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7-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in California

Viewed by 57 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day right with their famous French Toast and home-made jam, a local favorite.
Walk or use a rideshare service to get to Mama's.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Fisherman's Wharf

Explore the vibrant waterfront, stop for sea lion watching, and enjoy some local shops.
Walk from the restaurant to Fisherman's Wharf (~20 min).
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor the classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a delightful San Francisco treat.
Walk to Boudin Bakery (5 min).
USD30, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic cable car ride while enjoying the hill views of the city.
Board a cable car at Powell Street Station.
USD8, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Unwind in nature, visit the California Academy of Sciences, and enjoy the lush gardens.
Take a rideshare to Golden Gate Park (~15 min).
USD38 (Academy of Sciences admission), 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

End your day with an extensive menu featuring delicious meals and decadent cheesecakes.
Take a rideshare (~20 min).
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Z. J. Lick's

Enjoy a casual breakfast with their hearty burritos and fresh pastries.
Walk or ride to Z. J. Lick's.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz prison; the audio tour brings its history to life.
Catch the ferry from Pier 33.
USD40 (ferry and admission), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Grotto

Dig into fresh seafood dishes overlooking the bay, a perfect post-Alcatraz meal.
Take the ferry back and walk to Fisherman's Grotto (10 min).
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Exploratorium

Let the kids explore interactive science exhibits that are educational and fun.
Walk to Exploratorium (~15 min).
USD30, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Crissy Field

Stroll along the waterfront with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop.
Take a rideshare (~10 min).
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Alioto's

Enjoy Italian-inspired seafood with a beautiful view over the bay.
Walk back to the restaurant (~15 min).
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Monterey City Experience

Monterey, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

Start your journey to Monterey with a delicious breakfast of locally sourced ingredients.
Drive from San Francisco to Monterey (~2 hours).
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the most renowned aquariums in the world, perfect for families.
Take a short drive or walk from the restaurant.
USD50 (admission), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Dine on fresh seafood while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area.
Walk to Cannery Row (5 min).
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

17-Mile Drive

Take a scenic drive along the iconic coastline, stopping at lookout points.
Drive along the coast, stopping where desired.
USD10 (entry fee), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Carmel Beach

Let the kids play in the sand while you unwind on the beautiful shores.
Drive to Carmel Beach (~15 min).
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

End the day with amazing views and delicious dishes, from seafood to pasta.
Short drive back to dinner (~15 min).
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Carmel and Big Sur

Carmel, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Savor organic breakfast options with local ingredients to fuel your day.
Walk to Carmel Belle (~10 min).
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Carmel Mission Basilica

Discover the beautiful gardens and historic chapel in this serene location.
Drive or walk (~10 min).
USD10, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Drive to Big Sur

Embark on a breathtaking drive along the Pacific Coast Highway toward Big Sur.
Drive from Carmel to Big Sur (~30 min).
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a meal with stunning views of the coastal cliffs and ocean below.
Continue driving to Nepenthe (~10 min).
USD40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Enjoy nature walks through the scenic park with beautiful views.
Head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (~15 min).
USD10 (parking fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Pfeiffer Beach

End your day relaxing at this stunning beach known for its purple sand.
Drive to Pfeiffer Beach (~10 min).
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Sur House

Dine on delicious Californian fare with views of the breathtaking cliffs.
Drive back to Carmel (~30 min).
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Getaway

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Enjoy freshly made pastries and breakfast items in a lovely café atmosphere.
Drive from Carmel to Santa Barbara (~4 hours).
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Santa Barbara Zoo

Spend the morning exploring this intimate and family-friendly zoo.
Drive to Santa Barbara Zoo (~10 min).
USD25 (admission), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Shoreline Beach Cafe

Dine at this beachside café with delicious casual fare and ocean views.
Drive to Shoreline Beach Cafe (~15 min).
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Relax at Santa Barbara Beach

Let the kids enjoy the sand while you take in the warm sun and ocean breeze.
Walk to the nearby beach (~5 min).
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Stroll through Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Explore the native plant collection and scenic walking trails.
Drive to the Botanic Garden (~15 min).
USD15 (admission), 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Enjoy a delicious seafood meal with stunning ocean views to wrap up the day.
Drive (~15 min).
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Adventure

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Nick & Stef's Steakhouse

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs in this vibrant spot.
Drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles (~2 hours).
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the Natural History Museum

An engaging experience for the whole family with fascinating exhibits and collections.
Drive to the museum (~30 min).
USD15 (admission), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore this historical market with a variety of delicious food options.
Drive to Grand Central Market (~15 min).
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign while learning about space.
Drive to Griffith Observatory (~15 min).
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Walk the famous streets and find the stars of your favorite celebrities.
Drive to Hollywood Walk of Fame (~20 min).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Ivy

Enjoy classic American fare in a beautiful outdoor setting, a celebrity spot.
Drive to The Ivy (~20 min).
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Indulge in a modern twist on classic breakfast dishes in this trendy spot.
Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego (~2 hours).
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo located within this beautiful park.
Drive to Balboa Park (~10 min).
USD50 (zoo admission), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Cottage

Enjoy a cozy meal with fresh California cuisine surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Drive to The Cottage (~15 min).
USD40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Relax at Coronado Beach

Unwind on the golden sands of Coronado Beach; a perfect place for family fun.
Drive to Coronado Beach (~20 min).
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore La Jolla Cove

Experience tide pooling and stunning sea life at the picturesque La Jolla Cove.
Drive to La Jolla Cove (~20 min).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Eddie V's Prime Seafood

End your trip with a delightful seafood dinner with a fantastic ocean view.
Drive to Eddie V's (~20 min).
USD90, 1.5 hours
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