Plan a 5-Day Luxury Family Vacation in California With Activities for Older Kids
The Bottom Line:
A 5-day houseboat trip on Lake Shasta provides the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation for families with kids 7+.
Day 1: Arrival + Launch
- Boat use and safety orientation
- Scope out your spot ahead of time: Map of Shasta Lake
- Cruise to private cove
Explore our Top 3 Coves on the Lake:
O'Brien Point
Why It’s One of the Best
- Wide, forgiving layout: Plenty of room to position large houseboats without stress
- Good shoreline access: Easier beaching vs. steep rock walls elsewhere
- Balanced protection: Tucked enough to reduce chop, but not overly tight
- Consistent usability: Works well across varying lake levels
Best Use Case
- First-time houseboaters
- Basecamp-style anchoring for multiple days
- Filming hub with flexibility for movement and angles
Little Backbone Creek
Why It’s One of the Best
- Excellent wind protection: Narrow canyon geography blocks afternoon winds
- Glassy water conditions: Ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and reflections
- Natural Waterslide: At it’s point, there is a natural waterslide carved out of the red stone by a waterfall. It’s really fun and exciting for all ages.
- Strong overnight anchoring zone
Best Use Case
- Overnight anchoring
- Calm water activities
- Clean, cinematic water shots
- Sunset swim
Slaughterhouse Island
Why It’s Appealing
- Best view of Mount Shasta from the lake
- Feels expansive and “big lake” scenic—great sense of scale
- A memorable “wow moment”—especially for first-time visitors
- Unique compared to the tighter canyon-style areas elsewhere on the lake
Best Use Case
- A scenic cruise destination
- Great open area for additional boating with a ski boat or pontoon and jet skis
- Great for: Photos, slow cruising with coffee or drinks, or water toys
Day 2: Adventure Day
- Tubing
- Paddleboarding
- Cliff jumping & Waterfalls - Link to The Best Waterfalls
Day 3: Explore
- Visit hidden coves
- Fishing + kayaking
- Lakeside BBQ
Day 4: Relaxation
- Float day
- Music + games
- Stargazing
Day 5: Return
- Morning swim
- Return to marina