California Family Road Trip

Question

Hi All,

I have been "googling" for weeks, seen a million ideas and struggling to order them.

We are a UK couple from London, with three kids (boy 16yrs, 2 x girls 14 and 8).

Looking to do a very special for us "one time trip" to the USA in Aug. We will be looking to fly into California from Niagra area on 10th/11th Aug which is a Sun/Mon be in LA for Fri-Sun 15-17th Aug and fly back to UK on Thur 21st Aug.

We like beautiful scenery/quiet beaches/fun for the kids/outlet shopping (not a must)/ unique American sites and would ideally like to do a "very American" theme park towards the end of trip.

Given the ages and stages, probably dont want to spend very long boring days in the car, so if the trip can be broken up into exciting locations - it would make it much more doable.

In the unlikely event anyone has tips re Kosher food - that is a bonus, but very used to working that out ourselves.

I recognise that I am asking a lot and it will take effort to respond, so HUGE thank you to anyone who can assist in advance.

Thanks so much,

Maurice

Answer

Maurice, planning a family road trip across California with teenagers and a younger child in August can be very rewarding if you balance driving time with scenic stops and engaging activities. Considering your arrival in California around 10th/11th August and your fixed LA dates (15–17th August), here’s a suggested itinerary that mixes natural beauty, coastal charm, and quintessential American experiences, while keeping drives manageable.

Day 1–3: San Francisco & Surrounds

Fly into San Francisco (SFO or Oakland). Spend 2–3 nights here to acclimate and explore:

Golden Gate Bridge & Crissy Field for views and a gentle beach walk.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for a very “American” tourist experience (sea lions, street performers, and casual seafood).
Optional: Short, unique tours such as a chocolate factory or historic ferry building food tour for your teens to enjoy.
Consider a quick drive to Muir Woods for towering redwoods, an easy hike suitable for all ages.

Day 4: Monterey / Carmel

Drive south along Highway 1 (approx. 2–3 hours) for dramatic coastal scenery:

Monterey Bay Aquarium – very popular for teenagers and younger kids alike.
Carmel Beach – a peaceful beach for a stroll or sandcastle building.
17-Mile Drive scenic loop if time allows.

Day 5–6: Big Sur / San Simeon / Cambria

Continue down Highway 1. Drive times can vary due to traffic, but breaks at notable viewpoints help:

Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls – perfect photo stops.
Optional: Hearst Castle in San Simeon (tour of the estate – very American experience).
Overnight in Cambria or nearby for small town charm and coastal views.

Day 7–8: Santa Barbara / Ventura

Drive south along the coast, roughly 3–4 hours:

Santa Barbara – stroll State Street, enjoy beaches, or visit the Mission Santa Barbara.
Consider a short stop in Ventura for a boardwalk or pier experience.

Day 9–11: Los Angeles & Theme Park

Spend your last full days in LA (Fri–Sun) as planned:

Universal Studios or Disneyland – both iconic “American” theme parks, with Universal being a good choice for your teenagers.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach – leisurely exploration, possibly rent bikes for the teens.
Optional: Hollywood Walk of Fame or Griffith Observatory for city views and a touch of LA culture.

Additional Considerations:

Driving times are mostly 2–4 hours per segment to avoid long, exhausting stretches for the kids.
Booking accommodations with pools or easy beach access will help everyone unwind after driving.
Highway 1 along the coast is scenic but can be slow with traffic; plan early departures to maximize sightseeing.
For kosher options, larger cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have good specialty stores and restaurants; planning a quick stop in advance can make dining stress-free.
If the family enjoys nature, short hikes and easy beach walks are sprinkled throughout the trip so your younger child can keep up.

This itinerary balances scenic drives, iconic sights, and “American experiences” like theme parks and coastal towns, keeping driving manageable and allowing each family member to enjoy something special along the way.

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