Northern California Roadtrip with Toddlers

• Posted on 20 July 2024
• By LB
• 0

Road-tripping with toddlers can be challenging but it can also be so rewarding. Join us as we travel up the Northern California Coast with 2 parents, 2 grandparents and 2 babies. We'll let you know some great hotels, restaurants, activities and beaches.

First stop Atlanta Airport to Sacramento, CA.

This is a long flight with kids but we put away the "no screen time" rule on this trip and had some educational videos downloaded and lots of snacks!

(You could fly into San Fransisco but we have some family in Sacramento so we took advantage of that so we could spend an afternoon with cousins.)

Our 4 Boys Scout Bags are so light weight and easy to pack. You can check them and they travel beautifully!

Our first 2 nights

We spent in Marshall, CA at Nick's Cove Inn. This was by far our favorite place we stayed. I can't say enough good things about this place, from the thoughtful design of the rooms, gorgeous landscaping, beautiful sunsets, casual and on-brand restaurants, and so many things to do within driving distance. We always find with the kids it is just easier to eat at the hotels and this restaurant does not disappoint, Ladd loved the fish bowl ice cream - vanilla drizzled with olive oil (if you haven't tried it, you must!)

One of our day trips while staying at Nick's Cove Inn was to Point Reyes National Seashore  . You can download an audio tour on your phone for free and it only takes about 1 hour to drive the route.  If you stop and get out anywhere, it must be the Cypress Tree Tunnel. Absolutely gorgeous and a great place the kids can just run or you can push a stroller.

On our 3rd day we left Nick's Cove and headed up the coast. There are so many great beaches to stop along the way on the beautiful coast of California. Be sure to stop get out and let the kids stretch their legs. We love to stop at a "seafood shack" along the way and take our food to the beach. Our favorite spot was Spud Point Crab Co.There is almost always shade and picnic areas.

Night 3

We stayed at Sea Ranch Lodge. This hotel has gorgeous views right on the property with beautiful cliffs and bluffs. We didn't take the kids to the edge of cliffs because there are no railings and it was quite windy, but each room did come with binoculars and Ladd really enjoyed using them and checking out all the nature! Again we ate our dinners at the hotel and it worked out great.

As you leave Sea Ranch Lodge and travel north, the Sea Ranch Chapel is a must visit. Absolutely so peaceful and beautiful               

Night 4

We spent the night at this amaing bed and breakfast, Mendocino Inn and Farm, with views of the coast, animals & gardens.  

Mendocino has a very cute and historic downtown with shopping and dining. We also went to Sea Glass Beach (I'd probably skip it. It's crowded, dirty & has hardly any sea glass!) and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. This is about a mile climb up a paved road; I stayed back with toddler and took in the views. 

A visit to Pudding Creek Express Train in Ft. Bragg is a must do for families. This was so fun and the views were incredible. Make sure to secure your tickets in advance.

Day 5, We continued up the coast to our next destination and made a stop along the way at Chandelier Tree, a real Drive thru tree . It was a fun stop for kids, we didn't have to wait in any line (which was nice), and made for a quick side trip.

This drive is known as "Dramamine Drive," so just be aware if you have any people prone to car sickness.

Nights 5 & 6

Our last 2 nights were spent at an airbnb, Whalesong House. Beautiful views and an eclectic home. It was tight with 6 people and could use an update but the location was perfect for us!

While staying at the Whalesong House in Trinidad we took a side trip (about 1 hour) to Mystery of Trees - Must see trees!

This was well worth the trip and highly recommended! Make sure you take the Sky Tail aerial Poma gondola ride. The trees are unbelievable. These pictures do not do the views justice.

Day 6, we drove to Sacramento and spent the night near the airport.