Central coast itinerary

Question

Hi!

We are going to California in June for a little over two weeks (2 adults and 2 kids ages 8 and 10). We have planned most of the trip, but we're still uncertain how we wanna spend the last four days along the coast.

We will be driving from Yosemite, and at the moment we have 2 nights booked in Santa Barbara, 2 nights in Monterey and 1 night in Santa Cruz before we leave for SFO. We're aware that the weather will be a gamble (June Gloom etc), but we'll hope for the best.

Is Santa Barbara a good choice or do you think we should stay in Pismo Beach, Morrow Bay or Cambria instead? I know some might think it's a long drive from Yosemite, but we're all used to long drives.

Thb we don't have anything special planned besides driving along Highway 1 (the parts that are open), Big Sur, Monterey aquarium and hopefully going to the beach.

Do you have any suggestions of activities/places the kids might appreciate? One of the reasons for Santa Barbara is that I think the setting (palm trees, beaches etc) will feel glamourus and exotic for the kids, coming from Sweden.

Answer

For a family trip along California’s Central Coast, the choices you’ve outlined each offer unique experiences. Since you have two adults and two kids (8 and 10), it’s worth balancing scenic drives with kid-friendly stops and activities.

Santa Barbara vs. Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cambria:

Santa Barbara: Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara has palm-lined beaches, a charming downtown, and a generally glamorous vibe. Kids can enjoy the beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Zoo. It’s also a good base if you want a lively town atmosphere and convenient dining options.
Pismo Beach: Offers a more casual, small-town coastal vibe. Great for beach activities, sand dunes, and more relaxed pacing. Less glamour but a true Central Coast experience.
Morro Bay: Known for its iconic Morro Rock and wildlife—sea otters, birds, and tide pools—which could be exciting for kids. Outdoor activities like kayaking or harbor boat tours are available.
Cambria: Small, scenic, and artsy. Has a cozy atmosphere, easy access to Moonstone Beach, and the nearby Elephant Seal Rookery. Great if you want a quieter coastal experience and close proximity to Big Sur.

If your family enjoys a more “storybook California” experience with palm trees, beaches, and a bustling town feel, Santa Barbara is ideal, especially for a first-time visit from overseas. If you prefer a quieter, more nature-oriented coastal experience, Pismo, Morro Bay, or Cambria may be preferable.

Kid-friendly activities along the route:

Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf (small shops, casual dining, and pier activities), local beaches with gentle waves.
Big Sur & Highway 1: Short scenic stops like McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach. Note some stops may have fog in June.
Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium (hands-on exhibits and marine life), Cannery Row, and perhaps a harbor boat tour or kayaking if the kids are comfortable.
Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (classic amusement park rides and arcade), local beaches, and the Mystery Spot for something quirky.
Morro Bay/Cambria side stops: Tide pools at Morro Bay State Park, watching elephant seals at Piedras Blancas (Cambria), or exploring Moonstone Beach.

For timing, consider:

Santa Barbara gives you more urban conveniences and a “glamour factor” for the kids.
Pismo/Morro Bay/Cambria would make the drive from Yosemite slightly longer but more scenic and relaxing.

Overall, since your trip includes Monterey and Santa Cruz, balancing your first coastal stop in Santa Barbara gives a nice variety: glamour, beaches, and kid-friendly activities, then moving up the coast toward the Big Sur/Monterey stretch for more nature-focused scenery.

Additional tips:

Check Highway 1 closures in advance around Big Sur; some segments may still be closed or under construction.
Pack layers for June Gloom; coastal mornings can be chilly and foggy even in summer.
Plan a mix of short scenic stops and longer activity stops so the kids don’t get restless during drives.

With this plan, your last four days can combine scenic driving, beach fun, and kid-friendly adventures while giving a good sense of California’s diverse coastal character.

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