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14-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in San Francisco, California

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Iconic Landmarks

San Francisco, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with delicious French toast and a great view of Washington Square Park.
Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf after breakfast.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore the bustling wharf where you can see sea lions and enjoy the various shops.
Travel on foot to Pier 39, just a short walk away.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a local favorite.
Stroll back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ride a Cable Car

Catch a ride on San Francisco's historic cable cars for a true city experience.
Head to Powell and Market Streets for the nearest cable car.
USD 28, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fog Harbor Fish House

Enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic views of the Bay.
Walking distance from the cable car drop-off.
USD 120, 2 hours
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Day 2: Golden Gate Park Adventures

San Francisco, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Park Chalet

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in a beautiful setting.
Head to the park afterwards.
USD 80, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Visit the California Academy of Sciences for interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
Drive or take a public transport ride to the Academy.
USD 100 Family Pass, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Stow Lake Boathouse

Enjoy a casual lunch of sandwiches surrounded by nature.
Walk to Stow Lake Boathouse within the park.
USD 40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Japanese Tea Garden

Wander through the tranquil gardens and enjoy a cup of tea.
A short walk from Stow Lake.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the de Young Museum

Admire American art and the stunning observation tower with views of the city.
Easily accessible from the Japanese Tea Garden.
USD 65 Family Pass, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Park Chow

End your day with a relaxed dinner featuring Californian cuisine.
Head back out of the park via car.
USD 100, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Views and History

Marin Headlands, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Lighthouse Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the bay.
Drive to Marin Headlands after breakfast.
USD 70, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Marin Headlands

Enjoy scenic vistas and visit the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Drive around the scenic coasts.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Headlands Center for the Arts

Enjoy a light lunch in this arts and cultural center.
A short walk from the lighthouse.
USD 25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the trails

Take a family-friendly hike through the scenic trails.
Follow signs in the area for accessible routes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Spinnaker

Dine with views of San Francisco across the bay, with freshly prepared seafood.
Short drive from Marin Headlands.
USD 130, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature Getaway

Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast Picnic

Pack a picnic breakfast and drive to Point Reyes National Seashore.
Travel takes around 1 hour.
USD 30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Point Reyes

Hike the Earthquake Trail and see the famous lighthouse.
Head directly to the trails from the parking lot.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Point Reyes Station

Enjoy local cheeses and sandwiches in the small charming town.
Drive about 15-minutes to Point Reyes Station.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tomales Bay

Spend the afternoon enjoying the peaceful bay views and possibly kayaking.
Short drive from Point Reyes Station.
Kayaking: USD 40, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Station House Cafe

Indulge in organic cuisine for dinner before heading back.
Drive back to the cafe.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Ancient Giants

Muir Woods National Monument, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sweetwater Music Hall

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee before your adventure.
Drive to Muir Woods afterward.
USD 40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Muir Woods

Walk among ancient coastal redwoods and explore the tranquil environment.
Drive 15 minutes to Muir Woods.
USD 15 for parking, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Muir Woods Cafe

Recharge with sandwiches and snacks at the park cafe.
Stay within Muir Woods.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the trails

Take another hour to explore the different trails in Muir Woods.
Follow marked trails.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Pelican Inn

Dine at an English-style pub with great food and cozy atmosphere.
Drive back to Muir Beach.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wine Country Experience

Napa Valley, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Relish in freshly baked pastries and coffee from a renowned local spot.
Drive to Napa Valley after breakfast.
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Napa Valley

Explore family-friendly wineries where kids can enjoy activities while adults sample wines.
Drive around Napa Valley wineries.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Oxbow Public Market

Choose from a variety of fresh food stalls and local delicacies.
Head to Oxbow Public Market.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Bike the Vine Trail

Rent bikes and ride along the scenic Vine Trail for some fresh air.
Pick up bikes at a local shop.
USD 80 (Bike Rentals), 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with local ingredients.
Short drive to Long Meadow Ranch.
USD 100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Charming Sausalito

Sausalito, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sausalito Bakery & Café

Start your day with delicious breakfast pastries and a waterfront view.
Short drive to Sausalito.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Sausalito

Visit the quaint shops and take a stroll by the waterfront.
Walk around the main area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Spinnaker

Enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic views of the bay.
Locally reachable within a few minutes by car.
USD 120, 2 hours

3:00PM

Rent Bikes and Ride

Rent bikes and explore the area, cycling through the scenic Marin County.
Take advantage of local bike rental shops.
USD 80, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Café

Conclude the day with a cozy dinner with views.
Short walk from your bike return.
USD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: A Day in the City

San Francisco, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kate's Kitchen

Enjoy hearty breakfast options in a charming bistro atmosphere.
Travel to city after breakfast.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Exploratorium

Immerse into science exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
Head towards the Embarcadero.
USD 100 Family Pass, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Gott's Roadside

Savor fresh burgers and milkshakes in a casual dining spot.
Walking distance from the Exploratorium.
USD 75, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Experience breathtaking views by walking the iconic structure.
Drive to the entrance of the bridge.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Dine cliffside with stunning ocean views and classic dishes.
A short drive from the bridge exit.
USD 150, 2 hours
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Day 9: Beachside Fun

Half Moon Bay, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Half Moon Bay Coffee Company

Start your day with locally roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
Drive to Half Moon Bay after breakfast.
USD 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Beaches

Spend time at the beautiful beaches; build sandcastles and enjoy the view.
Walk to the nearest beach.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sam's Chowder House

Enjoy clam chowder and seafood dishes with ocean views.
Short walk from the beach.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach

Explore the coastal parks, take photos, and enjoy nature.
A short drive to the state beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Red Cottage

Dine at a casual restaurant known for its comfort food.
Short drive from the state beach.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Coastal Adventures

Santa Cruz, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Picnic Basket

Start your day with fresh breakfast options in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive to Santa Cruz.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy rides, games, and the classic beach boardwalk experience.
It's just a short drive from breakfast.
USD 90 (All Day Pass for 4), 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Surf-ing Goat

Indulge in a variety of tasty offerings just off the boardwalk.
Walk a block from the boardwalk.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Natural Bridges State Beach

Spend time relaxing at the beach or exploring tide pools.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Crow's Nest

Enjoy dining right on the beach with sunset views.
A drive back to the boardwalk area.
USD 120, 2 hours
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Day 11: Marine Wonders

Monterey, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

Start your day with hearty breakfast options in Monterey.
Drive approximately 1 hour to Monterey.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the best aquariums with engaging exhibits and marine life.
Short drive to the aquarium.
USD 120 Family Pass, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Enjoy lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants at Cannery Row.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
USD 90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Cannery Row

Wander around this historic area with shops and attractions.
Stay in Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Dine on seafood with stunning ocean and sunset views.
Short walking distance from Cannery Row.
USD 120, 2 hours
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Day 12: Breathtaking Coastline

Big Sur, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Start with a riverside breakfast before your adventure.
Drive along CA-1 to reach Big Sur.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Pfeiffer Beach

Visit the iconic purple sand beaches and unique rock formations.
Drive to Pfeiffer Beach from your breakfast spot.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of the coastline.
Drive to Nepenthe from the beach.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Explore trails that lead to magnificent waterfalls.
Just a short drive from your lunch location.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Post Ranch Inn

Elevate your dining experience with a sunset dinner overlooking the cliffs.
A scenic drive to the inn.
USD 200, 2 hours
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Day 13: Cultural Activities

San Jose, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Fuel up with a variety of breakfast options to start the day.
Drive to San Jose after breakfast.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Tech Interactive

Explore engaging technology exhibits perfect for the whole family.
Head to The Tech Interactive.
USD 100 Family Pass, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at San Pedro Square Market

Try local vendors offering diverse food choices.
Just a short drive away to the market.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Discover fascinating Egyptian artifacts and exhibits.
A short drive from the market.
USD 40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Mediterranee

Dine on Mediterranean cuisine with various delightful dishes.
Short drive from the museum.
USD 80, 2 hours
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Day 14: Final Day in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Enjoy your favorite breakfast one last time in a beloved local spot.
Travel to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to explore this famous historic site.
Head to the ferry terminal.
USD 120 Family Pass, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Fishermen's Grotto

Indulge in classic seafood dishes with stunning views of the bay.
Return by ferry and walk to the restaurant.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Chinatown

Wander the busy streets of one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia.
Walk from Fisherman's Grotto.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at R&G Lounge

Conclude your trip with authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Chinatown.
Walking distance from Chinatown.
USD 100, 2 hours
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