7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Adventure from San Francisco

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with delicious pancakes or the famous French Toast at this local favorite.
Located in the North Beach neighborhood, easy to access from downtown.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore the lively waterfront filled with shops, restaurants, and sea lions basking on the docks.
Take a 15-minute walk from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Taste their famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
Just a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Golden Gate Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and visit the California Academy of Sciences and Japanese Tea Garden.
Drive or take a public transport for about 20 minutes.
USD50 (for CA Academy) + Free for Gardens, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Indulge in garlic-flavored dishes at this unique eatery, perfect for families.
Drive back towards North Beach area, about 15 minutes.
USD70, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Pier 39

Enjoy the fun atmosphere with street performers and shops, and perhaps some ice cream!
Short 10-minute drive from dinner.
Free + Ice Cream USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature's Beauty at Muir Woods

Muir Woods, CA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sweet Maple

Delight in their famous Millionaire's Bacon before heading out.
Drive around 30 minutes from San Francisco.
USD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Muir Woods National Monument

Wander through ancient redwoods on family-friendly trails, a true nature escape.
Located about 15 minutes drive from breakfast.
USD15 (parking fee), 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Muir Woods

Bring your own lunch to enjoy amidst the towering trees for a serene experience.
Pick up at nearby deli on the way, or prepare from home.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

More Hiking

Explore additional trails or enjoy interpretive programs in the park.
Continue within Muir Woods.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Stinson Beach

Head over to enjoy beautiful beach time perfect for relaxing and building sandcastles.
15-minute drive from Muir Woods.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Stinson Beach

Eat at The Beach Chalet, enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views.
Located right by the beach.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure at Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pine Cone Diner

A hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure awaits at this cozy diner.
Drive back about 30 minutes to Stinson Beach.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Point Reyes

Enjoy scenic views as you drive to the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Drive approximately 45 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse

Take in breathtaking coastal views and explore the historic lighthouse.
Just a short drive followed by a walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Point Reyes Station

Savor locally-sourced sandwiches at Cowgirl Creamery's Cheese Shop.
Drive about 20 minutes back to Point Reyes Station.
USD40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Tomales Bay

Take a canoe or kayak tour to observe wildlife and tranquil waters.
Drive to Tomales Bay about 15 minutes.
USD100 (rental), 2 hours

3:30PM

Point Reyes National Park Hikes

Hike one of the family-friendly trails offering stunning views and fresh ocean air.
Return to Point Reyes Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Station House Café

Finish off with some delicious seafood or on-the-go burgers for a family-friendly vibe.
A quick drive from the park.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Charming Sausalito

Sausalito, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cibo Cafe

Grab freshly baked pastries and coffee to start your day in Sausalito.
Short drive from Point Reyes to Sausalito.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Sausalito Waterfront

Stroll along the picturesque waterfront viewing art galleries and shops.
Walk along the waterfront area.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Marin Headlands

Drive up for panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive about 15 minutes uphill.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Spinnaker

Enjoy seafood and American cuisine with stunning bay views.
Return to Sausalito waterfront, a 15-minute drive.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ferry Ride to San Francisco

Take a scenic ferry ride back to San Francisco, a fun experience for the whole family.
Catch the ferry directly from Sausalito harbor.
USD40, 1 hour

4:00PM

Exploring Alcatraz Island

Tour the historic prison and learn about its notorious inmates.
Ferry docks at Alcatraz; a short walk from the dock.
USD60 (tickets), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pier 39 restaurants

Choose from various family-friendly restaurants, like The Crab House or Fog Harbor Fish House.
Back to Pier 39, easy walking distance.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Wine Country Adventure

Napa Valley, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Savor the famous English muffins before a day exploring Napa.
Drive to Napa, approximately 1 hour.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Napa Valley Wine Train

Experience a unique ride through vineyards while enjoying a gourmet brunch onboard.
Ride the train starting from Napa station.
USD150 (tickets including brunch), 3 hours

12:30PM

Explore Oxbow Public Market

Stroll through local shops offering gourmet foods, artisanal goods, and delicious snacks.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa

Visit this stunning castle winery for an amazing family-friendly tour and tasting.
Drive about 20 minutes from Oxbow Market.
USD50 (tasting fee), 2 hours

4:30PM

Relaxing at Alston Park

Enjoy play areas and picnic spaces after a day of exploring.
Another short drive, approximately 15 minutes from the winery.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Girl & The Fig

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with an extensive menu to please the whole family.
Drive back to downtown Napa, about 10-15 minutes.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Lake Tahoe Fun

Lake Tahoe, CA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tacos Jalisco

Start with some local Mexican breakfast—a favorite for many travelers!
Drive to Lake Tahoe, about 2 hours away.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking at Emerald Bay State Park

Enjoy a peaceful hike with breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
A 30-minute drive from your breakfast location.
USD10 (parking fee), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Emerald Bay Grill

Taste local fare while enjoying stunning views from the restaurant overlooking the lake.
A short drive back to the state park entrance.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Time at Sand Harbor

Relax on the sandy beach or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.
Drive around the lake for 30 minutes.
USD15 (parking fee), 2 hours

4:30PM

Wind down at Kings Beach

Enjoy more beach activities or simply take in the beautiful scenery.
Just a 10-minute drive from Sand Harbor.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Chart House

Finish your day with a cozy dinner featuring fresh seafood and stunning views.
Drive 15 minutes to the restaurant.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Red Hut Cafe

A classic breakfast spot at Lake Tahoe with hearty options to fuel your trip back.
Local travel around Lake Tahoe.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Leisure Drive Back to San Francisco

Enjoy the scenic drive back, reminiscing about your amazing adventure.
The journey back is approximately 3.5 hours.
Free, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ferry Building Marketplace

Explore various local restaurants for a lively atmosphere and a multi-cuisine experience.
Drive back to San Francisco, easily accessed from the freeway.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Engage with interactive science exhibits, perfect for families.
A short drive to the Embarcadero area.
USD50 (tickets), 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax in Golden Gate Park

Wind down your trip with a leisurely stroll through one of the largest urban parks.
Drive to the park in 15 minutes from the Exploratorium.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nopa

Celebrate the end of your trip with a relaxed meal in this trendy restaurant specializing in organic comfort food.
A short 15-minute drive from the park.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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