Disney California Adventure is a Disney-themed amusement park with attractions, shows, and dining options. It’s an excellent place for families to enjoy a fun day and make unforgettable memories.
The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals and includes a children's zoo section. You can take a guided bus tour or aerial tram for an aerial view of the zoo, which makes it a fun place for all ages.
Balboa Park is a large urban park filled with museums, art exhibits, and gardens. You can enjoy a stroll around the park, watching street performers and admiring the beautiful architecture.
Legoland California is a Lego-themed amusement park with rides and attractions. It’s a great place for families with young children as there are many interactive play areas and shows.
Disneyland Park is a classic Disney-themed amusement park with exciting rides, animated characters, and shows. It’s a must-visit spot for families as it has something for everyone.
Knott's Berry Farm is a theme park that offers fun and thrilling roller coasters, live entertainment, and dining options. It’s a great place for families and adventure-seekers.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a public sidewalk celebrates and honors film and TV personalities with a permanent star-shaped brass and terrazzo emblem embedded in the sidewalk.
Universal Studios Hollywood is an amusement park and movie studio combo with exciting rides, attractions, and shows. It’s a great place for families to enjoy crazy stunts and famous movie scenes.
Santa Barbara is a charming coastal city with a historic downtown that includes shops and restaurants, as well as the beautiful Santa Barbara Zoo and the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium with more than 35,000 animals representing 550 species from around the world.
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park in San Francisco that includes a variety of attractions such as museums, Japanese tea garden, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Fisherman's Wharf is a historic waterfront with the famous San Francisco sea lions, street performers, seafood restaurants, and a variety of attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay, Madame Tussauds San Francisco and Musée Mécanique.
Muir Woods National Monument is a famous and iconic park filled with old-growth redwoods, which are some of the most magnificent and tallest trees in the world.
Napa Valley is a wine-lovers paradise and is home to a number of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. It’s a delightful place for a relaxing family day trip to soak in the scenery with some amazing food and drinks.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a seaside amusement park that's been operating since 1907. It offers thrilling rides, retro arcade games, and a gorgeous beach for swimming and sunbathing.
It's recommended to rent a car for this itinerary as most of the attractions and activities are not centrally located, and a car provides complete independence to explore the places at your own convenience. Estimated rental costs would be around $50-70 per day, and gas prices average around $3.50/gallon. However, it's good to note that traffic and parking fees could be high in popular tourist regions.
If you have more time, consider exploring other popular attractions in Los Angeles, such as the Getty Center or Griffith Observatory. If you have less time, consider skipping optional activities such as Napa Valley or Fisherman’s Wharf. Weekend crowds could be high, and pre-booking tickets online for the popular spots might be helpful to avoid long lines and sold tickets.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport in the area, serving both domestic and international travel. The airport is located less than 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles with the airport code LAX. A smaller alternative airport is Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), located 9 miles northwest of Glendale with the airport code BUR.