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Ultimate Family-Friendly Road Trip Adventure Across the USA

Viewed by 195 travelers

Day 1: Golden Gate Exploration

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Mama's, famous for its French toast and egg dishes, perfect for the family.
Located in North Beach, a 15-minute drive from downtown.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

Rent bikes and explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, taking in stunning views of the bay and city.
Head to Fisherman's Wharf to rent bikes, then follow the marked bike path.
USD75, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Crissy Field

Enjoy a family picnic lunch with views of the bridge and Alcatraz Island, bringing along sandwiches from a local deli.
Crissy Field is a short bike ride from the bridge.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Spend the afternoon in Golden Gate Park, visiting the California Academy of Sciences and enjoying the gardens.
Ride back with your bikes towards the park entrance, parking available.
USD80, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Treat the family to a delightful dinner at The Cliff House with stunning ocean views and gourmet comfort food.
Drive west from the park to the coast.
USD150, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Walk at Ocean Beach

Walk along the sandy shores of Ocean Beach as the sun sets, creating a perfect end to your day.
Just a stone's throw away from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Scenic Coastal Drive

Monterey, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue Cafe

Fuel your family with hearty breakfasts and pancakes that the kids will love.
Short drive from your hotel to the cafe.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Monterey

Hit the road to Monterey, enjoying breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Take CA-1 South for about 2 hours.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., offering a fun, lively atmosphere.
Located on Cannery Row, easy parking available.
USD100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover the wonders of marine life at the world-renowned aquarium, a fun educational experience for everyone.
Short walk from Cannery Row.
USD120, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Bike along 17-Mile Drive

Rent bikes and cycle the scenic 17-Mile Drive, taking in captivating coastal vistas and iconic landmarks.
There are bike rental shops near the aquarium.
USD60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Savour a seafood dinner with a great view of the ocean, perfect for the family.
Drive to The Fish Hopper from 17-Mile Drive.
USD150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 3: Outdoors and Relaxation

Santa Barbara, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery

Delight in homemade pastries and Californian breakfast classics that kids will find appealing.
Walk to the restaurant from your hotel.
USD70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Barbara

On your way, make a quick stop at the Santa Barbara Mission, soaking up its beautiful architecture.
2-hour drive south via US-101.
Variable, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shoreline Beach Cafe

A laid-back beachside cafe offering delicious fresh seafood and kid-friendly menu options.
Located on East Beach.
USD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach; build sandcastles or rent paddleboards.
East Beach is right next to the café, so just walk over.
USD50, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

After a day in the sun, enjoy a relaxed dinner with ocean views and a delicious menu featuring local seafood.
15-minute drive from East Beach.
USD140, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Glitz and Glamour

Los Angeles, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Indulge in oversized pancakes and hearty breakfast platters perfect for families.
Drive to The Griddle Cafe located in Hollywood.
USD80, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the fascinating exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Hollywood sign.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Experience California's classic fast food with a stop at In-N-Out Burger – kids love it!
There’s an In-N-Out nearby on Sunset Blvd.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the famous sidewalk and take pictures with your favorite stars' stars.
Drive to Hollywood Boulevard from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tour of Universal Studios

Spend the afternoon experiencing thrilling rides and entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Drive to Universal Studios, parking available.
USD600, 4 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

After an exhilarating day, enjoy dinner at one of CityWalk’s diverse restaurants.
There are many options in CityWalk after exiting the park.
USD200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 5: Beach Bliss

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring delicious maple bacon doughnuts to sweeten your day.
Short drive to Hillcrest where the restaurant is located.
USD70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the beautiful gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo, making it an enjoyable morning.
Drive to Balboa Park from breakfast.
USD160 (Zoo entry), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Prado

Enjoy delicious Californian fare at this lovely restaurant in Balboa Park after your zoo adventure.
Located within the park.
USD100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Take some time to relax on the beach or explore the cove, where seals often sunbathe.
A 20-minute drive from Balboa Park.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at George’s at the Cove

End the day with a fabulous dinner overlooking stunning ocean views with family-friendly dishes.
Short drive to La Jolla Village.
USD180, 2 hours
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Day 6: Desert Adventures

Phoenix, Arizona

8:00AM

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast

Start the day with hearty, homemade breakfast in the vibrant downtown area.
15-minute drive from downtown.
USD70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Phoenix

Set off towards Phoenix, enjoying the picturesque desert landscapes along the way.
Approximately 5-hour drive via I-10.
Variable, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mustache Pretzels

Grab a quick and tasty lunch with freshly-baked pretzels and delicious dips to satisfy the family.
Located in downtown Phoenix.
USD40, 1 hour

3:30PM

Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden

Enjoy a stroll in this beautiful garden filled with stunning desert flora, a peaceful experience for everyone.
Drive to Papago Park where the garden is located.
USD50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Mission

Savour delicious modern Latin fare in an upscale yet comfortable setting for the entire family.
Drive to Old Town Scottsdale.
USD120, 2 hours
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Day 7: Red Rock Wonders

Sedona, Arizona

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Start the day with one of the best breakfasts in Sedona, including their specialty 101 omelettes.
Short drive to the restaurant from your hotel.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Red Rock State Park

Spend the morning hiking and exploring the breathtaking red rock formations and trails, family-friendly paths available.
Drive to the park entrance for parking.
USD35, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hideaway House

Dine at this cosy eatery, famous for its Italian-inspired dishes and warm atmosphere.
Short drive from the park.
USD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Check out this stunning chapel built into the red rocks, providing beautiful views of the area.
Drive to the chapel from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Oak Creek Canyon

Spend some quiet time along the beautiful water at Oak Creek Canyon, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Short drive from the chapel.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hudson

Enjoy succulent meals at this upscale, family-friendly restaurant overlooking the stunning Sedona landscapes.
A brief drive from the canyon.
USD120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sedona

Day 8: Forest and Fun

Flagstaff, Arizona

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company

Enjoy great coffee paired with fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches to energize your day.
Only a short drive to downtown Flagstaff.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Museum of Northern Arizona

Visit this fascinating museum showcasing Native American artifacts and local history, engaging for the entire family.
Drive to the museum from breakfast.
USD40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Diablo Burger

Savour delicious gourmet burgers made with local ingredients at this beloved burger joint.
Short drive from the museum.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hike at Walnut Canyon National Monument

Get the family out for a short hike with stunning views and ancient cliff dwellings waiting to be explored.
Drive to Walnut Canyon entrance.
USD25, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Coppa Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner with artisan pizzas and a great atmosphere providing something for everyone.
Short drive back into downtown Flagstaff.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 9: The Grand Finale

Grand Canyon, Arizona

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Tovar Lodge

Indulge in a delightful breakfast to fuel up for your Grand Canyon adventure and enjoy views from the lodge.
Short drive into Grand Canyon National Park.
USD70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Spend the entire day hiking and enjoying the breathtaking views along the South Rim, with various family-friendly trails.
Walk to the rim from the lodge.
USD35, 5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Canyon Village Market

Pick up a quick lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoint areas, taking in the magnificent landscape.
Walk or drive to Canyon Village.
USD50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visitor Center

Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.
A short walk from the rim.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Arizona Room

Enjoy your final dinner overlooking the canyon with a diverse menu ideal for families to celebrate an unforgettable trip.
Located at the Grand Canyon Village.
USD150, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon
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