The Golden Gate Bridge is recognized around the globe. More than just a bridge, it’s an iconic symbol of the state of California. As many as ten million people visit the Bridge every year. If you’re lucky enough to visit with your family this year, you’re in for a treat.

The Golden Gate Bridge is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year!

There are hundreds of reasons to bring your family to San Francisco: Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio just to name a few. But head about a half an hour south of the Golden Gate, down the Pacific Coast and you’ll find Half Moon Bay, and its loaded with things to do with kids.

Often referred to as the World Pumpkin Capital, Half Moon Bay is the main coastal town between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, but when you arrive you’ll find so much more than pumpkins.

I was a fan of the Montage long before they joined Ciao Bambino’s portfolio of family-friendly hotels. I pass the hotel every day on the way to my daughter’s school and appreciate how the hotel’s craftsman-style architecture blends in with the oceanfront location. As our editor discovered when she stayed here, they also have a spectacular kids’ club called Paintbox.

What I didn’t know is that you don’t have to be a guest to use it!

Squaw Valley has Olympic history; it hosted the 1960 winter Olympics and is the home mountain of Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley who is now a spokesperson for the ski resort. It also has a reputation for extreme skiing.

What you may not know is that Squaw Valley is transforming itself to appeal to a larger audience; beginner and intermediates skiers, foodies and families take note – there is more here for you now.

When you think of the Northern California Wine country, chances are you think of wine. Maybe even grapes. But not kids and not Segways. Things are changing in wine country. Visitors of all ages are welcome.

Gone are the days of leaving the kids at home. Families are on a roll and sipping their way through adventures worth bragging about to family and friends.

If you want your kids to learn to ski, you can teach them yourself (good luck with that!) or send them to ski school. A comprehensive program run by a thoughtful expert makes all the difference in the world.

A model for this is Mammoth Mountain Ski Area’s Ski & Snowboard School in Califorinia. Craig Albright is the Managing Director of their program. I recently e-interviewed him for his insight on kids’ ski school best practices.

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.