How To Plan A Family Road Trip Around California
The Low-Down
The California Commission comprises 1,350 km of coastline, so you could easily spend the summer visiting the state’s highlights and exploring its smaller coastal towns. For a family trip, two to three weeks is a good amount of time to visit five or six of the cities – and everything in between. Most visitors take the well-trodden route from LA and make their way to San Francisco in the north. Flights from London to Los Angeles International take just over 11 hours, so it’s essential to book accommodation for your first couple of nights, whether you’re staying in LA for a few days or passing through. It’s also worth shopping around to secure a good deal on a car hire – many companies offer pick-up services from the airport, which is usually the most convenient option.
Part 1:
Los Angeles
Once you’ve landed at LAX, pick up your hire car and explore the city. LA traffic is notoriously bad, so plan to see only a couple of sights in the morning. Make a beeline for the Griffith Observatory (you’ll recognise it from La La Land) to take in the best views of the city. Outdoorsy families can hike part of the way, or you can drive to the top, seeing the incredible houses on Mount Hollywood – as well as the iconic Hollywood sign – along the way. Inside the observatory, kids will be fascinated by the scientific exhibitions and planetarium, which is one of the most impressive in the world. From here, you can easily drive to Craig’s in West Hollywood for brunch or dinner. One of the area's coolest restaurants, it has similar vibes to London’s Chiltern Firehouse, with simple yet tasty dishes and a great drinks list. There’s also a lovely terrace with outdoor heaters.
Another must-see is Venice Beach, with its cool street art and palm-tree lined promenades. If you have time, drive to the Santa Monica Pier which juts out into the Pacific Ocean. Children of all ages will be entertained by the all-American arcade games, ferris wheel and roller coaster, while adults will appreciate the ocean views and oyster bars. For great shopping, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard where you'll find high-end and high-street shops, as well as smaller boutiques from American brands. Stop for lunch at Gjelina which has a great atmosphere and varied menu. The Butcher's Daughter, a plant-based café and juice bar is another great spot. It’s also worth allowing a full day to explore Universal Studios Hollywood. A must-visit for film fans, day passes start from $100 but we recommend paying for a fast-track pass to skip the queues (which can sometimes be up to three hours long for each ride). More than an amusement park, the venue is totally immersive – you can get up close with some of your favourite movie characters from the world’s biggest film franchises, from Harry Potter to Jurassic Park.
Where To Stay
For a real treat, spend a night or two at The Maybourne Beverly Hills at the start or end of your trip, a beautiful hotel from the same team behind Claridge’s and The Berkeley. Expect excellent customer service, elegant interiors and a show stopping rooftop pool with views over Rodeo Drive.
Part 2:
Santa Barbara
When you’re ready to leave LA, head straight to Santa Barbara via Santa Monica – an afternoon is enough time to get a feel for the city. Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful buildings and beaches and laidback way of life. There’s also an excellent food scene where you’ll find cheap street food eats, Mexican restaurants and ice-cream parlours aplenty. Walk along the wharf and head to East Beach – the city’s biggest and most popular. You’ll find volleyball courts and a children’s play area. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve is also worth a visit if you want to see up to 100 seals basking on the sand or swimming in the waters. Families can kayak along the waterfront or hop on a ferry to Channel Island, a beautiful national park known as ‘the Galapagos Islands of North America’. You can book guided tours, whale watching expeditions or simply explore the island’s beautiful flora and fauna.
Back on the mainland, Leadbetter Beach is another must-see for family fun by the sea, while Santa Barbara Zoo has lots for little ones – kids can even hand feed the giraffes. On the off chance that it rains, The MOXI Museum is an impressive science museum with exhibits on sound, speed, light and technology. Don’t miss its sky garden roof terrace which has great views across the city. For modern Spanish dishes, book a table at Loquita.
Where To Stay
If you want to go all out, El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel is a stunning spot in the Santa Barbara Hills. Designed-led bungalows are surrounded by acres of lush gardens and an infinity pool. Kids under 18 stay free and the restaurant has a separate children’s menu.
Part 3:
SLO Cal
San Luis Obispo County, otherwise known as SLO Cal, is almost the halfway point between LA and San Francisco. A popular pitstop for road trippers, it’s a great place from which to explore the surrounding towns like Pismo Beach (a surfer’s dream), Avila Beach and Morro Bay – all of which have their own quirks and charms, so it’s worth dedicating a few days to this stretch of the trip. You won’t find that many glossy attractions, but the area was once dubbed the ‘happiest place in America’. Visit the Thursday night farmers market which showcases the best of the local produce and follow the hiking trails to reach some of the best beaches. This is also a great spot to camp for a night under the stars or on the beach. Be sure to book a whale watching trip with Avila Beach Whale Watching.
There are several excellent wineries in the area thanks to fertile soil from extinct volcanoes. Some of the best include Talley Vineyards, Tolosa Winery which specialises in pinot noir, Sextant Wines and Niven Family Wine Estates, which is set around an old wooden schoolhouse.
Where To Stay
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is unpretentious, but it’s well equipped for families – the beach is only a couple hundred feet away and rooms can be set up for kids of all ages. A good option for a one-night stopover, rooms have self-catering facilities and balconies (some with ocean views) and there are laundry facilities, too. For a boutique hotel experience, children are also welcome at the chic San Luis Creek Lodge. Rooms are modern with neutral interiors, bathrooms have Aesop toiletries, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
Part 4:
Monterey
On the way up from Santa Barbara, the views get even better as you get to the start of the Big Sur, a rugged stretch of coastline with breath-taking views. Here, life is laidback and revolves around the sea. Spend an afternoon at Monterey Bay Aquarium which helps to protect dense kelp forests and marine life. Gallons of seawater are pumped into the main ‘sea forest’ – home to sea otters, jellyfish and rays in touch pools. For a slice of culture, Monterey Museum of Art is also worth a visit to see contemporary paintings and sculptures by American artists. From here, spend a day in Montecito, a charming town which is Spanish for ‘little city’. It’s easy to see why Oprah and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated here thanks to its beautiful views and mile-long beaches. Visitors can hike the hills to take in beautiful views of the city and try a range of water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. Stop for pizza and wine at Bettina, a small neighbourhood restaurant. It also has some lovely boutiques if you fancy a browse.
It's also worth taking a detour to Pebble Beach – via the beautiful 17-Mile Drive – which is an upmarket community in Monterey where high net worth individuals have holiday homes. Drive around the area to see some incredible houses. There are lots of places to pull in and look at the stunning coastline. Then, stop at the Golf Links – one of the most prestigious courses in the country.
Where To Stay
You won’t find an abundance of hotels around the city, but the smart InterContinental is a fail-safe option for a night or two. Rooms are bright and light with lovely beach views, with family suites available, and the food at the restaurants has a range of options for kids. You’ll also find some lovely holiday homes in the area, including guest homes on the beach and modern apartments with sea views.
SPENCER DAVIS/UNSPLASH
Part 5:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Spend a day at the picturesque beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a historic area with fairy tale cottages, galleries and cool shopping boutiques on the Monterey Peninsula. Head straight to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to spot sea lions and sea otters along its rocky coastline. Parking spots fill up quickly, so drive there in the morning or late afternoon to secure a spot. On a sunny day, little ones can play in the rockpools while older kids can go snorkelling at Whalers Cove. Another lovely spot is Beach City Park with its white sand and pretty beach houses. Book a table at Mission Ranch, a charming restaurant with a slightly older crowd. Pianists set a laidback vibe while diners can choose to sit indoors or on the patio.
Where To Stay
We also recommend staying in Carmel with its laidback atmosphere. Carmel Valley Ranch by Hyatt is a luxury resort, ideal for families who want to enjoy outdoor activities. Set near the Santa Lucia Mountains, the resort is surrounded by 500 acres of land with rivers, lakes and vineyards. Rooms and family suites are simple but some have freestanding baths on the deck for sunset soaks. Golfers will love its renowned 18-hole golf course, while children can use the tennis court, saltwater pools, and wander around the vast gardens. There’s also a spa – plus, two restaurants for relaxed dining.
Part 6:
Yosemite & The National Parks
A trip isn’t complete without visiting one of the State’s spectacular national parks. Yosemite is about a four-hour drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, so set off early in the morning to spend a day exploring the 3,080 square-kilometre park, which is also a Unesco Heritage Site. First timers should book a guided tour to explore landmarks like Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, el Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Fall is another must-see, so make a beeline for the famous waterfall if you’re into exploring. Renting a bike is also a good way to see the main highlights and spot a vast array of wildlife, from sheep and deer to lizards and snakes.
Another option is to head north about five hours to see Lassen Volcanic National Park which has a varied and beautiful landscape. Home to the world’s largest plug-dome volcano (at 10,457 ft above sea level), there are over 100,000 acres of land to explore. Again, a guided tour is recommended to explore the lavascape with its geysers, hot springs and other volcanic features.
Where To Stay
For the ultimate outdoor experience, Evergreen Lodge is just outside the park and has been welcoming families to its rustic cabins for more than 50 years. Guests can stay in cabins with everything you need for a relaxing stay, and help themselves to bikes, snowshoes, backpacks and other useful equipment. There’s also a kids’ nature trail, a playground and a saltwater pool with a hot tub. For a luxury stay, book a room at AutoCamp Yosemite set near the park’s main entrance. Guests can stay in cabins, luxury tents or even airstreams kitted out with kitchenettes. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar as well as a grocery store. The camp runs regular activities for kids and guided tours of the park.
PEXELS/TAE FULLER
Part 7:
Driving On
For a longer road trip – and if you’re travelling with older kids and teens – head north to California’s most famous wine region, Napa Valley. One of the most scenic parts of the county draws visitors for its hillside wineries and restaurants on the grassy slopes. Some of the top wineries include Opus One Winery and Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, the historic Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, and Artesa Vineyards & Winery in Carneros. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants like Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry and Japanese restaurant Kenzo, as well as other standout names like La Calenda, North Block and Ciccio.
San Francisco, one of California’s coolest cities, is another must-see city, but again, you’ll need a few more days if you want to fit it in. It’s known for its steep hills, extensive tram network and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Stay for a few days to try the city’s best eateries and take in the varied culture.
Important Info:
- Flights from London to Los Angeles International take just over 11 hours.
- The time difference is GMT -7 hours.
- Visitors will need to have a full driver’s licence for at least two years to drive in the US.
- British visitors must have a traveller’s visa to enter the country.
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