Family trip LA/SD/SFO

Question

Hi everyone, we are family of 4 (5&7yo) and are planning to go to California from 5th April to 20th April. We fly to LA and then would like to stay one day in LA, go to San Diego( I read it’s a nice area for families) from San Diego go for one more day to LA (maybe channel islands trip?) and continue from there to Seuoia park,where we want to stay two nights, go to Yosemite for two nights and from there Monterey (do whales watching,kayaking) and maybe big sur? And go to San Francisco,where we want to explore golden bridge park, trip to Alcatraz and maybe exploratorium? I am quite overwhelmed tbh (surprise!:-D) and struggle to make sure we won’t miss the highlights but have relaxing time as well. Although I would like to go to Universal,it’s not ideal for kids. We are definitely going to skip Disney and huge theme parks. We like a bit of adventure and our kids love nature,beach and my son is completely into science, museums etc. so we would like to visit some museums,something we can learn about the culture/history, spend some time on the beach. Im not sure how to plan sequoia and yosemite. We would like to do some hikes,but doable with kids. Also not sure whether 3days in SFO is enough, 2 days in LA… we are spending 4days in SD mostly to chill out and see some museums &beach time. Does this sound like a good itinerary? We would like to see some main sights but at the same time we love not so known places that has something special even though they are not that popular. Any suggestions for museums, places to visit with kids ,accommodation welcome! I would be really grateful! Also we think about going from LA to SD by train? We would like to rent a car,but probably from LA when we go to SFO via parks

Answer

Your itinerary covers a lot of California highlights and is very doable, but it will be a busy trip. With kids aged 5 and 7, it’s important to balance sightseeing with downtime so everyone enjoys the trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions for each segment.

Los Angeles (1 day)

Since you only have one day in LA, prioritize a few iconic sights rather than trying to see everything. Consider:

Griffith Observatory & Park – great views of the Hollywood sign, free telescopes, and space exhibits which your son will love.
Walk along Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
If time permits, a short stop at Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach for some beach time.

Los Angeles to San Diego (4 days)

Traveling by train (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner) is a scenic and relaxing option for kids, but renting a car gives you more flexibility for beaches and museums. In San Diego, focus on:

Balboa Park – lots of museums, gardens, and the San Diego Natural History Museum for science exploration.
San Diego Zoo or Safari Park – a must-see, very kid-friendly.
Coronado Beach or La Jolla Shores – safe beaches for kids.
USS Midway Museum – interactive naval museum which is very educational and engaging for kids.

San Diego back to LA (1 day)

If you return to LA, consider:

Channel Islands boat tour – doable in a day but check schedules; your kids may enjoy spotting sea lions and kayaking if weather allows.
Alternatively, spend a day exploring the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum of Natural History in LA.

Sequoia National Park (2 nights)

Two nights is sufficient for exploring main highlights and doing short kid-friendly hikes. Consider:

Moro Rock – short but steep, incredible views at the top.
General Sherman Tree – the iconic giant tree, very easy walk from parking.
Big Trees Trail – flat loop through giant sequoias, perfect for kids.

Yosemite National Park (2 nights)

Focus on valley highlights and easy hikes suitable for kids:

Yosemite Valley – see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail – short, easy hike.
Mirror Lake – flat, kid-friendly, beautiful views.

Accommodation options inside the park can be limited; consider staying in nearby towns like Mariposa or El Portal if inside-the-park lodging is unavailable.

Monterey/Big Sur (2 nights)

Monterey Bay Aquarium – highly educational and great for your kids.
Whale watching tours – check weather and season; late April is good for gray whales.
Kayaking in Monterey Bay – suitable for calm weather and older kids.
Drive along 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur – allow plenty of time for scenic stops and short walks to overlooks.

San Francisco (3 days)

Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park – easy walks, gardens, and playgrounds for kids.
Alcatraz Island – book tickets in advance.
Exploratorium – hands-on science museum perfect for your son.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 – sea lions, shops, and street performers.
If time allows, Muir Woods – giant redwoods close to SF, short trails suitable for kids.

General Tips:

Consider renting a car from LA after your first LA day. It gives flexibility for Sequoia, Yosemite, Monterey, and Big Sur.
Plan driving segments early in the day to avoid heavy traffic around LA and SF.
Pack layers for variable weather, especially in mountains and coastal areas.
Balance travel days with at least one relaxed morning or beach afternoon to prevent burnout for kids.
Accommodation: in parks, book as early as possible. Outside parks, look for family-friendly hotels with kitchens or suites for flexibility.

Overall, your itinerary covers the highlights, balances nature, beach, and museums, and should be feasible for your family with the suggested pacing. LA and SF with 1-3 days each is reasonable, and your park stays allow kid-friendly hikes and experiences.

Family trip LA/SD/SFO

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions