We're making an honor-bound trip to Los Angeles in August to visit family. We're NOT hot weather folks or city folks, so we'd like to escape for 4-5 days to the mountains. Any suggestions for a 2 hour or less ride to a family friendly place for exploration? We're travelling with a two yr old in August.
Help!

Jane

Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear are the usual places Los Angelenos go if they are looking for mountains. If you are willing to drive farther, I'd suggest Sequoia National Park or even Yosemite if you've never been there. The Mammoth Lakes area is also nice. A two year old might enjoy LegoLand, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. San Diego is two hours from LA (if you travel on a weekend).

I would suggest Idylwild area for a less crowded mountain area. Hiking is better, but you didn't list your mountainous desires.

At the risk of inviting all sorts of nasty comments from lots of people who absolutely HATE children on aircraft, I am going to suggest something. This topic has been hashed and rehashed too many times already. BUT buried in all the flames is lots of good advice. Do a search on children or babies and airplanes. You'll find lots of good pointers on flying long distances with small children. Find the suggestions on how to make the flight more comfortable for your child, you and the other passengers. (In a nutshell, be prepared!) Have a fun, safe trip.

Frank, Joe & S . . .
Thanks for your replies. Every little bit helps. As far as mountainous desires go, we're looking for quiet, cool, outdoor adventuring that a 2-yr-old kiker-to-be and his parents can enjoy. Casual dining choices would be a plus. Idyllwild sounds nice. Any lodging suggestions?

You could head out to Palm Springs and take the tram up to the top of the mountains and hike around. While Palm Springs itself will be very hot that time of year, the weather at the top of the tram ride will be much cooler and quite refreshing.