Family Vacations: The Pacific
California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii represent some of the most diverse landscapes and cultures in the U.S. From the relaxed beach life along California’s portion of the Pacific Ocean, to the snowy banks of Alaska’s coastline, visitors to this region are treated to spectacular views from almost any perch they choose along the western coastline. We’ve assembled a list of family vacation destinations in the Pacific region and coupled them with Mobil-rated hotels and restaurants that cater to families for your convenience.
Travel to the San Diego Zoo, visit the Columbia River Gorge, or hike up the side of a Hawaiian volcano. If you arrive at the right time, you can catch big events such as California’s Tournament of Roses Parade, Portland’s Rose Festival and Rose Gardens, or the Washington State International Kite Festival. Or show true grit and arrive in Alaska in time for the Iditarod. 
©2007 Portland's skyline
Portland proudly demures its skyline to the greeenery that surrounds it.
Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Covering more than a thousand miles from Anchorage to Nome, the Iditarod is the height of sportsmanship for mushers.
Saxman Native Totem Park
Learn about totems and their meaning at this site, where more than two dozen totem poles tell the story of life in Alaska.
World Ice Art Championships and Kid’s Park
Late February’s World Ice Art Championships and Kid’s Park in Fairbanks is spectacular.
California
Alcatraz Island
Creepy and informative, a visit to San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island gives some excellent insight into prison life.
Big Sur Coastline
Mysterious, majestic, jaw dropping - these are words used to describe California’s Big Sur.
California State Railroad Museum
Sacramento shows off locomotives that helped to build it at the California State Railroad Museum.
Chinatown and the Chinese New Year
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest community of Chinese in the U.S., and while the neighborhood is lively throughout the year, Chinese New Year brings a celebration to the streets.
Disneyland
Disneyland’s dizzying array of things to do keeps families happy and entertained for days.
Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium creates innovative hands-on exhibits that wow kids - and their parents.
The Getty Center
An extraordinary collection of art inside is rivaled by the gardens outside the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
Golden Gate Bridge
Iconic, dramatic, beautiful, the Golden Gate Bridge delights visitors who drive or walk across as well as shutterbugs who try to catch a snapshot in just the right light.
Hearst Castle
Grand, and over-the-top, Heart Castle in San Simeon welcomes visitors for tours and living history programs.
Hollywood
Discover some of the best tourist destinations in Tinseltown.
La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles prehistoric swamp continues to give paleontologists something to work on and visitors something to see.
LegoLand
Imagination and reality meet at Carlsbad’s LegoLand, a playground of possibilities inspired by - and made up of - Legos.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Many hands-on activities and truly awe-inspiring displays make a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium memorable.
Napa Valley Vineyards
Drive through, hike around, or sit and sip, but don’t miss an opportunity to explore California’s Napa Valley.
San Diego Zoo
More than 800 species call the San Diego Zoo home. A world-class facility, plan for a long visit.
Santa Barbara
This charming Spanish-styled town features gardens, seaside diversions and activities year-round.
Santa Catalina Island
Arrive by ferry or boat on this car-free island just a short drive from Los Angeles, and enjoy a quiet seaside retreat.
SeaWorld
San Diego’s SeaWorld thrills kids with opportunities to touch, learn about, and see things aquatic.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Twenty-six-story trees tower at Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.
Tournament of Roses Parade
Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade celebrates the Rose Bowl each New Year’s Day.
Venice Beach
Each day brings a reason for festivity and activity on Venice Beach.
Winchester Mystery House
A tangle of rooms, staircases, and doors, this mansion boggles visitors and designers.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park’s mountains, trees, and waterfalls are legendary for their beauty.
Hawaii
Kapalua Beach
Maui’s Kapalua Beach is among the best in Hawaii, and it’s an ideal locale for families with toddlers.
Oahu’s North Shore Big Surf Competition
The best arrive to compete in some of the world’s tallest waves in November and December.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Learn about regional culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu.
The USS Arizona Memorial
This monument to Pearl Harbor pays tribute to the 1,177 crewmembers who died in the attack.
Waikiki Beach
Oahu’s famed two-mile stretch of sand is a resort haven with plenty for kids and parents to do.
Waimea Canyon
A great place to catch a rainbow, Waimea Canyon’s bright colors can be seen on foot or by helicopter.
Oregon
Astoria-Megler Bridge
Cross the Columbia River from Oregon to Washington.
The Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls
See the many waterfalls at Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls.
Mount Hood
Outdoors enthusiasts arrive on this volcanic mountain to take advantage of its beauty, trails and sights.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Waterfalls and forested trails create a paradise for those in search of exercise or escape.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Rent an ATV to cross the landscape of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
This historic spot is a point of civic pride and celebration.
Portland Rose Festival and Rose Gardens
June is time for the Portland Rose Festival and a visit to the Rose Gardens.
Seaside
Marking the end of Louis and Clark’s long journey, the town of Seaside delivers history with a dollop of charm.
Washington
Northwest Folklife Festival
Memorial Day weekend thousands converge on Seattle for a cultural celebration, the Northwest Folklife Festival.
Mount St. Helens
From here, visitors get a pristine view of the Pacific Northwest, and can also learn about the power of a volcano.
Pike Place Market
Lively and full of food, art and music, the Pike Place Market is wonderfully entertaining.
San Juan Islands
From the Puget Sound’s San Juan Islands you can see sea lions, dolphins and orcas.
Seattle Center
Soar up the Space Needle and visit the heart of Seattle at the Seattle Center.
Washington State International Kite Festival
Colors and shapes take over the windy skies in August in Long Beach, Washington.
From Washington, continue exploring the continent -- it's sometimes just a short boat-ride from Washington to Canada, and it's a brief journey by plane to the warm and welcoming shores of Mexico. In addition to family vacation in the U.S., we've compiled favorite vacation areas in Canada and Mexico. Continue reading to find out more.
Visit the following links to learn about scenic drives or to get recommendations on Mobil Travel Guide's ratings on hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
