The 8 Best Luxury Family Vacation Destinations in California

California sets the scene for family travel that feels both relaxed and elevated. Stretching from fog-cooled coastal towns to warm desert parks and vineyard valleys, the state offers remarkably different backdrops within a half-day’s drive of one another. For families seeking comfort, space, and experiences that feel intentional rather than crowded, California delivers: quiet beaches with gentle surf, high-alpine lakes framed by granite peaks, breezy wine-country weekends, and desert adventures that stay comfortably grounded in modern design.

This guide highlights the best luxury family vacation destinations in California, with options tailored for multi-generational trips, outdoors-driven weeks, and slow-living escapes. Many of these regions also feature Wander’s luxury California vacation rentals, ideal for families who want hotel-level polish with the ease of a private residence.

1. Sonoma County

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Sonoma strikes a balance between vineyard sophistication and a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. Even in peak seasons, the landscape feels spacious, with rolling hills, country roads, and tasting rooms that welcome families with open lawns and wood-fired cuisine. Spring and fall offer golden light and mild temperatures, but even summer’s warmth stays manageable thanks to the evening marine layer drifting in from the coast.

Families gravitate here for farm-to-table meals, interactive ranch experiences, and easy day trips to spots like Sebastopol, Healdsburg, and Bodega Bay. It’s a place where parents can enjoy estate wineries. At the same time, kids roam through gardens or visit animals, and a private Wander home makes evenings feel like the best part of the trip: fire pits, outdoor dining, and quiet nights under vineyard skies.

Things to do

• Bike the paved West County Regional Trail, stopping for pies at Mom’s Apple Pie in Sebastopol.

• Book a family-friendly tasting at Francis Ford Coppola Winery (pool access is a hit).

• Explore tide pools at Shell Beach near Jenner.

• Pick-your-own strawberries or pumpkins at Petaluma’s farm stands.

• Kayak the gentle stretch of the Russian River from Healdsburg’s Memorial Beach.

Travel tips

• Coastal areas can be 15–20° cooler; layers matter even in summer.

• Many wineries require reservations; look for those with outdoor space for kids.

• Expect morning fog near the coast, clearing by midday.

Expert tip from a Wander travel specialist
For families staying inland, start wine country days early and head toward the coast mid-afternoon. Roads like River Road open up beautifully as the fog retreats, and you’ll reach Bodega Bay right when the seafood shacks are quietest.

Where to Stay in Sonoma

• Wander Sonoma Estate – Fancy a dip in the pool after a day on the bike trails? This 4-bedroom Wander property has a private outdoor pool and a hot tub.

• Wander Sonoma Reserve – Value incredible views? Find unparalleled mountain vistas at this beautiful Wander home.

2. Santa Barbara

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Santa Barbara blends an easygoing beach culture with Mediterranean-style architecture and a temperate climate that rarely swings too hot or cold. Families love how walkable it is: State Street promenades, wide bike paths, and sandy beaches with mild surf. The city’s food scene also leans generously toward casual-but-excellent, which takes pressure off dining with kids.

The surrounding hills add a layer of grown-up indulgence, with small-scale wineries tucked into canyons toward Montecito and Los Olivos. A spacious Wander home in the region gives families room to spread out while staying close to both ocean and trailheads.

Things to do

• Ride the bike path from East Beach to Leadbetter for ocean views the whole way.

• Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, one of the most walkable in the state.

• Spend a morning exploring Lotusland’s whimsical botanical collections.

• Book a sailing lesson or coastal cruise from Santa Barbara Harbor.

• Wander the historic Mission Rose Garden at sunset.

Travel tips

• Parking fills quickly near the harbor; arrive before 10 a.m.

• The Old Mission area runs warmer than the waterfront; plan hikes early.

• Marine layer mornings are common in June; beaches clear noticeably after lunch.

Where to Stay near Santa Barbara

• Wander Beverly Hills Sanctuary – This 6-bedroom home is a modern retreat designed for ultimate California living. You’ll find a showstopping pool with a hot tub, sunken fire pit lounge, rooftop deck, and multiple outdoor lounges.

• Wander West Hollywood Vale – This home serves as an unparalleled escape in the heart of West Hollywood. Indulge in the epitome of comfort and relaxation with private access to a sparkling outdoor pool.

3. Lake Tahoe (North Shore)

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Tahoe’s North Shore offers crisp air, pine forests, and a lake so clear kids can spot pebbles beneath their paddleboards. Summer brings perfect high-alpine weather: warm days, cool nights, and afternoons made for swimming off piers. Winter, of course, belongs to skiing, and Northstar and Palisades rank among California’s most polished, family-friendly resorts.

This is a region where luxury doesn’t feel performative; it’s built into the landscape: private docks, quiet coves, and spacious mountain homes. For families booking a Wander property, the access to trails, sledding hills, and lakefront dining simplifies the whole experience.

Things to do

• Rent kayaks at Kings Beach for the calmest morning waters.

• Mountain-bike the gentle Sawtooth Trail in Truckee.

• Take the Aerial Tram at Palisades for sweeping views without strenuous hiking.

• Picnic at Sand Harbor; arrive early for parking.

• Explore Truckee’s historic downtown for ice cream and gear shops.

Travel tips

• Afternoon winds pick up on the lake in summer; paddle early.

• Parking at Sand Harbor fills by 8:30 a.m. on weekends.

• Even warm days drop to chilly nights; bring layers.

Where to Stay in Tahoe North Shore

• Wander Lake Tahoe Vista – The whole family will love the game room, hot tub, and lake access at this 6-bedroom home.

• Wander Tahoe Oasis – Dine al fresco overlooking the lake and enjoy the sunset from your private pier at this 7-bedroom home on the lake’s shores.

4. Big Bear Lake

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Big Bear delivers mountain fun without the far drive, just a couple of hours from Southern California’s coast. Families appreciate the predictable summer weather, with warm afternoons perfect for boating and cooler nights ideal for grilling on a cabin deck. Winter skiing at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain is accessible and friendly for beginners, making it a strong option for families trying snow sports for the first time.

Wander’s Southern California mountain homes provide the added comforts: hot tubs, game rooms, spacious kitchens, that turn Big Bear weekends into effortless multi-family gatherings.

Things to do

• Rent a pontoon boat for a slow lap around Big Bear Lake.

• Try the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.

• Explore the short Woodland Interpretive Trail with younger kids.

• Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehab-focused sanctuary.

• Go stargazing from the south-shore viewpoints.

Travel tips

• Traffic up the mountain peaks on Friday afternoons; depart early if possible.

• Summer thunderstorms roll in quickly; watch cloud buildups after 3 p.m.

• Roads can be icy even when the village feels warm; carry chains in winter.

Where to Stay Near Big Bear Lake

• Wander Joshua Tree Breeze – Discover this unique luxury escape in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, with 5 bedrooms, a private hot tub, and a fire pit perfect for roasting marshmallows under the stars.

• Wander Temecula Village – Imagine waking to breathtaking desert views, then spending your days relaxing by the sparkling outdoor pool or enjoying a rejuvenating soak in the soothing hot tub.

5. Malibu

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Malibu feels quiet compared to nearby LA, yet it offers some of the state’s most dramatic coastline. Families come for beach days that feel unhurried: broad stretches of sand, tide pools, and surf gentle enough for kids learning on foam boards. The food scene is surprisingly low-key, leaning toward seafood shacks, local cafés, and sunset decks where kids can roam without fuss.

Luxury here is tied to privacy and open space; a well-situated Wander home above the bluffs creates an effortless base for both beach days and scenic hikes.

Things to do

• Explore tide pools at El Matador or Leo Carrillo.

• Book a surf lesson at Zuma Beach, one of the safest for beginners.

• Hike Solstice Canyon to shaded ruins and creekside paths.

• Visit the Malibu Pier for casual lunch and dolphin spotting.

• Drive the Malibu Canyon Road for golden-hour views.

Travel tips

• Parking at El Matador is limited; arrive early or go at sunset.

• Afternoon winds can pick up; mornings are typically calmer for beach time.

• Fog can linger late in June; inland hikes often sit above it.

Where to Stay in Malibu

• Wander Malibu Breeze – The whole family is sure to be blown away by sunrise mountain views, the sparkling private pool, and the feast you’ll whip up on the state-of-the-art BBQ.

• Wander Malibu Colony Coastline – This unique 5-bedroom home offers an infinity pool and spa, home theater, gym, bar, and sweeping ocean and mountain views.

6. Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Palm Springs offers a sun-soaked contrast to the coast: architecture, wide desert views, and warm pools that feel especially welcome in winter and spring. Families enjoy the blend of outdoor exploration and resort-style downtime; one morning might be spent walking the palm oasis at Indian Canyons, the next lounging by a private pool at a Wander home.

Nearby towns like La Quinta and Palm Desert add golf courses, kid-friendly dining, and easy access to the Santa Rosa Mountains. Even in the heat of summer, mornings and evenings stay surprisingly comfortable, and many homes are designed with shaded courtyards and misters.

Things to do

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to cool alpine air.

• Walk the Murray Canyon Trail to a natural palm oasis.

• Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

• Browse mid-century shops in the Uptown Design District.

• Stargaze from your patio; desert nights are remarkably clear.

Travel tips

• Desert trails are best before 10 a.m. in warm months.

• Hydration is essential even in winter due to dry air.

• Many restaurants book quickly during spring events; reserve ahead.

Expert tip from a Wander travel specialist
If your family enjoys hiking, plan one sunrise outing to Tahquitz Canyon. The light hits the waterfall by mid-morning, and you’ll finish just as temperatures start to rise.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

• Wander Palm Springs Desert – Indulge in breathtaking mountain views from the comfort of your private 4-bedroom oasis, complete with a sparkling outdoor pool perfect for refreshing dips under the California sun.

• Wander Palm Springs Daze – Book a Mediterranean-style desert escape with a private pool, game room, BBQ, and al fresco dining area with unobstructed mountain views.

7. Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Monterey pairs dramatic coastline with calm, family-friendly attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row’s walkable waterfront. Fog is part of the region’s charm: soft mornings that burn into clear afternoons, perfect for scenic drives and tide pooling. In nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, cottages, courtyards, and white-sand beaches create a village feel that works beautifully for slow-paced family travel.

Wander’s properties along the Central Coast provide the elbow room families appreciate after full days outdoors, plus access to quieter beaches just south of town.

Things to do

• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium; reserve tickets early.

• Drive the 17-Mile Drive for coastal viewpoints and wildlife.

• Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve’s short coastal trails.

• Kayak Elkhorn Slough among sea otters.

• Watch the sunset from Carmel Beach.

Travel tips

• Coastal fog is common; plan indoor or urban activities for mornings.

• Parking near Point Lobos is limited; use the south entrance for better chances.

• Winds ease noticeably after 3 p.m., ideal for beach time.

Where to Stay near Monterey

• Wander Big Sur Coast – Find breathtaking ocean views, a movie room, a game room, and a fully-equipped gym and sauna at this 5-bedroom home.

• Wander Pebble Estate – Set behind private gates on nearly three acres, this estate captures 180 degrees of ocean horizon, from the cliffs of Point Lobos to the distant curve of Santa Cruz. You’ll find nothing else like it.

8. Napa Valley

Why it’s one of the best luxury family vacation destinations in California

Napa surprises many first-timers with how family-friendly it can be: wide lawns, vineyard views, and a genuinely relaxed pace outside the main towns. Late spring and early fall are especially comfortable, bringing warm afternoons and cool evenings ideal for alfresco dinners at your Wander home.

Beyond wine tasting, the valley offers bike paths, model train exhibits, and outdoor art installations that keep kids engaged. Parents, meanwhile, appreciate the culinary depth: food trucks, farm stands, and bakeries with shaded patios.

Things to do

• Bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail from Yountville.

• Picnic at V. Sattui’s sprawling grounds.

• Explore the outdoor sculptures at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.

• Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train Depot to see vintage engines.

• Walk the shaded trails at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.

Travel tips

• Afternoon heat builds quickly in summer; schedule tastings before noon.

• Many wineries allow children but have restricted areas; confirm ahead.

• Traffic through St. Helena slows on weekends; plan meals slightly outside town.

Where to Stay near Napa

• Wander Sonoma Farmhouse – Gather the whole family round the firepit to swap stories under the stars, splash around together in your private pool, or steal a moment in the relaxing hot tub after the kids have gone to bed.

• Wander Sonoma Sunset – This home has it all. A pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, an expansive outdoor dining area, and even a bocce ball court for a bit of playful family competition.

Plan the Perfect Luxury Family Vacation with Wander

California makes it easy for families to travel well: broad landscapes, relaxed food culture, and enough regional variation to match almost any travel style. Whether your ideal trip looks like tide pools and seafood shacks, mountain lake afternoons, vineyard picnics, or desert stargazing, the state offers luxury in the form of space, comfort, and thoughtful experiences.

Pairing these destinations with a luxury California vacation rental brings an added layer of ease, allowing each day to unfold at your family’s pace.