Family Road Trip from Los Angeles to Orlando with Scenic Stops and Drive Times

Day 1: Explore Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA on November 28, 2025

8:00am

Grand Central Market Breakfast

Start your day at Grand Central Market trying diverse breakfast options perfect for the family.
USD30, 1h

9:30am

Griffith Park Hike and Observatory

Explore hiking trails in Griffith Park and visit the Observatory for panoramic city views and interactive exhibits. Hiking trails open early; Observatory opens 12pm-10pm weekdays.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Enjoy classic California burgers loved by both teens and adults.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

The Getty Center

Visit this museum with impressive art collections, gardens, and architecture. Open 10am-5:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Grove

Dine at this popular outdoor shopping and dining destination with family-friendly restaurant choices.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 2: LA Theme Park Day

Los Angeles, CA on November 29, 2025

8:30am

Tartine Manufactory Breakfast

Taste artisanal pastries and fresh coffee before a busy day.
USD35, 1h

10:00am

Universal Studios Hollywood

Full day at the theme park experiencing rides and attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, open 9am-7pm.
USD300, 7h

5:30pm

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Enjoy dining and entertainment options at CityWalk adjacent to the park.
USD70, 1.5h
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Day 3: Beach and Departure

Los Angeles, CA on November 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Huckleberry Cafe

Enjoy healthy, fresh breakfast options in a cozy atmosphere.
USD40, 1h

9:30am

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Relax or explore the amusement park and beach activities; great for teens. Open all day.
USD20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Albright

Fresh seafood and casual meals on the pier with ocean views.
USD45, 1h

2:30pm

Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

The drive is approximately 4h 30m (270 miles). Consider stops at Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch (approx 1.5h from LA) and Seven Magic Mountains near Jean, NV for colorful desert art installations.
Gas approx USD50, 4.5h

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at MGM Grand Buffet

Relax and dine with varied options in this family-friendly buffet after arriving in Las Vegas.
USD80, 1.5h
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Day 4: Las Vegas Activities

Las Vegas, NV on December 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Henry

Start with a hearty breakfast at this contemporary spot providing comfort food.
USD40, 1h

10:00am

Adventuredome at Circus Circus

Enjoy rides, laser tag, and arcade games within this indoor amusement park. Open 10am-8pm.
USD70, 4h

2:30pm

Bellagio Fountains and Botanical Gardens

Stroll the Strip, watch the iconic Fountain Show (every 30 mins from 3pm) and visit seasonal gardens inside Bellagio.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe at MGM Grand

Experience a lively jungle-themed restaurant perfect for families and teens.
USD70, 1.5h
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Day 5: Vegas to Amarillo

Las Vegas, NV to Amarillo, TX on December 2, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Denny's

Hearty breakfast to start the long drive ahead. Open 24/7.
USD30, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Amarillo, TX

This long drive of about 13h 30m (890 miles) will include recommended rest stops like Kingman, AZ (Route 66 Museum) and Albuquerque, NM (Old Town for lunch and leg stretch).
Gas & meals approx USD130, 13h30m

9:00pm

Check-in and Rest in Amarillo

Arrive and rest; prepare for the next day's activities.
USD100, overnight
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Day 6: Amarillo to Fort Worth

Amarillo, TX to Fort Worth, TX on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Famous for a family-friendly vibe and the 72oz steak challenge; great spot to fuel up before driving.
USD40, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Fort Worth

Approximately a 5h drive (360 miles). Stops recommended at Wichita Falls for a quick break and lunch.
Gas & meals approx USD70, 5h

2:00pm

Arrive in Fort Worth and Check-in

Settle in and enjoy some rest before exploring.
USD100, 1h

3:30pm

Fort Worth Stockyards

Experience cowboy culture with cattle drives, shops, and live entertainment. Open until 6pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Savor authentic Texas barbecue in a relaxed family-friendly environment.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 7: Fort Worth to New Orleans

Fort Worth, TX to New Orleans, LA on December 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bird Cafe

Enjoy southern-style breakfast to start the drive.
USD40, 1h

8:00am

Drive to New Orleans

Approximately 8h drive (540 miles). Consider breaks in Shreveport, LA for lunch and leg stretches.
Gas & meals approx USD80, 8h

4:30pm

Check-in New Orleans

Unwind after the drive and refresh for evening plans.
USD150, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Deanie's Seafood

Classic Cajun dishes perfect for family dining.
USD70, 1.5h
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Day 8: Explore New Orleans

New Orleans, LA on December 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe du Monde

Famous for beignets and cafe au lait, open all day.
USD25, 1h

9:30am

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Interactive and fun exhibits showcasing aquatic life. Open 10am–5pm.
USD80, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Central Grocery

Try the iconic muffuletta sandwich.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

French Quarter Walking Tour

Family-friendly tour exploring history and culture. Approximately 2h.
USD50, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Camellia Grill

Diner-style classic New Orleans food in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 9: New Orleans Relax & Culture

New Orleans, LA on December 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Willa Jean

Southern bakery favorites served in a family-friendly setting.
USD40, 1h

10:00am

City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art

Explore playgrounds, sculptures, and art exhibits suitable for teenagers. Open 10am-5pm, closed Tuesdays.
USD30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Famous po’boys in a casual setting.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Frenchmen Street

Explore shops and early family-friendly music venues.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Coop's Place

Enjoy Creole dishes with a lively atmosphere good for families.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 10: New Orleans to Orlando

New Orleans, LA to Orlando, FL on December 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Beignet

Quick breakfast before the drive; beignets and coffee.
USD30, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Orlando

Approximate 9h drive (640 miles) with stops for meals and breaks; suggested stops in Tallahassee and Gainesville.
Gas & meals approx USD80, 9h

5:30pm

Check-in & Dinner at Disney Springs

Dine and unwind at this popular venue with diverse family-friendly options.
USD80, 2h
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Day 11: Universal Studios Fun

Orlando, FL on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Start early with a balanced breakfast to prepare for theme park fun.
USD40, 1h

9:00am

Universal Orlando Resort

Enjoy rides and attractions including Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Open 9am-9pm.
USD350, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk

Relax with many dining options suited for families and teenagers.
USD70, 1.5h
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Day 12: Disney Magic Kingdom

Orlando, FL on December 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to get ready for a full day at Disney.
USD40, 1h

8:00am

Magic Kingdom Park

A magical day filled with rides, parades, and entertainment. Park hours 9am-10pm; consider early entry for resort guests.
USD350, 10h

8:00pm

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Dine in a fairy-tale setting to cap off the day.
USD80, 1.5h
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Day 13: Leisure & Departure

Orlando, FL on December 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Se7en Bites

Hearty southern breakfast to conclude your trip.
USD35, 1h

10:00am

Relax or Souvenir Shopping

Spend time unwinding or picking up last-minute gifts before departure.
Varies, 2h
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