Are you planning a California road trip with your kids? What about driving along the Pacific Coast on Highway 101 and hitting all the cool stops on a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco?
If you’re ready for the best California road trip with kids, keep reading this 10-day itinerary road trip from San Diego to San Francisco. It’s one of the best family road trips in the US. You’ll be driving from San Diego to San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s one of the best California road trips for families.
We’ve done this epic road trip from San Diego in the summer of 2021 and hope to return one day. There are so many things to do from San Diego to San Francisco that neither you nor your kids will be bored.
So let’s dive into our California family holiday itinerary.
P.S. If you only have seven days or less, you might want to start in San Francisco and drive down to Los Angeles.
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10-Day California Road Trip from San Diego to San Francisco RECAP
This 10-day California road trip with kids is packed but oh-so worth it. You’ll start in beautiful San Diego in Southern California and end in the iconic city of San Francisco in Northern California. You’ll be driving 502 miles (808 km) in the same state, but you’ll see many different places, from small towns on the coast and theme parks to big trees and national parks.
Start with two days in San Diego, exploring Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Old Town, and Seaport Village. Day three, head to Orange County, visiting Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine Spectrum Centre. Spend day four at Disneyland Park for family fun.
On day five, explore Los Angeles‘ Manhattan Beach, Douglas Park, and Santa Monica Beach. Travel through Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Pismo Beach on day six, stopping at Carpinteria State Beach. Day seven offers a scenic drive through Big Sur, with stops at Hearst Castle and Elephant Seal Viewpoint.
Days eight and nine take you from Monterey to Santa Cruz, then to San Francisco, visiting Monterey Aquarium, Seacliff State Beach, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, downtown San Francisco, Lombard Street, and Pier 39.
Conclude with a visit to Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito on day ten. This trip combines urban sights, beach relaxation, and natural beauty, perfect for a family adventure.
Day 1: San Diego (Balboa Park and Mission Beach)
There’s no better place to start your California road trip with kids than San Diego. It’s well-known for its stunning beaches, parks, and warm weather.
Balboa Park
Start your first day at Balboa Park. Visiting Balboa Park is an unmissable activity to do in San Diego. There are so many things to do in Balboa Park that you can easily spend an entire day here. You’ll feel transported to Europe, somewhere in Spain.
This place is also a kid’s paradise. They can visit kid-friendly museums such as the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, watch a performance at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater or play at Pepper Grove Playground.
Your kids can even participate in a scavenger hunt across the park.
Mission Beach
After a few hours of exploring Balboa Park and its museums, end the day at Mission Beach. Enjoy some downtime at Mission Beach. It’s a beautiful beach that offers fun activities for all ages, including adventure sports activities like surfing, sport fishing, and scuba diving.
The beach is also surrounded by green parks and playgrounds where your kids can burn off some energy. Maruta Gardener Playground is amazing. My boys didn’t even want to go to the beach, they had so much fun at the playground. I had to bribe them with ice cream 😉
🛏️ Where to stay in San Diego? 🛏️
Holiday Inn Express San Diego South
For campgrounds, check the options on The Dyrt app.
Day 2: San Diego (Old Town and Downtown)
Head to Old Town San Diego State Park on your second day.
Old Town San Diego State Park
The Old Town San Diego State Park is a historic place that is considered the first Spanish settlement in California.
It’s a great place to visit with older kids who are into history, as there are many historic buildings that date back to 1820 and important museums like the old Whaley House Museum.
Here you can see old adobe ranch homes, schoolhouses, and other buildings that remain untouched and give you the feeling of what this place was like. Don’t forget to try the delicious fudge. They even offer Hop-on Hop-Off bus tour of Old Town.
Downtown San Diego & Seaport Village
Then, spend the end of the afternoon in downtown San Diego. You’ll want to walk in the Gaslamp Quarter. You can then grab dinner at Seaport Village.
One Extra Day on your San Diego Family Vacation?
If time allows, you may want to add an extra day to visit the San Diego Zoo.
Located in Balboa Park, this zoo is home to over 12,000 animals (tigers, elephants, penguins, monkeys, and much more). It offers plenty of activities for kids, such as wildlife exhibitions and talks, 4D theatre and play areas.
We recommend downloading their app to make the best of your visit.
Day 3: San Diego to Orange County
From San Diego, you’ll have to drive 80 miles (128 km) to get to Laguna Beach, then another 37 miles (60 km) to reach Anaheim.
Laguna Beach
Your first stop on this one-day itinerary to Orange County will be Laguna Beach. Apart from unwinding with your family at the beach, Laguna Beach has art galleries, caves, gardens, and even an underwater park (your kids will love the Laguna Free Trolley!)
Newport Beach
Then, drive to Newport Beach. Newport Beach is only 11 miles (18 km) away from Laguna Beach. You can play at the beach and run away from the waves at Balboa Peninsula Park Beach. Then, go a bike ride along the Newport Beach Boardwalk, a three-mile multi-use pathway.
One of the most magical things to do in Newport Beach with your family is going on a Duffy boat to enjoy the beautiful California coastline.
Irvine
For your last stop of the day, drive to Irvine Spectrum Centre. It’s a mall (I know), but it’s still a place you can’t miss in Orange County with kids. Shops, restaurants, attractions, and plenty of things to keep your kids happy.
My kids loved the Spectrum Climber, a climbing sculpture that offers adventure and challenges kids to solve problems.
Other fun activities to do with kids are going on the carousel or the giant wheel.
After a long day in Orange County, we recommend staying at Anaheim so you can spend a full day at Disneyland the next day.
🛏️ Where to stay in Anaheim with kids? 🛏️
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Day 4: Disneyland
Spend a full day at Disneyland Park. Your children will enjoy meeting their favorite Disney characters, going on the rides, and taking family pictures. For all the information on Disneyland with kids, check out our tips here.
Day 5: Los Angeles surrounding
Get ready to visit the surroundings of Los Angeles with your family on your 5th day. These are the must-see places to visit with children in Los Angeles and its surroundings.
To be perfectly honest, we are not big fans of LA. If you are limited in time, I would skip it and only explore the surroundings. But, you may want to:
- admire the iconic Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory
- see the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- visit the Universal Studios
- do a guided bus tour of Hollywood and celebrity houses
But, make sure not to miss those beautiful places around LA:
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is the most family-friendly in the area. You’ll find beautiful beaches to relax on, as well as plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Small kids will be amazed by the marine creatures at Roundhouse Aquarium, whereas older kids will have lots of fun taking lessons on how to surf.
Douglas Park
Douglas Park is perfect for kids of all ages! It’s a relaxing place where small kids can feed the ducks, teens can enjoy the tennis and bowling courts, or have a family picnic.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is another beach you want to check out in LA. Visit the International Chess Park and Carousel Park, enjoy a bike ride with your kids or let them play at the North Beach Playground.
Stay the night in Santa Monica.
🛏️ Where to stay in Santa Monica with kids? 🛏️
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica
Day 6: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Pismo Beach
From Santa Monica, the drive is 87 miles (140 km) to get to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is a great place to find them if you’re looking for fun activities for your kids.
Santa Barbara
You’ll want to arrive in the morning and walk on the Santa Barbara Pier. You may be interested in stopping by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Then, walk along Chase Palm Park. The kids will probably want to stop at the Shipwreck Playground to burn off some energy.
An extra day to spend in Santa Barbara? Watch for wildlife (seals, whales and other animals), fish at Lake Casitas, explore Channel Islands Harbor or surf at El Capitan Beach.
Carpinteria State Beach
After a few hours in Santa Barbara, drive south to Carpinteria State Beach. If your family loves nature, you must visit Carpinteria State Beach. It’s located in the south of Santa Barbara.
Solvang
Then, drive to Solvang.
Solvang is a historic Danish village 44 minutes from Santa Barbara. It’s a great place to spend half a day as there are incredible things to do with kids.
Your kids can have fun at the playground and ball field at Sunny Fields Park, take a ride on the Solvang Trolley and visit the Ostrich Land. Older kids can’t miss the opportunity to ride a segway and complete a family escape room.
Make sure to stop at the Solvang Restaurant to taste aebleskiver, a Dutch jam-filled donut.
Pismo Beach
If you have time (and still some energy before stopping for the night), we recommend visiting Pismo Beach. Relax at the beach, let the kids burn off energy at Dinosaur Park Playground, watch the sunset and have dinner at Wooly’s.
Then, drive to San Simeon for a good night’s sleep before heading to Big Sur.
🛏️ Where to stay in San Simeon with kids? 🛏️
San Simeon Lodge
For campgrounds, check the options on The Dyrt app.
Day 7: Big Sur
Our family loves Big Sur because it has incredible nature and coast. It offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy with kids. Try to leave early in the morning to have enough time to really explore and enjoy Big Sur.
But remember that there is no cell reception for some sections of the drive.
W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach
Start your day at W. R. Hearst Memorial Beach. Relax with a to-go coffee and let your kids build sandcastles. You can also go on a small hike.
Hearst Castle
Before heading north to Big Sur, stop by Hearst Castle. You can enjoy the breathtaking views over the ocean at the castle. We recommend booking a tour of Hearst Castle. It’s pretty impressive.
Elephant Seal Viewpoint
Then, drive a little more on HWY 1 to reach the Elephant Seal Viewpoint. You can watch the 17,000 elephant seals that migrate to the Piedras Blancas Rookery every year.
Big Sur
On the second part of the day, head to Big Sur, which is a paradise for families that love nature:
- Admire the Redwoods tree at Limekiln State Park
- Relax at Sand Dollar Beach.
- Visit the beautiful McWay Falls,
- Go on a 1.3-mile Pfeiffer Falls Trail
- Relax at Sand Dollar Beach.
- Take pictures of the Bixby Creek Bridge
- Make a stop at Garrapata State Park and walk in the fields of wild white lilies and other wildflowers.
The options are endless.
The road in the Big Sur area are narrow and follow the cliffs. Be careful and take your time. You’re not a in hurry.
Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey
If time allows, make a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The kids will love playing in the tide pools at Point Lobos. You can also stop at Carmel Beach or Pebble Beach.
Finally, head to Monterey to have some dinner and sleep. Depending on the time and how the kids are feeling, you might want to end the day at Dennis the Menace playground. It’s one of the best playgrounds we’ve been to (and we tested a LOT).
🛏️ Where to stay in Monterrey with kids 🛏️
The Stevenson Monterey
For campgrounds, check the options on The Dyrt app.
Day 8: Monterey to Santa Cruz
Wake up early and explore Monterey. You’ll want to stop at the famous Monterey Aquarium. Your kids will love visiting, and you’ll love the view of Monterrey Bay.
Santa Cruz
After a nice visit to the Aquarium, jump back in the car and head North to Santa Cruz. It’s only a 41 miles (66 km) drive. There are a few options to stop on the beach between Monterrey and Santa Cruz: Salinas River State Beach, Moss Landing State Beach, Rio Del Mar Beach. But our favorite is the Seacliff State Beach.
If you’re looking for a tranquil place to finish your road trip, you’ll love Seacliff State Beach. You can still do many things with your kids – from having a picnic to fishing and going on a hike. You can also see the old SS Palo Alto concrete ship lying in the water.
End your day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It’s packed with shops, restaurants and events for all the family. It’s a family amusement park right by the ocean. Don’t miss the roller coasters and the Ferris wheel.
Spend the night in Santa Cruz.
🛏️ Where to stay in Santa Cruz with kids? 🛏️
Hotel Solares
For campgrounds, check the options on The Dyrt app.
Day 9: Santa Cruz to San Francisco
Start your day at Henry Cowell State Park. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is an easy walk which makes it a great option for families and little kids. But we also recommend walking across to the Roaring Camp.
There are so many more things to do in Santa Cruz that you can easily add an extra day.
Santa Cruz to San Francisco
The drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco is 74 miles (119 km). On your way, stop at Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Half Moon Bay.
San Francisco
When you arrive in San Francisco, explore downtown. You’ll want to go to Lombard Street and take the Trolley. You can also do a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see more of the city.
End your day at the San Francisco Wharf and Pier 39. Don’t miss watching the sea lions performing on the pier. You can grab food there. You’ll also want to walk to Ghirardelli Marketplace at Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate treats.
🛏️ Where to stay in San Francisco with kids? 🛏️
Hampton Inn San Francisco – Daly City
Day 10: San Francisco Area
It’s your last day on this California road trip with kids. It’s time for a little family vacation in San Francisco.
Prison of Alcatraz
Start your day will a visit to the prison of Alcatraz. We recommend you make a reservation in advance as it can be full. Plan at least half a day (if not more) to enjoy to boat ride and the island.
🎟️ 🎟️ Get your tickets for the Alcatraz tour + Hop-on Hop-off bus
Golden Gate Bridge
Then, drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge and drive to the Golden Gate View Point. The view of the bridge is amazing.
End your day walking around Sausalito. You can find a fun restaurant to end this San Diego to San Francisco road trip.
For more information on San Francisco, read the following articles:
- 10 of the Best Family Tours in San Francisco
- 19 Things to Do in San Francisco With Kids
- The Perfect San Francisco 2-Day Itinerary for Families
F.A.Q San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
How far is San Diego to San Francisco?
The fastest way to reach San Francisco to San Diego is via I-5N. It’s a 523-mile drive. When using the scenic drive via the Pacific Coast Highway, the total drive is about 650 miles.
Is it better driving from San Francisco to San Diego or San Diego to San Francisco?
The most popular road trip is from San Francisco to San Diego because you’ll be driving along the ocean. But it also means it’s a bit scarier when driving in Big Sur. If you have a campervan, I would recommend doing the San Diego to San Francisco road trip itinerary.
What are the best family trips in California?
There are amazing family trips to do in California. The San Diego to San Francisco road trip with a stop at Disneyland is one of the best family trips in California for sure!
Is San Diego near San Francisco?
No. San Diego is not near San Francisco. Both cities are located more than 500 miles away. San Diego is in Southern California while San Francisco is in Northern California.
Where should I stop between San Diego and San Francisco?
There are so many stops between San Diego and San Francisco. The most popular stops are:
- Laguna Beach
- Los Angeles and Disneyland
- Big Sur
- Santa Cruz
What is the most scenic route from San Diego to San Francisco?
The Pacific Coast Highway is the most scenic route from San Diego to San Francisco. It’s Highway 101.
Final Thoughts: 10-Day California Road Trip with Kids
California is a beautiful state and there is so much to see. This 10-Day California road trip with kids will bring you to one of the most beautiful drives in the world: the Pacific Coast Highway. From San Diego to San Francisco, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, little coastal towns, amazing kids’ playgrounds and so much more.
10 days is the minimum time we recommend for this road trip. If you have 14 days (2 weeks), that would be even better.
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.