13 day itinerary
California
Personalized with:Make it family friendly
Itinerary
California is a fantastic destination for families, with a mix of stunning natural beauty, exciting attractions, and cultural experiences. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 13-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!
Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles
- Morning: Arrive in Los Angeles. Check into your hotel and get settled.
- Afternoon: Head to . Visit the for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. There are also some great hiking trails if you’re up for it!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Hollywood, like Mel’s Drive-In, and take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Day 2: Los Angeles - Theme Park Fun
- All Day: Spend the day at ! Enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions. Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter if your family is a fan!
- Evening: Grab dinner at CityWalk, where there are plenty of options for everyone.
Day 3: Los Angeles - More Attractions
- Morning: Visit the . It’s interactive and educational, perfect for kids!
- Afternoon: Head to the nearby. The dinosaur exhibits are always a hit!
- Evening: Dinner in the trendy Arts District. Try out a food hall like Smorgasburg for a variety of options.
Day 4: Los Angeles to San Diego
- Morning: Drive down to San Diego (about 2 hours). Stop at to see the sea lions!
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then head to . Explore the gardens and maybe visit a museum or two.
- Evening: Dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you can find family-friendly eateries.
Day 5: San Diego - Zoo Day
- All Day: Spend the day at the ! It’s one of the best in the world, and there’s so much to see and do.
- Evening: Relax with a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant, perhaps in Hillcrest.
Day 6: San Diego - Beach Day
- Morning: Head to . Rent bikes and ride around the island or relax on the beach.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch on the beach and enjoy some sandcastle building or beach games.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant, like The Fish Market, with views of the sunset.
Day 7: San Diego to Anaheim
- Morning: Drive to Anaheim (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at for shopping and snacks.
- Evening: Early dinner and rest up for a big day tomorrow!
Day 8: Adventure
- All Day: Enjoy a magical day at ! Make sure to hit the classic rides and meet some characters.
- Evening: Stay for the fireworks show if the kids can handle it!
Day 9: California Adventure
- All Day: Spend the day at . Don’t miss the Pixar Pier and the Incredicoaster!
- Evening: Dinner at one of the park’s themed restaurants.
Day 10: Anaheim to Santa Barbara
- Morning: Drive to Santa Barbara (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is small but very family-friendly.
- Evening: Stroll along and enjoy dinner with a view of the ocean.
Day 11: Santa Barbara to San Francisco
- Morning: Drive to San Francisco (about 5 hours). Stop for lunch in San Luis Obispo or Monterey along the way.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a walk around . Don’t forget to see the sea lions at !
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant on the Wharf.
Day 12: San Francisco - City Exploration
- Morning: Visit the , a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for kids.
- Afternoon: Take a ride on a cable car and visit for some shopping and snacks.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in and maybe grab some gelato for dessert!
Day 13: San Francisco - & Departure
- Morning: Spend your last morning at . Visit the , which has an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one!
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to explore more of the park or grab a final meal in the city.
- Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the opening hours and any reservation requirements for attractions.
- Pack layers, as California weather can vary greatly from coast to coast and even within cities.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes for all the walking!
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family adventure in California! Enjoy every moment! 🌞🌊🎢