Unique & Hidden Gem Activities for Families
Explore the best unique & hidden gem activities for families options for kids and families in Santa Maria
Natural History Museum
Science exhibits & a native garden. Displays of natural, geological, historic & scientific collections along with a native garden.
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
Educational & play exhibits for children. Museum for kids combining play & education, with a bubble machine, pirate ship & tar-pit exhibits.
Dana Adobe at Historic Rancho Nipomo
Visit this great place for kids and families!
Nipomo Native Garden
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Luffa Farm
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Exploration Discovery Center
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Monarch Butterfly Grove
Seasonal habitat of many butterflies. Eucalyptus tree–filled grove with thousands of monarch butterflies in late October through February.
Price Historical Park
Visit this great place for kids and families!
Pismo Beach Pier Plaza
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Mystery Stairs
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Pismo Preserve
Docent-led nature hikes, runs & rides. 900-acre nature preserve open to the public for docent-led hikes, runs, bike rides & horse rides.
Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves
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Dinosaur Caves Park
Oceanfront park atop rocky bluffs. A grassy lawn, playground & walking trails mark this 11-acre park situated atop oceanfront bluffs.
Margo Dodd Park
Oceanside park with a gazebo. Small, grassy park atop a coastal bluff featuring a gazebo, ocean views & beach access.
South Palisades Park
Ocean bluff retreat with picnic tables. Elevated park area offering picnic tables, a 1-mi. walking trail & unobstructed views of the sea.
Smugglers Cave
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Pirate's Cove Beach
Visit this great place for kids and families!
Central Coast Aquarium
Local marine life exhibits & touch tanks. Quaint, longtime aquarium with hands-on marine life exhibits & activities focusing on local species.
Johnson Ranch Open Space
Mainstay for hiking & mountain biking. Well-known option for hiking & mountain biking, with a variety of trails & scenic views.
Solvang Windmill
Visit this great place for kids and families!
Artiste Winery & Gallery
Visit this great place for kids and families!
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa
Protected area known for its butterflies. This protected grove is known for its population of Monarch butterflies.
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Native American art on sandstone rocks. Paintings by Native Americans of the 1600s & earlier decorate sandstone boulders underground.
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