7-Day California Itinerary

The Ultimate California Family Road Trip: National Parks, Scenic Drives & Kid-Friendly Adventures

California is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation, packed with breathtaking landscapes, exciting national parks, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. This 7-day road trip itinerary takes your family from San Francisco's iconic landmarks to the towering redwoods of Sequoia, the dramatic deserts of Death Valley, and the sun-soaked beaches of Los Angeles and Big Sur.

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco & Explore

Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Top Things to Do in San Francisco:

Walk or Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge – Iconic views of the bay!

Ride a Cable Car – A must-do classic experience.

Visit Alcatraz Island – Take a ferry to explore the historic prison.

Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf or Chinatown – Fresh seafood or dim sum!

Overnight in San Francisco.

Day 2: Drive to Yosemite National Park

Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park (4 hours).

Top Things to Do in Yosemite:

See El Capitan & Half Dome – Two of the park's most famous granite formations.

Visit Bridalveil & Yosemite Falls – Stunning waterfalls, especially in spring!

Hike to Glacier Point or Taft Point – Incredible panoramic views of the valley.

Sunset at Tunnel View – The most famous overlook in the park.

Overnight in Yosemite (if available) or nearby in Mariposa or Oakhurst.

Day 3: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon:

See General Sherman Tree – The largest tree on Earth by volume!

Drive through Kings Canyon – One of the deepest canyons in North America.

Hike Moro Rock – Climb to the top for stunning mountain views.

Stargazing in Sequoia – Some of the darkest skies in California!

Overnight in or near Sequoia National Park.

Day 4: Death Valley National Park

Drive from Sequoia to Death Valley National Park (5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Death Valley:

See Zabriskie Point at Sunrise – A surreal, colorful desert landscape.

Visit Badwater Basin – The lowest point in North America (-282 ft)!

Drive Artist's Palette – A scenic route with multi-colored hills.

Walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – A great place for sunset photos.

Overnight in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells (inside the park) or in Pahrump.

Day 5: Joshua Tree National Park

Drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree National Park (4 hours).

Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree:

Hike Hidden Valley Trail – A short, scenic hike among boulders and Joshua trees.

See Skull Rock – A famous rock formation that looks like a skull.

Sunset at Keys View – Stunning views over Coachella Valley.

Stargazing – One of the best dark sky parks in the U.S.!

Overnight in Palm Springs.

Day 6: Drive to Los Angeles & Explore

Drive from Palm Springs to Los Angeles (2 hours).

Top Things to Do in LA:

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Spot your favorite stars!

Visit Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach – Classic SoCal vibes.

Hike to the Griffith Observatory – Amazing views of LA & the Hollywood Sign.

Eat at In-N-Out Burger – A California must!

Overnight in Los Angeles.

Day 7: Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur & Return to San Francisco

Drive from LA to Big Sur along Highway 1 (4.5 hours to Big Sur, then 3 hours to SF).

Top Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway:

See Elephant Seals at San Simeon – Hundreds of seals on the beach!

Bixby Bridge – One of the most scenic bridges in California.

McWay Falls in Big Sur – A waterfall that drops into the ocean!

Lunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea – A charming coastal town.

Drive back to San Francisco for your flight home.

Fly out of San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) if extending your stay.

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 30-35 hours across California

This itinerary covers iconic national parks, desert landscapes, coastal highways, and major cities.