By Kate Loweth
Looking to explore beyond the Bay Area? Whether you want to head to the mountains, the beach or our inland valley, there are plenty of options within a two-hour drive. Stock up on road trip snacks, download a kid-friendly podcast and head out for a day of exploration and memory-making.
Sacramento – Our state’s capital is just a short drive away, and you’ll want to add it to your must-visit list for your next day trip. Head to Old Sacramento along the waterfront to explore the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum. While you’re walking from Old Sac to the Capitol Building to take a tour, see how many of the city’s massive murals you can count.
sachistorymuseum.org/sacramento-visitors-center
Santa Rosa – Santa Rosa was home to cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, and it offers plenty of kid-friendly activities throughout town. Stop by the Charles M. Schulz Museum to learn about the artist and make some cartoons of your own. Then head next door to Snoopy’s Home Ice for some indoor ice skating. For an experience that’s all about animals, book a tour at Safari West to see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and more.
sonomacounty.com/cities/santa-rosa
Point Reyes – The Point Reyes National Seashore offers a stunning area of coastline where you can hike and look for whales offshore. Kids will love seeing the boat that’s beached in the small town of Inverness before heading out to Point Reyes Lighthouse to take in the views. A short hike from the Chimney Rock trailhead will get you to the elephant seal overlook (a kid-favorite!).
San Juan Bautista – Kids who love history will enjoy a day trip to San Juan Bautista, where you can tour the state park and mission to learn about life in California in the 1800s. Living history days offer an immersive experience where you can interact with costumed docents and have an old-fashioned soda in the saloon.
Monterey – The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a huge draw for visitors, but there’s so much more to do when you head south to this coastal town. Visit the butterflies at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary or head out on the water for a whale-watching excursion with Fast Raft. Point Lobos has miles of coastal trails worth exploring and you can swing by the fishing cabin to see whale bones and learn about the area’s whaling history.
Watsonville – Learn about California’s agricultural roots with a day trip to Watsonville, where you’ll find roadside farm stands full of artichokes and more. Pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are plentiful, such as Gizdich Ranch, where warm apple pie is served a la mode in the farm’s pie shop. Make a stop at Martinelli’s Company Store and Tasting Room for free apple cider tastings. If the kids need to burn off some energy, plan a stop at Mt. Madonna County Park for a hike through the redwoods.
watsonville.gov/162/Discover-Watsonville
Kate Loweth is a freelance writer who lives in the South Bay with her three teenagers.
