AboutSteve Springer Expertise I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I`ve lived in the Valley, west side, east side, and South Bay, so I`m an expert on getting around town. I`m knowledgeable about all of the Southern California tourist attractions. I am also an expert on state beaches in Southern California, and have an expansive camping background. No relocation/moving questions, please.
Question please send me info about tent camping along the coast of ca and in the red wood forest
also LA visiting info
Answer Hi Suzanne,
All of the camsite reservations are handled by two groups. You can reserve National Parks at reservations.nps.gov (For Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks), and www.reserveamerica.com (for state campgrounds).
Just about all of the parks on these sites are VERY kid-friendly. I've taken my family to many of these parks, and the kids really love them. There is something for everybody. Take Yosemite, for example. Our youngest is content just to splash in the creek that runs by the campsite. The older kids like to ride their bikes or take the shuttle bus into the village to shop. My wife and I like to take small hikes around the valley, or take the shuttle to see a show. There are campfire programs, a pool, etc, etc, etc. Just walking along the river or riding the bike trail is an adventure. At the state parks, you have the beach, movie night, ranger-led walks, etc.
Here are my favorite parks along the coast, from LA to SF.
Carpinteria State Beach: My all-time favorite. Close enough to town to walk and get a burger at the Spot (a local hangout), but far enough away from the big city to feel like you are getting away. Lots of little shops and stores. Kids like Robitailles (ROBE-it-ties)candy store, my wife likes the Coffee Grinder next door. Everyone loves the beach there.
El Capitan State Beach, Refugio State Beach: A little further up the coast, away from any city. Also very popular.
San Simeon State Park: Close to San Luis Obispo, just a couple of miles from Hearst Castle. It is just across the highway from the beach. Beautiful coastline here.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Pfeiffer Big Sure state Parks: In the beautiful Big Sur area, surrounded by redwoods.
North of Monterey, try Henry Cowell Redwoods SP, Big Basin Redwoods SP (plenty of hiking), and Half Moon Bay SB. At Half Moon Bay, you can rent a horse to ride along the beach while you play the song by America, "A Horse with No Name".
Some of these campgrounds book early, so be prepared to find alternat sites.
You didn't mention what type of information that you would like regarding LA. It is such a big place, I would need to know just a little bit more: How many are coming, what ages, etc. For example, younger kids (3-8) might like Legoland, but older kids would just be bored. And Magic Mountain would be too intense for the little ones. Similarly, teens might like Venice Beach, but I wouldn't go there with my youngest. Please post a follow up so that I can give you better info.
