9 places to visit in California for military families 

Wikimedia Commons. Matt Biddulph.

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There is so much to see and do in California it is hard to make a list of the best things to do for military families because of the wide variety of what can be done. California does have unique attractions that military families can experience while living on the West Coast. While this list doesn’t include all that California has to offer it will help you get your mind going for the next adventure. 

9 of the best places to visit in California for military families when you are stationed in California or just planning a vacation:

1. Drive Highway 1, aka the Pacific Coast Highway

When you think of California what do you think of? Of course, you think of the beach. California is home to many beaches and they each have a different personality. Depending on what you are looking for will determine what beach is right for you. But the best way to see the beach is to drive Highway 1 or what is known as the Pacific Coast Highway that rides along the coast giving you spectacular views and leading you to some hidden gems along the way. If you want to see California’s coastline, driving any part of Highway 1 that stretches the entire coast of California is the way to do it. Don’t forget to stop along the way and enjoy the ride. It is the journey, not the destination. 

2. Yosemite National Park

Besides hanging out at the beach, California is also home to a number of National Parks. The most popular is Yosemite National Park. In the park, you can visit their three Giant Sequoia Groves, visit the Valley floor for spectacular views of waterfalls, go hiking and explore, plus much more. Other great national parks within California are Redwood National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. 

3. San Francisco 

San Francisco is a unique city and home to some military hidden gems besides the well known tourist spots. Did you know that San Francisco had a base during the Civil War? Fort Point is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a great spot for views of the famous bridge but also a great place to learn hidden history. You can also see one of California’s 21 missions. Mission San Francisco de Asis‘ original chapel is one of the oldest buildings in California built in 1776. Another great hidden gem near San Francisco is Muir Woods National Monument, which is located across the bay in Mill Valley and easy to get to after you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t forget you can use your free National Park pass for your entry. 

4. Disneyland and other theme parks

The 3rd Infantry Division Band performs a parade during their week-long residency at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on Oct. 21, 2024. The 3ID Band spent a week in Disneyland Resort training alongside choreographers, show designers, producers, technical directors, and executives from Disney Live Entertainment. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Herrera/ released)

There are a lot of theme parks in California, and many offer discounts to military families. Disneyland is no exception. Currently, they offer a 3 or 4 day park hopper ticket at a discount that allows families to experience the magic of Disneyland. You can also visit Sea World, Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood with military discounts. Check out your ITT office to see all the discounts available. 

5. Hollywood

Besides visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at a Hollywood backlot. Visiting Hollywood and seeing the stars on Hollywood Blvd is a great way to spend a day in California. You can visit the iconic Chinese Theater, see a show at the Hollywood Bowl and enjoy the beautiful weather in Southern California. 

6. San Diego Zoo

If you have young children, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are great places to visit. They have many unique animals that can only be seen at a few places in the world. The zoo also has a bus tour that takes you around the zoo allowing you to see many different animals in a short period of time. Active duty service members receive free admission into the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. With the size of both the zoo and wild animal park there is plenty to do to keep you busy all day. 

7. Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe

If you are looking to ski, some of the best skiing spots are Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe. These are great winter destinations, but also have plenty of hiking, mountain biking, swimming and other summer activities. Year round, there is a lot to do in Lake Tahoe and Mammoth. 

8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Getting back to the beach Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another great vacation spot. Some people love to spend time at the beach playing in the waves or building a sand castle. But you can also spend the day enjoying the thrill-ride attractions located on the boardwalk. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a military discount on an all day ride pass that will allow you to get on most of the attractions at the boardwalk. You can also play a round of mini-golf. 

9. Monterey Bay Aquarium

A short drive from Santa Cruz is Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is unlike any other aquarium. Located in a repurposed canning facility that once depleted the bay of its natural resources. The Monterey Bay Aquarium strives to help restore and preserve the ocean front it is located on. There are so many different animals to see and learn about. Monterey is also a great beach town that offers beaches, yummy seafood and shopping. 

California has so much to see and do it was hard to make a list of just nine places to visit. But this list has places to see from all over the state and can help you in deciding where to go and what to see. There is plenty of history, nature and excitement to discover in California. What is your favorite vacation spot in California?