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14-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip in California National Parks

Viewed by 103 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast famous for their French toast and homemade jam.
Walk downtown to catch the Cable Car, enjoy the iconic ride.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Spend some time enjoying the beautiful gardens and playgrounds perfect for kids.
Drive 15 minutes to Golden Gate Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Relish some contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a fantastic view of the Bay.
Head to the Ferry Building Marketplace, parking available.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to this infamous former prison and enjoy a fascinating audio tour.
Ferry from the Ferry Building.
USD 40, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Enjoy delicious seafood while watching the sunset over the bay.
Return back to Fisherman’s Wharf by ferry.
USD 120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Nature at Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Cottage Inn

A cozy start with fresh pastries and coffee to go.
Drive from San Francisco to Point Reyes (1.5 hours).
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike the Earthquake Trail

A family-friendly hike to see the impacts of the 1906 earthquake.
Park at the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Point Reyes Station

Experience local cheese and bread at Cowgirl Creamery.
Drive 20 minutes to Point Reyes Station.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse

Explore the historic lighthouse with breathtaking coastal views.
Drive to the lighthouse (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Whale Watching (seasonal)

Depending on the time of year, go out for marine wildlife viewing.
Check the visitor's center for options.
USD 80, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pelican Inn

Enjoy classic English fare in a charming setting.
Drive back to the inn.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Point Reyes National Seashore

Day 3: Wine and Nature in Napa Valley

Napa Valley, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Known for their famous English muffins, perfect for an energetic day.
Drive from Point Reyes to Napa Valley (1.5 hours).
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Castello di Amorosa

Explore this incredible castle winery that is kid-friendly and fun.
Drive to the castle (30 minutes).
USD 60, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Napa Valley Wine Train

Enjoy a scenic train ride through vineyards with brunch on board.
Head to the train station.
USD 200, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Downtown Napa

Stroll through charming shops and art galleries.
Walk downtown from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Oxbow Public Market

Sample various local delicacies and artisan goods.
Walk from downtown Napa.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Brix Restaurant

Savor farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Drive to Brix (10 minutes).
USD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Napa Valley

Day 4: Yosemite Adventure

Yosemite National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Prepare for a day of adventure with a wholesome breakfast.
Drive from Napa to Yosemite (3 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Start your journey with helpful information and maps for the park.
Arrive at Yosemite National Park.
USD 35 per vehicle, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit El Capitan

Marvel at the stunning rock formation and take photos.
Drive to El Capitan viewpoint (15 minutes).
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Dine in an elegant setting with fantastic views of the park.
Drive to The Ahwahnee (20 minutes).
USD 150, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

A family-friendly hike leading to the majestic waterfalls.
Drive to the trailhead (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Glacier Point

Experience panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.
Drive to Glacier Point (30 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Yosemite Village

Enjoy casual dining with options for the whole family.
Return to Yosemite Village (30 minutes).
USD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 5: Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Sequoia National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Fuel up before a day of exploring giant sequoias.
Drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park (3 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Giant Forest

Walk among the towering sequoias, including General Sherman Tree.
Park at Giant Forest Museum.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Bring packed lunches and enjoy them surrounded by nature.
Find a picnic area in Giant Forest.
USD 30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Moro Rock

Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the park.
Drive to Moro Rock (20 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Crescent Meadow

Take a gentle hike around this scenic meadow and enjoy the serenity.
Drive to Crescent Meadow (20 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Three Rivers

Refuel at a local restaurant offering American classics.
Drive to Three Rivers (30 minutes).
USD 80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park

Day 6: Kings Canyon Exploration

Kings Canyon National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Grab a quick bite before heading into Kings Canyon.
Drive back to Kings Canyon (30 minutes).
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Grant Grove

Explore more giant sequoias and hike around the grove.
Head to Grant Grove (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kings Canyon Lodge

Enjoy a simple meal while taking in more views of the park.
Drive to Kings Canyon Lodge (30 minutes).
USD 60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Cedar Grove Scenic Drive

Drive through one of California's most breathtaking landscapes.
Continue driving through the park.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Hike on the Zumwalt Meadow Trail

Take a family-friendly hike along a beautiful meadow.
Start at the Zumwalt Meadow parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Three Rivers

Savor dinner at a popular local establishment.
Head back to Three Rivers (30 minutes).
USD 80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kings Canyon National Park

Day 7: Adventurous Death Valley

Death Valley National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

A casual meal before leaving for a unique landscape.
Drive from Three Rivers to Death Valley (3.5 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Badwater Basin

Stand at the lowest point in North America and take in the surreal views.
Arrive at Badwater Basin (30 minutes).
USD 30 per vehicle, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Zabriskie Point

Marvel at the colorful badlands from a scenic overlook.
Drive to Zabriskie Point (30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Oasis at Death Valley

Enjoy a nice meal and refresh before more exploring.
Drive back to The Oasis (30 minutes).
USD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Dante's View

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the park.
Drive to Dante's View (40 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Furnace Creek

Stop by the visitor center for educational exhibits about Death Valley's nature.
Drive to Furnace Creek (30 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner under the stars

Enjoy a picnic dinner while watching the starry night sky.
Set up at a suitable picnic area near Furnace Creek.
USD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Death Valley National Park

Day 8: Exploring Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Enjoy a good breakfast in the heart of the desert.
Drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree (4 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hidden Valley

Explore this picturesque area known for rock formations and hiking trails.
Arrive at Hidden Valley parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Crossroads Cafe

Enjoy an Americana lunch in the eclectic town of Joshua Tree.
Drive into Joshua Tree town (15 minutes).
USD 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Cholla Cactus Garden

Walk among the stunning cholla cactus species with family.
Drive to Cholla Cactus Garden (30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Keys View

A spectacular lookout point for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
Drive to Keys View (30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

A funky local eatery known for its vibrant music scene and good food.
Drive to Pioneertown (30 minutes).
USD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park

Day 9: Family Fun in San Diego

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Enjoy a lovely breakfast close to the picturesque La Jolla Cove.
Drive from Joshua Tree to San Diego (3 hours).
USD 50, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the San Diego Zoo

Spend your morning exploring one of the world’s best zoos.
Drive to the zoo (20 minutes).
USD 200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Prado at Balboa Park

Savor Mediterranean dishes surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Walk through Balboa Park to The Prado.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Balboa Park

Stroll through gardens and take part in fun kids’ activities.
Explore park at your own pace.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Watch sea lions, swim or relax on the beach.
Drive 20 minutes to La Jolla Cove.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Enjoy upscale dining with ocean views in chic surroundings.
Stay at La Jolla Cove.
USD 200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 10: Channel Islands Adventure

Channel Islands National Park, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

A quick breakfast before heading to the island.
Drive from San Diego to Ventura (1.5 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Ferry Ride to Channel Islands

Take an early ferry to one of the islands for a day of exploration.
Board from Ventura Harbor.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hike on Santa Cruz Island

Discover beautiful landscapes and wildlife on the island.
Select trails based on family preferences.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch on the Island

Enjoy a beach picnic surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Find a suitable picnic spot.
USD 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wildlife Watching

Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and other marine life.
Explore the shoreline.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Ferry Return to Ventura

Relax and enjoy the ride back to the mainland.
Board the return ferry.
Included with ferry ticket, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Lure Fish House

Delight in fresh seafood at a popular Ventura eatery.
Drive to Lure from Ventura Harbor.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Channel Islands National Park

Day 11: Los Padres Nature

Los Padres National Forest, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savor breakfast before your hike into nature.
Drive from Ventura to Los Padres (1 hour).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pine Mountain Club

Start your day with hiking and wildlife observation.
Arrive at Pine Mountain Club entrance.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Pine Cone Cafe

Enjoy a delightful meal in a cozy setting.
Drive to cafe from Pine Mountain Club.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the trails

Discover hidden gems throughout the forest with the family.
Choose trails from the visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Picnic Dinner

Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy it outdoors.
Find a picturesque spot in the forest.
USD 30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Los Padres National Forest

Day 12: Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
Drive from Los Padres to Pinnacles (2 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Pinnacles Visitor Center

Gather information on park activities and trails.
Arrive at the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hike the Bear Gulch Cave

Experience the beauty of caves and unique rock formations.
Start hike from the visitor center.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Pine Ridge Campsite

Eat lunch while surrounded by nature.
Head to the Pine Ridge Campsite.
USD 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore High Peaks Trail

Take your family on an adventurous hike offering fantastic views.
Hike from the campsite.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pinnacles Campground

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the park's campground.
Drive back to the campground (~30 minutes).
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pinnacles National Park

Day 13: Lassen Volcanic Wonders

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Prepare for a day of exploring geological wonders.
Drive from Pinnacles to Lassen Volcanic National Park (3.5 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

Start your visit with exhibits explaining geological features.
Arrive at the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Visitor Center

Savor light meals with scenic views.
Eat at the visitor center cafeteria.
USD 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Bumpass Hell

Explore geothermal features like boiling mud pots and fumaroles.
Drive to the trailhead (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Manzanita Lake

Enjoy tranquil scenery and a chance for wildlife sightings.
Drive to Manzanita Lake (30 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at your lodging

Relax with a family dinner to reflect on your trip.
Return to your lodging.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Day 14: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodging

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading home.
Drive from Lassen to San Francisco (3.5 hours).
Included with stay, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch on the Road

Stop at a local diner for a final meal together.
Choose a diner along the route.
USD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Last Attractions in San Francisco

Visit any last locations on your list like Lombard Street or Golden Gate.
End your trip in the city.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Wrap up your adventure and head to San Francisco International Airport.
Drive to the airport (30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco
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