California is home to lots of fun, family-friendly attractions, including our nearby Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Families that are touched by autism can travel with confidence when following this sensory-sensitive itinerary. Each of these destinations are Certified Autism Centers which means that they understand the needs of their guests and can help ensure a happy and memorable trip.
The road trip starts in Vallejo and heads south, but feel free to travel whichever direction works for you! Or even break up the trip into short, weekend getaways. Whichever way you travel, great travel memories are sure to be made throughout the Golden State.
Be sure to check out our accessible travel page for tools to help plan the perfect family vacation.
 | Start: Concord, CA |
| End: Chula Vista, CA |
| 6 Stops, 678 Miles |
Explore the state with confidence on this sensory-sensitive road trip.
STOP 1
1950 Waterworld Pkwy, Concord, CA 94520
Open seasonally, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is Northern California’s biggest and most thrilling waterpark! Our 30-acre family destination creates an inclusive environment with thrills everyone can enjoy featuring more than 35-world-class water attractions, such as the heart-pounding free-fall excitement of Break Point Plunge, the six-story high-speed body slide complex Tornado, and the relaxing Breaker Beach Wave Pool and Kaanapali Kooler Lazy River, the region’s largest wave pool and longest lazy river. In addition, our newest attraction Splashwater Island is a multi-level water play structure that features more than 100 interactive elements, sure to delight guests of all ages.
Six Flags has been designated a Certified Autism Center and we are excited to continue working to develop our accessibility programming to make travelers with all abilities feel welcome. Guests presenting their IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) and Information Sheet to the Ride Information Center (Guest Services) inside our park will receive any necessary accommodations. Please visit the accessibility page of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord to learn more.
STOP 2
Visalia’s priority is to help adventurers of all kinds feel welcome, so everyone can explore with confidence.
Visit Visalia is California's first destination marketing organization to become a Certified Autism Center and we are working to provide more Certified Autism hotels, family-friendly attractions and businesses that will welcome you with kindness and understanding. Plan a visit to see nearby Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park for a great family getaway and explore Visalia. Find national park accessibility videos, our "Social Stories" to help your family prepare for your visit, and more tips to help plan your next vacation.
STOP 3
At Six Flags Magic Mountain, the safety of our guests and team members is our top priority and we strive to create an inclusive environment with thrills everyone can enjoy. With over 100 rides, games, and attractions including coaster favorites like Twisted Colossus, Full Throttle and West Coast Racers and pint-sized thrills like Canyon Blaster and Road Runner Express, there's excitement for every member of the family!
Six Flags has been designated a Certified Autism Center and we are excited to continue working to enhance our level of service and further develop accessibility programming to make travelers with all abilities feel welcome. Sensory backpacks are available at our Guest Relations location and include items that might be helpful for those who are sensory sensitive, including noise canceling earmuffs, a stress ball, and various fidget toys. Visit our Six Flags Magic Mountain accessibility page to learn more. We’re looking forward to seeing you and your family at the Thrill Capital of the World!
STOP 4
At the Santa Barbara Zoo, everyone is welcome, and we strive to make every guest’s visit as fun and educational as possible. The Zoo has been a Certified Autism Center since 2018 and all programs are inclusive and moderated by fully trained staff. Sensory backpacks are available to rent for $5 while visiting the Zoo and include items that might be helpful for a child who is sensory sensitive, including noise canceling headphones, a scavenger hunt, and various fidget toys.
Check the Zoo Map for designated Quiet Zones to find areas that tend to have less traffic and are often quieter. A sensory sensitive pathway is also available when entering the Zoo (along Olive Road, to the right after the main gates), which offers a more calm alternative to the main courtyard. Visit the accessibility page of the Zoo’s website to learn more.
STOP 5
The Grammy Museum - Los Angeles
Whether you are already a music lover or just starting to learn, the GRAMMY Museum is an amazing place to visit! Interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the world of music are just the beginning of a visit to the Grammy Museum.
STOP 6
Sesame Place® San Diego is the second theme park of its kind in the United States and the first on the West Coast based on the award-winning show Sesame Street®. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, this 17-acre theme park is perfect for families with kids of all ages and is a Certified Autism Center as distinguished by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, including a family-friendly rollercoaster. Sesame Place also features an engaging musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, an award-winning parade, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends.
