This is the final installment of a three-part series about California’s Highway 1. As you’ll have read in my Northern California edition, Highway 1 (otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH) has played a prominent role in my family’s recreational activities for the last 14 years. In this last post I’m going to cover all the great places to stop when doing a PCH road trip with kids in Southern California. As you can imagine from the name Pacific Coast Highway, a lot of these places offer a heavy focus on sun, sand, and ocean.
One of the best things about a road trip is seeing the topography change before your very eyes. I remember being in awe of the ever-changing landscape in Arizona when my family was there last spring. The Pacific Coast Highway is no different. From the rugged bluffs and cityscapes of Northern California to the wild untouched coastline of California’s Central Coast.
The view changes yet again as you move into Southern California. Below Pismo Beach the PCH takes you inland, but rest assured it isn’t long before you are once again thrust out toward the Pacific Ocean. And boy what an eyeful you get when you reach Santa Barbara. In fact, I challenge you to take advantage of one of the car pullouts and enjoy the seascape for a minute.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is arguably the first major stop for a southern California PCH road trip with kids. It is also a destination that holds a special place in my heart. It was here that my husband and I tied the knot nearly two decades ago. Since then, we’ve been making annual pilgrimages every summer. Sometimes with kids. Sometimes without. Our route varies depending on whether we are combining our trip with a side visit to see family or friends in Los Angeles. But, when we have time, we will nearly always choose a leisurely jaunt down the PCH.
The city of Santa Barbara itself is a Mediterranean-style mecca for tourists and students alike. If you were to throw a stone, you’d nearly always hit a cute little eatery, bar, or boutique. However, with pint size travelers in tow, you’ll want to make your way down State Street to the ocean. Santa Barbara has three great sandy beaches to choose from. There is the very popular West Beach on the right side of Stearns Wharf. The longer, but narrower, East Beach to the left. And the more sheltered Leadbetter Beach on the other side of the harbor. All of these beaches are connected by the Cabrillo Bike Path, and all of them offer water sport activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. However, my kids are happiest simply boogie boarding.
If you want a break from the ocean, try renting a Surrey for your family from Wheel Fun Rentals. If the kids help peddle, they are a lot of fun. Alternatively, you can make your way down to Stearns Wharf for a spot of lunch at Longboards Grill. Your kids will get a kick out of cracking open the complimentary peanuts. And you’ll love the view from the second-floor patio.
Or you could head east toward Montecito. This is where you’ll find the Santa Barbara Zoo. Small but mighty, this zoo has been ranked as one of the best small zoos in the U.S. At just 30 acres, it is extremely easy to see with littles. One of the highlights for my kids is hand feeding Masai giraffe.
Once you’ve had your fill of sun, sand, sea, and overall fun, consider a brief educational trip to Old Mission Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, the mission is still very much active and is home to the Franciscan Friars. For a small fee, you can take self-guided tours of the grounds, which includes a nine-room museum.
Carpinteria
Ahhh, Carpinteria. My first experience of this small little beach town was when I pitched a tent on the sand as part of my (then) boyfriend’s 30th birthday. I thought sleeping on the sand was the coolest thing ever. When the kids were old enough for an RV vacation we came back. We’ve been returning ever since.
For kids, Carpinteria’s beach is perfect. Dubbed the world’s safest beach, there is a protective reef that makes the water ideal for swimming and boogie boarding. If you are lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two enjoying the water offshore. For bigger pint size travelers, Carpinteria’s small size is perfect to explore by bike. Kids age 7-12 can cycle to the Ranger Station to learn all about the Chumash tribe, as well as participate in the Junior Rangers program. Or, for the more adventurous, its fun to cruise downtown. Here you’ll find my kid’s favorite haunt: Robitaille’s Candy shop. (There are also plenty of places where kids can stop for ice creams or a shake).
I realize seals have been a prominent theme in my earlier Highway 1 posts, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Carpinteria’s Seal Preserve. Like the elephant seal rookeries in San Simeon and Point Reyes National Seashore, the Carpinteria rookery offers a great opportunity to see harbor seals in their natural habitat. Carpinteria’s Harbor Seal Rookery is located next to the private Casitas Pier. However, please pay attention to signage. The beach is closed from December through May to protect the colony during pupping season. That said, the best way to watch the seals is from the Seal Watch Overlook, located at the end of the Coastal Trail.
For littles, there is also the Tomol Interpretive Play Area, located a short distance from the entrance of Carpinteria State Beach. You can access it via a boardwalk near the entrance of Carpinteria State Beach or via a paved path off Linden Avenue. The playground has been uniquely designed to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of California’s cultural and natural history. Among other things, children can climb onto a dolphin, hang out in a replica of a Chumash hut, and pretend to set sail in a Chumash plank boat.
However, if you want to do something really unique, how about a visit with an Alpaca or two? Canzelle Alpacas is a family farm located in the foothills above Carpinteria. It is home to a herd of award-winning alpacas. For $25/$30 per person you can join a group tour that allows you to meet and feed their animals.
Malibu
When I think of Malibu, I automatically think of the TV series Baywatch. What can I say? I told you my first taste of America came from consuming movies and television shows as a teenager. Ironically, while Baywatch was supposed to be about lifeguards in Malibu, the show was predominantly filmed in Santa Monica.
That’s not to say that the beaches in Malibu aren’t spectacular. The most famous is probably Zuma Beach. This is thanks to nearly 2 miles of beautiful, wide, open sand. But there is a reason why Zuma has nearly 2,000 parking spaces on site – it gets busy. The good news is that, once you are there, everything you need for a fun day at the beach with your kids is within easy reach. Including lifeguards.
However, my favorite place to take the kids in Malibu, when on a PCH road trip, is Paradise Cove Beach. It offers an easy win/win. You can gorge yourself at the fabulous Paradise Cove Beach Café and then rent some lounge chairs and an umbrella to “lounge off” your meal afterward. In all seriousness though Paradise Cove Beach Café offers a unique experience for both kids and adults. As you tuck into your lunch, enjoy the thrill of sinking your toes into the sand. And, if you are staying a while, try their Pineapple Mojito which is served inside the shell of a pineapple. It’s delicious!
The beach itself, while small, is popular with families. Being located in a cove, the water is fairly calm, and there is also a pier you can walk along when you want a change of scenery. My only piece of advice would be to park along the PCH if you plan to stay the day. The parking lot at Paradise Cove charges $35-$50 for stays longer than 4 hours.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica, like Santa Cruz, is most known for its amusement park. While Santa Monica’s Pacific Park is located on a pier, and Santa Cruz’ is on a beach boardwalk, both are steeped in history. Santa Monica’s claim to fame is that it was the first concrete pier to be built on the West Coast. In addition, Pacific Park is the only amusement park to be located on a pier on the West Coast.
The pier has had varying degrees of success since its debut in 1909. It was even scheduled for demolition in the 1970’s. Fortunately that didn’t happen and it is now a landmark attraction. My kids favorite ride at Pacific Park is hands down the West Coaster; a steel roller coaster thrill ride that makes them scream out loud. Although they still get a kick out of riding Santa Monica’s iconic Ferris wheel; the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world.
However, if amusement parks aren’t your thing, stop by the Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle shop. Here you can rent everything you need for a spot of fishing off the pier. The deep water at the end of the pier is where you have a good chance of reeling in everything from cod and sea bass to rainbow perch and halibut. Best of all you don’t need a fishing license because you are fishing on a public pier.
Or if your pint-sized traveler is 6 years of age, how about a trapeze lesson? Or maybe a family scavenger hunt? You could even take your kids to California’s original Muscle Beach where you’ll find gymnasts, acrobats and other athletes putting on a “show” any given day of the week.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is another destination that pulls at my sentimental heart strings. It was home base for my husband when we first met, and over the years, I’ve got to enjoy the area as both a young adult and as a mom. The thing that always sticks with me when we visit is just how quintessential this little beach town is. From riding your beach cruiser in flip flops, to dining at unique mom-and-pop restaurants like Old Tony’s On The Pier.
Redondo’s actual beach offers more of what you have come to enjoy from earlier stops on your PCH road trip with kids; nearly two miles of gorgeous sand stretching all the way to Torrance. But, instead of making sandcastles, why not have your kid pay tribute to Henry Huntington, by signing up for some surfing lessons? Huntington was California’s first surfer who not only turned Redondo into a surf destination, but also invented the original long board as well as the torpedo rescue can that you see lifeguards still using today.
Alternatively take a walk along the pier, rent a fishing pole, or take a trip in a Looking Glass Bottom Boat. My family also loves to rent bikes that enable us to cruise The Strand bike path between Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Last but not least, if you are looking for an opportunity for your kids to swim during the summer, but don’t want to deal with currents, waves or their fear of sea creatures, check out Seaside Lagoon. It is a large saltwater lagoon that has been treated with chlorine. In other words, it is perfect for little kids.
Newport Beach
To me, Newport Beach and Balboa Island go hand in hand. My family can’t visit one, without visiting the other. Of course, technically, Balboa Island is a Newport Beach community in and of itself, even though it is not part of the mainland.
Adjacent to Balboa peninsula and located only 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Balboa Island is a hidden treasure. The small, compact, candy-colored homes, that butt up against the walk path that rings the outside of the island, look like they were lifted straight out of Disneyland. In fact, the whole island has a fantastical feel to it. Maybe that has something to do with the island’s size. As of two years ago nearly 3,000 people were sharing this 0.2 square mile community.
In the summer, Balboa Island can get busy. But that shouldn’t prevent you and your kids from stopping here during your PCH road trip. It’s tiny nature makes it perfect to explore on foot with kids. Stroll the walk path and enjoy the ocean views from every angle. Stop by Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop for a world-famous Balboa Bar. Or take to the water and enjoy the largest recreational harbor on the west coast by renting either a paddleboard or an electric boat called a Duffy.
Another great activity is to drive your car onto one of Balboa Island Ferry’s. These small three-car ferry boats take you across the harbor to Balboa Peninsula. It is here that you will find Balboa Fun Zone. This 80-year-old landmark is home to the Balboa Ferris Wheel and other fun activities like Discovery Cube’s Ocean Quest.
That said, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can’t go wrong with Crystal Cove State Park. It is only 5 miles down the road from Balboa and is the film location for many movies. More importantly it is where you will find an old seaside colony from the 1920’s. Much like Bothe Napa Sate Park in Northern California, the park has beautifully restored a series of old cottages and turned them into vacation rentals. They not only represent a glimpse into the past but also offer a unique opportunity to truly experience on-the-beach living.
Dana Point
Dana Point is the official end stop for a PCH road trip with kids. After Dana Point, Highway 1 becomes Highway 5; the road that takes you down to San Diego. Once a popular trading port, Dana Point still holds onto its coastal routes. There is an active harbor where you can walk around local shops and dine right by the water. Not to mention boats that will take you whale watching. (Check out Groupon for some great deals).
There are also some awesome beaches. A favorite is Dana Strands Beach because of the small funicular that transports beachgoers down the bluff to the sand. Even though this funicular is more like a small elevator – especially compared to what my kids experienced in Bridgnorth, England and San Sebastian, Spain – it still provides a thrill. And the beach at the bottom is beautiful. The same can be said for Salt Creek Beach next door. It’s massive and has plenty of amenities like parking, restrooms, snack shack, showers, picnic tables, plenty of grass to run around on, public barbeques, and even a basketball court. Plus it’s always fun walking through the tunnel right before the beach.
If you visit in the fall, consider checking out the Tall Ships Festival. Now in its 38th year, the festival is hosted by the Ocean Institute. I know I am biased from my time aboard the HMS Rose (in the Tall Ships 2000 race), but it really is a spectacle to behold. You will feel like you have been transported back in time when you look out at these ships. That said, the Ocean Institute is worth a visit in and of itself. Check out their marine life exhibits or learn what it used to be like as a sailor aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. You can even take a guided kayak or hiking tour.
Happy Travels!
Looking for some more PCH road trip inspiration for your kids?
Highway 1 With Kids: Awesome Places to Stop in Northern California
Cool Places to Stop Along the California Central Coast with Kids
