Road Trip California

Question

Hello, guys!

We are a French-Brazilian couple with a 3yo boy and we'll be traveling with my parents in april. We'll arrive at LAX and we'll be travelling for 14 days.

I wanted to do a road trip to the following places/cities:

- LA

- Disneyland

- Grand Canyon

- Sequoia Park

- Yosemite

- San Francisco

I was imagining a "round-trip" and I wish I could include 3 days of motorhome trip, if faisable. Or maybe a round-trip + San Diego motorhome trip from LA.

What do you guys think? How many days each place? Suggestions of places? And where to rent a motorhome?

Thanks!

Answer

Your 14-day California road trip with a 3-year-old and grandparents sounds ambitious but very doable with careful planning. Below is a suggested itinerary, balancing driving, sightseeing, and some motorhome time.

Day 1-3: Los Angeles & Disneyland

Spend your first days adjusting to the time zone and enjoying LA and Disneyland.

Day 1: Arrive at LAX, pick up rental car, settle in hotel, explore nearby Santa Monica or Venice Beach for a relaxed evening.
Day 2: Disneyland full day — park opens early, so consider using Genie+ for ride planning with a toddler. Late afternoon/early evening rest.
Day 3: Explore LA attractions suitable for kids: Griffith Observatory (short walk), La Brea Tar Pits, or California Science Center. Afternoon free for rest before road trip begins.

Day 4-5: Grand Canyon

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~7-8 hours from LA). Overnight stays are usually in Tusayan or near the park entrance.

Day 4: Drive and check into hotel, short rim walk for sunset photography.
Day 5: Explore viewpoints, take easy walks along the Rim Trail, or a short shuttle-accessible trail suitable for kids and seniors.

Day 6-7: Sequoia National Park

Drive from Grand Canyon to Sequoia (~8-9 hours). Depending on your stamina, you could break this into two days with a stop in Bakersfield or Fresno.

Day 6: Arrive and relax, evening in lodge or cabin.
Day 7: Explore Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and short, stroller-friendly trails. Take lots of photos of massive sequoias.

Day 8-10: Yosemite National Park

Drive to Yosemite (~4-5 hours from Sequoia). Stay either in Yosemite Valley or just outside the park in Yosemite West or El Portal.

Day 8: Arrive, settle, short walk to Yosemite Falls or Tunnel View for sunset photography.
Day 9: Family-friendly hikes: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, Mirror Lake Trail. Pacing is important with a toddler and grandparents.
Day 10: Optional easy hike or drive up to Glacier Point for panoramic views. Relax in the afternoon before heading to San Francisco.

Day 11-14: San Francisco

Drive from Yosemite to San Francisco (~4-5 hours). Spend last 4 days exploring SF at a relaxed pace.

Day 11: Arrive, settle, evening walk along Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier 39.
Day 12: Golden Gate Park, California Academy of Sciences, or a short ferry to Alcatraz if suitable for your toddler (or skip for relaxed day).
Day 13: Explore Painted Ladies, Haight-Ashbury, and perhaps a short bike ride along Crissy Field with Golden Gate views.
Day 14: Morning in Chinatown, Union Square, or a stroll along the Embarcadero before departing.

Motorhome Option

Motorhome rental could fit nicely for 3 days either in Sequoia/Yosemite or as a separate trip to San Diego from LA. If you prefer this route:

Rent in LA or San Diego — major rental companies: Cruise America, El Monte RV, or Outdoorsy (peer-to-peer rentals).
Plan 2-3 nights of motorhome travel with campgrounds reserved in advance (especially in Yosemite or near Sequoia).
Motorhome is ideal for scenic drives along the coast (San Diego → LA) or for national park stays with flexibility and toddler-friendly accommodations.

Tips

With a 3-year-old and grandparents, limit long consecutive driving days to 4–5 hours when possible, include breaks.
Reserve accommodations early in National Parks — mid-April can still be busy.
Pack snacks, water, and sun protection for all day excursions.
Consider travel insurance given the long road distances and multiple stops.

This itinerary balances sightseeing, nature, and family comfort, while including potential motorhome adventure without overloading your trip.