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15-Day Family Friendly Adventure Through California

Viewed by 114 travelers

Day 1: Explore LA

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Griffith Observatory & Park

Start the day by driving up to Griffith Park, offering stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Drive to Griffith Park, using onsite parking.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00AM

The Original Farmers Market

Head to The Original Farmers Market for a delightful breakfast with diverse food stalls.
Drive to the Market, valeting or parking in nearby lots.
USD20 - USD50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

California Science Center

Visit the California Science Center, engaging the family with interactive exhibits and the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Drive and park at the Science Center.
FREE, some exhibits may cost extra, 3 hours

4:30PM

Santa Monica Pier

Enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with family-friendly rides and games.
Drive to Santa Monica and use public parking.
Varies per activity, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

End the day with a fun dinner at this themed family restaurant near Santa Monica Pier.
Nearby walk or drive if required.
USD50 - USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Hollywood Magic

Los Angeles, USA

9:00AM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Explore Hollywood Boulevard and find your favorite stars' names on the Walk of Fame.
Drive and park in public lots or use the Metro.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at this iconic café known for its oversized pancakes.
Short drive from Hollywood Boulevard.
USD15 - USD30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Visit LACMA and explore its inspiring collections, from modern art to ancient artifacts.
Drive and park at the museum site.
USD25 for adults, Free for children, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

La Brea Tar Pits

Adjacent to LACMA, discover the fascinating active archaeological site and museum.
Walking distance from LACMA.
USD15 - USD25, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Spago

Dine at the renowned restaurant offering a fine dining experience in Beverly Hills.
Drive and park in nearby public parking or valet.
USD100 - USD250, 2 hours
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Day 3: Beach Day

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Venice Beach

Begin the day with a morning stroll or bike ride along Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Drive to Venice Beach, park in public lots.
FREE, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Enjoy a gourmet egg sandwich at the popular Eggslut located at Venice Boardwalk.
Walking distance if parked nearby.
USD10 - USD20, 1 hour

12:00PM

Beach Activities

Spend the afternoon at the beach, swimming, playing volleyball or just soaking up the sun.
Already at Venice Beach.
FREE unless renting equipment, 3.5 hours

3:30PM

Marina del Rey

Take a scenic drive to Marina del Rey and enjoy a family-friendly boat tour.
Drive to Marina del Rey, park at the marina.
USD20 - USD50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Dine at this family favorite with views of the marina.
Walking distance from the marina.
USD50 - USD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 4: San Diego Arrival

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Drive to San Diego

Begin your journey to San Diego with a scenic coastal drive.
Drive south on I-5 to San Diego.
Fuel cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Balboa Park

Explore Balboa Park, visit its gardens and museums, like the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Drive and park at Balboa Park.
FREE entry, individual museum costs vary, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Prado

Dine in the beautiful setting of Balboa Park at The Prado restaurant.
Located within Balboa Park.
USD30 - USD60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

San Diego Zoo

Spend the afternoon with family-friendly fun at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Adjacent to Balboa Park, walking distance or short drive.
USD60 for adults, USD50 for children, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Old Town

Head to Old Town San Diego for a historic dinner experience.
Drive to Old Town, park, and walk around.
USD40 - USD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 5: Wonders of Sea

San Diego, USA

9:00AM

La Jolla Shores

Begin the day with a visit and breakfast near the calm beach of La Jolla Shores.
Drive to La Jolla, park in nearby lots.
USD10 - USD30 for breakfast, 2 hours

11:00AM

Birch Aquarium

Experience marine life at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Short drive within La Jolla.
USD20 for adults, USD15 for children, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Liberty Public Market

Enjoy a casual and diverse dining experience at Liberty Public Market.
Drive to Liberty Station, park in the free lots.
USD20 - USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

SeaWorld San Diego

Spend the afternoon at SeaWorld, enjoying thrilling rides and marine animal shows.
Drive and park at SeaWorld.
USD95 for adults, USD90 for children, 4 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Phil's BBQ

Relish some of the best BBQ San Diego has to offer at Phil's BBQ.
Short drive from SeaWorld.
USD20 - USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 6: Disney Magic

Anaheim, USA

9:00AM

Drive to Anaheim

Travel to Anaheim, home of Disneyland.
Drive north on I-5 to Anaheim.
Fuel cost, 2 hours

11:00AM

Disneyland Park

Spend the day with Mickey and friends, experiencing the magic of Disneyland.
Park at Disneyland parking, shuttle to the park.
USD125 for adults, USD120 for children, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch in the Park

Enjoy a themed lunch at one of Disneyland's many family-friendly eateries.
Nearer attractions within the park.
USD50 - USD100, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner and Fireworks

Cap the evening with a special dinner followed by the dazzling fireworks show.
Within Disneyland Park.
USD50 - USD100, 2 hours
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Day 7: More Disney

Anaheim, USA

9:00AM

Disney California Adventure Park

Continue the Disney magic at Disney California Adventure with more rides and attractions.
Walking distance from Disneyland Park, use the same parking.
USD125 for adults, USD120 for children, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch in the Park

Discover various dining options within the California Adventure Park.
Nearby attractions within the park.
USD50 - USD100, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Downtown Disney District

Walk over to the Downtown Disney District for a final themed dinner in Anaheim.
Walking distance from the park.
USD50 - USD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Anaheim

Day 8: Urban Exploration

San Francisco, USA

9:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Begin your San Francisco adventure with a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive to the bridge, find parking nearby.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Fisherman's Wharf

Head to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch, seafood and street entertainment.
Drive or walk to Fisherman's Wharf.
USD20 - USD50, 2 hours

2:00PM

Alcatraz Island

Embark on a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a family tour of the historic prison.
Take a ferry from the wharf, book tickets in advance.
USD40 - USD80, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pier 39

Enjoy dinner by the water at Pier 39 with views of the sea lions.
Walk from Alcatraz landing to Pier 39.
USD50 - USD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 9: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, USA

8:00AM

Drive to Yosemite NP

Travel into the breathtaking Yosemite National Park for a day of nature and hiking.
Drive east towards Yosemite.
Fuel cost, 3 hours

11:30AM

Yosemite Valley

Explore the iconic valley featuring waterfalls, meadows, and rock formations.
Park at Yosemite Valley visitor center.
USD35 per vehicle for entry, 4 hours

4:30PM

Bridalveil Fall

Hike to the scenic Bridalveil Fall, a must-see in the park.
Accessible by a short walk from the parking area.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yosemite Village

Enjoy a hearty meal at one of the restaurants in Yosemite Village.
Drive to the village or take a shuttle.
USD30 - USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yosemite

Day 10: Scenic Drive to Monterey

Monterey, USA

9:00AM

Drive along Big Sur

Embark on a picturesque drive along the rugged coastline of Big Sur.
Drive south on Highway 1, with stops at scenic viewpoints.
Fuel cost, 5 hours

2:00PM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium to discover marine life up close.
Arrive at the aquarium and park nearby.
USD50 for adults, USD30 for children, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cannery Row

Enjoy a seafood dinner along Cannery Row with beautiful views of the bay.
Walk from the aquarium to nearby restaurants.
USD40 - USD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 11: Pacific Coast Exploration

Santa Barbara, USA

9:00AM

Santa Barbara Mission

Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission and its gardens.
Drive to the mission, park nearby.
USD10 - USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stearns Wharf

Explore Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wharf with shops and eateries.
Drive or walk to the wharf.
USD20 - USD50, 2 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of East Beach and enjoy some family beach activities.
Drive to East Beach and park in the nearby lots.
FREE, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Santa Barbara Public Market

Treat yourselves to a variety of dining options at Santa Barbara Public Market.
Drive to the market for dinner.
USD30 - USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 12: Wine Country Delights

Napa Valley, USA

9:00AM

Napa Valley Wine Train

Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train with gourmet meals and vineyard views.
Arrive at the station and board the train.
USD150 - USD300, 4 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting Tour

Explore the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting at notable wineries in Napa Valley.
Wine tour included with train journey, or arrange a separate tour.
USD50 - USD100 per person, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Downtown Napa

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner in one of the charming restaurants in Downtown Napa.
Drive or walk to the downtown area.
USD40 - USD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Napa Valley

Day 13: Historic Sacramento

Sacramento, USA

9:00AM

Old Sacramento

Explore the historic Old Sacramento area with its wooden sidewalks and unique shops.
Drive to Old Sacramento and find parking in the area.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

California State Railroad Museum

Visit the California State Railroad Museum to learn about the history of trains and railroads in California.
Walk from Old Sacramento to the museum.
USD12 for adults, USD6 for children, 2 hours

2:00PM

State Capitol Park

Stroll through State Capitol Park and admire the architecture of the California State Capitol building.
Short walk from the museum to the park.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Firehouse

Dine at The Firehouse, a historic restaurant known for its fine dining and ambiance.
Drive to the restaurant in Old Sacramento.
USD50 - USD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sacramento

Day 14: Lake Tahoe Adventure

Lake Tahoe, USA

9:00AM

Lake Tahoe Beach

Start the day with beach activities or a boat rental at one of Lake Tahoe's pristine beaches.
Drive to a beach of your choice, park in designated areas.
Varies based on activities, 2 hours

11:30AM

Scenic Gondola Ride

Take a scenic gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains.
Drive to the gondola station, purchase tickets.
USD50 - USD75, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Basecamp Pizza Co.

Enjoy a casual lunch at Basecamp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe with delicious pizzas.
Drive to the restaurant in South Lake Tahoe.
USD20 - USD40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking on Emerald Bay

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Bay with a family kayak adventure.
Drive to Emerald Bay, rent kayaks on-site.
USD20 - USD40 per hour, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse on the Pier

Relish a waterfront dinner at The Boathouse, enjoying the stunning sunset over the lake.
Drive to The Boathouse, reservations recommended.
USD50 - USD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tahoe
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