Family Adventure Road Trip: Yosemite to Grand Canyon

Day 1: Explore Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Begin your adventure with a refreshing hike to the spectacular Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, surrounded by lush greenery and granite cliffs.
Start at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead near Yosemite Village.
Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at El Capitan Meadow

Enjoy a picturesque picnic at El Capitan Meadow with stunning views of the iconic El Capitan rock formation. Perfect spot for lunch surrounded by nature.
Drive to El Capitan Meadow for a relaxing break.
Cost of picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rafting on Merced River

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Merced River, suitable for all skill levels and a fun activity for the whole family.
Head to a rafting company along the Merced River for your adventure.
$75 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room

Indulge in a delicious dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room, offering a fine dining experience in a historic setting.
Dine at The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room in Yosemite Village.
$$-$$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Scenic Drive on Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

9:00AM

Drive along Big Sur coastline

Embark on a scenic drive along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Stop at overlooks for photos and enjoy the coastal breeze.
Start your drive from Monterey and make stops at key viewpoints along the route.
Fuel and food costs, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at Nepenthe Restaurant, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, offering fresh and locally sourced cuisine.
Stop at Nepenthe Restaurant for a scenic lunch break.
$$-$$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore McWay Falls

Visit the stunning McWay Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach, accessible via a short hike. Perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
Park at the designated McWay Falls parking area and follow the trail to the viewpoint.
Parking fee: $10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ventana Big Sur

Dine at Ventana Big Sur, offering a luxurious dining experience with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients, amidst the beauty of Big Sur.
Enjoy dinner at Ventana Big Sur for a memorable dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Magical Day at Disneyland

Disneyland, USA

8:00AM

Disneyland Park

Embark on a magical day at Disneyland Park, exploring iconic attractions, meeting beloved characters, and enjoying thrilling rides suitable for the whole family.
Enter Disneyland Park and start with popular attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
$154 for a single-day ticket, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Bayou Restaurant

Dine at the enchanting Blue Bayou Restaurant, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, offering Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes in a unique setting.
Make a reservation at Blue Bayou Restaurant for a magical dining experience.
$$-$$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Meet Disney Characters

Meet and greet your favourite Disney characters for memorable photo opportunities and interactions, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Check the character meet-and-greet locations and timings to meet your preferred characters.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Fireworks Spectacular

End your day with the spectacular fireworks show at Disneyland, a magical display of lights and music lighting up the night sky.
Find a good viewing spot for the fireworks show near Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Free with park admission, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Thrills at Universal Studios

Universal Studios, USA

9:00AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience a day of thrills and excitement at Universal Studios Hollywood, with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on your favourite movies.
Start your day at Universal Studios Hollywood and plan your route for key attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
$109 for a general admission ticket, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Enjoy a magical meal at Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, offering British-inspired dishes in a themed setting straight out of the movies.
Head to Three Broomsticks for a delightful lunch experience in Hogsmeade.
$$-$$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Studio Tour

Embark on the famous Studio Tour to explore behind the scenes of blockbuster movies and TV shows, including special effects demonstrations and iconic sets.
Join the Studio Tour queue and hop on the tram for an immersive experience.
Included in park admission, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Dine at Universal CityWalk, offering a variety of dining options from casual eateries to themed restaurants, perfect for a relaxed evening after a day of adventure.
Explore the dining options at CityWalk and choose a restaurant that suits your taste.
$-$$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

8:00AM

Scenic Drive to Grand Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive to the Grand Canyon National Park, marvelling at the changing landscapes and vast desert vistas along the way.
Start your journey from the closest entry point to the Grand Canyon and enjoy the scenic route.
Fuel and food costs, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Canyon Village

Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Grand Canyon Village, offering a variety of dining options with stunning views of the canyon.
Stop at Grand Canyon Village for lunch and explore the dining choices available.
$-$$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rim Trail Hike

Embark on a leisurely hike along the Rim Trail, offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon's unique rock formations and vast expanse. Perfect for all ages.
Start the Rim Trail hike from Grand Canyon Village and enjoy the scenic beauty along the trail.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Dine at the historic El Tovar Dining Room, overlooking the canyon, and indulge in a gourmet meal featuring local ingredients and flavours.
Reserve a table at El Tovar Dining Room for a memorable dining experience with a view.
$$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

9:00AM

Grand Canyon South Rim

Spend the day exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, visiting key viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station for stunning panoramic vistas.
Drive to the South Rim and use the park shuttles to access different viewpoints along the rim.
Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, Full day

1:00PM

Picnic at Maricopa Point

Enjoy a scenic picnic at Maricopa Point, overlooking the vast canyon and surrounded by the beauty of nature. Relax and soak in the awe-inspiring views.
Drive to Maricopa Point and find a suitable spot for a picnic with a view.
Cost of picnic supplies, 1 hour

4:00PM

Junior Ranger Program

Engage the kids in the Junior Ranger Program, where they can learn about the Grand Canyon's natural wonders, complete activities, and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Visit the nearest Visitor Center to enroll in the Junior Ranger Program and pick up activity booklets.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bright Angel Lodge

Dine at Bright Angel Lodge, offering hearty meals with a rustic charm and stunning views of the Grand Canyon, providing a cozy dining atmosphere.
Head to Bright Angel Lodge for a satisfying dinner after a day of exploration.
$$-$$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Adventure Continues at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

8:00AM

Helicopter Tour

Embark on a thrilling helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty from a unique aerial perspective, perfect for adventure seekers.
Book a helicopter tour from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport for an unforgettable experience.
$300-400 per person, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Tusayan Museum

Explore the Tusayan Museum to learn about the Native American history and culture of the Grand Canyon region, featuring exhibits and artifacts.
Drive to the Tusayan Museum and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Desert View Watchtower

Enjoy a scenic lunch at Desert View Watchtower, offering panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and a chance to admire the architecture and art inside the tower.
Drive to Desert View Watchtower and have a leisurely lunch with a view.
$-$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dinosaur Tracks

Discover ancient dinosaur tracks at the Grand Canyon, providing a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past and a unique experience for dinosaur enthusiasts.
Head to the designated area for dinosaur tracks within the park and explore the preserved imprints.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Tovar Patio

Dine on the outdoor patio of El Tovar, enjoying the sunset over the canyon as you savour a delicious meal with the family, creating lasting memories.
Reserve a table at El Tovar Patio for a scenic dining experience at dusk.
$$-$$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability