Family-Friendly Adventures in Pacific Grove, CA!

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family adventure to the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, located at 80 Asilomar Blvd, Pacific Grove, California. As the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, established in 1855, it provides a fascinating glimpse into maritime history perfect for all ages.

Morning Arrival

Start your visit in the morning to enjoy the serene views. Parking is available directly in front of the lighthouse. After parking, take a moment to soak in the refreshing ocean breeze and snap some family photos with the stunning lighthouse backdrop.

Touring the Lighthouse

The lighthouse opens at 10 AM, perfect to begin your exploration. As you enter, you"re greeted by a small admission fee, which directly supports the maintenance of this historic gem. Inside, each room is meticulously restored to reflect the 1800s era, engaging children"s imaginations about life as a lighthouse keeper. The docents, often dressed in period attire, share captivating stories, making history come alive. Don"t miss climbing up the tower to see the original Fresnel lens, offering a mesmerizing view of the ocean.

Picnic Lunch

Following your tour, enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Lovers Point Park, just a 5-minute drive away. With expansive grassy areas, picnic tables, and a sandy beach, it"s a perfect spot for families to relax and play.

Afternoon Exploration

Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the coastal trail leading back to the lighthouse. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including sea otters and seals. The trail is easy for children and offers endless ocean views.

End of Day

Conclude your visit by browsing the small gift shop at the lighthouse, where you can pick up souvenirs like miniature lighthouse replicas or maritime books, making your memorable day at Point Pinos Lighthouse linger a little longer in your family’s hearts.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Why Visit?

Welcome to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a breathtaking coastal gem located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Renowned for its stunning vistas, rich wildlife, and inspiring hiking trails, Point Lobos is the perfect family getaway. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Arrival and Sea Lion Point Trail

Start your day early to beat the crowds and secure a parking spot. Upon entering, head to the Sea Lion Point parking lot. From there, take the easy Sea Lion Point Trail, a 0.6-mile loop that offers spectacular views of sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters frolicking in the water. The sounds of the barking sea lions are particularly thrilling for kids!

Mid-Morning: Whalers Cove

Next, drive or walk over to Whalers Cove, a small, historically rich bay with a calm beach and clear waters, perfect for a bit of tide pooling. Visit the Whalers Cabin Museum to learn about the area"s history as a shore whaling station in the 1800s and its later use by Chinese fishermen. The museum is small and kid-friendly, packed with artifacts that paint a vivid picture of maritime life.

Lunch: Picnic at Piney Woods

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shady pines at the picnic area in Piney Woods. It’s a serene spot to relax and refuel.

Afternoon: Cypress Grove Trail

Post-lunch, embark on the Cypress Grove Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop that winds through a stunning grove of Monterey cypresses. This trail offers breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot birds like the black oystercatcher.

Late Afternoon: The Great Tide Pool

Conclude your visit at The Great Tide Pool at low tide to explore marine life. It"s a fantastic way to introduce children to marine biology in a hands-on manner.

Remember to bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, wear comfortable walking shoes, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Enjoy your family adventure at Point Lobos, where nature"s wonders await at every turn!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Big Sur

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Explore Big Sur

Day 1: Arrival and Bixby Creek Bridge

Start your Big Sur adventure by flying into Monterey Regional Airport, renting a car, and driving about 30 miles south along the scenic Highway 1, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Your first stop is the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its stunning architecture and dramatic seaside backdrop. It’s a great spot for family pictures!

Day 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Drive 10 minutes back north to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Known as the "crown jewel" of California"s state parks, it offers easy trails suitable for young children and provides opportunities to view sea lions, otters, and even whales during migration seasons. The Sea Lion Point Trail is a short loop where the sounds of barking sea lions fill the air, captivating kids and adults alike.

Day 3: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

No Big Sur trip is complete without a visit to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, about a 45-minute drive south from your previous spot. Spend your day exploring the many family-friendly trails like the one-mile round trip to Pfeiffer Falls, nestled among redwoods. Kids will love the towering trees and the magical feel of the forest.

Day 4: McWay Falls and Departure

Before heading home, make sure to visit McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows directly onto a pristine beach. It’s accessible via a short, flat trail that is easy for kids. This rare "tidefall" is a perfect serene spot to wrap up your Big Sur journey.

Each of these destinations offers ample opportunities for family bonding and creating lasting memories amidst some of California’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Asilomar State Beach

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Asilomar State Beach

Morning Arrival

Start your day early at Asilomar State Beach, located in the quaint city of Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula. Easily accessible by car, it"s about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. You can park at the Asilomar State Beach parking lot free of charge.

Explore Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve

Kick off your visit with a guided tour of the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve. The one-hour tour starts at 9:30 AM from the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall, introducing families to the restored dune ecosystem. Children will love spotting wildlife and learning about native plant species.

Beach Time

By mid-morning, head to the beach itself. Asilomar State Beach is known for its rocky coves and stunning ocean vistas. It"s a great spot for tide pooling during low tide, where kids can discover sea stars, crabs, and other marine life. Remember to bring your buckets and wear sturdy shoes!

Picnic Lunch

Around noon, enjoy a picnic by the beach. There are several picnic areas equipped with tables and grills. Grab a spot overlooking the sea for a scenic lunch. Don’t forget to bring your own picnic supplies!

Afternoon Walk along Asilomar Coastal Trail

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk along the Asilomar Coastal Trail. This 1-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It’s stroller-friendly, making it perfect for families with young children.

Sunset at Sunset Drive

Conclude your day with a short drive to nearby Sunset Drive for a spectacular sunset view. It"s a wonderful way to end your day at Asilomar, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Interesting Fact

Asilomar, meaning "refuge by the sea," has a rich history as a YWCA leadership camp designed by the famed architect Julia Morgan in the early 20th century.

This engaging day will leave your family with lasting memories of Asilomar"s natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

17-Mile Drive

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure along the iconic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California. This scenic route offers breathtaking ocean views, remarkable wildlife, and intriguing landmarks, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Getting There

Start your journey at the Pacific Grove gate, which is one of the main entrances. There’s a fee to enter ($11.25 per vehicle as of 2023), but the experience is well worth it. Once inside, you’ll receive a map highlighting all the stops and points of interest along the drive.

Stop 1: The Lone Cypress

One of the first must-see spots is The Lone Cypress. This solitary tree, perched on a rugged cliff, has been standing for over 250 years. It’s one of the most photographed trees in North America. Park your car and take a short walk to the viewing area for a perfect family photo.

Stop 2: Seal Rock Picnic Area

Next, head to the Seal Rock Picnic Area for lunch. It’s an excellent spot for watching harbor seals, especially in the spring. Enjoy your meal at the picnic tables while overlooking the ocean.

Stop 3: Spanish Bay

After lunch, drive to Spanish Bay. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, where you can listen to the sounds of the waves and perhaps spot some local wildlife. The area is named after the Spanish explorers who camped here in 1769.

Stop 4: Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point

Your final stop should be Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point. Famous for its eerie, sun-bleached trees and as a spot for extreme surfing, it offers a stunning backdrop for family portraits.

Conclusion

End your day by exiting through the Carmel gate, which leads you directly into the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Here, you can explore unique shops and grab a bite at a kid-friendly restaurant to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera, and dress in layers as the weather can change quickly along the coast. Enjoy your family"s journey along 17-Mile Drive!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.