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Family Nature Road Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles with Extended Monterey Stay via Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia & Coastal Highway

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Grand Canyon West Rim

Grand Canyon West Rim, Arizona on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Drive Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

Depart Las Vegas for the 2.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon West Rim, including the famous Skywalk glass bridge over the canyon.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore Grand Canyon West Rim & Skywalk

Enjoy viewpoints like Eagle and Guano Points; park open 7am-7pm in August.
USD60 per person, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Guano Point Café

Casual southwestern dining with scenic views in the park.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Short hikes and viewpoints

Explore nature trails near the points for more views and fresh air, included in admission.
Included, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Kingman for overnight

1.5-hour drive to Kingman, AZ with family budget lodging.
USD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner

Classic American diner with a fun vibe perfect for families.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

8:00pm

Check-in Best Western Plus King's Inn & Suites or similar

Affordable, family-friendly accommodations.
USD110-150, Overnight
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon West Rim

Day 2: Death Valley National Park

Kingman, AZ to Death Valley, CA on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for the long drive to Death Valley.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours drive entering at Furnace Creek; park entrance fee required.
USD35 per vehicle, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Oasis Wrangler Steakhouse

Enjoy hearty southwestern cuisine inside the park.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Furnace Creek visitor area and easy hikes

Visit the Visitor Center, take short strolls like Salt Creek Walk and Harmony Borax Works.
Included, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Lone Pine for overnight stay

Around 2.5 hours drive to Lone Pine, cooler mountain town.
USD0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Seasons Restaurant, Lone Pine

Comfort food in a family-friendly spot.
USD20-30 per person, 1h

9:00pm

Check-in Dow Villa Motel or similar

Budget motel with comfortable family accommodations.
USD100-140, Overnight
Find Hotels in Kingman

Day 3: Sequoia National Park

Lone Pine to Sequoia National Park, CA on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at motel

Start the day with a balanced breakfast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Approximate 4-hour scenic drive to the giant sequoias and forest environment.
USD35 per vehicle, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy tasty American cuisine amidst nature inside the park.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail

See the largest tree on earth and take family-friendly hikes surrounded by sequoias.
Included, 2h

4:00pm

Overnight at Wuksachi Lodge or similar

Stay within or near the park for convenience.
USD150-250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Relaxed dinner with seasonal options ideal for families.
USD25-45 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Lone Pine to Sequoia National Park

Day 4: Drive to Monterey

Sequoia National Park to Monterey, California on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Wholesome breakfast before heading to the coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monterey

Approximately 5.5-hour drive through diverse landscapes descending to the Pacific Coast.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Treat the family to fresh seafood and classic boardwalk atmosphere.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in at family-friendly hotel such as Spindrift Inn or Monterey Bay Lodge

Rest and relax for extended stay right near the beach and main attractions.
USD170-230, Overnight

Evening

Stroll Cannery Row and Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Enjoy coastal views and casual dining with fun atmosphere for teens along the waterfront.
USD20-35 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park to Monterey

Day 5: Full Day Monterey

Monterey, California on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast to gear up for exploration.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Spend the morning at one of the world’s best aquariums, 10am-5pm, engaging and educational for teens.
USD60 adults, USD40 teens, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Passionfish

Critically acclaimed seafood restaurant focusing on sustainable cuisine, great for family dining.
USD25-45 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in Monterey Bay

Rent gear and explore the tranquil bay waters with wildlife sightings available (2-3 hours rentals).
USD40-60 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Pacific Grove or Carmel-by-the-Sea

Take a scenic drive or walk these charming nearby towns offering beautiful beaches and boutique shopping.
USD0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fandango Restaurant

Mediterranean-inspired family-friendly dining known for warm ambiance and flavorful dishes.
USD20-35 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 6: Coastal Drive to Santa Barbara

Monterey to Santa Barbara, California on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy start before continuing along California’s scenic coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive south via Pacific Coast Highway

Beautiful approximately 4-hour coastal drive with options to stop at Pismo Beach or other points of interest.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Casual dining offering diverse cuisine choices liked by teens and adults alike.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Santa Barbara beach and Stearns Wharf

Relax at the beach and explore the iconic pier with shops and fun views.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn or similar

Well-rated family hotel with pool and comfortable rooms.
USD150-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Habit Burger Grill

Popular casual spot for delicious burgers and sides, teen-friendly.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Monterey to Santa Barbara

Day 7: Arrival in Los Angeles

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, California on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the short drive to LA.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Los Angeles

Approximately 2-hour drive into Los Angeles for family adventures.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in Holiday Inn Express LA Downtown or Hotel Normandie

Comfortable, family-suitable hotels close to city attractions.
USD150-220, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Eclectic food offerings to please all palates in a vibrant setting.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Exploration at Griffith Observatory and Park

Free exhibits, great views including the Hollywood sign; open to 10pm.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Original Farmers Market

Wide selection of cuisines in a lively market atmosphere perfect for families.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Day 8: Universal Studios Day

Los Angeles, California on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before spending a full day at the theme park.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Universal Studios Hollywood

Engage with rides, shows, and movie sets; park hours 9am-7pm.
USD140 adults, USD135 teens, 9h

7:30pm

Dinner nearby hotel

Casual dining like In-N-Out or pizza to relax after the park.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 9: Santa Monica & Whale Watching

Los Angeles, California on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Start with a good breakfast for an active day ahead.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Enjoy the games, shops, aquarium, and beach activities on the pier.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at The Albright

Fresh seafood and casual dining right on the pier.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Whale watching tour from Marina del Rey

3-hour boat trip spotting whales and other marine life, tours generally run afternoon hours.
USD45-60 per person, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Killer Shrimp or waterfront restaurant

Casual setting with fresh seafood to end the day nicely.
USD25-40 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 10: Hollywood & Departure Prep

Los Angeles, California on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a final day of sightseeing or packing.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

Explore star-studded sidewalks and historic handprints; free and fun for teens.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Iconic Hollywood restaurant with family-friendly dining.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Free afternoon for relaxing or final sightseeing

Flex time for last-minute shopping or resting before departure.
USD0, Rest of day
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Day 11: Departure Day

Los Angeles, California on August 27, 2025

Morning

Breakfast and prepare for departure

Final packing and breakfast before heading to airport or home.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

Varies

Travel home or next destination

Conclude your memorable family road trip.
USD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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