11-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco

  • Day 1: Venice Beach
    15 minutes (6.6 miles) from Downtown Los Angeles

    Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic beachfront community in LA. Enjoy the sunset on the boardwalk and visit the famous Muscle Beach.

  • Day 2: Disneyland
    35 minutes (35.7 miles) from Venice Beach

    Disneyland is a magical place for both kids and adults. Meet beloved Disney characters, enjoy thrilling rides and watch the parades and fireworks.

  • Day 3: Universal Studios Hollywood
    12 minutes (7.6 miles) from Disneyland

    Universal Studios Hollywood features exciting theme park rides, backstage tours, and shows based on popular movies and TV shows.

  • Day 4: Santa Barbara Zoo
    1 hour 47 minutes (95 miles) from Universal Studios Hollywood

    Santa Barbara Zoo is a small but lovely and intimate zoo. Get up close with various animals and enjoy the stunning ocean views.

  • Day 5: Solvang
    45 minutes (32.5 miles) from Santa Barbara Zoo

    Solvang is a charming Danish-style village. Visit bakeries, restaurants, and shops selling Scandinavian specialties and souvenirs.

  • Day 6: Pismo Beach
    50 minutes (38.6 miles) from Solvang

    Pismo Beach is known for its long and wide sandy beach, amazing wildlife, and delicious clam chowder. Take a relaxing break and enjoy the serene beauty of the coast.

  • Day 7: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    16 minutes (9.5 miles) from Pismo Beach

    Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a historic and spiritual landmark built by Spanish missionaries. Take a tour of the impressive architecture, art, and museum.

  • Day 8: Monterey Bay Aquarium
    2 hours 11 minutes, (127 miles) from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

    Monterey Bay Aquarium is an award-winning aquarium showcasing over 600 species of marine life. Touch sea creatures, watch feeding shows, and learn about ocean conservation.

  • Day 9: 17-Mile Drive
    15 minutes (4.8 miles) from Monterey Bay Aquarium

    17-Mile Drive is a scenic road trip that takes you along the breathtaking coastline of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Stop at various viewpoints, beaches, and golf courses.

  • Day 10: Golden Gate Park
    1 hour 49 minutes (85.5 miles) from 17-Mile Drive

    Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, and more.

  • Day 11: Alcatraz Island
    13 minutes (3.6 miles) from Golden Gate Park

    Alcatraz Island is a legendary former prison and national park. Take a ferry ride to the island, explore the cells and exhibit, and enjoy the stunning bay views.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Venice Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Disneyland (1 day, $154 per ticket)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood (1 day, $109 per ticket)
  • Santa Barbara Zoo (2-3 hours, $19.95 per adult ticket)
  • Solvang (4 hours, free)
  • Pismo Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (1 hour, $9 per adult ticket)
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium (2-3 hours, $49.95 per adult ticket)
  • 17-Mile Drive (2 hours, $10.50 per vehicle)
  • Golden Gate Park (1 day, free)
  • Alcatraz Island (3 hours, $39.90 per adult ticket)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $391.30

Transportation

To travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco and vice versa, you can choose to rent a car or use public transportation options such as buses or trains. A one-way car rental for the trip can cost between $50 to $100, and the travel time is about six hours. Alternatively, riding a bus can range from $20 to $60 and could take around 8 to 10 hours, while the train can cost upwards of $50 and takes 11 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore Los Angeles's beaches, museums, and Hollywood. If you have less time, you can skip some of the stops on the itinerary or shorten the amount of time you spend on each destination. Additionally, consider visiting during off-peak seasons, as some attractions might have longer wait times during holidays and summer months.

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world, located about 16 miles from Downtown LA with easy access from major highways. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 13 miles from Downtown San Francisco, and it's accessible by BART, public buses, and ride-sharing services. Both airports have various passenger amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.

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