Top family-friendly places your kids will want to explore along the Northern California coast – from Bodega Bay to Glass Beach
The idea to take a spontaneous trip up the Northern California coast sparked the moment I walked into the living room and saw my young children and my husband playing on the iPhone and an iPad. It was just one of those mornings where I found myself cleaning up the house, and the kids and hubby just hanging around looking at screens. I wanted to change this routine for us so bad, but didn’t know how. Then came the ah-ha moment. Well, of course! Take the screens away, and take a well-needed vacation from all of it (and hopefully to a place with little to no phone service).
So, with almighty purpose, I walked up to all three of them, took their iStuff away and said to my husband and kids, “We need a family get-a-way. Where should we go? What do you all want to see, or do?”
My son looks to me and exclaims, “I want to go to the beach, please!!”
Well, in mid-November, the temperature along the coast is much cooler, and most people don’t visit the beach during that time of year, unless you’re me of course. Ha!
“What a great idea, son! Let’s go!”
My husband, who grew up in Southern California’s beautiful coast towns thought it was a crazy idea. Boy, was he in for a pleasant surprise.
If you, too, want to get away from it all, take a break from the hustle and bustle, the screens, the house cleaning, etc., jot your notes down now, because there is little phone service out there. You’ll need to either plan ahead, or go where the road takes ya.
So, here is our travel itinerary, our top places to visit that made this trip so memorable for the little ones and for us!
DAY 1 // The drive from SF Peninsula to Bodega Bay
Where to stay: Bodega Bay Lodge – visit website
Where to eat: Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen (on property)
Mommy’s note: The weather in November was perfect for Kite Flying! Don’t forget to bring your kite if you have one, or you can easily pick one up from the local Candy & Kites store in Bodega. Keep your eyes open to locate the store on your way through the town.
DAY 2 // BODEGA BAY to LITTLE RIVER
Where to Stop: Schoolhouse Beach
A great little stop to start off the morning drive. Let the kids get out some of their excitement before you drive up the coast. This beach, however, does require a little hike down the cliff, but was manageable for my husband carrying our toddler, while my son and I walked down individually.
Where to Stop: Bowling Ball Beach
Just 3 miles south of Point Arena (our next stop), this beach offers a unique display of rocks that look like large bowling balls. When the tide is low, you can get some great photo ops here, but the hike down can be a little more physically challenging, so take great caution going down, or perhaps take some photos from Highway 1.
Where to Eat: Rollerville Café
Kids became quite hungry at this point, so we pulled into the Rollerville Café for some sandwiches (1 Mile from Point Arena Lighthouse – our next stop). This is a simple little diner, and the food was to our liking. Plus, we didn’t see too many other options around.
Where to Stop: Point Arena Lighthouse [visit website]
Tower Tour: $7.50 per adult, $1 for children ages 5 – 12, under 5 free
Climb 115 feet up the 145 steps from the ground, up the spiral staircase with four landings to the top of the tallest Lighthouse on the West Coast. At the top guests are greeted by breathtaking 360 degree views as well as a Tour Guide who leads an interactive session about the geography surrounding the lighthouse, the ocean topography, sea life and more. Tours of the Lighthouse are offered daily. Lighthouse Tour Admission is $7.50 for adults, $1 for children 5-12 years, and includes admission to the Museum, a Tower Tour and access to our 23 acres of trails and grounds.
Where to Stay: Heritage House Resort [visit website]
This place was so quaint, and offered beautiful ocean views from the property, and rooms. They even have live music at the lounge and a restaurant on property. There are quite a few restaurants along the road in town, so feel free to explore other restaurant options as well!
Where to Play: Mendocino Headlands State Park, Big River Beach – Perfect for Flying a Kite and Watching Sunset
It was early evening, so we decided to explore the local area before dinner, and hoped to catch the sunset at a beach. We decided to stop at the Mendocino Headlands State Park/ beach area. This was just amazing. Don’t forget your camera, and a tripod if you have one. We got some great photos here with the low tide, the gorgeous backdrop, and our happy kids running freely and flying their kite.
Day 3 // Little River to Glass Beach
Where to Eat // Circa ’62 at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek & Spa
We remembered passing this cute little inn that serves breakfast, so we made sure to stop there on our way out heading for Glass Beach.
Where to Stop // Skunk Train in Fort Bragg
Just 20 minutes north of Little River is Fort Bragg, where we intend to explore Glass Beach. But since you’re all the way up in Fort Bragg, why not explore the area a bit further and take the historic Skunk Train, right? Departing from Fort Bragg station, the first few miles run alongside the Pudding Creek estuary, where common wildlife sightings include blue heron, egrets, osprey, ducks, and the occasional lounging turtle. After passing through Tunnel No. 1, the Skunk Train snakes its way along the Noyo River, zig-zagging through the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon. Definitely make sure to check departure and return times from Fort Bragg before you travel. We didn’t know, and actually missed the train. Note that a train ride might be better in the afternoon, verses the morning, depending on its schedule, or, your children’s nap schedule. You don’t want them to miss out on anything!
Where to Play // Glass Beach in Fort Bragg
Just a few blocks from the town, you’ll find Glass Beach, known for its beautiful collection of sea glass. This historic site showcases the natural world’s ability to craft something beautiful out of the not-so-pretty things. Clean, safe, and fun for the whole family, Glass Beach is a must-visit.
Did we miss anything? Have you traveled up the coast and found a special spot to stop at? Please do share some family friendly recommendations with us!
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