Family-Friendly 24-Day Road Trip from San Francisco to the Grand Canyon

Day 1: San Francisco Delights

San Francisco, USA on July 1, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start with fresh pastries and excellent coffee to energize for the day's activities.
USD15, 1h

10:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge Walk

Walk or bike the iconic bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the bay and city skyline.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Savour fresh seafood including classic clam chowder bread bowls.
USD25, 1.5h

3:00PM

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take the ferry and guided tour of the famous former prison; pre-book tickets as it closes at 6:30PM.
USD40, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ghirardelli Square

End the day with dessert and dinner within the historic chocolate factory setting.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, USA on July 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Enjoy a full breakfast close to nature before hiking.
USD20, 1h

10:00AM

Yosemite Valley Hikes

Explore iconic sites like Yosemite Falls, Mist Trail, and El Capitan viewpoints.
Free, 4h

2:00PM

Picnic lunch at Glacier Point

Drive to and picnic with spectacular views overlooking Yosemite Valley.
USD15 (picnic supplies), 1.5h

4:00PM

Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias

Walk among ancient giant sequoias in this peaceful forest area.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Relax with a classic dinner in this historic hotel with stunning décor.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 3: Pacific Coast Highway Drive

Big Sur, USA on July 3, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked goods before a scenic coastal journey.
USD20, 1h

10:00AM

Bixby Creek Bridge Stop

Photo opportunity at one of California's most iconic bridges amid dramatic coastline.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Savour lunch overlooking the ocean with family-friendly dishes.
USD30, 1.5h

2:00PM

McWay Falls Visit

See the stunning waterfall drop onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Free, 1h

4:00PM

Drive to Santa Barbara

Relax on the two-hour drive south to the coastal city Santa Barbara.
USD20 (fuel), 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lark, Santa Barbara

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in a stylish setting perfect for families.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Santa Barbara Exploration

Santa Barbara, USA on July 4, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Kick off the day with tasty, homemade baked goods.
USD20, 1h

10:00AM

Stearns Wharf Adventure

Explore shops and local marine life exhibits on this historic pier with ocean views.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Discover native Californian plants in a beautiful setting perfect for kids to roam safely.
USD15, 2h

2:00PM

Lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria

Relish authentic Mexican street food that the whole family will love.
USD15, 1h

4:00PM

Relax at East Beach

Spend late afternoon soaking up sun or paddling in calm waters at this family-friendly beach.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hitching Post II

Enjoy well-prepared Californian grilled cuisine in an inviting rustic atmosphere.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Drive From Santa Barbara to Anaheim

Anaheim, USA on July 5, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Scarlett Begonia

Tuck into creative breakfast dishes to prepare for the day's drive.
USD25, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Anaheim

Set off on a roughly 2.5-hour coastal and freeway drive to Disneyland area.
USD20 (fuel), 2.5h

12:00PM

Check Into Hotel and Lunch Nearby

Check into your family-friendly hotel and enjoy lunch at a local diner near Disneyland.
USD30, 1h

2:00PM

Disneyland Park Afternoon

Enjoy kid-friendly rides, shows, and attractions with opportunities to meet characters.
USD150 (park entrance), 5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant

Dinner in immersive Disney-themed fine dining within the park.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 6: Universal Studios Adventure

Universal City, USA on July 6, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Front Yard

Start the day with a nourishing breakfast before driving to Universal Studios Hollywood.
USD20, 1h

10:00AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Dive into thrilling rides and immersive themed zones suited for all ages.
USD140, 6h

1:00PM

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Experience a magical lunch inspired by the Harry Potter universe inside the park.
USD25, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Enjoy diverse cuisine options in a lively open-air area adjacent to the studios.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Drive to Kingman, AZ Rest Stop

Kingman, Arizona, USA on July 7, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kings Highway Diner

Kickstart the day with classic American diner food before the long drive east.
USD20, 1h

9:30AM

Drive from Anaheim to Kingman

Head out on the approximately 5-hour drive toward Kingman, Arizona, a great midway rest point for the Grand Canyon journey.
USD35 (fuel), 5h

2:30PM

Lunch in Kingman Downtown

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, a nostalgic spot with family-friendly meals.
USD25, 1h

4:00PM

Explore Historic Route 66 Museum

Learn about the famous highway’s heritage with family-friendly exhibits.
USD10, 1h

6:30PM

Evening at Hotel and Dinner

Check into your Kingman accommodation and have dinner on-site or nearby, resting up for the final leg.
USD35, 1.5h
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