If you’re craving some crisp mountain air this summer, Big Bear Lake is a convenient, picturesque vacation spot for families, couples and solo nature lovers looking for adventure.

You can get there in just two hours, and other than the scenic switchbacks during the last few miles before town, the route is relatively easy — especially in the warmer seasons when snow- and ice-covered roads aren’t a factor — as long as you’re a confident mountain driver.

The confident driver in our mother-daughter trip up to Big Bear Lake was Mirabel, a 19-year-old who enjoys new challenges. Under the watchful eye of her mother, Michele, she drove us from our home in the suburbs of L.A. to the low-key, family- and pet-friendly Noon Lodge, where we checked in for the first part of our stay.

Settling into charm

On the first floor of our cabin stood a quaint kitchen, a small full bathroom with a shower and a living room decorated in a western and Native American style that accentuated the mountain environment without feeling kitschy.

Up a flight of stairs, we were delighted to find a master bedroom and a larger full bathroom with eco-friendly Terra Pure green tea-scented amenities, plus a second bedroom with two twin beds. On the wall above each twin bed hung small lamps that could be turned on and off by pulling a metal cord, which felt charming, old-fashioned and perfect for lovers of nighttime reading (Dear reader: That’s us).

After touring our cabin, we went outside and found ourselves only steps away from the pool, fire pits, picnic tables and an outdoor play area where families can indulge in bocce, cornhole and shuffleboard.

Two Adirondack chairs, sitting dockside in the shade of a pine tree and overlooking Noon Lodge’s tethered canoes (bikes are also available for guests), promised a relaxing afternoon if we would give them some of our time. However, we had competing priorities — namely, making it to the marina before the Get Boards rental shop closed — so we set off on our first adventure with a promise to return to the chairs later.

Kayaking and candle making

With Michele ensconced in a kayak and Mirabel comfortably set up on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), we made our foray onto dazzling Big Bear Lake by mid-afternoon. After a few hundred meters, the waves picked up, but Mirabel was determined to have a real adventure, so we kept paddling out for about an hour.

Close to the marina, the lake revealed splendid sights like the silver arc of a fish leaping out of the water and a family of ducks slowly trailing their way around. Farther out, the lake was even more clear and sparkling, but we soon realized the ducks had the right idea with their slow approach. We returned to the shallow end to spend time chatting while savoring how the current gently swayed our fiberglass “boats.”

When our two-hour rental was up, we checked out Big Bear Village, perusing gift shops, restaurants and flower beds. We sat down for a quick snack at Barrel 33 (we recommend the Twisted Tasting Tray, an artisan cheese and cured meats sampler served in a huge, soft Bavarian pretzel), before heading to our next activity  — candle making at Mystic Moto’s Ritual Provisions Candle Bar. Neither of us had made candles before, and at first glance, the motorcycle-themed shop didn’t seem conducive to crafting a gently scented, sparkly candle. Yet somehow the edgy glam began to make sense, and our candle-making process completely made sense after the shop’s co-owner Molly Williams gave us instructions.

First, we chose our glass vessels and two scents from a variety of tiny, amber-colored bottles. Intoxicating options included rose and oud, burnt umber and sea minerals. Williams gave us larger bottles, and, using long, golden spoons, we measured out our preferred ratio of scents, then mixed the scented liquid with molten wax inside our vessels.

While we waited for our candles to harden, we explored the rest of the shop. Michele picked out a couple of candles — expertly handcrafted by Williams on nights of the full moon — as gifts for friends. For herself, she bought a delicate gold necklace with an upward-facing horseshoe charm for luck. And for Mirabel: a box of celestial-themed, reprinted vintage postcards.

When our candles were almost set, we pressed crystals and sprinkled mica glitter on top to complete the luxurious look.

Good food and a good night

Tired and hungry (but relaxed and happy!), we walked to the nearby scratch kitchen Stella Luna for dinner. We shared the butter board, which was loaded with thick slices of toasted focaccia bread baked daily at the neighboring Sister My Sister Bake Shop. The crusty goodness was accompanied by thin petals of honeyed, spiced butter. Our meal included a well-balanced prosciutto and burrata salad, a perfectly seared steak with broccolini, crispy smashed potatoes and a slice of gluten-free, flourless vegan chocolate cake that was light yet rich.

As we made our way back to the cabin, the sky was dark and full of glittering stars. The outdoor communal fireplace created a cozy scene. But our beds beckoned, and we settled deeply into the serenity of mountain rest.

From leisure to adrenaline-fueled fun

The next day, we woke up refreshed and ate breakfast in the sunlight at a wooden picnic table decorated with chunky candles in glass votives. 

After breakfast, we joined a nature walk at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Sand, our enthusiastic, seasoned guide, led our group of about a dozen or so curious walkers, made up of families, couples and one puppy, through a peaceful path surrounded by California’s native plants and trees. We smelled the vanilla-like perfume of a Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) and learned that the purple, yellow and red flowers dotting the terrain were mountain phlox, wild wallflower and Indian paintbrush, and that the San Gabriel Mountain range contains seven ecosystems, more than any other mountain range in the world. Once we understood the elements of Big Bear Lake’s ecosystem — the flowers, the trees, the woodrat dens, the overturned, hollow logs full of beetles — we saw them repeating across the hillside in a poetic elaboration of natural beauty.

Next, we headed to The Bowling Barn for a friendly family faceoff. Three takeaways:

1. The Bowling Barn, a pristine and state-of-the-art 16-lane bowling alley and arcade tucked inside a red, country barn-like building, is extra fun even when it’s broad daylight outside (or for glow bowling at night!). This is thanks to the animated electronic scoreboard, which features playful clips with photos of bowlers’ faces performing a variety of gags on screen after each shot. After bowling a seven, Mirabel’s face was attached to a wolf who shaved the wool off sheep-faced Michele. When Michele bowled a nine, the roles were reversed.

2. Mirabel discovered that she needed to bowl lower to the ground for her shots to be successful — and that she was in the habit of bowling upside down in a manner best described by Michele as “overhand.” Fixing her technique allowed her to win one game before resoundingly losing the following two games to Michele.

3. No matter how questionable your overall performance, you will walk away happy if your last shot was a good one. Case in point: Our last shots were both strikes, the memories of which overshadowed our recollections of the more-than-zero gutter balls we each bowled. 

Surprise hellos, inevitable goodbyes

Still savoring the dopamine released by light exercise, the exhilaration of our strikes and near-constant laughter from our ribbing of each other, we made our way to Pine Knot Marina to board the Miss Liberty, a patriotically decorated 2-story paddlewheel boat (and former ice breaker) that took us for a two-hour tour of the lake.

The charismatic Captain John narrated Big Bear history and lore, pointing out impressive lakeside homes with equally impressive owners, including the late cowboy actor Roy Rogers, recording superstar Olivia Newton-John and Mel Blanc, best known as the iconic voice of “Looney Tunes” characters. To our surprise, Captain John called out Mel’s son, Noel Blanc, a voiceover actor who lives in the family home. Noel came out on his deck and performed a Bugs Bunny impression over his own megaphone.

To commemorate our trip, we bought Big Bear baseball caps at the Big Bear Marina shop before going to Sweet Basil Bistro for our last dinner in Big Bear Lake. We enjoyed a plate of focaccia and olive oil and split a lobster lasagna creatively accompanied with vanilla beurre blanc, which did, in fact, taste like vanilla. Luckily, we had scored an early reservation, so we beat the dinner rush that we could see building at the popular restaurant toward the end of our meal.

After dinner, we made it to our final lodging, Olive Wren Den, a tasteful, modern-yet-rustic, spacious three-bedroom cabin (sleeps eight) with a chef’s kitchen, two full bathrooms (with shower-bathtubs) and an outdoor hot tub and barbecue in the pine-tree-lined backyard (ideal for hosting parties and for family dogs and kids to play). We relaxed on the plush couches in front of the living room’s large gas fireplace, which warmed us before we headed to our rooms and bath-obsessed Michele took a luxurious soak to induce another restful sleep.

The next morning, we made our way down the mountain, witnessing the steady stream of cars heading up for Big Bear Lake’s Memorial Day weekend festivities, including a 5K run and family events. As we continued, we observed that we were above the breathtaking marshmallow-like, white cloud layer. We drove through the mist of the clouds, a dreamy experience to cap off our getaway.

Though we had each visited Big Bear Lake separately — Michele with Mirabel’s dad for her 30th birthday in snowy January, when they focused on a Bald Eagle count, and Mirabel with her dad, stepmother and siblings when she was younger, we had not returned in years. After trying so many shops, restaurants and activities in town and on the shoreline, we appreciated how much this fun, down-to-earth SoCal gem has to offer. We also agreed that Big Bear Lake is most special when you travel there with loved ones.

Mirabel Raphael is a rising sophomore at Yale University, where she studies global affairs, competes as a member of the Yale Debate Team, writes for Yale Daily News and hikes as much as possible.

Michele Raphael is an L.A.- based culture, health, lifestyle and travel writer and editor and proud mom of Mirabel and Leo, a rising high school senior. Find her at @michelebraphael.

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Since before our son could toddle, he’s been traveling alongside my husband and me. We’ve bundled him, backpacked him, and “Bijorned” him on boats, planes and automobiles. 

We’ve trekked together across many continents, and explored cities and deserts nearer home, instilling in all of us, a love of exploration and renewal.

Our family odyssey has taught us invaluable lessons — some profound, some hilarious, and some that smelled suspiciously like goat. Here are seven big takeaways from our travels that extend far beyond the school gates.

Curiosity creates lifelong learners

Young people sometimes show a premature weariness with life — it’s all algorithms and eye rolls. But the world outside WiFi is endlessly fascinating.

Our son’s curiosity exploded in the best way possible once he saw how kids lived around the world. We’ve watched pre-teens hunting for food with their parents in Africa, seen children clean their classrooms in Japan, and youngsters fish at dawn, in the Amazon.

In Fiji, we looked on in awe as children made music with found objects, showing a deep resourcefulness and creativity we rarely see at home. My son learned an invaluable lesson that day; when there’s no toy shop, you must make the toys. 

All our minds have been opened many times — and honestly, if my son ever loses interest in TikTok, I’ll credit the children of the Andes.

Confidence comes from climbing, not clicking

True confidence stems from real achievements and a sense of being capable. While American society often promotes confidence, it sometimes leans into a “fake it till you make it” mentality. The idea of posing in front of someone else’s Maserati doesn’t build genuine self-esteem.

True, hands-on experiences create a deeper sense of accomplishment and identity, and travel is a short-cut to that. It’s important your kids, partner, and family see you trying new things, solving problems, and having fun — whether it’s figuring out where to buy sunscreen, replacing lost contact lenses, or picking the perfect picnic spot.

Our family has learned this first hand during our travels. We’ve all faced moments of uncertainty and confusion — wondering where to catch a bus, deciphering signs to find waterfalls, or trying to figure out opening hours in another language. Tackling these challenges together has given us a “we’ve got this” attitude. 

Empathy needs no translation

In this digital world, connecting both to nature and to people has never been more important. I’ve watched our son connect to a Masai tribe in Tanzania and to a woman carrying a small goat in Peru. I’ve looked on as a beautiful lady served our son soda in Japan and admired our son’s gratitude in receiving it. 

I’ll never forget the time, high up in the Andes, a group of women grabbed him as he ran up the stairs to greet them at 12,000 feet altitude, and then nearly fainted in their arms as the lack of oxygen hit. They wrapped him in blankets and made him a cup of cocoa. 

It was extraordinary to see him give himself over to this tribe of mothers without a word of English being spoken. It takes a village, sure — but sometimes it also takes an Andean auntie with a flask and a good sense of humor.

Think outside the goldfish bowl

Fixed perspectives can suffocate potential and understanding but shopping at a busy weekly market, doing laundry at a local laundromat, or trying a food that might be considered a pet (side order of guinea pig anyone?), creates not just curiosity but also empathy. 

We’ve been to a cat park in Lima, Peru, and there was a shared sense of joy, peace and play with every human and creature in the area, and, in Madrid, a history-filled whole roast suckling pig dining, remains a family highlight.

In transit, we’ve had to visit a local eye doctor (Austria and Spain), a tailor for to fix a camera bag (Zimbabwe), and a local electronics shop to fix an iPad (Japan), which were all adventures of their own. 

And it’s not just kids who can learn. Camping is not my first choice of a vacation but when my son wanted to go, I rented an RV and it turns out, that for a few days, I can enjoy life in a mobile home. And yes, I brought half my house for a three-day camping trip. And yes, I used all of it. Don’t judge.

When the plan becomes cereal in bed

Life doesn’t always play out as it should and neither will your vacation. Things screw up, everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes things are less than the photo presented. We learned as a family how to research, leap, pivot and that sometimes it’s okay to go back to your room to sleep and wait to get out to the next place. 

On a walking trip through Japan, after a day that saw us hike at a high elevation for 7.5 miles, from Matsuzaki to Hiroshima, the three of us ended the day snuggled in our room, enjoying bowls of cereal in bed, instead of a group dinner. 

While exploring the Dolomites, a magical hiking day turned into a mad dash down the mountain when torrential rain clouds arrived with lightening. It felt like an episode of The Amazing Race to return to the tram to hitch a ride down before it closed for the day. Travel is chaos with a sense of direction, and learning to pivot is part of the package.

Adventures lead to smarter choices

Many people often have an unrealistic understanding of what’s safe and what’s risky but travel can teach us valuable lessons about making sound decisions and clearly navigating through life.

In Africa, when our son asked if he could stand and put his head out of the roof of our Jeep, our guide responded: “There are few rules out here in the Bush, so do what you want. I’ll tell you this however, the nearest doctor is six hours away and he is a shaman. The nearest doctor the way you are used to it is a plane ride away, so choose your actions carefully.” He sat down.

On a Japanese commuter train, we watched everyone clean up before they departed, and now we’re just as committed to always leaving our public areas just as tidy when leaving.

You can tell your kid to watch their phone until you’re blue in the face, but it may take being in a group when an adult is pickpocketed, such as happened to us in Spain, for them to take notice. 

Coming home with new eyes — and heated toilet seats

There’s a huge amount of joy in budgeting for a trip and anticipating the adventures that lay ahead – but mistakes happen. 

I once had to return a bunch of scarves to a Japanese museum gift shop because I’d wrongly calculated the exchange rate. And that’s fine because we also found joy in unexpected places; for example, we learned that the Japanese use heated toilet seats, and so my husband purchased one as a souvenir!

Returning home after traveling makes us fully appreciate the comfort and security of our everyday lives. These moments of gratitude, mixed with the excitement of our adventures, inspire us to value what we have and think about how we can protect and share these experiences for future generations.

From the peaks of Patagonia to the canyons of California, our journey continues. But the real treasures? Curiosity, resilience, empathy and an unshakable belief that cereal in bed sometimes beats fine dining.

Pack light. Laugh often. The world is waiting — with snacks.

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

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My family and I have not stepped inside a zoo for many years, but when we had a collective slice of time last Saturday morning, we headed to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to take a safari excursion and get a peek at the park’s new features.

In L.A., we charged up our car and let our newly licensed 17-year-old son, Sol, take the wheel for the 2 1/2-hour drive. On the navigation screen, he punched in the address — 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido — but before he pulled off, I handed him a foldable, laminated Rand McNally map of Southern California so that he could visually grasp where he was going. We live so much on the inside of our screens that our sense of spatial awareness continues to slip away.

Sol opened up the flaps of the map. “Wow, how much did this thing cost?” he asked, incredulous.

“It’s not an ancient relic,” I said. “It was $9.99 and I got it from Staples.”

“Wow,” he said again, his eyes wildly scanning the spread-out map, not knowing where to land.

“Find Los Angeles first,” I said. “Then, go south to find San Diego and Escondido, but take a look at all the towns we’ll pass through first before we get there. It’s like a preview of the drive, and it helps you get your bearings, I think.”

This quick exploration of our route was a prelude to our day of learning through excursion.

Jurassic Park vibes

We had not visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park since Sol was in elementary school, but driving into the the park, with its jungle-like canopies of trees, elicited a refreshing familiarity. “It makes me want to watch “Jurassic Park” when we get back home,” my husband, Marcus, said.

“Well, Steven Spielberg was influenced by the Safari Park,” our guide, Delaney, told us. The entrance to the fictional Jurassic Park in the movie echoes the entrance to Safari Park, which was opened in 1972 and serves as the sister location to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. The Escondido-based park, which mostly houses animals from arid environments, spans more than 1,800 acres that dip and rise like the savannas in Africa and Southeast Asia. It is home to more than 3,100 animals representing over 340 species.

Safari Excursions

While visitors have always been able to enjoy watching the animals by boarding a tram, Safari Excursions is the newest structure at Safari Park. Arriving a little early for our “cart safari” tour, my family and I lounged in the open-air, immersive gathering spot designed with a nod to a Kenyan safari camp, with exposed wood beams, lush greenery, wooden stools, rich textiles and bright wall paintings and textiles.

We listened to the sounds of birds and insects float in and out of the cool, airy space, allowed the photographer to take a family photo of us and discussed which animals we each were excited to see. While we were just a party of three, the lounge area can easily fit large groups of people at one time.

The safari excursions are an additional cost after the paying for park entrance. Options include:

Cart Safari – guided 1-hour cart tour of park highlights for $82 per person

Wildlife Safari – guided 1-hour tour in the back of an open-air truck that rides inside a savanna wildlife habitat for $118 per person (ages 3 and up).

Deluxe Wildlife Safari – For 90 minutes, guests get to venture into habitats representing Africa and/or Asia for up-close views of wildlife for $143 per person (ages 6 and up).

Behind-the-Scenes Safari – This guided 90-minute tour takes you to areas not available to the public, with opportunities to get up close to wildlife for $118 per person (ages 3 and up).

Behind-the-Scenes: Elite Adventure Safari – Here, guests can explore the park on a 3.5-hour tour to learn about how staff cares for wildlife, then hop onto a safari truck and tour the savanna. Some walking required. Cost: $80 per person (ages 3 and up).

We opted for the cart safari, hopping on the cart with a chatty and extremely knowledgeable Delaney as she drove us first around the “Asia” savanna before looping around the outskirts of “Africa.” We marveled at the massiveness of the rhinos and elephants, envied the lions lounging across fields of grass, waved at Frank the gorilla as he rested his foot on a tree stump and watched us watching him.

I asked Delaney how animal activists in recent years have responded to the safari park. While some activists believe that all animals should only live in the wild, in their original habitats, others — after taking a more intimate safari tour — develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the park’s role in conserving endangered species and extending the life of vulnerable animals through extensive healthcare even while aiming to replicate the animals’ natural environments.

One such success story is Msituni,a four-year old giraffe born at the park who was unable to walk. After months of critical care that included giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, she gained the strength to walk around 11 months old. We watched Msituni and her older and taller fellow giraffes munch on twigs while Delaney explained that their enviably long eyelashes help keep flies and gnats out of their eyes.

Another source of great pride is that park is home to the rarest breed of horse in the world: the Przewalski’s horse — a critically endangered species of wild horse that was categorized as extinct in the wild until 1996. In recent years, scientists have used tools such as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Biodiversity Bank to expand the strength of the species’ population. 

Roar & Snore: Glamping with Wildlife

Speaking of eyes, if you love the parks so much you’d like to close your own eyes and spend the night our in the wild, consider checking out the new “Roar & Snore” glamping option. The premium tents feature a queen-sized bed and two portable cots to comfortably sleep four.

The tents overlook the savanna habitat where rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife roam freely. The adults-only option allows guests to explore the park after dark, enjoy classic camp activities and hear stories about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work around the globe. Cost: $245/person

Unique Safaris

If you like wine or beer with your safari, you’ll want to check out these features:

Sips on the Savanna: Wine Wildlife Safari, Mimosa Wildlife Safari and Craft Beer Wildlife Safari. Enjoy sipping a delicious beverage among the wildlife of the African savanna. Begin with a meet and greet mingle and your first drink in a souvenir aluminum glass. Next, board a covered, open-air safari truck and venture into an expansive habitat for up-close views of giraffe, antelope and more. Then it’s off to a breathtaking viewpoint for more drinks and savory snacks while taking in the sights and sounds of African wildlife.

Note that Wine Wildlife Safari is offered in the winter, Mimosa Wildlife Safari is offered in the summer and Craft Beer Wildlife Saffari is offered in the fall.  

Another unique option is the Behind the Scenes: Wild Cat Adventure. Guests can spend the morning visiting the wild cats of the Safari Park. See the park’s wild cats, peek into some of the wildlife care areas to learn what it takes to look after these diverse cats and hear stories about the park’s current conservation projects while traveling in a tour cart with a personal guide. 

Cassandra Lane is Editor in Chief of L.A. Parent.

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As a born-and-raised Angeleno, the East Coast has always held a certain allure with its four distinct seasons, historic buildings on every corner, Ivy league universities, lobster rolls and peacoats.

Drawn to its beauty, peacefulness and fresh seafood, New England is where my mother chose to recalibrate after she and my dad divorced. During school breaks in L.A., my sister and I got to try out life along the Atlantic while visiting our mom in her home in Sandwich, Mass., the oldest town on Cape Cod. We’d have picnics by the lake, visit glass artist studios, tour college campuses, eat delicious seafood and take long walks along the beach.

Today, while I’m firmly rooted in Los Angeles and raising two girls of my own, I find myself longing to recreate those slow East Coast adventures that only a sweet New England town can offer, so I was thrilled to recently explore Rhode Island’s South County, the southern half of the smallest U.S. state, which is nestled between Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

Block Island: a step back in time

Shortly after my arrival, I met some other journalists and writers at George’s of Galilee, where we had our first (of many I’d soon learn) plates of calamari and “stuffies,” a popular New England dish of stuffed clams. We hopped aboard the one-hour ferry ride from Point Judith, an easy 40-minute drive from the T.F. Green International Airport, and sailed into a thick blanket of fog that transported us back in time to Block Island.

Though the other writers traveled from nearby Long Island and New York, none of us had ever been — or even heard of — this small island, which sits only 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island. Just under 10 square miles, Block Island is lesser known than its more famous neighbors Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Aquidneck Island, home to Newport and its famous mansions, but it’s full of fun facts that add to its Old-World charm and mystique. It’s the smallest town in the smallest state, the whole island enforces a 25-miles-per-hour speed limit, the fire and rescue teams are volunteer-run, instead of addresses, houses are identified by “fire numbers” and all mail is picked up at the town’s post office.

Block Island is home to only 1,000 full-time residents. One of them is Jessica Willi, lifelong resident and executive director of Block Island Tourism Council. “There’s not a lot of new things, but it’s new to a lot of people,” she says.

It’s precisely this absence of the constant whir of city life that attracts new visitors. We checked into our rooms at the charming Inn at Spring House, the latest addition to the family-operated Spring House Hotel reserved for guests 21 and over. From my balcony, I could see migratory birds taking a moment of respite on bare branches and the ocean just beyond the trees. Taking a note from the birds, I put up my feet and rested, too, a simple act we parents tend to forget.

We started day two at Odd Fellows Café, where locals and folks who just got off the morning ferry ordered their coffees and breakfast sandwiches before a guided tour of the Southeast Lighthouse. Year round, you can visit the grounds and see where the lighthouse once stood on the precipice of Mohegan Bluff before getting relocated 300 feet inland in 1993. Enjoy stunning ocean views where there is “nothing between here and Portugal,” except for the country’s first commercial offshore wind farm. From May 24 through Oct. 12, visitors can venture inside the national historic landmark, originally built in 1875, which includes a museum featuring photos, old equipment and other artifacts from the lighthouse’s long history.

Though most businesses don’t open until around Easter or Memorial Day, when the island fills with families and visitors carrying on tradition, the beauty of Block Island is also in its quiet moments offseason, where you can bike from Baby Beach for kid-friendly fun to Cooneymus Cove for sunset hikes, cozy up in a pub over stuffies and beer at McAloon’s, or reconnect with nature at Abrams Animal Farm and Aviary. 

Apparently, this is what my soul needed. Owned and operated by the Abrams and Draper families, the farm is free and open to the public year round. The families’ gift to the island was to “spark a little sense of curiosity and wonder,” says Logan Mott Chase, office manager of Block Island Resorts. “To inspire people to take better care of the environment and animals.”

It’s no surprise that our group of writers, who spend so much of our time behind computer screens, lit up at the opportunity to feed curious lemurs, eager goats and Lucky, a sweet, giant Bactrian camel.

Wickford Village: the allure of small-town living

We bid farewell to Block Island to take the ferry back to Point Judith for breakfast at T’s Restaurant. The small local chain serves up breakfast classics and local favorites such as coffee milk, Rhode Island’s official state drink. Properly caffeinated, we explored the shops, galleries and restaurants of Wickford Village, a charming town founded in 1709 in the city of North Kingston.

I was equally invigorated by the beautiful walk along Main Street, which parallels Wickford Cove, as I was by conversations I had with local artists and shop owners like Melissa Beckwith, whose dream came true when she opened up her artisan boutique Serendipity with her mom 10 years ago, and Guy Cassaday, a former toy designer for Hasbro-turned-painter and one of the 29 artists who operate the co-op gift shop Harbor View Artisans.

A delicious lobster roll lunch at Wickford on the Water rounded out our neighborhood tour.

Art and history in Westerly and beyond

Hungry for more small town charm — and lobster rolls — our guides took us to Wakefield, Westerly and Ninigret Park, where I finally got the chance to meet one of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s famous giant trolls. The park is also home to Atlantis Rising, an international sand sculpture competition and festival that includes live music, kids’ activities, food and onsite camping.

In Wakefield, we visited The Glass Station, glass artists Eben Horton’s and wife Jennifer Nauck’s studio and gallery. Horton is known for his interactive art installation, Glass Float Project on Block Island, where he’s been hiding hundreds of glass-blown orbs around the island every summer since 2011. “Floats bring such joy to people,” Horton told us as he casually made one of the orbs that will be hidden this summer.

In Westerly, well known to Swifties as the location of Taylor Swift’s vacation home, we visited another historical landmark, Watch Hill Lighthouse and its museum. Though the lighthouse isn’t open to the public, it’s still worth a visit to walk down the private road to the southerly most point of mainland Rhode Island. Overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic and breathing in its salty air, I was reminded once again to slow down and savor this moment.

When we dined at River Bar, a few miles north, I needed no reminder to savor each bite of fresh oysters, homemade bread and uninterrupted conversations.

Hobbit houses, horseback riding and other not-so-rugged adventures 

We spent our final two nights at The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort, an upscale, all-ages playground of sorts in Richmond, R.I. During our property tour, which is one of the many complimentary resort activities, we realized just how expansive both the grounds (3,500 acres) and the amenities are. In one day, you can take an off-roading adventure in one of their exclusive Bentley Bentaygas, learn to fly fish, go clay shooting, take a yoga class, have tea time with a pony, relax with a luxurious spa treatment or, my favorite, enjoy trail riding on one of their happy-go-lucky horses. 

Though the resort is most certainly luxury, to my surprise it’s also very family friendly. From paint the pony experiences and ice cream manicure/pedicures to sling-shot crafting and archery, Rhode Island native and owner Paul Mihailides made the resort as kid-friendly as possible, in large part due to his own children and grandchildren who are often on the property.

Even the The Preserve’s signature dining experience at the Maker’s Mark Hobbit Houses is enchanting to kids and adults alike. Guests can book this whimsical four-course private dining experience with whiskey pairing or take advantage of the seasonal décor for a special photo opportunity, perfect for Easter or holiday cards.

I find myself itching to give my California girls a taste of those quintessential summers along the Atlantic shoreline, too, a glimpse into world-renowned Ivy Leagues, historic museums and, of course, New England’s signature seafood. But perhaps East Coast adventures can happen at any time, for any reason, always there to remind us West Coasters of the distinct food, beauty and charm of the other coast.

Nina Harada is a native Angeleno, mom of two daughters and Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

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In our 2025 “Beyond L.A.” travel guide, find the best road trips and day trips that are just a few hours outside of Los Angeles. From exploring Santa Ynez to relaxing in a La Quinta resort, we hope you get some ideas for your next family adventure beyond L.A.

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Family getaways are an essential part of my summer planning. As a single mom working in the sports industry, my year is often packed with travel for work, leaving little time to unwind with my two boys. But when summer rolls around, I prioritize stress-free vacations that align with their school break.

Building memorable moments for my children to look back on is always top of mind for me. Planning family trips isn’t always easy, especially because our vacations often include our extended family. Coming from a big family that loves spending time together — including my oldest brother and his three kids — means accommodating a large group with individual interests. So how can group travel with kids — whether with extended family or your favorite friends — truly succeed? I spoke with parents and experts to uncover the best tips for planning your dream family vacation.

Not all travel budgets are equal

“Fundamentals are the building blocks of fun,” actor Mikhail Baryshnikov once said, and part of those fundamentals involve discussing finances — even if it is a touchy subject. Elizabeth Amezcua, who is a mom to three daughters and a part-time travel agent, says her job can get complicated when her traveling hopefuls haven’t discussed travel costs as a group.

“Don’t come to a travel agent if your entire group hasn’t agreed on a price range,” she shares. “It’s impossible to ask someone to plan a trip for [five] families and each family has their own budget but wants the same things. Don’t be inflexible unless you have the money to be so.”

A conversation surrounding budget-friendly group travel is especially crucial when it comes to lodging, and in her experience, there’s a better option than what people initially choose.

“They think they want houses — until they realize all the work [required]: shopping, cooking, cleaning,” Amezcua says. “I try to get families into suites in resorts. Much less work. Better activities and accommodations for everyone.” 

Consider the nuanced art of travel planning

When it comes to multifamily vacation planning, “multi” and “planning” are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Understanding those two elements for what they are and how they apply to every group that’s part of the vacation allows plans to flow as they need.

For Marilyn Lopez, mom of 4-year-old Mila, has gone on several multifamily vacations, and it’s helped to have someone else take initiative when it comes to laying out the game plan.

“We’re usually traveling every other month on short weekend getaways with close friends and almost always someone is the leader,” Lopez says. “We are heading out to Palm Springs soon with five adults and four kids, and one of the neighbors organized all of it. We all get along, so it’s good synergy.”

Lopez says these trips are typically planned close to when the trip is going to take place because the “multi” aspect of it is limited to a small number of children within the overall group.

This doesn’t work for bigger groups like Amezcua’s that require lots of prep beforehand. “In June 2024, we went to Portland for a family wedding and had to plan daily activities (zoo, river, children’s museum) for 10 kids and 12 adults,” she says. “We plan those pretty far in advance — maybe two to three months.”

And keep smaller logistical items in mind. Jennifer Silvers, a mom of three and a development psychology professor at UCLA, travels with her family throughout the country — New York, Florida and Portland — to go spend time with loved ones. She prepares by ordering essential items to be shipped to those locations.

“Sometimes, if we’re going someplace where we know we’re going to stay at someone’s house, we will order things like diapers to be delivered there ahead of time,” Silvers says. This eases their packing burdens.

Navigating boundaries and balance

“Building community is always a positive, but I think it’s important to sit down ahead of [time] and talk about what everyone’s limits are,” says Laura Dotson, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Hermosa Beach.

The adults are running the show, and for Dotson, that means having a group understanding on everything from bedtime routines to eating habits and conflict resolution. Increasing the number of children means increasing the possibilities of conflicts to arise.

“When it’s just the adult relationships initiating it, it wouldn’t even come up. But now that children are involved, [conflict] needs to be talked about ahead of time,” she says.

This also applies to balancing activities for all ages. While some families mentioned older children helping with babysitting duties for adults to have date nights during these trips, Dotson advises that unless the older children have consented, pressing them to babysit can be manipulative.

Victoria Marin, a New York-based single co-parent of a daughter, says that during her trip to Connecticut with a close friend who has two daughters, they integrated adult time into their beach vacation, thanks to her friend’s family nanny.

“We were able to watch our children enjoy themselves from a distance, have the nanny help out and enjoy our alone time catching up with each other,” she says.

Still, mixing ages has its advantages on these types of trips because it allows for more creative collaborations — from playing together to older children teaching younger ones how to tie their shoes. “As we’re learning social skills and other skills as well, the best people to learn that from are those who recently mastered them,” Dotson says.

Adapt as necessary

This touch point feels particularly personal to me. My oldest son has autism, and many of the family trips we plan alongside my brother’s family and children require me to be aware of how the environment we are visiting will impact him.

When we planned a visit to Disneyland, I needed to call ahead of time to understand exactly how the disability access services (DAS) pass worked to explain to my nephews how we would handle going on rides as a group. Thankfully, it worked seamlessly, and we had a wonderful time. The kids were very happy to be able to go straight to the front of lines.

We’ll also typically add a trip to Dave & Buster’s to our itinerary because it’s a place my son tolerates quite well and the neurotypical children in our group equally enjoy.

Silvers’ eldest daughter, 7-year-old Eloise, is visually impaired, which causes her to have disruptive sleep patterns, so her family now travels with an inflatable tent that she sleeps in wherever they go.  

“It’s the best investment we’ve ever made, but it’s another thing we have to think about,” Silvers says. “It’s heavy; we have to bring it on the plane. [The tent] reduces the stress, but it means she can’t just sleep anywhere. But we’ve made it work.”

Whether it’s accommodating disabilities or ensuring everyone is comfortable with the itinerary, flexibility is key. Another critical aspect of this adaptability is food. Keeping everyone fueled and happy requires careful preparation, especially when traveling with multiple kids. Always have snacks ready. For the flights. During activities. Even for when you’re preparing meals or on your way out to eat.

Also, accept that you’re going to stop to eat and use the bathroom a lot.

 “If my husband and I are traveling by ourselves, we’ll see five things a day, but with the kids, we’re going to do one, maybe two,” Silvers says.

Trust the process and just have fun

That “dream vacation” I mentioned earlier? At the end of the day, parents and experts agree: Just let that fantasy go. Rather, strive for a flexible vacation. Planning and tips are nice, but the main goal is to lose yourself in the-more-the-merrier experience that is multifamily vacationing.

“Relax and let it all go. Let go of the schedule, the food, the bed and nap times. Everyone is here to have fun and let loose,” Amezcua says.

“There’s a joy we get in just being together,” Marin says.

Lopez, agrees, pushing it a bit further. Ditch the itinerary, she says. “As long as there’s good weather and a pool or beach nearby, you’re set.” 

Amelia Lopez is a Hawthorne-based communications and PR manager for TMJ and ThinkFuera. She’s been featured on Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports and the Premier League for her knowledge and passion about soccer. She is also mother to two boys and an advocate for children and adults with autism.

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Summer is nearly here — have you planned your family’s getaway? Experience Oxnard, the perfect beach town where OX Marks the Spot for your budget-friendly escape with beautiful beaches and immaculate SoCal vibes.

Best Oxnard Beaches

Nestled a beat past Los Angeles up Highway 101 lies Oxnard, equal parts vibrant and laid back. The city offers seven miles of uncrowded beaches, waterfront dining, and tons of budget-friendly fun for everyone.

Silver Strand Beach is a local favorite for good reason. This mile-long stretch is tucked between the Port Hueneme Naval Base and the Channel Islands Harbor, making it a prime spot for surfing, sunbathing, kayaking or fishing! 

Did you know Oxnard is home to Hollywood Beach? Well, it is! Legends like Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino were known to hang out in the area and add to this beach’s historic charm. Now open to the public, it’s perfect for days of sun and surf.

‘Rocks’nard – For the Music Lovers

Yep, you heard that right! Oxnard strikes the right chord with its music scene. While you’re hear, kick back and enjoy the sounds of summer.

Start with the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in historic downtown Oxnard. Bring a blanket, a picnic and catch live R&B, Latin jazz and classic rock under the stars. Then catch the summer Concerts by the Sea on Saturdays and The Collection at Riverpark on Thursday nights for live sets by the shore. 

Throughout the year, Oxnard keeps the party going with the Jazz Festival, California Strawberry Festival and Salsa Festival.

Free and Affordable Oxnard Activities

Drums Tour: DW Drums’ world headquarters opens its doors to give visitors a peek into crafting their renowned drums. The tour even includes a quick tuning lesson. Call (805) 485-6999, ext. 450, to secure a spot before your visit.

Channel Island Kayak Wildlife Tour: Explore the Channel Islands Harbor by kayak, meet “Chippy” the life-sized pygmy mammoth and keep an eye out for sea lions, starfish and pirate treasure!

Channel Islands Maritime Museum: Collections of maritime paintings, ship models and artifacts, including one of the largest ship models made of bones, await museum visitors. Admission is free for kids under 18.

Classic Car Shows: Cruise into nostalgia with Downtown Oxnard’s Summer Car Show and Cruise Nights on second Fridays from May through July.

Best Eats in Oxnard

 The Strandwich: The perfect spot to grab a bite by the beach, surrounded by “Nardcore” punk memorabilia.

Cafe Dolce Vita: If you need coffee before you can have thoughts, try this cafe in Downtown Oxnard. Get your coffee fix and a sandwich or a macaroon! Who says a SoCal beach vacation can’t have international vibes??

Fisherman’s Catch: Fisherman’s Catch is the best place to get coconut shrimp, calamari, lobster and more — all caught daily and at prices that make the food taste that much better.

The Annex Food Hall: The ultimate “something-for-everyone” dining destination, with 13 food vendors and shops nearby!

Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery: Coffee, smoothies and ice cream, oh my! At Honeycup, you can have it all, including ice cream handmade by a master chef!

Where to Stay

Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach weekend or a luxury escape with the whole crew, Oxnard has just the place to rest your sandy feet.

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach was named the No. 1 Best New Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This all-suite beachfront resort rivals spots like Terranea in Palos Verdes and the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. If you want luxury with kid-friendly amenities, more room to breathe and less of the price tag, Zachari Dunes delivers. It’s where oceanfront elegance meets relaxed family fun.

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor brings the waterfront vibes. It sits on the scenic boardwalk, between the beloved Toppers Pizza and Peninsula Park (home of the Concerts by the Sea series). With two easily accessible public docks just steps away, it’s a breeze to launch a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a fun, family-friendly day out on the water.

For the sporty family, Staybridge Suites features Dallas Cowboys Training Camp memorabilia in the lobby and gives fans of America’s Team something to brag about. River Ridge Golf Club is conveniently next door.

Prefer something with homier comfort? Homewood Suites is perfect for longer stays with apartment-style living, basketball courts, BBQ grills and freeway convenience.

Book Your Stay in Oxnard Today!

Angelenos looking to escape the heat and crowded beaches will find cool ocean breezes and laid-back vibes right up the coast. Why shell out more elsewhere when you can soak up the sun for less in Oxnard? Plan your stay at https://visitoxnard.com. Then pack your sunscreen, grab the kids and get ready to discover where OX Marks the Spoton a memorable family vacation.

The post Escape to Oxnard This Summer to Explore These Activities, Best Eats and Places to Stay appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Ready to experience spring in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? While a superbloom isn’t expected due to low rainfall, visitors can still find desert wildflowers in hidden canyons and enjoy the park’s stunning slot canyons, palm oases, and stargazing.

Explore with affordable guided hikes, astronomy programs, and family camping experiences offered by Anza-Borrego Foundation. Plan your adventure responsibly—stay on trails, pack out waste, and respect wildlife.

Will There Be a Wildflower Bloom This Season?

As spring approaches, you may wonder if Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will experience one of its famed wildflower blooms this season. Unfortunately, due to the desert receiving virtually no significant rain this season, a large-scale bloom is not expected. These breathtaking blooms, which blanket the desert floor with vibrant colors, require substantial and well-timed rainfall to occur—a weather pattern we haven’t seen this season.

While a significant bloom is unlikely, the good news is the desert will still have some blooms here and there, with higher concentrations in remote canyons. Hardy perennial plants like agave, brittlebush, and ocotillo can still be found blooming, adding splashes of color to the landscape. Visitors who take the time to explore will be rewarded with the simple beauty of these resilient desert plants. Even in drier years, the desert’s flowers offer a reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty.

Those planning a visit can check for updates on wildflower sightings and bloom conditions throughout the spring by visiting Anza-Borrego Foundation’s wildflower page. The page will be regularly updated with information to help you plan your trip and discover where to find the best blooms of the season.

Spring in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is More Than Just Wildflowers

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park remains an incredible destination for adventure, solitude and discovery. With spring’s mild temperatures, it is the best time to explore the Park’s slot canyons and hidden palm oases and to view the breathtaking night skies.

To help visitors make the most of their experience, Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) offers a range of affordable programs and guided experiences, ensuring that everyone—from families to seasoned adventurers—can connect with the desert.

Affordable & Accessible ABF Programs:

• Family Camping Program ($25 for 4 people) – A budget-friendly way to introduce families to camping in the desert, with all gear, food, guided hikes, and activities included in the price.
• Guided Hikes – Experience the desert’s most breathtaking trails with knowledgeable guides.
• Astronomy Programs – Gaze at the stars and planets, guided by experts, in one of the best stargazing locations in the U.S.
• Plant Walks – Join botany experts and learn about the Park’s flora.

ABF members receive exclusive discounts on all guided programs, making exploring and learning from local experts even more affordable. Membership also directly supports conservation, ensuring these experiences remain available for future generations. To learn more visit www.theabf.org/membership.

How to Explore Responsibly: Safety & Responsible Recreation Tips

Responsible recreation is more critical than ever, with more visitors flocking to the Park in the spring. Protecting the desert ensures future generations can enjoy its beauty for years.

• Stay on Trails – Off-trail hiking can damage delicate desert ecosystems, including sensitive cryptobiotic soil, a hidden hero of the desert.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out – Carry all waste out with you.
• Respect Wildlife – Keep your distance from wildlife, including endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, snakes and nesting birds.
• Be Prepared – The desert is remote and rugged with unreliable access to mobile service. Bring extra water and sun protection and let someone know your plans.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts – Campfires are allowed in camper-provided metal containers with bottoms and sides or in park-provided metal fire rings in primitive campsites. Illegal ground fires are prohibited.

Spring in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a perfect time to explore the desert’s rugged beauty, rich history, and endless experiences. Plan your desert adventure today!

For the latest event updates, affordable adventure programs, membership information, and trip-planning resources, visit www.theabf.org.

About Anza-Borrego Foundation

Anza-Borrego Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. ABF is dedicated to supporting the Park through direct financial support, education, outreach, and conservation.

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As a writer and artist who has been on a conscious health and wellness journey for several years now, I am often on the intentional hunt for restorative vacation adventures. I recently launched a wellness company, Being Loud Sis, whose mission is to center and uplift busy and overextended women, mothers and multi-hyphenate professionals.

At Being Loud Sis, the question we like to ask is: “How can we prioritize our being in a doing-focused culture, one that tends to put the emphasis on what we have accomplished versus how we are taking care of ourselves?” Pondering my own responses to this question, it was such a joy to spend a few days reminding myself “how to be still” at the Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences in Cabo San Lucas.

It’s a family affair

There is something beyond the tangible for places that “feel like home,” and that indescribable something is exactly what I noticed when I arrived at Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residencies, which is part of Mexico Grand Hotels.

Perched atop a scenic cliff, the family-owned, all-inclusive optional resort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the nearby Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. Yet despite its expansiveness, the “homey” atmosphere is a nod to the Macias family, who owns and manages it.

Gabriel Ibarra Macias, a member of the family, gave my travel group a beautiful tour of the resort and the residences, which are available for anyone looking to book longer or recurring stays. Macias’ mother handles the interior design for the resort, which he humbly revealed as my traveling compadres and I raved about every tapestry, fixture and piece of furniture we encountered. We were struck by how well each lantern, each tile and piece of art — locally sourced from nearby towns such as Tlaquepaque and Tonalá — and each hand-carved fountain encouraged us to pause for a moment and consider its unique beauty.

My suite, featuring ornate furniture with personal touches, beautiful tapestries and transfixing beach views, conjured up the timeless beauty of Mexico.

The only thing that kept me from lounging in my room all day was knowing the adventure that awaited me the moment I stepped outside.

Nourishing mind, body and soul

During our stay, we visited Milagro Wellness Spa, which has a gorgeous pool of its own and offers an impressive variety of signature treatments. I luxuriated in the pool and enjoyed some hydrotherapy before indulging in a relaxing massage.

After the spa, I grabbed some lunch while writing and answering work emails in the spa café. Here’s a Being Loud Sis pro tip: Whether it’s at home or on a “work-cation,” finding relaxing and scenic places to do your work can bring a lighter and more refreshing energy to your work. But ideally, put your work down as often as possible and remember to go and play!

Culinary delights

When it was time to dine, oh did we dine! From our amazing cliffside family-style grill dinner at Los Riscos Mesquite Bar & Grill (I can still taste the grilled veggies that accompanied the surf & turf) to the pizzas at La Pergola, the authentic Mexican flavors of Los Deseos at the nearby sister Marina Fiesta resort and even the smoothies and snacks at the Fresco spa café, every meal we tried at the resort was uniquely curated, colorful, delicious and served with a smile.

A signature Hacienda Encantada wellness experience

As a seeker who is actively searching for new ways to relieve stress (and to understand myself more deeply), I want to highlight a unique experience that makes me excited to return to Hacienda Encantada: the Temazcal Wellness Experience. It’s a Mayan practice guided by a temazcalero, or shaman, who leads guests through the power of the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — to purify mind, body and spirit.

As described by Macias, “the temazcalero uses music, steam and herbs to transport guests through a sensory and visceral experience. Participants emerge feeling inspired and transformed.”

A tale of two seas: Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach

One of the highlights of our stay at the resort was spending the afternoon out on a beautiful yacht on the sun-kissed Sea of Cortez. We ate fruit, sipped cocktails and learned about “Lover’s Beach,” the local nickname for the beach and rock formations resting in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, and nearby “Divorce Beach,” named for where the water gets turbulent and choppy as the sea and the Pacific Ocean intersect!

As our crew warned us, and the yacht started to rock, it was unmistakable where the two bodies of water intertwined. I’m sure some of the relationship coaches and therapists that we consult with at Being Loud Sis would have thoughts about the metaphors of how the yacht successfully navigates the choppy waters between Lover’s Beach on its daily excursions, but I will leave that discussion for another story.

Here, we are sticking with the soothe waters. With features such as its kids’ club, babysitting, 24/7 room service and both family and adult swimming pools, Hacienda Encantada has created an experience where everyone can stay calm and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re traveling as a family, with a group of friends who want a retreat experience or as a working professional who’s looking for a place to escape, come to get pampered and “just be.”

Dayna Lynne North is a writer/producer and founder of @BeingLoudSis, a wellness brand.

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Carving through fresh powder under blue skies, I felt a rush of nostalgia during a recent return to Palisades Tahoe, the iconic Sierra Nevada resort formerly known as Squaw Valley. This time, I was sans kids, but brought my sidekick and childhood friend Dana to explore the expanded 6,000-acre winter wonderland.

As Palisades Tahoe celebrates its 75th anniversary this season, the resort’s rich Olympic history and world-class terrain continue to draw skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the exhilarating runs accessed by North America’s only funitel to the laid-back vibe of Alpine Meadows, our visit revealed why this snow-blessed destination remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Rich history and new features

Easily accessible via a one-hour flight from LAX to Reno (plus a 45-minute shuttle ride to the resort), Palisades lies in the Olympic Valley, developed in the 1940s by Wayne and Sandy Paulsen. Business partner Alexander Cushing built and expanded the ski resort, which opened on Nov. 24, 1949. Cushing is responsible for bringing the 1960 Winter Olympics to Lake Tahoe.

Palisades’ diverse terrain and annual snowfall of 400 inches or more attracts Olympic and World Cup athletes, as well as skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Classes and camps are available for ages 5 and older throughout the season, and the good news is that Palisades Tahoe has one of the longest spring ski seasons in North America, typically operating through Memorial Day Weekend or longer.

During our visit, Dana and I enjoyed blue skies and fresh snow from a previous storm, which often delivered epic skiing conditions, just as I remembered. But there were new elements, too. Along with the name change, the Base to Base Gondola (introduced two years ago) connects Palisades Tahoe to nearby Alpine Meadows (the two resorts merged in 2011). Combined, the resort spans 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks.

But getting around is speedy and efficient with the resort’s gondola, Gold Coast Funitel and Aerial Tram. Palisades is the only resort in North America to have all three. These came in handy since Dana had a shoulder injury and couldn’t ski. Fortunately, she was able to ride the gondolas to enjoy the views and the snowy landscape and participate in other Palisades Tahoe activities.

Skiing at Palisades Tahoe

On our first day, I got my ski gear from a rental shop in the slopeside Village at Palisades Tahoe. It was a smooth process, and staff members were very helpful in making sure my skis and boots were a great fit. I appreciated that I could store my skis and poles overnight for free in a building by the Olympic House, eliminating lugging my gear between the condo and slopes.

While I wished Dana could ski with me, I felt comfortable skiing solo because Palisades is easy to navigate, especially with the Palisades Tahoe app. I found it super handy to check lift and trail status and to track my daily skiing. I especially liked that the app provided chairlift names — and which trails they access. The app also lists village amenities and events.

I enjoyed riding the Gold Coast Funitel, which runs on two cables versus one for gondolas, enabling it to operate in higher winds. It travels to a top station where there is a three-story food court and launch pad for skiing and snowboarding.

From there, I skied to the Gold Coast chairlift, which brought me to the summit and panoramic views of snowy slopes and Lake Tahoe. After a few exhilarating hours of swooshing through fluffy powder and groomed trails, I skied down the intermediate Mountain Run trail to the base, where I caught up with Dana for lunch and sightseeing.

We took the Aerial Tram (open year-round) for a 10-minute scenic ride to High Camp, home to eateries, a marketplace and the Olympic Museum, which has exhibits with memorabilia from the 1960s Winter Olympics.

High Camp is fun to visit any time of year. In winter, you can ski at the summit, which even has beginner runs. Summer activities include disc golf, roller skating, geocaching and hiking. A large deck offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada range.

One afternoon, Dana and I rode the Base to Base Gondola to Alpine Meadows. It’s about a 16-minute scenic ride. Afterwards, while I skied, Dana got cozy around a fire pit at the Alpine Meadows lodge, a laid-back facility with an indoor cafeteria and outdoor deck.

There’s an intimate, downhome vibe in Alpine. While I was riding up the mountain on the Summit Express chair with a lift operator, she told me Alpine is her favorite ski resort. I asked her why. “There’s no village here, so it attracts mostly skiers and snowboarders. People are just here to ski and ride,” the operator said.

The six-person Summit chair is the heart of Alpine and accesses 80% of the resort’s diverse terrain. I enjoyed Alpine and its proximity to Palisades.

The Village at Palisades Tahoe

For us, the pedestrian-friendly Village at Palisades Tahoe was an ideal home base. We stayed in a slopeside condo and dined at several restaurants. There are also boutiques, wine bars, coffee houses, an ice cream shop and a small market. The Village is an inviting place where you can gather around the fire pit and listen to live music while kids romp in the snow.

Lodging options vary from standard rooms up to three-bedroom suites. Our one-bedroom condo had a full kitchen with granite countertops, a living room with a stone hearth fireplace and a balcony with village and slope views. The building also has laundry facilities, fitness facilities, outdoor spas, billiard lounges and ski lockers.

There’s also a shuttle stop. Complimentary shuttles travel to historic Truckee and other places in North Lake Tahoe. One evening, we rode a shuttle to the Everline Resort & Spa for dinner at Sandy’s Pub, where we enjoyed one of our favorite meals in Tahoe. My tender prime rib dip sandwich was served with a local brown ale jus and toma truffle cheese on an Amoroso  bun.

Events and activities galore

It’s a short walk to SnoVentures Activity Zone, featuring day and evening snow tubing at Palisades Tahoe. There’s also a free shuttle. On select days, there’s disco tubing with flashing lanes, lasers and a live DJ.

Other activities include Alpine Snow Golf, concerts and live music. In addition, the resort has several annual events throughout the year, including the springtime Cushing Crossing pond skimming contest.

Where to Eat

The Village at Palisades Tahoe has a wonderful variety of restaurants. Here are a few of our favorites.

Sun Bowl Acai & Poke: Grab-and-go breakfast items.

Wildflour Baking Company:Baked goods, breakfast bagels, burritos and lunch items. The specialty is thick, gooey chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven.

Rocker Restaurant: Named for the ski design invented by Palisades Tahoe icon Shane McConkey, Rocker serves generous portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy indoor/outdoor seating with mountain views.

22 Bistro:ServesNew American cuisine. Consider theKobe beef sliders or Dragonfly Thai noodle bowl.

Le Chamois & Loft Bar: Pizza and beer. Popular après-ski spot.

Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar:Signature Mexican food and margaritas. Try the birria tacos with slow-cooked adobo-marinated beef.

Getting from LAX to Reno

We paid $166 roundtrip on JetBlue for our mid-March ski trip. From Reno, it’s a 45-minute drive to Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley. Shuttles, buses and car rentals are available.

Mimi Slawoff is a Valencia-based journalist and mother of three adult children. Follow her on Twitter @Mimitravelz and Instagram @Mimitravels.

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