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10-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in California

Viewed by 58 travelers

Day 1: Explore L.A.

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your Los Angeles adventure with delicious oversized pancakes at The Griddle Cafe.
Drive to the cafe located in Sunset Boulevard.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Spend the morning exploring the stars at Griffith Observatory while enjoying stunning views of the city.
About a 15-minute drive from the cafe.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs

Grab a quick and tasty lunch at Pink's Hot Dogs, famous for its unique hot dog varieties.
A 20-minute drive from Griffith Observatory.
USD 40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap photos with the names of your favorite stars.
Just a short 10-minute drive from Pink's Hot Dogs.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Santa Monica Pier

Wind down at the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its rides and great beach atmosphere.
30-minute drive to the pier.
USD 30 for snacks, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Albright

End your day at The Albright with fresh seafood overlooking the ocean.
Located on the Santa Monica Pier.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Family Fun in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Richard Walker’s Pancake House

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with some of the best pancakes in San Diego.
Drive 2 hours from Los Angeles to San Diego.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, making sure to visit the San Diego Zoo.
A short 10-minute drive from breakfast.
USD 60, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Cottage

Savor a delightful lunch at The Cottage, famous for its brunch menu.
15-minute drive from Balboa Park.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Enjoy La Jolla Cove

Spend the afternoon at La Jolla Cove watching sea lions and soaking up the sun.
Drive 20 minutes from lunch.
FREE, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at George’s at the Cove

Dine at George's with stunning ocean views; make sure to try their famous fish tacos.
Located in La Jolla.
USD 150, 2 hours
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Day 3: San Diego Adventures

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mission

Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast at The Mission featuring Latin-inspired dishes.
A quick 15-minute drive from the hotel.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Day at San Diego Zoo

Spend your day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo—an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
10-minute drive from breakfast.
USD 200, 4-5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Albert’s Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Albert’s, gorgeously situated inside the zoo.
On-site at the zoo.
USD 90, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Head to SeaWorld for thrilling aquatic shows and rides for everyone.
Drive 20 minutes from zoo.
USD 150, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the San Diego Bay.
Only 10 minutes from SeaWorld.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Back to L.A.

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Start your day at Eggslut, known for its gourmet breakfast sandwiches.
Drive 2 hours from San Diego back to L.A.
USD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Getty Center

Explore the magnificent art collections and beautiful gardens at the Getty Center.
A quick drive of about 20 minutes.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hollywood Sign Hike

Take a family-friendly hike up to the Griffith Park area for iconic views of the Hollywood sign.
Drive to Griffith Park, approximately 15 minutes.
FREE, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Savor classic California offerings at In-N-Out, a favorite among locals.
Drive 20 minutes from Griffith Park.
USD 50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Studios, a must-visit for families.
15-minute drive to Universal City.
USD 400, 4-5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Finish the day at Universal CityWalk with multiple dining options, choose your favorite.
At Universal Studios itself.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Day

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Enjoy lovely pastries and hearty breakfast dishes at Jeannine's.
Drive about 2 hours from L.A. to Santa Barbara.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Meet animals from around the world in this intimate and family-friendly zoo.
Just a short drive from breakfast, about 15 minutes.
USD 80, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Harbor Restaurant

Overlook the marina while enjoying California-inspired seaside cuisine.
Only a 5-minute drive.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Stearns Wharf

Wander along the beachfront boardwalk and visit shops nestled along the Wharf.
Only 5-minute walk from lunch.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Explore exhibits that will captivate all ages with an emphasis on California's natural history.
Drive about 10 minutes.
USD 60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Toma Restaurant & Bar

Indulge in Italian-inspired dishes with a beautiful outdoor patio setting.
Drive about 10 minutes.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Pismo Beach Fun

Pismo Beach, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Old West Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy famous cinnamon rolls and breakfast at this charming eatery.
Drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach about 1.5 hours.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Pismo Beach Pier

Take a peaceful stroll along the pier, enjoy the views, and watch surfers.
Located right in Pismo Beach.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dinosaur Caves Park

Let the kids play in this whimsical park featuring dinosaur-themed structures.
Less than a 10-minute walk.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Splash Café

Try their famous clam chowder and casual beach side lunch.
Drive 10 minutes.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Beach Time!

Relax and play at Pismo Beach; perfect for families to enjoy the sun and surf.
A quick walk from lunch.
FREE, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pismo Fish & Chips

Indulge in fish and chips with a laid-back beach atmosphere.
A short drive from the beach.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Monterey Excursion

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this beloved local spot specializing in fresh dishes.
Drive from Pismo Beach to Monterey about 2.5 hours.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Spend the morning marveling at the colorful sea creatures at this top aquarium.
Located in Monterey.
USD 80, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Grab lunch at a fun atmosphere with great food options for the whole family.
A quick walk from the aquarium.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Cannery Row

Take a stroll down Cannery Row for shopping and visiting local attractions.
Right along Cannery Row.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Experience delightful walking trails and breathtaking ocean views.
A 15-minute drive from Cannery Row.
USD 20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Finish your day with seafood at The Fish Hopper overlooking the ocean.
Just a 10-minute drive.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: San Francisco Discovery

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day with delightful breakfast options famous in the area.
Drive from Monterey to San Francisco about 2 hours.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Discover gardens, playgrounds, and the California Academy of Sciences in this vast urban park.
Drive 20 minutes from breakfast.
USD 40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Park Chalet

Enjoy lunch with views of the ocean and the park while savoring California cuisine.
Located within Golden Gate Park.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Fun meets education at this interactive science museum that everyone will love.
Drive 15 minutes from lunch.
USD 40, 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Conclude your day with fresh seafood and incredible views of the bay.
A 20-minute drive back toward the waterfront.
USD 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Wine Country Retreat

Napa Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Start your day with delicious pastries and bread at this local favorite.
Drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley about 1.5 hours.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train

Enjoy a scenic ride through the vineyards—something the whole family can appreciate.
Drive about 30 minutes to the train station.
USD 130, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Oxbow Public Market

Dine at Oxbow, with various food vendors offering local cuisine.
A short drive from the Wine Train station.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Napa Valley Vineyards

Visit family-friendly vineyards for tastings and vineyard tours.
Drive to nearby vineyards, approximately 20 minutes.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Savor farm-to-table cuisine featuring local ingredients and a lovely ambiance.
Drive 15 minutes.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Farewell San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Plow

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Plow with mouthwatering dishes that the family will love.
Drive to breakfast from your accommodation.
USD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

Take a family walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views.
Drive to parking near the bridge, about 20 minutes.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Wander around Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping, entertainment, and sea lion sightings.
Drive about 15 minutes.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at this iconic establishment.
At Fisherman's Wharf.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a historical tour of the infamous prison.
Walk about 10 minutes to the ferry terminal at Fisherman's Wharf.
USD 120, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana

End your adventure with famous pizza at Tony's while reflecting on your amazing trip.
Drive about 15 minutes back toward the hotel.
USD 100, 2 hours
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