A Royal Roadtrip Fit for a King (and His Subjects)

Now that the end of the school year is looming on the horizon, it’s time to plan for the laissez-faire days of summer.  If kids with unstructured free-time and laissez-faire seem like an oxymoron to you, consider embarking on a royal jaunt along the King’s Highway, better known to locals as El Camino Real. Historic El Camino Real was established by the Spanish at the turn of the 19th Century. Then, it was more a wagon trail than the scenic Highway 101 that it is today. El Camino Real was established to connect the Spanish Missions and Presidios of Spanish governors that stretched along the west coast, many of which are still seen from the highway today. You know you’re on the right route when the iron mission bells in the shape of Franciscan walking sticks beckon you up the coast; they have been urging travelers on since 1906. The King’s Highway has a little something for everyone, from vineyards to family farms to mile after mile of sprawling ocean splendor. Pack your car with a weekend bag and your favorite people; take an easy ride up the coast and get lost in the lazy days of summer.  

The trip from San Diego to the Central Coast is roughly 5.5 hours, depending on whether or not you can strategically miss Los Angeles Traffic. If you happen to be lucky, head for the hills and plunge right over into the San Fernando Valley, where I-5 gives way to Highway 101 and the history lesson commences. The original El Camino Real was marked by Franciscan monks who dropped mustard seeds along the 700 mile trail to mark the path from Mission to Mission. They may be harder to spot late into summer when the hills have turned from green to brown, but the yellow blaze of shrubs renew each spring, and spotting this original primitive Royal Road is a fun distraction. 

Ventura is your first must-stop. For history buffs, the San Buenaventura Mission is still operational. With a museum, mission tours, and regular daily mass, the San Buenaventura Mission is a worthwhile stop. If the panoramic ocean views are calling your name, the San Buenaventura State Beach is the perfect spot to drop your towels in the sand and enjoy a quintessential California summer; the annual pirate festival is sure to win-over the kid in everyone. Ventura is nestled in between two busy harbors: the Ventura Harbor to the south and the Channel Island Harbor on the north side. Each has its own variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, and outdoor adventures; you can stay for a few days or a few hours easily in Ventura.  

Next stop on the yellow-seed trail is Santa Barbara. If Oprah chooses to call Santa Barbara home, you know it must be special. Santa Barbara offers beaches famous for their kite-surfing, a quaint downtown chock full of restaurants and shops, and piers perfect for friendly strolls. If Missions are your mission than you’re in luck; the sprawling Old Mission Santa Barbara can enchant kids of any age and adults of any religion. Referred to as the Queen of the Missions for its gorgeous architecture, lush landscaping, and picturesque scenery, Old Mission Santa Barbara is home to an impressive mausoleum, an original Franciscan vineyard, and an active parish. 

The Santa Barbara coastline is often referred to as the American Riviera for its similarity to the Mediterranean Riviera. Just past Santa Barbara, the King’s Highway veers inland along Highway 154, through rolling hills dotted with cows and horses toward Santa Ynez. This short inland jaunt proves the magic of a California road trip; say goodbye to the San Tropez-esque scenery of Santa Barbara and prepare to sing "the hills are alive" as you cruise toward Solvang. Solvang can’t be missed, even if just to pop into one of the many Danish bakeries lining the main drag. Solvang is like a gingerbread fairytale; it truly offers a day of play for everyone. With a mission, museums, acres of vineyards, live theater, and even a casino all in close proximity to its windmill-topped town center, it's hard to stop for just a danish.  

Trek on and you connect again with the 101. Set your navigation to Pismo Beach and enjoy the miles of grapevines and farmland in between. You’ll know you’re near Pismo Beach when the four-wheel ATVs surround you on the highway. Pismo Beach is famous for its sand dunes, and it’s the only beach in California that you can drive directly on the sand. Dune "buggies" and RVs are available to rent, and they come delivered to you right on the sand. RV campsites are plentiful in Pismo, but in early summer June Gloom reigns supreme. Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa farther north up the Central Coast is situated along a cliff with sweeping views of the ocean. Dolphin Bay has large one-and-two bedroom suites with full kitchens, perfect for family reunions or large families. Kids are catered to with a welcome gift and courtesy hot chocolate, popcorn, and DVD rentals in the lobby. Just a short drive away is Shell Beach, a popular surfer’s cove; the beach is better suited for bodyboarders, surfing, and strong swimmers. However, the 1200 foot Shell Beach Pier is perfect for even the smallest sun-lovers, where it’s easy to catch a glimpse of jumping dolphins.

A short drive lined with wineries, family farms, and quaint hotels through San Luis Obispo County’s lush hills is Avila Beach. Avila Beach combines a small-town east coast boardwalk feel with a San Fran fishing village vibe. With its own rich history on display in the small town’s Front Street, a friendlier beach for the small set, and its own pier to meander, Avila Beach is a great spot to cap off the King’s Highway getaway. By day, Avila Beach offers a row of coffee shops and ice cream parlors. A beachy, multistory building houses many shops, restaurants, and cafes; most notable are Pedego bike shop for rentals and popular SLO vineyard Peleton’s in-town wine store. By night, Front Street’s Mr. Rick’s lights up the boardwalk with live bands, karaoke, and dancing. Mr. Rick’s sits front and center along the main street, with a laid-back Margaritaville ambiance. With beach bums shimmying up to the stools under the palm-thatched roof as early as 11, it’s a favorite hangout along Avila Beach’s front row. But if you made the King’s Highway voyage with kids in tow, the sign out front unapologetically proclaims "No kids allowed." Instead, enter Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards. Peacocks run loose along with the resident dog. Beanbag toss games hide between the rows of grapevines. The winery is small, but kids are welcome. And everyone goes home happy.