Ciao Bambino receives more requests for family trip planning services in California than any other U.S. state, especially as summer nears and families consider a California road trip with kids. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are familiar names on the itinerary, but mention Cambria or Avila Beach and there’s a pause in the conversation.
These cities are part of the Central Coast region of California, a 350-mile area that begins south of San Francisco and ends just south of Santa Barbara. It includes well known areas like the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur and Santa Barbara and it’s also home to a string of small beach towns full of wildlife and active adventure that few visitors experience.
A two-hour drive from San Francisco, both Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea make good bases for exploring the Monterey Peninsula. Monterey is more touristy, with more family hotels and evening activity for older kids. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint one-square mile village with no street addresses on the Hansel and Gretel-style cottages that line the streets, has fantastic dining options and the gorgeous Carmel Beach within walking distance of the downtown but also fewer family lodging options.
Favorite experiences with kids:
Big Sur is a gorgeous slice of California coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean creating sheer cliffs with dramatic coastline views. The area has few year round residents and no cell reception; nature is the attraction.
Favorite experiences with kids, driving southbound:
San Simeon is famous for two things: the Hearst Castle and the 17,000 elephant seals that call the beaches seven miles north of here home.
Favorite experiences with kids:
Avila Beach looks like a postcard for the perfect family beach vacation. Colorful buildings sit on a pedestrian street lined with palm trees evoking Key West more than California. Hotels, restaurants, playgrounds and the beach are within a 5-minute walk. This is a dream for parents with napping children that need to return to the hotel room midday.
Favorite experiences with kids:
If you have to choose between road trip destinations, Santa Barbara works well with tweens and teens that want more to do at night and shopping options which abound on State Street.
Favorite experiences with kids:
The list of things to do in California is long and the key to planning a successful California road trip with kids is to not try to do it all. A stop on the Central Coast is one way to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Relevant Links:
A Grand California Family Road Trip
Family Road Trips Offer Year Round Fun in California
Monterey Peninsula Family Hotels
Editor’s Note: Highway 1 Discovery Route provided Kristi with a media package to experience Avila Beach. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Kristi Marcelle
Written By
By Kristi Marcelle
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