California Coast with Kids: 5 Tips from Our San Francisco → L.A. Road Trip
A few summers ago, my daughter (12 at the time) and I loaded up the car in San Francisco and set off down Highway 1 for a five-day coastal road trip to Los Angeles.
We started in the city, wound our way through Big Sur, stopped where the coast stopped us, and finished in L.A. in a spot that turned out to be perfect for a tween + mom adventure. It wasn’t perfect — the best trips rarely are — but that’s exactly why it became one of our favorites. Here are the five things that made it work (and why I’d absolutely do it again).
1. Start in San Francisco & Get the Kid-Friendly Hits
We kicked off in the city because it gave us the thrills of “big travel” without jumping straight into long miles. One of the absolute wins: hopping aboard a classic San Francisco Cable Car. The open-air, clanging-bell ride up and down the steep hills? Instant hit. And it takes you right to Union Square for some shopping. My daughter loved it!
Next Stop was Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s energetic, tourist-packed atmosphere is perfect for a tween/teen! Notes: arcade games, sea lions barking, piers to stroll and lots of food options ( meals and sweet treats).
We finished our day with dinner in China Town and a stop in Ghirardelli Square for a giant sundae!
Pro tip: Stay one night in SF, ride the cable car early (morning lines are lighter), and make it fun without trying to do everything. That gave us momentum for Day 2 without fatigue.
2. Make a Stop at Shark Fin Cove
Just south of Davenport, about fifteen minutes past Santa Cruz, there’s a spot called Shark Fin Cove. You’ll know it when you see it — a huge sea stack shaped like, well, a shark fin jutting from turquoise water.
We scrambled down the short trail and spent an hour just running around the beach, exploring the little caves, and watching waves crash against the cliffs. It’s small, scenic, and rarely crowded — the kind of place that feels like your own private discovery.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the path down (it’s steep but short) and check tides before you go. It’s a great picnic-stop beach, but keep an eye on surf conditions.
3. Choose a Beach Town Overnight: Pismo Beach
About halfway between Big Sur and L.A., we found ourselves in Pismo Beach. It was our favorite surprise: relaxed beach town charm, a wide sandy beach, pier, and the kind of pace that lets you breathe after two driving days.
We arrived in time for sunset, kicked off shoes, walked along the beach and ordered pizzas. It wasn’t overly touristy, and that made it feel authentic. A good mix of “beach vacation” and “road-trip rhythm.”
Tip: Pick one beach town to stay the night, find a hotel with a pool or hot tub. Easy win for kids.
4. Don’t Miss the Detour: Solvang
After Pismo, we took a little inland detour to Solvang — the Danish-style town with windmills, cobblestone streets, cute bakeries. It’s whimsical, unexpected, and a bit of lightness after rugged coast.
We found some amazing pastries (including a massive cream puff) and explored side streets. For the tween, it felt like discovering a secret. For me, it felt like giving us a pause to do something fun, quirky, and different.
Tip: Seek out bakeries!
5. Finish Strong in L.A.: Stay in Marina Del Rey + Kid-Friendly Beach Access
We wrapped our journey in L.A. with a stay in Marina Del Rey. This turned out to be perfect for a tween + mom. Instead of the busy noise of Santa Monica or Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey gives you walking distance to a calm family-friendly beach with a playground and paddle board rentals. The beach is in a little cove so it’s safe for kids of all ages to swim without the rough waters of the Pacific.
Our hotel in Marina Del Rey was only a 10 minute walk to the Venice Beach Boardwalk which meant we got the vibe, the art, the people-watching and the chance to roller skate along the shore while still having a more relaxed place to return to at the end of the day. My daughter and I both fell in love with Venice Beach.
Tip: When choosing your final destination, think about ease. Beach + walkability = a relaxed finale to the trip.
Final Thoughts
What this trip reminded me is: when you travel with a child (or a tween) you don’t need constant “grand adventure.” You need a mix: the iconic moments, the pauses, the unexpected fun, the time to just be.
For us, this trip became less about “check all the things” and more about connection.
Interested in planning your own Highway 1 Road Trip? Let me know!
