Practical Tips Before You Go

• Car Seats: Our hire car seats had zero padding — not ideal for long drives. Next time, we’d bring or buy basic padded boosters/stage seats.

• When to Collect the Hire Car: Parking at Fisherman’s Wharf is expensive. We arranged to collect our car the morning we left San Francisco and pre-sorted the paperwork — this saved a full day’s hotel parking and made checkout stress-free.

• The Big California Myth: It’s not always sunny! Morning fog is common along the coast and can obscure views at places like Bixby Bridge and Carmel Beach.
• Timing: Summer is busy but sunny; spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Packing Essentials: Layers, hats, sunscreen, snacks, refillable water bottles, and a stroller for little legs

The Full Day-by-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

With two little ones, sightseeing on foot can be… ambitious. So, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus was our saving grace. It allowed us to cover lots of ground without exhausting tiny legs, and we could hop off whenever the kids needed a stretch or a snack.

Some of our highlights:

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

In the afternoons, we wandered along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. The sea lions lounging on the docks were hilarious and fascinating for the kids — their barking and flopping about never failed to make us laugh. There are plenty of little shops to browse (and snack on sourdough if you like) and a few family-friendly dinner options. We had dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House — the views of the bay are stunning, but the food, honestly, was a little underwhelming. Definitely a place you go more for the location than the cuisine, but it worked for a casual family meal.

Cable Cars

A genuine highlight for our children — and for us too, if I’m honest. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as the car swung onto the turntable and spun around at the bottom of the hill was priceless. There’s just something so whimsical and fun about San Francisco’s historic cable cars, and this is an experience you cannot miss.

Ghirardelli Square

This is a quick, easy stop that’s perfect for families. A short wander around the square, some chocolate or ice cream treats, and you’re done. It’s one of those “small wins” that makes a day feel complete without wearing out the little ones.

Car Collection Trick

If you’re renting a car, here’s a little tip we wish we’d known sooner: We sorted all the paperwork on Day 3, but left the car in the rental garage until the morning we were ready to leave San Francisco. This avoided paying the ridiculously expensive hotel parking fees and made our checkout super smooth. For families, this is a small hack that saves a lot of stress — and a lot of money.

Day 4–7: Yosemite National Park

Bases: Yosemite Valley Lodge (3 nights) and Tenaya Lodge (1 night)

Our first taste of Yosemite was nothing short of magical. Staying inside the park at Yosemite Valley Lodge was a game-changer — no long drives in and out, which is a blessing when you have toddlers. We literally walked to most of the main sights, and the views from the lodge made waking up each morning feel like stepping into a postcard.

I've got a whole dedicated page to Yosemite so make sure you check it out here for tonnes more insightful information.

Day 8–9: Monterey

Base: Stargazer Inn

The drive from Yosemite to Monterey included a stop at Casa de Fruta, and I have to admit, we weren’t sure what to expect. I had read a few mentions online, but nothing really prepared us for how much fun this place would turn out to be for the kids. It was a mini wonderland, bursting with surprises around every corner.

Casa de Fruta Highlights:

• Casa de Choo Choo train – A small, charming train that loops around the property. Our kids could not get enough of it; the joy on their faces as the whistle blew and the train chugged along was pure magic.

• Carousel and playground – Perfect for letting little legs run off energy after the car ride. Spinning horses, slides, and open space kept them entertained while we enjoyed a coffee nearby.

• Peacocks roaming freely – Our kids were fascinated, following them around and laughing as they strutted past with their tail feathers fanned out.

• Fruit market – Packed with fresh produce, jams, dried snacks, and even wine tasting for the adults. A little slice of California for grown-ups while the kids explored.

We could have spent hours here, but Monterey awaited!

After exploring Point Lobos, we drove along the Big Sur coast, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Unfortunately, a landslide closure prevented us from going further south, and Bixby Bridge was shrouded in typical California fog — so no postcard-perfect shots this time! But even through the mist, the experience of winding along the cliffs, feeling the ocean breeze, and watching the waves crash below was incredible and unforgettable.

Disneyland Park
Ah, Disneyland — not typically our usual travel vibe, but when in Anaheim, it’s almost mandatory! This was a huge hit for the kids, and honestly, even we adults got caught up in the magic.

• “It’s a Small World” ×3 – Our eldest was so enchanted, he insisted on riding it three times in a row!

• Lightning Lane – An absolute lifesaver for reducing waiting times on rides, especially with small children.

• Stroller hire – We rented a stroller for the eldest for $18. Having a place for the toddler to nap and a spot to store bags made the day much easier.

• Hotel proximity – Staying just across the street at Desert Inn & Suites meant we could walk back for mid-day breaks, which felt like a huge bonus.

Evening tip: tag-team with your partner! While one of us rested with the kids at the hotel, the other went back into the park to experience rides and the parade. It’s a great way to fit in extra magic without wearing everyone out.

Also check out my separate guide on how to tackle Disneyland with toddlers!

Venice Beach
Our final stop was Venice Beach, which perfectly summed up the energy, color, and chaos of California. The kids loved the skate park and playgrounds, while we soaked in the boardwalk vibes — street performers, eclectic shops, and the ocean breeze.

Departure Day
We spent our last morning wandering Venice Beach, letting the kids run free one final time. After checking out, we returned the rental car at LAX and reflected on an unforgettable two-week adventure.

Why This Works for Families

• Mixes busy city-days + nature + relaxed stays — so you’re not constantly “on”.

• Kept in mind toddlers’ pace: shorter drives, built-in rest days, freedom to wander.

• Accommodation choices that suit little legs and big ones: comfortable hotels + a countryside Airbnb.

• Prioritised memorable experiences (bridges, coastlines, nature, theme parks) that kids will actually remember — and parents will love.

Where We Stayed

Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco

Our journey began in San Francisco, where we stayed at Hotel Zephyr. The hotel's nautical theme and family-friendly amenities made it a hit with our kids. Located near Fisherman's Wharf, it offered easy access to attractions like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. 

Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park

Staying inside Yosemite National Park was a dream come true. Yosemite Valley Lodge provided breathtaking views of the falls and convenient access to trails suitable for young children. Early morning walks and evening wildlife sightings were highlights. 

Airbnb near San Luis Obispo

Seeking a quieter retreat, we booked an Airbnb in the countryside near San Luis Obispo. The property provided a peaceful setting with ample space for the kids to play and explore. You can find the link to it here.

Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites, Anaheim

Our Disneyland adventure began with a stay at Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites. The hotel's proximity to the park allowed us to maximize our time at the happiest place on earth.

Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach

Concluding our trip, we stayed at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach. The hotel's rooftop lounge offered stunning ocean views, and the beach was just steps away, providing the perfect end to our Californian journey.

Tips for Traveling California with Kids

• Timing: California has wildly varying weather. Summer’s perfect for coast + national parks but expect big crowds. Spring or fall = milder weather + fewer people.

• Transport: Renting a car is essential for flexibility. If you can, go for something spacious — you’ll thank yourself when all the gear + kids + snacks come into play.

• Accommodation: A mix works well — hotels for convenience, an Airbnb for a change of pace.

• Packing: Bring layers, hats, sunscreen and snacks. One minute you’re on the coast, the next mountain air is biting.

• Activities: Balance sightseeing days with down-time. National parks are incredible, but little ones need breaks too — so plan accordingly.

California truly has something for every kind of family traveller, and this two-week itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and magical moments. Whether you’re hiking in Yosemite, cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, or making memories at Disneyland, your California road trip will be unforgettable.

Ways to Adapt & Extend the Trip

Because the best thing about a California road trip is it’s endlessly flexible:

• Extend Yosemite: If you love nature and hiking, add a couple more days in Yosemite to explore deeper.

• Northern California Option: Start in the Bay Area and head north to Napa/Sonoma wine country (family-friendly vineyard tours exist) or visit Muir Woods National Monument for giant redwoods.

• More Coastline: If you want more beach and scenic roads, add in stops like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hearst Castle and Morro Bay.

• Southern California Focus: If your timing is winter (or you prefer milder weather), spend more days in LA, Orange County and perhaps San Diego (LEGOLAND/Aquarium etc).

• City-Bias: Prefer urban trips? Skip some nature days and instead dive deeper into San Fran, LA and San Diego for kid-friendly museums, aquariums and cultural spots.