16-Night Family Adventure: San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Six Flags Magic Mountain & Monterey Beach Holiday

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

San Francisco, USA on May 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your San Francisco trip with a hearty breakfast at Mama’s, known for its fresh, homemade breakfasts and friendly atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

10:30am

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Visit the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, watch sea lions at Pier 39 and enjoy charming shops and street performances.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Boudin Bakery Café

Try the famous San Francisco clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery on the Wharf.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Aquarium of the Bay

Discover local marine life at this popular aquarium located at Pier 39, perfect for family learning and fun.
USD30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive or take a cable car towards Union Square and explore

Explore the vibrant Union Square area, great for shopping and sightseeing in downtown San Francisco.
Cable car fare USD8, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory - Union Square

Enjoy an extensive menu from classic American to international dishes, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Iconic San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Famous for its artisan bread and pastries, Tartine Bakery is perfect for a delightful breakfast.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Alcatraz Island

Tour the historic and infamous former prison on this must-see island; book tickets online in advance to secure a spot.
USD40, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Codmother Fish & Chips

Casual and tasty fish and chips at this popular food truck near Fisherman's Wharf.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Walk/Drive across Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy spectacular views of the bay and city while crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden and the California Academy of Sciences (open 9:30am-5pm).
USD50 for California Academy of Sciences family ticket, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zazie

Enjoy delightful French bistro cuisine in a relaxed setting in Cole Valley.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 3: San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

Travel Day / Lake Tahoe, USA on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before the drive to Lake Tahoe.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tahoe

Enjoy scenic drive taking approximately 3.5–4 hours via I-80 east and US-50 east to South Lake Tahoe.
Fuel cost approx. USD50, 4h

1:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Freshies Restaurant & Bar

Casual dining offering lake views and classic American dishes ideal for families.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Tahoe beach & lakeside walk

Relax at Pope Beach or take a stroll along the lakeshore to enjoy beautiful water and mountain views.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Base Camp Pizza Co.

Enjoy delicious gourmet pizza and local brews in a lively atmosphere in South Lake Tahoe.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lake Tahoe Outdoors

Lake Tahoe, USA on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fire Sign Cafe

Popular for great breakfast classics with ample portion sizes.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

Rent kayaks for a gentle paddle suitable for teenagers and adults; rentals open 9am-5pm.
USD50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Getaway Café

Serving healthy, fresh options with lovely patio seating.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Emerald Bay State Park Hike

Take an easy family hike to viewpoints of this scenic bay, perfect for photos and nature appreciation.
USD10 parking fee, 2h30m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Enjoy some downtime by the hotel pool or spa.
Included with accommodation, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Edgewood Restaurant

Upscale dining with beautiful lake views, offering American cuisine suitable for families.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lake Tahoe & Travel to Yosemite

Lake Tahoe / Yosemite, USA on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Angel Café

Cozy spot with hearty breakfast options.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Travel for about 4-5 hours; take the scenic route via Tioga Pass (check seasonal opening) or via Hwy 120 west to enter Yosemite.
USD35 National Park entrance fee per vehicle, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Pizza Deck

A perfect family-friendly spot for relaxed dining and delicious pizza within Yosemite Valley.
USD30, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre and Lower Yosemite Falls

Learn about the park's history and enjoy a short walk to the stunning Lower Yosemite Falls, open year-round.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mountain Room Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic dinner inside Yosemite Valley Lodge with views of Yosemite Falls.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Yosemite Adventure

Yosemite National Park, USA on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before hiking.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail

A stunning moderate hike with waterfalls ideal for adventurous families; take water and wear sturdy shoes.
Free, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic from prepared snacks or Yosemite food outlets

Enjoy a packed picnic in one of the park’s designated picnic areas to refuel after your hike.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at hotel or take short sightseeing drives

Rest or explore viewpoints such as Tunnel View or Glacier Point if road access is open.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at the Ahwahnee Dining Room

Dine in historic elegance with a menu featuring locally inspired cuisine.
USD70, 2h
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Day 7: Yosemite to Six Flags

Yosemite / Valencia, USA on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at café in Yosemite

Fill up before the long drive to the SoCal area.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Valencia near Six Flags Magic Mountain

Around 5-6 hours drive through Central Valley towards Los Angeles area.
Fuel approx. USD60, 6h

3:30pm

Check-in to hotel near Six Flags Magic Mountain

Settle into your accommodation ready for theme park excitement.
Included in booking, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Family-friendly casual dining with diverse American menu just minutes from the park.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Six Flags Day 1

Valencia, USA on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for a full day of fun.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park Day 1

Enjoy thrill rides, family attractions and shows; park is open 10am-8pm on this date.
Included in 2-day pass, 8h

6:00pm

Dinner inside park at Full Throttle Food Court

Grab quick and tasty meals without leaving the fun.
USD30, 1h
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Day 9: Six Flags Day 2

Valencia, USA on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for another exciting day at the park.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park Day 2

Continue to explore the rides and entertainment; same opening hours 10am-8pm.
Included in 2-day pass, 8h

6:00pm

Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Relax after the park with a diverse menu and good atmosphere nearby.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 10: Travel to Monterey

Valencia / Monterey, USA on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before the coastal drive.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Monterey

Approx. 5-6 hour scenic drive along Highway 101 and CA-156 to Monterey.
Fuel approx. USD60, 6h

3:30pm

Check-in at beachfront accommodation

Relax and settle into your hotel near the Monterey beach.
Included in booking, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Cannery Row

Walk along the historic waterfront street full of shops, restaurants, and sights from the old sardine canning industry.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Famous for fresh seafood and stunning views of Monterey Bay, perfect for your first night in town.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Monterey Aquarium & Beach

Monterey, USA on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Enjoy fresh, creative breakfast options with great local ingredients.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the world’s best aquariums featuring local marine life, open 10am-5pm, pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
USD60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sardine Factory

Historic and elegant restaurant serving seafood and American fare on Cannery Row.
USD45, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Monterey State Beach

Spend an afternoon swimming and lounging on this wide sandy beach along the coast.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tarpy’s Roadhouse

Rustic yet refined cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, great for families.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 12: Monterey Coast Exploration

Monterey, USA on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Crema

Local café with excellent coffee and breakfast pastries.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive the 17-Mile Drive

Famous scenic coastal route with breathtaking ocean views and stops like Pebble Beach. Entry fee approx USD10 per vehicle.
USD10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bench

Overlooking the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links, enjoy American and Californian dishes.
USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Explore scenic trails and wildlife viewing in one of California’s most beautiful coastal parks.
USD15 parking fee, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fandango Restaurant

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a charming setting, great for families.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 13: Relax & Explore Monterey

Monterey, USA on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Passionfish

Known for sustainable seafood and excellent flavour combinations.
USD25, 1h

10:00am

Rent bikes and cycle along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Beautiful seaside route suitable for family cycling and enjoying fresh sea air.
USD20 bike rental, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Wild Plum Café

Casual eatery offering fresh and healthy choices.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy shops, ice cream, and watch sea otters in the bay near the wharf.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lalla Grill

Vibrant atmosphere with Mexican-inspired dishes and seafood specialties.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 14: Monterey Bay and Marine Life

Monterey, USA on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tally Ho Restaurant

Traditional American breakfast favorites.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Whale Watching Tour

Book a half-day tour to spot gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life (tours generally run 3-4 hours).
USD90, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Fina on Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and family-friendly options.
USD35, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Carmel Beach

Short drive to the famous white sandy beach good for walking and playing in the sand.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Charming bistro serving French and Italian rustic dishes ideal for families.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 15: Leisure Day Monterey

Monterey, USA on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast after busy days.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Explore Pacific Grove

Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary and stroll the beautiful coastline; a quieter alternative with nature-focused attractions.
USD10 entrance to Sanctuary, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lover's Point Café

Casual dining with bay views, serving local and fresh ingredients.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Beach time or hotel relaxation

Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach or hotel amenities at your leisure.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at 1833 Restaurant

Elegant dining featuring local cuisine and seafood by the ocean to end your trip in style.
USD60, 2h
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Day 16: Departure

Monterey / Flight Home on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Monterey.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Drive to airport for flight home

Allow 1.5 hours to reach San Jose or San Francisco airport for return flight to the UK.
Fuel or transfer cost approx. USD50, 1.5h
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