Los Angeles 7-Day Family Friendly Nature Road Trip

Day 1: City Exploration

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Start your trip by exploring the iconic Griffith Observatory, offering stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Drive from your accommodation to Griffith Observatory, approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Santa Monica Pier

Head to Santa Monica Pier for a fun family-friendly experience with amusement rides and beachfront dining options.
Drive from Griffith Observatory to Santa Monica Pier, around 30 minutes drive.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Venice Beach

Unwind at Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic atmosphere.
Drive from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach, just a 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dine at Grand Central Market

End the day with a diverse culinary experience at Grand Central Market, offering a variety of food options for all tastes.
Drive from Venice Beach to Grand Central Market, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Varies, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Desert Adventure

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

8:00AM

Hike Hidden Valley Trail

Embark on a family-friendly hike at Hidden Valley Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, surrounded by unique rock formations and desert landscapes.
Drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park, approximately 2.5 hours drive.
Park Entry Fee, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Keys View

Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of Coachella Valley at Keys View within the park.
Drive from Hidden Valley Trail to Keys View, around 30 minutes drive.
Varies, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Cholla Cactus Garden

Explore the unique Cholla Cactus Garden, a picturesque spot filled with beautiful cacti perfect for family photos.
Drive from Keys View to Cholla Cactus Garden, approximately 1-hour drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Campfire Dinner at Campsite

End the day with a relaxing campfire dinner at your chosen campsite in the national park.
Drive to your campsite within Joshua Tree National Park.
Camping Fees, 2 hours
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Day 3: Coastal Delights

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Spend the day at San Diego Zoo, one of the most renowned zoos in the world with a wide variety of animals and habitats.
Drive from Joshua Tree National Park to San Diego, approximately 2.5 hours drive.
Entrance Fee, 4 hours

2:00PM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Head to La Jolla Cove for some relaxation by the ocean and the chance to see seals and sea lions up close.
Drive from San Diego Zoo to La Jolla Cove, around 20 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Old Town San Diego

Stroll through Old Town San Diego to experience the city's history, architecture, and enjoy some Mexican cuisine.
Drive from La Jolla Cove to Old Town San Diego, approximately 15 minutes drive.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dine at Gaslamp Quarter

End the day with dinner at Gaslamp Quarter, a vibrant district known for its restaurants and nightlife.
Drive from Old Town San Diego to Gaslamp Quarter, around 15 minutes drive.
Varies, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Drive

Santa Barbara, USA

9:00AM

Drive along Pacific Coast Highway

Embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Santa Barbara, enjoying breathtaking coastal views along the way.
Drive from San Diego to Santa Barbara, approximately 4 hours drive.
Fuel Cost, 5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, showcasing a diverse collection of native plants and beautiful landscapes.
Drive from Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, around 20 minutes drive.
Entrance Fee, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Butterfly Beach

Spend some time relaxing at Butterfly Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning sunset views.
Drive from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to Butterfly Beach, approximately 15 minutes drive.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dine at Stearns Wharf

Enjoy dinner at Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara's historic pier with a variety of seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Drive from Butterfly Beach to Stearns Wharf, around 10 minutes drive.
Varies, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature Exploration

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Hike McWay Falls Trail

Begin the day with a hike on McWay Falls Trail, offering breathtaking views of a waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach.
Drive from Santa Barbara to Big Sur, approximately 5 hours drive.
Park Entry Fee, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy lunch at Nepenthe, a cliffside restaurant with panoramic ocean views and delicious Californian cuisine.
Drive to Nepenthe from McWay Falls Trail, around 30 minutes drive.
Varies, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Relax at Pfeiffer Beach, famous for its purple sand and rock formations, perfect for family beach activities.
Drive from Nepenthe to Pfeiffer Beach, approximately 20 minutes drive.
Entrance Fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Campfire Dinner at Campsite

End the day with a peaceful campfire dinner at your chosen campsite in Big Sur, surrounded by nature.
Drive to your campsite within Big Sur.
Camping Fees, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: National Park Wonders

Yosemite National Park, USA

9:00AM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Spend the day exploring the iconic Yosemite Valley, home to soaring cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse plant and animal life.
Drive from Big Sur to Yosemite National Park, approximately 4.5 hours drive.
Park Entry Fee, 6 hours

3:00PM

Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, one of the park's most accessible waterfalls with impressive views.
Hike from Yosemite Valley to Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead, around 30 minutes hike.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ahwahnee Hotel

Indulge in a special dinner at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, known for its elegant dining experience and beautiful surroundings.
Drive from Lower Yosemite Falls to Ahwahnee Hotel, approximately 20 minutes drive.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 7: Giant Sequoias

Sequoia National Park, USA

8:00AM

Visit General Sherman Tree

Begin the day by visiting the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, located in the heart of Sequoia National Park.
Drive from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, approximately 4 hours drive.
Park Entry Fee, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Crescent Meadow

Enjoy a family picnic at Crescent Meadow, a peaceful spot surrounded by majestic sequoia trees and wildlife.
Drive from General Sherman Tree to Crescent Meadow, around 20 minutes drive.
Food Cost, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Crystal Cave

Discover the fascinating underground world of Crystal Cave with guided tours showcasing its unique rock formations.
Drive to Crystal Cave Visitor Center within the park, approximately 1-hour drive.
Tour Fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner in the Park

End your trip with a memorable farewell dinner amidst the towering sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park.
Drive to the designated dinner area within the park.
Varies, 2 hours
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