There’s something special about packing up for a father-son trip—the kind of bonding time that no daily routine or weekend chores could ever replicate. I’ve always believed that the best way to connect with my son is through shared experiences, especially ones that take us out of our comfort zones. So, this summer, I decided to plan a few adventures that weren’t just about escaping the monotony but about creating memories we’d laugh about for years to come. And where better to do that than in California, a state bursting with diverse landscapes and endless opportunities for exploration?
Here’s a glimpse into our father-son summer escapades across the Golden State.
Starting With the Giants: Redwoods National and State Parks
Our first stop was in Northern California’s Redwoods National and State Parks. Standing under the towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth, is one of those humbling experiences that makes you feel both tiny and connected to the world at the same time.
The drive into the park was quiet, aside from my son’s excited pointing at the massive trees lining the road. We hiked the Boy Scout Tree Trail, a manageable trek for a kid with boundless energy and a dad trying to keep up. Along the way, we discovered fallen trees that became balance beams and hollow trunks that looked like caves.
The highlight? A picnic near a stream where we skipped rocks and talked about everything from dinosaurs to superheroes. It felt like time slowed down in that forest—not a single email or video game could interrupt us there.
Surfing in Santa Cruz
Next, we headed south to Santa Cruz, a laid-back beach town where the waves beckon surfers of all ages. Now, I’m no pro surfer—in fact, I’m more of a “try not to fall too much” kind of guy. But my son? He was all in.
We signed up for a beginner’s surf lesson with one of the local surf schools. The instructors were patient, and after some practice on the sand, we hit the water. Watching my son catch his first wave (okay, it was more of a small ripple, but still) had me cheering louder than I ever have at one of his soccer games. And yes, I did manage to stand up on the board once or twice—though his laughter every time I wiped out might be what I remember most.
Afterward, we grabbed burgers at a nearby spot and walked along the Santa Cruz Wharf, spotting sea lions lounging below.
Gold Rush History in Coloma
For a dose of history, we made our way to Coloma, a small town where the California Gold Rush began. I wasn’t sure how my son would feel about learning history outside of a classroom, but Gold Rush-era stories have a way of sparking any kid’s imagination.
We panned for gold in the American River, and I wish I could say we struck it rich. Instead, we found a few tiny flecks—just enough to get him excited about the “treasure” we’d take home. We also explored Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where actors in period costumes brought the 1800s to life.
Seeing my son try to imagine what it’d be like to live in a world without Wi-Fi was hilarious. “So, no Netflix? What did kids even DO back then?” he asked, incredulous.
Stargazing in Death Valley
One of the most magical parts of the trip came when we ventured to Death Valley National Park for an unforgettable night of stargazing. We arrived just before sunset, and the landscape looked like something out of a sci-fi movie—endless dunes, jagged rocks, and colors that shifted as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Once the sky turned dark, it was like someone flipped a switch, revealing millions of stars. We laid on a blanket in the stillness, pointing out constellations and spotting shooting stars. It was one of those moments that make you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things, but in the best way possible.
The next morning, we explored the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where he raced to the top of the hills while I tried to keep up. I’ll admit, I probably spent more time catching my breath than marveling at the view, but seeing his excitement made every grain of sand in my shoes worth it.
Lake Tahoe Adventures
Our final stop was Lake Tahoe, a destination that offered a mix of relaxation and adventure. We rented a kayak and paddled along the clear, blue waters, racing each other to small coves and marveling at how we could see straight to the bottom of the lake.
Fishing was another highlight. Casting our lines off the dock, we didn’t catch anything big, but the joy on his face when he reeled in a tiny fish made it feel like we’d won the lottery.
We also tackled a short hike to Eagle Falls, a picturesque spot where we cooled off under the spray of the cascading water. The trip ended with s’mores by the fire at our campsite, where we shared stories and recapped our favorite parts of the journey.
What I Learned Along the Way
These trips weren’t just about checking off destinations on a map; they were about finding new ways to connect with my son. I learned that sometimes, the best moments happen when you’re not trying too hard—like laughing uncontrollably over burned marshmallows or making up silly nicknames for hiking trails.
California’s diversity gave us the chance to experience everything from towering forests to endless beaches, but the real adventure was in the time we spent together. As I look back on our summer, I realize how rare it is to have uninterrupted time like this, and I’m grateful for every second of it.
If you’re a dad considering a father-son trip, my advice is simple: go for it. Don’t worry about planning the “perfect” itinerary or making everything run smoothly. Things will go wrong—a flat tire, a missed turn, an overly ambitious hike—but those moments often turn into the best stories.
California proved to be the perfect backdrop for our adventures, but no matter where you go, the most important thing is to just go. Get out there. Explore. Laugh. And make memories your son will carry with him for the rest of his life.
Because in the end, it’s not about the places you visit—it’s about the bond you build along the way.
