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Ultimate California Family Adventure Itinerary: Theme Parks, National Parks & More

Viewed by 64 travelers

Day 1: Explore Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Griddle Cafe

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast of gigantic pancakes at the famous Griddle Cafe.
Located in Hollywood, easy access after arriving.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the iconic Griffith Observatory and enjoy stunning views of the Hollywood sign.
15-minute drive from Griddle Cafe.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs

A famous spot for delicious gourmet hot dogs, perfect for a quick lunch before more adventures.
20-minute drive from Griffith Observatory.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, taking pictures with your favorite celebrities' stars.
10-minute drive from Pink's.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Original Farmer's Market

Enjoy a casual dinner with a variety of food options suitable for everyone, all in one market.
10-minute drive from Hollywood.
USD50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Evening at Santa Monica Pier

Wrap up your day with a visit to Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the carnival atmosphere and ocean views.
30-minute drive from Farmer's Market.
Free, 3 hours
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Day 2: Adventure at Universal Studios

Los Angeles, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at Mel's Drive-In

Fuel up with a retro diner breakfast at Mel's Drive-In before a fun-filled day.
5-minute drive to the park.
USD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend a day at Universal Studios exploring thrilling rides, shows, and attractions.
Walking distance.
USD150, 8 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants at Universal CityWalk, perfect after a long day.
Adjacent to the park.
USD60, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Griffith Park

Take a relaxing walk in Griffith Park to unwind after an exciting day.
15-minute drive from CityWalk.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Disneyland Magic

Anaheim, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Savor classic breakfast dishes at The Pancake House before heading to Disneyland.
30-minute drive to Anaheim.
USD35, 1 hour

8:30AM

Disneyland Park

Experience the magic of Disneyland for a full day of rides, characters, and enchanting shows.
5-minute drive from breakfast spot.
USD160, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Plaza Inn

Enjoy a classic meal at the Plaza Inn, famous for its fried chicken.
In Disneyland Park.
USD75, 2 hours
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Day 4: Disney California Adventure

Anaheim, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Have a hearty breakfast at Denny's before another fun day at the park.
Quick drive from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Disney California Adventure Park

Enjoy the thrilling rides, water fun, and character interactions at California Adventure Park.
5-minute drive to the park.
USD160, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta

Family-friendly dining with a variety of options in the park.
Within the park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Fun in San Diego

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Republic

Start your day with unique breakfast offerings at Breakfast Republic.
1-hour drive to San Diego.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Explore one of the world’s most famous zoos, full of interesting animals and exhibits.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
USD80, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Crack Shack

Enjoy a casual lunch with standout fried chicken and creative sandwiches.
10-minute drive from the zoo.
USD60, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Balboa Park

Stroll through Balboa Park's beautiful gardens and museums.
10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Harbor House

Savor fresh seafood with beautiful views of the San Diego harbor.
15-minute drive from Balboa Park.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Great Times in San Diego

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 21

Enjoy farm-to-table breakfast with a wide array of choices at Café 21.
Short drive from your accommodation.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

SeaWorld San Diego

Spend the day at SeaWorld to enjoy marine life exhibits, thrilling rides, and shows.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
USD100, 8 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

A popular family dining option with a vast menu including delicious cheesecake.
20-minute drive from SeaWorld.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your hotel before the drive to Yosemite.
Check out and drive 5 hours to Yosemite.
Free (included in accommodation), 5 hours

1:00PM

Arrival at Yosemite and Lunch

Have a picnic lunch at Yosemite Valley with stunning views surrounding you.
30 minutes to the park entrance.
USD30 (groceries), 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Explore the breathtaking Yosemite Valley, taking in sights like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Walking distance in the park.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Talon Restaurant

Dine at The Talon, with a menu featuring local ingredients and delicious dishes.
Located in the park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Adventure in Yosemite

Yosemite, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation before exploring more of Yosemite.
Included in your stay.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Take an easy hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls.
15-minute drive to the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen

Enjoy a casual lunch with sandwiches and salads at Degnan's Kitchen.
Drive back to Yosemite Village.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Marvel at ancient giant sequoias in the beautiful Mariposa Grove.
Drive approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Wawona Hotel

Dine in a historical hotel with a warm atmosphere and good food.
Drive back towards the village, around 30 minutes.
USD75, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Sequoia National Park

Sequoia, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to Sequoia National Park.
Drive approximately 2 hours to Sequoia.
Free (included in accommodation), 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the Grant Grove Restaurant

Stop for lunch as you arrive at Sequoia National Park, famous for its towering trees.
At Sequoia National Park entrance.
USD50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Explore Grant Grove

Walk through the majestic grove filled with giant sequoias, including the General Grant Tree.
Walking distance.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Giant Forest

Take a short drive to explore the Giant Forest with even more incredible sequoias.
Drive for about 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sequoia Lodge

Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Sequoia Lodge’s dining room.
Located within the park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Sequoia National Park Adventures

Sequoia, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Sequoia Lodge

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge.
Walk downstairs.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Moro Rock

Hike up to Moro Rock, a granite dome with stunning panoramic views.
Drive to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the lodge

Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Sequoia Lodge to refuel for your adventures.
Located within the park.
USD50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Crescent Meadow

Visit the picturesque Crescent Meadow, often referred to as the 'Gem of the Sierra.'
Drive approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Sequoia Lodge

End your day with a relaxing dinner at The Sequoia Lodge.
Walk back.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out for Joshua Tree.
Drive approximately 3 hours to Joshua Tree.
Free (included in accommodation), 3 hours

11:30AM

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Have a picnic lunch in the park surrounded by unique rock formations.
Inside Joshua Tree National Park.
USD25 (groceries), 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Hidden Valley

Hike the Hidden Valley trail, showcasing the park’s breathtaking scenery.
Located inside the park.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Rock Climbing Experience

Join a family-friendly rock climbing lesson, perfect for adventurers of all ages.
Guided tours in the park.
USD150, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Crossroads Café

Dine at Crossroads Café with great local food before a stargazing night.
Drive to nearby Joshua Tree.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Joshua Tree Exploration

Joshua Tree, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the café

Enjoy breakfast at a local café to start your adventure-filled day.
Short drive from the lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden

Explore the beautiful Cholla Cactus Garden, an iconic landscape of Joshua Tree.
15-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike at Barker Dam

Hike the Barker Dam trail and discover the wildflowers and rock art along the way.
15-minute drive from the Cholla Garden.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s

Dine at this iconic restaurant with great food and a fun vibe.
Drive to nearby Pioneertown.
USD70, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Keys View

Drive to Keys View for scenic vistas and stunning views of the Coachella Valley.
Drive for about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Copine

Enjoy farm-to-table dining at this local favorite with seasonal dishes.
20-minute drive from Keys View.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Six Flags Magic Mountain

Valencia, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Cottage before your action-packed day.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Valencia.
USD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Spend your day filled with thrilling rides and attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
5-minute drive from breakfast.
USD130, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Johnny Rockets

Hit up Johnny Rockets in the park for a lively dining experience with classic American fare.
Inside the park.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Departure

Los Angeles, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Pack up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the airport.
Check out from your hotel.
Free (included in accommodation), 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Los Angeles International Airport

Head to LAX for your departure flight.
30-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes
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