We spent 15 days road-tripping through California with our two young boys, covering San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim and Los Angeles.
Planning a California road trip with kids? We spent 15 days road-tripping through California with our two young boys, taking in San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey, the Central Coast, Disneyland and Los Angeles.
This 2-week California road trip itinerary is the exact route we followed, including where we stayed, how long we spent in each place, the things our kids genuinely loved and what we’d do differently next time. If you’re wondering whether a California road trip with young kids is actually doable, this is everything we learned along the way.
California Road Trip Overview
Duration: 15 days
Route: San Francisco → Yosemite → Monterey → San Luis Obispo (SLO) → Anaheim (Disneyland) → Los Angeles → Venice Beach
We travelled with: A 3 year-old (almost 4) and a 1 year-old (almost 2)
Pace: Family-friendly, with shorter drives, playground stops and downtime built in
Why this route works:
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Big variety (city → mountains → coast → theme park → city)
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Manageable daily drives
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Mix of outdoor time and easy wins for little legs
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Loads of built-in “kid reset” activities (playgrounds, beaches, short walks)
The Full Day-by-Day California Road Trip Itinerary
Days 1–3: San Francisco with kids
Three nights in San Francisco gave us two full days to explore without trying to cram too much in. We stayed at Fisherman’s Wharf, which worked brilliantly with young kids — we could walk to Pier 39, the cable cars and plenty of places to eat, while still using the hop-on hop-off bus to cover the bigger distances.
Two full days felt just right for us before picking up the hire car and starting the road trip properly.
Base: Hotel Zephyr, Fisherman’s Wharf
We kicked off our California adventure in San Francisco and couldn’t have picked a better base than Hotel Zephyr. Honestly, this place was a little gem for families. The courtyard is basically a kid magnet — full of games, firepits, and comfy seating areas. It’s like a built-in playground, which meant that after a long day exploring the city, the kids could still burn off energy while we relaxed with a coffee. We ended up hanging out here every single day, and it really became our little home away from home in the city.
Make sure you check out my blog post on all the family friendly things to do in San Francisco.
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:
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Painted Ladies + small playground: The classic row of colourful Victorian houses is, of course, iconic. But the playground right nearby was a lifesaver for us. By the time we got here, the kids were getting a bit restless on the bus, and having a space to run around for twenty minutes was perfect.
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Golden Gate Park: I took our eldest to the Japanese Tea Garden, which he absolutely loved — the little bridge there is steep, and he was so proud of himself for climbing it like a little adventurer. Meanwhile, our youngest snoozed happily in the pushchair while we wandered around the park. It was such a peaceful, magical little slice of the city.
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Golden Gate Bridge crossing: Oh, the bridge. Nothing prepares you for it — the wind, the size, the views. It’s truly iconic. And, in one of those parent-life moments, my youngest stayed asleep on me through the entire crossing while we held on tight to our hats as the gusts blew past. I like to think that one day he’ll remember it in his dreams!
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Outpost Playground: This playground is fairly new and absolutely massive, with sand, water features, and a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was an instant hit — you could have dragged the kids away kicking and screaming if you’d tried. I would highly recommend this stop if you have kids who love to splash and climb.
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.
Days 4–7: Yosemite National Park with kids
Yosemite was the stop we were most excited about — and it ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip. We spent four nights here, which gave us time to explore Yosemite Valley, head up into the high country, paddle at Tenaya Lake and tackle part of the Mist Trail without rushing the kids from one sight to the next. If you’re wondering whether Yosemite is worth including on a California road trip with young kids, for us it was an absolute yes.
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 4: Arrival and Easy Exploration
After collecting our rental car, we stocked up on snacks and essentials at Walmart (because you can never have too many snacks with little ones!). On the way to the lodge, we stopped at Caffe Dolce Vita in Groveland for paninis — seriously delicious!
Once we settled in, we took a short stroll to Lower Yosemite Falls. It’s stroller-friendly, which meant our youngest could nap while the eldest toddled along proudly. Dinner was at Base Camp Eatery, the lodge’s family-friendly eatery — nothing fancy, but reliable and easy, which is exactly what you need after a day of travel.
Day 5: Cook’s Meadow Loop + Bikes
We started the day with the Cook’s Meadow Loop, an easy, flat walk perfect for little legs. Deer were grazing nearby, and we stopped at Sentinel Bridge for breathtaking views of Half Dome. Later, we rented bikes and explored the Valley Floor — one of the best ways to see Yosemite with kids. We cycled to Mirror Lake, took little breaks at meadows and riversides, and soaked in the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we hopped on the shuttle to El Capitan Meadow, where you can spot climbers scaling the massive rock face — the kids were fascinated!
Day 6: Tioga Road Adventure
We ventured along Tioga Road, stopping at Olmsted Point for panoramic views and then Tenaya Lake, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight. The kids paddled happily in the crystal-clear water while we had a picnic — it felt so peaceful and remote, a real “California dream” moment. Later, we tackled a portion of the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. It’s a steady uphill climb, but with plenty of breaks and a slow pace, it was completely doable with our little ones. Dinner that evening was casual at the Curry Village taco stand — quick, informal, and kid-approved.
Day 7: Iconic Views and a Resort-Style Evening
Early morning at Tunnel View was surreal — the valley, the cliffs, the light… unforgettable. Then we headed to Glacier Point, which offers sweeping vistas that make you stop in your tracks. Afterwards, we visited Mariposa Grove to marvel at the giant sequoias; the kids were fascinated by these massive trees that make humans feel tiny in the best way.
That afternoon, we checked into Tenaya Lodge, which is more resort-style than Yosemite Valley Lodge. Pools, arcade games, and open spaces — exactly what we needed for some downtime. Dinner at Jackalopes was hands-down the best meal of our trip, a little indulgence that felt well-earned.
Planning your own Yosemite stop? Read our full Yosemite with Kids guide for our favourite family-friendly hikes, things to do, where to stay and everything we learned from visiting with young kids.
Days 8–9: Monterey with kids
Monterey made a great change of pace after Yosemite. The drive took us back towards the coast, and we deliberately gave ourselves a full day here for Monterey Bay Aquarium — one of the best attractions we visited on the entire trip with the kids. It also put us in the perfect position to start heading south along the California coast, rather than attempting one huge drive from Yosemite towards Los Angeles.
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:
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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.
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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.
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Peacocks roaming freely – Our kids were fascinated, following them around and laughing as they strutted past with their tail feathers fanned out.
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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!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Once in Monterey, our first stop — and the highlight for the kids — was the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is one of those places where you could genuinely spend the entire day and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
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Sea Otters – Playful and mischievous, these little creatures were a constant source of delight.
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Jellyfish tanks – Mesmerizing, with their slow, graceful movements and otherworldly glow.
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Main exhibits – Massive tanks teeming with fish of every color. Even as adults, we were struck by the sheer scale and beauty of the underwater world.
The aquarium is incredibly family-friendly:
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Interactive exhibits
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Kid-friendly information boards
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Touch pools where children can gently handle starfish and other sea creatures
Our eldest loved spotting species in the open ocean exhibit, while our youngest toddled happily from tank to tank, occasionally pressing tiny hands against the glass in wonder. We left with sticky fingers from snacks and salty popcorn, exhausted in the best possible way. For anyone planning a visit, I’ve written a full blog post on visiting the aquarium.
Afternoon: 17-Mile Drive & Carmel Beach
In the afternoon, we drove along the 17-Mile Drive, a classic coastal route with stunning vistas. California’s infamous morning fog partially obscured the views, giving the coastline a mysterious, ethereal feel. We stopped along the way for photos, quick stretches, and to take in the rugged cliffs, cypress trees, and crashing waves.
Finally, we made a brief stop at Carmel Beach, a quaint, picturesque beach in the little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Even in the mist, it had a storybook charm — soft sand, tiny waves, and cottages peeking through the fog. The kids loved running around, collecting shells, and chasing seagulls, while we soaked in the serene atmosphere before heading back to our base at Stargazer Inn, perfectly located to explore more of Monterey the next day.
Days 10–11: Big Sur & San Luis Obispo with kids
Rather than racing down the California coast, we used the San Luis Obispo area as our base for two nights. This gave us a chance to slow the pace down after San Francisco, Yosemite and Monterey, with beaches, playgrounds and plenty of time for the kids to just play. It also broke up the journey south towards Anaheim and made this part of the road trip feel like a destination in its own right, rather than simply a long driving day.
Base: Countryside Airbnb, San Luis Obispo
Day 10: Big Sur Adventure
We kicked off Day 10 with an early morning visit to Point Lobos State Reserve, arriving as soon as the parking lot opened. Pro tip: it fills up fast, so getting there early is worth it if you want a peaceful start and some prime photo spots. The kids were full of energy, and the trails were manageable for little legs, with stunning views of the rugged coastline and turquoise waters that made every step worth it.
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.
By the evening, we arrived at our countryside Airbnb in San Luis Obispo, and it instantly became a favorite stop for the kids. The property had ample land to run around, chickens to feed, and a trampoline to bounce on — basically a little slice of outdoor paradise after a long drive. For dinner, we cooked homemade pasta, which was the first “home-cooked” meal of the trip and felt so cozy after several nights on the road. The kids were delighted to eat together at our little table while the sun set over the countryside.
Day 11: Pismo Beach & Surrounding Area
We dedicated Day 11 to exploring Pismo Beach and nearby attractions, balancing active fun with coastal relaxation:
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Dinosaur Caves Playground – This oceanfront playground was a hit with the kids. Slides, climbing frames, and panoramic views of the Pacific made it a perfect morning stop. The kids could run freely while we sipped coffee and took in the waves crashing nearby.
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Oceano Sand Dunes – Climbing the steep hills of sand was exhausting but exhilarating. Our kids loved the challenge, and it was incredible to watch them conquer the dunes with such enthusiasm. Bring water and snacks — little legs tire quickly!
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Pismo Beach Pier – We finished the afternoon here with ice creams in hand, watching the surfers and letting the kids run along the sand. The combination of the salty air, the sound of the waves, and kids’ laughter made it one of those perfect, simple family moments.
Dinner was at Wooly’s, right by the beach, which offered casual, delicious food and the added bonus of sitting with views of the ocean. Watching the sunset over the pier while the kids recounted their day was the perfect way to end our Big Sur and San Luis Obispo adventure.
Days 12–13: Anaheim & Disneyland with kids
We wanted our kids to experience Disneyland, but we didn’t want Disney to dominate our California road trip. So we based ourselves in Anaheim for two nights and spent just one full day in Disneyland — and for us, that was enough. We still got the Disney magic (and packed a surprising amount into one day), while keeping San Francisco, Yosemite and the California coast as the main focus of the trip.
Base: Desert Inn & Suites, Anaheim
We set off from San Luis Obispo along the scenic California coast, stopping for lunch in Santa Barbara — a charming city with palm-lined streets and plenty of kid-friendly cafés. Further south, we paused at Santa Monica Pier, letting the kids stretch their legs and take in the ocean views.
Pro tip: avoid Google’s suggested “shortcut” down steep mountain roads — instead, take Rice Avenue, a flatter coastal route that keeps you on the scenic road longer and is much safer with little ones.
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.
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“It’s a Small World” ×3 – Our eldest was so enchanted, he insisted on riding it three times in a row!
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Lightning Lane – An absolute lifesaver for reducing waiting times on rides, especially with small children.
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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.
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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!
Days 14–15: Los Angeles & Venice Beach with kids
Los Angeles was our final stop before flying home from LAX. With only a day and a half, we didn’t try to see everything — instead, we picked a handful of the classic sights, including Griffith Observatory, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, before finishing the trip by the beach in Venice. LA is huge, so keeping our plans realistic made it much more manageable with young kids and gave us a fun final taste of California without ending the trip exhausted.
Base: Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach
Los Angeles Highlights
We started the day at Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of both Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Even with kids in tow, the wide open spaces and telescopes made it manageable and fun.
Next, we strolled along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spotting famous stars and enjoying the street performers. Lunch was at Hard Rock Café, which is casual and family-friendly, perfect for a midday refuel.
We then drove through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, admiring the luxury stores and perfectly manicured streets, before heading to The Grove and Original Farmers Market for a relaxed shopping and snack stop.
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
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Mixes busy city-days + nature + relaxed stays — so you’re not constantly “on”.
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Kept in mind toddlers’ pace: shorter drives, built-in rest days, freedom to wander.
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Accommodation choices that suit little legs and big ones: comfortable hotels + a countryside Airbnb.
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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.
Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp
For a change of pace, we spent one night at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp. The lodge offered a more resort-like experience with amenities like an indoor pool and spa, perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Stargazer Inn & Suites, Monterey
In Monterey, we stayed at Stargazer Inn & Suites. The hotel (motel) was comfortable and well-located, making it easy to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium and nearby beaches which were a short drive away.
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.
Our Kids’ Favourite Stops on This California Road Trip
Tenaya Lake, Yosemite — paddling and playing by the water; unexpectedly one of their absolute favourites.
Exploring Yosemite by bike — much more fun for them than being moved around on shuttle buses.
Monterey Bay Aquarium — easily worth allowing a full day for.
Pismo Beach — One of the simplest stops, but one of the kids’ favourites. They absolutely loved just playing on the huge sandy beach, and it gave us a slower, easy afternoon in the middle of a busy California road trip.
Disneyland — obviously a huge hit, despite only dedicating one day of the whole trip to Disney.
Practical Tips for a California Road Trip With Kids
- When to go: We travelled in September and found it worked brilliantly for this route. San Francisco was cooler, Yosemite was warm during the day, and further south it was much hotter. Travelling outside the peak summer holidays worked well for us, although places like Yosemite were still busy. And don’t fall for the California sunshine myth — morning fog is common along the coast and completely obscured some of the views we’d expected at places like Bixby Bridge and Carmel Beach.
- Don’t underestimate the distances: California is huge. We deliberately broke up the longer journeys with overnight stops and things the kids would enjoy along the way. Building the route around manageable driving days made a huge difference with a 1- and 4-year-old.
- Mix sightseeing with downtime: National parks and big attractions are incredible, but little kids still need time to simply play. Some of our boys’ favourite moments were paddling at Tenaya Lake, cycling around Yosemite and playing on Pismo Beach. We found the trip worked best when we balanced sightseeing with beaches, playgrounds, swimming and slower afternoons.
- Mix up your accommodation: We used a combination of hotels and an Airbnb, which worked really well. Hotels were convenient for shorter stays and sightseeing-heavy stops, while having an Airbnb partway through gave us more space and a welcome change of pace.
- Think carefully about location: Where you stay can make a huge difference with young kids. Staying at Fisherman’s Wharf meant we could walk to lots of San Francisco’s attractions, while Yosemite Valley Lodge put us right inside the national park. Sometimes paying more for the right location saves a lot of driving and hassle.
- Wait to collect your hire car in San Francisco: Parking around Fisherman’s Wharf is expensive and we didn't need a car while exploring the city. We arranged to collect ours on the morning we left San Francisco and sorted the paperwork in advance. It saved us a full day of hotel parking and made leaving the city really straightforward.
- Think about your car seats: The seats supplied with our hire car had virtually no padding, which wasn't ideal when we were spending so much time driving. If we did the trip again, we'd seriously consider bringing our own or buying basic padded age-appropriate seats when we arrived.
- A pushchair was far more useful than we expected: Our toddler had stopped wanting to use the carrier, so the pushchair became invaluable for naps and longer sightseeing days. Travelling with little kids didn't stop us doing the bigger adventures — we just adapted how we did them.
- Pack for completely different conditions: Layers are essential. We went from cool, foggy mornings on the coast to warm days in Yosemite and much hotter weather further south. Hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, snacks and refillable water bottles were some of our most-used essentials.
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:
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Extend Yosemite: If you love nature and hiking, add a couple more days in Yosemite to explore deeper.
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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.
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More Coastline: If you want more beach and scenic roads, add in stops like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hearst Castle and Morro Bay.
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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).
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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.
How Much Did Our 2-Week California Road Trip Cost?
California definitely isn’t a cheap family road trip, but there were plenty of places where we managed to keep costs down. These are our actual costs for 15 days in California as a family of four, travelling with a 1- and 3-year-old. We mixed hotels with an Airbnb, hired a car for the road-trip portion and included one day at Disneyland — so hopefully this gives you a realistic idea of what a similar trip might cost.
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Accommodation (14 nights): £3,000 (and 47p) - we made sure we used member deals on sites like booking.com and hotels.com plus used TopCashback a lot!
- Car Rental - £500 - we used budget cars and had a car for 12 nights plus two car seats. We had requested a mid range SUV but they only had a full size and they honoured our price (in hindsight I should have ordered the bigger car as it was SO useful with the kids and STUFF). I would in future maybe buy a car seat rather than rent one as the quality was poor and the kids were uncomfortable.
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Disney tickets: £500 - This was for one day including lightning lane for 2 adults and 1 child (the youngest was free). It's expensive but we loved this day!
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Food and other activities - £2,300 - California isn't cheap but we were actually pleasantly surpised with our spend. We ate out every evening but cut costs by having cereal in our room for breakfast (every hotel room has a fridge) and packed up lunch and snacks for the kids and we just grabbed stuff on the go for lunch. Activities included an open top bus in San Fran and Monterey Bay Aquarium which were (apart from Disneyland) the most expensive activities.
Total cost for a family of four for two weeks mid range budget (excluding flights): £6,300
These figures are based on our experiences and may vary depending on travel dates, preferences, and unforeseen expenses.
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