A Week-Long Adventure in California

  • Day 1: Santa Monica Pier
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark and popular attraction located in Santa Monica. It’s known for its amusement park, beautiful beach, and various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy.

  • Day 2: Disneyland Park
    45 minutes (35 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

    Disneyland Park is a Disney-themed park with numerous rides and attractions for all ages. The park is divided into lands such as Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, each with its own unique theme.

  • Day 3: San Diego Zoo
    2 hours (120 miles) from Disneyland Park

    The San Diego Zoo is a famous zoo located in Balboa Park. The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing over 650 species and subspecies. Prepare to spend a full day exploring the habitat and behaviors of these amazing animals.

  • Day 4: Universal Studios Hollywood
    2 hours (110 miles) from San Diego Zoo

    Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park all in one! Many of the attractions are based on blockbuster movies and TV shows, and there are several exciting rides and shows to enjoy.

  • Day 5: Golden Gate Bridge
    5 hours (350 miles) from Universal Studios Hollywood

    The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. It's a marvel of modern engineering and offers spectacular views of the bay and city skyline.

  • Day 6: Alcatraz Island
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Golden Gate Bridge

    Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison and national park. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the cellblocks and grounds while learning about notorious inmates such as Al Capone and the "Birdman" of Alcatraz.

  • Day 7: Rodeo Drive
    7 hours (400 miles) from Alcatraz Island

    Rodeo Drive is a famous street in Beverly Hills, known for its high-end luxury shops and designer stores. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, it's worth strolling down the boulevard and window shopping.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier (2 hours, Free)
  • Disneyland Park (1 day, $110 for an adult, $104 for a child)
  • San Diego Zoo (1 day, $58 for an adult, $48 for a child)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood (1 day, $109 for an adult, $103 for a child)
  • Golden Gate Bridge (1 hour, Free)
  • Alcatraz Island (3 hours, $39.90 for an adult, $24.40 for a child)
  • Rodeo Drive (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $443 for an adult, $429 for a child

Transportation

California is a large state, and getting from place to place can take several hours, depending on traffic. Consider renting a car to give yourself the most flexibility, or use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft. Flights may also be necessary for longer distances.

Estimated travel costs can range from $50 for a rental car to $200 for domestic flights.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting additional attractions in the areas you're already in or take a day trip. If you have less time, adjust the itinerary accordingly and prioritize which attractions are most important to you. Don't forget to book tickets and make reservations in advance!

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serves the Los Angeles area and is located about 16 miles from Downtown Santa Monica. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves the San Francisco area and is located about 14 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge.

0