48 Hours in Big Sur: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea | Complete Guide

One of the most beautiful sections of the California coast is the Monterey region in the central coast that includes Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey. A weekend trip here means dramatic and jaw-dropping coastal views, adorable animal encounters, picturesque towns, delicious meals and a relaxed atmosphere. This area has a lot to offer, but how do you best maximize your time if you just have 48 hours to explore? This is the perfect trip to do if you want a vacation without using PTO. This guide will give you all the details about the best places to stay from budget conscious choices to luxury accommodations; our hour to hour itinerary with tips; extra places to visit if you have more time; and more.

North America, United States, CaliforniaAlison MullisAugust 14, 2026California, Long weekend, 48-hours, Road Trip, West coast, Wildlife, hikingComment

Oregon & Redwood National Park Road Trip Days 5-6: Crescent City, CA to Eugene, OR

When the start of the Redwoods National Park is less than 30 minutes away from the end of the Oregon Coast, it only makes sense to add it on to your trip. While the Oregon Coast was definitely the main attraction of this road trip, our side trip into Redwoods National Park was definitely a highlight for all. We started Day 5 in Crescent City, CA - a great base city for exploring the Redwoods State and National Parks. This is the part of the road trip where you start to slow down a bit, but still are eager to see something dramatic and maybe something new. Redwoods allowed us to just stop at a few places, just do a couple hikes but for a large payoff. Then on Day 6, we started making our way back up Oregon to enjoy a few spots around Oregon’s I-5 before heading back to Seattle.

Oregon, North America, United States, Family TravelAlison MullisJuly 12, 2026Oregon, nationa, Redwoods, hiking, California, Road TripComment

Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast Day 1 - 2: Seattle to Newport

The first two days of our Oregon Coast road trip took us from our home in Seattle to Newport, OR. We explored the cute towns, tide pools and gorgeous beaches of Oregon’s north coast and made it to the central coast. Below details each stop we took along the way, the best places to stay and additional stops to add to your itinerary. We did this road trip with our two kids, aged 3 & 4, but it can be modified for any group.

Oregon, United States, North AmericaAlison MullisJune 10, 2026Road Trip, Oregon, Itinerary, kids, hiking, Wildlife, summerComment

8 Day Oregon Coast & Redwoods National Park Roadtrip from Seattle: Itinerary Overview

One of the most scenic road trips in the world, the Oregon Coast is a must see. This road trip is easily accessible from Portland and Seattle and is easy to do no matter who is in your group. The roads are well-paved, even if a bit windy, and the must-see stops are frequent. This road trip can be customized to fit the interests of your family - from focusing on nature and gorgeous photo spots to wildlife spotting to eating your way down the coast. Just a short extension and across the border into California, the Redwoods National Park and its moody forests are the perfect addition to the moody Oregon Coast. This guide will help you with planning your own trip along the coast.

Oregon, United States, North AmericaAlison MullisJune 3, 2026Oregon, West coast, California, Redwoods, Road Trip, Beach, kids, hiking, SeattleComment

A Complete Guide to the Pacific Northwest Trolls (With Map, Parking & Kid Tips)

Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls that have been scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest feel so at home here that is a surprise that have only been here since 2023. This guide will go through how to find the trolls, great places to visit near each of the trolls to extend your outing, and tips on visiting with kids.

Family Travel, United States, Washington, OregonAlison MullisFebruary 1, 2026seattle, pnw, trolls, washington, Kids, hiking Comment