15 Best California Family Vacation Travel Spots For July 4th Holiday Weekend

Do you already have plans for your 4th of July celebration?

How about a trip to "The Golden State" this year? We’ve listed down the best family travel spots in California that you must not miss. To help you plan your trip, we included the best places and hotels to stay in, along with generous discounts from Agoda, so you get to enjoy more on your vacation.

1. Lake Tahoe

A Cali favorite, Lake Tahoe offers a lot of fun outdoor activities like hiking, biking and boating while the Lights on the Lake fireworks display is something you shouldn't miss.

For accommodation, you’ll feel right at home in Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and Big Pines Mountain House, both of which offer excellent prices.

2. Yosemite

One of the country’s most famous national parks, Yosemite offers just about every outdoor activity you can think of. From relaxing activities like hiking and fishing to more adventurous pursuits like mountain climbing, you and your family won't run out of things to do here.

Accommodation-wise, you can book at Juniper Springs Resort and The Village Lodge in Mammoth Lakes, which are just nearby.

3. San Francisco

One of the most visited cities in California, San Francisco is filled with culturally-rich neighborhoods, eclectic restaurants and a bustling city life. There’s no shortage of things to do and sights to see when you're in San Francisco. It's a great place to catch the fireworks too!

While you're there, enjoy a night or two in the famous Club Quarters Hotel in downtown SF.

4. San Diego

Warm weather, surf-friendly beaches and a rich food scene, what’s not to love about San Diego? There are also museums, zoos, parks, restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to be to spend your 4th of July getaway.

Head over to the famous Gaslamp area and enjoy a cozy stay at the Hotel Indigo San Diego, which offers great rates and free breakfast.

5. Santa Barbara

Looking for a Mediterranean vibe this 4th of July? Then head to Santa Barbara, a small coastal town filled with lovely beaches and relaxing spots. The Butterfly Beach is a place which celebrities often visit.

As for where to stay, book now at Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara and enjoy awesome hotel service and free breakfast at great prices.

6. Pacific Coast Highway

Make this part of your California road trip and enjoy wonderful sights as you head down to the Pacific Coast.

Then book your stay at the Rodeway Inn & Suites along Palos Verdes for an inexpensive yet enjoyable stop especially when you need to take a break from driving at night.

7. Mono Lake

Mono Lake is a famous saline body of water found in Mono County. Despite its high alkaline content, people can still take a dip in the soda lake and enjoy its water. You can also enjoy a kayak tour and other family-friendly activities.

No need to go far to find accommodation as Lee Vining’s Lake View Lodge is nearby.

8. Inyo National Forest

The Inyo National Forest, spans 2 million acres, a forest rich in wildlife, camping grounds and awesome views. It’s also home to the oldest living trees in the world.

If you’re not into camping however, the nearby Travelodge by Wyndham Bishop offers great rooms and free breakfast with a generous discount.

9. Death Valley

One of the most visited tourist attractions in California, Death Valley will surprise you with its stunning landscapes and rolling hills. It is filled with other famous spots, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Zabriskie Point.

As for accommodation, the historic Amargosa Opera House & Hotel offers great rates as well as a rich and interesting history that is just as engrossing as the look of the opera house.

10. Joshua Tree

An 80-acre desert oasis, Joshua Tree is filled with challenging trails and thousands of rock climbing routes that will test your mettle and upper body strength. For something more relaxed, you can hike or do horseback riding.

When it gets too hot, you can rent out the entire Plum Guide - Mojave Haus apartment unit, so you can have a home away from home.

11. Big Sur

No California trip is complete without passing by Big Sur, a famous coastal spot. Stretching over 90 miles, Big Sur offers breathtaking sights like the McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge and the Pfeiffer Beach, which has purple sand.

Hotel-wise, the Morgan Hotel San Simeon offers great prices and is only an hour away. Driving to the spot will take you to other tourist sites like the Coastal Discovery Trail, San Simeon Visitor Center and the Ragged Point Restaurant.

12. Los Angeles

The City of Angels is best-known for Universal Studios Hollywood, Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. It’s also home to the famous Hollywood Sign, Disneyland Park, the Griffith Observatory and the Santa Monica Pier.

The Hotel Indigo Los Angeles is located just downtown, while the Wingate by Wyndham Los Angeles is right beside LAX for maximum convenience.

13. Big Bear Lake

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the holidays while the kids splash around the pristine, clear water. This place also has one of the best camping spots in all of California.

The nearby Wolf Creek Resort is a charming and affordable place to settle in for the weekend.

14. Hearst Castle

One of the most elegant places you'll find in California, Hearst Castle was built by William Randolph Hearst and boasts 165 rooms set on 127-acres of land. Within it are plenty of elegant and interesting areas to explore, making a visit well worth your time.

The nearby Days Inn by Wyndham San Simeon is a popular hotel you can spend the night in, offering great amenities and breakfast for visiting families.

15. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

Did you know that California’s official flower is the poppy? So why not visit the beautiful Poppy Reserve in the Mojave Desert? Since wildflower season is still ongoing, it's a great time to visit this beautiful spot now!

No need to sleep in the poppy field though as the Devonshire Inn Motel is a well-known affordable inn that’s just a short drive away.