When you’re parents of young children, the phrase “family vacation” has double meaning. The prospect of leaving behind routines, schedules and responsibilities is exhilarating. Then again, there’s the preparation, packing, booking of flights, organizing itineraries… Did I mention scheduling and responsibilities?

That’s why weekend destinations—all within driving distance—are ideal. The options around Orange County are plentiful, the time spent traveling is minimal, and instead of worrying about passports, currency exchange, language barriers or burning a hole in your wallet, you can spend more time bonding as a family.

This month, we kick off our Drive Time Destinations travel reviews. Each issue through August, we will present our top picks from the coastline to the desert and a few in between.

LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND was, by far, our favorite theme park in the San Diego area. Tailor-made for parents with young kids, this 128-acre attraction features more than 15,000 LEGO models made from some 30 million LEGO blocks. My two-year-old, fascinated by a life-sized LEGO Darth Vader, even tried taking out a few blocks. “Mommy, want to come out!” he said as he unsuccessfully picked at Vader’s boot.

Some of our favorites rides included Fairy Tale Brook (a serene boat ride with appearances by storytime favorites like Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs and Sleeping Beauty) and the Sky Cruiser (where you can get a birds-eye view of the park). And with eight different play areas, LEGOLAND is a toddler’s dream come true. DUPLO Playtown was my son’s favorite—he spent a good part of the afternoon jumping, climbing and exploring the many different LEGO stations. Plus, the play areas are safe and well-contained—giving parents peace of mind.

My husband and I appreciated how clean everything was, and the attention to detail: family restrooms with diaper-changing stations, plenty of stroller parking and benches to rest. SEA LIFE LEGOLAND, coming in July, will feature various aquarium experiences, like a seahorse kingdom, bay of rays, and a shoaling ring where kids will be surrounded 360 degrees by schools of shimmering fish.

Editor’s note: Kids will probably want to get wet at Water Works, Soak-N-Sail and Splash Battle, so be sure to bring them an extra change of clothes.

$59.95 general admission, $49.95 seniors and children ages 3 and up, FREE for children 2 and under; LEGOLAND California, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. 760-918-LEGO. www.legoland.com/california.

SAN DIEGO ZOO & WILD ANIMAL PARK

Perhaps it’s my toddler’s non-stop energy, but the zoo—especially one as sprawling as the San Diego Zoo—is probably best for kids ages 3 and up. My husband spent most of his time running after our two-year-old, Caden (my favorite moment was him chasing  Caden, who was in hot pursuit of a peacock). Caden seemed more interested in people watching than gazing at animals, but he did enjoy feeding the goats at the Children’s Zoo and monkeying around at Gorilla Tropics.

The Zoo’s summer events include Nighttime Zoo, featuring extended evening hours, special entertainment and fireworks nightly from June through September.

Though we didn’t have time to check it out, be sure to visit San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, a 2,200-acre nature preserve home to more than 3,000 wild animals. Watch cheetahs, elephants, lions and more roam free over expanses resembling their native habitats in Africa and Asia.

$24.50 general, $16.50 children ages 3 to 11, FREE for children 2 and under; San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. 619-231-1515. www.sandiegozoo.org; $28.50 general, $17.50 children ages 3 to 11, FREE for children 2 and under; San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. 619-718-3000. www.sandiegozoo.org/wap.

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO

There’s something so beautiful about animals and humans peacefully co-existing. I know it sounds cheesy, but I actually got teary-eyed during SeaWorld’s “Believe” show at Shamu Stadium. It was so cool to experience the awesomeness of sea life (and 5-ton killer whales at that!) as a family. There was also plenty of clapping and dancing from our toddler during the “Dolphin Discovery” show.

Parents can even steal away for some adult fun at SeaWorld. While the grandparents watched the little one, my husband and I visited the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center where we sampled beers on tap (selections include Rolling Rock, Amberboch, Sun Dog, Budweiser and Bud Light).

On May 24, SeaWorld will unveil Sesame Street Bay of Play, a 2-acre play area with rides like “Elmo’s Flying Fish” and teacups-inspired “Abby’s Sea Star Spin.” From June through September, the park features SeaWorld’s Summer Nights with special entertainment, fireworks and extended evening hours.

$59 general admission, $49 children ages 3 to 9, FREE for children 2 and under; SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. 800-257-4268. www.seaworld.com/sandiego.

MUSEUMS A PLENTY

San Diego is home to approximately 90 museums, including 15 located in Balboa Park, also dubbed the “Smithsonian of the West.” Families might particularly enjoy the Air & Space Museum, the Model Railroad Museum, the Natural History Museum, the California Surf Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. www.balboapark.org.

LIFE’S A BEACH

You can’t leave San Diego without checking out some of its amazing beaches. Like Coronado Beach, recognized by the Travel Channel as the “best family beach in America.” Or the turquoise waters at La Jolla Shores and the three-mile boardwalk connecting Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. www.sandiego.org.

(Use photo “SplashLandingLaCosta.jpeg”)

LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA

Set among the foothills just outside San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa is an oasis that feels far removed from OC—even though it’s only an hour away. This 400-acre luxury retreat is known for its world-class spa, championship golf and the Chopra Center for Well Being. It’s also wonderfully kid-friendly with a teen lounge called “Vibz” (complete with an X-Box 360 room, two billiard tables, air hockey, foosball, bowling lane and ping pong) and “Kidtopia,” a supervised, interactive play area for children ages 6 months to 12 years (parents can drop off their kids here while getting a spa treatment or playing 18-holes of golf).

We particularly enjoyed Splash Landing—three pools (heated at a comfortable 80 degrees), three waterslides and a waterplay zone. My two-year-old kept asking me to go back and forth from the sandy beach pool to the Jacuzzi and took a break at the Splash Poolside Café.

It’s expensive, yes, but definitely worth every hard-earned dollar. The service will make everyone in the family—parents and kids alike—feel like royalty.

$350-$775 per night (rooms), $575-$2,500 per night (suites); La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carlsbad. 800-854-5000. www.lacosta.com.

GOOD EATS

Bistro West Stylish and modern with a Las Vegas-feel, I was surprised at how many kids were at Bistro West. On this particular Friday night, we dined among young parents, babies and toddlers, 20-something hipsters and sophisticated older couples. And the best part—the four of us ate for around $60!

Menu items $9.95-$27.95; 4690 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad. 760-930-8008. www.bistrowest.com.

Rei do Gado Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Rei do Gado (“King of the Herd” in Portuguese), has some of the best Brazilian cuisine I’ve ever tasted. Opened in 2000 by Korean-Brazilian immigrants Paulo and Rupina Gi, this churrascaria boasts succulent meats (garlic top sirloin was my favorite) and a to-die-for salad bar. $27.50-$48 per person (depending on day); 939 Fourth Avenue, San Diego. 619-702-8464. www.reidogado.net.

Other picks: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (chic family-friendly pizzaria), www.sammyspizza.com; Bandar (fine Persian cuisine), www.bandarrestaurant.com; Parallel 33 (the menu flavors all of the regions that fall along the 33rd parallel of the globe—including San Diego), www.parallel33sd.com.

San Diego Quick Facts

• 1542: Year Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in San Diego Bay
• 8th: San Diego’s rank as one of the nation’s largest cities
• 3 million: People who live in San Diego county
• 6,700: Number of restaurants in San Diego
• 4,000: Number of animals at the San Diego Zoo
• 7.7 billion: Dollars contributed to tourism in 2006

Summer Events in San Diego

June 14-July 6: San Diego County Fair This annual fair features carnival rides, concerts, garden shows and livestock tents. www.sdfair.com.

June22-27: San Diego Restaurant Week More than 100 of San Diego’s finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining scene. From Ahi Poke and Hawaiian braised short ribs to pork chops and grilled skirt steak, there’s something for every palate. www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com.

August 1-24: SummerFest 2008 The La Jolla Music Society presents classical and new compositions with renowned artists and ensembles from around the world. Past artists have included cellist Yo-Yo Ma and composer Lalo Schifrin. www.la-jolla-music-society.com.