We’ll be driving up the coast from Long Beach to SF this August, with our two kids under 10. Any great things that we shouldn’t miss out on while we’re up there?
- Monterey bay aquarium is cool, 17 mile drive, dennis the menace park, and a big beach you can swing by near fort ord
- there is pigeon point light house near half moon bay, which is a nice rest stop with a chance to get a small tour if its open to see the old glass
- Pescadero is cool, you can walk up and down the street and see little shops, a coffee place which is a cool spot where motorcyclist stop by, also Duarte’s is there with their famous half green chili and artichoke soup and olallieberry pie, and a goat farm nearby where you can pet stuff and buy cheese
- Sam’s chowder house in half moon bay is good if you like lobster rolls and chowder
- the california academy of sciences in SF is neat
- there is also sutro baths in san francisco which I like to visit and a large park nearby
All of this is spot on.
I’ll add: Hearst castle near San Simeon. San Luis Obispo is a good place to chill and eat, though it may not be perfect for kids. The nearby beaches may be.
I’ll note: driving UP the coast is how all the songs and stories go. Driving down is better - you’re closer to the views and the ocean. Not a big deal - just position yourself for turnouts for vistas and beaches and there’s not much lost by the difference.
Edit: also Santa Cruz boardwalk is touristy, but good for kids to have fun and get a break.
Great tips but how can you mention Duarte’s and omit the cioppino? ;)
I highly recommend the Exploratorium. I’ve only been there as an adult, but it’s awesome, and kids seem to love it.
That’s on the list! Thanks!
If you have little kids plan for at least a day - we took two to do it properly and had a blast.
Consider the 5 for some or most of it. You may save a bunch of aggravation by getting there a little earlier.
if you plan on going to alcatraz, book your tickets asap. btw it is a lot of walking, and some hills.
Yeah, my wife and I have been to Alcatraz and our kids are so young they wouldn’t appreciate it. So we’re skipping that.
We’re definitely going to be hitting up Free Gold Watch though. That’s my #1 destination right now.
I mean you could be here for the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. Might see you there. We might take the MIL.
Oh man! They love strawberries so they would probably love that!
Seward slides! One of my favorite things from when I was a kid. Bring cardboard if you can.
Awesome! Thats on my list!
