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NorCal

The Central Coast of California is best known for its tourism and agriculture, and there are so many amazing cities and towns to visit, from Santa Barbara to Monterey.

Our road trips along California’s Central Coast are nothing if not epic, and I think a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in Central California is one of the most beautiful in the US. There’s never a dull moment with or without kids; we’ve done it both ways.

If you want to end a shopping excursion in Santa Barbara with a few winery visits in Santa Maria Valley, we have a great plan to set you up. There is also Channel Island National Park that we highly recommend adding to your list when you are in this area with a majestic lighthouse and perfect views!

There are many picturesque stops along a PCH road trip through the Central Coast, but we have found Morro Bay to be one of the prettiest. Between Morro Rock and the sand dunes, it’s really unique and a must-stop.

If you want a classic Cali beach vibe (think Beach Boys) for your trip, we have a great itinerary for hanging out in San Luis Obispo.  Our Kids have always loved the vintage candy store in town, and we have some top recommendations on where to stay that is family-friendly and get a great night’s sleep.

We love this part of the California coast, and if you plan to head in that direction, we are happy to help you find the route that checks all your boxes.  Drop us a message if you need recommendations, and check out our posts to get the inside scoop.

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LittleMan on Tram tour in Yosemite National Park 1
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to See Yosemite NP

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Yosemite National Park if you're short on time or energy. See what to expect, how to book it, and find our why it's one of the best National Park tours available.
Giant Redwood on Jedidiah Smith River Trail Redwood National Park California 1
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Favorite Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a great family destination for getting into nature and learning about the giant coastal forest. Get ideas for things to do and parts of the park to visit on your California Coast road trip.
Taylor Family at Bodgea Head Bodega Bay 1
Posted inCalifornia NorCal Southwestern US

Staying at the Bodega Bay Lodge: Quiet Luxury on the Sonoma Coast

The Bodega Bay Lodge is a beautiful property set just off the beach on the Sonoma Coast of Northern California. Review and ideas for things to do in the Bodega Bay area of Sonoma County.
Evergreen Lodge Yosemite features
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Review of the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite National Park: Amazing Hetch Hetchy Stay

The Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite is ideal for exploring the quiet side of Yosemite National Park. From family cabins to rustic retreat lodging, the Evergreen Lodge has many options and is located very near Hetch Hetchy and Groveland, California.
Tunnel View tourists header
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Why you must stop at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park

Everybody seems to have an opinion about overrated sights and places to visit.  Roadside attractions are totally cliched to stop at, but why not stop?  Viewpoints on highways that have…
Crater Lake National Park FitTwoTravel 4
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Road trip through West Coast National Parks: exploring the mountains

Perfect West Coast National Parks road trip plan, from Joshua Tree to Olympic National Park. Stops in the Sierras, Central Oregon, and the best of Washington State's mountains.
Rob Taylor hiking in Grant Grove header
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Kings Canyon National Park in Any Season

Kings Canyon National Park is beautiful and full of epic trees and view. Visiting Kings Canyon in any season is fun and interesting, but beware of snowy days. Tips and tricks for hiking at Kings Canyon and where to stay (National Park lodge!).
Taylor family at Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach GGNRA San Francisco 16
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Best SF Bay Area National Parks For A Special Visit

The San Francisco Bay Area National Parks sites include breathtaking nature, historic homes, famous WWII sites and more. Perfect for learning about the USA or just enjoying the Bay Area. Explore beaches, the Redwoods and more.
Yosemite National Park in California is a great destination for experiencing the nature of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Perfect for family travel, from camping to lodges, hiking to guided tours. 2traveldads.com
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Yosemite National Park family travel guide

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited or dreamed about destinations in the United States.  Can you blame everyone for wanting to explore the valleys and peaks that…
Greenwich Stairs on Telegraph HIll San Francisco 1
Posted inCalifornia NorCal Southwestern US

San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill: Greenwich & Filbert Steps Parrots

Every city has its defining characteristics that make it unusual and attractive.  Seattle has the ferry system and Pike Place Market, Los Angeles has the film industry and beaches, San…
West Coast National Park Road Trip coast header
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

West Coast Road Trip Itinerary: lighthouses and National Parks

Growing up in Washington with family in both northern and southern California, the West Coast road trip was guaranteed at least once per year… if not three times.  This meant…
Rob Taylor and LittleMan at Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park 2
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Hiking Hetch Hetchy: the unknown Yosemite National Park

Going off the beaten path is something so many travelers strive for.  You know that we’re usually traveling with kids, so we try to experience the less-crowded areas of the…
Taylor Kids at Battery Point Lighthouse Crescent City 2
Posted inCalifornia NorCal Southwestern US

Battery Point Lighthouse: worth getting your feet wet

I went to Crescent City, California once when I was a kid.  I just remember being told that in 1964 a tsunami (tidal wave) crashed into the town… and then…
Carter House Inn header
Posted inCalifornia NorCal Southwestern US

The Carter House Inn of Eureka, California

As we made our way through Northern California and explored the beaches and National Parks, we stayed in all kinds of hotels and lodges.  When we left the Bodega Bay…
Sometimes you hike to amazing sights and sometimes you regret not reading the map correctly... Like at Trinidad Head Lighthouse. 2traveldads.com
Posted inCalifornia NorCal Southwestern US

Finding the Trinidad Head Lighthouse

When you live on the coast you get accustomed to certain maritime things.  You know, like hearing fog horns, continually sweeping up sand in your house, having lighthouses in half…
Taylor Family Golden Gate Bridge from Welcome Center GGNRA 2
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

A stop at the Golden Gate Bridge: an American icon

Ooh, we love a good tourist attraction.  Not a tourist trap, but a genuine attraction.  Of all of the classic American icons a few really stand out:  the Statue of…
Tenaya Lodge header
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park

It was so great to stay in lodges on our #2TDgoparks2016 roadtrip.  After several days of snow chains and foiled hiking plans it was nice to arrive at the Tenaya…
Lobby in John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park 1
Posted inCalifornia National Parks NorCal

Staying at John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park

After a few days of battling the fog and snow in Sequoia National Park we took the short drive to cross the border into Kings Canyon National Park.  Like with…

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