Road trip around California with family!

Question

Hi everyone,

We’re a family from England planning a 14-day road trip around California next year. We’ll be traveling with our kids (ages 8 and 10), and we’d love some advice on where to go.

Our plan is to start in Los Angeles so we can visit Disneyland and Universal Studios, then head down to San Diego for the zoo and SeaWorld. Our kids really enjoy theme parks, but we’d also like to mix in some nice beaches, maybe a lake or two, and a couple of national parks along the way.

We’ve already been to San Francisco earlier this year, so we’re hoping to focus on other parts of California. Any recommendations for the best route, must-see stops, or family-friendly places to stay would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Answer

A 14-day California road trip with kids sounds like a fantastic adventure! Since you’re starting in Los Angeles and want to include theme parks, beaches, lakes, and national parks, it’s best to plan a route that balances driving time with fun stops.

Here’s a suggested itinerary with family-friendly highlights:

Days 1-3: Los Angeles – Spend two full days at Disneyland and Universal Studios. Consider staying in Anaheim for Disneyland and a central LA location for Universal. Other fun kid-friendly stops include the California Science Center and Griffith Observatory for a shorter outing.
Days 4-5: San Diego – Drive south to San Diego (about 2-3 hours). Visit the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and perhaps the USS Midway Museum. For beaches, La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach are great options. Staying near Mission Bay or La Jolla gives easy access to attractions and the water.
Day 6: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park – Take a scenic route to Joshua Tree (around 3-4 hours). Explore the unique rock formations and short family-friendly trails like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam.
Days 7-8: Palm Springs / Lake Perris – Stay in Palm Springs and relax by a pool. Nearby Lake Perris or Lake Hemet offer simple water recreation for kids.
Days 9-10: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park – Drive up to the Sierra Nevada (around 6-7 hours). Spend a day exploring giant sequoias, easy trails, and viewpoints. Moro Rock and General Sherman Tree are must-sees. Staying at nearby lodges or campgrounds can give an immersive experience.
Days 11-12: Lake Tahoe (North or South Shore) – Head toward Lake Tahoe (6-7 hours drive). South Shore is busier but has beaches, playgrounds, and family-friendly hikes. North Shore is quieter, with stunning views and more outdoor options like Emerald Bay State Park.
Days 13-14: Return toward Los Angeles via Central California Coast – Drive along Highway 1 for scenic stops like Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Consider a night in Santa Barbara before returning to LA for your departure. This portion offers beaches, tide pools, and some gentle hiking.

Additional tips for traveling with kids:

Book accommodations in advance, especially near popular national parks and Disneyland.
Balance driving days with activity days to avoid long stretches of road fatigue for the kids.
Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the drives.
Check each national park for shuttle services or parking restrictions—Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Lake Tahoe areas can get busy on weekends.
Consider a mix of hotels and cabin-style lodging for variety and relaxation.

This itinerary keeps the kids entertained with theme parks and beaches while offering nature, lakes, and national park experiences for the whole family. The route flows in a loop from Southern California to the Sierra Nevada and back down the coast, minimizing unnecessary backtracking.

Road trip around California with family!

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