A road trip in California: A three week itinerary

Have you ever considered a US road trip for your family holiday?  If so, California is the perfect destination.  With its wide-open roads, stunning scenery, and fantastic landmarks, California is the ideal state for a family road trip.  Read our California road trip itinerary to find out how to have a fun, family adventure on a road trip in California.

Although we call it our California road trip, we started in Las Vegas.  We include the states of Nevada and Arizona, as we wanted to visit the Grand Canyon.

This post will give you all the details of our California road trip itinerary, including our route, accommodation, and the best places to go in California.  What’s more, we’ll share our top travel tips, our California road trip itinerary map, stops, and must-see places to visit with kids.

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We began planning our California road trip itinerary by identifying our must-see destinations in California: San Francisco, Yosemite, and Monterey.  From there, we mapped out a route designed to minimize long drives, keeping most travel days under three hours.  The one exception was the drive to the Grand Canyon, which required more time on the road.  To make the most of our 3-week California road trip itinerary, we also booked an internal flight to save time, though if you’re on a budget, driving this stretch is a great alternative.

For each new destination, we aimed to stay two or three days in one location.  This approach gave us the chance to explore the area fully, do laundry, and stock up on supplies at local supermarkets – essential for a smooth and enjoyable road trip with kids.

If you’re not careful, it’s easy to spend long stretches on the road, which can be exhausting, especially for families.  Thoughtful planning is key to ensuring a balanced and fun-filled California road trip experience.

To kick off our California road trip, we flew from London Heathrow to Las Vegas with British Airways, a flight that took about 10 hours.  We landed in Las Vegas at 3:05 PM, factoring in the 8-hour time difference.

Top tip: Be prepared for long queues at customs, especially if you’re traveling with small, tired children. It can be a bit of a wait, so having snacks, entertainment, or some patience on hand is a good idea.

The first few days of our 3-week California road trip itinerary were spent in Las Vegas, soaking in the sights and energy of the city.

Upon arrival, we made our way to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, which we booked through Booking.com.  Situated right on the famous Las Vegas Strip, this hotel boasts an impressive pool complex, including a lazy river, four pools, and three whirlpools, all perfect for unwinding after our long flight.

After checking in, we wasted no time and headed straight for the pool, only to find it buzzing with weekend revellers. It was a lively start to our adventure, and a great way to shake off the travel fatigue!

• Consider a smaller hotel if you have younger children.
• The pool complex is quieter and more family-friendly in the mornings when party-goers are still in bed.
• If you are looking for breakfast, head to Coco’s, directly opposite the MGM.

As you’d imagine there’s non-stop entertainment in Las Vegas.  And it’s not just for adults.  We spent a day walking up the famous Strip, visiting iconic hotels like New York New York, The Luxor, Caesar’s Palace, and the Venetian.

Be sure to check the timings for the daily free shows, such as the Bellagio Fountains and the Volcano Show at The Mirage, which are great for families.

In the evening, we booked a family-friendly show Tournament of Kings, a thrilling medieval-themed dinner show that captivated both kids and adults alike.

Las Vegas offers a fantastic range of accommodation options, so there’s something to suit every budget.  The larger, more luxurious hotels on the Strip tend to be pricier, but they also offer more amenities.

Location is another key factor to consider.  Some visitors prefer the more affordable options found Downtown, while others opt to stay closer to the action on the Strip for convenience.  Since we were traveling with kids, we prioritized hotels with excellent pool facilities, which is why we chose the MGM Grand.  The expansive pool complex was a major draw for our family, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing.

After two exciting days in Las Vegas, we started our road trip and headed for The Grand Canyon.  We rented a car from Avis, conveniently located at the MGM reception. Once we picked up the car, we made a stop at a nearby supermarket to stock up on supplies for the next few days.

About 45 mins outside of Las Vegas we took a detour to visit the Hoover Dam, which straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona.  Recognised as one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century, the Hoover Dam is a truly awe-inspiring structure that far exceeded our expectations.

You can park up the hill and take a short walk down to the dam, where you can fully appreciate the stunning Art Deco design, especially on the lifts.  If you’re interest, there’s also a offering guided tours of the power plant.

The weather at the Hoover Dam was sweltering, even hotter than Las Vegas.  Be sure to bring a water bottle, which you can refill at the fountains on the bridge.

After our visit to the Hoover Dam, we continued our journey for another 4 hours by car, heading towards the The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

Often regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a massive 1-mile-deep gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.  Stretching 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, this natural wonder is truly a sight to behold.

As one of the oldest national parks in the USA, the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors each year.  Its unique landscape and breathtaking views make it a must-see destination on any California road trip itinerary.  The sheer beauty and scale of the canyon are unlike anything else, and it’s definitely worth the visit.

As you’d expect, the Grand Canyon offers countless ways to enjoy its stunning views.  Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or even horse-riding, there are plenty of activities to explore the park’s vast beauty.  Once you’re inside the park, you won’t need your car, as there are free shuttle buses to take you around to all the key spots.

On our first day at the Grand Canyon, we hiked the family-friendly Trail of Time, a scenic route just under 3 miles long that offers fantastic views and educational insights about the canyon’s history.  On day two, we escaped the crowds and cycled around the rim of the Grand Canyon, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

For the best experience at the Grand Canyon, it’s highly recommended to stay at one of the in-park lodges located on the South Rim.  From here, you can easily walk to the Grand Canyon viewpoint and access various hiking trails right from your accommodation.

During our visit, we stayed in the Yavapai Lodge East cabins, which were perfect for our family of four.  Although the accommodation was fairly basic, the unbeatable location made it well worth it. There are several other lodges and hotels within the park, all of which can be booked directly through Grand National Park Lodges.

If you prefer to stay just outside the park, there are a number of options, including the The Grand Hotel and the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel  both offering convenient access to the park while providing a more traditional hotel experience.

San Francisco is a vibrant city with something for everyone, offering stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, breathtaking views, and numerous family-friendly attractions.

We kicked off our first day with breakfast at Boudin’s Café, one of San Francisco’s oldest and most iconic bakeries.  After fuelling up, we made our way to Pier 33 to catch the ferry to the notorious Alcatraz Island.  The Alcatraz tour is a must-do experience, but it’s very popular, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.  After returning from the island, we took a leisurely stroll towards Fisherman’s Wharf, one of San Francisco’s top tourist destinations.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively area full of street performers and vibrant shops.  Don’t miss Pier 39, where you can watch the playful antics of the sea lions lounging on the pontoons, an unforgettable sight for visitors of all ages.

On day two of our San Francisco itinerary we did an epic bike ride across San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, heading towards Sausalito and continuing on to Tiburon.  It was an unforgettable ride, offering spectacular views of the bay and the bridge itself.  There’s also an option to visit Muir Woods, but it’s quite a long journey, especially with kids.

Day three was dedicated to exploring Golden Gate Park, a vast urban park filled with gardens, museums, and scenic walking paths.  Afterwards, we couldn’t leave San Francisco without experiencing a ride on the famous cable cars down Lombard Street, the world’s most crooked street, and paying a visit to Chinatown, one of the oldest and most vibrant in the U.S.

We absolutely loved San Francisco and could have easily spent more time exploring all the city has to offer.

• You won’t need a car in San Francisco and parking can be expensive.  The city is easy to navigate on foot, by bike or using public transport and taxis.
• San Francisco’s climate is very different from other Californian cities and it was noticeably colder. This change in temperature was especially striking after coming from the warmth of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.  Be sure to bring a jumper, or if you forget, you can easily pick up a San Francisco hoodie from one of the many vendors along the waterfront.

After San Francisco, our original plan was to visit Yosemite National Park and stay at the Evergreen Lodge. Unfortunately, we had to cancel this part of our trip due to the wildfires that were ravaging the area.

The Yosemite rangers had to close the park because of the smoke, which was deeply upsetting.  Not only was it disappointing to miss out on what we had hoped would be one of the highlights of our California road trip, but the wildfires were causing devastating damage to the natural habitat of the region.

Thankfully, the Evergreen Lodge was fantastic about refunding our accommodation, so we now have a perfect excuse to return to California someday!

As an alternative, we decided to visit Point Reyes National Seashore, a stunning protected coastline located just North of San Francisco.  Point Reyes is a paradise for nature lovers, with abundant wildlife and numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring.

We quickly booked a stay at The Hideaway in the Woods, a cosy cabin in Inverness, and picked up our new rental car.  After grabbing some groceries, we headed out.  Located only 30 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect escape from the city.  In just 45 minutes, we arrived at our destination.

Once at Point Reyes, we made our first stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Centre.  Here, we gathered information on the best beaches, hiking trails, and activities in the area.  If you have kids, don’t miss the chance to sign them up for the Junior Rangers programme, which is a fun way to learn about the local environment.

• Try to stop at a supermarket before you get to Point Reyes, as it has a limited choice.
• The weather can be unpredictable.  It can be sunny, but turn cold when the fog comes in.
• We booked our car through Avis, using Avios  points that we had earned with our credit card
• If your children are not used to hiking, you could look at these simple tips to get them going

The next few days of our California road trip itinerary were spent in Monterey, a charming and popular destination along California’s rugged coastline.  Known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Monterey is an ideal spot for families looking to explore and relax.

Monterey is a family-friendly town with plenty of activities to keep children entertained.  One of the must-see attractions is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-class facility spread over two levels and home to over 35,000 marine creatures.  It’s not only an interactive and child-friendly experience, but the aquarium is also a leader in marine research and conservation efforts.

While in Monterey, we hiked along the Monterey Coastal Trail, which leads to Pacific Grove, and visited Cannery Row.  Once the heart of Monterey’s sardine canning industry, this area was famously immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck in his book Cannery Row.

For nature lovers, Point Lobos National Reserve is a fantastic day trip. The reserve is filled with breathtaking coastal views and wildlife watching opportunities. We also took time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, a stylish town known for its boutique shops and pristine sandy beach.

Driving further along the coast, we were mesmerized by the dramatic scenery of Big Sur, a stretch of coastline famous for its rugged beauty.  If you’re a fan of the show Big Little Lies, be sure to spot the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, featured in the series.  Along the way, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the legendary Lone Cypress Tree on the 17-mile Drive, a true symbol of the California coast.

The next stop on our California road trip was Pismo Beach, a perfect midway point that helps break up the journey to Los Angeles.  The drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach takes about 2.5 hours, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge before continuing south.

We stayed at the SeaCrest Hotel, a beautiful oceanfront property offering stunning views over Pismo Beach.  The hotel provides direct access to the sandy beach via a private set of wooden steps, making it incredibly convenient for beachgoers.

In addition to its fantastic ocean views, the SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel has an outdoor pool and three hot tubs, perfect for relaxation.  Our overnight stay included a buffet-style breakfast, which we enjoyed in the outdoor dining area.

Pismo Beach is an ideal stopover on your California road trip, conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  The hotel is both comfortable and affordable, with unbeatable ocean views that make for a memorable stay.

After some downtime at the pool, we took a leisurely stroll along Pismo Beach.  The area boasts a large pier and a charming small town with plenty of shops selling arts, crafts, and beach gear.

The drive from Pismo Beach to Los Angeles takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  On the way, we made a stop in the stylish town of Santa Barbara.

Known for its long, golden beach lined with palm trees, Santa Barbara is a picturesque location.  We headed straight to the pier, where we indulged in some delicious clam chowder and ice cream, a perfect treat before continuing our journey.

The final days of our California itinerary were spent in Los Angeles.

Upon arrival in LA, we returned our rental car and checked into The Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City.   This hotel is a fantastic choice for those planning to visit Universal Studios, as it’s within walking distance of the park.  The hotel also offers a convenient shuttle service to Universal Park, running every 20 minutes, making it easy to get to the attractions.

The Hilton Los Angeles Hotel provides an impressive buffet breakfast, although it is on the pricier side.  We found it to be an easy and convenient option, with generous portions to fuel us for the day ahead.  The kids loved it, as there was ice cream on offer for breakfast.

The hotel rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, ensuring a relaxing stay after a busy day of sightseeing.  In the outdoor area, the pool is set in a pretty garden area.  You’ll find a small poolside bar, from which you can order food and drink.

On the last day of our California road trip, we spent a relaxing morning lazing by the pool at the Hilton.  After a restful few hours, we took an overnight flight to London with British Airways, marking the end of an unforgettable family adventure.

For ease, we pre-booked our transfer to Los Angeles Airport with Supershuttle.

If you’re traveling from Europe to the United States, you’ll need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).  This digital authorization allows you to travel without a visa. Be sure to arrange your ESTA in advance through the official government site, as third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees.

Also, don’t forget the customs form handed out on the plane—one per person. Fill it in accurately to avoid delays at immigration, or you may be sent to the back of the line!

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts, so you will need to take a travel adaptor if you’re travelling from outside the US.

Consider saving Google maps directions for offline use and travel. Google maps can really help if you’re lost or trying to find a unfamiliar place.  It doesn’t help you if you’re travelling abroad.  Or if you are trying to avoid roaming charges from your cellular provider. Fortunately, you can save Google Maps directions offline so you can access the info without using your data up.

Using the hotel’s free Wi-Fi, we set up directions offline on our phone before each leg of our California trip. Here’s how:-

Here are some of the websites we use when planning our trips.

PIN FOR LATER: A three week road trip in California

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