Hwy 101 - Pitstops for Kids

Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

August 19, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor’s center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely undeveloped.

Don’t let the Channel Islands, and the logistics of exploring them, deter you: this national park is perfect for kids. Families simply need to know the best things to do on Channel Islands, how to get to Channel Islands National Park, and where to stay prior.

Which island?

All the Channel Islands are accessible, but the most easily accessed (and with the most to do for families) is Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the five. Protected coves allow for great snorkeling here, and the camping is easiest (on other islands, backpacking may be necessary). Santa Cruz Island is also the most affordable to travel to, making it ideal for larger family groups.

Camping or day trip?

The next thing families need to decide is whether to make their Channel Islands adventure a day trip or an overnight. Camping at Channel Islands is reserved by ReserveAmerica, and the most popular camping experience for families is located at Scorpion’s Cove on Santa Cruz. This campground is walk-in (meaning backpacking is not necessary) and the lower campground is only .2 mile from the beach. Running water and pit toilets are available, and each site has a picnic table and food storage box.

For families deciding not to camp, a day trip to Santa Cruz Island can be more than enough to experience the National Park. Santa Cruz (the most easily accessible island) is undeveloped; in addition to the campground, there are only a few ranger cabins (rangers are on-site), evidence of the island’s ranching history, and hiking trails. A dock exists at Scorpion’s Cove, where passengers disembark. For a day trip, we recommend taking an early boat (9 am) out to Scorpion’s Cove, and returning at 4 pm or 5 pm. This gives visitors enough time to experience the island’s snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

How to get there:

Island Packers is the official transportation to the islands. They’re located in the Ventura Harbor adjacent to the Channel Islands visitor center (follow the brown National Park signs to the end of the drive along the pier) and reservations should be made in advance. The boat ride over takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and is certainly part of the fun. We spotted dolphins during our passage, and when the water is choppy, as it was on our visit, the ride is downright exhilarating. Kids can stand at the deck and feel the spray of the ocean, or interior seats are also available. The Island Packers crew and staff are all friendly, laid-back, and fun. The cost of an Island Packers passage varies by island and whether your passage is a day trip or camping trip. At the time of my visit, day trip passage was $56 round trip for adults and $39 round trip for children (up to age 12). Overnight passage was $75 for adults and $54 for children.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on the islands:

Snorkeling at Scorpion’s Cove, we swam with harbor seals, and spotted multiple fish species, sea urchins, sea stars, and kelp forests. Snorkeling gear can be rented by the day at Ventura Sports, located in the Ventura Harbor, but be advised: they don’t have adequate sizes for kids under age 10. While their staff was friendly, they rented us a wetsuit that was far too large for our seven-year-old, with no warning that it wouldn’t work for him. (Wet suits are usually necessary in all seasons on Channel Islands.) In addition to snorkeling, kayaks can be rented in the harbor and transported for the day or the duration of your camping trip by Island Packers, or guided kayak tours are available on the island (reserve ahead of time). When not on or in the water, numerous hiking trails (of about 2 miles in length at most) are available on Santa Cruz Island, and offer beautiful vistas of the island and sea.

Where to stay in Ventura:

If you’re coming any distance to visit the islands, you’ll need to stay overnight in Ventura the evening prior. We recommend the Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, which overlooks the Ventura Harbor and is less than a quarter mile from Island Packers. I call this Holiday Inn Express an ‘express plus’, because it’s directly tied to the Four Points Sheraton next door, and guests have access to their very nice outdoor heated pool and hot tub (hot tub for adults only). A pedestrian bridge connects the two hotels, and the Holiday Inn Express includes one of the best complimentary breakfasts we’ve ever experienced. Bottom line: the Holiday Inn Express Ventura is a great value for families, and you’ll be close enough to enjoy the Ventura Harbor prior to your Channel Islands trip.

Things to do in Ojai with kids

August 7, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

When most travelers think of Ojai California, they imagine a lush Southern Californian oasis of spas, retreats, and artistic shops and galleries…not exactly kid-paradise. In fact, an Ojai vacation can be family-friendly, as long as you know where to stay, where to find child-friendly activities, and what to avoid. Read on to ensure a relaxing Ojai getaway…with the kids.

Get outside.

Ojai is located 90 minutes outside of Los Angeles, and only 12 miles inland of Ventura California. While in Ojai, families can enjoy the cooler mountain air (especially in the morning and evening) while exploring the pristine Southern California landscape on foot or on bike. Area hiking ranges from easy strolls to strenuous treks along jeep roads, but local experts can help you find the right Ojai hiking for your family.

For school-aged kids, The Mob Shop at 110 W. Ojai Avenue offers bike rentals and guided bike rides throughout the hilly town and surrounding areas. If off-road biking is too challenging for your group, a paved bike trail follows Highway 33 into Ojai. We were able to catch this trail directly from our Ojai hotel to ride into town for a treat or early dinner.

Even if you’re staying in Ojai, consider a day trip into Ventura for a Channel Islands National Park excursion. Boats to the islands depart from the Ventura harbor on a regular schedule; in summer, plan to swim and snorkel, and in winter, hike or kayak around this sanctuary.

Shop.

No, not all Ojai shopping is kid-friendly, but families are surprised by how much is. Best of all, adults will have just as good a time. The Casa Barranca wine tasting room is located right next door to Ojai Ice Cream on popular E. Ojai Avenue, and both make for a nice walking or shopping break. Farther down the same block are a number of boutiques featuring local artists and handmade goods: while small kids will need to be reminded not to touch, this is a great opportunity to show kids the wealth of the Ojai artist community.

Bart’s Books is located off the beaten path on Matilija Street, but is well-worth the walk. Kids and adults will be entranced by this open-air bookshop filled patio to (not) ceiling with used books. Bart’s Books even operates on the honor system: patrons can come after-hours and leave coins in the slot by the door to make purchases. If you have readers, plan to spend upwards of an hour exploring this haven, and if you have younger kids, let them explore the winding aisles of bookshelves, interior rooms, patios, and outdoor fireplaces while you peruse. When everyone’s tired, head back to Ojai Avenue to play at Libbey Park.

Visit Lake Casitas Recreational Area.

During the summer months, families must take an afternoon to visit nearby Lake Casitas and its lake, picnic grounds, and campground. You can’t swim in the lake (it’s drinking water), but the recreational area goes one better: the Lake Casitas Water Adventure is a water park playground with wading pools, a lazy river, and water play equipment. Camping is available at Lake Casitas as well: they now offer reservations one year in advance, and in the high season, it’s recommended.

Sleep affordably.

Despite its heavenly weather and landscape, Ojai lodging is surprisingly down-to-earth. If camping is not your thing, I recommend the Blue Iguana Inn, located outside of Ojai on Highway 33. The Blue Iguana offers family-sized bungalows with full kitchens, giving parents the convenience of cooking in, and plenty of room for kids to roam on their fully landscaped, lushly beautiful property with pool and hot tub. The Blue Iguana certainly maintains an atmosphere of peace and quiet, but kids are welcome.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

October 28, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

There are few places as stunning as the California Redwoods.

The summer tourist crowds have left beautiful Northern California, leaving near-empty (and ever inviting) state parks and recreation areas behind. If you’re looking to take an off-season road trip or family weekend getaway this autumn, consider a stay (or day trip) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

We love this state park (located right along Highway 199 and not far from Highway 101 and the coast) for its unsurpassed beauty, spacious campsites hidden away under towering redwoods, fun hiking trails, and proximity to both wooded terrain and the rugged Pacific. Our favorite activity: walking the shores of Smith River and wading in the chilly water!

But this fall, there’s another reason to pack up the car and visit a California State Park: budget cuts have put the state park system at risk. On November 2nd, Californians will have the opportunity to vote on a proposition that will make a significant difference for California State Parks, while at the same time giving Californians greater opportunities to explore California’s natural wonders. Proposition 21 adds an $18 vehicle license fee for all vehicles registered in the state of California. In return, California drivers will receive free unlimited day use admission to the California State Parks. This is huge! Imagine if every state offered such a perk to its residents!

Learn more about Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park here.

One of many ‘tucked away and out of sight’ campsites at Jed Smith!

Date Last Visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Nine miles from Hwy 101 (the CA/OR coast), and approximately 1.5 hours from I-5.

Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Camping: JSR State Park offers camping, and the easiest way to reserve a spot is through their online system at Reserve America. If you want to spend time on the coast as well, consider staying an extra night in a yurt at nearby Harris Beach State Park in Oregon. If you are coming from I-5, your whole family will love adding a night in a tree house at Out ‘N About Treesort in Cave Junction, Oregon!

Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413

Directions: Nine miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199. If you’re coming from I-5, take the Redwoods Highway exit at Grants Pass, then follow Hwy 199 to JSR State Park!

Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

September 4, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Face Rock State Park

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, plenty of activities, and plenty of fresh, salty air. (Just be sure to bring a jacket, because Oregon beaches aren’t exactly known for bikinis and suntans!)

Where to Play: Bandon is all about the beach! Our favorite for beach combing, kite flying, and sand castle building is Face Rock Scenic State Park, right off Hwy 101 on the south side of town. (Follow signs from downtown). Be sure to check out the caves in the sides of the outcroppings of rock on the sand (at low tide). If you need a break from the sand, try your hand at picking cranberries (or just sampling them) at Faber Farms and Cranberry Scoop Gift Shop (from U.S. 101, head east 1 1/2 miles on State 42 South and turn right on Morrison Rd. Watch for the farm’s sign after about 1 mile.)

Where to Eat: Without a doubt, you’ll want to stop at the Bandon Fish Market for some fresh fish and chips, located in the Old Town Waterfront (right by the bay). (They also serve corn dogs and fries for the non-seafood-eating set.) Their seating is outside only, so bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly next to the water, but it’s fun to watch the fishermen on the wharf while waiting for your food. After your meal, cross the street to Cranberry Sweets and More. They’re not kidding about the ‘and more’ part: you’ll find chocolates, truffles, taffies, and every other kind of candy imaginable in addition to their signature sweets. The best part of this store is the abundance of samples. You can easily eat your way around the store, which makes it very fun for kids (and adults)!

Bandon Fish Market

Where to Stay: We usually opt to camp at nearby Sunset Bay State Park (north in Coos Bay area), but if you’re staying a full week, consider a home rental. There are many on offer, from sprawling beach houses fit for a family reunion to small cottages in town. If you’re only visiting for a day or two, we’re tried (and loved) The Best Western Inn at Face Rock.

Want a warmer beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA!

Inn at Otter Crest

July 23, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road
Otter Rock, OR

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea!

Touted as ‘a place to play on the Oregon coast’, the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun.

A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln City to the north and Newport to the south, visitors to The Inn at Otter Crest have miles of beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, hiking trails, and dining and shopping at their fingertips.

When booking, families can choose between traditional hotel rooms and suites and mini-suites. There’s a heated pool and hot tub (seasonal), basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, and children’s playground.

Typical unit in forested setting.

Distance off the interstate: Right on Hwy 101. 1.5 hours from I-5.

Food Services: The Flying Dutchman is located on-site. Additional dining is minutes away in nearby Newport and Lincoln City.

Rates: To check rates and make reservations, call: 1.888.505.5735

Website: http://www.innatottercrest.com/index.html

Directions: Take I-5 to the Highway 34/Corvallis exit. Turn right and head West on Highway 34 to Corvallis. Take the Highway 20 exit and head west to Newport. At Newport turn right onto Highway 101 and head north. Travel approximately eight miles north to Otter Rock. Take the Otter Crest Loop exit and proceed to the resort entrance.

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Sunset Bay State Park

April 25, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon’s beautiful scenic coast is one of our family’s favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two).

If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and enjoy one of the most scenic beaches on the pacific coast. Explore the tide pools if you’ve timed your arrival right, or let your kids play on the huge pieces of driftwood or run along the sand. If they (or you!) are daring (or just crazy like my kids), take a dip in the cold Pacific. If time permits, take the Oregon Coast Trail right from the beach to Cape Arago State Park to see their stunning gardens over the ocean (4 miles). If you want a shorter hike, follow the signs from the mouth of big creek to the viewpoint overlooking Sunset Bay (1/2 mile).

If you’re staying overnight, consider booking a yurt. Oregon state parks are well-known for these unique accommodations. One part tent and one part hut, state park yurts are heated, wired with electricity, and come furnished with comfortable bunkbeds (sleeps 5 easily), a table and chairs, coat pegs, and covered porches.

We’re not usually campground campers (preferring to backpack far from the crowds) but given coastal Oregon’s lush landscape, the sites felt very private (and the yurts are located on their own loop). Hint: come in the off-season when prices drop and the campground is nearly a ghost town! You’ll have the run of the place! Read more about our yurt adventures!

Distance off the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 101.

Date Last Visited: November 2009

Hours and Admission Prices: Day visitors pay only $4 per car. Open sunrise to sunset. Nightly camping fees range from $12 for a tent camp site to $27 for a yurt in the off-season to $19 for a tent site to $36 for a yurt in the peak season (starting May 1st). Full RV hookup sites are available as well. To book, start at Oregon State Parks.

Bathrooms: All very clean, well-lit, and heated. While we visited in the off-season, there were no lines for showers and plenty of hot water.

Dogs: Select yurts are dog-friendly (as is the case in most Oregon coast state parks). Check for the dog-friendly ‘paw print’ when reserving your yurt online.

Food Services: None at the state park. You’ll want to stock up on supplies in nearby Coos Bay (10 miles), where you can find a Fred Meyer or Charleston (no major grocery stores, but a few decent mini-marts). Coos Bay also has fast food and casual dining.

Directions: From Oregon Coast Hwy/US-101, take the 1st left onto W Beaver Hill Rd, then a slight right at 7 Devils Rd. After six miles, turn left at Walker Ave, then take a slight left at Cape Arago Hwy. Stay on Cape Arago Hwy for 2.5 miles, and the state park will be on the left.

Sunset Bay State Park

Umpqua Discovery Center

April 20, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Photo courtesy of the Reedsport chamber of commerce.

409 River Front Way
Reedsport, Oregon

Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the official site: “As you enter the exhibits, you hear the sounds of the river rushing and feel nature surround you as you journey back through history.”

Great for all ages, the center serves as an educational starting off point as you drive up the Oregon coast. Interactive “Tidewater Community” exhibits and programs illustrate how land, water and people have shaped each other over time.

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes from Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Open 7 days a week. Summer hours (June 1 through September 30) are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Winter hours (October 1 through May 31) are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission ranges from $2.00 for kids under age 5 to $8.50 for adults, and group rates are available.

Bathrooms: Located within the center.

Food Services: Try lunch at the Schooner Inn Cafe, located adjacent to the center on the river front. Called ‘the best restaurant on the Oregon Coast’ by many TripAdvisor reviewers, it’s well worth the stop!

Website: http://www.umpquadiscoverycenter.com/

Directions: From Hwy 101, take Hwy 38 (Umpqua Highway) into Reedsport. Umpqua Highway turns into Fir Avenue. Take Fir to River Front Way. Turn left and continue to the center entrance.

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Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory

February 23, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Mrs. Grossman's Stickers (photo courtesy of Delicious Baby)

3810 Cypress Dr.
Petaluma, CA

If you look back with longing to your sticker-trading days, you won’t want to pass up a stop at Mrs. Grossman’ Sticker Factory in Petaluma, CA. Free one-hour tours run multiple times per day, and include a video, a guided tour of the sticker factory, a fun sticker craft, a visit to their sticker museum, where you can see every sticker Mrs. Grossman’s has ever made, and a $3 off coupon for your purchase of $20 at the Company Store.

You’ll get to view thousands of stickers going through every stage of printing, high-speed packaging as well as machines sorting and wrapping. (Strollers permitted everywhere except the factory floor.) In a recent article at Delicious Baby, Debbie admits the stop was probably more for her than her kids, but that soon changed: “Once I finally got the kids inside the company’s sticker store…they were floored. They’ve never seen so many stickers together in one place. Every design needed to be inspected and evaluated. At the cash register we noticed “mystery packs” which included $10 worth of stickers in a box for $2, and these turned out to be a huge hit when they were opened.” Read the full review!

Date last visited: February 2010

Distance off the interstate: 8 minutes

Hours and Admission Prices: Hours vary (Monday through Friday). Closed weekends. Check hours here: http://www.mrsgrossmans.com/7-1_location.cfm

Website: http://www.mrsgrossmans.com/

Directions: Traveling North on Highway 101: Take the Sonoma/Napa East 116 Exit. Turn left at traffic light on Lakeville Hwy. Follow approx. 1 mile. Turn right at the light on South McDowell Blvd. Follow approx. 1/2 mile.

Traveling West on Interstate 80: Take the Marine World Pkwy/Hwy 37 exit. Stay on Hwy 37. You will pass Marine World on left, and continue on Hwy 37. Cross over bridge and you will be on a two-lane road with a barrier between the lanes. You will come to the Sears Point Intersection; continue through to the next intersection, which will be Lakeville Hwy. Turn right on Lakeville Hwy. Follow approx. 9 miles. Turn left on Pineview Way. At the first stop sign, turn right on Cypress Drive. Continue on Cypress Drive until you come to the first stop sign, then turn left onto South McDowell Blvd. Take an immediate left into the first driveway.

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Olympic Game Farm

September 18, 2009 By Amy Hagstrom

Courtesy of Olympic Game Farm

1423 Ward Road
Sequim, WA

The Olympic Game Farm is a great place to get face-to-face with a wide range of exotic animalsâ€¦while never leaving the greater Seattle area! From the official website: â€œA family run business, Olympic Game Farm is home to many animal species, both endangered and non-endangered. Many of our animals are veterans of the silver screen. For more than 28 years, the Olympic Game Farm worked exclusively with Walt Disney Studios and many others on features for theatre and television including: “The Grizzly Adams Series”, “The Incredible Journey”, “Charlie The Lonesome Cougar”, “Beachcombers” and many more. Today, the farm is home to over 20 different exotic and non exotic species, with hundreds of animals on site for families to “Get Face to Face with Wildlife” from the comfort of their vehicles on our famous Driving Tour.

Hillarie Weeks of Spokane WA visited recently with her kids, ages 4-12. For all of you that love wildlife you need to check out the Olympic Game Farm where the animals walk up to your car! My kids say it was way better then Yellowstone and it’s right outside of Seattle!

Date last visited: July 2009

Distance off the interstate: Several miles off Hwy 101

Hours and Admission Prices: Open Daily. Monday thru Friday: 9 A.M. until 4 P.M, Saturday: 9 A.M. until 5 P.M, Sunday: 9 A.M. until 4 P.M.

Adults 15+: $10.00
Kids 6-14: $9.00
Seniors 55+: $ 9.00
5 and under FREE

Active Military and AAA are each $1.00 off per person in vehicle.

Food Services: None. Check out the nearby town of Sequim!

Website: http://www.olygamefarm.com/index.html

Directions: From Seattle, take Seattle/Bainbridge or Edmonds/ Kingston Ferry. Once across follow signs to Hood Canal Bridge. (HWY3) Cross Hood Canal (HWY104) Continue on 104 following signs to Sequim. HWY 104/HWY 101. Take Sequim Ave exit (2nd exit) Turn right on Sequim Ave. Follow North. Turn left on Woodcock Rd. Turn Right onto Ward Rd. Follow Ward Rd., Olympic Game Farm is at the end of the road on the Left.

From Tacoma, take HWY 16 North. Follow signs to Bremerton (turns into HWY 3) Continue to follow signs to Hood Canal Bridge (HWY 104/101) REST SAME AS SEATTLE.

From Olympia, take HWY 101 North. Continue following toward Sequim. REST SAME AS SEATTLE.
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