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Epic Family-Friendly Road Trip Adventure: Nature, Food, and Relaxation on a Budget

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Los Angeles Awaits

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your adventure with oversized pancakes in the heart of Hollywood.
Drive to The Griddle Cafe located on Sunset Boulevard.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Griffith Park

Wander through trails and visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign.
Drive 15 minutes to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles

Indulge in soul food with their famous chicken and waffles combination.
Drive 20 minutes to Roscoe's.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Natural History Museum

Experience fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities for the kids.
Drive 10 minutes to the museum.
USD 14 per adult, kids under 3 free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Venice Beach

Take in the sights and sounds of outdoor performers and beachfront activities.
Drive 30 minutes to Venice Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Lobster

Enjoy oceanfront dining with a delicious seafood menu.
Walk to The Lobster from Venice Beach.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Sunshine in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Savor fresh maple bacon doughnuts and classic breakfast dishes.
Drive 2 hours to San Diego.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the beautiful gardens and unique museums, perfect for family fun.
Drive 15 minutes to Balboa Park.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop

Enjoy vibrant tacos in a fun atmosphere.
Drive 10 minutes to Lucha Libre.
USD 35, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relax at Mission Beach

Soak up the sun and enjoy family time at this iconic beach.
Drive 15 minutes to Mission Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Taste fresh seafood with views of the harbor.
Drive 20 minutes to The Fish Market.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 3: Return to LA

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Start your day off with gourmet egg sandwiches.
Drive 2 hours back to LA.
USD 30, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore the California Science Center

Interactive exhibits will engage and educate your whole family.
Drive 20 minutes to the Science Center.
Free, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Grab quick and iconic burgers perfect for fueling your afternoon adventures.
Drive 10 minutes to the closest In-N-Out.
USD 25, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Los Angeles Zoo

Enjoy a day with animals and hands-on exhibits for the kids.
Drive 20 minutes to the LA Zoo.
USD 21 per adult, kids under 2 free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bottega Louie

Dine in a bustling atmosphere featuring delicious Italian cuisine.
Drive 15 minutes to Bottega Louie.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Charm in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Start your day with local favorites and homemade pastries.
Drive 1.5 hours to Santa Barbara.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Stroll Santa Barbara’s Waterfront

Enjoy the scenic views and fresh ocean breeze on this beautiful promenade.
Walk along the waterfront.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Diverse eateries offer something for everyone at this bustling market.
Walk to the Public Market.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Explore beautiful grounds with great family-friendly exhibits.
Drive 10 minutes to the zoo.
USD 17 per adult, kids under 2 free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach.
Drive 15 minutes to The Boathouse.
USD 85, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy a heartwarming breakfast with a view of the river.
Drive 1.5 hours to Big Sur.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Hike to breathtaking waterfalls and stunning vistas.
Drive 10 minutes to the park.
USD 10 parking, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a meal overlooking the coast, known for its scenic views.
Drive 15 minutes to Nepenthe.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Relax on one of Big Sur’s famous purple sand beaches.
Drive 15 minutes to Pfeiffer Beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Coastal Grill

Savor delicious California cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
Drive 15 minutes to The Coastal Grill.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explorer's Paradise in Monterey

Monterey, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options that will satisfy the whole family.
Drive 30 minutes from Big Sur to Monterey.
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Marvel at the breathtaking marine life exhibits suitable for all ages.
Drive 10 minutes to the aquarium.
USD 50 per adult, kids under 3 free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Enjoy tasty pub food with a fun atmosphere along Cannery Row.
Walk to Cannery Row.
USD 55, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Cannery Row

Wander the iconic streets filled with shops and fun activities.
Stay within Cannery Row area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Famous for its fine dining and seafood in a historic setting.
Drive 5 minutes to The Sardine Factory.
USD 100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Charming San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Delve into freshly made breakfasts at this beloved local spot.
Drive 2 hours to San Francisco.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Fisherman's Wharf

Explore shops, eateries, and sea lions at this bustling wharf.
Drive 10 minutes to Fisherman's Wharf.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Walk to Boudin Bakery.
USD 40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ride the Cable Cars

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable car ride.
Catch the cable car at Fisherman's Wharf.
USD 8 per person, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Stroll through gardens and enjoy the many attractions in the park.
Drive 15 minutes to Golden Gate Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

A garlic lover’s paradise featuring local specialties.
Drive 15 minutes to The Stinking Rose.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
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