Category Archives: DAYTIME ADVENTURES

CALIFORNIA, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

WHAT TO DO IN IDYLLWILD, CA – YOUR WEEKEND GUIDE

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Idyllwild is a great spot for a day trip of exploration or a weekend away. We have loved heading up for a day trip from San Diego several times and we have loved staying longer to camp for the weekend. No matter how you choose to adventure in Idyllwild, you will not be disappointed. With live music almost daily, funky art, and unique food, there is always something fun to check out in Idyllwild. There is something so unique about the west side of Mount San Jacinto.

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN IDYLLWILD, CA

WHERE TO HIKE AND EXPLORE IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

NATURE CENTER

The Idyllwild Nature Center is a must-do visit for anyone, but especially with kids! The Nature Center not only has hands-on educational exhibits for the kids, but the surrounding trails offer several options for family-friendly hiking. Our favorite, the flat, less than one mile, Nature Trail walks you through the history, flora, and fauna of the region. It makes for a great walk with kids, with lots of nooks to explore. The trail has numbers along the way that corresponds to information on the trail guide you can pick up when you pay your fees. Check out the top of the cedar tree at stop #4 for a raven’s nest! It has been there for multiple years now. We love to park in the first lot off Highway 243 and walk to the museum portion of the Nature Center on this trail.

The Nature Center is located about a mile outside of town and has two small parking lots that we have always been able to park in. They are open Thursday – Sunday 9 am – 4 pm. The Nature Center collects fees that support the programs and facilities. Day use fees are $4/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $1/leashed dog. These fees cover your parking, allow you to hike the trails, explore the museum, and use the picnic areas and facilities. After you park, you pay your fees in the Nature Center and the volunteer will give you a Nature Trail Guide and trail map and can answer any questions you may have.

NATURE CENTER HIKES

After visiting the museum, make sure to head up the Perimeter trail and take in the beautiful views of the San Jacinto Wilderness. We love picnicking up here or having a kombucha and snack. Our son has so much fun exploring the rocks and checking things out with his binoculars from this spot. If you want a longer hike, keep going on the Perimeter Trail. We haven’t completed the loop, but this post goes into great detail about the route! This is also a starting point for the Deer Springs Trail. Don’t miss the Nature Center when checking Idyllwild out with kids!

HUMBER PARK

Humber Park is in the San Bernardino National Forest and makes for a great stop. It is a beautiful spot to park and explore. There are picnic tables and facilities to enjoy in the area. Most people are using the site as a starting point for two major trailheads – Devil’s Slide and Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. The Devil’s Slide Trail requires a permit to head into the San Jacinto Wilderness. This area also requires an adventure pass (like Mount Laguna) or National Park Annual Pass to park. My husband is working on completing the Devils’ Slide hike up to the Palm Springs Tramway so I will report back on that soon. The kids and I will be waiting in a pool on the other side of the peak!

IDYLLWILD VILLAGE CENTER

On any given weekend, the center of town is almost always filled with live music. Sadly, Dolly Parton sold her home in Idyllwild a few years ago, but you can only imagine how cool it would be to enjoy live music and see Dolly walk on stage! If nothing is happening in the main square, you can always find music in the variety of restaurants surrounding the center. So many of the restaurants and shops I recommend are in walk distance of the town center.

Art is abundant in Idyllwild so there is no shortage of galleries to explore. You can also check out the “Harmony” wood sculpture carved with a chainsaw by local sculptor David Roy. You may even see David Roy carving different wood animals in front of the sculpture as well. Our son loves watching him work!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

FERRO

Idyllwild is full of culinary adventures, but Ferro has become our absolute favorite. We are both suckers for amazing Italian and the food is delicious. Ferro has three sections of seating – the front patio (all we have experienced – you can see the vibe in pictures), indoors, and the back patio. The back patio looks super fun with live music and room for kids to roam. Ferro makes DELICIOUS food. It is not to be missed! Reservations are recommended. During COVID lockdowns, we took our meal to go to Humber Park for a delicious picnic. If you are traveling without kids, check out the pizza oven bar outside! Don’t skip Ferro for dinner!

IDYLLWILD ICE CREAM & JERKY

Who doesn’t love ice cream at any moment? But especially after a decent hike? There are two spots in town that we love. Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky gives you all of your classic flavors with a short walk to several of our favorite shopping spots. This is a great spot to treat your kids for hiking well!

CANDY CUPBOARD

Closer to the campground, the Candy Cupboard is another one of our son’s favorites. The store is filled with candy which is exciting enough for kids, but their specialty is an old-fashioned chocolate-dipped ice cream bar. The bar is rolled in the topping of your choice. This is a hit with the whole family, and as you can see, our son prefers sprinkles!

IDYLLWILD BREW PUB

The Idyllwild Brew Pub is the hot new spot for families in town! Owned by the same people as Ferro, they are bringing A-game food to the pub scene. They have a great beer selection (over 20 draft beers) and space for kids to play. They know what they are doing! The Brew Pub opens at 11 for lunch & dinner.

CAFE AROMA

This restaurant is a go-to! On day trips, we love it for lunch or early dinner. The building is filled with art and doubles as an art gallery. You can almost always find live music here (on hold due to COVID). We had incredible sandwiches and my chicken sandwich came with a raspberry vinaigrette that was delicious. Cafe Aroma serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. Although we have only had lunch outside, the main dining room looks cozy and cute for a snowy day. I also love the “Idyll-Beast Yeti Crossing” sign as Idyllwild is known for its rumored Yeti sightings.

LA CASITA

La Casita has great Mexican food. You can sit outside on a beautiful deck surrounded by pines in summer or opt for inside the dining room in winter! The menu has all of your favorites and we loved our burritos (they were super big)! La Casita has margaritas and Micheladas to quench your mid-day thirst as well. We did not have to wait too long for our lunch table. They open at 11 for lunch and dinner.

GASTROGNOME

This is a great date night restaurant as it is a classic steakhouse. The restaurant opened in 1973 and continues to expand on the relationship between food and art. Although we have only visited Idyllwild in summer, I can only imagine this place would be ideal in the snow! The fireplace and dim lighting would make for an exceptional meal. Gastrognome opens at 11 for brunch & dinner.

IDYOLOGY – REOPENED WITH A NEW MENU & MANAGEMENT

This was a rad little spot to grab a drink and listen to live music along the creek. You could take your beverage down to explore with several little seating areas scattered along the creek. The freedom to explore making it great for kids. The restaurant was closed during our last visit to Idyllwild but has apparently reopened with a new menu and management. I will update this post once we visit again!

EL BUEN CACAO

We have enjoyed this chocolate shop since they were in a tiny place right in town. Now they have a larger space for making their amazing chocolates. The chocolates are made with cacao and have nothing added to them. They are divine. Stop in for a treat and coffee and you will not be disappointed.

WHERE TO SHOP IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

IDYLLWILD GARDENS

I absolutely love coming to Idyllwild Gardens during our visits. They carry so many beautiful indoor and outdoor plants. A small Idyllwild succulent is the ultimate souvenir to me when we visit. Even better, I love seeing the new parts of this nursery, as it has only expanded over the years. Every time we visit, there is a new nook to explore. They are doing a beautiful job! I also love scoring a few plants to use as campsite decor before making their home in our yard!

MOUNTAIN MANIACS ARCADE

What child is not pumped to go from hiking to an arcade? Our son was so excited to stumble upon this arcade during our camping trip. A classic arcade that excites your kids – and lets parents nostalgia indulge?!? This is a great place to stop after a hike and when cruising through town.

EARTH N FIRE

This is a cute “paint your own pottery” store right in the town center. Due to COVID, they now have take-home kits available. Being in a mountain town that thrives in art and music, this makes a fun stop for kids if you are visiting for the weekend. In addition to the experience, you have a fun souvenir to take home with your kids!

CAMPING IN IDYLLWILD, CALIFORNIA

SAN JACINTO STATE PARK – IDYLLWILD CAMPGROUND

This campground is great if you want to be close to town. Although you are within walking distance of the town center, you still feel like you are escaping the busyness of the town underneath the pines. We had an incredible weekend here. There are 31 sites for tents and RV’s. Sites are spread out and have close water and facilities. Our son participated in the Junior Ranger program here and had a great time. This is a great pick for camping in Idyllwild. Sites are $25/night and limited to 8 people max at any time. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.com.

IDYLLWILD REGIONAL PARK

Just a little outside of town, Idyllwild Regional Park is another great place for camping. Although we have not camped here, we paid the day-use fees to explore with our son. He was anxious to ride his bike and the trails through the meadow and campground delivered! We used our time exploring to plan a future camping trip that I will update here once we do!

The park is run by Riverside County, the same as the Nature Center. Day use fees are $6/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $2/leashed dog. Camping sites are $30/night for six people. Reservations can be made online through the Riverside County website. During our walk, we thought that sites 20 & 21 were especially desirable. Many of the sites are very close together and only one car will fit in the parking for the site (additional cars can park in the day-use lot).

FAVORITE STOPS IN & OUT OF TOWN

Temecula Berry Company

Fork & Plow Lavender Farm

Lake Fulmor

NEXT TIME…

Have you been to Idyllwild? Share your thoughts with me! I love trying new spots!

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, NORTHERN CA

A DAY HIKING IN MUIR WOODS

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Muir Woods National Monument is located in Marin County in Mill Valley, California. With over 6 miles of maintained trails, a day hiking in Muir Woods is a great way to escape the busy city life and find peace in nature. Some of the best hiking trails in Muir Woods are accessible and kid-friendly, making for a great family day. Reservations are required for parking, so you will have to plan a bit. But setting aside some time to explore the beauty of these redwoods on a Muir Woods trail is highly recommended.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

MUIR WOODS HOURS OF OPERATION

Depending on the season, the park opens at 8 am and closes at 5 or 6 pm. The café and gift shop are open 9 am-4 pm. The visitor center opens at 8 am and closes about 30 minutes before the park. You can check current hours and closures here.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK

Advanced reservations are required to park at Muir Woods National Monument. Check this link for the reservation page. For $9.00/vehicle, you choose a 30-minute arrival window for parking, and you are welcome to stay as long as you would like. You can also opt to pay your $15/person entrance fees during this reservation process. Muir Woods is part of the National Park system, so do not pay the fee in advance if you use one of the National Park Annual Passes to enter Muir Woods.

THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE

There is no cell service approaching the Muir Woods National Monument entrance. This is important to consider when planning a day in Muir Woods. Your parking reservation needs to be downloaded or printed in advance to show the attendant. You will not be able to pull up your email to show the attendant. Also, if you are taking rideshare to get there, such as Uber or Lyft, you will need a plan for leaving. You will not be able to request your ride home with no cell service.

MUIR WOODS SHUTTLE

A shuttle runs from Mill Valley and Sausalito to board and take to the park. Unfortunately, we did not use the shuttles, but you can find current information about the shuttles here.

PLAN FOR WEATHER

Muir Woods is located in Marin County, known for having cooler, foggy/cloudy days. Due to the canopy of the redwood forest, the sun can barely peek through the trees, making shade abundant. This naturally brings the temperature down, so I highly recommend layers for everyone in the family during a Muir Woods hike. When temperatures are high, the forest remains cooler with the shade. After heavy rains, the forest can be incredibly muddy, so plan accordingly with little kids!

DINING OPTIONS

There is no eating allowed in the forest area of Muir Woods National Monument. We had packed a delicious picnic packed and realized quickly we would not be enjoying it during our hike. There are many benches outside the entrance for picnicking, which we did. We had picked up the delicious Sweet Affair bakery in Walnut Creek and I wasn’t about to pass up my favorite sandwich (turkey on butter crust) and cookie (peanut butter chocolate chip) combo!

If you plan a longer hike that heads into Mount Tamalpais State Park, you will be able to picnic in the state park. In addition, there are no garbage cans anywhere along the trail. Therefore, if you snack or have a beverage, make sure to pack out ALL of what you bring in.

MUIR WOODS TRADING COMPANY CAFE

Muir Woods has a small cafe and gift shop right at the entrance. The Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe serves a variety of lunchtime-style sandwiches and salads. Check out the menu here. You can also pick up a coffee or pastry if visiting early or in chilly weather.

HIKING TRAIL ETIQUETTE

When you visit Muir Woods, it is important to respect the beauty of the forest. Redwood trees are some of the tallest trees in the world and have very fragile and shallow roots. Therefore, it is essential to stay on the hiking trails in Muir Woods to protect this beautiful place. The trails are well maintained and marked, so you will not be confused. It pains me to see people blatantly ignoring signs and hopping over fences to get their perfect Instagram picture. The fragile state of the forest is also why there are no bikes or pets allowed in Muir Woods. In addition, be aware of poison oak warnings all over the forest, especially with littles. Please make sure to respect the forest so it will be here for future generations.

THE JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

As you know from my blog, I love the Junior Ranger programs at National Parks. This program was great because it was much shorter than the large National Parks, and my son could complete the activities during our visit. In addition, I love the info in the books and how we all learn about the park more as he works through his activities. You can download the activities ahead of time or pick up a book in the visitor center or when you pay your entrance fee ($15/adult when we were there in 2020 and 2022).

THE REDWOOD CREEK TRAIL – THE MAIN MUIR WOODS HIKE

The Redwood Creek Trail is the main trail through the redwood forest. This is where you will start a day in Muir Woods, and you can add to the adventure from this trail. The trail is a wooden boardwalk that is well maintained and wheelchair accessible. The trail follows the creek and has four bridges that cross over each side. Since we visited during COVID, the trails were designated one-way, so we could not travel back and forth, although that option would have allowed more back-and-forth to see everything. The bridges offer you three different options for looping through the forest. Bridge one is right by the cafe at the entrance. Once you start up the creek into Muir Woods, you have several options for expanding your hike.

LOOP TO BRIDGE TWO

The first option for your Muir Woods hike is to only walk up to bridge two, a 1/2 mile, 30-minute loop through the start of the forest. This loop gives you an exquisite taste of the forest and is an excellent option for those not looking to walk too much. There is very little elevation gain on this trail. This loop starts at the Muir Woods visitor center and takes you through Founder’s Grove and the Pinchot Tree.

This tree is one of the largest in the grove and is dedicated to Gifford Pinchot in 1910, the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot lobbied President Roosevelt to save these redwoods. This first loop offers beautiful views of the creek and towering coastal redwoods above. The beginning of the Canopy View Trail is to the right of this loop.

LOOP TO BRIDGE THREE

The loop to bridge 3 is pretty short and will turn your walk into a 1 mile, 1-hour tour of the grove. You can enjoy the giant redwoods of the Bohemian Grove trail on this portion of the walk. As you approach bridge 3, you can either cross the bridge to loop back towards the Visitor’s Center or continue for more adventure.

LOOP TO BRIDGE FOUR

If you continue to bridge four, you will create a two-mile loop through the redwood forest that is well worth it. This portion of the main Redwood Creek Trail takes you through Cathedral Grove, a beautiful, quiet part of the trail. As I mentioned earlier, the wooden boardwalk and trails are very well-maintained. They are even adding a portion of the trail in this area.

CATHEDRAL GROVE

I read somewhere that you should enter this area with purpose and reflect on your intention as you walk through. Signs ask for quiet in the grove, and it is beautiful. We entered the grove focused on gratitude as we were with my parents whom we rarely get to adventure with. Practicing gratitude for a moment, no matter your circumstances outside of your visit is empowering in nature. So take a moment of pause to reflect in the grove during your day in Muir Woods.

A quote from John Muir was ringing in my head as we walked through this particular area in the grove. Due to the beauty and quiet, my son enjoyed working on a few pieces of his Junior Ranger book on this portion of our hike. We all enjoyed taking in the sounds of the forest.

Several longer trails leave from this loop – the Fern Creek Trail, Camp Eastwood Trail, and Bootjack Trail. Hikers can combine the Fern Creek and Eastwood trails into a less than 4-mile loop through the forest, wildflowers, and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Fern Creek Trail can be combined with the Mt. Tam Lost Creek Trail and back to the Canopy View Trail in Founder’s Grove for a two-hour, quieter trek through the forest. The Bootjack Trail will take you on a beautiful 7-mile loop into Mount Tam State Park as well.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.

– John Muir

HIKING THE HILLSIDE TRAIL

Once you reach bridge 4, you can U-turn and head back through Cathedral Grove to bridge three or cross over to begin the Hillside Trail to loop around. This route gives you a 2-mile, 1 1/2 hour trek through the forest. I highly recommend going this way as it gives you a different perspective on the beauty you have seen. In addition, it gives you a new view of the forest since you were walking on the forest floor before this trail. Suddenly you are on a hillside, looking down at the paths where you were before. It is essential to be careful with young kids on this trail, as some drops are steep, and there are no guard rails. This trail begins with a large hill up from the bridge but then levels out. It is a great option that will take you back to bridge two.

You will be back on Redwood Creek Trail when you come off the Hillside Trail at bridge 2. The walk back to the entrance and Visitor Center is very short and shaded. I highly recommend adding the Hillside Trail to your Redwood Creek loop. Please note the Hillside Trail is not stroller friendly.

DON’T MISS THESE GEMS NEAR MUIR WOODS

After hiking through Muir Woods, chances are you will be seeking more adventure or a relaxing meal. Here are some of our favorite places to stop by after our Muir Woods adventure.

THE PELICAN INN & MUIR BEACH

A few minutes down the road from the Muir Woods National Monument is Muir Beach, where you also find the relaxing and quaint Pelican Inn. This inn takes you back to 16th century England is a great place to come and enjoy a beverage or meal after your Muir Woods hike. This small inn is home to a great pub that delivers sustainable and delicious English fare.

We visited on a gloomy day, and the dining room’s fireplace and cozy feel were a perfect stop on our Marin County adventure. We had the fish and chips as well as the roasted carrots. Both were great, and I cannot wait to return for an overnight stay to enjoy the Beef Wellington with a glass of wine by the fire.

On a sunny day, I can imagine these lawns are a great place to picnic, as people were gathered doing just that even in wet weather. The patio was green and inviting. Don’t forget to step out to see Muir Beach after your meal. This quiet cove is a favorite for sunbathing and bonfires by locals and is accessed by the 450-foot bridge that connects Muir Beach to the parking lot.

MUIR BEACH OVERLOOK

Muir Beach Overlook is a beautiful place to end your day. Follow the staircase out from the parking lot for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Muir Beach, and the Point Reyes Peninsula on a clear day. History buffs will enjoy seeing the remnants of observation bunkers used by the San Francisco Coastal Defense System in WW2.

If you are craving more adventure, follow the 1.5-mile coastal trail to Slide Ranch and down to the North Beach tidepools. This 3-mile round trip adventure is fun for kids and on our next time list!

NEXT TIME LIST

  • Hike the 3.1 mile Fern Creek, Lost & Ocean View Loop
  • Hike the 6.3 mile Bootjack Trail Loop
  • Picnic and hike the 9.7 mile (difficult level) Ben Johnson Trail (aka Dipsea Trail) from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach

Anything you would add to a day in Muir Woods? If you are looking for another great hike in the Bay Area, check out my post about Oakland’s Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve Loop.

CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

A WEEKEND IN MOUNT LAGUNA

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Mount Laguna is one of my favorite places to get away to when I am craving nature. The trails are beautiful and the views are stunning. On clear days you can see out over Anza-Borrego Desert and over the Salton Sea. During fall the trees are gorgeous and in spring the wildflowers sprinkle the trails with colors and joy. We have experienced days when you can’t see 10 feet in front of you and the wind is whipping everything around you. We have also played in the snow on the side of the road. A weekend in Mount Laguna will not disappoint, no matter the season.

JUMP TO…

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
GARNET PEAK via PENNY PINES
PINE HOUSE CAFE RESTAURANT & TAVERN
BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND
DESERT VIEW TRAIL
WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL
SUNSET TRAIL
A FEW QUICK STOPS
SNOW PLAY

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

ADVENTURE PASS

The Mount Laguna Recreation Area is part of the Cleveland National Forest, which requires an “Adventure Pass” for parking on the mountain in certain areas. Due to COVID, many of the areas stopped requiring Adventure Passes, so I recommend checking here for the latest info on what trailheads are requiring the pass. You can purchase your $5 daily pass online here or opt for the $30 annual pass. To purchase the annual pass, you have several options. In advance, order online here, visit a vendor (Big 5 in Carlsbad or REI in Encinitas sells them) or day-of stop in at the Visitor’s Information Center when entering the recreation area. If you have an “America the Beautiful” national park pass, that will cover your fee here too! Just hang it on your mirror when parking.

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN VISITOR’S CENTER

The Visitor’s Information Center is next door to the Laguna Mountain Lodge Store. This is a great place to quickly stop in for information. There are public restrooms in the parking lot as well. Due to COVID, the Visitor’s Center has been closed, but when open, they are a great resource for maps and other brochures. This is also where you can pick up the Wooded Hill Nature Trail Guide I mention below. The Visitor’s Center is located right off the Sunrise Highway at Los Huecos Road, between mile marker 23.5 and 23.

JUNIOR FOREST RANGER

If you follow the National Park areas of my blog, you know my love for Junior Ranger programs. Although they are not passed out on the mountain, there is still a National Forest Junior Ranger program your child can participate in! You can email to order your booklet ahead (smokeybear@fs.fed. us) to receive one in the mail or download the booklet here to print at home. The booklet is a great additional item to pack for a weekend in Mount Laguna because it keeps your child engaged with all that he/she is seeing out on the trails. I love using them as entertainment at restaurants too! Once your child completes the activities, you can mail in the card for a pin and card.

WEATHER

As with any adventure, check into the weather before heading up the mountain. Mount Laguna can see hot temperatures during summer days, but they drop quickly as the sun goes down. In addition, wind can be a major factor! When we are planning a big hike or camping weekend, I always check the wind to make sure it will be enjoyable. During winter, Mount Laguna will see snow and the Sunrise Highway will sometimes require chains or be closed. So please check weather and current driving conditions before you go!

DRIVING TO MOUNT LAGUNA

The main road through the mountain is the Sunrise National Scenic Byway. No matter the direction you come in, I love the way the road changes as you climb up the Sunrise Highway. The 24-mile scenic byway winds up and down the mountain through pines and mountain meadows with views of the Anza-Borrego Desert below. We usually try to come in one way and out the other to make a big loop.

From North County San Diego, there are two main ways to head into Mount Laguna. You can use the 8 freeway past Alpine to head up the mountain, or you can take the windier, slower way through Highway 78 & 79 past Julian. The direction we go really depends on our plans for hiking and dining. This map gives you an overview of the places I mention in this post so you can plan your route. I usually consider the following factors when picking our route.

Starting on the 8 freeway towards Alpine is faster and more direct. Our son gets carsick so this is an easier way up for him. He does better with the windier roads near Julian on the way out of town. Also, the cell service works better for the initial chunk of the drive if your child is using any device that needs consistent service to function. On colder days, I love a hot coffee in the car while we charge the freeway route to get up. After our time in Mount Laguna, I love stopping in Julian to enjoy one of our favorite places for a snack or beverage before heading home.

Driving up the Sunrise Highway from the 8 near Alpine

The alternative route is to go through Julian first. I love this if you are visiting during summer and have more daylight hours. It allows you to stay on the mountain until sunset later in the evening. Many of our favorite stops in Julian tend to start shutting down around 5pm, so it allows us to stop at the pumpkin patch before heading up the mountain with plenty of daylight for hiking left. The freeway route home is faster when you are exhausted and just want to be home. Leaving through Alpine gives you a straighter route in the dark too, versus the windy mountains roads of Highway 78 out of Julian.

Driving up the Sunrise Highway towards Mt. Laguna from Julian

GARNET PEAK via PENNY PINES

I am jumping right into my favorite hike on the mountain. Garnet Peak is absolutely stunning and will take your breath away. On a clear day, the panoramic views seem to go on forever. When you make it to the top, it is almost emotional staring out at the beauty of the Cleveland National Forest around you and the Anza-Borrego Desert below you. There is an old coffee can with a notepad where people sign a note saying they have made it to the top. You can see messages from people who just overcome trials like beating cancer, hiking to heal from grief associated with extreme loss or are celebrating with family. As you sit at the top, you can’t help but think of all the emotions that have been processed on this peak. It really is a beautiful place.

There are two ways out to the Garnet Peak Trail. You can park on Sunrise Highway and head straight up the peak (about 2.2 miles), but we prefer to park at the Penny Pines Trailhead (27.8-mile marker) and take the longer 4-mile route. This trailhead is closest to the Julian side of the mountain, so it is a great first stop if heading up from Julian (or last stop if you come in from Alpine). There will be cars parked along the road at Penny Pines. This section of trail takes you east for a bit and then north on the famous PCT before hitting the Garnet Peak Trail. The views this way are stunning and Penny Pines is a great area to explore and enjoy even if you don’t want to take the longer hike to Garnet Peak.

Penny Pines Trail on Mount Laguna

PENNY PINES TRAILHEAD

We have stopped here several times without heading all the way up to Garnet Peak. This portion of the trail is less than a mile and gives you a taste of the views you will see once you reach the peak. We have been here on beautiful clear days like you can see above, and also on windy and foggy days where you cannot see anything! Mt. Laguna in the fog is fun to see for different reasons, but clearly, the views will not be as exciting!

We knew this day would be foggy, but we decided to adventure out anyway, The fog gave us a new view of a trail we love. However, we ended up turning back from Garnet Peak early because the wind was so strong it felt like our son could blow off the trail! The fog did begin to burn off as we returned to the trailhead. Make sure to keep wind and weather in mind when planning your Mount Laguna adventure.

During spring, the trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers. In fall, you can see the changing colors of the forest surrounding you. Our son does great on this trail. Whether only heading out for the first mile, or taking the full 4-mile out-and-back trail to the peak, he loves this trail. In the beginning, some of the brush is overgrown and you may feel like you are squeezing yourself through, but stay on the trail. It will soon open up to expanse views of the Anza-Borrego Desert.

GARNET PEAK TRAIL

The full 4-miles to Garnet Peak will give you an elevation gain of about 700 feet. We always pack a small picnic to enjoy along longer hikes, and there are several areas along this trail to sit on the rocks to enjoy a snack. Once you see the “Garnet Peak Trail” sign, you have merged onto the Garnet Peak Trail and the climb begins.

If hiking with kids, it is a good idea to make sure they have proper shoes for this hike. The last portion towards the peak does get very steep and rocky. When our son was younger, we did put him in the carrier for this final portion of the trail. At the top, there are many areas to sit and enjoy the view. When our son was younger, we kept him close! On a clear day, you can see the windmills out towards Palm Springs! Definitely pack some binoculars for the views on top!

PINE HOUSE CAFE & TAVERN

This restaurant recently changed ownership, and I have not been since the change due to all of the COVID madness. However, the location is great and the mountain vibe is the same. This log cabin style restaurant has been around since 1942 and has been feeding PCT hikers for many years. The cafe is right next to Burnt Rancheria on Sunrise Highway, across from the Laguna Mountain General Store. The cafe is open Thursday – Sunday and has breakfast, lunch, dinner & take-out picnic options available. Our son loved the mac and cheese and we love a cold beer on the patio after a long hike! The menus below are current in October 2020. You can check out the current hours and menu offerings on their website. I can’t want to check this place out next time we are on the mountain!

BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND

We love this campground! It is beautiful and the camp hosts are so helpful. The campground is open from April – October. Pets are allowed on a 6ft max leash at all times. The campground is made of several loops, and sites in the Pinyon, Lilac and Yucca Loop can be reserved in advance on recreation.gov. The rest of the 108 sites become first-come, first-serve. This map can give you an idea of where the sites are in relation to facilities. All sites have a table and fire ring. The camp hosts sell firewood for $6/bundle. You can call the campground with any questions at 619/473-0120 or follow the campground facebook page for updated information.

Our son loved this campground. I had been checking cancellations and scored a one-night opening during COVID when the campground had been full every day. We were thrilled, but then the 60mph winds had us hesitant. After our windy Garnet Peak hike, we came to the campground to picnic on our site and decide what to do next. During our picnic, we looked over at our fire ring and saw this snake cruising through our site! It may be hard to see in the picture, but we quickly realized all of the snake warning signs are up for a reason!

We were in site 45, which was right next to the bathrooms. All of the sites are spread out, which was especially enjoyable during COVID. The campground borders the PCT and The Desert View Trail left right by our site which made for an easy late afternoon hike. Walking through the campground later in the evening showed us the beauty of the sun setting in the Mahogany, Redberry & Cherry loop. During non-COVID summers, you an easily walk up to the Sunrise Highway to grab dinner or a beer at the Pinehouse Cafe before setting up for smores at night.

DESERT VIEW TRAIL & PICNIC AREA

The Desert View Trail gives you panoramic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert 6,000 feet below. The trail leaves right from the Burnt Rancheria campground next to site 44. It is pretty amazing to be looking down at the desert and surrounded by pines. The one-mile loop heads up to the Desert View Picnic Area which has several picnic tables and nooks to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The PCT runs along here too, so you may share the trail with PCT hikers for a bit.

We were visiting in June, and the wildflowers along the hike were my favorite. I just love the bright colors sprinkling the landscape along a hike. We headed back to our campsite through the campground (vs the trial back to site 44) and enjoyed the views of the sun setting on the different loops in Burnt Rancheria.

If you are not camping in Burnt Rancheria, the Desert View Picnic Area has parking and you can loop staring there and back up. The views are fabulous and you can see the Salton Sea on clear days. It was an easy trail for our son too!

WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL

This trail is an easy 1.6-mile loop that is great for families! The trail is a figure-8 shape, with a smaller .5 mile loop option. It is also a self-guided nature trail, with exhibit numbers painted on rocks to teach you about local plant life. You can pick up the trail guide at the Visitor Center. Due to COVID, we were unable to get the pamphlet, but we still loved the hike. To find the trailhead, follow the small road (between mile markers 22 and 21.5) towards the Wooded Hill Campground. After about .3 miles, you will see cars parked along the left side of the road at the trailhead.

At the trailhead, there are two trails. We headed up the left side to start and we were happy with that decision in the end. Not only do the numbers on the pamphlet begin on the left, but we found the direct climb up the hill better on the left than the switchbacks on the right side. We started to head into the forest through the dry grass. Before long, we were surrounded by beautiful autumn colors between a forest of pine and oak trees.

After about 1/4 mile and a bit of a climb uphill (the hike has an elevation gain of 234 feet), we reached the middle of the two loops. We turned left, heading up for the longer 1.6-mile loop. Our son loved all of the boulders along the trail and the pinecones all over the ground. The clouds above us were moving, which gave us great views as we climbed the trail. From spots on the trail, we were able to see the Anza-Borrego Desert, the old US Air Force station, and the Laguna Mountain Observatory.

The top had great views and lots of boulders for our son to explore. We were wishing we had a picnic packed to enjoy once we were up there. It took us about 40 minutes to get to the top – we had a lot of stops for rock climbing and even a mid-trail diaper change!

We had a snack and kombucha, enjoyed the views and started our way down on the other side of the loop! This way down had many switchbacks that made the downhill steady. It was beautiful weaving through the forest. It took us less than 30 minutes to make it back down to our car. Although this trail is not stroller-friendly, it was a great hike for families with kids of all ages! I loved the fall colors during our October visit, and I can only imagine how beautiful the wildflowers must be in Spring!

This area is also our favorite to explore for snow play. You can read more about snow play on Mount Laguna here.

SUNSET TRAIL to WATER OF THE WOODS

This is a great hike to do with kids. To access these trails, you park at the Sunset Trailhead (mile marker 19.1). There will be a lot of cars parked on the highway here as this is a popular area for hiking and mountain biking. The 8-mile Sunset Trail to Laguna Meadows Loop leaves from here as well. The Big Laguna Trail is a popular mountain biking trail that splits off of the Sunset Trail after a few minutes. To make sure you are on the Sunset Trail, stay left, heading West. The Big Laguna Trail will have bikers and bike tracks in the dirt and head to the North, on the right.

Our son loved this trail because he could walk around and explore different areas of the mountain. The trail starts by heading into a pine forest, and eventually comes out into the large Laguna Meadow. The Water of the Woods is a large pond in the middle of the giant mountain meadow. We took time to snack here, and instead of heading back on the Sunset Trail for a 3-mile loop, we hooked onto the Big Laguna Trail (the biking one) and looped back along the meadow. This meadow is home to many cows and you will pass through cattle guards on the trail. Our son loved the different scenery on this easy hike with very little elevation gain. We first hiked this trail in fall and the colors did not disappoint. I have read that the wildflowers are stunning in spring too!

A FEW QUICK STOPS WORTH NOTING

Mount Laguna is filled with scenic points all along the Sunrise Highway. We love pulling off to take in the views for a moment. During COVID closures, these scenic points gave us picnic areas to enjoy in a socially distant way. I highly recommend taking your time heading through to pull off and take in the view! Kids can have a moment to snack and use their favorite binoculars while parents can enjoy a kombucha (or your beverage of choice) and, of course, a snack too.

KWAAYMII POINT

Kwaaymi Point is on the left side of the Sunrise Highway when coming up from Julian (mile marker 30.3). The point is right at the border between the Anza-Borrego Desert and Cleveland National Forest. A short road, Kwaaymi Point, takes you out to the overlook. At 6,000 feet elevation, this point is popular with hang gliders. The area has also become a memorial to hang gliders that have lost their lives and unfortunately, many spots have been tagged with memorials as well.

There is a short 1/2 mile hike that takes you on a portion of the PCT. The views here are beautiful, but there are no guard rails and the drops are steep along the trail. Those with little kids may want to enjoy the overlook and not explore the trail. A portion of the hike is on the old Sunrise Highway from the 1920’s. Our son enjoyed rock climbing (away from the cliff) and we enjoyed the views and a short picnic. This is also a great spot for stargazing!

DESERT VIEW OVERLOOK

Coming from Julian, shortly after mile marker 24, just before the Desert View Picnic Area, turn left up Monument Peak Road towards the old Mt. Laguna USAF station. The road dead-ends at the gate, but has fantastic views at the top. This is another great spot to stargaze, or even get up early from Burnt Rancheria Campground and watch the sunrise. Coffee or wine in hand, pop up a chair and enjoy the views.

OUR FAVORITE TURNOUT

We have another favorite stop on the left side of the mountain heading towards the Sunset Trail from the summit. It is the middle of three turnouts and is just past mile marker 20. I love this spot as we picnicked here several times during COVID and if offers fresh mountain air and views.

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE STORE

The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store was built in 1930 and has all you may need for a weekend in Mount Laguna. They carry groceries, beverages and camping gear. The store also carries ice, firewood and charcoal. They carry a variety of local souvenirs and even have snow gear. Campers can grab a fresh coffee in the am and they even have a gift shop for visitors. They have you covered for last minutes necessities during a week in Mount Laguna.

SNOW PLAY

Mount Laguna is known for its beautiful winter snowfall. An adventure up the mountain for family-friendly snow play makes for a great day! Check out my post on snow play in Mount Laguna for all my tips and info. Sometimes chains are required on the Sunrise Highway and in extreme weather, the Sunrise Highway will be closed. Mount Laguna is beautiful during every season which makes it a fun place to explore with family all year.

NEXT TIME LIST

Have you been to Mount Laguna? What would you add to complete a weekend in Mount Laguna?

CALIFORNIA, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, ROAD TRIPS, SOUTHERN CA, WEEKEND GETAWAY

WHAT TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

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There is so much to do with a day in Julian, California. Less than 90 minutes from San Diego, Julian is a great day trip for the whole family. I love the different offerings throughout the seasons. Julian is an old mining town that is now known for its incredibly busy apple picking season. Although we always head to Julian for fall adventures like apple picking and the pumpkin patch, I also love visiting during the other seasons. Spring offers beautiful daffodils and wildflowers, summer offers fresh berry picking and winter will bring you snow play! We have had so many adventures in Julian over the years, so instead of a one-day itinerary, this post is broken into some of our favorite things to do when we head up!

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

THINGS TO DO IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

JULIAN FARM & ORCHARD

4381 State Highway 78

This is one of our favorite things to do in Julian throughout the seasons. The farm is owned by the sweetest family and offers a variety of seasonal activities. During summer, you can pick fresh strawberries and blueberries on the farm. During the fall, the farm is our go-to pumpkin patch. You can pick pumpkins from the displays or head into the patch to pick your own. They offer hayrides, cider pressing, barnyard animal visits, and ax throwing.

The farm always has a variety of barnyard animals for kids to enjoy as well. This summer, they had three new baby goats that our son LOVED and was able to pet. The farm is a fun place to wander and the tire swing on the tree next to the pumpkin patch is a do-not-miss for kids. When heading to Julian, check out their website for the latest info on what the farm is offering during your visit. We love to stop by the farm closer to closing to avoid mid-day peak crowds. Don’t miss the farm when spending a day in Julian, California.

JULIAN MINING COMPANY

4444 State Highway 78

On the other side of Highway 78 is Julian Mining Company, owned by the same family that owns Julian Farm & Orchard. The mining company is another great stop for families. Kids will have a blast as they “mine” for gold and/or gems by the creek where the real gold was first discovered in Julian. The panning is set up in troughs under a beautiful walnut tree. The grounds have lots of funky areas to explore as well. The Julian Mining Company is open year-round. Check their website for updated hours, but they usually close by 5 pm.

VOLCAN VALLEY APPLE FARM

1284 Julian Orchards Drive

This apple farm has been a family tradition for all of our son’s life. It is our favorite place to go apple picking in Julian each fall. It has changed ownership over the years but only gotten busier. We plan on a weekend visit to Julian somewhere around Labor Day, but I recommend following them on Facebook to get the most updated info on the season. This year (2020) the season was picked over and closed after three weekends! Bags were $15 and include admission for 1. Additional admissions are $5, with children under 5 free. They grow a variety of apples and depending on when you go, certain varieties may be unavailable if they are not ready yet. The apple farm is located just outside downtown Julian and we usually head there first thing on our day trips. Apple season tends to coincide with hot weather in Julian, so come prepared with water, sunblock, and hats! You can find our favorites here!

I always recommend packing a picnic before heading up to Julian, enjoying the apple picking, and then heading next door to Menghini Winery for your lunch with some local wine by the apple orchard. There is a winery across from the orchard that has changed over several times, It is always packed because it is right by the apples, however, head down the road to avoid the lines and enjoy the views at Menghini.

BEST FOOD & DRINK IN JULIAN

HEROES RESTAURANT

218 Main Street

Heroes Restaurant is a delicious stop for lunch. Although open until 4 or 5, Heroes is a VERY popular spot that tends to close a bit earlier in the afternoon due to crowds. Put your name on the list and enjoy downtown Julian until they text you. The restaurant is focused on honoring the men and women that serve our country – military and first responders. They offer a 10% discount to military patrons. The dining room is filled with military and first responder memorabilia, patches, and flags.

If you are looking for a delicious burger or beer in Julian, Heroes is your spot. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but my personal favorite is the Jammin Burger. The apple-cranberry-almond coleslaw is delicious too. Our son loves ordering the burgers too, but unfortunately, they do not have a kids burger on the kid’s menu, so expect the full price ($14) burger on your check. The restaurant is pet and motorcycle friendly which makes the patio very popular on crowded weekends. Don’t miss your chance to watch the action on Main Street from their patio seating.

MENGHINI WINERY

1150 Julian Orchards Drive

This is one of the first places we ever discovered in Julian and we have been coming back since. The boutique winery is just down past Volcan Valley Apple Farm on Julian Orchards Drive. They have a large property of grass, beautiful trees, picnic tables, and apple trees. They encourage you to picnic and their location is perfect for it! You can taste, buy a glass or bottle to share. If you are not picnicking and want to be close for tastings, you can enjoy a glass on the back patio among lush greenery and enjoy the views of the orchard. This is a great spot for lunch after apple picking before heading into town! Hours are 11-4 or 5 pm depending on the day. You can check their website for current hours.

WYNOLA PIZZA & BISTRO

4444 State Highway 78

This is our favorite place to grab a casual lunch or dinner with family. Wynola Pizza & Bistro has a great patio, live music, and craft beer selection. Our favorite is the “Joe’s Godfather” pizza for sure. I also love the “Pizza Crust Salad.” Everything is delicious and their location is ideal, just off Highway 79, right next door to Julian Farm & Orchard. If you are anxious to beat sunset down the windy mountain roads, it is a great place to stop in and grab pizza to-go after a day in Julian, California. It is also perfect for grab-n-go when camping nearby!

JULIAN PIE COMPANY

21976 State Highway 79 or 2225 Main Street

Julian is known for their apple pie and the line outside of Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian never ceases to amaze me. My advice is to skip the Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian and opt for the bigger, less crowded Julian Pie Company in Santa Isabel. We always enjoy the classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream, but Julian Pie has other unique combinations too. You can top your slice of pie with whipped cream, caramel, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese! The apple cider donuts (and donut holes) are delicious, too! A slice of pie on the way out of town is a great end to a day in Julian, California.

JEREMY’S ON THE HILL

4354 State HIghway 78

We absolutely love this restaurant. If you are looking for a nicer meal, Jeremy’s is your spot. This is farm-to-table local cuisine that will not disappoint. We have had a variety of meals here – full course dinner and late afternoon appetizers. With the Julian Farm & Orchard across the street closing at 5 pm, Jeremy’s is a great spot for an early dinner on the patio with your family! Whatever season it is during your visit, Jeremy’s is sure to compliment your day in town! Jeremy’s is delicious, fresh, seasonal and dinner here is an amazing way to end a day in Julian!

BLUE DOOR WINERY

2608 B Street

Blue Door Winery is located in the center of downtown Julian. The tasting room is located in the town’s old livery stables. The winemakers are the nicest people too and the wine is great. Their signature sangria is fantastic on a hot, Julian summer day. You can grab a growler of the Sangria to go as well. I definitely recommend stopping in for a beverage during a visit to Julian! They have an urban winery on Morena Blvd. in San Diego so if you want to become wine club members you can taste and pick up at either location!

NICKEL BEER COMPANY

1485 Hollow Glen Road

This brewery is right outside of town and a fun place to stop in for a refreshing beer. They have over 16 beers on tap and have different food truck options. We especially love swinging by after a big hike. We once had an incredible sunrise hike in Anza-Borrego and stopped in for a beer on our way into Julian. More on that in a future post. They have a large, pet-friendly outdoor seating area. During the spring, you can enjoy the daffodils popping up all around the hills surrounding the brewery. If you enjoy beer, definitely stop in for a pint or two during your next day in Julian!

CALICO CIDERY

4200 State Highway 78

This is a great new spot in town! The ranch has been around for years, growing apples and pears and making cider for family and friends. The ranch has been selling fruit and recently opened for retail cider sales last year. The location is beautiful which makes it is a must-stop for us! There is a large seating area in the shade along Highway 79 in front of the cider, but the gem is the orchard behind. Tables are scattered throughout the orchard under the tree. Pick up a tasting flight of the four ciders on tap and enjoy the scenery. Calico Cidery is open on weekends and is a great place to meet up with friends and escape the crowds in downtown Julian.

JULIAN HARD CIDER

4470 Highway 78

Julian Hard Cider has been around for years and is always a fun place to pop in and taste. They have super friendly staff members and I love all of the recommendations that come with the ciders. The “Apple Pie” cider is a delicious treat to break out during dessert at your Thanksgiving celebration. The “Black and Blue” is a great tasting cider alone, and is also fabulous boiled down into a reduction over brussel sprouts. The tasting room for Julian Hard Cider is located in the Julian Station shopping area and is a great place to check out on your way in or out of town.

WHERE TO SHOP IN JULIAN

JULIAN STATION

4470 Highway 78

Julian Station is a great place to stop on your way in or out of town. The property is actually an old apple packing facility and cider house turned into a marketplace of unique vendors, boutiques, food, and drinks. I always have fun cruising through, checking out the different shops, and tasting at Julian Hard Cider. Your kids will love the coin-operated rides like the ones outside of grocery stores from when we were kids. They even have a small fenced-in toy area for the kids too! Julian Station is a great little stop to check out with a day in Julian!

ECCENTRIC APE

2000 Main Street

This store is located in downtown Julian between B & C Street. This was such a unique shop to stumble upon. They have a great tapestry selection. We use ours for a picnic/beach/park blanket and camping tablecloth but you can also hang them as art or use them as a comforter cover. I am always getting compliments on the one we purchased. The store also has a variety of incense and related supplies. Definitely, a place to check out with a day in Julian if you are into this vibe!

THE CANDY MINE

2134 Main Street

Our son loves this place. It is his favorite stop. When you first walk in, you will be in the small Miner’s Diner restaurant. However, in the back, follow the sign to the Candy Mine. Head down the stairs and you will be surrounded by buckets of candy. They carry all of the old-time candies and favorites. There is definitely something for everyone. It is a hit with my son. He brings it up every time we go to Julian. I love that he will always remember heading down the dark stairs complete with mining sound effects. It is a quick stop, but a fun one with kids! It is also on the main stretch where chances are you have parked and are cruising around if you are spending a day in Julian.

CROW & LILAC

2608 B Street

My friend and I stumbled upon this store while enjoying Sangria from Blue Door Winery next door. The store smells amazing and is full of natural body & home products. I have several linen sprays from the essential oil line that are incredible. I also have the “after sun spray” that is so rejuvenating on your skin after a shower post-beach day. Crow and Lilac is a great place to check out while you enjoy your Sangria.

JULIANTLA CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE

2608 B Street

Next door to Crow and Lilac, this boutique has some delicious candies and chocolate treats for the entire family. In addition to chocolates and candies, they carry pastries, cakes, and apple pies. Everything is made locally and they have a large vegan selection. Juliantla Chocolate Boutique is another great place to check out while having your Sangria from Blue Door!

HIKING & CAMPING IN JULIAN

SANTA ISABEL COUNTY PRESERVE

You pass the Santa Isabel County Preserve coming into town from San Diego. The Santa Isabel West trails are an easy place to take kids out hiking, however, it can be very hot. There is a lot to explore and we enjoyed heading out among the rolling hills and oak trees. The entire loop can be up to 8 miles, or you can head out and back a few miles as we did with our son. There are many cows on the trail and very little shade. If you want an easy hike with minimal elevation, this is a great place to explore! Make sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, especially with little kids! I recommend this hike on a cooler day.

WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK SELF-GUIDED NATURE TRAIL

William Heise County Park is a great place to hike and camp in Julian. The park is filled with hiking trails that can make a day out of adventuring. We had an enjoyable, .5mile hike along the self-guided nature trail loop. The loop left from the campground, not too far from our site (site 72). My son brought his scooter because we started by cruising through the campground and ended up on the hike. The hike is not scooter/stroller friendly, but it was easy enough to carry his scooter on the .5 mile loop. The hike takes you out into the county park, with information about the vegetation as you go. It is a great way to get out into nature in Julian. The county park does charge $3 for parking.

CAMPING AT WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK

Camping at William Heise County Park is a great way to turn your daycation visiting Julian, Ca into a weekend getaway! The park has tent and RV hookup sites, as well as cabins and group-camping options. The cabins are insulated and include lighting, wood-framed beds (no linens), a table, and chairs. Use this link to view the park brochure and campground map. In addition to the 11-miles in hiking trails, there is a playground and ranger activities on the weekends. We had a wonderful time camping at William Heise during apple season.

STOPS WE LOVE JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN

NEXT VISIT LIST

Have you been to Julian? What would you add to my list?

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CALIFORNIA, COVID-19 TRAVEL, DAYTIME ADVENTURES, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS FOR KIDS

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Between family vacations and family an eight-hour drive away, we have covered a lot of miles on the road with our son over the years. Whether we are visiting family, traveling for the holidays, or taking our own adventure, we have become used to long periods of time in the car together. Now we are adding our baby girl to the mix, so we get to start all over with newborn road trips. I’ve had many people ask about how our son handles the long drives, so I thought I would put this list together for all of you. Here are the following essentials I always have packed for a road trip with kids!

1. CAR TRAY

Our son’s car tray is a road trip essential and he LOVES using it. It is used for eating, doing homework, playing, watching a DVD, etc. The trays with sides are awesome to keep projects from spilling. I love when they fold up for storage in the car under the passenger seat. The pockets on the side keep things organized during the drive. There are many options for car trays, but an old cafeteria tray will work too! Don’t forget a tray on your next road trip with kids.

2. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

Keeping your child busy is essential for road trip success. This section could go on and on, but I will pick a few of our son’s favorites. These ideas also double for grab-and-go entertainment in a restaurant, event, etc where your kids need something to keep them busy. Basic coloring books fall under this category, but here are a few of our son’s more engaging favorites.

  • MAGNETIC PLAY TINS & BOOKS – love these because the magnets keep the pieces together – SUPER helpful when you are in the front seat and can’t reach around easy!
  • WIKI STICKS – as a teacher I loved these for making letters, math projects, finding sight words in big books, etc. I had kind of forgotten about them until we went to Nick’s in Laguna Beach and they gave them to our son with the kids menu. Our son was so engaged through the whole meal and now they are an easy tool for distraction! They never dry out and can stick to papers, tins, trays, etc. I love this travel kit! Easy to grab and throw in the car. Perfect for a road trip with kids.
  • TAKE APART ERASERS – my son loves these! They can fall apart and be messy, but he is so engaged with them. I actually take apart each animal and put it in a plastic easter egg. I usually have a set or two in 1/2 an egg crate ready to explore. You can get food, animals, sea life, etc. They are like mini-puzzles and keep him so engaged. I actually started using them on planes but they are great in the car too. Just annoying if they start falling on the ground, but if a piece falls, we tell our son to move on until the next stop!
  • TRAVEL ART SET – My son loves this set! Paper, markers, colored pencils, and more all fit inside this easy-to-grab (and slide between seats) case!
  • LACING ACTIVITIES – My son loved beads on a pipe cleaner, but lacing cards work too! Pipe cleaners hold the beads better to cut back on large spills of beads all over the car! Put the beads in a cup that will fit in the car seat cup holder and let little fingers create while working on their fine motor skills! Lacing is a win-win.
  • WATER WOW BOOKS – These are so awesome because all you need is water! So easy to clean up and so simple for the car. They have engaging topics for all interests!
  • STICKER STORY – This was a fun “go-to” activity in my Kindergarten class. Create a story from stickers. Kids can label, write a sentence or make a book with papers, markers & stickers. Always fun to see what they come up with! Just start with some high-interest stickers for your child!

Leading up to a trip, the $1 bins at Target and Michaels are always fun to check too. They tend to have thematic activities that correspond to seasons, hobbies, etc. so you can grab things that may match your trip!

3. GAMES

Games are great in the car on road trips with kids because they keep everyone happy, laughing, and engaged with each other. Our son’s favorite game – 2 TRUTHS & A LIE – has led to so many fun stories and conversations. Some of his other favorites are:

  • ROAD TRIP BINGO – My husband makes fun of me when I break this one out! I love it! Takes me back to riding cross country in the station wagon as a kid. Everyone needs this BINGO in their road trip entertainment arsenal.
  • MAD LIBS – Our son LOVES Mad Libs! Mad Libs are so easy and entertaining in the car. I especially love them now that our son is learning parts of speech. We used to say things like “something you do” for verbs, etc. Now he can play them with friends too!
  • I SPY TRAVEL – Our son loves I SPY and is the easiest game in the car. These cards are great, but you really don’t need any cards to play!
  • HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE – Highlights has tons of engaging subscriptions in their magazines! My son’s favorite is the sticker matching pages in Puzzle Buzz. I love that Highlights targets specific age groups and you can adjust your subscription as your child gets older. These are also great for road trips because you can toss the magazine once your child has worked through it!
  • MAGNETIC GAMES – Just like the magnetic activities above, magnets are great in the car to reduce drops! our son loves matching games and the classic Tic-Tac-Toe. These are also so easy to store in the pocket behind the driver and passenger seats.
  • WENDY’S KIDS MEAL TOYS – Just another thing I want to note here. We have always loved the toys that come in Wendy’s kid’s meal. They are usually games or activities for the car that require thinking, exploring, etc. vs a random keychain your child will never play with again. Just something to think about when you are deciding where to stop for food!

4. MINI TOYS

This seems like a given, but it is important to bring a few of your child’s favorite little toys along. Try to think about toys that inspire creativity. For our son, it has been small superhero action figures, Disney Pixar die-cast cars, and small lego sets. If you are doing screens on your drive, try to think about small toys you may have that correlate to the movie they may be watching on the drive. My son LOVES playing cars as he watches Cars. He loves to play shark legos as he watches Discovery Channel shark shows. It can be fun to surprise your child with a few of these along the drive too!

5. PODCASTS

We have had a lot of fun listening to entertaining Podcasts with our son on the road. He loved the comedy THIS PODCAST HAS FLEAS during a road trip a few years ago. It is great when you can find one that you all enjoy listening to. Currently, he is super into WHAT IF WORLD. If your children need to calm down, BE CALM ON AHWAY ISLAND is a great pick. Pick out a new, engaging podcast to try on a road trip with kids!

Amazon is running an awesome special just in time for summer and holiday road trips! They are offering a FREE 3-month trial of Audible and Amazon unlimited music through my affiliate link! This will give you unlimited access to thousands of podcasts, audiobooks, and songs without ads.

6. READ-ALONG AUDIO BOOKS

Read-along books are great for road trips with kids, but they are useful to have in the car all of the time. They can tuck in the pocket in front of your child. Disney makes cheap read-along books with CDs that go with almost every movie. Through the distance learning COVID brought all of us, we were introduced to the app Epic with tons of audiobooks to listen to. We found we had several in our library which we were able to pair together for a listening center in the car! The scholastic book orders your child’s school probably sends home are a great, cheap way to grow your book & CD collection too.

7. OPTIONAL – *SCREENS*

Uggggg, OK I am saying it. Screens. Like we have not had enough. But let’s be real and honest and we know they help in times like the car. However, I will say a few things here. When we do our big National Park trips, we DO NOT bring the iPad. I can write a novel on how I think iPad changes my son, but I will spare you. I am not going to preach here, because my son has PLENTY of screen time, but it is important to think about the role the screen will play on your trip.

For our son, knowing the iPad is in the car almost makes him obsess over it the entire trip. So for us, it is not ideal. However, we will sometimes bring his Nintendo Switch or our travel DVD player. Depending on where you are going, you may not have cell service, so a pad may not work. In addition, unless you have unlimited data, the charges can start adding up if you let your kids go wild on the pad.

Our car does not have a built-in DVD player, but a friend recommended this one and we have loved it! It is great because we can bring into hotels for our son’s breathing treatment time. Each trip, we pick a few favorite Disney movies and some corresponding toys. I love watching him enjoy movies he wouldn’t give the time of day during regular day-to-day life. Especially when they are movies he LOVED as a toddler (uhmmmm Cars, yes please!).

8. SNACKS

This kind of goes along with water in the way that you don’t want whining, “I’m hungry” as soon as you get on the road. We don’t do snacks that create a huge mess during road trips with kids (if possible). Our son love string cheese, yogurt pouches, BBQ chips, crackers, and cashews. Again, please remember our son has CF and has a need for a high-fat, high-calorie diet that is probably different than what your child needs. It is great to have a variety of snacks (for you too!) as road trip snacking tends to be heavy. When you pack your snacks, think about items that will avoid crazy spills and are easy to pass behind you. If you want to try something new and not think too much about it, these boxes are a fun way to make your road trip snack game strong!

9. WATER

This seems like a silly item to include, but it is so important. I have mentioned our need for water because our son takes over 40 pills a day as part of his fight against Cystic Fibrosis, but water is important for every child! The last thing you want to hear is whiny, “I’m thirsty” when you are on a road trip with kids! We love stainless water bottles that keep the water icy cold without condensation dripping all over our son’s car seat.

In addition, water creates no sticky spills or messes. Brightly colored, large water bottles allow your child to find their bottle in the backseat without asking for unnecessary help. Water is the only beverage (outside of our son’s high-calorie milk – CF-related need) that we have going on during road trips. No chugging sugar bomb drink, spilling sticky juice all over the backseat, and no unwrapping and poking straws while twisting my back around to reach!!

10. CLEAN UP

Not the most exciting part, but a VERY necessary part of a road trip with kid travel! Our son gets carsick, so Kids Dramamine and barf bags are a must. So simple to have with you and they can make all the difference in your day. I won’t get into how many times we have been taking the car seat apart in a gas station parking lot to clean out the mess. These barf bags have saved SO many days.

Another thing that saves the day? Wipes! As mothers, we know this. Always make sure you have plenty within arms reach on your road trip!

Also, we always have our potty from back in the potty training days. This thing has saved us several times when bathrooms were closed, totally disgusting, or just unavailable. You can always pull over and set your child up on the side of the road with this thing. This was especially helpful during the beginning of COVID closures. This potty was essential for potty training and years later is still useful in time-sensitive situations. When on a road trip with kids, make sure you have a backup plan for all things potty!

The last thing I want to note about road trips with kids is to PLAN YOUR STOPS! Check out what you can do on your route. Nothing is worse than the tensions boiling and uncomfortable kids driving. There are so many quirky stops where you can let your kids run, stretch their legs, and burn off a little energy. Planning for these moments will help make the drive better for EVERYONE in the car! Don’t let a road trip with kids hold you back from your next adventure! Anything else you would add to my list?

DAYTIME ADVENTURES, HIKING, NATIONAL PARKS, ROAD TRIPS, TRAVEL TIPS, WEEKEND GETAWAY

TOP TEN – “MUST HAVE” ITEMS FOR KIDS IN NATIONAL PARKS

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These are the items we make sure to pack when heading out on a National Park adventure with our (now) seven-year-old son. Some are more specific for certain places and plans, but they are all something to think about when you begin to pack based on your itinerary. This is our list of the “must-haves” for adventuring with kids in National Parks.

1. SMALL BACKPACK

Our son’s backpack has been awesome over the years. It is lightweight and very durable. I can even throw it in the washing machine after a trip to clean it up. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase but large enough to fit a few of our son’s favorite things on hikes. In reality, a young child is not going to carry a heavy pack hiking, but this allows him to keep a few things he wants to have access to in an easy place to grab them. It is much better than, “can I have my _________?” over and over when hiking! Our son loves how he can connect carabiners to the outside to make access to some items even easier! He even used this as his preschool backpack too! Shout out to Uncle Raymond for this rad gift.

Just another note I feel fits here – whether you carry it or your child carries it, please make sure to always have sunscreen, bug protection, and a first aid kit in you or your child’s pack. These are so important for adventuring with kids in National Parks. You don’t need a beautiful hike ruined because you don’t have a band-aid. We all know band-aids are a magic fix to so many things!

2. STAINLESS WATER BOTTLE

This is such an important item for us! Almost all National Parks have stopped selling plastic water bottles and now provide fresh water filling stations through the park. You will never find my son without a water bottle or water bladder in his backpack. In addition to the importance of hydration when hiking in general, our son has Cystic Fibrosis and can dehydrate easily. In addition, he takes over 40 pills a day with meals in order to digest the food he eats, so having water to swallow the 7 pills per meal is important.

Kids love these stainless bottles because the water can stay icy cold throughout a long day. I also feel better about them laying around in the sun being stainless versus plastic. Our son always tells us the water tastes better from a Hydroflask!

3. SUN HAT

We purchased this sun hat before our Summer 2019 Road Trip and it has been such a great purchase. It is not too expensive and very lightweight. It can be shoved in our son’s backpack and washed in the washing machine when we get home (ha – notice a theme here for me!). The cord allows it to be hooked onto his backpack and mesh gives him ventilation in the heat. It has UV 50+ protection and I love how the neck flap protects the back of his neck from the sun. So many kids fight sunscreen, so it is great to have an extra layer of protection when exploring National Parks with kids!

4. ADJUSTABLE HIKING STICK

This purchase started more as a souvenir in Zion National Park to make our son feel like a “real hiker,” but we quickly realized we were glad we had it. He uses it often to feel he’s “dressed the part,” but in Zion, it stabilized him in the water and rocks of the Narrows, and in Bryce National Park it helped keep him up as we descended into the canyon. We love how it is adjustable so if he is tired of using it, we can collapse it and hook it to our backpack versus someone always having to carry it. Our son’s hiking stick was from the Zion visitor center, but I linked one that is very similar – and cheaper! Ha!

5. BINOCULARS

These are just fun to have. I cannot tell you how many times we have used our binoculars and been happy to have them! Between looking for California Condors in Zion National Park and looking for whales from Cabrillo National Monument our son has used them all over! He watched climbers scale El Capitan and a bear cross a meadow in Yosemite. These binoculars have offered some awesome experiences. They are small, fit in his pack and allow him to explore the park even more. When a crowd is standing around watching a bear, he felt very cool whipping out his binoculars to have an up-close view!

6. DIGITAL CAMERA

My dad had an old Canon Power Shot and now that everyone uses their iPhone for photos, we thought why not let our son play around with it? He is old enough to take care of it in his pack, but I linked a camera that can take a little more wear and tear from younger kids. It is fun to see the trip through their lens when you get home. Sometimes we get 15 squirrel pictures, and other times we get sweet “family selfies” that we will always cherish. How many times have your kids watched you take a picture? They want to be a part of that too!

7. JUNIOR RANGER BOOKLET & JUNIOR RANGER PASSPORT

When visiting National Parks with kids, you have to check these out! I absolutely love the Junior Ranger program at National (and CA State) parks. It is free and enriches your child’s experience in the park. They learn about the geology, history, plants, and animals in the park. The park-specific booklets double as dinner entertainment and challenge your child to look, listen and explore the park in ways they may not have done without the activities.

My son has such pride when he returns to a park ranger, takes his oath, and achieves his badge. Some parks give out a beautiful wooden badge, others have a plastic badge. My son thinks the plastic with gold trim is the cream of the crop in Junior Ranger badges. We had fun making a display for his badges from cut-off jeans, three safety pins, a stick, and some burlap twine. The stick was not from a National Park! Your Junior Ranger will learn to take nothing during visits!

The Junior Ranger Passport is a lot of fun too! It is the child version of the adult National Park Passport, with the same categories only broken down into more pictures, space for stamps, and illustrations. There is space for your “date of visit” cancellation and your child’s “Junior Ranger” cancellation. This book will be cherished for years as every visit adds to the personalization of the booklet! I cannot wait to see the stamps grow over the years! This is a * must-have* if you see your family having multiple National Park trips.

8. NATIONAL PARK ROOKIE READERS

I love these little books! These are an inexpensive way for kids to get excited about your trip! Our son is seven, so they are aimed at the younger reader, but the idea is for them to have a book about the park that your child can adore. These books are great to read before we go, in the car on the way and during our visit. We make a point to check out specific things from the book (usually we are already going to most of them).

The inside cover of the books turns into a mini scrapbook from our trip. We use them to stamp his National Park Passport cancellations in, Junior Ranger stamps in, and place any stickers he may get from the rangers in the park. For $6, they are a great kick-off to your trip. Anything in the visitor center will be more expensive, so why not order ahead? I am linking the different parks here for your convenience. They have a variety of parks available at times, but current availability on Amazon is Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Great Smokey Mountains, Glacier, Everglades, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Acadia.

9. CARABINER FLASH LIGHT & CARABINERS

For some reason hanging things off my son’s pack just makes him feel like a true hiker. It is so easy to attach his binoculars or camera to his pack with a carabiner. We really love these flashlight carabiners as you never know when you may run out of daylight and they are tiny enough to always have attached to something. They are also a great light to hang from the top of your tent when you are getting things ready for bed! Carabiners are also a fun thing to purchase with kids from the National Park visitor centers as a souvenir!

10. THE RIGHT SHOES

This is so important!!! The wrong shoes for your child can RUIN your hike. You can plan away, pack all the right things, set out with the best of intentions and if you don’t have the right shoes everything will begin to spiral quickly. If you purchase new hiking boots for a specific trip, please make sure your child is able to wear them before the trip. Nothing is worse than a child with the wrong shoes, or shoes that are giving blisters because they have not been broken in. Our son LOVES these Merrell hiking boots for kids. They have had a lot of miles put on them and still are in great shape.

In preparation for the Narrows in Zion, I wanted to get him some water-friendly hiking shoes. Although the hiking boots are actually waterproof, I knew we may not have enough time between adventures for them to fully dry after the narrows. I found water shoes similar to these at the Merrell outlet and they worked great! I cannot recommend making sure your kids are dialed in with the right shoes before any big adventures!!

Hope this list of “must-have” items for kids in National Parks gets you started in your prep for an awesome family adventure! Always remember that a comfortable & engaged child is going to be a happy child! A happy child is sure to lead to a better experience for the entire family exploring the parks! Anything else you would add to the list?