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Ultimate Family Road Trip from San Francisco to Grand Canyon

Viewed by 1.5K travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Delights

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at Tartine Bakery to fuel up for a day of exploration in San Francisco.
Head to 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (20-minute drive from airport).
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, take a walk or bike ride across for stunning views of the city and bay.
Drive 20 minutes to Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, San Francisco, CA 94129.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy fresh seafood and clam chowder at one of the many restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf.
Drive 15 minutes to Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a fascinating tour of the infamous former prison.
Drive 10 minutes to Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133 for ferry departure.
$$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ghirardelli Square

Indulge in a chocolate dessert at Ghirardelli Square after a day of exploring.
Drive 15 minutes to Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109.
$$, 1 hour
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Day 2: Yosemite National Park Exploration

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Grab a hearty breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge before heading out for a day of hiking and exploring in Yosemite National Park.
Drive 4 hours to Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking in Yosemite Valley

Explore the beautiful trails of Yosemite Valley, visit Yosemite Falls and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the park.
Start at Yosemite Village Visitor Center, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Glacier Point

Drive 1.5 hours to Glacier Point for a scenic picnic lunch overlooking the valley below.
Drive to Glacier Point, Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Visit the Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant tree.
Drive 1.5 hours to Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel to end your day in Yosemite.
The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, 1 Ahwahnee Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389.
$$$, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 3: Pacific Coast Highway Drive to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Big Sur Bakery before embarking on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Big Sur Bakery, 47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge for breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the rugged coastline.
Drive 1.5 hours to Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, CA 93920.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nepenthe with panoramic ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Drive 30 minutes to Nepenthe, 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920.
$$, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

McWay Falls

Visit McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see a stunning waterfall cascading onto the beach.
Drive 1 hour to McWay Falls Trail, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, CA 93920.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Scenic Drive to Santa Barbara

Enjoy the picturesque drive to Santa Barbara, taking in the coastal views along the way. Check into your accommodation upon arrival.
Drive 2 hours to Santa Barbara, CA.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lark

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at The Lark in Santa Barbara for dinner.
The Lark, 131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
$$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Santa Barbara Exploration

Santa Barbara, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery before exploring the charming streets of Santa Barbara.
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery, 15 E Figueroa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Stearns Wharf

Visit Stearns Wharf for shopping, dining, and beautiful views of the ocean and mountains.
Walk 15 minutes to Stearns Wharf, State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to see a variety of native plants and beautiful landscapes.
Drive 20 minutes to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
$, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at the famous La Super-Rica Taqueria for lunch.
Drive 10 minutes to La Super-Rica Taqueria, 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of East Beach and enjoy some sun and ocean breeze.
Drive 10 minutes to East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hitching Post II

Indulge in a steak dinner at The Hitching Post II, a renowned restaurant known for its delicious grilled meats.
Drive 45 minutes to The Hitching Post II, 406 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427.
$$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Drive to Disneyland

Disneyland, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Scarlett Begonia

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Scarlett Begonia before hitting the road to Disneyland.
Scarlett Begonia, 11 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Disneyland

Embark on a scenic drive from Santa Barbara to Disneyland, enjoying the California landscape along the way.
Santa Barbara to Disneyland, Anaheim, CA (2.5-hour drive).
$, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Disneyland

Grab a quick lunch at one of the many dining options inside Disneyland to fuel up for a fun-filled afternoon.
Disneyland, Anaheim, CA.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Magic Kingdom Exploration

Embark on an enchanting adventure exploring the various lands and attractions of Disneyland's Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland, Anaheim, CA.
$$$, 5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant within Disneyland to end your magical day.
Carthay Circle Restaurant, Disneyland, Anaheim, CA.
$$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Universal Studios Hollywood Adventure

Universal Studios Hollywood, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Front Yard

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Front Yard before heading to Universal Studios Hollywood for an action-packed day.
The Front Yard, 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Explore the thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood for an unforgettable experience.
Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
$$$, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Dine at the whimsical Three Broomsticks for a magical Harry Potter-themed lunch inside the park.
Three Broomsticks, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA 91608.
$$, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Enjoy dinner at CityWalk, a vibrant entertainment and dining district just outside Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
$$, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Epic Drive to Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kings Highway

Start your day with a retro-style breakfast at Kings Highway before embarking on a scenic road trip to the Grand Canyon.
Kings Highway, 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon

Hit the road from Palm Springs to the majestic Grand Canyon, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.
Palm Springs to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (7-hour drive).
$$$, 7 hours

6:00PM

Arrive at Grand Canyon

Check into your accommodation near the Grand Canyon and witness the breathtaking sunset over the canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ.
$$, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at El Tovar Dining Room with panoramic views of the Grand Canyon as your backdrop.
El Tovar Dining Room, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
$$$, 1.5 hours
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