3-Week Family Adventure Across California: Coastal, Urban, and Natural Wonders in December 2025

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on December 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with famous French toast and omelettes to fuel your day in this well-loved San Francisco spot, perfect for families and open from 8am to 3pm.

USD30, 1h

9:30am

Golden Gate Bridge Visit

Walk or bike the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take in stunning panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, a must-see landmark for visitors of all ages.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, Boudin Bakery

Try the famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at this historic bakery, ideal for casual family dining with hearty options.

USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Exploratorium

Visit this interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits great for teenagers and adults alike, open 10am to 5pm on weekdays.

USD35, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Slanted Door

Experience modern Vietnamese cuisine in a scenic waterfront location, perfect for a memorable and flavorsome dinner, open until 9pm.

USD70, 1.5h

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Day 2: Muir Woods and Sausalito

San Francisco to Muir Woods to Sausalito, USA on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start with delicious baked goods and coffee at this famed artisan bakery, open from 7am.

USD25, 1h

9:30am

Muir Woods National Monument

Walk among ancient coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, a magical forest ideal for nature lovers, open from 8am to 6pm and requires parking reservations.

USD15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch in Sausalito at Scoma's

Enjoy fresh seafood with a bay view in this charming town just across the Golden Gate Bridge.

USD40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Sausalito

Stroll the quaint shops and waterfront promenades in this picturesque town before heading back to San Francisco.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Indulge in award-winning pizzas that appeal to the whole family, open until 10pm.

USD50, 1.5h

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Day 3: Travel to Yosemite

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, USA on December 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Grab a quick and nutritious breakfast to start the drive toward Yosemite, focusing on travel readiness.

USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive heading east from San Francisco through California’s diverse landscapes to Yosemite, a spectacular destination for nature and adventure.

USD35 for park entrance, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Village Grill

Casual spot in the park offering burgers, sandwiches, and salads—perfect for refueling after travel.

USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Yosemite Valley

Walk the meadow trails and admire iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome, accessible in winter for gentle hikes and photography.

Included in park entry, 3h

5:00pm

Check in to Yosemite Lodge

Settle into comfortable park lodgings for an immersive natural experience.

USD300, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Enjoy classic American cuisine with views of Yosemite Falls, perfect for a restful first evening inside the park.

USD60, 1.5h

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Day 4: Yosemite adventures

Yosemite National Park, USA on December 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yosemite Lodge

Start the day with a filling breakfast at the lodge, including options for all ages.

USD25, 1h

8:30am

Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking

Engage in snowshoeing or winter hikes on designated trails if snow conditions allow, a fun and active way for teens to experience winter wilderness (check local conditions).

Rental USD20, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic in Yosemite Valley

Grab takeout or pack sandwiches and enjoy a scenic outdoor lunch surrounded by majestic cliffs.

USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center

Learn about the park’s natural history and culture with interactive exhibits, open 9am to 5pm.

Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Drive to Glacier Point (if open)

Check road status for Glacier Point, an outstanding viewpoint; if accessible, drive and spend time enjoying breathtaking panoramas.

Included in park entry, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at the Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy a cozy, historic dining experience about 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley with refined American cuisine, perfect for winding down.

USD55, 1.5h

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Day 5: Central Coast Journey

Yosemite to Monterey, USA on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast quickly before starting the 4-hour drive to Monterey via scenic routes, good for viewing changing landscapes from mountains to coast.

USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monterey

Travel west toward the coastal town of Monterey, known for its marine life and historic sites.

Free, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cannery Row, The Fish Hopper

Enjoy seafood with ocean views on Monterey’s famous waterfront street, perfect for families.

USD40, 1.5h

1:30pm

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the world’s top aquariums with exhibits of sea otters, jellyfish, and local marine fauna, open 10am to 5pm.

USD50, 3h

5:00pm

Check in to Hotel in Monterey

Rest at a centrally located hotel suitable for families.

USD250, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Passionfish

Dine on sustainable seafood and flavorful dishes just a short drive from downtown Monterey, beloved by locals and tourists.

USD60, 1.5h

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Day 6: Scenic Coastal Drive

Monterey to Santa Barbara, USA on December 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start your day with a popular breakfast spot in Monterey known for pancakes and fresh juices.

USD25, 1h

8:30am

17-Mile Drive

Drive the famous coastal 17-Mile Drive, stopping at scenic points like Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress for memorable photos.

USD11.50 per vehicle, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Santa Barbara

Continue south on Highway 1 and Highway 101 toward the charming city of Santa Barbara. Approximate 4-hour drive.

Free, 4h

3:00pm

Check in to Santa Barbara Hotel

Relax and refresh at a family-friendly hotel near the beach.

USD270, Overnight

5:00pm

Explore Santa Barbara Waterfront and State Street

Stroll the lively downtown promenade for shopping and atmosphere before dinner.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brophy Bros

Enjoy fresh seafood with harbor views in this popular restaurant on the Santa Barbara waterfront.

USD55, 1.5h

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Day 7: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, USA on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

A local favorite serving up pastries, breakfast burritos, and freshly brewed coffee.

USD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Los Angeles

Travel approximately 2 hours south to Los Angeles, entering the bustling urban center of California with countless attractions.

Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Griffith Observatory

Visit this iconic observatory for city views, exhibits about space and science, and hiking opportunities nearby, open 12pm-10pm weekdays.

Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Original Farmers Market

Choose from numerous international food vendors in this historic LA market, ideal for families with varied tastes.

USD20-35, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

Walk the famous star-lined sidewalks and see handprints of celebrities nearby, a fun and lively experience for teens.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check in to Los Angeles Hotel

Enjoy a family-friendly hotel with easy access to LA attractions.

USD300, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Mozza

Savor gourmet pizzas in a vibrant setting known as one of LA's best pizza spots.

USD50, 1.5h

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Day 8: Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles, USA on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Have an early breakfast and prepare for a full day of theme park excitement.

USD20, 1h

9:00am

Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend the day at this famous theme park experiencing rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of movies, open 9am to 7pm.

USD150, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk

Dine at one of the many restaurants at Universal CityWalk adjacent to the park, offering casual and varied cuisine.

USD50, 1.5h

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Day 9: Travel to San Diego

Los Angeles to San Diego, USA on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Republique

Savor artisanal breakfast fare in an elegant setting before traveling south.

USD30, 1h

9:30am

Drive to San Diego

Travel about 2.5 hours to sunny San Diego, known for beaches, parks, and family-friendly attractions.

Free, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Liberty Public Market

Taste diverse food options from vendors in this lively waterfront market in Point Loma.

USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Balboa Park

Explore botanical gardens, plazas, and museums in this large urban park open all day, perfect for casual walking and discovery.

Free, some museums USD15-20 each, 3h

5:00pm

Check in to San Diego Hotel

Choose a family-friendly hotel close to major attractions and beaches.

USD270, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood near the harbor with views and a casual atmosphere.

USD50, 1.5h

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Day 10: San Diego Zoo & Beach

San Diego, USA on December 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Mission Cafe

Start with a health-conscious breakfast offering Latin-inspired dishes, open from 7am.

USD25, 1h

8:30am

San Diego Zoo

Spend the morning at one of the world’s best zoos featuring rare animals and immersive habitats, open 9am to 6pm.

USD65, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Albert's Restaurant inside the Zoo

Convenient dining offering fresh California cuisine within the zoo grounds.

USD35, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at La Jolla Cove Beach

Relax or explore the tide pools at this scenic beach, well-suited for family fun and picture-perfect moments.

Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Duke's La Jolla

Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with ocean views, great for a festive family dinner.

USD60, 1.5h

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Day 11: Road to Palm Springs

San Diego to Palm Springs, USA on December 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or The Cottage La Jolla

Grab a scenic and relaxed breakfast before departure.

USD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Palm Springs

Travel approximately 2.5 hours east to the desert resort town of Palm Springs, perfect for a relaxing break.

Free, 2.5h

11:00am

Check in to Palm Springs Resort

Settle into a family-friendly hotel with pools and desert views.

USD250, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery

Enjoy generous deli sandwiches and pastries in a casual setting.

USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take the tram up to Mount San Jacinto for spectacular mountain views and hiking opportunities, open 10am to 9pm.

USD30, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lulu California Bistro

Enjoy a vibrant menu with something for everyone just in downtown Palm Springs.

USD55, 1.5h

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Day 12: Joshua Tree Day Trip

Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park, USA on December 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Resort

Fuel up early with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day in the desert.

USD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Joshua Tree National Park

Short 45-minute drive to the park for a day of unique desert landscapes, rock formations, and hiking trails.

USD30 per vehicle, 1h

9:30am

Explore Joshua Tree

Hike family-friendly trails like Hidden Valley and visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, ideal for teens interested in nature and photography, park open 24 hours.

Included, 5h