7 day itinerary for California

Itinerary

California is such a fantastic place for a family adventure, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and endless activities. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 7-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!

## Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

Morning: Arrive in San Francisco! Check into your hotel and get settled. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a quick breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Head to Fisherman’s Wharf. Explore the shops, watch the sea lions at Pier 39, and maybe indulge in some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

Evening: Take a stroll along the waterfront to Ghirardelli Square for some delicious chocolate treats. If the kids are up for it, consider a ride on a historic cable car!

## Day 2: San Francisco Exploration

Morning: Visit the Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Afternoon: Head to Golden Gate Park. You can rent bikes or just walk around. Don’t miss the California Academy of Sciences, which has an aquarium, planetarium, and a natural history museum all in one!

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Mission District. Try some delicious tacos or burritos, and if you have time, check out the vibrant murals in the area.

## Day 3: Drive to Monterey/Carmel

Morning: After breakfast, hit the road to Monterey (about 2.5 hours). Stop at Santa Cruz on the way to visit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for some fun rides and games.

Afternoon: Arrive in Monterey and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s a fantastic place for kids to learn about marine life!

Evening: Head to Cannery Row for dinner. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants with ocean views.

## Day 4: Big Sur Adventure

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for some stunning photos!

Afternoon: Visit Pfeiffer Beach (the purple sand beach!) and let the kids explore. If you’re up for a hike, the McWay Falls trail is a short and beautiful walk.

Evening: Head back to Monterey for dinner or stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a charming dining experience.

## Day 5: Los Angeles Bound

Morning: Depart for Los Angeles (about 5 hours). You can make a pit stop in San Luis Obispo for lunch and check out the quirky Bubblegum Alley.

Afternoon: Arrive in LA and head straight to Griffith Park. Visit the Griffith Observatory for some amazing views of the city and the Hollywood sign.

Evening: Have dinner in Hollywood. You can find plenty of family-friendly options, and maybe take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

## Day 6: Theme Park Fun

All ## Day: Choose a theme park for a full day of fun! You can go to Disneyland in Anaheim for the classic experience or Universal Studios for some movie magic. Both parks have plenty of attractions for all ages.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the park or nearby. If you’re at Disneyland, don’t forget to catch the fireworks show!

## Day 7: Beach Day and Departure

Morning: Head to Santa Monica Beach. Let the kids play in the sand, and you can take a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier.

Afternoon: Grab lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. If time allows, you can explore the shops on Third Street Promenade.

Evening: Depending on your flight time, you might have a little more time to relax at the beach before heading to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A week filled with adventure, exploration, and family bonding in California. Make sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, just let me know! 🌞✈️🌊