Help with planning Los Angeles to Newport Beach to San Diego

Question

My husband and I with our three children (two daughters that are 11 & 13 years old and 7 year old son) are landing in Los Angeles for a few days then driving to Newport Beach for a few days and then to San Diego for few days. Flying in on 7/5 (Los Angeles) and flying out 7/12 (San Diego). Trying to plan what to do but not sure where to really start.

How much time should be spent in each area listed? I know that we cannot do everything in every stop but how much time would be needed to hit the highlights?

For Los Angeles:

Thoughts on hop on hop off bus in Los Angeles, any particular route or company that is the best? WB tour? Aquarium of the Pacific? Griffith Observatory? Whale watching? Any of these worth it or if there something better that would be recommended?

For San Diego:

Zoo/Balboa Park? Children's Pool/Sea Lions in La Jolla? USS Midway? Whale Watching?

In between we plan on staying in Newport Beach. We do not want to cut out this part of our trip as this was what got the trip started. We had been to Newport Beach before and wanted to go back with our kids but also want to take advantage of Los Angeles and San Diego being close.

I appreciate any helpful tips or comments.

Answer

With a one-week trip from Los Angeles to Newport Beach to San Diego, you can plan a balanced itinerary that allows for sightseeing, relaxation, and kid-friendly activities. Here’s a detailed approach for your family, including suggested time allocation and highlights in each area.

1. Time Allocation

Los Angeles: 2–3 days. Enough to hit major attractions without feeling rushed. Consider one full day for Hollywood/Griffith/Observatory area, one for a studio tour and nearby attractions, and half a day for other sightseeing or shopping.
Newport Beach: 2 days. Since this is your main relaxation and family beach stop, two days gives time to enjoy the beach, water activities, and exploring Balboa Peninsula without rushing.
San Diego: 2–3 days. This allows for Balboa Park, Zoo, USS Midway, and La Jolla attractions. You could also schedule a whale watching or harbor cruise on one of these days.

2. Los Angeles Highlights

Given your children’s ages (7, 11, 13) and the need to keep it engaging, here are recommended options:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: A good way to see key areas without worrying about traffic and parking. Starline is popular and covers Hollywood, Sunset Blvd, and major museums. One day on this bus is enough to get an overview.
Warner Bros Studio Tour: Great for movie fans; about 3 hours. Worth it if your kids enjoy behind-the-scenes of film/TV.
Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign: Free to enter the observatory. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Offers panoramic views and a short, kid-friendly hike.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Located in Long Beach, about 45–60 minutes from LA proper. Ideal if your kids love marine life.
Whale Watching: Consider Long Beach or Newport trips. Half-day excursions available. Can skip if pressed for time or do from Newport Beach later.

Suggested Los Angeles Itinerary:

Day 1: Hollywood Blvd, Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Griffith Observatory.
Day 2: Warner Bros Studio Tour or Universal Studios (if interested in theme parks).
Optional Day 3 (half day): Aquarium of the Pacific or short beach visit.

3. Newport Beach Highlights

Focus on beach and water activities. This is also a good midpoint stop between LA and San Diego.

Beach time: Balboa Peninsula or Main Beach, safe for kids.
Balboa Fun Zone: Small amusement rides, arcade, ferris wheel.
Ferry ride to Balboa Island: Quick, fun experience for kids.
Optional kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the harbor.

4. San Diego Highlights

San Diego is very family-friendly and has a mix of educational and fun activities:

San Diego Zoo: Must-do; allow a full day if possible. Consider the guided bus tour inside for less walking with younger kids.
Balboa Park: Museums, gardens, and open spaces. You can pair with Zoo or do separate half-day.
USS Midway: Historic aircraft carrier museum, great for kids to explore.
La Jolla: Children’s Pool to see sea lions, tide pools, and short easy hikes.
Harbor or Whale Watching: Whale watching is seasonal but mid-July can be good. Short harbor cruises are fun for all ages.

Suggested San Diego Itinerary:

Day 1: Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo (combine if time allows)
Day 2: USS Midway & Seaport Village or Harbor Cruise
Day 3 (optional/half day): La Jolla visit and Children’s Pool, beach time

5. Travel Tips:

Drive from LA to Newport Beach: ~45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Leave early to avoid midday congestion.
Drive from Newport Beach to San Diego: ~1.5–2 hours. Consider a stop in Laguna Beach or Dana Point for a scenic break.
Use apps like Waze or Google Maps for traffic updates, especially in LA.
Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen for kids, as July is hot in Southern California.
Book timed tickets (Zoo, Studio Tours) in advance to avoid lines.

Overall, a 2–2–3 split (LA–Newport–San Diego) is practical, giving enough time for sightseeing, beach fun, and family-friendly attractions without feeling rushed.

Help with planning Los Angeles to Newport Beach to San Diego

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions