March/April trip with children.

Question

Hi all,

We're hoping to plan a 10 day/two week trip with our 7 and 10 year old boys at the end of March/beginning of April. We'd like too explore San Francisco, Yosemite and LA, hopefully visiting Universal Theme Park during our stay too.

Is this a good time of year to visit? Are we being too ambitious in the time frame? We are traveling from the UK...

Answer

Hi there! A 10-day to two-week trip sounds like a fantastic way to explore California with your kids. March and April are a great time to visit, as the weather is generally mild, though it can be a bit unpredictable, especially in Yosemite, where spring snowstorms can occur. Here's an overview of your plan and some advice:

Is it a good time of year to visit?
Yes, late March to early April is a wonderful time to visit California! The weather is typically mild in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you are. Yosemite is stunning during this time, especially with the waterfalls flowing at their peak due to snowmelt, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially some snow, especially in higher elevations. For LA and San Francisco, you can expect pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Are you being too ambitious?
Your itinerary is definitely doable but could be a bit ambitious if you want to enjoy each place without feeling rushed. Here's a breakdown:

San Francisco (3-4 days): This is a great start. You can easily spend 2-3 days in San Francisco, visiting iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and taking a ride on the cable cars. With children, you could also visit the Exploratorium (interactive science museum) and Golden Gate Park (which has playgrounds, a carousel, and the California Academy of Sciences). If you have an extra day, you could explore nearby areas like Sausalito or the Muir Woods National Monument for some light hiking among the redwoods.
Yosemite National Park (2-3 days): Yosemite is stunning, and spring is a wonderful time to visit. With kids, you’ll want to focus on easier trails and viewpoints like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and the Mist Trail. Be sure to check the park’s conditions before you go, as some areas might still be closed due to snow. If you’re staying within the park, you’ll maximize your time, but remember, driving around the park can take time, and it’s a long drive from San Francisco (roughly 4-5 hours), so consider if you want to stay overnight in the park or nearby.
Los Angeles (4-5 days): LA is a great family destination with a lot to offer. You can visit Universal Studios (which can take up an entire day), the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). For the kids, places like the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center (which has an actual space shuttle on display) are must-sees. Don’t forget to visit Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach, which are perfect for some downtime.

Are you being too ambitious in the time frame?
It depends on your pace and preferences. If you don’t mind some driving and are okay with not spending an entire day at each location, your itinerary is feasible. However, 2-3 days in Yosemite might feel rushed if you're traveling with young children, as it’s a large park, and you’ll want to take it easy with them. The drive between Yosemite and LA will also take about 5-6 hours, so factor that into your plans. If possible, consider extending your trip by a couple of days to give you more time to explore without feeling pressured.

Suggestions to optimize your trip:

Consider staying overnight in Yosemite: If you’re coming from San Francisco, staying inside or near Yosemite will help you maximize your time there.
In LA, avoid long travel times: LA’s traffic can be tough, so try to stay central or in neighborhoods close to the attractions you plan to visit, such as Hollywood or Santa Monica.
Weather considerations: In March/April, be prepared for cooler temps in Yosemite (even snow), so pack layers. LA and San Francisco will be more mild, but bring light jackets or sweaters for the evenings.
Driving with kids: If you’re renting a car, make sure to plan breaks during the longer drives, especially from San Francisco to Yosemite and from Yosemite to LA. Kids will appreciate a stop at a cool place for them to stretch their legs!

Final tips:
- For your family, I’d suggest having some downtime built into the itinerary so you don’t feel rushed. Kids need breaks, and this will help keep the trip enjoyable for everyone. - Booking accommodations ahead of time is especially important for Yosemite, as places fill up quickly, particularly around spring break. - Plan some family-friendly activities, such as exploring LA’s famous beaches or visiting the science museums in San Francisco, which are great for kids and fun for adults too.

Overall, this is a fantastic trip, and your kids will love all the activities and sights. With a little planning, you can balance travel time and exploration for a memorable family vacation! Enjoy!

March/April trip with children.

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