8 day itinerary
National Parks
Itinerary
An 8-day adventure through the stunning national parks of the West Coast sounds like a fantastic family trip! With two keen kids in tow, we’ll make sure to include plenty of fun activities, beautiful sights, and opportunities for exploration. Let’s dive into your itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Settle into your hotel and grab a hearty breakfast at a local café.
Afternoon: Head to the . Rent bikes and explore the park’s beautiful trails. Don’t miss the —it’s a hit with kids, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one!
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the city, like Boudin Bakery for some delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Day 2: San Francisco to
Morning: After breakfast, hit the road to (about a 4-hour drive).
Afternoon: Arrive at Yosemite and head straight to . Stop at for a breathtaking view of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Evening: Settle into your accommodation (consider a family-friendly lodge or campsite). Enjoy a picnic dinner while soaking in the stunning views.
Day 3: Exploring Yosemite
Morning: Start your day with a hike to . It’s an easy, kid-friendly trail with beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Visit —the tallest waterfall in North America! There’s a short trail that leads to the base, perfect for the kids to splash around in the water.
Evening: Head back to your lodge for dinner. If you’re up for it, join a ranger-led evening program to learn more about the park’s wildlife and history.
Day 4: Yosemite to
Morning: After breakfast, drive to (about 2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Once you arrive, visit the to see the massive sequoias, including the famous . The kids will love walking among these giants!
Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a campfire dinner (if camping) or a cozy meal at a nearby lodge. Share stories and enjoy the starry night sky!
Day 5: Sequoia to
Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to .
Afternoon: Explore the area, where you can see more giant sequoias. The trail is a great family-friendly hike with beautiful views.
Evening: Return to your lodge or campsite for dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a night hike with flashlights to spot nocturnal wildlife!
Day 6: Kings Canyon to
Morning: Depart for (about a 4-hour drive).
Afternoon: Arrive and explore the area, where you can see bubbling mud pots and fumaroles. The kids will be fascinated by the geothermal features!
Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a family dinner. If you’re camping, roast marshmallows for s’mores!
Day 7: Exploring
Morning: Hike the loop trail. It’s an easy hike with stunning views of and plenty of spots for the kids to play.
Afternoon: Visit the trailhead. If the kids are up for it, hike partway up for incredible views.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and share your favorite moments from the trip so far.
Day 8: Lassen to San Francisco
Morning: After breakfast, start your drive back to San Francisco (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit to see the towering redwoods.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in San Francisco, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the bay. Reflect on your amazing adventure through the national parks!
Tips for the Trip:
- Pack plenty of snacks and water for the hikes.
- Bring a camera to capture all the beautiful moments.
- Make sure to check the weather and park conditions before heading out each day.
- Consider downloading some fun audiobooks or podcasts for the car rides!
This itinerary balances adventure, exploration, and family-friendly activities, ensuring that everyone has a fantastic time. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🏞️✨