Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, San Marino
Highlights of this institution established by railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington include letters and manuscripts by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln; Thomas Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy”; Thomas Lawrence’s “Pinkie”; and the largest Chinese garden outside China.
Avenue of the Giants
The scenic State Route 254, running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, is lined with towering trees. Along the way in Leggett, you can pay to drive through the Chandelier Tree.
California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento
Learn the stories of the dozens of beautifully restored trains housed in this museum.
California Missions
The 230-year-old San Juan Capistrano is especially well-preserved and the surrounding gardens are beautiful.
Death Valley National Park
Nighttime is when the desert wakes up. Go for a moonlit walk in the sand dunes and you might see kangaroo rats and kit fox.
Read more about all 40 must-see kid faves here.
