Orange County, Palm Springs, Santa Monica, West Hollywood

That sounds like an exciting trip! With a family of five and three teenagers, you’ll want a mix of fun, relaxation, and some unforgettable experiences. Here’s a lively 7-day itinerary that balances all of that while making sure you catch an NFL game. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Orange County (Friday)

• Evening:
  • Arrive at Orange County Airport at 5:30 PM. Grab your bags and head to your hotel. I recommend staying in the Anaheim area for easy access to attractions.
  • After checking in, head to Downtown Disney for dinner. It’s a fun atmosphere, and there are plenty of dining options like the Rainforest Café or Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria.
  • If the kids have energy, stroll around and check out the shops or catch some live entertainment.

Day 2: Disneyland Adventure (Saturday)

• Morning:

  • Rise and shine! Grab breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • Spend the day at Disneyland! Arrive early to maximize your time. Make sure to download the Disneyland app for wait times and mobile food ordering.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy classic rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
  • Have lunch in the park—try the Bengal Barbecue for some tasty skewers.

• Evening:

  • Stay for the evening parade and fireworks show. It’s a magical way to end your day!
  • Head back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 3: Beach Day in Newport Beach (Sunday)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, drive to Newport Beach (about 30 minutes from Anaheim).
  • Spend the morning at the beach! Rent bikes or rollerblades and cruise along the boardwalk.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at a beachside café, like The Crab Cooker, known for its fresh seafood.
  • After lunch, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard for some fun on the water.

• Evening:

  • Head back to your hotel to freshen up, then enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Cheesecake Factory in nearby Costa Mesa.
  • If you’re up for it, check out the local shopping at South Coast Plaza.

Day 4: Palm Springs (Monday)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Palm Springs (about 1.5 hours).
  • Once you arrive, visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views of the desert.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at a local spot like Cheeky’s, known for its delicious brunch.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where the kids can see unique wildlife and learn about desert ecosystems.

• Evening:

  • Check into your hotel in Palm Springs, then enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Old Spaghetti Factory.
  • If you have time, take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive for some shopping and ice cream!

Day 5: NFL Game Day (Tuesday)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head back towards Los Angeles (about 2 hours).
  • Depending on the game time, you might have some time to explore before the game. Consider visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Griffith Observatory for some iconic views.

• Afternoon:

  • Grab lunch at a nearby spot, then head to the stadium for the NFL game! Check the schedule to see which team is playing and get your tickets in advance.

• Evening:

  • After the game, celebrate with dinner at a fun spot like In-N-Out Burger for a classic California experience.
  • Head to your hotel in West Hollywood for the night.

Day 6: Santa Monica & Venice Beach (Wednesday)

• Morning:

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then head to Santa Monica (about 20 minutes from West Hollywood).
  • Spend the morning at Santa Monica Pier—ride the Ferris wheel, play games at the arcade, and enjoy the beach.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at one of the pier’s restaurants or grab a picnic to enjoy on the beach.
  • After lunch, take a stroll or bike ride to Venice Beach. Check out the street performers and the famous Muscle Beach.

• Evening:

  • Head back to Santa Monica for dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like The Lobster, which has great views of the ocean.
  • If you’re up for it, catch the sunset on the beach!

Day 7: Explore Los Angeles (Thursday)

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and spend your last day exploring Los Angeles.
  • Visit the Getty Center for stunning art and beautiful gardens. It’s free, but you’ll need to reserve parking in advance.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at a nearby café, then head to Universal Studios Hollywood if time allows. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the rides and attractions are fantastic for teens!

• Evening:

  • Depending on your flight time, enjoy a farewell dinner at a fun spot like The Grove, where you can shop and dine.
  • Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the NFL schedule for the game you want to attend and book tickets in advance.
• Consider using rideshare apps for convenience, especially in LA traffic.
• Keep an eye on the weather, especially in Palm Springs, and pack accordingly!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing family vacation filled with fun, adventure, and unforgettable moments! Enjoy your trip! 🌞🏖️🏈