California Road Trips With Kids – LA to San Fran
California road trips: Pirates Cove, just south of Avila Beach.
California road trips are the best – especially ones along our long, beautiful coast. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’m still amazed at the sights I see when I travel along Highway 101 and Highway 1.
Because I love coastal California road trips, I was alarmed when I heard a mother of two active kids say they were going to drive straight through on Interstate 5 from L. A. to San Francisco. “It’s faster on 5,” she said, “and with my kids, getting there as quickly as possible is a priority.”
Well-planned California road trips include potty stops and playgrounds.
California road trips designed by Elizabeth
It just broke my heart that this family was going to miss the most scenic part of the state, so I offered to map out a trip that would work for them. I knew that meant getting from L.A. to San Francisco in one day with plenty of potty stops, some play time, and more than just fast food for lunch.
Here’s the plan I created:
L.A. – Santa Barbara: Highway 101; 95 miles; 1 1/2 hours +.
In Santa Barbara, exit Highway 101 at Garden St (exit 96B). Follow Garden St and E. Cabrillo Blvd to Stearns Wharf.
Stearns Wharf is a great place for the kids to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. The 140-year-old wooden pier sticks way out above the ocean and is one of the few in the state that is open to vehicles. If you have time, take the kids to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on the wharf and let them experience the touch tanks.
Great California road trip viewpoint from Harford Wharf, Port San Luis.
Santa Barbara – Shell Beach: Highway 101; 85 miles; about 1 1/2 hours. Shell Beach is 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo.
Shell Beach is a great lunch stop. You can select from the yummy offerings at DePalo & Sons Gourmet Grocery and Deli, 2665-L Shell Beach Rd., Shell Beach (805-773-1589) and head to the big oceanfront park (Spyglass Park) a couple of blocks away. The park has picnic tables, a playground and restrooms that are usually clean. The kids can run around, and it’s a really pretty spot with a great view – including pelicans and surfers.
Shell Beach is a great spot for a lunch stop.
DePalo & Sons doesn’t have a website, but check out their Facebook page and their Yelp reviews. I really like their chicken Caesar salad, and the lasagna is delicious.
Directions: When you’re going north on Highway 101, take the Spyglass Drive Exit (exit 193). There’s a Shell gas station on the corner of Shell Beach Rd and Spyglass Drive. Shell Beach Rd is the frontage road on the west side of 101. DePalo is in the little strip mall on the south side of the Shell station.
Once you have your food, take Spyglass Drive through a residential neighborhood to the park.
California road trips dining: the Olde Porte Inn on Harford Pier
Shell Beach Option 2: The Olde Port Inn
There’s a very fun restaurant on the end of Harford Pier near Shell Beach in Avila Beach. The restaurant is called the Olde Port Inn. If you decide to go there, take the next exit north of Spyglass Drive, which is Avila Beach Drive. The Olde Port Inn website has directions. The kids will love eating at glass top tables through which they can watch marine life beneath the pier. I also think they’ll feel the magic of viewing the California coast from one of the state’s historic piers.
If you decide to overnight in Avila Beach, I recommend Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, where lodging comes with a private hot tub of very warm therapeutic water.
Family picnic with ocean view at the top of Sycamore Crest Trail, Avila Beach.
Shell Beach or Avila Beach to SF: Highway 101; less than 4 hours.
Enjoy the view of vineyards and rolling hills as you drive north of San Luis Obispo, and watch your speed as you get near King City. It seems the local government is funded by speeding tickets issued to passersby.
When you get to Salinas, you have the option of leaving Highway 101 and taking Highway 183 over to the coast. Here, you’ll pick up Highway 1, which winds through Watsonville, Castroville and the heart of Monterey County’s agricultural area. If you make this delightful detour, be sure to read Four Secrets Spots on California Highway 1.
Highway 1 will take you to Santa Cruz, where the kids can run on the beach and check out the heart of California’s surf culture. They’ll also enjoy the rides on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz.
Pezzini Farms, Highway 1, is a great place to stop and sample California produce.
From Santa Cruz, it’s only about an hour to SF.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is right on the beach.
The joy of California road trips
This Los Angeles to San Francisco route will take you past breathtaking ocean views, through rolling hills covered in grape vines, and out onto two of the state’s loveliest historic wharves. By walking on the beach, watching surfers, and experiencing marine life, you and your family will get a delicious taste of the Golden State.
Enjoy!
Classic California roadtrip view: surfers and sailboats.
Category: Central California, Family Travel
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Thanks for these suggestions. I’ve done this route, minus the stops (unless you count staying overnight). Great reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride.
I’ve spent MUCH time at each of these locations, and thoroughly agree with your thoughts on the Central California coast. It is one of very few places that still has the raw, natural beauty without the big city bustle and over population. Great article – makes me want to jump into my car and head north for an escape!