40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Cambria: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a Cambria trip with kids? Walk the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, tour Hearst Castle, and watch hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the sand at Piedras Blancas. Look for zebras grazing along Highway 1, too. Add tide pools, ranch rides and easy day trips to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, and stay along Moonstone Beach Drive for the easiest days.
We rounded up 40 things to do in and around Cambria with kids, 10 family-friendly hotels, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with hours, tips and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find the 2026 holiday events (hello, Cambria Christmas Market) and a sample weekend itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: Moonstone Beach Drive for ocean-view hotels and the boardwalk; the East and West Villages for walkable shops and restaurants; San Simeon for budget-friendly stays near Hearst Castle.
Best free fun: The Moonstone Beach boardwalk, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Leffingwell Landing tide pools, the elephant seal viewing area, the zebras along Highway 1 and the San Simeon Pier.
Book ahead: Hearst Castle tours, Covell's Clydesdale rides, Piedras Blancas Light Station tours, the Cambria Christmas Market and holiday-weekend hotels.
Elephant seal season: Pups are born from about mid-December through February, and the beach is busy with seals much of the year, so there's almost always something to see.
Heads up: Highway 1 north of Ragged Point is sometimes closed by slides, so check road conditions before driving toward Big Sur. The surf on this coast is strong, so keep kids out of the waves.
Getting there: Cambria is about 230 miles from LA, so plan on roughly four hours of driving.
Planning a Trip to Cambria With Kids From LA
Getting to Cambria From LA
Cambria is about 230 miles north of Downtown LA. Take the 101 to San Luis Obispo, then Highway 1 north through Morro Bay and Cayucos, and plan on about four hours without traffic.
Break up the drive with a stop in Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach, or spend a night in San Luis Obispo on the way.
Getting Around Cambria With Kids
The villages and Moonstone Beach are easy to explore on foot, but you'll want a car for Hearst Castle, the elephant seals and day trips.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
Cambria is mild all year, with foggy summer mornings and sunny fall afternoons. Winter brings elephant seal pups and whale migrations, and spring brings wildflowers.
A three-day weekend covers Moonstone Beach, Hearst Castle and the elephant seals. Add a day for Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo.
Things to Do in Cambria With Kids
Cambria is a small, friendly beach town tucked into the pines, with two walkable villages, wild coastline and plenty of room for kids to explore.
Where: Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This wooden boardwalk runs along the bluffs above Moonstone Beach, with ocean views, benches and paths down to the sand, where kids hunt for smooth, shiny moonstones and agates.
Parent Tip: Walk it at sunset, and bring a small bag for collecting pretty pebbles from the beach.
Where: North end of Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This part of Hearst San Simeon State Park has tide pools, picnic tables and a great spot to watch sea otters floating in the kelp.
Parent Tip: Check the tide chart and come at low tide for the best tide pooling, and bring binoculars for the otters.
Where: Trailheads along Windsor Boulevard
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This beautiful preserve has an easy bluff trail with ocean views on one side and wildflowers on the other, plus shady pine forest trails across the road.
Parent Tip: The flat bluff trail is perfect for strollers, and kids love the driftwood benches along the way.
Where: Lampton Street at Windsor Boulevard
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This small park on the bluffs has a short loop trail and a great spot for whale watching in winter and spring.
Parent Tip: It's an easy stop on the way to or from Fiscalini Ranch.
5. Shamel Park
Address: 5455 Windsor Boulevard
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free park; fees for the seasonal pool
Ages: All ages
This beachside county park has a playground, picnic areas, a big lawn and a seasonal public swimming pool, all next to the beach.
Parent Tip: Check the pool schedule before you go, since it's open seasonally.
Where: Main Street, East Village
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free to stroll
Ages: All ages
The East Village is full of historic buildings, cozy cafes, bakeries and fun shops, all along a walkable stretch of Main Street.
Parent Tip: Pick up a treat at a bakery and stroll the village before dinner.
Where: Main Street, West Village
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free to stroll
Ages: All ages
The West Village has more shops, galleries, candy and toy stores, plus places to grab lunch.
Parent Tip: Look for quirky scarecrows and decorations around town, especially in the fall.
Address: 881 Hillcrest Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Tours: By appointment only (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This one-of-a-kind house was built by one man out of beer cans, abalone shells, toilet seats and other found objects. Kids love spotting the strange materials.
Parent Tip: You can see a lot from the street, but call ahead if you'd like a tour, and keep little ones close on the steep steps.
Address: 2251 Center Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Hours: Limited hours, usually afternoons Friday to Sunday (check the website)
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This small museum in a historic 1870 house shares stories of Cambria's ranching, whaling and pioneer past.
Parent Tip: It's a quick visit that pairs well with a stroll through the East Village.
Where: Veterans Memorial Building parking lot, 1000 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
When: Fridays, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website for seasonal hours)
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
Local farmers and vendors sell fruit, flowers, baked goods and snacks at this friendly weekly market.
Parent Tip: Look for olallieberries in season, a local favorite.
Where: Covell Ranch
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Check the website for age and height rules
This family-run ranch offers trail rides on gentle Clydesdale horses through pine forest and pastures with ocean views, plus vehicle tours of the ranch.
Parent Tip: Book well ahead, and ask about vehicle tours if your kids are too young to ride.
12. Cambria Library
Address: 1043 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This bright little library has a children's area and storytimes, and it's a nice spot for a quiet break.
Parent Tip: Check the calendar for storytimes and free family events during your stay.
Things to Do in San Simeon and the Hearst Coast With Kids
Just north of Cambria, the coast gets even wilder, with a famous hilltop castle, roaming zebras and beaches full of elephant seals.
Where: Highway 1, just north of Cambria
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
An easy boardwalk trail winds through wetlands and pine forest, where kids can spot birds and wildflowers.
Parent Tip: It's a great short walk for little legs, and it's an easy stop on the way to Hearst Castle.
14. Hearst Castle
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
Tours: Guided tours by reservation (check the website for tour options and prices)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
High on a hill above the ocean, newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst's famous estate has grand rooms, gardens and two of the most beautiful pools in the world.
Parent Tip: Book tickets ahead, especially on weekends and holidays, and ask about the accessible tour if you have a stroller or little ones who can't do lots of stairs.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Free to visit the center; check the website for film times
Ages: All ages
The visitor center at the bottom of the hill has exhibits about the castle and a giant-screen theater that shows a film about how it was built.
Parent Tip: Watch the film before your tour, since it helps kids understand what they're about to see.
Where: San Simeon Road, off Highway 1
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This calm, sheltered beach is one of the gentlest on the coast, with a historic wooden pier, picnic areas and shallow water.
Parent Tip: Walk out on the pier, then rent a kayak in summer to paddle the calm cove.
Where: San Simeon Bay, at William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach
San Simeon, CA 93452
Hours: Usually open weekends (check the website)
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 12
This small center has hands-on exhibits about ocean life, shipwrecks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a picnic and a pier walk on the same beach.
Where: Hearst Ranch pastures along Highway 1 near San Simeon
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Descendants of zebras from Hearst's private zoo still graze on the ranch, and families often spot them right from the road.
Parent Tip: Only stop in safe turnouts, and stay in or near your car. Mornings and late afternoons are good times to look.
Where: Highway 1, north of San Simeon
San Simeon, CA 93452
Tours: Guided tours on select mornings (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This historic lighthouse on a windswept point is surrounded by wildflowers and wildlife, and guided tours share stories of the lighthouse keepers.
Parent Tip: Tours meet at a set spot, so check the website for directions, and bring layers, since it's often windy.
Where: Vista point on Highway 1, about 7 miles north of San Simeon
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Thousands of elephant seals gather on these beaches during the year. Kids can watch giant males bellow, moms nurse their pups and young seals flip sand on their backs, all from a boardwalk viewing area.
Parent Tip: Volunteer docents in blue jackets are often there to answer questions. Winter, when the pups are born, is the most exciting time to visit.
21. Ragged Point
Address: 19019 Highway 1
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
Known as the gateway to Big Sur, Ragged Point has dramatic cliff-top views, gardens, a snack bar and an ice cream stand.
Parent Tip: The trail down to the beach is very steep, so stick to the viewpoints with little kids.
22. Harmony
Where: Old Creamery Road, off Highway 1
Harmony, CA 93435
Cost: Free to visit
Ages: All ages
This tiny town, with a population of about 18, has a glassblowing studio where kids can watch artists at work, plus a pottery shop and a little chapel.
Parent Tip: Make it a quick stop between Cambria and Cayucos, and check the glassworks schedule for live demonstrations.
Where: Highway 1, south of Harmony
Harmony, CA 93435
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This open coastal park has a trail through grassy hills to a dramatic bluff overlooking the ocean.
Parent Tip: The round-trip hike is about 4 miles with no shade, so bring hats, water and snacks.
Day Trips From Cambria: Cayucos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles
Cambria sits in the middle of the Central Coast, so it's easy to add beach towns, a small zoo, children's museums and farm fun.
Where: Cayucos Drive and Ocean Avenue
Cayucos, CA 93430
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This classic small-town beach has a long wooden pier, gentle waves for wading and a fun little main street.
Parent Tip: Grab a famous brown butter cookie in town before or after your beach time.
Where: Highway 1, just north of Cayucos
Cayucos, CA 93430
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This quiet stretch of coast has easy bluff trails, rocky coves and tide pools with views of Morro Rock in the distance.
Parent Tip: Look for harbor seals resting on the rocks, and stay on the trails near the cliff edges.
26. Morro Rock
Where: Coleman Drive
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This giant volcanic rock rises right out of the harbor, and the beach next to it is a great place to spot sea otters, sea lions and peregrine falcons.
Parent Tip: Climbing the rock isn't allowed, but kids love walking around the base and watching the otters in the harbor.
Where: Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Cost: Free to stroll
Ages: All ages
This waterfront walk is lined with shops, seafood spots and kayak rentals, with sea otters floating in the bay just offshore.
Parent Tip: Rent a kayak or a paddleboard on a calm morning for a closer look at the otters.
Address: 20 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Hours: Check the website for current hours
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
Perched above the bay, this museum has exhibits about the local wildlife, tides and Chumash history, plus great views of the estuary.
Parent Tip: Check the hours before you go, then look for the heron rookery nearby.
Where: Pecho Valley Road
Los Osos, CA 93402
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This big coastal park has tide pools at Corallina Cove, an easy bluff trail and a sandy beach at Spooner's Cove.
Parent Tip: The Bluff Trail is flat and gorgeous, so it's a great pick for families with little kids.
Address: 9100 Morro Road
Atascadero, CA 93422
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This small, easy zoo is home to red pandas, a Malayan tiger, meerkats and more, and it's just the right size for little kids.
Parent Tip: Plan about two hours, then picnic at Atascadero Lake Park next door.
Address: 1010 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This hands-on museum has three floors of play, from a pretend fire station to a climbing structure and science exhibits.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a walk downtown and a stop at Bubblegum Alley.
32. Bubblegum Alley
Where: 733 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This narrow alley is covered from top to bottom with chewed bubblegum. Kids find it hilarious and a little gross, which is the point.
Parent Tip: Bring your own gum if your kids want to add a piece, and wipe hands afterward.
Address: 560 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Cost: Free to visit; some activities cost extra
Ages: All ages
This farm stand has fresh fruit, pies, farm animals to visit and seasonal hayrides and u-pick fields.
Parent Tip: Try a scoop of ice cream or a fresh pie, and check the website for seasonal u-pick and pumpkin events.
Address: 50 San Juan Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
This small aquarium near Avila Beach has touch tanks, tide pool animals and fish from the Central Coast.
Parent Tip: Combine it with a walk on the Avila Beach pier and a beach break.
35. Sensorio
Address: 4380 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Season: Seasonal evening light shows (check the website)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
This outdoor light art experience fills the hills with tens of thousands of glowing lights after dark.
Parent Tip: Bring warm layers and arrive near sunset so kids can watch the lights come on.
36. Ravine Waterpark
Address: 2301 Airport Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Season: Summer (check the website for dates)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
This water park has slides, a lazy river and splash areas for little kids, and it's a great way to cool off on a hot inland day.
Parent Tip: Paso Robles gets hot in summer, so arrive early and bring sunscreen.
Holiday Fun in Cambria and the Central Coast (2026)
Cambria and its neighbors go all out for the holidays, with twinkling lights, festive castle tours and lighted boats on the bay.
Dates: Select nights from late November through December (check the website for 2026 dates)
Where: Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Cost: Timed tickets required (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This European-style Christmas market fills the lodge gardens with millions of lights, holiday treats, live music and gift booths.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets early, since popular nights sell out, and bring hats and gloves for the chilly evening.
Dates: Select evenings in December (check the website for 2026 dates)
Where: Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
The castle's rooms are decorated for the holidays and glow with lights for these special evening tours.
Parent Tip: These tours sell out quickly, so book as soon as tickets go on sale.
Date: December (2026 date TBA)
Where: Morro Bay Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Boats decorated with holiday lights cruise along the Embarcadero in this festive tradition.
Parent Tip: Get to the waterfront early for a good viewing spot.
Date: Early December (2026 date TBA)
Where: Downtown San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Downtown SLO's holiday parade brings floats, marching bands and a visit from Santa.
Parent Tip: Bring chairs and blankets, and stay for the downtown holiday lights afterward.
Where to Stay in Cambria With Kids
Moonstone Beach Drive has ocean-view hotels steps from the boardwalk, the villages put you near shops and restaurants, and San Simeon has budget-friendly options close to Hearst Castle.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 7200 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: A ranch-style stay by the beach
This relaxed, ranch-chic hotel sits on nine acres across from Moonstone Beach, with lawn games, fire pits and room to roam.
Parent Tip: Gather around the fire pits for s'mores after a day on the beach.
Neighborhood: Lodge Hill
Address: 2905 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: Gardens, a pool and the Christmas Market
This rustic lodge sits on 25 acres of gardens and pine forest, with a heated pool and the Cambria Christmas Market every holiday season.
Parent Tip: Book early if you want to stay during the Christmas Market.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 6700 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: Families who want an ocean-view pool
This inn across from Moonstone Beach has a heated pool and spa, and many rooms have fireplaces.
Parent Tip: Ask for a room with an ocean view and a fireplace for cozy evenings.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 5620 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: A comfortable stay near the boardwalk
This Tuscan-style hotel is close to the boardwalk and has spacious rooms and suites with fireplaces.
Parent Tip: Walk to the boardwalk in the morning before the fog lifts.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 6790 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: A cozy, small-inn feel
This small inn sits right across from the beach and offers cozy rooms with fireplaces.
Parent Tip: Ask about family-friendly rooms when you book.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 6240 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: Ocean views on a budget
This hotel across from Moonstone Beach has ocean-view rooms and is close to the boardwalk.
Parent Tip: Walk the boardwalk at sunset right from your door.
Neighborhood: Moonstone Beach
Address: 6276 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Best for: A friendly stay steps from the beach
This relaxed inn has ocean views and is just a short walk to the beach and boardwalk.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars to watch for whales and sea otters from the bluff.
Neighborhood: San Simeon
Address: 9415 Hearst Drive
San Simeon, CA 93452
Best for: An oceanfront stay near Hearst Castle
This oceanfront resort has pools, fire pits and big ocean views, and it's minutes from Hearst Castle and the elephant seals.
Parent Tip: Ask for an oceanfront room with a fireplace, and watch for whales from your window.
Neighborhood: San Luis Obispo
Address: 100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Best for: Themed rooms kids never forget
This famously over-the-top inn has more than 100 themed rooms, from caves to castles, plus a pool and a bakery with giant pink cake.
Parent Tip: Ask for a themed room the kids will love, and save room for a slice of pink champagne cake.
Neighborhood: Avila Beach
Address: 550 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Best for: Families who want suites by the beach
This all-suite hotel sits right on Avila Beach, with a heated pool and space for the whole family.
Parent Tip: Pair your stay with the Central Coast Aquarium and Avila Valley Barn.
Where to Eat in Cambria With Kids
Cambria's food scene is cozy and casual, with famous pot pies, fresh bakery treats and seafood with an ocean view.
Address: 2277 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
What to order for kids: A mini pot pie or a slice of olallieberry pie
Linn's is a Cambria classic, famous for its pot pies and olallieberry pies, with a big menu for every member of the family.
Parent Tip: Grab a pie to go for dessert back at your hotel.
Address: 6550 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
What to order for kids: Fish and chips or a burger
This casual restaurant sits right on the bluff above Moonstone Beach, with big ocean views and seafood favorites.
Parent Tip: Ask for a window table for the best views.
Address: 713 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
What to order for kids: Chicken strips or a burger from the kids' menu
This family-friendly tavern in an old gas station has a fun vibe and a solid kids' menu.
Parent Tip: It's an easy dinner stop in the West Village.
Address: 2214 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
What to order for kids: A croissant or a cookie
This East Village bakery has fresh bread, pastries and sandwiches, and it's a favorite morning stop.
Parent Tip: Go early for the best selection of pastries.
Address: 4095 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
What to order for kids: Pasta or a simple grilled dish
Housed in a restored adobe home with a charming garden, Robin's serves global comfort food made with fresh local ingredients.
Parent Tip: Ask for a garden table on a nice day.
Address: 442 San Simeon Road
San Simeon, CA 93452
What to order for kids: A burger or a sandwich
This historic general store near the San Simeon Pier serves hearty sandwiches and burgers, including ones made with Hearst Ranch beef.
Parent Tip: Pair lunch with a walk on the pier and a picnic on the beach.
Address: 250 North Ocean Avenue
Cayucos, CA 93430
What to order for kids: The original brown butter sea salt cookie
This cookie shop is a Central Coast favorite, and the line out the door says it all.
Parent Tip: Buy an extra bag for the drive home.
Address: 101 D Street
Cayucos, CA 93430
What to order for kids: A fish taco or a smoked chicken taco
This tiny spot near the Cayucos beach is known for its smoked fish tacos.
Parent Tip: Order to go and eat on the beach.
Address: 1001 Front Street
Morro Bay, CA 93442
What to order for kids: Fish and chips
This casual fish market on the Morro Bay waterfront serves classic fish and chips with views of Morro Rock and sea lions nearby.
Parent Tip: Eat on the deck and watch for sea otters in the bay.
Address: 100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
What to order for kids: A slice of pink champagne cake
The Madonna Inn's cafe is a fun stop for breakfast or lunch, and the giant pink cake is a must.
Parent Tip: Walk around the colorful inn and peek into the famous restrooms.
A Sample Cambria Weekend Itinerary for Families
Here's how we'd spend a first weekend in Cambria with kids, plus an extra day if you can swing it.
Day 1 (Cambria): Breakfast in the East Village, the Fiscalini Ranch bluff trail, an afternoon at Moonstone Beach and dinner at Linn's.
Day 2 (Hearst Coast): A morning Hearst Castle tour, lunch at Sebastian's and the San Simeon Pier, then zebra spotting on the way to the elephant seals.
Day 3 (Cayucos and Morro Bay): Cookies in Cayucos, Morro Rock and the Embarcadero, and kayaking with sea otters.
With more time: Add San Luis Obispo's children's museum and Bubblegum Alley, or the Charles Paddock Zoo.
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Takeaway
Cambria with kids is a relaxed, beautiful coastal getaway. Walk the boardwalk, tour Hearst Castle, see the elephant seals, and save time for Morro Bay.
Book Hearst Castle and holiday events ahead, bring layers for the cool coast, and leave time for tide pools and treats in the villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambria good for kids?
Yes. Cambria is very family-friendly, with the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, tide pools, Fiscalini Ranch trails and walkable villages. Hearst Castle, the elephant seals and the zebras are a short drive away, and Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo make easy day trips for every age.
How many days do you need in Cambria with kids?
Three days is perfect for a first family visit. Spend one day in Cambria, one day at Hearst Castle and the elephant seals, and one day in Cayucos and Morro Bay. Add a day for San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles if you have time.
When is the best time to see elephant seals near Cambria?
Elephant seals are at Piedras Blancas year-round, but winter is the most exciting time. Pups are born from about mid-December through February, and the beach is packed with moms, pups and giant males. Spring and fall bring young seals resting and molting on the sand.
Where should families stay in Cambria?
Moonstone Beach Drive is the easiest base, with ocean-view hotels steps from the boardwalk. Cambria Pines Lodge is great during the Christmas Market, and San Simeon has budget-friendly options close to Hearst Castle. The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a fun splurge on the way.
Is Hearst Castle good for kids?
Hearst Castle is best for kids ages 6 and up who can handle a guided tour and lots of stairs. Younger kids often love the pools and the giant-screen film at the visitor center. Book tickets ahead, and ask about accessible tours if you're bringing a stroller.
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