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by Aaron Garcia
Family vacations don’t have to be a huge time commitment. Sure, taking a weeklong vacation to go camping in the mountains is always a great idea, but you don’t need to wait for this extended time off to give your family the vacation they deserve. Here is a list of four single-day family vacation destinations for when you feel like playing hooky. Of course, these one day excursions require you to be fairly close to your final destination, but nonetheless, here are some to check out.
- Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles California – No matter the time of year, Southern California beaches are always en vogue. If you live in the Los Angeles area, it can be easy to forget about this popular tourist destination, but its popular for a reason. There is plenty to see, do, and eat on the pier and your family will love being outdoors in the fresh air. You can ride the world famous Ferris Wheel on the pier, enjoy a light seafood lunch, and stroll up and down the beach. What’s better is that you can do it inexpensively and see everything in a day.
- SeaWorld, San Diego California – If you are looking for a fun, amusement park feel to your day trip, why not try SeaWorld? It’s right on the beach in sunny San Diego and it’s really a lot more than just Killer Whales and fish tanks. There are enough shows and attractions to keep your family entertained all day and no matter what your taste buds are feeling, there are dining options you will enjoy. Let your family get outside and learn about all the wonders of the sea.
- Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California – Postcards, photographs and stories cannot do this place justice. Hearst Castle is the pinnacle of beauty, luxury, and splendor. This once private home is now a California Historical Monument, paying tribute to the late William Randolph Hearst. There are six different tours that your family can partake in, each showcasing a different part of the mansion. When the tour is over, your family can enjoy a picnic lunch on the beaches of San Simeon. This is a day trip that you will want to take over and over.
- Mission San Francisco de Asís, San Francisco, California – Religious or not, there is enough history at this Spanish mission to uncover over the course of a few days. The mission is the oldest standing structure in San Francisco, and was founded in 1776 by the Spanish. You can spend the day walking around the grounds, taking in the history and admiring the architecture of the chapel and adjacent structures. You and your family can uncover a new sense of peace and serenity as you spend time at the mission, allowing you to return to your routine activities feeling refreshed.
No matter where you and your family choose to go for your one-day vacation, the important thing is that you are spending time together as a family. The memories you make on your vacations, big or small, will be remembered for a lifetime. Hopefully these exciting destinations will inspire you to snag the kids out of school, put the phone on silent and just get away for the day.
About the Author: Aaron Garcia is a Southern California native, spending the first 18 years of his life in Los Angeles. His passions include RV camping in California, fly fishing, and hiking.
These are all great tips for families for quick vacations. I really enjoy Sea World but if you’re in the area, throw in the San Diego Zoo as well, that place is incredible. I’d also like to recommend Santa Barbara. It’s a great place to visit w/ your family and there is a ton of things to do there, it is perfect for a weekend or a few days more. Positively stunning, this gorgeous beach town has supreme shopping, wine tasting, hiking, biking, museums, restaurants, and a whole lot more. I travel there often and I always stay at the Sandman Inn (thesandmaninn.com). Really affordable and really close to downtown, I love it!