Day Trips From Mission Viejo With Kids

Dana Point → Avalon · Day Trips

Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure. The Catalina Express crossing from Dana Point Harbor takes about 90 minutes and lands in Avalon, the island's Mediterranean-style harbor town just 22 miles offshore. Since regular cars are scarce on the island, getting around by golf cart, bike, or on foot is part of the experience.

Big Bear Lake · Day Trips

Alpine lake getaway with boat rentals, fishing, swim beaches, hiking, and winter skiing, about 90 minutes up the mountain. The lake sits at more than 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, and Bear Mountain's ski runs climb even higher, up to nearly 8,800 feet. Several marinas around the lake rent everything from kayaks to pontoon boats each spring through fall.

Julian · Day Trips

Historic gold-rush mountain town famous for apple pie, fall apple picking, and a quaint Old West main street. Gold was discovered here in 1869 by Fred Coleman, a formerly enslaved man, and the town that grew up around the resulting mines was founded the following year; once the gold played out, local orchards turned Julian into an apple-growing hub instead. Its walkable Main Street, lined with pie shops and antique stores, remains the heart of a town designated a California Historical Landmark.

Idyllwild · Day Trips

A cozy mountain arts town with pine forests, easy nature trails, a nature center, and a famous mascot (Mayor Max the dog). Idyllwild sits over a mile high in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by Jeffrey pine and white fir forest that first drew loggers in the 1870s and health-seekers to its mountain-air sanatoriums by the turn of the century. The current Mayor Max, a Golden Retriever, is the third dog to hold the honorary title since the tradition began as a 2012 fundraiser.

Free to visit; activities extra

Temecula · Day Trips

Those colorful balloons drifting over the vineyards at dawn are a Temecula signature, and several operators fly family-friendly rides that lift off just after sunrise. Flights are weather-dependent and book up fast, so reserve ahead. (This note used to point at the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival; Riverside County terminated the organisers' contract and there is no announced 2026 edition, so it was removed rather than left promising an event that is not happening.)

Dana Point → Avalon · Day Trips

Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure. The Catalina Express crossing from Dana Point Harbor takes about 90 minutes and lands in Avalon, the island's Mediterranean-style harbor town just 22 miles offshore. Since regular cars are scarce on the island, getting around by golf cart, bike, or on foot is part of the experience.

Corona · Day Trips

A historic day spa with mineral pools and the famous red-clay "Club Mud," geared to teens and grown-ups. People have soaked in its naturally warm mineral springs since the 1800s, and Club Mud's California red clay — trucked in fresh daily from a mine a few miles away — has been a signature treatment for more than a century. The property spans about a dozen acres of gardens and pools in Temescal Valley.

Newport Coast · Day Trips

For a true splurge: the famed circular Coliseum Pool — 136 feet across, lined with more than a million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles, and ringed by Roman-inspired colonnades — plus ocean-view dining and gelato carts. A spendy but unforgettable treat day, with views that sweep from the fairways to the sea.

Temecula · Day Trips

Those colorful balloons drifting over the vineyards at dawn are a Temecula signature, and several operators fly family-friendly rides that lift off just after sunrise. Flights are weather-dependent and book up fast, so reserve ahead. (This note used to point at the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival; Riverside County terminated the organisers' contract and there is no announced 2026 edition, so it was removed rather than left promising an event that is not happening.)

Hacienda Heights · Day Trips

One of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western Hemisphere — ornate courtyards and a vegetarian cafeteria. Dress modestly.

Norwalk · Day Trips

A 9-hole short-game course with holes of 50–100 yards, a double-deck driving range and putting and chipping greens at 13717 Shoemaker Ave, plus a junior academy for ages 5–17. The short holes suit beginner kids, and the lights let you play after school.

Pomona · Day Trips

The big annual anchor — rides, livestock and fried everything each May. Go a weekday or opening week, and bring hats (little shade in the inland heat).

Bellflower · Day Trips

The city pool complex at 14001 Bellflower Blvd, with indoor and outdoor pools and a playground at the park. The city announced an outdoor-pool renovation while keeping the indoor pool open, so confirm which pool is running. Swimmers under 45 inches must be accompanied in the water by an adult; call (562) 866-2015 first.

Azusa · Day Trips

The city pool at 501 E 5th St runs public rec swim in summer and a Red Cross learn-to-swim program, and the city's Slauson Park page lists a Dolphin Cove Kids Splash Zone. Deep-end use in the competition pool requires a swim test.

Arcadia · Day Trips

A Family Fun Zone (jumpers, pony rides, face painting) runs on select race days with the San Gabriel Mountains as backdrop. Also hosts the 626 Night Market.

Avalon · Day Trips

Roller skate on the Casino's circular ballroom floor for one session of about an hour. Socks are required and not included, so pack a pair; age limits aren't published.

Avalon · Day Trips

A 45-minute cruise from the Green Pleasure Pier into Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, where kids press their faces to the glass to watch bright-orange garibaldi in the kelp. Best for kids 3 and up; reservations recommended, required for groups.

Avalon · Day Trips

A climate-controlled cabin about five feet below the surface with individual seats and portholes — good for little ones who can't snorkel yet. Boarding involves stairs and ramps, and no food is allowed.

Avalon · Day Trips

Tandem parasailing from the Green Pleasure Pier (ticket office at 18 Green Pleasure Pier) with a dry launch and landing. Fliers must be 6 or older, ride-alongs 5, with combined-weight limits — confirm with the operator.

Avalon · Day Trips

A quick way to spend a day in quiet Two Harbors without a long ferry from the mainland. Outside food and drink aren't allowed on Catalina Island Company tours; confirm the last return before you go.

Avalon · Day Trips

A high-speed Cyclone boat ride from the Green Pleasure Pier to Seal Rocks for seals, dolphins and seasonal whales; sightings aren't guaranteed. Minimum age 4; boarding involves steep steps and it's bumpy.

Avalon · Day Trips

Five self-paced ropes courses (two beginner, two intermediate, one advanced) at 1 Saint Catherine Way. Minimum age 7, height at least 55 in and weight 50–270 lb, so it is not for younger siblings. Closed-toe shoes required.

Avalon · Day Trips

Five zip lines at 35–40 mph over Descanso Canyon. Minimum age 10, weight 80–240 lb and height at least 55 in, weighed clothed at check-in; closed-toe shoes required. There is no refund if a child misses the limits.

Avalon · Day Trips

Renting a golf cart is the classic Avalon adventure — putter up to the scenic overlooks and the Botanic Garden with kids riding open-air. Call ahead for rates and seating.

Avalon · Day Trips

An 18-hole, par-51 course on Sumner Ave across from the library, run by Catalina Island Company for nearly 50 years. It takes about an hour, and Glow Golf uses light-up balls after dark.

Avalon · Day Trips

A 7.5-mile narrated motor tour of the beachfront and hillsides with local history — the cheapest way to see town from a seat, which suits little ones and a hot afternoon.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea · Day Trips

A long bluff-backed beach with reliably gentle surf at the south end, which makes it one of the better North County beaches for young swimmers. Day-use lots fill by 10am in summer — arrive early, or park free along Coast Highway 101 and take the stairs down.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea · Day Trips

An independent grocery known countywide for its marinated tri-tip, with a deli counter that makes the easiest beach picnic in North County. Order at the deli, then walk across Coast Highway to the sand rather than eating in the cramped lot.

Sandwiches ~$12–16

Avalon · Day Trips

A locally owned hub at 1202 Avalon Canyon Rd (the old Nature Center building) with guided backcountry tours including a family-friendly Picnic Tour, snorkel rental and shuttle service. The former Nature Center no longer operates here.