in 1924 and the Looff Carousel, which has been in operation since 1911. When you've had your fill of thrills, the wide sandy beach is only steps away from the boardwalk.

Related: The best beaches in California

Best outdoor and animal activities in California for families

There's a whole world of outdoor adventures in California beyond its beautiful beaches. From hiking through national parks to learning more about the state's ecosystem and animal inhabitants, these activities are both fun and educational.

State and national parks

Whether you are in Southern or Northern California, you can visit some of the country's most magnificent state and national parks during your time in the Golden State. Joshua Tree National Park outside of Palm Springs is a desert oasis (read: spring and fall are the best times to visit). It offers various hiking trails for all skill levels and campgrounds where you can sleep under the stars.

Farther north, you can explore the natural majesty of Yosemite National Park. Families with younger kids will most enjoy some of the shorter, flatter hiking trails to Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake and Bridalveil Fall. Some of the best views in the park are also reachable by car, including Glacier Point and Tunnel View outside of the Wawona Tunnel.

Redwood National Park. YAYAERNST/GETTY IMAGES

Redwoods and sequoias are not the same type of tree, but you can see both in California. Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. You can drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway if your kids aren't quite ready for (or aren't interested in) a long walk. Otherwise, you can get up close and personal with the ancient redwoods on one of the parks' many hikes.

At Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you can explore the giant sequoia groves from your car or on foot. The hike to the world's largest tree, the General Sherman Tree, is only about half a mile from the Main Trail trailhead. You can also take a scenic drive along Panoramic Point Road or Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is in Laguna Beach, about 3 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. The center has facilities to rescue and rehabilitate seals and sea lions suffering from injury, sickness, dehydration or malnutrition. It eventually releases them when they are healthy and ready. While at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, you can meet these animals up close while also learning how you can protect the oceans and all marine wildlife.

Agua Hedinonda Lagoon Discovery Center

Just a few minutes away from Legoland California in Carlsbad lies the 400-acre Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The lagoon serves as a home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, invertebrates and plants. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center gives both visitors and locals who benefit from the lagoon the opportunity to learn more about this coastal ecosystem. It offers hands-on exhibits, outdoor gardens and animal experiences. These allow kids and adults to learn about the lagoon and understand how they can help preserve it.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most well-known zoos in the world and a must-visit if you find yourself in Southern California. More than 14,000 rare and endangered animals reside at the zoo in habitats designed to closely resemble those where they would reside in the wild. The San Diego Zoo offers multiple ways to view and learn about its animal residents, including a guided bus tour, behind-the-scenes experiences, an aerial tram and more.

Related: The best hotels in San Diego

Bottom line

This list represents only a fraction of the kid-friendly activities in California, but it should give you an idea of the depth and breadth of what's available when you visit. My favorite vacations have a variety of activities that let me truly experience a destination. With California's array of theme parks, beaches, outdoor activities and more, you can build the perfect kid-friendly itinerary to please the whole family.

Related reading:

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Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

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Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Based on my own travels and the fun family vacations of other TPG staffers, here is a list of the best family-friendly activities in California.