The ultimate place for fun-loving families, with sunny beaches, ocean adventures, and incomparable theme parks.

Trip length: 4-5 days
Total distance: 83mi/133km

DAY 1
BUENA PARK Spin on the WindSeeker at Knotts Berry Farm . Watch jousting at Medieval Times , or have swashbuckling good fun at Pirates Dinner Adventure . Get more great ideas on things to do at the California Welcome Center . INFO 714/523-3441

DAY 2
ANAHEIM (6mi/9km; 11min). Ride classics like Space Mountain at Disneyland Park . At Disney California Adventure Park , explore the new 1920s-themed entrance, then rev it up at all-new Cars Land . INFO 714/781-4636

DAY 3
SANTA ANA (11mi/17km; 16min). Turn your kids on to international art and culture at Bowers Kidseum . Keep it global with cachapas (a sweet corn pancake wrapped around fillings) and other Venezuelan fare at Mil Jugos . INFO 714/765-8888

IRVINE (9mi/15km; 19min). Race go-karts on the indoor track at K1 Speed Irvine . Then indulge in made-from-scratch focaccia, fruit tarts, and scones at local favorite Blackmarket Bakery . INFO 949/660-9112

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO (18mi/30km; 24min). Explore early California life at Mission San Juan Capistrano . Relax and dig into contemporary comfort food like upscale mac ‘n’ cheese and housemade ice cream at Ramos House Cafe . INFO 949/493-4700

DAY 4
DANA POINT (5mi/8km; 9min). Look for gray whales, dolphins, and seals with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whalewatching . Then feast on ultra-fresh grilled seafood or fish-and-chips at Jon’s Fish Market . INFO 949/496-1555

BALBOA ISLAND (3mi/5km; 7min). Play arcade games and ride the waterfront Ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone . Bite into Balboa Bars, the island’s chocolate-and-topping-covered ice cream treat, at Dad’s Donuts (318 Marine Ave.; 949/673-8686). INFO 949/719-6100

NEWPORT BEACH (19mi/30km; 32min). Rent beach cruisers from Newport Fun Tours , then treat your hard-pedaling gang to a four-course dinner cruise around Newport Harbor with Hornblower Cruises . INFO 949/719-6100

DAY 5
COSTA MESA (5mi/7km; 11min). Try indoor climbing at Rockreation . Get one-of-a-kind fashion and gift finds at The CAMP , an eco-minded “anti-mall,” or head to the spectacular South Coast Plaza , with 250 stores and 30 restaurants. INFO 714/786-8585

HUNTINGTON BEACH (7mi/12km; 14min). Catch a wave with Banzai Surf School (classes available for all levels). Watch locals shred the break near Huntington Beach Pier , then gather ’round a beach bonfire for s’mores. INFO 714/969-3492