Staying in a kid-friendly hotel provides the family a time for relaxation and exciting activities that your little ones will enjoy. However, make sure to prepare for the unexpected to prevent stress and keep tantrums at bay. Try out Southern California food and never miss out on the scenic views at every road stop.
Southern California is known for its beautiful spots and diverse attractions, making it the perfect destination for a family road trip. To achieve a successful road trip, some crucial steps are required for planning the perfect family vacation. Some of these steps include getting the children’s input, choosing a comfortable form of transportation, and packing the essentials.
You'll have more fun and ensure your family’s safety when you have concrete plans. Check out this ultimate SoCal family road trip guide to help you with the process.
1. Stay in a kid-friendly hotel
Road trips for adults are quite different from a family road trip, especially when you're with your children. As part of the thrilling experience, you may decide to simply camp out, but sometimes you may need the luxury of a hotel. Luckily, many Southern California hotels are kid friendly. Check out La Jolla Mom’s family hotel guide to find kid friendly hotels in San Diego that offer fun-filled activities to keep your kids occupied.
Some hotels in Orange County are close to theme parks, but also have kids' clubs so you can also enjoy hotel amenities, like golfing and relaxing at the spa, while the kids are having fun. You can also try participating in activities, such as lawn games or going to the beach, as a family. No matter where you are in Southern California, you can find a hotel that your family will like.
2. Expect the unexpected
While you're relaxing in the hotel, prepare yourself to expect the unexpected. If it's your first time going on a family road trip, it'll be probably filled with surprises. Some may give you joy, while others may give you headaches. That's why being mentally prepared is essential to prevent you from bursting.
Here are some precautionary measures you can take:
- For possible car sickness, pack a lot of paper towels, Ziploc bags, and saltine crackers. Use the plastic bag when someone feels like vomiting. Use the paper towel to wipe up their faces.
- For your kids who are potty training, don't forget their potty, wipes, and extra clothes.
- Bring your kids' toys, especially if they're likely to look for their favorite toys. That way, you can prevent them from throwing tantrums.
3. Try out Southern California snacks
While you're on the road, don't forget to bring snacks so that they won't get grumpy when hungry. If they're old enough to try out new foods, you should try tasting Southern California snacks, too. Since Southern California is popular for its food trucks, try those out. It's also a chance for you and your little ones to get out of your car from time to time.
You can try out Southern California's Mexican food trucks that offer torta, enchilada, burrito, taco, or pozole. You can also try out some British comfort foods, like fish and chips. Some even have great barbecues, while others offer sweet food, like doughnuts. The best thing is you'll find plenty of food trucks and cafes, so you won't suffer from an empty stomach while enjoying the ride.
4. Keep them busy while on the road
If it's going to be a long drive, keeping your kids busy is a must; your kids idly sitting can sometimes mean impending chaos. Since most children have short attention spans and they easily get bored, there’s a chance that they'll be grumpy. Fight this off by preparing interesting activities.
To keep them busy and happy, here are some things they can do while inside the car:
- Create a cinema-like atmosphere in the backseat. Give them popcorn while watching their favorite movies.
- Play car counting to practice their math skills and let them describe the color or size of the car.
- Bring musical instruments and let them have a car concert. Each member should have a musical instrument to play. Not only will they spend energy singing at the top of their lungs, but they’ll also practice their skills in playing instruments.
5. Take time to stop and enjoy the view
Long drives shouldn’t be spent solely inside the car. Let your driver have a rest and your kids breathe some fresh Southern California air. Since it’s one of the best places to visit in the USA, don't miss out on the stunning views. Let your family savor the glorious sunsets, towering palm trees, and dreamy beaches.
Whether you want to detour from the road or you're passing by the following sites, take the time to visit these breathtaking sites:
- Soak up under the sun after hiking on the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Enjoy nature by visiting the Secret Botanical Garden
- Feel the peaceful marina while listening to the water that rocks the boats at Dana Point
- Take some photos with San Diego's scenic views in Point Loma
- Look at the unique beauty of the Yucca tree at Joshua Tree National Park
- Get a chance to see celebrities at Malibu Pier while enjoying the famous view
- Don't miss the legendary Hollywood sign and take a family photo with it as the background.
Final thoughts
Staying in a kid-friendly hotel provides the family a time for relaxation and exciting activities that your little ones will enjoy. However, make sure to prepare for the unexpected to prevent stress and keep tantrums at bay. Try out Southern California food and never miss out on the scenic views at every road stop.
