One of our favorite areas to visit is the California Central Coast. This is the stretch of coastal land between Los Angeles and San Francisco from the southern county of Ventura to the northern area of Monterey. Here are some things to do in the California central coast with kids (perfectly doable too without any kids in tow).

Unique things to do in the California Central Coast

Explore Solvang 

This charming town traces its roots back to 1911 when Danish immigrants and settlers bought land and moved here. Over the years, it has become the “Danish Capital of America“. Yes, it’s a bit touristy but it is a wonderful place to walk around what feels like a small European village.

There are small replicas of the Little Mermaid, windmills and the Round Tower. There is also a free Hans Christian Andersen museum to learn about his life and his fairy tales.

Families can ride horse-drawn trolleys or surrey bicycles to explore the town. There are several bakeries filled with delicious Danish pastries so be sure to visit one of them.

Tubs of butter cookies are popular souvenirs. Don’t forget to try an Aebliskiver which are pastry balls with raspberry jam and powdered sugar.

If you’re traveling to Copenhagen with kids, this town is a great preview to familiarize the kids with Danish attractions and customs. We did this a few months before our first trip to Denmark and we visit Solvang if we ever start missing the beautiful country.

Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

This historic boardwalk is also a seaside amusement park with over 34 rides and attractions. It’s California’s version of New York’s Coney Island and has been here since 1907.

Strolls along the boardwalk are always free. But, tickets must be purchased for each ride. Season passes and an all-day pass are also available.

The beach is an ideal backdrop for some of the classic rides and historical landmarks like the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel. There are various rides for all ages as well as arcade games, miniature golf and laser tag.

If you’re into fair food like deep fried Twinkies and chocolate covered bacon, they have those too. Look online for coupons.

Leave your mark at Bubblegum Alley

Want to see a really unique attraction and be all grossed out? Visit Bubblegum Alley on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo and leave your used gum too.

This gum filled alley was started by high school students in the 1950s and has become a popular stop. The 70 feet long and 15 feet high alley is filled with thousands of chewed gum stuck to both sides of the walls. Some have even attempted to create art or spell out their name with their used gum.

My family left their used gum here and the germaphobe in me needed a really hot shower after our visit. Of course, My kids thought this was a very cool attraction.

If you’re into quirky attractions and in the San Luis Obispo area, then have a quick walk through. The historic downtown area is also a great place for a stroll.

Stop for Garlic

Attention Garlic lovers! If you love garlic, Gilroy, the garlic capital of the world, is the place to be. Try some garlic ice cream (it’s not as gross as it sounds) or some of their garlic infused goodies.

My kids aren’t garlic fans but they actually enjoyed the stops here to wander through the interesting garlic related merchandise. We particularly love their garlic wines for cooking with seafood.

Depending on the time of year, the smell of garlic fills the air as you drive by. The annual Garlic Festival is usually held in July.

Ride on the Sand Dunes

The Oceano Sand Dunes State Vehicular Recreation area, near Pismo Beach, has eight miles of sand dunes along the coast that sometimes almost looked like a mirage. The dunes offer plenty of activities that include camping, hiking, horseback riding, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riding and even swimming and surfing at the adjacent beach after a day at the dunes.

These sand dunes are considered California’s largest coastal dunes. The sand came from rivers and creeks via ocean currents. The coastal wind has shaped it into sand valleys and hills and created this giant sandbox.

We had so much fun riding ATVs along the dunes. There were several companies along the dunes that rented out ATVs and other four-wheelers for the entire family on an hourly basis.

It was pricey but worth the memorable experience of navigating the dunes and having some great panoramic ocean views. They did a great job with safety demonstrations and providing us with all the safety equipment.

Hunt for Lighthouses

Six of the California coastline’s 30 lighthouses are located along the central coast and some are available for touring. Lighthouse visits are a wonderful way to learn about their importance and history.

Some even offer unique tours. Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon offers twilight and whale watching tours during particular months while Point Sur Historic Park offers full moon and ghost tours during October.

Explore Hearst Castle

This hilltop mansion in San Simeon is one of California’s gems and a National Historical Landmark. This was the former retreat of media mogul William Randolph Hearst where Hollywood celebrities were often invited.

No royalty ever lived here but it is very grand, opulent and filled with some of the best antiques. It is now part of the California State Park system and is a fantastic place to visit with the family.

Several tours based on varying interests and for different parts of the castle are available daily including an evening tour during Spring and Fall. We really enjoyed the 45-minute Grand Rooms tour which gives a great overview of the property.

This is what they recommend for first-time visitors. It is almost like a museum tour but it is interesting and my kids actually enjoyed it. Many of the tours include walk throughs to gardens and the pools and see the beautiful panoramic ocean views.

Reserve tickets in advance online. Admission includes the narrated, 15-minute ride to the top and mansion from the Visitor’s Center. Watch the documentary on how the castle was built and about Mr. Hearst.

It is very interesting to watch before the tour at the visitor’s center theater. It provides a great orientation. Look out for the zebras on the fields by the visitor’s center!

Animal Adventures at California Central Coast

Marvel at the Elephant Seal Colony

This one area of the Pacific Coast Highway is worth a stop especially for animal-loving kids. Down the road (about four miles north on Highway 1) from Hearst Castle in San Simeon is the largest hangout for the elephant seal colony. The Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery is one of our favorite areas for wildlife spotting along the coast.

It’s free to observe many of the seal colony sunbathing on the shoreline. The number of seals you see here may vary depending on when you visit.

There can be hundreds of seals here in July or August to thousands from January to May when the juveniles and adult females return to molt (when the old skin layer falls off). You may even get lucky and see a few of the new pups.

There are informative posts around the area for kids to learn all about these fascinating creatures. Please stay on the walkways and boardwalks to view the elephant seals. Look for the docents wearing a blue jacket to learn more about the elpehant seals and answer your questions.

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

This world famous aquarium is a favorite attraction for many families. Its diverse exhibits range from a vast jellyfish collection, a 28 feet Kelp Forest to a large aquarium that looks into the world of sharks, fish and turtles. There are feedings throughout the day for everyone to learn more about these marine creatures including otters, penguins and sharks.

Interactive and hands on exhibits are always a big hit with everyone. Kids also love the enclosed play area with a structure and even costumes for dress up.

There is also a water play area perfect for cooling off especially during the summer. Don’t miss a stroll along Cannery Row when visiting the aquarium too.

Feed Emu and Ostrich

Ostrichland USA in Solvang breeds ostrich and emu. Families can stop by to watch these interesting animals roam around in an enclosed area. But, the most fun part is the chance to feed them.

They look a bit intimidating and the warning signs of the animals biting don’t help much. But, they do provide pans for the animals to eat on. My kids were nervous at first but really enjoyed this experience.

Observe Some Wild Horses and Burros

Return to Freedom, the American Wild Horse Sanctuary, is a non-profit organization located in Lompoc. Per its mission statement, it is “dedicated to preserving the freedom, diversity and habitat of America’s wild horses and burros through sanctuary, education and conservation, while enriching the human spirit through direct experience with the natural world.”

Their sanctuary is home to over 350 wild horses and burros. It is open to the public only by appointment or during hosted events to see these animals roaming freely. Please email them to visit or to book a reservation for a program or event.

The organization also has photo safaris at their Lompoc or San Luis Obispo locations but must have a minimum of four guests. These are led by volunteers or professional photographers to enhance the visitors’ experience.

Private tours are also available. Please contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment for the safari or tours.

Want to do some good work while visiting the sanctuary? Volunteers are welcome for various jobs whether you’re here for a few hours or the whole day.

The sanctuary also has weekly and quarterly Public Volunteer Days in the Lompoc location. The recommended minimum age is eight years old. Please email [email protected] for more information and to save your spot.

Go Bird Watching

The California Central Coast has several distinct areas for bird watching, particularly sea birds. Many seabirds use these areas for nesting grounds and their habitat. Check out the below areas to see migratory birds or local seabirds. Please give the birds space and don’t ever feed them.

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

Located three miles north of Guadalupe and the sand dunes is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area. This is part of the Oceano Dunes Recreation Area. We enjoyed the tranquility of this area.

We found a bridge that went over the lake. The views here were beautiful of the dunes and the lake area.

This is a wonderful area to see a variety birds who make their home here. You can spot a warblers and waterfowl in winter or swallows in late summer and early Fall. We found plenty of ducks, gulls and some shorebirds during our visit.

The bridge opened into a boardwalk and a viewing platform of the ocean and sand dunes. The bird, western snowy plover, nest here from March to October and some areas are closed. The walk is about a mile one way from the parking lot to the beach area.

Visitors can access the area from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The trailhead begins through a gate. There were restrooms by the parking lot.

See Butterflies at Monarch Grove Sanctuary  

If you’re going to be visiting the area between mid-October and mid-February, Pacific Grove is a must visit. Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA”, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate and spend their winter here every year to escape the cold and survive.

These butterflies come from west of the Rocky Mountains and as far north as Canada. They travel thousands of miles to get here and seek shelter in the city’s pine forest.

The sanctuary is open during the monarch migration to see these colorful insects. The seaside town has embraced the monarch butterflies and even has a Butterfly Parade to welcome them in October.

Explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

This protected marine environment, spanning 276 miles along the coast, is also known as the “Serengeti of the Sea” for its diverse marine life. It has the country’s largest kelp forests and includes 34 marine mammals species, 180 seabird species and 525 fish species.

There are plenty of activities here to get up close to its residents which include diving, kayaking, tide pooling and boating. There are several whale watching tours that operate throughout the year.

The sanctuary also has two free interpretive centers in San Simeon and Santa Cruz for visitors to learn more about the rich marine life through varied displays, educational programs and interactive exhibits.

Educational Attractions

Go back in time at the California Missions 

The state has 21 missions established by the Spaniards and missionaries to convert the Native Americans into Christians. These were functioning communities for years and are a wonderful lesson in state history. Eight of those missions are located in central California.

Many are now used as parishes and museums. The Central Coast has some of the best missions worth visiting. Mission San Luis Obispo, Old Mission Santa Ines (by Solvang) and the Carmel Mission are delightful missions to visit.

We loved Mission La Purisima which is considered the most restored and authentic of the missions. Self-guided tours are available to see how the missionaries, soldiers and Native Americans lived in this once thriving community.

Weave shops, candle making rooms and the chapel offered an interesting glimpse into daily functions. We liked that the rooms were not behind glass windows.

It was a better educational and cultural experience especially for the kids. Don’t miss visiting the animals outside or the Indians’ straw huts.

Mission Santa Barbara is called the Queen of the Missions and is a classic beauty with wonderful exhibits. The large lawn is great for picnics and for kids to run around. Go inside for an extensive tour of the mission and the church.

Discover Museums

With several cities lining the central coast, there’s an assortment of museums certain to meet each family member’s interest. Some interesting ones to visit include the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (the world’s first surfing museum), the South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta, which offers miniature train and handcar rides and the Santa Maria Museum of Flight with its wonderful collection of aircraft and models and a docent tour usually led by veterans.

Many cities, like Paso Robles, Oxnard, Monterey and San Luis Obispo, have their own Children’s museums with varied interactive exhibits to learn and play. Don’t forget the historical museums at the various Missions too.

Natural and Scenic Attractions on the Central Coast

Stop at the Overlooks

The coastal drives along Pacific Coast Highway and even Highway 101 are some of the best in the world. Put your windows down, feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Pacific Ocean hugging the rugged coastline.

There are plenty of lookouts along the highway to stop and enjoy the views and take some memorable photos. The kids will welcome the chance to stretch their legs. Who knows, they may even spot some wildlife along the way.

Explore Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve

Located south of the city of Guadalupe, this nature preserve is an underrated gem. It needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate what it has to offer. We recently visited this preserve and can’t wait to return.

There are miles of sand dunes including 550 ft ones which are the tallest on America’s west coast. We loved the wide sandy shores here that is great for hiking, walking, and enjoying the views.

Most of the dunes’ area is closed between March 1st and October 1st to protect the western snowy plover (a type of bird) during their breeding and nesting period. Outside of this time period, the sand dunes area is open for hiking. We visited in mid-March and were disappointed we couldn’t walk in the dunes but it gave us another reason to return.

There was hardly anyone here during our Friday afternoon visit and we loved the peacefulness here. The park rangers told us that it doesn’t get really crowded except during holiday weekends. Be aware there are only about 50 parking spaces.

Go on the 17-Mile Drive Tour

This privately maintained, two-lane road is one of the most beautiful and picturesque drives in the country. Fees are collected among the five gate entrances and cost $10 per car.

Maps with points of interest are provided. It is worth every penny. There are scenic overlooks and stops along the way to see panoramic shoreline views, magnificent trees and wildlife like deer grazing on the fields or the harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks. We’ve always enjoyed trying to catch a glimpse of the extravagant and multi-million dollar homes along the way beyond the gates and hedges.

Perhaps, the most famous attraction along this drive is the Lone Cypress which has also become the symbol of Pebble Beach and the Monterey coastline. Located on a granite perch, it has withstood the test of time and elements for over 250 years.

The 17-mile drive leads to The Lodge at Pebble Beach and its famous golf course. A picture on the greens is a must for golf enthusiasts.

There are various shops and dining options here. It’s a very peaceful and relaxing drive. Gas up and bring snacks and drinks for the family since there isn’t any concession stands along the way.

Camp at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

This man-made lake, surrounded by mountains in the Santa Barbara area, is a popular place for camping and weekend getaways. A variety of cabins and yurts are available to rent plus some campsites.

The area also has several hiking trails and boat and kayak rentals. A 1.5 hour cruise aboard a pontoon boat with the park naturalists are offered year-round to learn more about the wildlife here. Reserve in advance. Kids can also earn special badges as Junior Rangers during Saturday programs year-round.

Check out Waterfalls

Located just north of the Gaviota Tunnel and near Highway 101, Nojoqui Falls is a great outing for the whole family. The trail is relatively easy and starts off in a park with picnic tables, restrooms and open fields.

It is two-thirds of a mile roundtrip through a shaded canyon to the 80-foot Nojoqui Falls. We found the trail to be easy and pleasant through oak and laurel trees.

The waterfalls is the strongest during Spring. We were here in mid-summer which was much more than the trickle we expected.

Tour Channel Islands National Park

These five islands off the central coast by Ventura are one of the National Park system’s most underrated parks. Known as the “Galapagos of North America”, there are over 2,000 plant and animal species that make their home here. 145 of these species can only be found on these islands.

The islands are only accessible to the public through Island Packers(the park’s concessionaire), plane or private boats.There are various activities around the islands such as kayaking, hiking, camping, bird watching, diving and snorkeling. The most popular islands to visit are Santa Cruz (the largest) and Anacapa.

If you can’t make it to the islands, the Visitor’s Centers located in Ventura Harbor and in Santa Barbara Harbor are also worth visiting. The centers offer exhibits and displays to learn more about the islands and the animals and plants found there.

“A Treasure in the Sea” is a wonderful 25-minute movie about the park shown throughout the day. Ranger led programs are offered on weekends. Check the events page to see what’s going on at the visitor center during your visit.

Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve 

This beautiful area is a must stop along California’s Highway 1 near Carmel and Monterey. The reserve offers stunning ocean views, wildlife sightings and colorful wildflowers.

Several docent-led walks, covering various themes and interests, are available and can be quite an educational experience for the whole family. Several scenic trails make it easy to explore the area. There are observation points to see whales migrating, pine forest and quiet coves to see seals and sea otters.

Kids can get an Observation Checklist to help them spot one of the hundreds of plant and animal species here. The Information Station at Sea Lion Point provides a fantastic orientation of the area like trail conditions and animal sightings.

Various exhibits like marine animals’ skulls are sure to intrigue some kids. The Whalers Cabin and Whaling Station Museums offer varied exhibits on artifacts, photos and tools related to the whaling history in Point Lobos. Don’t miss the yard filled with whale bones!

Visit Morro Rock and Beach

This famous rock jutting out of the ocean was formed about 23 million years ago from extinct volcanoes and known as plugs. It is 576 feet tall, a state historic landmark and often called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific”. It is also a designated bird sanctuary.

We love driving to the beautiful, wide beach around its base. My kids love playing on the sand dunes here. This area is also a great place to spot the sea otters floating along the bay.

There are also cruises from the town to the rock. Don’t miss visiting the town of Morro Bay too with its many seafood restaurants and quaint shops. The town also offers water-centric activities like stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Relax at the Wineries

It may not be as famous as Napa Valley a few hours away, but the central California coast wineries are some of our favorites. They’re much less crowded, less commercialized and many are family-owned withe authentic personal experiences. We love the Santa Ynez and Paso Robles wine countries.

We’ve brought our kids to some of these wineries and they’ve enjoyed playing in the open spaces, having picnics and touring the wineries especially seeing the barrel rooms.

Beautiful rolling hills and vineyards along country roads surround most of these wineries. Download these wine region maps of Santa Ynez and Paso Robles and start your wine trail tour.

Discover Big Sur and its State Parks

This picturesque area between San Simeon and Carmel is one of the best places for whale watching, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Driving across the historic and iconic Bixby Creek Bridge is a California road trip must do.

It’s no wonder that Highway 1 through Big Sur has been designated an American National Scenic Byway and one of the most popular and beautiful coastline drives in the world.

Big Sur has nine state parks that offer various activities and scenic trails. One of the most visited state parks here is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with some stunning coastline views, verdant meadows and majestic trees.

But, the most photographed area may be of the 80 feet McWay Falls flowing into a beachside cove. This is a terrific park for hiking and camping.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers ranger programs, games, storytelling and interactive activities for kids during the summer months. The Andrew Molera State Park has a Discovery Center to learn more about the wildlife and in particular, the California condors.

Hit the Beaches

It wouldn’t be a California visit without exploring some of the central coast’s beaches so follow the signs while driving down the highway. Many of beachside communities are the gateway to some of the state’s best beaches and water sports adventures.

They’re prime spots for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming and kayaking. Some of our favorites are Carpinteria, Summerland Beach, East Beach (Santa Barbara) and Morro Rock Beach.

Grab a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy a day at the beach. The many beaches along the cities of Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach are some of the most popular.

Don’t forget the famous and award-winning clam chowder at Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach. The lines may be long but their food is worth the wait.

Walk the Piers and Wharfs

Iconic scenes of beach boardwalks and piers have long been associated with Southern California. But, the central coast also has some fantastic boardwalks, wharfs and piers including the popular Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Most of California’s piers provide free fishing (subject to some local rules and regulations). They’re great places for entertainment, sunset strolls, wildlife and people watching.

Some of the most popular ones include the Pismo Beach wooden pier, Port Hueneme’s historic pier, Avila Beach’s two public piers, Ventura’s busy pier and Santa Barbara‘s popular Stearns Wharf which is the oldest working wharf in California. Many of the piers and wharfs also have various food stands and shops surrounding them.

*Have you visited the Central Coast of California?

Check out these tours in the area!

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