8 day itinerary
Orange County, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach
Personalized with:I have 3 kids of 12, 15 and 16
Itinerary
Planning an 8-day adventure through Orange County, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and sounds like a fantastic family trip! With your kids aged 12, 15, and 16, we can mix in some fun activities, relaxation, and a bit of exploration. Let’s dive into your itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in Orange County
Morning:
- Arrive in Orange County! Settle into your hotel or rental. If you’re staying in Anaheim, you might be close to , which could be a fun start to your trip!
Afternoon:
- Head to for lunch. There are plenty of kid-friendly options like the Rainforest Café or Naples Ristorante.
Evening:
- Explore or if you have the energy! If not, a relaxing evening at your accommodation with a movie night could be perfect.
Day 2: Orange County Adventures
Morning:
- After breakfast, visit for some thrilling rides and fun attractions. The kids will love the roller coasters!
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch at the park, then head to . Let the kids play in the sand or try out some beach volleyball.
Evening:
- Enjoy a casual dinner at a beachside restaurant like . Watch the sunset over the ocean!
Day 3: & Exploring
Morning:
- After breakfast, drive to . Spend the morning at . The tide pools at are also a hit with kids!
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at with stunning ocean views. Afterward, explore the or take a family hike in .
Evening:
- Dinner at for some delicious American cuisine. If the kids are up for it, a stroll through the town to check out local shops and galleries is a great way to end the day.
Day 4: Palm Springs
Morning:
- Drive to Palm Springs (about 1.5 hours). Start your day with breakfast at a local café like .
Afternoon:
- Visit the for breathtaking views. Once at the top, enjoy some hiking or just take in the scenery.
Evening:
- Head back down and explore (if it’s Thursday) for food, crafts, and live entertainment. Grab dinner at for a fun atmosphere.
Day 5: More Palm Springs Fun
Morning:
- After breakfast, visit the . The kids will love seeing the animals and exploring the desert landscape.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at the zoo, then spend the afternoon at for some water park fun!
Evening:
- Dinner at for some delicious Belgian fries and burgers. If you’re up for it, check out a local movie theater for a family-friendly film.
Day 6: Santa Barbara
Morning:
- Drive to Santa Barbara (about 2 hours). Start with breakfast at .
Afternoon:
- Visit the . It’s small but very family-friendly and has beautiful views of the ocean.
Evening:
- Stroll along and have dinner at . Enjoy some fresh seafood while watching the sunset!
Day 7: Santa Barbara Exploration
Morning:
- After breakfast, head to for a bit of history and beautiful gardens.
Afternoon:
- Spend the afternoon at . Rent bikes or rollerblades and ride along the beachfront path. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach!
Evening:
- Dinner at for a casual meal. If the kids are up for it, check out the local arcade or bowling alley for some evening fun.
Day 8: Return to Orange County
Morning:
- Head back to Orange County. Stop for breakfast at a local diner along the way.
Afternoon:
- Depending on your flight time, you could visit for some last-minute shopping or head to for some fun activities like the Ferris wheel or arcade.
Evening:
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at or a local favorite before heading to the airport.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the opening hours and any reservation requirements for attractions.
- Keep sunscreen handy, especially for beach days!
- Have a flexible schedule to accommodate the kids’ energy levels and interests.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌞🏖️🎢