Northern California Family Road Trip

Day 1: Redwoods Exploration

Redwoods National and State Parks, California, USA

8:00AM

Explore Avenue of the Giants

Begin your day surrounded by towering redwoods, driving through the scenic Avenue of the Giants, marveling at the ancient giants.
Drive south on US-101 for 31 miles, then take the exit for Avenue of the Giants. It takes about 1 hour.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Founder's Grove

Enjoy a peaceful picnic among the majestic redwoods at Founder's Grove, a perfect spot for a family lunch.
Follow signs within the park to reach Founder's Grove. It's a short drive from Avenue of the Giants.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fern Canyon

Embark on a magical hike through Fern Canyon, a lush canyon featured in movies like Jurassic Park, with its fern-covered walls.
Drive to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and follow signs to Fern Canyon. It's about a 1.5-hour drive.
State Park Entrance Fee, 2 hours
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Day 2: More Redwoods Adventures

Redwoods National and State Parks, California, USA

9:00AM

Trillium Falls Trail

Embark on a family-friendly hike along the Trillium Falls Trail, surrounded by lush greenery and serene redwoods.
Drive to the trailhead near the visitor center. It's a short drive from the main park area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Elk Meadow

Have a picnic lunch at Elk Meadow, watching for elk grazing in the meadow, a delightful experience for all ages.
Drive to Elk Meadow within the park. It's a scenic drive with possible wildlife sightings along the way.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Walk among the ancient redwoods in Lady Bird Johnson Grove, learning about the conservation efforts in the area.
Drive to the trailhead for Lady Bird Johnson Grove. It's a short drive from the main park area.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: San Francisco City Exploration

San Francisco, California, USA

9:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a must-see landmark in San Francisco.
Drive or take public transportation to the bridge. Parking is available at various points for different viewing angles.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Fisherman's Wharf

Head to Fisherman's Wharf for a delicious seafood lunch and explore the bustling waterfront area.
Drive or take public transportation to Fisherman's Wharf. Parking is available in nearby lots.
Cost of lunch, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for an intriguing tour of the historic prison, offering a glimpse into its notorious past.
Take a ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island. Purchase tickets in advance.
Ferry ticket cost, 3 hours
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Day 4: More San Francisco Adventures

San Francisco, California, USA

9:00AM

Explore Chinatown

Stroll through vibrant Chinatown, the oldest in North America, and experience the rich culture and delicious cuisine.
Drive or take public transportation to Chinatown. Parking may be challenging, so public transit is recommended.
Cost of souvenirs, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Union Square

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Union Square, a bustling plaza surrounded by shops and theaters, perfect for a family meal.
Walk or take public transportation to Union Square. Many dining options are available.
Cost of lunch, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Exploratorium

Engage in interactive science exhibits at the Exploratorium, a hands-on museum offering fun learning experiences for all ages.
Drive or take public transportation to the museum. Purchase tickets in advance.
Museum admission, 2-3 hours
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Day 5: Yosemite National Park Arrival

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

9:00AM

Mariposa Grove

Begin your Yosemite adventure with a visit to Mariposa Grove, home to giant sequoias including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Drive to Mariposa Grove from the park entrance. Parking is available near the grove.
National Park Entrance Fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Wawona Meadow

Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Wawona Meadow, surrounded by meadows and forest, a serene setting for a family lunch.
Drive to Wawona Meadow within the park. It's a short drive from Mariposa Grove.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for maps, information, and interactive displays to plan your park exploration.
Drive to Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. It's a central location within the park.
Free, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

9:00AM

Yosemite Falls Hike

Embark on a family-friendly hike to see the stunning Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Drive or take a shuttle to the trailhead. Shuttles are available to various points of interest in the park.
Free, 3-4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yosemite Village

Enjoy a meal at Yosemite Village, surrounded by natural beauty and various dining options for the family to choose from.
Drive or take a shuttle to Yosemite Village. It's a central hub with amenities and services.
Cost of lunch, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Bike or Walk the Valley Loop Trail

Explore the scenic Valley Loop Trail on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and its landmarks.
Access the trail from various points in the valley. Biking rentals are available in Yosemite Valley.
Bike rental cost, 2-3 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

9:00AM

Hike to Glacier Point

Embark on a scenic hike to Glacier Point for panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Drive or take a shuttle to the Glacier Point trailhead. The hike offers breathtaking vistas along the way.
Free, 4-6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Glacier Point, savoring the stunning vistas of the valley below, a memorable family experience.
Pack a picnic or purchase food at the Glacier Point store. There are designated picnic areas.
Cost of lunch, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mist Trail Adventure

Experience the beauty of Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail hike, feeling the refreshing mist and enjoying the natural wonders.
Access the trail from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. Be prepared for some steep sections and mist from the waterfall.
Free, 3-4 hours
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