The holidays can be overwhelming, and not just for parents. After all is said and done, the whole clan could use a family travel getaway to unwind and relax, and Southern California’s Laguna Beach is the perfect place to do just that. With a great mix of nature, fun and entertainment, there is something for every family.
California’s beaches may not be as warm in wintertime as they get in summer, but it’s the perfect time to walk and play in the sand without crowds. There are plenty of beaches to explore along the city’s 7-mile stretch of coastline, but you can also enjoy the great weather by visiting one of Laguna Beach’s many parks. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a great option. It features more than 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking with incredible views of the local landscape infused with fresh sea air.
For trails exceptionally well-suited for younger kids, visit Nix Nature Center within the wilderness park. In addition to these easy-to-hike trails, the center also offers kid-friendly programs on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.).
Historically known as an artist colony, the town is a hotbed of unique boutiques and galleries to explore, so you’ll want to spend some time window shopping or picking up some creative souvenirs from your trip. And if you prefer to stay outside and enjoy the city’s many parks, you’ll find plenty of public art installations to inspire the family’s creative side.
The city’s coastal location and laid-back vibe are, by themselves, enough to make relaxing and unwinding unavoidable, but Laguna Beach makes things even easier by eliminating some of the stress of transportation. The city’s open-air trolley will carry you through town and to the beaches so you can explore, shop, eat and get around without having to deal with traffic and parking.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Apr 15, 20268 Hotels to Consider for International Tea Day Travel
Celebrate International Tea Day May 21 with family travel to these properties around the world offering standout tea service experiences.
Sponsored Content
Board a Nile River Cruise with A&K Sanctuary
If Agatha Christie took a Nile voyage today, we like to think she would do it aboard one of our A&K Sanctuary riverboats — consistently voted the best on the river, from boutique cruisers to a handsome six-suite dahabiya.
Hotels
Apr 14, 2026IHG Properties for World Cup Stays
Millions of fans are expected to travel for this year’s FIFA World Cup, taking place throughout North America this summer. With 11 host cities in the United States, the event gives family travelers the perfect reason to plan a soccer-focused getaway. IHG Hotels & Resorts boasts properties in and around these host cities, ideal for multi-city World Cup travel.
Cruises
Apr 14, 2026Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key is First Cruise Destination to Earn KultureCity Sensory Inclusion Certification
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key in Grand Bahama was recently certified as the first cruise destination to earn KultureCity’s prestigious sensory inclusion certification. KultureCity, a non-profit organization training staff and certifying venues with sensory-inclusive modifications, partnered with Carnival Cruise Line for six years.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Apr 13, 2026Two Family Escapes Where the Water Park Is Included
With travel costs on the rise, family travelers may be rethinking their spring and summer getaways and seeking out destinations where the built-in entertainment is included. Instead of adding expensive tickets and excursions, look for resorts that deliver high-impact experiences with water parks and activities all included in the stay. Two options, in The Bahamas and Orlando, offer just that:
ShareThis