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10-Day Family Adventure Road Trip Itinerary from San Jose, California to Disneyland and Beyond

Viewed by 168 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Jose

San Jose, California on July 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Kickstart your adventure with hearty pancakes and fresh fruit at a beloved local joint.
Head north to downtown San Jose after breakfast.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation

Explore the interactive exhibits that celebrate technology and innovation in Silicon Valley.
It's a short 10-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Mediterranee

Savor Mediterranean flavors with a delicious shawarma wrap set in a colorful Barcelona-style café.
About a 15-minute drive from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Discover the San Jose Museum of Art

Wander through contemporary and modern artworks until it’s time to relax.
Just a 5-minute walk from lunch.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden

Take a relaxing walk among the blooming roses in this peaceful setting.
10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hula Truck

Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired tacos, perfect for a family after a day of exploration.
15-minute drive to the food truck location.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: San Francisco Visit

San Francisco, California on July 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with a famous crab omelet or French toast.
Drive 50 minutes north to reach San Francisco.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Golden Gate Bridge Walk

Take a scenic walk across one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
15-minute drive to the bridge parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Exploratorium

Get hands-on at this interactive science museum, great for all ages.
20-minute drive from the bridge.
USD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pier 39

Explore seafood options while enjoying the view of sea lions and the bay.
15-minute drive from the Exploratorium.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Fisherman’s Wharf Exploration

Chill along the waterfront, enjoy shops and street performers.
Walking distance from Pier 39.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable car for a fun city ride.
Short walk to the nearest cable car stop.
USD8, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Buena Vista Café

Enjoy an Irish coffee and a classic American meal in this historic café.
Just a 10-minute walk from the cable car stop.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Santa Barbara Fun

Santa Barbara, California on July 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery

Relish a delightful breakfast at this cozy beachfront café.
A 90-minute drive south to Santa Barbara.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Enjoy this charming, family-friendly zoo with beautiful ocean views.
A short 10-minute drive from breakfast.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brophy Bros.

Dig into fresh seafood while taking in stunning harbor views.
10-minute drive to the harbor.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Santa Barbara Beach Time

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoying water activities.
5-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore State Street

Wander through this shopping area filled with boutiques and galleries.
10-minute drive from the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Feast on delicious coastal cuisine at this beautiful beachfront restaurant.
5-minute drive from State Street.
USD65, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Los Angeles Adventures

Los Angeles, California on July 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Grab some of the largest and fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever experience.
A 2-hour drive from Santa Barbara to LA.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Experience the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take iconic photos.
10-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit TCL Chinese Theatre

See the famous handprints of celebrity legends in front of this iconic venue.
A 5-minute walk from the Walk of Fame.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Experience the Californian fast-food paradise with the freshest burgers.
15-minute drive from the theatre.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend the rest of the day at this exciting theme park filled with thrills and shows.
A 10-minute drive from lunch.
USD180, 6 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Enjoy a variety of dining options and entertainment at Universal CityWalk.
Within the Universal Studios complex.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Disneyland Dreams

Disneyland, California on July 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Plaza Inn

Get energized with a hearty breakfast before a day of magic at Disneyland.
It's a quick walk from the hotel or lodging.
USD25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Jump into Disneyland!

Arrive early to enjoy rides and attractions in the 'Happiest Place on Earth'.
Entrance at the park gates.
USD164, 10 hours

6:00PM

Dinner inside Disneyland at Café Orleans

Share a delightful family meal featuring Cajun cuisine in an enchanting atmosphere.
Inside Disneyland.
USD100, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch the Disneyland Fireworks

End your day with a spectacular fireworks show over the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Find a good viewing spot near the castle.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Relax in L.A.

Los Angeles, California on July 15, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Indulge in classic pancakes and breakfast favorites to recharge.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy stunning views of the city and explore the universe at this iconic observatory.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Bizou

Delight in lunch amidst an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere.
15-minute drive from observatory.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Rest at your hotel

Take some time to relax and refresh after a busy Disneyland session.
Drive back to your accommodation to decompress.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit La Brea Tar Pits

Explore these unique natural tar pits with fascinating prehistoric fossils.
15-minute drive from your hotel.
USD30, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Grove

Enjoy dining with a wide range of options at this lively outdoor shopping center.
15-minute drive from the tar pits.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Sunny San Diego

San Diego, California on July 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Republic

Start your day with creative breakfast dishes in a casual setting.
A 2-hour drive to San Diego.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the San Diego Zoo

Spend the day among wildlife at one of the best zoos in the world.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
USD70, 5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Hungry’s

Grab a quick bite to refuel, offering delectable sandwiches and salads.
Inside the zoo.
USD30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Balboa Park

Wander around beautiful gardens, museums, and green spaces.
10-minute drive from the zoo.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Old Town Mexican Café

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Old Town.
15-minute drive from Balboa Park.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to L.A.

Los Angeles, California on July 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Have a charming breakfast filled with fresh ingredients to start your day.
Return to Los Angeles, about a 2-hour drive.
USD25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit THE BASEMENT Escape Room

Test your puzzle-solving skills and enjoy a family-friendly challenge.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
USD100, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bossa Nova Brazilian Café

Treat yourself to delicious Brazilian food in a relaxed atmosphere.
10-minute drive from the escape room.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Discover an extensive collection of art from around the world.
10-minute drive from lunch.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit The Original Farmers Market

Wander through a variety of food stalls and local products, a true downtown experience.
15-minute drive from LACMA.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Apple Pan

Classic American burgers and delicious pies await you at this iconic diner.
10-minute drive from the farmers market.
USD50, 1 hour
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Day 9: Return Trip to San Jose

San Jose, California on July 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Indulge in unique egg-centric breakfast dishes to kickstart your journey home.
Breakfast before departing L.A.
USD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to San Jose

Enjoy the scenic drive back through California’s beautiful landscapes.
A 5-hour drive back to San Jose.
Free, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Deli at the JCC

Enjoy a quick bite at this popular deli that features fresh sandwiches.
Arrive back in San Jose, the deli is nearby.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rest and relax

Take the rest of the afternoon to unwind after an action-packed trip.
Head back to your accommodation.
Free, Rest of the day

6:00PM

Dinner at La Mediterranee

Conclude your road trip with a delicious Mediterranean meal that everyone loves.
A short drive from home.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Recovery Day

San Jose, California on July 19, 2025

9:00AM

Brunch at The Breakfast Bar

Enjoy a laid-back brunch filled with your favorites as you recover.
Just down the road from your accommodation.
USD25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Family Movie Day

Spend a cozy day watching family favorites together at home.
Relax at your accommodation.
Free, Rest of the day

5:00PM

Light Dinner at Trader Joe’s

Pick up some healthy alternatives or ready-made meals for an easy dinner.
Go to the local Trader Joe’s.
USD30, 1 hour

6:00PM

Family Games Night

Finish your adventurous trip with a fun-filled family games night.
Stay cozy at home.
Free, Rest of the day
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