10 day itinerary
California
Itinerary
California is a fantastic place for a family road trip, especially with its stunning coastline, beautiful nature, and fun activities for kids. Here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that balances relaxation, adventure, and nature, perfect for you and your 10-year-old girl!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in . Settle into your hotel and grab a bite at a local café.
Afternoon: Explore . Rent a paddle boat on Stow Lake or visit the , which has an aquarium, planetarium, and a rainforest dome!
Evening: Head to for dinner. Don’t forget to try some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!
Day 2: to Monterey
Morning: Drive down to Monterey (about 2.5 hours). Stop at Santa Cruz along the way to check out the boardwalk and maybe ride a few rides!
Afternoon: Visit the . It’s one of the best in the world and super engaging for kids.
Evening: Stroll along and have dinner at a seafood restaurant.
Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur
Morning: Head out to Big Sur (about 30 minutes). Stop at for some easy hiking and stunning coastal views.
Afternoon: Visit in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It’s a short walk to see the waterfall cascading onto the beach!
Evening: Settle in at a cozy lodge or campsite in Big Sur. Enjoy a campfire if you’re camping!
Day 4: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo
Morning: Take your time driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Stop at the iconic for photos!
Afternoon: Arrive in San Luis Obispo. Visit the famous and grab lunch at a local eatery.
Evening: Explore the charming downtown area and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 5: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
Morning: Drive to Santa Barbara (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , which is small but very kid-friendly!
Afternoon: Spend some time at the beach. is great for families, with plenty of space to play.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 6: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
Morning: Head to Los Angeles (about 2 hours). Stop at the for some fun rides and games!
Afternoon: Explore the Santa Monica beach area or take a bike ride along the beachfront path.
Evening: Have dinner at a fun spot in Santa Monica, then maybe catch a movie at a local theater.
Day 7: Los Angeles
Morning: Visit and hike up to for amazing views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
Afternoon: Head to the or the , both of which are super engaging for kids!
Evening: Explore the vibrant food scene in LA. Try a food truck or a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 8: Los Angeles to San Diego
Morning: Drive to San Diego (about 2 hours). Start your day at , where you can visit the or just enjoy the gardens.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the beach— is perfect for spotting sea lions!
Evening: Have dinner in the , where you can find a variety of cuisines.
Day 9: San Diego
Morning: Visit the for a fun and educational experience. Kids love exploring the aircraft carrier!
Afternoon: Head to . Rent bikes or just walk around the beautiful beach.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the beach, soaking in the last sunset of your trip.
Day 10: Departure
Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final beach visit or a stroll through a local park.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your California adventure!
This itinerary offers a mix of relaxation, nature, and fun activities that should keep both you and your daughter entertained. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌊🌲✨