Need a “European” getaway for the family without the hassle of going overseas? Fly in or drive up from Seattle (less than a three-hour drive) to Vancouver, B.C., the most majestic and cosmopolitan city in the Northwest.  We've got the tips on where to eat, play, and stay in this great kid-friendly city. Read more to learn about this great kid-friendly destination just North of the border.

A day or weekend up north with the fam is one of the most restorative trips we can think of. The Russian River valley is just about synonymous with “summer,” and there’s plenty of family-friendly fun around Guerneville to keep your little ones occupied. Just follow these tips, and on the ride home, your little ones will already be asking, “When can we come back!?”

While Lake Tahoe is mostly associated with hitting the slopes in the wintertime, the summer is actually just as much if not more fun for a getaway with kids in tow. From swimming, to hiking, or even floating down a pristine mountain river, North Lake Tahoe offers an abundance of things to do with kids as well as throwing in some awe inspiring views and memories to last a lifetime.

home to quaint historic towns such as Lahaina on the west shore, legendary surf town Paia near Ho’okipa Beach and the Jaws break, as well as the resort towns of Ka’anapali and Wailea whose pool systems rival the natural water features found all around this relatively small, but incredibly diverse Polynesian island.

Back in your pre-parent days, you probably never considered wine-soaked Sonoma a family destination, but think again. Even though organic milk may the beverage of choice in your household these days, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a day trip or weekend hanging out around the square. Read more about taking the kids up to the Wine Country.

For pure Southern Cali beach vacation bliss, we can't think of many places more idyllic than La Jolla. You can't beat the weather, the jagged cliffs over the Pacific make for jaw-dropping views, and there are plenty of ways to explore this scenic and pedestrian-friendly seaside haven. Read more to find out our insider tips for La Jolla with  kids.

For a camping trip that combines NorCal roughing it with a dose of Bay Area-style indulgence, we're big fans of the Anderson Valley. Located northwest of Healdsburg, and east of Mendocino (about a 2.5-to-3-hour drive from the Bay Area), this wine-growing region along the Navarro River provides a respite from the fog found at the socked-in coast, but mornings amongst big the trees are still cool and shaded.

Where you stay in the San Francisco Bay Area is important.  In addition to the usual kid-friendly accommodation needs around convenience, amenities, and atmosphere, the location of your hotel will significantly impact your vacation experience given the amazing array of very distinct neighborhoods in and around San Francisco.