By Sinaiyouth 
Adventure, beauty, and good times for kids and adults: With plenty to do indoors and outdoors, West Coast vacations offer family vacation ideas all year round. Whether you want to relax in the Pacific Northwest, seek family thrills in Las Vegas, or find family beach vacation bliss south of the border, this West Coast vacation is the perfect setting for spending time with family.
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1. Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
Picture this: You haven’t had an internet connection for days, just your coffee, the birdsong, and a few old-fashioned games to play together, nestled on the couch or wooden deck at the Klickitat Treehouse in White Salmon, Washington. When you’re ready to get out and explore, head east along the Columbia River Gorge to the curious and charming Maryhill Museum of Art.
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Fast forward a day or two. You now camp at the Inn at Northrup Station, a cozy and kitschy Portland hotel nestled in the city’s friendliest neighborhood, or at KEX Portland, a rustic and modern hotel and inn located in the heart of the city. You buy books at Powell’s, stroll through one of America’s most underrated zoos, attend concerts with your kids at the Wonder and Crystal Ballrooms, and navigate the food cart scene.
If you’re visiting during football season, soak up the action at a Thorns or Timbers game. The Pacific Northwest is nothing short of a west coast family vacation wonderland.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Ready to think big with your family in Las Vegas? Settle into a stunning, huge room at NoMad Las Vegas, complete with a decadent-length freestanding bathtub in the room.
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While in Sin City, enjoy pizza and pasta at Eataly (and maybe even learn a few cooking tips yourself), then head across the street to check out Flyover, one of the Strip’s best attractions. Over the course of four different exciting journeys, this ultimate 4D aerial journey will take you over Iceland, the American West, Chicago or the Canadian Rockies in impressive comfort and style. If you’re a sports-loving family, head to T-Mobile Arena for a Golden Knights ice hockey game or, if you can buy a ticket, a Raiders NFL football game.
3. Guerneville, California
Nestled beneath a canopy of giant redwoods lies Guerneville, a dream family getaway in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Imagine walking into a family-friendly glamping resort like Autocamp Sonoma and settling into a luxuriously comfortable vintage Airstream under a canopy of redwoods. A group of these legendary silver trailers surround a common area perfect for football games, roasting s’mores around a huge fire pit, watching your breath mingle with the starry sky above while tucked under a blanket, and sipping a hot beverage.
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During the day, borrow a free bike and cycle to the charming town center of Guerneville. Walk further afield to explore Sonoma’s towns and wineries, many of which offer kid-friendly activities like games and nature walks. (Of course, Sonoma is also one of the most romantic California vacations for couples.) Head west a few miles to admire California’s rugged coastline and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Everything is close to this secluded yet accessible eco-getaway destination in the redwoods of Northern California.
4. Seattle, Washington
From flying fish at Pike Place Market to exciting views of the city from the top of the Space Needle, Seattle has something to delight kids and adults alike. Stroll through the city’s neighborhoods, stopping for coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids, then take the ferry to Bainbridge Island for an easy and inexpensive way to get out on the water. (There are also plenty of cruises and day trips, but for the price, nothing beats taking a ferry.)
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Along the water, stop at the Seattle Aquarium, known for its educational exhibits and adorably busy otters and seals. Seattle CityPASS bundles a number of the most popular places for families into one discounted ticket (just note that you should always reserve your tickets in advance). And for slightly older kids, an underground tour of Seattle brings history to life.
5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Elegantly perched between mountains and sea, Puerto Vallarta is a port city with Spanish roots dating back to the mid-17th century. Beloved for its art, food, and beaches, it is both a popular family cruise port and a Mexico family vacation destination in its own right.
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In Zona Romántica (Old Town Vallarta), Marcela Resort and Spa is located in the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a place to escape and be pampered, with swimming pools, terraced gardens and even a championship putting green for those wanting a quick golf vacation.
When you’re ready to explore, head to the surrounding Old Town to wander the art galleries, grab a bite to eat at a favorite spot like The Blue Shrimp, walk down to the beach and sink your toes in the sand, and let the worries of home, school, and work fade away.
6. Palm Desert, California
Part of the Greater Palm Springs area, the city of Palm Desert offers serious family fun with a desert twist. It is home to The Living Desert, a fabulous zoo and gardens; the McCallum Theater, where you can see shows and concerts for all ages; self-guided wind farm tours; and outdoor desert jeep driving adventures.
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Set on 450 acres of gardens and lakes, with stunning mountain views, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is particularly appealing to children. The JW Entertainment Zone is a state-of-the-art arcade where you and your kids can battle it out while playing classic games like Pac-Man, Skee-Ball and air hockey, as well as high-tech simulators and motocross racing games.
For something less loud and furious, take a nature walk, do family yoga, or feed the flamingos that live at the resort.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most popular family vacations for good reason. Within its 1,200 miles, you’ll encounter towering ancient redwoods, spectacular waterfalls, deep valleys, otherworldly rock formations, wandering meadows, diverse local wildlife, and one of the best national park lodges in the country. It’s no wonder that famed nature photographer Ansel Adams made capturing the beauty of Yosemite his life’s work.
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Families can enjoy the scenic landscape by spending time hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, or picnicking. Reservations are required to enter the park by car during peak summer vacation months, so plan accordingly. Yosemite is also a particularly good national park to visit in the spring, when the crowds are fewer but the weather is pleasant.
8. San Juan Islands, Washington
Interested in a West Coast vacation that includes hiking, whale watching, kayaking, horseback riding, lighthouses, wineries, or farm-to-table food? Look no further than the San Juan Islands for your next trip. Just a two to three hour ferry ride from Anacortes, Washington, San Juan County’s most popular islands (there are over 170 islands and reefs) are Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island.
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Each island offers something different to visitors and families will love exploring all the variety of the islands. Lopez Island offers pastoral views, farms, and pretty B&Bs; Orcas Island is an outdoor adventurer’s dream, with Moran State Park close to town; and San Juan Island is home to the popular Friday Harbor, Snug Harbor, and Roche Harbor.