Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Big Sur & Monterey with Kids

Big Sur + Monterey family-friendly spots we loved 🌿🌊✨ Save this for your next California coast trip!

1. Highway 1 Drive – It’s open now! Stop for iconic views at Bixby Bridge and along the scenic coastline.  

2. Pfeiffer Beach – Famous for the purple sand and giant dunes the kids can slide down! We even saw kids using boogie boards on the sand.  

3. Nepenthe – Stunning views and great food. The kids menu is limited, so plan ahead. If you don’t want a full meal, visit the café on the lower level, walk the grounds, and still enjoy the views + photos.  

4. Big Sur Campground & Cabins – Where we stayed in our travel trailer! They offer RV spots, cabins, and tent camping. Nestled in the redwoods right by the river—perfect for floating and relaxing.  

5. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – We loved the family-friendly waterfall hike to the Pfeiffer Falls overlook. Such a beautiful and easy way to experience the redwoods with kids.  

6. Monterey Bay Aquarium – A must with kids! About 45 minutes from Big Sur and absolutely worth the trip.  

7. Rosine’s Restaurant – Amazing, affordable, family-friendly spot in Monterey. They had coloring kits for the kids and a huge selection of award-winning cakes 🎂  

Bonus: Grab ice cream across the street at Revival Ice Cream—their Bees Knees signature flavor was so good! 🍦

❤️Leave us a comment of any other recommendations to add to this list!