Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Family Friendly City Experience in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, known for its amazing egg dishes and pancakes.
Navigate to Mama's on Washington Square in North Beach.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the historical prison with an audio tour for the whole family.
Take a ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.
$$, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf, offering stunning views of the bay.
Head to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Spend the afternoon in Golden Gate Park exploring the Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, and more.
Travel to Golden Gate Park for the afternoon.
$, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Slanted Door

Indulge in modern Vietnamese cuisine at The Slanted Door, a family-friendly restaurant overlooking the bay.
Head to The Slanted Door at the Ferry Building.
$$$, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Discover San Jose

San Jose, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bill's Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bill's Cafe known for its delicious omelettes and pancakes.
Make your way to Bill's Cafe for breakfast in downtown San Jose.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit The Tech Interactive

Explore The Tech Interactive, a hands-on science and technology museum that offers interactive exhibits for all ages.
Drive to The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose.
$$, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at San Pedro Square Market

Enjoy a variety of food options at San Pedro Square Market, a vibrant food hall with something for everyone.
Head to San Pedro Square Market for lunch.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Santana Row

Shop and stroll around Santana Row, an upscale shopping and dining destination with a European vibe.
Drive to Santana Row for some leisurely shopping and exploration.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Original Joe's

Have dinner at Original Joe's, a classic Italian-American restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere for families.
Head to Original Joe's for a delightful dinner.
$$, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 3: Relax in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Linda's Seabreeze Cafe known for its friendly service and delicious comfort food.
Head to Linda's Seabreeze Cafe for breakfast on the beach in Santa Cruz.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Spend the morning at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoying rides, games, and the beach.
Make your way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a fun-filled morning.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Grab a quick and delicious lunch at The Picnic Basket, known for its sandwiches and ice cream.
Head to The Picnic Basket for a casual lunch near the beach.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Natural Bridges State Beach

Discover the beauty of Natural Bridges State Beach and its iconic rock formations, great for a leisurely afternoon walk.
Drive to Natural Bridges State Beach for some nature exploration.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shadowbrook Restaurant

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Shadowbrook Restaurant, set in a fairy-tale-like ambiance in the woods.
Head to Shadowbrook Restaurant for a magical dinner in Santa Cruz.
$$$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 4: Farewell California!

Santa Cruz, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Walnut Avenue Cafe

Have breakfast at Walnut Avenue Cafe, a cozy spot with a variety of delicious breakfast options.
Start your day with breakfast at the Walnut Avenue Cafe in Santa Cruz.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the awe-inspiring Monterey Bay Aquarium, showcasing diverse marine life from the Monterey Bay.
Drive to Monterey for a visit to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.
$$$, 3-4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baja Cantina

Enjoy a Mexican feast at Baja Cantina with ocean views, the perfect spot for a delicious and scenic lunch.
Head to Baja Cantina in Monterey for a delightful meal by the sea.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive back to San Francisco

Enjoy the scenic drive back to San Francisco, taking in the coastal views along the way.
Travel back to the city for your departure.
$, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your San Francisco, San Jose, Santa cruz Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go