Recently named the number one resort in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler readers, The Resort at Pelican Hill is a unique destination. It’s located on the Newport Coast, between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach in Orange County, California on a gorgeous strip of hilly coastline.

While not directly on the beach, the resort sits on a hillside that offers spectacular views of the ocean and Catalina Island.

You could easily pass the Surf & Sand Resort as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach and think it was just another nicely renovated hotel. And when you step inside you might think it’s a hip hotel, perfect for that girls’ night out or romantic weekend. And it is.

So what about the kids?

When you step inside with kids you receive the same great service as everyone else and knowledgeable concierges who know exactly what families need.

A Disney family vacation is on many wish lists this season. For good reason, Disney is guaranteed entertainment for every age.

When you enter Disneyland during the holiday period, you’re effortlessly transported into your own little winter wonderland. It looks like a classic Christmas card with garland-wrapped lamp posts tied with big red ribbons. The bows are tied just right and for some reason, there never seem to be any strings of lights out.

Carmel is one of my favorite family getaways. If I didn’t call Northern California Wine Country home, I could easily see myself having a Carmel area code. Locals are lucky. They have mountains and the sea and everything in between. So do visitors who hang their hat at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Readers have been gushing about Carmel Valley Ranch since it got its $35 million makeover. When my family was offered the opportunity to explore the property, I jumped at the chance. Now I can’t wait to go back.

The elves at Trekaroo have decided that we’ve been such parents this year that we deserve a big present before Christmas arrives. They’re giving away a 2-night stay with airfare and lift tickets to Mammoth Mountain in California.

If you’ve ever driven to Mammoth with kids you know how very long that drive can be and how sweet it would be to hop on a plane instead!

Paradise Point is located on Mission Bay in San Diego, within walking distance to Sea World and close proximity to many of San Diego’s family-friendly attractions. After only a few minutes at the resort, we watched bicycle surreys carrying several generations of families cruise by us.

Paradise Point has two key factors that make it great for family reunions: a beach with calm waters and loads of activities for families.

Living less than an hour from San Francisco, my family has a long list of go-to favorites that can easily fill the occasion when spare time might actually sneak into the family calendar. Exploring the Presidio, getting clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf or exploring Golden Gate Park are just a few of the things that pop into my mind. But I leave room on the list for new finds like San Jose, California.

Where is San Jose?

San Jose is located about an hour south of San Francisco. The third largest city in California …

In a house with kids, it’s easy to lose a weekend. I’m sure you know what I mean. With homework, swim meets, birthday parties, you can forget to take some time to just relax. I can’t do it sitting at home. The list of things to do is too long, so I try to plan fun family adventures right in my Northern California Wine Country backyard.

This was one of our best summer’s yet. Splashing on a hot day at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, riding through Chalk Hill’s Vineyards with Wine Country Trail Rides and ziplining through the redwoods. Now I can add a California Castle to the growing list.

October is here and even though I’m still not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, I have to admit a tinge of excitement because my family’s Halloween countdown has begun. You don’t have to be a kid to get into the spirit of Halloween in Northern California. All you have to do is enjoy a sense of mystery and know the way to San Jose.

About an hour south of San Francisco, the city of San Jose is home to the Winchester Mystery House. In 1884, Winchester rifle heiress, Sarah Winchester …

Eating through San Francisco with my baby son has been one of the biggest joys of parenthood for me because there are so many restaurants to explore that offer delicious food that appeals to both baby and mommy taste buds.

When Amie asked me to share my picks for five family-friendly restaurants in San Francisco, it was really tough to pick my favorites out of so many amazing eateries in the city.