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Ultimate 14-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip through California's National Parks

Viewed by 86 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Kickstart your adventure with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, famous for their french toast and fresh fruit.
Take a leisurely stroll around Washington Square Park post-breakfast.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison.
Book ferry tickets in advance for seamless travel to the island.
USD40, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy seafood at Boudin Bakery while watching the sea lions at Pier 39.
Walk from Alcatraz ferry terminal to Fisherman's Wharf.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Stroll through Golden Gate Park's gardens, playgrounds, and museums.
Drive or take the Muni from Fisherman's Wharf to the park.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Delight in garlic-infused Italian dishes at this quirky restaurant.
Take a short drive to North Beach.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Plow

Savor delicious egg dishes at this cozy breakfast spot.
Short drive or public transport to Plow.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ride the Cable Car

Experience San Francisco's iconic cable car system to Lombard Street.
Catch the Powell-Hyde line at Powell & Market.
USD8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Lombard Street

Walk down the famously crooked street for great photo ops.
Walk from the cable car stop.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Market on Market

Enjoy a variety of food stalls offering California cuisine.
Drive or take public transport back towards downtown.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Explore hands-on science exhibits that are fun for all ages.
Walk or drive to Embarcadero.
USD30, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tadich Grill

Indulge in classic seafood dishes at one of San Francisco's oldest restaurants.
A short walk from the Exploratorium.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, USA

7:00AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains as you head to the park.
Take CA-99 South to CA-198 East.
Fuel Costs, 4 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Giant Forest Museum

Learn about the incredible giant sequoias that inhabit this area.
Once in the park, follow signs to the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Grant Grove Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with picnic options available.
Drive to Grant Grove area within the park.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike to General Sherman Tree

Take an easy trail to the largest living tree on Earth.
Follow signs from Grant Grove.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to a Lodging

Settle in at Wuksachi Lodge, nestled in the grove.
Drive to the lodge area.
USD200, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room

Savor local flavors in a cozy lodge setting.
Dine at your lodge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before exploring Kings Canyon.
Breakfast at the lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kings Canyon

Explore baked canyon scenery and majestic cliffs from various lookout spots.
Drive to Kings Canyon via CA-198 East.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grant Grove Restaurant

Grab a bite at Grant Grove before hitting more trails in Kings Canyon.
Return to Grant Grove.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hike Mist Falls Trail

Embark on an easy-moderate hike to see a stunning waterfall.
Follow signs for Mist Falls Trail from the parking area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Sequoia

Admire the beautiful landscapes on your way back.
Return to Sequoia using CA-198 W.
Fuel Costs, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Lodge

Share stories from the day over a delightful meal at the lodge.
Dine at your lodge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy an early breakfast and get ready for your next adventure.
At your lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Yosemite National Park

Travel through beautiful landscapes heading to Yosemite.
Take CA-41 North to reach the park.
Fuel Costs, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Yosemite Valley Overview

Stop at the Tunnel View for breathtaking views of the valley.
Follow signs to Tunnel View from Wawona Road.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Grab a quick meal with stunning views of Yosemite Falls.
Drive to Yosemite Valley Lodge.
USD40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Yosemite Falls Trail

Take an easy walk to the base of the stunning Yosemite Falls.
Follow signs near the lodge.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-in to a Lodge

Settle down in your lodge with views of the forest.
Find your way to Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.
USD180, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a family-style dinner at the lodge restaurant with delicious meals.
Dine at the lodge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Fuel up for your day with a wonderful breakfast at the lodge.
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Glacier Point

Take the family on an uphill trek to see panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Drive to the Glacier Point parking area.
Free, 3-4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Glacier Point

Bring along a picnic to enjoy at the viewpoint.
Set out a picnic at one of the well-placed tables.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Mariposa Grove

Seek out the giant sequoias in the southern part of the park.
Drive to Mariposa Grove entrance.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Lodge

Head back to the lodge and relax after your day of exploration.
Return to Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lodge

Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at the lodge.
Dine at the lodge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a final breakfast at Yosemite Lodge before departing.
Breakfast at your lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Enjoy the transition from lush green landscapes to the stark beauty of Death Valley.
Drive down CA-41 to CA-120, then onto CA-395S.
Fuel Costs, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Death Valley Visitor Center

Grab a quick bite at the visitor center café.
First stop at the visitor center upon entering the park.
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Badwater Basin Salt Flats

Walk to the lowest point in North America and enjoy unique landscapes.
Drive to Badwater Basin within the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in to The Inn at Death Valley

Settle into your accommodation in this stunning desert sanctuary.
Drive to the hotel within the park.
USD250, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Inn at Death Valley

Savor a meal at this charming desert resort, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Dining facility at the hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Inn

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to Mammoth Lakes.
In-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Mammoth Lakes

Travel through the picturesque Sierra Nevada landscape to Mammoth Lakes.
Follow CA-190 to US-395 N.
Fuel Costs, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Mammoth Mountain Inn

Settle into the Mammoth Mountain Inn before exploring the area.
Drive to Mammoth Mountain Inn.
USD200, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at The Eatery

Have a casual lunch at the Mammoth Mountain base lodge.
Head down to the base lodge after check-in.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Mammoth Lakes

Discover the beautiful lakes, trails, and scenic views.
Take a drive or walk to nearby lakeside trails.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Mammoth Tavern

Unwind with a hearty American-style dinner in a rustic setting.
Drive to Mammoth Tavern.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Redwoods National Park

Redwood National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Inn

Fuel up at the Mammoth Mountain Inn before a long drive.
Enjoy the in-house dining.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Redwood National Park

Experience a change in scenery as you head north to the coastal redwoods.
Take US-395 N and follow CA-299 to the coast.
Fuel Costs, 6 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at the Visitor Center

Enjoy a quick lunch at the Visitor Center in the park.
Once you arrive at the park, visit the visitor center first.
USD25, 1 hour

4:30PM

Hike in the Redwoods

Embark on a short hike on one of the marked trails among the tallest trees on Earth.
Choose a trail from the visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at a Local Lodge

Settle in for the night at a cozy lodge surrounded by nature.
Find lodging options near the park.
USD150, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge's restaurant.
Dine at the lodge.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Redwood National Park

Day 10: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Start your day with breakfast at your lodge in the redwoods.
At the lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Hit the road towards Lassen, exploring scenic sights along the way.
Take US-101 to CA-36 E.
Fuel Costs, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Manzanita Lake

Enjoy a lovely picnic near the lake with stunning views of Lassen Peak.
Head to Manzanita Lake inside the park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Lassen Hydrothermal Features

Discover the park’s unique geothermal features like bubbling mud pots.
Drive to Bumpass Hell Trailhead from Manzanita Lake.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Local Lodges

Rest up at nearby accommodations around the park.
Find nearby lodges.
USD150, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Enjoy comfort food at a classic local diner.
Short drive to a nearby diner.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Back to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back to the city.
Breakfast at your lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Francisco

Return to the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Take CA-36 W then to US-101.
Fuel Costs, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ferry Building Marketplace

Explore a variety of food vendors for a quick and tasty lunch.
Find parking near the Ferry Building.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Crissy Field

Spend some time relaxing and enjoying views of the Golden Gate from Crissy Field.
Drive to Crissy Field.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

Explore the aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one.
Short drive from Crissy Field.
USD40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Indulge in a classic San Francisco dining experience with prime rib.
Drive to the restaurant in Nob Hill.
USD130, 2 hours
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Day 12: Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start the day with a great breakfast before the next adventure.
Find a café near your lodging.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Ventura Harbor

Travel south to Ventura for the boat to Channel Islands.
Follow US-101 South to Ventura.
Fuel Costs, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Boat to Channel Islands National Park

Set out on a boat trip to this remote and beautiful archipelago.
Catch a ferry from Ventura Harbor.
USD75, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Santa Cruz Island

Discover the unique wildlife and hiking trails on this beautiful island.
Proceed to find local trails for hiking.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch Picnic on the Island

Enjoy a picnic filled with local snacks on Santa Cruz Island.
Bring your picnic supplies along.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Return to Ventura

Head back on the ferry to Ventura for the evening.
Catch the return ferry from the island.
USD75, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Seafood Restaurant in Ventura

Enjoy fresh catch from the sea at a popular local spot.
Find a restaurant close to the harbor.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 13: Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Diner

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast.
Find a popular diner in Ventura.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Point Reyes

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Point Reyes.
Follow CA-1 North to Point Reyes.
Fuel Costs, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Point Reyes Station

Eat at a quaint café offering fresh sandwiches and local treats.
Stop in Point Reyes Station for lunch.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hike to Tomales Point

Set off on an afternoon hike with stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting.
Access the trailhead at the north end of the Point Reyes Peninsula.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Lodging Near Point Reyes

Look for local inns or bed and breakfasts for a cozy stay.
Drive to your chosen lodging.
USD150, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Point Reyes Lodge

Relax and enjoy dinner in the beautiful setting of Point Reyes.
Dine at the lodge.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Return Home

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Finish your adventure with a memorable breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to San Francisco

Head back to the city with lovely memories of your road trip.
Travel along CA-1 South to San Francisco.
Fuel Costs, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Lunch Pad

Enjoy a casual lunch before heading to the airport.
Look for eateries near the airport.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Prepare for Departure

Check-in for your flight and reflect on the amazing adventures.
Arrive at the airport.
Free, 1 hour
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