16 day itinerary
West Coast
Personalized with:Make it family friendlyInclude parks and green spaces
Itinerary
A 16-day adventure along the West Coast sounds like a fantastic family trip! Let’s create an itinerary that balances fun, nature, and relaxation, with plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
- Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Head to . Explore the gardens, visit the California Academy of Sciences, and let the kids play at the playgrounds.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the . Try some delicious tacos!
Day 2: San Francisco
- Morning: Visit the iconic . Walk or bike across for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore and . Don’t miss the sea lions!
- Evening: Have dinner at a seafood restaurant and enjoy some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Day 3: San Francisco
- Morning: Take a ferry to for a family-friendly audio tour.
- Afternoon: Visit for lunch and explore the shops.
- Evening: Head to for panoramic views of the city at sunset.
Day 4: San Francisco to
- Morning: Drive down the coast to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the . The kids will love the sea otters!
- Evening: Stroll along and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 5: to Big Sur
- Morning: Drive along the scenic to Big Sur. Stop at for a hike.
- Afternoon: Visit in .
- Evening: Camp or stay at a lodge in Big Sur. Enjoy a campfire if you’re camping!
Day 6: Big Sur to
- Morning: Explore more of Big Sur, perhaps hike in .
- Afternoon: Drive to (about 2 hours). Visit the .
- Evening: Check out the famous (if it’s Thursday) for dinner.
Day 7: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Spend time at . Let the kids play in the sand.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Visit the for great views of the sign.
- Afternoon: Explore . There are playgrounds, hiking trails, and even a carousel!
- Evening: Dinner in . Try a family-friendly diner.
Day 9:
- Morning: Spend the day at . Enjoy the rides and attractions!
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the park.
- Evening: Have dinner at .
Day 10: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Visit and explore the gardens and museums.
- Afternoon: Head to the . It’s a must-see!
- Evening: Dinner in the .
Day 11:
- Morning: Spend the day at . Enjoy the shows and exhibits.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring SeaWorld.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or have a casual dinner nearby.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Drive back to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit . Enjoy the rides and the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the park and see the giant sequoias. Don’t miss the !
- Evening: Camp or stay in a lodge in the park.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit . Check out and .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a family dinner.
Day 15:
- Morning: Spend the day hiking. Consider the to (family-friendly options available).
- Afternoon: Explore more of the park, perhaps visit .
- Evening: Have a picnic dinner in the park.
Day 16: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last stroll in Yosemite.
- Afternoon: Drive back to San Francisco (about 4 hours) for your departure flight.
Tips:
- Make sure to pack snacks and water for the road trips!
- Check for any park entrance fees and make reservations where necessary.
- Always have a backup plan for activities in case of weather changes.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful family memories on your West Coast adventure! Enjoy every moment! 🌲🌊🌞