Finalizing itinerary thoughts?

Question

As I begin to finalize my itinerary needs final thoughts on whether this is doable or a nightmare. 7 days vacation. Sunday arrival head to Anaheim. Leave Anaheim Wednesday drive to San Diego for Padres game. Thursday San Diego Zoo. Friday check out of hotel in SD and drive north stopping in beach towns along the way (Laguna, Newport, Huntington) ending the day in Santa Monica at hotel in Santa Monica. Saturday morning bike the boardwalk from Santa Monica to Venice and back. Drive into Hollywood area walk of fame then to see Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Grove. Sunday back to airport. Will have a rental car. Thoughts and tips on this potential final itinerary? Never been to CA so going in blindly. Thank you

Answer

Your 7-day California itinerary is ambitious but generally doable, especially with a rental car. It balances theme park fun, sports, wildlife, beach time, and iconic Los Angeles sightseeing. However, there are a few points to consider to ensure the trip is enjoyable and not overly rushed.

Day-by-Day Thoughts

Sunday – Arrival & Anaheim

Driving from LAX to Anaheim is about 30–45 minutes without traffic, but Southern California traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time.
If arriving in the afternoon, consider a light activity or dinner near your hotel. If you plan to visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, buying tickets and planning ahead is essential.

Monday–Wednesday – Anaheim / Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort can easily fill 1–2 days. Prioritize rides and shows ahead of time, using Genie+ or similar services to reduce wait times.
Be aware that walking a full day at the parks can be tiring; comfortable shoes and hydration are key.
Wednesday morning departure to San Diego is about a 1.5–2 hour drive without traffic. Mid-morning departures may avoid peak LA traffic.

Wednesday – Drive to San Diego for Padres Game

Traffic can be heavy along I-5; leaving early from Anaheim can reduce stress and allow for lunch along the way.
Consider parking in advance for Petco Park, as downtown San Diego can be busy on game days.

Thursday – San Diego Zoo

The Zoo is large and can easily take a full day. Arrive early to see popular animals and exhibits before crowds peak.
Pack snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. A stroller or light folding chair is optional if needed for rest breaks.

Friday – Beach Town Drive to Santa Monica

Driving north along the coast is beautiful but can take longer than expected. Laguna Beach to Santa Monica is about 6–7 hours with stops, so plan strategically.
Prioritize 1–2 beach towns if time is limited. Newport, Laguna, and Huntington are all scenic, but too many stops can make the drive rushed.
Traffic increases in late afternoon near LA; try to reach Santa Monica before evening to check in and relax.

Saturday – Santa Monica / Venice / Hollywood / Beverly Hills

Biking the boardwalk is excellent in the morning before crowds. Rental shops in Santa Monica are plentiful.
Driving into Hollywood and Beverly Hills can be slow; LA traffic is dense mid-day. Allocate plenty of time and consider parking at central locations for walking tours.
The Grove is a good shopping and dining stop; plan for either lunch or early dinner there.

Sunday – Departure

Depending on your flight time, allow extra time for traffic back to LAX, car return, and airport security.

General Tips

Southern California traffic is a major factor — try to travel outside peak morning (7–9 AM) and evening (4–7 PM) commute times.
Pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes for theme parks, boardwalks, and sightseeing.
Reservations for dining and attractions are recommended, especially for popular spots in LA and San Diego.
Consider flexibility in the schedule; having extra time allows for spontaneous stops and avoids feeling rushed.
Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and parking suggestions.

Overall, your itinerary is realistic but packed. Reducing the number of stops on the beach town drive or spreading sightseeing over more time in LA could make it more relaxing. Otherwise, it is an exciting way to experience Southern California for your first visit.

Finalizing itinerary thoughts?

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