Day trip

Here are some fun trips that are nearby.  Felton and Monterey are both doable as one-day trips, but you will be tired.  Maybe stay overnight if you can.

Santa Barbara Zoo - This is a very nice sized zoo, and worth the trip.  And don't forget to get your annual membership to the zoo in Atascadero before going down.  It will be worth it.









Pinnacles National Monument, near Soledad - Have you been to Southern Utah? Well, I hope so.  This is like Southern Utah, but with moss.  Cool red rock formations, caves, lots of climbs for daring climbers, great hikes that have caves.  Did I mention the caves?  Go.  It is a place out in the middle of nowhere, which makes it even cooler.  They have a campground here you can stay in.
 
Day out with Thomas, Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton - Up in the mountains above Santa Cruz, you can go each year during the summer sometime and ride on Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hat, and other fun things.  Check for schedule, and reserve beforehand or it may be full.  Also, you can go even when Thomas isn't around and ride the train all the way to Santa Cruz.  And make sure you keep on going up to Big Basin to see the Redwoods.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - This aquarium is remarkable.  The jellyfish alone are worth the trip.  Make sure to leave plenty of time to spend here.  I would recommend going on off-peak days if you can.  It gets crowded.