Best Kid Friendly Pacific Coast Highway Stops

Kelly R said:  Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a popular destination for families looking to appreciate beautiful views, abundant plants and wildlife, and plenty of kid-friendly programming. Start at the Information Station, where you can chat with a docent, join a guided walk, see animal pelts and skulls, and borrow binoculars to use as you explore the reserve's variety of trails. A Whalers Cabin museum is a fascinating historical spot where kids can see whale bones up close. Pay to park in the reserved lot, or park on the shoulder of Highway 1 and enter on foot.

Kelly R said:  Santa Cruz's friendly beachfront amusement park has been welcoming families since 1907. Don't miss the Boardwalk's two National Historic Landmarks - the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel. Assorted other rides of varying thrill levels, boardwalk games, numerous food options, arcades, and more provide fun for all ages. Invest in unlimited ride passes and spend the whole day, or plan a quick pit stop with a couple of individual ride tickets (and a couple of corn dogs). Check calendar for its ride and entertainment schedule.

Erynn said:  Seymour Center is a small hands-on marine center that's an extension of UC Santa Cruz, and its many exhibits let kids explore ocean life. Perched on the edge of the coast, this facility's touch tanks, real animal artifacts, science activities, and an 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton (one of the largest in the world) offer a unique experience for your ocean enthusiast.