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Family-Friendly Pacific Coast Highway Adventure: Santa Barbara to Redwood Forest and Back

Viewed by 116 travelers

Day 1: Coastal Start

Santa Barbara, CA, USA on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dawn Patrol

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with farm-to-table flavors and family-friendly menu options including pancakes and eggs.
USD40, 1h0m

9:30am

Santa Barbara Zoo

Visit the compact, family-friendly zoo featuring over 500 animals with interactive exhibits perfect for your boys.
USD60 (4 tickets), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Habit Burger Grill

Casual and kid-friendly burgers known for quality and taste, open 11am - 9pm.
USD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to San Simeon (Approx 2.5 hours)

Travel north along the Pacific Coast Highway enjoying scenic ocean views.
Fuel cost approx USD50, 2h30m

4:00pm

Hearst Castle Tour

Explore the historic hillside mansion with family-friendly tours. Reserve a 1-hour grand rooms tour.
USD120 (4 tickets), 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sebastians on the Beach

Dine with oceanfront views; menu includes seafood and children-friendly options. Open until 9pm.
USD80, 1h15m
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Day 2: Big Sur Stretch

Big Sur, CA, USA on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and hearty breakfast with lots of kid-friendly choices.
USD50, 1h0m

9:30am

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Go on easy family hikes among redwoods with scenic river walk. Great for photography and exploring with children.
USD35 (day-use fee), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nepenthe Restaurant

Iconic cliffside restaurant with breathtaking views and kid-approved meals.
USD70, 1h0m

2:00pm

McWay Falls

Visit this stunning waterfall cascading onto the beach, an easy walk suitable for kids.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Redwood Forest near Fern Trail (Approx 4 hours)

Head north to reach the iconic redwoods and Jurassic Park filming location.
Fuel approx USD60, 4h0m

7:30pm

Check in and Dinner at nearby family lodge

Relax and dine at your accommodation’s family-friendly restaurant.
USD90, 1h15m
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Day 3: Redwoods Exploration

Fern Trail Redwood Forest, CA, USA on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lodge Café

Start your morning with freshly brewed coffee and breakfast perfect for all ages.
USD40, 1h0m

9:00am

Fern Trail Hike & Photo Session

Explore the redwood forest trail where Jurassic Park was filmed; a magical experience with photo opportunities for mom.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch in the Forest

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by ancient trees – a fun and restful break for kids.
USD40 (groceries), 1h0m

1:30pm

Redwood Sky Walk

Experience a treetop walkway with stunning forest views fun for all ages.
USD80 (4 tickets), 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lodge & Optional Board Games Time

Unwind and entertain the children with board games available at your accommodation.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local family restaurant

Savor casual, comforting meals suitable for the whole family with local specialties.
USD80, 1h0m
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Day 4: Return North

Eureka, CA, USA on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Waterfront

Enjoy a hearty breakfast overlooking the bay with diverse menu options suitable for kids.
USD45, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Eureka & Visit Sequoia Park Zoo

Drive a short distance to Eureka and visit California’s oldest zoo that is intimate and perfect for young children.
USD40 (4 tickets), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Brick & Fire Bistro

Family-friendly pizzeria that pleases both kids and adults with fresh toppings and dough made daily.
USD60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Avenue of the Giants (45min)

Head towards the scenic drive to see spectacular tall redwoods, an easier pace as the kids enjoy views from the car or walks.
Fuel USD15, 0h45m

2:15pm

Avenue of the Giants Scenic Drive & Short Walks

Drive through giant redwoods and take short, easy walks with the family in tranquil settings.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Alibi Family Restaurant

Casual dining with a diverse menu that caters to all ages and tastes.
USD70, 1h0m
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Day 5: Coastal Relaxation

Mendocino Coast, CA, USA on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Goodlife Café & Bakery

Known for organic and fresh offerings, perfect for a family start with bakery delights and coffee.
USD50, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park

Walk stroller-friendly trails with stunning ocean views, great for toddler stroller and for photography.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Experience floral beauty and a peaceful setting with accessible paths for young kids.
USD44 (4 tickets), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mendocino Café

Enjoy casual bistro-style food with kid-friendly options near the gardens.
USD60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive south towards home (Approx 6 hours with stops)

Start heading back to Santa Barbara, stopping at scenic pullouts and rest stops to break the drive.
Fuel approx USD70, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner Stop at Paso Robles

Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Fish Gaucho for tasty Mexican food, open until 9pm.
USD80, 1h0m
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Day 6: Final Drive Home

Santa Barbara, CA, USA on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast close to your accommodation to relax after long drive.
USD30, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive the last stretch back to Santa Barbara

Complete your journey with stops at beachside viewpoints and a quick session playing in the sand for the kids.
Fuel USD30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Variety of food stalls offer many options making it an easy stop for all tastes.
USD50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Day at the Beach or Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

Visit the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf, ideal for kids to learn and play, or spend time on the family-friendly beach.
USD40 admission, 3h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Brophy Bros.

Enjoy fresh seafood and kid-friendly meals with harbor views to end your trip on a high note.
USD80, 1h30m
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