I’ve driven up and down the coast of California my whole life (mostly between San Diego and the Bay Area) and only got to know one small town for decades (Solvang, which I adore). I’ve recently been intrigued with the idea—or should we call it a mind shift—of “just take the exit.” We get so caught up in the destination and the fastest way to get from point A to point B, that we often forget to explore and enjoy the journey. If you’re taking a road trip through California, make note of these fun places to stop with kids. Just take the exit!
Filoli Gardens in Woodside
www.filoli.org
About 30 miles south of San Francisco (take the Edgewood Rd. exit off I-280) is beautiful Filoli Gardens, where a special tribe of trolls is visiting until Nov. 10, 2025. Bay Area locals and visitors can get an exclusive look at six gigantic folklore-inspired trolls built from reclaimed wood by world-renowned recycling artist, Thomas Dambo. The "TROLLS: Save the Humans" outdoor exhibit inspires people to rediscover nature and take care of the world around them.
Each whimsical troll has a name, individual personality and specific "purpose" in teaching humans to be responsible stewards of the earth. Plan a visit to Filoli Gardens in Woodside to be thoroughly enchanted by Ronja Redeye (The Speaker Troll), Basse Buller (The Painting Troll), Rosa Solfinger (The Botanical Troll shown in the photo above), Ibbi Pip (The Birdhouse Troll), Kamma Can (The Treasure Troll) and Sofus Lotus (The Listening Troll). These magical giants are designed to spark joy and be interactive (yes, it's OK to climb on them) as visitors make their way through gorgeous redwood trees. Filoli Gardens has eight miles of trails if you're feeling adventurous. Kids also love daily story time, the new nature play space with a twisty trail and fairy garden. In addition to the "Save the Humans" exhibit, there are 16 acres of carefully curated rose (and other flower) gardens, expansive garden terraces and a 56-room historic house that spans over 54,000 square feet. Filoli Gardens offers plenty to see, explore and discover for all ages.
Avila Valley Barn in San Luis Obispo
www.avilavalleybarn.com
There’s always something fun happening at Avila Valley Barn. Just half a mile off Hwy 101 (take the Avila Beach Dr. exit), this fun-filled stop is an excellent place to grab lunch, a treat or just stretch your legs, especially for families. Read about farm animals and activities at Avila Valley Barn below (under Fun Stops Along California’s Central Coast).
Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos
www.hiller.org
Take the Holly St. exit off Hwy 101 to find Hiller Aviation Museum, which offers an engaging, interactive introduction to the world of flight. Learn about aviation pioneers, including the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Charles Lindbergh and many others. Get a close look at some of the fascinating "contraptions" and aircraft that early innovators successfully made airborne (and some not so successfully). Explore hands-on exhibits like the invention lab, flight simulators, a kid-friendly imagination play area, Parachute Launch Towers and how to make epic paper airplanes. Hiller Aviation Museum is located right next to the San Carlos Airport, so a bonus is watching airplanes take off and land from a viewing platform behind the museum. This outdoor area is where you'll also find the nose section of a retired Boeing 747, where visitors can explore two stories via a spiral staircase and sit in the cockpit! It's a fun and educational experience for aspiring young aviators and history enthusiasts of all ages.
Read more about what to do with kids in the San Francisco Bay Area at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/travel/bay-area-visit-5-fun-things-to-do-with-kids.
San Simeon
The Morro Bay/Hearst Castle exit (from Hwy 101) leads to an abundance of coastal views and fun discovery since you’ll be heading to iconic Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway). For now, we’ll focus on San Simeon. One of the most well-known "attractions" (just beyond Cambria) is Hearst Castle., a National Historic Landmark If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it. If you have been to Hearst Castle before, go again and take a different tour—it’s so fascinating! Also in San Simeon is Piedras Blancas Light Station, an historic landmark that can only be reached via guided tour at 9:45 am (several days a week, depending on season); Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The docent-led tour includes a half-mile easy walking trail, access to the fog signal building and lower level of the lighthouse, time to explore on your own, and spectacular views of rugged shoreline and crashing waves that are unique due to the distance of the light station from the coast. The protected area is a wildlife sanctuary, so bring binoculars. Don’t miss free opportunities to view elephant seals, also nearby in San Simeon.
FUN STOPS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST
EAT in Camarillo
Have breakfast at Waypoint Café at Camarillo Airport. Sit outside to watch planes land and take off while enjoying Cinnamon Roll French Toast (or indulge in a delicious shake at lunch). Kids love exploring the miniature “airport” off the patio, featuring a replica of the control tower and runway. Visit this local favorite during the week or at off times, or be prepared to wait. 
STAY in Oxnard
Looking for a relaxing beachfront vacation without crowds of people? Stay in Oxnard—it’s one of Southern California's best kept secrets. I drove past Oxnard for decades, having no idea there were pristine beaches lined with sand dunes, miles of bike and walking paths, fun-filled parks, and farm stands selling local produce just minutes off the freeway. If you only go for the day, be sure to visit Channel Islands Harbor for a peaceful family-friendly kayak tour through Marine Emporium Landing or take a gondola ride through the Harbor’s Seabridge Canals. But if you stay overnight (highly recommend), be sure to check out Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach—the beachfront property is perfect for families.
Find more tips about visiting Oxnard here. 
WINE & DINE in Ventura
If you have access to a babysitter, be sure to stop in Ventura for dinner at Rumfish y Vino. The outdoor patio provides ambiance perfect for a date—but if your kids are older, even teens appreciate the cool vibe and outdoor fireplace. My husband summed the meal up pretty well, “I'm not gonna lie. This is some of the best seafood I've had." He was talking about the fish stew. I argued that my sea bass was better: perfectly cooked with coconut rice, bell peppers and charred cherry tomatoes. Regardless of what you eat, get a margarita—they’re on point.
Find more things to do in Ventura here. 
DISCOVER in Santa Barbara
The MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a must-do field trip for families. Indoor and outdoor highly interactive exhibits engage and delight all ages. Make discoveries about sound, light, speed, color, gravity and much more. Our family spent more time than we should have competing at Quiet Quest—a test to see how quietly people can walk through a rock path. Needless to say, I beat my husband and teen daughter at this challenge, but didn’t have as much luck when it came to testing jumping ability. Don’t miss the rooftop Sky Garden where you’ll find an interactive water exhibit, lookout tower and glass sky deck, not to mention a stunning 360-degree view of Santa Barbara. With surprises around every corner, MOXI is an absolute blast! Plan to spend several hours.
PLAY in Avila Beach
Just half a mile off Hwy. 101 (Avila Beach Dr. exit) is Avila Valley Barn, featuring farm animals, an ice cream shop with gourmet treats, and a country barn filled with baked goods, fresh produce, and specialty items. There is no entry fee to visit with animals, which include goats, pigs, miniature horses, sheep, alpaca, chickens and donkeys. Kids can even pet and feed some of them (buy a bag of feed in the store). Hot corn on the cob is often available from an onsite corn roaster, or get lunch at Chicken Shack & Smoke House. On weekends, kids can take tractor and pony rides for a nominal fee. Check the schedule online for seasonal u-pick opportunities on the farm. 
SHOP & EXPLORE in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo (SLO) is heavenly with tons of gorgeous trees and a rushing creek running through downtown. Follow the San Luis Creek path to explore, then cross the footbridge from Mission Plaza to Higuera Street where there’s great shopping, plenty of comfortable coffee shops and infamous Bubblegum Alley. Head uptown to Monterey Street to grab lunch at SLO Provisions, where you might get lucky to find the rotisserie pork sandwich with lemon herb spread and fennel slaw as a daily special. Either way, there are delicious offerings for everyone in the family. If you happen to visit SLO on a Thursday, stay for the evening farmers market downtown—it’s been a local highlight for more than 30 years!
Managing Editor Lisa Gipson loves discovering new communities and hidden gems along California’s coast and highways. Photo credit: @SanDiegoEditor.
Planning to drive further north up the coast of California? Read “Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area.”
The "Central Coast" part of this article won an award from San Diego Press Club! Lisa Gipson received Third Place in the Domestic Travel category. See all of San Diego Family's awards HERE.
