3 week California round tour

Question

I’d be grateful if the experts on the forum could review our planned tour of California – 3 weeks in August/ September with 3 kids (7, 9, 11), flying in and out of SF.

The plan is to cover a bit of everything – city sightseeing, coast / beaches, wildlife and national parks with plenty of hikes:

Arrive SF 19:00 - 3N

Monterey - 2N

Pismo - 2N

Santa Barbara - 2N

LA - 2N

Palm Springs / Joshua - 3N

Mojave - 1N

Sequoia/KC - 2N

Yosemite - 3N

SF - 1N

Depart SF 21:00

Any input gratefully received!

Answer

Your 3-week California itinerary looks well-balanced, offering a mix of cities, beaches, deserts, and national parks. Traveling with kids aged 7–11, the pace seems reasonable, though a few adjustments and tips could make it smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s a breakdown with suggestions:

San Francisco – 3N: Arriving at 7pm, your first night will mostly be for settling in. Over the next two days, focus on kid-friendly highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 (sea lions and arcade), Exploratorium or California Academy of Sciences. Consider a short Alcatraz visit if the kids are comfortable with a boat ride and history.
Monterey – 2N: Great choice for families. Must-do: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row stroll, and if time allows, a scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive. Big Sur is beautiful but may be tiring with kids; consider a shorter stop rather than driving the full stretch.
Pismo Beach – 2N: Beach time, sand dunes, and Monarch Butterfly Grove (if season allows) are highlights. Consider a morning or evening walk along the pier and maybe a horseback ride on the dunes.
Santa Barbara – 2N: Focus on State Street, Stearns Wharf, and family-friendly beaches. Santa Barbara Zoo is compact and perfect for younger kids.
Los Angeles – 2N: Universal Studios is a must if the kids enjoy movies and rides. For a more relaxed day, consider the Griffith Observatory and LA’s kid-friendly museums (California Science Center, Natural History Museum). Traffic can be heavy, so plan driving around peak hours.
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree – 3N: This is a good stretch for a slower pace. In Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway is a must. Joshua Tree NP offers easy hikes like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam for kids. Ensure lots of water and sun protection.
Mojave – 1N: This is a logical stop if driving between Palm Springs and Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Options are limited, so an early arrival and simple overnight is fine.
Sequoia / Kings Canyon – 2N: Ideal for exploring giant trees, Moro Rock, and kid-friendly trails like Big Trees Trail. Lodging inside the park is convenient but books early; otherwise, nearby towns like Three Rivers work.
Yosemite – 3N: Perfect for hiking, waterfalls, and scenic views. Easy, flat trails like Lower Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake are kid-friendly. Avoid peak congestion by arriving early in popular areas like Yosemite Valley. Check road conditions, especially in early September, for any remaining closures.
San Francisco – 1N: Good for a final night before your evening departure. Keep it simple: dinner near your hotel and a short stroll if time allows.

General tips:

Consider driving times: Some stretches, especially Big Sur to Monterey and LA traffic, can take longer than expected.
Book park lodges and popular hotels well in advance, especially Yosemite and Sequoia.
Mix long travel days with shorter ones to avoid exhaustion for the kids.
Pack layers: California’s climate varies drastically from coast to desert to mountains.
Snacks, water, and small games help during longer drives.

Overall, this itinerary is ambitious but feasible. The combination of cities, coast, deserts, and national parks will offer a rich California experience with plenty for both adults and kids to enjoy.

3 week California round tour

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions