13 day itinerary
California
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyInclude parks and green spacesExclude Dinsey and UniversalInclude Sea World, Legoland, SequoiasInclude Yosemite & Griffith observatory
Itinerary
California is a fantastic destination for families, and with 13 days, you can explore a wonderful mix of natural beauty, fun attractions, and vibrant cities. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary that includes all your requested spots while ensuring plenty of parks and green spaces. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles
- Morning: Arrive in Los Angeles. Settle into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Head to . Explore the for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Don’t forget to check out the exhibits!
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a nearby restaurant. Try the iconic In-N-Out Burger for a true California experience!
Day 2: Los Angeles to San Diego
- Morning: Drive to San Diego (about 2 hours). Stop at , where you can explore gardens, museums, and playgrounds.
- Afternoon: Visit the , one of the best in the world! Spend the day seeing the animals and enjoying the park.
- Evening: Dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you can find family-friendly restaurants.
Day 3:
- All Day: Spend the day at . Enjoy the marine life exhibits, thrilling rides, and entertaining shows. Don’t miss the chance to interact with some sea creatures!
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a stroll along Mission Bay.
Day 4: San Diego to Legoland
- Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes from San Diego). Spend the day exploring the park’s rides, attractions, and the amazing Lego sculptures.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s family-friendly eateries.
- Evening: Return to San Diego for dinner and perhaps a sunset walk on the beach.
Day 5: San Diego to Los Angeles
- Morning: Drive back to Los Angeles. Stop at to see the sea lions and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
- Afternoon: Visit the or the in LA.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in LA.
Day 6: Los Angeles to
- Morning: Depart for (about 4 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Afternoon: Arrive and explore the , home to some of the largest trees on Earth. Don’t miss the !
- Evening: Settle into a lodge or campsite in the park. Enjoy a family campfire if you’re camping!
Day 7:
- All Day: Spend the day hiking and exploring the park. Consider the easy trails like the Crescent Meadow Loop or the more challenging Moro Rock for stunning views.
- Evening: Have a picnic dinner in the park and stargaze if the skies are clear.
Day 8: Sequoia to
- Morning: Depart for (about 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive.
- Afternoon: Arrive and visit . Check out iconic sights like and .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at a lodge or nearby restaurant.
Day 9:
- All Day: Explore Yosemite! Hike to Yosemite Falls or take a family-friendly bike ride around the valley. Don’t forget to visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner and share stories about your day’s adventures.
Day 10: Yosemite to San Francisco
- Morning: Depart for San Francisco (about 4 hours). Enjoy the beautiful drive through the Sierra foothills.
- Afternoon: Arrive in San Francisco and visit . Explore the gardens, playgrounds, and the if time allows.
- Evening: Dinner in the city, perhaps at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Day 11: San Francisco
- Morning: Visit (book tickets in advance!). Explore the historic prison and learn about its fascinating history.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the sea lions and enjoy some family-friendly attractions.
- Evening: Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy dinner with a view of the bay.
Day 12: San Francisco to Monterey/Carmel
- Morning: Drive to Monterey (about 2 hours). Visit the , which is a hit with kids!
- Afternoon: Explore and take a scenic drive along to Carmel.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Carmel and take a walk on the beach.
Day 13: Return to Los Angeles
- Morning: Start your drive back to Los Angeles (about 5 hours). Consider stopping at for lunch and a quick beach visit.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Los Angeles. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit a local park or do some last-minute shopping.
- Evening: Depart from Los Angeles or spend one last night if your schedule allows.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for the national parks.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Yosemite and Sequoia.
- Keep snacks and water handy for the road trips and park visits.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful family memories in California! Enjoy your adventure! 🌞🌲🏖️