8 day itinerary
Los Angeles
Personalized with:Me 41 wife 41 boy 9 girl 14. first time to California. arriving and leaving LAX. want to cover as much as possible. San deigo and San Francisco. we have a car from the airport. advice on best hotel locations and entertainment Me 41 wife 41 boy 9 girl 14. first time to California. arriving and leaving LAX. want to cover as much as possible. San deigo and San Francisco. we have a car from the airport. advice on best hotel locations and entertainmentArriving 10 am to lax from fll December 24. leaving December 31 at 10 pm.
Itinerary
You’re in for an exciting adventure in California! With your family, you’ll get to experience the best of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Here’s a fun-filled 8-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, entertainment, and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles (December 24)
- Morning: Arrive at LAX at 10 AM. Pick up your rental car and head to your hotel. I recommend staying in the area for easy access to attractions. Consider the or for a family-friendly vibe.
- Afternoon: After checking in, grab lunch at (a must-try California classic!). Then, head to the and take some fun photos with the stars.
- Evening: Visit the for stunning views of the city and the iconic sign. If you’re up for it, hike a bit around the area. Have dinner at for a variety of food options.
Day 2: Los Angeles (December 25)
- Morning: Merry Christmas! Start your day with a festive breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
- Midday: Head to for a day of fun! Enjoy rides, shows, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Make sure to check the park’s schedule for any special holiday events.
- Evening: Have dinner at CityWalk at Universal Studios, where you can find a variety of restaurants and shops.
Day 3: Los Angeles to San Diego (December 26)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive to San Diego (about 2 hours). Check into a hotel in the or near . The is a great family-friendly option.
- Afternoon: Visit the ! It’s one of the best in the world, and your kids will love it.
- Evening: Have dinner in the . is a great spot with a view of the bay.
Day 4: San Diego (December 27)
- Morning: After breakfast, head to . Explore the gardens and museums, and let the kids enjoy the or the .
- Afternoon: Visit to see the sea lions and enjoy some beach time. You can also go kayaking or snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Evening: Dinner at for a nice family meal with a view.
Day 5: San Diego to Los Angeles (December 28)
- Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive back to Los Angeles. Stop by for a quick stroll and breakfast at .
- Afternoon: Visit . Enjoy the rides, play some games, and take a walk along the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at for some delicious seafood with a view of the sunset.
Day 6: Los Angeles to San Francisco (December 29)
- Morning: Check out and drive to San Francisco (about 6-7 hours). Consider stopping in or for lunch and a quick visit to the beach.
- Afternoon: Arrive in San Francisco and check into a hotel in or Union Square. The is a great family-friendly option.
- Evening: Explore and have dinner at for some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Day 7: San Francisco (December 30)
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to . Make sure to book tickets in advance!
- Afternoon: After returning, head to to see the sea lions and enjoy some shopping.
- Evening: Dinner at on top of Macy’s for a great view of the city.
Day 8: San Francisco to Los Angeles (December 31)
- Morning: Check out and take a drive across the . Stop at the for a quick visit to the if time allows.
- Afternoon: Start your drive back to Los Angeles. Stop for lunch along the way.
- Evening: Arrive in LA, return your rental car, and enjoy a nice dinner at or before your flight.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, as December can be chilly.
- Book attractions and restaurants in advance where possible, especially during the holiday season.
- Keep an eye on traffic, especially when driving in and out of LA.
Enjoy your trip! California is full of amazing experiences, and your family is going to have a blast! 🌞🚗🌊