In the first place, there are so many things to do in california with kids . A West Coast road trip is especially fun for kids and parents alike!
It offers everything a good family vacation needs: beaches to relax and play, fun and adventure at multiple theme parks, vibrant cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, and a variety of activities in the stunning national parks .
A California round trip will spoil you and your kids with many different highlights! We'll tell you exactly what they are, what your itinerary might look like, and what else to keep in mind when preparing for a vacation with your kids!
Ideas for your itinerary
With so many options, especially for families, it can naturally be difficult to narrow it down to just a few itineraries.
Our top 3 California road trips will take you from Los Angeles to the most incredible destinations.
Depending on how much time you have, you can Spend anywhere from five days to three weeks fully enjoying your California family vacation on the following routes:
- The Sea in Sight: Cruise Highway 1 to San Francisco
- Pure Nature: In the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park
- Desert Delights: Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park
Traveling the West Coast with Kids: What to Do
Tour Griffith Park in Los Angeles
Griffith Park, located right next to the Santa Monica Mountains, is a paradise for children.
O 17 hectare park Can be explored on foot or even on horseback .
At magnificent views from the observatory offer young and old the opportunity to get up close to the stars.
Train carousels from the 1920's and 19's that are on display will take you on a journey to another time!
Anything is possible at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios is a dream destination for movie and TV fans! The park features several themed rides around movie sets and props from legendary blockbusters , such as Jurassic Park, King Kong, Jaws and Harry Potter.
These family-friendly television attractions and rides will evoke a smile on every kid's face!
You'll be in for adventure and action on the one-hour tour that goes behind the scenes of film sets past and present, feeling like you're in the scenes of your favorite movies.
Plus, there are beloved characters greeting children, fun rides and plenty of live shows.
Steep Ascent: Take the Cable Car Through San Francisco
San Francisco has always captivated people from near and far with its charm and unique cityscape .
This also includes the cable cars , popular with tourists, who make their way up the steep streets of the Foggy City in a colorful and pleasantly noisy way.
Some other ideas for a fun visit for any son or daughter: enjoy views of the impressive Golden Gate Bridge or the Bay Bridge , walk through the lively harbor district in Fisherman's Wharf , watch the serpentine Lombard Street and explore the huge Golden Gate Park which offers various attractions and tours.
Meet Nemo at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the largest and most popular museums of its kind in the world, Aquarius is dedicated to doing its part to protect the oceans .
More of 35,000 sea creatures , huge pools the size of houses, tunnels, interactive shows and exhibits completely immerse visitors in an underwater world.
If that's not impressive enough, the fantastic view over the steep cliffs outside will inspire you.
Fun and Nature During All Seasons in Lake Tahoe
Beautiful Lake Tahoe is picturesquely surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and divided between California and Nevada.
Families can enjoy the sun in summer swimming, kayaking, hiking and biking.
During the winter, the area around Lake Tahoe transforms into one of the best ski and snowboard locations that California has to offer!
The promised land for outdoor enthusiasts!
Sequoia National Park
At towering giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park grow up to 300 feet tall and have a diameter of over 25 feet!
Traveling by car or on foot through this spectacular landscape is sure to leave your children speechless!
The experience is heightened by stunning mountain panoramas, deep gorges and a multitude of cave systems.
On the trail of Colombia's gold rush
columbia is one of California's best-preserved gold rush towns and lets you experience firsthand how wild the days and nights must have been in a old west town !
Feel the heat in an old smithy, try your luck panning for gold, ride an authentic stagecoach or enjoy an ice cream in an old-fashioned saloon.
There's not much more you could ask for while traveling California with the kids!
California is a very travel-friendly state., with a well-developed road system, modern campsites and a comfortable infrastructure.
What could be better than a trip with your kids to California?
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