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California Family Adventure: Redwoods, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Yosemite

Viewed by 54 travelers

Day 1: Redwoods Exploration

Redwoods, California, USA

8:00 AM

Explore Avenue of the Giants

Start your day by exploring the majestic Avenue of the Giants, home to towering redwood trees. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride among these giants.
Drive from Avenue of the Giants to Founders Grove (15 mins)
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic at Founders Grove

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by ancient redwoods at Founders Grove. Relax and soak in the serene beauty of the forest.
Drive from Founders Grove to Fern Canyon (1.5 hours)
Cost of picnic, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Hike in Fern Canyon

Embark on a scenic hike in Fern Canyon, known for its lush greenery and picturesque creek. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you explore.
Drive from Fern Canyon to Lodging in Redwoods area (2 hours)
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Redwoods Adventure Continues

Redwoods, California, USA

8:00 AM

Visit Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Start your day with a visit to Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a serene redwood grove named after the former First Lady. Take a peaceful walk among the trees.
Drive from Lodging to Lady Bird Johnson Grove (30 mins)
National Park entrance fee, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local cafe in the Redwoods area, savoring fresh, local cuisine before heading to San Francisco.
Drive from Redwoods to San Francisco (5 hours)
Cost of lunch, 2 hours
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Day 3: San Francisco City Exploration

San Francisco, California, USA

9:00 AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Spend the morning exploring the iconic Golden Gate Park, home to gardens, museums, and scenic spots. Rent bikes for a family ride around the park.
Drive from Lodging to Golden Gate Park (30 mins)
Bike rental, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Head to Fisherman's Wharf for a seafood lunch by the waterfront. Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl for a local favorite.
Drive from Golden Gate Park to Fisherman's Wharf (20 mins)
Cost of lunch, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a fascinating tour of the historic prison. Learn about the infamous inmates and the island's rich history.
Ferry from Fisherman's Wharf to Alcatraz Island (30 mins)
Alcatraz tour ticket, 2 hours
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Day 4: San Francisco Discovery Continues

San Francisco, California, USA

9:00 AM

Ride a Cable Car

Start your day with a classic San Francisco experience by riding a historic cable car. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel around the city.
Walk to nearest cable car stop
Cable car fare, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Chinatown

Have a delicious lunch in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown. Explore the shops and soak in the cultural experience of this historic neighborhood.
Cable car to Chinatown (15 mins)
Cost of lunch, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Exploratorium

Spend the afternoon at the interactive Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Walk or take public transportation to Exploratorium (30 mins)
Museum admission, 2 hours
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Day 5: Santa Cruz Beach Day

Santa Cruz, California, USA

9:00 AM

Beach Time at Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Spend a fun-filled day at Santa Cruz Boardwalk, enjoying the beach, amusement park rides, and classic boardwalk snacks like corn dogs and cotton candy.
Drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz (1.5 hours)
Amusement park tickets, Full day
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Day 6: Yosemite National Park Adventure Begins

Yosemite, California, USA

9:00 AM

Scenic Drive to Yosemite Valley

Embark on a scenic drive to Yosemite Valley, marveling at the breathtaking views of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests along the way.
Drive from Santa Cruz to Yosemite Valley (4 hours)
Park entrance fee, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch in Yosemite Valley

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Yosemite Valley. Take in the sights and sounds of this iconic national park.
Drive to a scenic spot for lunch
Cost of picnic, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, a stunning waterfall that offers a refreshing mist and beautiful photo opportunities.
Walk from parking area to Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead (15 mins)
Free, 2 hours
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Day 7: Yosemite Exploration and Departure

Yosemite, California, USA

9:00 AM

Visit Glacier Point

Start your day with a visit to Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding peaks.
Drive from Lodging to Glacier Point (1.5 hours)
Park entrance fee, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch with a View

Have a memorable lunch with a view in Yosemite National Park, savoring the beauty of nature while enjoying a delicious meal.
Drive to a scenic viewpoint for lunch
Cost of lunch, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Yosemite as you begin your journey back home or to your next destination, filled with memories of an unforgettable family adventure.
Drive back home or to next destination
N/A, N/A
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