SUV Roadtrip California - please advice on itinerary

Question

Hi there,

In July, my 8-year-old daughter (from the Netherlands) and I will be traveling to California for a 3-week road trip.

We’ll be renting an SUV and starting our journey in San Francisco, ending in Los Angeles. I’d appreciate any help or suggestions on the itinerary. Do you think the plan is too packed, or are the driving stretches too long?

I’m also wondering if driving up to Lake Tahoe is worth it. I’m not including Sequoia National Park because I feel that Yosemite and Big Sur already offer enough natural beauty.

Regarding the coast: I’m debating whether to drive from Yosemite to Santa Cruz or head straight to Monterey.

Here’s my current plan. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice!

San Francisco (2 or 3 nights)

Drive via Truckee? (1 night)

Lake Tahoe (2 or 3 nights) – It would be nice to drive around the lake. Should I focus on the South Shore with Emerald Bay, or explore the whole lake?

Drive (via Mono Lake?) To Yosemite

Yosemite (4 nights, including Mono Lake) – I have a 4-night camping reservation at North Pines. Is it okay to sleep in the SUV since I don’t have a camper, or would it be better to book a hotel (e.g., Tenaya Lodge)?

Drive to Monterey or Santa Cruz

Monterey (2 or 3 nights), including Big Sur

Drive to Cambria (Moonstone Beach)

Cambria (1 night)

Drive to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara (2 or 3 nights)

Drive to Santa Monica/Los Angeles

Los Angeles (2 or 3 nights) – I plan to dedicate one day to Universal Studios, visit Santa Monica/Venice, see the Hollywood sign at the observatory, and maybe hike up to the observatory.

My daughter prefers nature over cities.

Some activities I’d love to include along the way are biking, one or two surf lessons for my daughter (do you have any recommendations for schools or locations?), possibly horse riding, and maybe stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). I’d also love to go on a whale-watching boat trip for my daughter, but I’m hesitant because I struggle with seasickness.

So, I still have many questions, haha! Thanks so much for any tips, recommendations, or feedback!

Answer

Your 3-week California road trip itinerary is ambitious but doable, especially with an SUV and a mix of nature-focused and city stops. Since your daughter prefers nature, prioritizing scenic drives, national parks, and outdoor activities is wise. Here’s a detailed review and suggestions for each segment.

San Francisco (2–3 nights)

This is a good starting point. Two nights covers major attractions, three nights allows for a more relaxed pace and side trips.

Golden Gate Park and Crissy Field for easy outdoor exploration.
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge toward Sausalito is a highlight for kids.
Consider a short ferry to Alcatraz if interested.

Truckee / Lake Tahoe (1–3 nights)

Driving via Truckee is scenic. For Tahoe, 2 nights is enough if you focus on the South Shore; 3 nights is better if you want a more relaxed pace and to explore both North and South Shores.

South Shore highlights: Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and Tahoe City for lakeside walks.
North Shore: quieter, less crowded beaches, and hiking trails.
Optional: paddleboarding or kayak rentals for a calm lake experience.

Mono Lake & Yosemite (4 nights camping at North Pines)

Mono Lake is a worthwhile stop en route to Yosemite. Camping at North Pines is okay if you are prepared, but sleeping in an SUV may be less comfortable than a lodge, especially for four nights.

Tenaya Lodge or similar hotels provide comfort and easier access to Yosemite Valley trails.
Focus on Yosemite Valley hikes: Lower Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls footbridge, Mirror Lake.
Consider a short day at Tuolumne Meadows if time and energy allow.

Monterey / Big Sur (2–3 nights)

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway; stops at Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls are iconic.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is great for kids.
Santa Cruz is an alternative to Monterey if you want more beach boardwalk fun, but Big Sur is more scenic.

Cambria (1 night)

Moonstone Beach is excellent for a sunset walk and tide pooling.
Cambria is a good mid-point between Big Sur and Santa Barbara; one night suffices.

Santa Barbara (2–3 nights)

Beaches: East Beach or Leadbetter Beach are family-friendly.
Outdoor activities: biking along the waterfront, potential horse riding lessons nearby.
One day for a short wine-country excursion or visiting the Santa Barbara Mission is possible.

Los Angeles (2–3 nights)

Universal Studios: dedicate a full day; book tickets in advance.
Santa Monica / Venice Beach: biking and beach activities.
Hollywood: Griffith Observatory hike is manageable and provides great views.
Optional: Short hikes in Malibu for nature exposure if time permits.

Activities

Surf lessons: Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, or Malibu are top choices; check for kid-friendly surf schools.
Horse riding: Santa Barbara area offers family-friendly riding tours.
SUP: calm lakes (Tahoe) or beaches with gentle waves are ideal; avoid open ocean if seasickness is a concern.
Whale watching: Monterey Bay or Santa Barbara are options; consider medications or a shorter cruise to minimize seasickness risk.

Driving Considerations

San Francisco → Truckee/Tahoe: ~3–4 hours.
Tahoe → Yosemite (via Mono Lake): ~4–5 hours.
Yosemite → Monterey: ~4–5 hours (PCH or inland routes).
Monterey → Cambria: ~2–3 hours.
Cambria → Santa Barbara: ~2–3 hours.
Santa Barbara → Los Angeles: ~1.5–2 hours.

Recommendations

Your itinerary is doable but dense; consider skipping Santa Cruz if Monterey/Big Sur is a priority to save time.
Book Yosemite accommodations early; sleeping in an SUV for 4 nights may be uncomfortable.
Allow flexibility in Big Sur and Tahoe for weather or fatigue.
Prioritize nature and outdoor activities since your daughter prefers them.

Overall, the plan balances cities, coast, and nature well, with moderate driving stretches. 3 weeks is sufficient but be mindful not to overpack days, especially with a child. A few buffer days for rest or spontaneous exploration will make the trip more enjoyable.

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