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10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for the West Coast USA

Viewed by 355 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, famous for its French toast and crab omelet.
Located in the North Beach area, easily accessible.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to explore the historic Alcatraz prison with an engaging audio tour.
Ferry departs from Pier 33, book tickets in advance.
USD40, 3 hours including ferry ride

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl while watching sea lions at Pier 39.
Walk from Alcatraz ferry terminal.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Exploratorium

Engage in hands-on science exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike.
Short walk from Fisherman's Wharf.
USD30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The fog horn

Savor seafood dishes with a view of the bay.
Drive or use public transport to the restaurant.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue Cafe

Enjoy homemade pancakes and savory breakfast options in this cozy cafe.
Easily accessible from your accommodation.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Breathe in the fresh air as your family walks across this iconic bridge taking in stunning views.
Drive or take a public transport to the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Buena Vista Cafe

Experience its famous Irish coffee and hearty lunch options.
Close to the entrance of the Golden Gate.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore playgrounds, gardens, and the California Academy of Sciences with its aquarium and planetarium.
Easy drive or public transport from lunch.
USD35, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Treat the family to award-winning pizzas in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Drive back towards North Beach.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Adventure

Monterey, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start your journey south with a hearty breakfast featuring omelets and pancakes.
Drive to Monterey from San Francisco (about 2.5 hours).
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the wonders of marine life at one of the best aquariums in the world.
Short drive from breakfast.
USD50, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Simply walk over to Cannery Row and choose from multiple family-friendly dining options.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore 17-Mile Drive

Take a scenic drive through some of California’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
Get in your vehicle and take the scenic route.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey

Delight in fresh catch seafood while relaxing by the water.
Return to Cannery Row, then drive to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 4: San Luis Obispo Highlights

San Luis Obispo, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with local ingredients and family-friendly options.
Drive about 1.5 hours from Monterey to San Luis Obispo.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore San Luis Obispo Children's Museum

Engage your kids in hands-on exhibits perfect for younger audiences.
A short drive from breakfast.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at SLO Brew Rock

Enjoy burgers, sandwiches, and locally crafted brews in a kick-back environment.
Nearby the Children's Museum.
USD35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Bubblegum Alley

Discover the quirky Bubblegum Alley, an alleyway covered in chewed gum, perfect for fun photos.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Hike at Bishop Peak

Take a family-friendly hike up Bishop Peak for breathtaking views of SLO.
Short drive from Bubblegum Alley.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cracked Crab

Indulge in fresh seafood and signature crab dishes family-friendly atmosphere.
Return to downtown SLO.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beach Day in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and a big brunch menu.
Drive about an hour to Santa Barbara.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Explore this small but charming zoo with stunning ocean views and a friendly atmosphere.
Short drive from breakfast.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boathouse

Dine at this beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood and gorgeous ocean views.
Located at Hendry’s Beach.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Spend a couple of hours relaxing on the sand or playing in the surf.
Just a short drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Explore the beautiful grounds of this historic mission which kids find intriguing.
A quick drive from the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Los Agaves

Finish your day with delicious Mexican food in a vibrant atmosphere.
Close to the mission.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Explorations

Los Angeles, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Indulge in oversized pancakes and a funky atmosphere.
Drive from Santa Barbara to LA (about 1.5 hours).
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along this famous sidewalk and search for your favorite stars' names.
Drive to Hollywood Boulevard.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mel’s Drive-In

Dine in a retro-style diner serving classic American food.
Short distance from the Walk of Fame.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Griffith Observatory

Discover the wonders of space with interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
Drive to Griffith Park.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Original Farmer's Market

Choose from a variety of food stands for a unique dining experience.
Short drive from Griffith Observatory.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 7: San Diego Bliss

San Diego, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start the day with delicious breakfast options at this cozy cafe.
Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego (about 2 hours).
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the gardens, museums, and playgrounds within this expansive park.
Just a short drive from breakfast.
Free (some attractions have fees), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Prado

Enjoy a delicious meal in this historic restaurant nestled in Balboa Park.
Walk from the park attractions.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Discover one of the biggest and most celebrated zoos in the world, perfect for family adventures.
Drive or walk from lunch.
USD65, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Complete your day with fresh seafood while enjoying views of the harbor.
Drive down to the waterfront.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: San Diego Shores

San Diego, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Claire’s on Cedros

Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast in the relaxed ambiance of this spot.
Drive to Solana Beach from your hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Beach Day at La Jolla Shores

Relax on the beach or go tidepooling in this beautiful coastal spot.
Short drive from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Duke’s La Jolla

Dine on delicious fresh seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes overlooking the ocean.
A short walk from the beach.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Marvel at the sea lions and incredible tidepool marine life at this picturesque cove.
Drive from Duke's.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Crack Shack

Enjoy gourmet fried chicken and creative sides at this fun dining spot.
Close to La Jolla.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Magic in Anaheim

Anaheim, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pantry

Fuel up for a busy day at this popular spot known for its hearty breakfast menu.
Drive from San Diego to Anaheim (about 1.5 hours).
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Disneyland

Experience the magic of Disneyland with thrilling rides and beloved characters.
Short drive from breakfast.
USD150 (ticket prices vary), 7 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Plaza Inn

Indulge in a famous character dining experience for a meal with Disney princesses.
Within Disneyland.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Relax in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Start your final day with gourmet egg sandwiches at this trendy spot in Grand Central Market.
Drive back to LA from Anaheim (about 30 minutes).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Griffith Park

Spend some time in this vast park and enjoy a peaceful morning, ride the merry-go-round.
Short drive from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Discover impressive art collections - a great educational stop for the family.
Drive from Griffith Park.
USD25, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Grab a quintessential Californian meal at this beloved fast-food chain.
On the way back towards downtown LA.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit The Getty Center

Wander the stunning gardens and impressive art collections at The Getty Center.
Drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Spaghetti Factory

Finish your trip with a family dinner in a casual Italian dining environment.
A few minutes' drive from The Getty.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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