Local help day 6

[MandNCC]

Hello!
We (myself, DH and DS(2.5 at time of trip)) will be out in Anaheim in March. We may have a day 6 depending on a few factors and am wondering if there are any national parks really within driving distance for a day trip. I've tried to look at maps but the geography of California is truly out of my comprehension. I appreciate any insight you can give.

 

[China Expat]

Joshua Tree State Park..or is it a National? Desert location.

 

[Disney Kidd]

Northern California has really great national parks, but is too far for a day trip. Joshua Tree would be doable though. It's about a two hour drive. Anza Borrego State Park is about 2 1/2 hours away.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

If it isn't raining, Anza Borrego would be a really good destination because desert flowers should be in bloom. I recommend an all-day trek that would take you to Oceanside, across the 78 to Julian (mountainside small town), and then on to Borrego Springs. There is a visitors center there, and a few trails you can take. Then drive across the desert towards Salton Sea, then north to the 10, and back to Disneyland. Like I said, this is a full day trip.

I did a segment on it a couple of years ago for our podcast, if you'd like to listen to it.

It's the segment called Scenic Drive: Julian: http://www.disunplugged.com/2013/04/18/dis-unplugged-podcast-041813-disneyland-show/


If you would like to go to the mountains we have the San Gabriel Mountains that will take you maybe 90 minutes to 2 hours, Big Bear, also 90 mins - 2 hours, and Mountain High by Wrightwood.

San Gabriel Mtns http://sangabrielmountains.org/the-place/
Big Bear http://www.bigbear.com/things-to-do/
Mountain High http://www.mthigh.com/site

 

[MandNCC]

Thanks everyone! We are still trying to figure out what to do and manage expectations since this is our first vacation with a kiddo. But this will give us options if we need a break from the city pace.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Don't know if something like this might be an option: http://danapoint.org/index.aspx?page=146
The tide pools can be fun for little ones. Also, Huntington Beach might be fun, too (watching fisherman on the pier, original Ruby's Diner -- loved by so many kids -- on the end of the pier, beach, etc.). I know you asked for national parks, but with a toddler, something close by may be a good backup. When our niece visited, she was so fed up with being in the car seat by the time she got to DLR, that any plans for things farther than 30 minutes away had to be scrapped.