Is this SF to LA / Disneyland itinerary feasible?

Question

We are planning a California trip this summer and plan to drive on Hwy 1 from SF to LA- two adults and two teen girls. After a lot of research I’ve come up with this tentative plan. However, it seems I may still be trying to do to much and would like some recommendations on how to make for a more enjoyable/ not rushed trip. The plan:

Sat: arrive in SF

Sun: explore SF

Mon: Drive early, go to Henry Cowell park and continue to Monterrey - any recommendations for half a day in Monterey?

Tue: Drive to Big Sur and back to Monterrey by lunch. Continue from Monterrey to Morro Bay and spend the night

Wed: While in Morro Bay, try to find some otters and see the sea lions. Continue to LA. Would like to see some LA sites such as Hollywood sign, observatory and walk of fame - teens want a quick visit to The Groove. Do we have time on this day for this? Spend night in Anaheim

Th: Disneyland

F: Fly home from LAX late afternoon

Answer

Your proposed SF to LA / Disneyland itinerary is feasible, but it will be quite full and involves a lot of driving and sightseeing each day. With two teens and a desire to enjoy the scenery, some adjustments may make the trip more enjoyable and less rushed.

Saturday – Arrival in San Francisco

Arrival day is fine for settling in, exploring a bit of the city, maybe Union Square or the waterfront. No changes needed here.

Sunday – Explore San Francisco

This is a full day but manageable. Consider prioritizing a few highlights to avoid feeling rushed:

Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints
Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39
Cable car ride or Chinatown walk

Monday – SF to Monterey via Santa Cruz / Henry Cowell Park

The drive to Monterey via Santa Cruz and Henry Cowell Park is about 2–2.5 hours of driving, plus park time. Monterey highlights for a half-day visit:

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row and shops
Scenic waterfront walk or bike ride along the coast

This should be doable without feeling too rushed.

Tuesday – Monterey to Big Sur then Morro Bay

Driving along Big Sur is scenic but slow due to winding roads, so leaving early is essential. Spending the morning in Big Sur and returning to Monterey by lunch is ambitious but possible if you focus on key stops:

Bixby Bridge viewpoint
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Optional short hike or picnic stop

Then drive to Morro Bay in the afternoon (~2.5 hours). Overnight there is reasonable.

Wednesday – Morro Bay to LA

Morning in Morro Bay for otters and sea lions (~1–2 hours). The drive to LA is approximately 4–5 hours without stops. If you leave by late morning, you could arrive in LA in the afternoon. For LA sightseeing with teens:

Hollywood Sign viewpoint (Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Drive)
Walk of Fame (quick 30–60 minutes)
The Grove for shopping/snacks

This is doable but will be a long day. You may have to limit sightseeing and skip less important stops.

Thursday – Disneyland

Full day at Disneyland is perfect. Arriving early maximizes your time and avoids peak crowds.

Friday – Departure

Since your flight is late afternoon, leaving Anaheim mid-morning gives plenty of buffer to return the car and navigate LAX traffic.

Suggestions for less rushed experience:

Consider skipping the return to Monterey on Tuesday afternoon and stay near Big Sur for one night if accommodation is available, reducing driving stress.
Prioritize a few LA stops Wednesday afternoon rather than trying to see everything. Focus on Griffith Observatory, Walk of Fame, and The Grove.
Ensure early departures for long driving days to avoid traffic and maximize sightseeing.

Overall, the itinerary works but expect some days to be long and active. With teens who enjoy exploring, it should be exciting, but planning flexibility for delays and fatigue will improve the experience.

Is this SF to LA / Disneyland itinerary feasible?

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions