2 minute read
Take the Exit Kid-friendly stops on a California road trip
I've driven up and down the coast of California my whole life (mostly between San Diego and the Bay Area) and only got to know one small town for decades (Solvang, which I love!). I’ve recently been intrigued with the idea—or should we call it a mind shift—of “just take the exit.” We get so caught up in the destination and the fastest way to get from point A to point B, that we often forget to explore and enjoy the journey. If you’re taking a road trip through California this summer, make note of these fun places to stop with kids. Take the exit!
Avila Valley Barn in San Luis Obispo
There’s always something fun happening at Avila Valley Barn. Just half a mile off Hwy 101 (take the Avila Beach Dr. exit), this fun-filled stop is an excellent place to grab lunch, a treat or just stretch your legs, especially for families. Visit farm animals, indulge in an ice cream cone, shop for fresh produce and baked goods, get lunch at the Chicken Shack & Smoke House or take a hayride! There is no fee to visit with goats, pigs, miniature horses, sheep, alpaca, chickens and donkeys. www.avilavalleybarn.com
Take the Edgewood Rd. exit off I-280.
Filoli Gardens in Woodside
About 30 miles south of San Francisco is beautiful Filoli Gardens, where a special tribe of trolls is visiting until Nov. 10, 2025. Bay Area locals and visitors can get an exclusive look at six gigantic folklore-inspired trolls built from reclaimed wood by world-renowned recycling artist, Thomas Dambo. The “TROLLS: Save the Humans” outdoor exhibit inspires people to rediscover nature and take care of the world around them.
Each whimsical troll has a name, individual personality and specific “purpose” in teaching humans to be responsible stewards of the earth. Plan a visit to Filoli Gardens in Woodside to be thoroughly enchanted by Ronja Redeye (The Speaker Troll), Basse Buller (The Painting Troll), Rosa Solfinger (The Botanical Troll), Ibbi Pip (The Birdhouse Troll), Kamma Can (The Treasure Troll) and Sofus Lotus (The Listening Troll). These magical giants are designed to spark joy and be interactive (yes, it’s OK to climb on them) as visitors make their way
Article by Managing editor Lisa Gipson.
