California road trip July with 16 year olds

Question

Looking to go to LA for 2 weeks, I have been many times however now my two stepkids (a boy and a girl) - please help with itinerary!

Was thinking 2 night by Santa Monica for beach, Venice, Malibu etc, 2-3 nights West Hollywood area for all the touristy stuff around there, 2 nights by Disneyland and then unsure? Worth driving to Palm Springs / Josua Tree for a couple of nights even though it'll likely be super hot during the days? Or even Vegas? The teens would probably love the pool / shows in Vegas but unsure if it's worth doing the drive in July?

Or fly to Cabo for 4-5 nights for a nicer beach time? Never been to Mexico west coast so unsure how it is.

Any other recommendations would be appreciated - thanks!!

Answer

For a two-week July trip to California with teenagers, it’s important to balance iconic LA attractions, fun teen activities, and manageable travel in the summer heat. July in Southern California is hot, especially inland and desert areas, so pacing your days and considering indoor or water-based activities will be key.

Here’s a suggested itinerary outline:

Days 1–2: Santa Monica / Venice / Malibu – Start with beach time, walking the Santa Monica Pier, and biking or skating along the beachfront. Venice Beach offers street performers, shops, and the Muscle Beach area. Malibu has scenic drives and beaches like Zuma or El Matador, but keep in mind parking and heat.
Days 3–5: West Hollywood / Hollywood – Explore Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood Sign hikes. Teen-friendly attractions include the Hollywood Museum, Madame Tussauds, and perhaps a studio tour (Warner Bros. or Universal). Add evening options like rooftop dining or live music.
Days 6–7: Anaheim / Disneyland – Two full days allow you to experience both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. Staying nearby is convenient for breaks and avoiding traffic.
Optional Days 8–9: Palm Springs / Joshua Tree – Palm Springs offers pools, aerial tram rides, and cooler evenings. Joshua Tree can be visited if mornings are early for hiking, but July days are extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, so limit daytime outdoor activities or plan for short hikes near visitor centers. Teens may enjoy unique desert landscapes and rock formations.
Optional Days 10–11: Las Vegas – If your teens enjoy pools, shows, and entertainment, Vegas can be exciting. Consider driving only if your group enjoys road trips; otherwise, flying is faster. Plan pool time early in the day and indoor shows in the afternoon or evening to avoid desert heat.
Alternative: Fly to Cabo – A 4–5 night trip to Cabo is a great option for luxury beach relaxation and water sports. Cabo in July is hot but manageable with pool or ocean activities, and it’s a shorter and more relaxing leg than driving to the desert or Vegas. Flights are ~2.5–3 hours from LA.

Other recommendations:

Include plenty of beach or pool time to cool off in the heat, especially for teens.
Consider early morning or evening activities for desert hikes or outdoor sightseeing to avoid peak heat.
Mix indoor attractions like museums, shopping, or studio tours with outdoor experiences.
For longer drives, factor in breaks and snacks to keep teens entertained and comfortable.

Summary:

A two-week trip can comfortably include Santa Monica, Hollywood, Disneyland, and either Palm Springs/Joshua Tree or Las Vegas. Flying to Cabo is a fantastic alternative for 4–5 days of beach relaxation if you prefer avoiding extreme summer heat inland. The key is balancing active sightseeing with downtime, especially in hot July temperatures.

California road trip July with 16 year olds

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