Multi-Generational Magic in Central California: Our Family Adventure to Santa Cruz & Monterey
When it comes to California dreamin’, few places capture my heart quite like Santa Cruz and Monterey. These two seaside towns—each with their own charm—have been favorite destinations of mine for years. So when it came time to plan a multi-generational family getaway, I knew exactly where we needed to go.
This time, I had the joy of sharing it all with my husband, our two daughters (ages 11 & 8), and my parents. From boardwalk thrills to aquarium wonders, it was five days and four nights of sunshine, smiles, and sea breezes—filled with memories we’ll never forget.
✈️ Getting There
Flying in? San Jose is your closest airport option, but San Francisco and Oakland offer great alternatives. We found the best flight deals from Portland to Oakland and opted for an early arrival.
With my parents picking us up in their Chevy Traverse, we were on our way to Santa Cruz—opting for the scenic coastal route over the inland freeway. The 3-hour drive was made even better with a stop at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, a family favorite for decades. By 3 PM, we were checking into our hotel and ready to hit the beach.
🎡 Santa Cruz: Beach Vibes & Boardwalk Fun
🏨 Where We Stayed:
Courtyard Marriott Santa Cruz – 1 Night
A short walk from the Boardwalk, the wharf, and tons of restaurants. We booked a Queen Suite that comfortably fit our family, while my parents enjoyed their King Room. Clean, spacious, and even had a Starbucks in the lobby—big win for everyone!
🍽️ Where We Ate:
- Beach Street Café – Across from the Boardwalk. Giant plates, kid-friendly, and absolutely delicious for breakfast.
- Sugo Italian Pasta Bar – Our favorite meal of the trip. This cozy Italian gem in Seabright offered white tablecloth service without being too formal. From creamy Alfredo to savory Puttanesca, every dish was perfection.
🎢 What We Did:
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a blast for all ages.
- We purchased Unlimited Ride Wristbands for Day 1 and packed in mini golf, rides, and the super fun Fright Walk.
- Day 2 was a shorter visit with individual ride tickets so we could hit our favorite attractions again before heading out.
- Before we left town, we walked the Santa Cruz Wharf to spot pelicans, sea lions, and grab some last-minute souvenirs.
🌊 Monterey: Coastal Charm & Ocean Wonders
Just an hour's drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway, Monterey welcomed us with its rugged coastline and laid-back charm.
🏨 Where We Stayed:
Victoria Inn – 2 Nights
Cute and convenient, just steps from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rooms were on the smaller side, so larger families might want to consider booking multiple rooms. Bonus points for the continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, and happy hour!
🍽️ Where We Ate:
- Hula’s Island Grill – A total hit for our group. Think tropical flair and bold flavors. From Jerk Chicken to burgers, the menu had something for everyone.
- Other meals were more casual: Fish & Chips on the Wharf and Pelican Pizza to wrap up our stay.
🐠 What We Did:
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must. We spent an entire day exploring sea otters, jellyfish, and mesmerizing ocean exhibits.
- Cannery Row offered great shopping and sightseeing.
- While our girls aren’t golfers yet, Monterey is home to world-famous courses like Pebble Beach, and a drive along the 17-Mile Drive is truly unforgettable.
- We also recommend carving out time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove for a slower-paced day.
📝 Final Advice: Don’t Rush the Magic
If you’re considering a multi-generational trip to the Central California coast, give yourself more than 4 days if you can. I packed a lot in because I’d visited before, but there’s so much to enjoy—and downtime is key when traveling with kids and grandparents.
From scenic drives to seaside thrills and everything in between, our Central California adventure was everything a family vacation should be: fun, meaningful, and full of laughter. Whether you're traveling with littles, tweens, or grandparents, Santa Cruz and Monterey are perfect destinations to explore, relax, and connect.
✨ Ready to plan your own coastal California getaway? Let us help you create a multi-generational itinerary filled with magic, memories, and just the right amount of downtime.
📩 Reach out to Tracey at Somewhere Beyond Vacations today and let’s start dreaming!