California is home to nine national parks, each has its own unique appeal. The striking landscape of Death Valley National Park or the giant trees in Sequoia National Park will dazzle and amaze even the coolest teenager, but our favourite for families has to be Yosemite National Park. 

An outdoor paradise, Yosemite is blessed with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and a heap of possibilities. From fishing, hiking, gold panning, rock climbing, wildlife spotting… the list goes on. There’s plenty of accommodation options available nearby too (just be sure to book early), including multi-room cabins so you can all spread out!

Situated in the beautiful Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo is an entertaining day out for the whole family. Home to more than 3,500 animals, the zoo is noted as one of the best in the world and is a must-do whilst staying in San Diego. From penguins to pandas, lions to lemurs, koalas to kangaroos, this non-profit organisation offers plenty of fun and invaluable family moments.

Located just over an hour’s drive south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a delightfully laid-back surf town. Have energetic teenagers let off steam at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: choose from rollercoasters, mini-golf or just walk to the end of the pier – all 823 meters of it – to get excellent views. History buffs will like the exhibit depicting the Boardwalk’s 100 year old history and there’s plenty of watersports, wildlife tours and hiking options nearby too.

Los Angeles is home to so many theme parks, you’re spoilt for choice! Knott’s Berry Farm is California’s original theme park, enjoy thrilling rollercoasters, interactive experiences and top-notch stage shows. In neighbouring Anaheim you’ll find Disneyland Resort – Walt Disney’s original theme park. Hop between Disneyland Park, filled with the classic attractions, and adjacent Disney California Adventure Park comprised of eight exciting lands. Last but by no means least, head to Universal Studios Hollywood for the ultimate movie experience. Not only are there exhilarating rides and awesome shows, but you can go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio to discover those movie-making secrets.

For any sports fan, a trip to see a live basketball game is a must-do. Put on your foam hand and experience the high energy and excitement of the crowd as you enjoy one of America’s most loved sports. Whilst in Los Angeles visit the Staples Center, known as the sports centre of the world and also the home of the LA Lakers for an incredible evening of sports.

Red carpets, flashing cameras and glamour mean one thing – celebrities! If your teens are desperate to spot the latest big name then head to LA: stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to seek out those famous named-stars on the Walk of Fame, join a movie star homes tour to gaze at the impressive mansions or wander along Rodeo Drive, perhaps catching sight of a celebrity popping into one of the many designer boutiques.

If you’re planning to travel along the Californian coast then be sure to stop in Monterey. The bay is one of the USA’s top whale watching destinations, home to an abundance of species within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Join a boat tour and look out for grey and humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises. Depending on the season you may also see migrating orcas, blue and fin whales, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale breach.

A trip to Alcatraz is a must-do for any visitor to San Francisco. The infamous former prison – once home to notorious criminals including Al Capone – is located on an island one and a half miles from Fisherman’s Wharf. Accessed by a quick boat ride, teenagers will be enthralled and entranced by the history that surrounds them and they are sure to be as good as gold to make sure they make that boat ride home!

One of the best ways to explore stunning Lake Tahoe is to get on it! Hire yourself a boat and take the family across the emerald waters with a stunning mountainous backdrop. From kayaking to paddle boarding, water-skiing to parasailing, there is an abundance of activities to be enjoyed on the water.

If your teens want to have a go at surfing for the first time, or they already have the skills, there’s no better place to surf than at Huntington Beach aka Surf City USA. There’s five different beaches to choose from so beginners will be able to paddle out for the first time in calm waters while the more experienced surfers can seek a challenge. Either way, there’s plenty of places offering lessons or simply soak up the laid-back surf culture.