California Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days in Southern California with Kids

Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Tori Pines

Planning a Southern California road trip itinerary with kids? You’re in for such a treat! We recently spent 10 days road-tripping through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Disneyland, Channel Islands National Park, and Los Angeles—and it was the ultimate mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure family fun.

I’ll be honest, road trips with kids can feel overwhelming at first (all the logistics, the packing, the meltdowns that might happen in the backseat), but Southern California is such a perfect place for a family vacation. There’s so much variety packed into a relatively short driving distance—one day you’re hiking through cacti in the desert, the next you’re spotting dolphins off the coast or riding roller coasters at Disney.

In this post, I’m sharing our exact 10-day itinerary that worked beautifully with kids in tow. You’ll get a mix of nature, city time, theme park magic, and plenty of chances to just let the kids run around and burn off energy. If you’re looking for inspiration to plan your own California adventure, this is a trip that checks all the boxes!

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

2 Days in Palm Springs
1 Day in Joshua Tree National Park
2 Days in San Diego
2 Days in Disneyland
3 Days in Los Angeles (Including Channel Islands National Park)

Why should you do this California Road Trip Itinerary?

This is the exact California road trip itinerary that my family took and we loved every second of it. It’s the perfect balance between city and nature, adventure and relaxation. Plus it’s perfect for all ages! We brought our 1.5 year-old along with us and had a blast, but any group or family would love this California road trip itinerary.

Getting to California for a Road Trip

You might be planning on driving here, or already live in the area. In that case you can head straight to Palm Springs or reorder the California road trip itinerary to align better with your current location.

However, if you plan to fly here, I highly recommend flying in and out of LAX. I know it can get a really bad reputation, but all of the times I have flown in and out of here, I’ve never had any issues. Maybe just plan for a little extra time on your travel days to be safe.

Otherwise, at least fly in and out of the same airport, so that you can save money on a rental car. It’s always much cheaper if you’re returning it to the same place that you picked it up.

On our most recent California road trip itinerary, we rented a car through Sixt at LAX, and let me tell you, it was by far the absolute best experience that we have ever had renting a car. The price was incredibly cheap, the service was impeccable, and we spent no time waiting at all. I seriously cannot speak highly enough of this company. (And that’s saying something because I DESPISE the process of renting cars) Rent a car through Sixt at LAX here.

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Things you’ll need for a Southern California Road Trip with Kids

These items will obviously depend on the age of your kids (or if you’re bringing any with you at all). I’m mostly gearing this list towards people with babies and/or toddlers! There’s tons of other things you’ll need, but these are some of the things most people don’t think of, or I think are SUPER important!

• Baby/toddler carrier: what we use for long periods of carrying like on hikes.
• Tushbaby: my all around favorite carrier for more up and down situations, but you can add on the Snug attachment to make it a full-on carrier for longer periods!
• Toddler sling: which is also for up and down situations. The sling definitely helps, but provides the least amount of support of the three. I mainly used it when I was pregnant and couldn’t use the other two with a large belly!
• Travel stroller: This stroller is the super fancy one that folds down SO small, it can even go in the overhead compartment on an airplane! If you travel a lot this might be worth investing in! We have something more like this one and it gets the job done! The most important thing to me was that it had a big basket underneath to carry all of our stuff. And now that we have two kiddos, we have the older version of this double travel stroller that I loooove!! But the new version doesn’t fold down as small, so I recommend this one if you’re looking for something smaller and much cheaper!
• Toddler Airplane Bed: If you have a long flight to get to Southern California, I highly recommend this airplane toddler bed! My daughter loved it and was able to sleep well on the plane because of it!
• Snackle Box: Easily the #1 thing I recommend to anyone traveling with a toddler is a snackle box! My friend recommended it to me a while back and I cannot thank her enough. This is the ONLY thing I have found to keep my daughter entertained for a looong time. I fill it with treats she normally doesn’t get at home and she’s always happy on the flight with it!
• Small Toys: You’ll need to bring some small toys that actually keep them entertained for more than 60 seconds. Here’s a few my daughter loves: Travel Play-doh set, reusable sticker books, wikki stix, and Minnie dress-up set.
• Cooler Bag: If you have a toddler, you know you always need snacks on the go, so pack a super compact cooler bag to bring around on your adventures each day! Here’s the cooler bag we have that packs super small!

California Road Trip Itinerary Map

California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Palm Springs

Getting to Palm Springs

Start off your 10 day California road trip itinerary by getting to Palm Springs. If you took my recommendation above, you’ll be landing in LAX sometime this morning, grabbing your rental car and driving about 2 hours to Palm Springs.

Along the way, be sure to stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs to see the world’s largest dinos! You have to pay to get in, but even the ones you can see from the parking lot are worth a short stop.

And if you’re wanting to save some money on your adventure, I recommend placing a grocery pickup order and picking it up on the way to the hotel. This is great for snacks, drinks and breakfast items!

Relax at the Pool

Once you check into your hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the pool! Be sure to pick a hotel with a nice pool to chill at; it is one of the main things Palm Springs is known for after all!

Need a hotel recommendation? We absolutely LOVED the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, which is just south of Palm Springs. But there are tons of other great places to stay in Palm Springs!

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Walk around Downtown Palm Springs

Once you’re ready to head out for the evening, head to downtown Palm Springs to walk around. The main downtown area is nice with lots of shops and restaurants. Plus, you should definitely swing by the huge Marilyn Monroe statue!

Have Dinner in Downtown Palm Springs

Plan to have dinner downtown at one of the great local restaurants to choose from. We had heard a crazy amount of great things about The Tropicale, so we headed there to eat. We had made reservations, which got us seated right away at this very busy spot in town. The live music was so fun and the ambiance was really cool. The menu was pretty fancy for our taste, but the food was really delicious like everyone said.

If you are looking for something a little more casual, there are plenty of other great places to choose from, you can’t go wrong!

Day 2: Palm Springs

Breakfast at the Hotel

I recommend having a quick breakfast at the hotel before a busy day exploring Palm Springs! If you picked up groceries yesterday, have a simple meal in the hotel room as you get ready. Otherwise, grab something from your hotel cafe and be on your way! And be sure to get some caffeine too to get you through the day

Spend the Morning at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

I must be honest, I actually was not planning on visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Springs before we got here. We knew we would be going to the famous San Diego Zoo in a few days (more on that below!) so I didn’t really think I’d want to do both. Boy, was I wrong!!

This zoo was so wonderful, unique, and fun and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Palm Springs, whether they have kids with them or not. The grounds are beautiful, the variety of animals are great and it’s super interactive for kids. The best part was paying the extra $10 to feed the giraffes; I was in heaven getting to see them up close and have that experience! My 1.5 year old was not quite as enthused, but I’m sure any older kids would love this opportunity.

Have a Lunch along the Way

You’ll be heading to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway next on this California road trip itinerary, which is completely across town. So plan to pick up lunch somewhere along the way. You can take the slightly longer route that runs directly through Palm Springs for the most options for food! Honestly, we just picked up Jack in the Box and ate on the way since we were on a time crunch and were hungry! But In-N-Out Burger is a great option for those not used to having In-N-Out near them, like us!

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Another must-do thing in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Seriously, you cannot come to Palm Springs without taking the 2.5 mile ride up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

It’s not the cheapest adventure since you have to pay for parking, and then pay again per person to ride the tramway, but it’s worth it for the views and experience. Be sure to get there in plenty of time before sunset, and bring a coat with you, it’s much, much colder on the top of the mountain!

The ride is so much fun for kids and adults alike, as it slowly rotates as it climbs up, giving all passengers awesome views along the way. Once you get to the top, plan to do a short hike to see some of the state park, then end with dinner at the top.

You can buy a ticket that includes (a very simple) dinner in Pines Cafe. Or you can make reservations for the fine dining restaurant, Peaks Restaurant, instead.

Just be prepared, the weather can be unpredictable up here and it’s not common for the view to be covered in clouds, for it to be raining, or even snowing! So come with an open mind and some extra time on your hands to wait for the clouds to part.

Grab Dessert at Great Shakes

On your way back to your hotel for the night, swing by Great Shakes in downtown for the ultimate dessert experience. These shakes are piled high with sugary deliciousness and easily something the whole family could share.

Day 3: Joshua Tree National Park

Wake up Early and Drive to Joshua Tree National Park

Get up as early as possible today since you’ll have a lot to do for day 3 of this California road trip itinerary! The drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park is one of those “wow, are we in a movie?” kind of experiences! It’s only about 45 minutes to an hour, but the scenery changes so much along the way that you’ll want to roll the windows down and soak it all in.

As you leave the retro-chic vibe of Palm Springs, you’ll pass towering wind turbines and rocky desert hills. If you’re entering through the West Entrance in Joshua Tree, you’ll pass through the charming little town of Joshua Tree, perfect for grabbing snacks, coffee, or even a quick stop at the quirky art installations along the roadside.

Alternatively, you can enter through the South Entrance, but keep in mind that after you get to that entrance, there is a toooon of driving north through the park until you get to the hikes and destinations. So I recommend putting the ultimate destination in your gps, not just “Joshua Tree National Park”. The best route will likely be to enter through Joshua Tree then exit through the south entrance.

It’s also important to note that the visitors center is located outside of the park in the town of Joshua Tree, so be sure to account for that if you want to visit!

Stop at Some Viewpoints (Skull rock, Cholla Cactus Garden)

Plan to make some short stops at a few of the best viewpoints in the park. Start with Hidden Valley, then Skull Rock. And on your way out of the park later, Cholla Cactus Gardens!

Go on a Hike

I recommend hitting up at least one trail in the park (more if you have more time!) and my favorite one to suggest is the Heart Rock and Arch Rock Trail. It’s a very easy 1.6 mile trail that takes you past Joshua Trees and through the rock formations. Plus you get to see two especially unique rocks, the heart rock and the arch rock, along the way!

This one is perfect to bring the kiddos since it’s super flat and fun for them to navigate! We carried our toddler most of the way on this trail with no problem.

If you want more hiking, check out the Wall Street Mill Trail to see some of the park’s mining history.

Eat a Picnic Lunch

Be sure to bring lunch with you into the park, or at least a substantial amount of snacks since there is nowhere to purchase food in the park and it is quite a hike to get to the nearby towns. Depending on what time you leave you could potentially pick up lunch on your drive out of town but it might be a while until you find somewhere to stop.

Drive to San Diego

Next you’ll make the two and a half hour drive to San Diego for the next few days of your California road trip itinerary. This drive isn’t anything particularly special but towards the end the views get really beautiful. We stopped along the way for In-N-Out Burgers since we don’t have any near where we live.

Check into your Hotel

Head straight to your hotel and get checked in. There’s tons of places to choose from, but we wanted to stay near the beach so we picked a Courtyard in Solana Beach just north of the city. It was a simple hotel but we actually loved the location since it was near some incredible restaurants and close to both the beach and Torrey Pines State Park (more on that later!). I also recommend staying at the famous Hotel del Coronado, more on that later!

Have Dinner at Brigantine

Whenever I visit a new place one of my priorities is to try the dishes that they are known for. so I immediately found out that San Diego was famous for their fish tacos. After doing some research one of the restaurants that supposedly had the best fish tacos in town was a place called The Brigantine. And turns out they had a location just a few blocks from our hotel; perfect!

Whether you want to visit the location in Solana Beach or one of their other San Diego locations I recommend heading here for dinner tonight. If you get here early enough, on a weeknight, then you can enjoy happy hour with some delicious plates at great prices. We honestly loved everything we tried here and while it’s a little bit fancy they were definitely very kid-friendly and had plenty of options on the menu for our kiddo. And the fish tacos? Divine.

Day 4: San Diego

Spend the Day at the San Diego Zoo

Easily, one of the most famous things to do in San Diego is to visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the country. And let me tell you it is definitely large. Be sure to wear your walking shoes and have a stroller for the young kids because this place is huge and SUPER hilly!

You will easily be able to spend an entire day here and still might not be able to see everything. The top sights are the Giant Pandas, koalas, and polar bears! Oh, and the gondola ride is an absolute must! If you can get here before they open in the morning, you get to see the special way they open the gates by releasing macaws during the ceremony. Plan to get lunch here, and stay as long as you can.

They also have something called the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located outside of town, which we heard is incredible! I strongly considered going but we just didn’t have time for both. I will absolutely be going there for my next visit though!

Or, Explore Other Areas of Balboa Park

If you end up having extra time after the zoo you might want to explore other areas of Balboa Park. There’s several museums to explore and lots of green space for the kids to run around. You’ll likely fill your whole day at the zoo but this is an option if you’d rather spend some of the afternoon doing something different.

Some of the museums located here include, Institute of Contemporary Art, Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat), The San Diego Museum of Art, and more!

Walk Around La Jolla at Sunset

Freshen up for dinner then head to La Jolla for sunset. Make sure to allow for plenty of time to walk along the water, see the famous sea lions barking on the beach and watch the sunset from the park. There’s also shopping and other places to explore along the strip if you feel like it.

Have Dinner at Duke’s

Get reservations in advance for dinner tonight at one of my favorite restaurants, Duke’s. Duke’s is part of a restaurant chain started in Hawaii but now has a few select locations in California. When I found out they had a location here in San Diego I was so excited because their food is so incredible.

You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but my favorite starters are the crispy coconut shrimp and panko crusted calamari. For dinner I am absolutely obsessed with their seafood hot pot; it might actually be my favorite dish of any restaurant anywhere. It’s really that good, but you have to like coconut and seafood to enjoy it.

And while the food is incredible you really want to come here for dessert. The hula pie is out of this world. It’s basically an epic ice cream cake covered with hot fudge and macadamia nuts. You actually can’t leave here without having it.

The menu here is fairly expensive for our taste, but for Duke’s it’s worth it. And if you haven’t been to Hawaii yet, this will just make you want to go that much more.

Day 5: San Diego

Hike at Torrey Pines State Park

If you noticed the name of my blog you’ll understand why a visit to Torrey Pines State Park was an absolute must for us on our Southern California road trip itinerary. While my nickname was actually given to me because of the golf course next door, the park was still top of my list to see. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the grounds are gorgeous, the hikes are fun and the views over the water are unbeatable.

Parking here ranges from $10 to $20 depending on the day of the week and time of day you visit and is good for the whole day. Be aware that if there has been any rain in the last 24 hours then many of the trails will be closed, but there’s still plenty to see and it’s worth spending some time here either way.

There’s tons of different combinations of trails to explore in the park to make as short or as long of an adventure as you’d like. I recommend this loop which is 3.7 miles long and allows you to see a lot of the best views over the water, but if you’re not up for that much walking you can make much shorter loops.

For the majority of the trails you’ll need to either carry your kids or have them walk on their own. But the main path that runs through the length of the park is paved and completely doable with a stroller if you prefer.

Carriers

We have a few different carriers that we LOVE for different reasons/activites! This baby/toddler carrier is what we use for long periods of carrying like on hikes. The Tushbaby is my all around favorite carrier for more up and down situations, but you can add on the Snug attachment to make it a full-on carrier for longer periods! And the third one we use is the sling, which is also for up and down situations. The sling definitely helps, but provides the least amount of support of the three. I mainly used it when I was pregnant and couldn’t use the other two with a large belly!

Have Lunch at Tacos el Gordo

After you’re done hiking I’m sure you’ll be ready for lunch so head straight to Tacos El Gordo where you’ll find super authentic and incredibly delicious tacos. It’s a small chain started in Mexico with a few locations now in the US. My friends Adam and Kathryn of Adventures of A+K rave about this spot, so I knew we had to check it out. And they were right; the tacos were amazing.

Drive or Walk around Coronado Island

One of the most famous spots to explore in San Diego is Coronado Island. The island itself is beautiful to drive around, plus the beaches make for a great spot to walk or relax. But as a Disney lover, I especially love seeing the famous Hotel del Coronado. One look at it and any Disney fan can tell you exactly what they see when they lay eyes on this stunning historic hotel.

If you can afford to stay here instead during your time in San Diego, then go for it! It’s not absurdly expensive by any means, and worth a little splurge in my opinion. Plus, it’s a Hilton property so you can book with or earn points during your stay!

Spend some time this afternoon exploring the island and hotel before hitting the road north to Disney!

Drive to Disneyland

Jump in the car and make the 1 hour, 40 minute drive north to Anaheim for the next portion of this California road trip itinerary! The next few days will be spent at Disneyland (Yay! Finally!) so you’ll want to get settled in tonight.

Pickup Pizza from Zero Zero 39 Pizzeria

Along the way, place an order for dinner at ZeroZero 39 Pizzeria. This pizza place serves authentic Roman street food style pizza that is absolutely incredible. I recommend placing the order and picking up to bring to the hotel since you’ll probably be tired from a long day of exploring and driving, but if you’d rather eat there you can.

The restaurant is located in the Anaheim Packing House, a food hall with tons of amazing restaurants to choose from. So, if some of your group would rather have something different for dinner, there are tons of options; something for everyone!

Check into Your Hotel

Head to your hotel and get settled for the night. We chose to stay at the Anaheim Marriott Suites because we wanted a little extra space for our kiddo to sleep. So this might be a good option with kids! However, it was a 10-15 minute drive from the park.

There are several options for hotels that are within walking distance from the park which is nice for saving time, saving money on parking, and allow you to easily take the kids back for an afternoon nap or pool time! Obviously, the most ideal options are the Disney Hotels! Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian and Pixar Place Hotel are the three options on property. Any of them would be amazing if it’s in your budget!!

If you’re looking for great hotel options off property but within walking distance, the absolute best options are Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort, and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel. These hotels are the closest options to the park entrance, and might be even closer than some of the on property options, honestly. They are all within about a 10 minute walk or less!

Day 6: Disneyland Park

Get up Early for Disneyland

What Southern California road trip itinerary would be complete without a stop at Disney! If you want to make the most of your day at Disneyland (and you definitely should) then wake up as early as possible and head to the park, ideally before the gates open. Park times change day to day so be sure to check the schedule for the day that you plan on coming.

One thing that stood out to us during our visit to Disneyland was how long it took to enter the parks. Especially if you plan on driving that morning, it’s a long process just to get in. There are lines to get in the parking garage, lines for the elevators, lines for security, lines for the tram and then of course lines at the gate. It was a lot of waiting and took much longer to enter than we anticipated, so be sure to keep that in mind when getting up that morning.

Ride all of the Fantasyland Rides First Thing

When visiting a Disney park there are always some best practices to follow in order to make the most of your time there. One strategy that’s important is which section of the park to start out in right as the gates open so that you can make the most of the time where there are the least amount of people there.  If you have small kids then I highly recommend starting at Fantasyland because you can easily ride five or six different rides in the first hour alone. By midday each ride could have a line of about an hour each, so this is a great way to knock out a whole bunch at once.

I’ve been to Walt Disney World easily over a hundred days of my life at this point, so I know it inside out and backwards with my eyes closed. Disneyland, on the other hand, I won’t claim to be a professional at, so I highly recommend checking out the Disney Tourist Blog for all the details you could ever dream of before visiting the park. I relied on them for planning our two days at Disneyland and recommend that you do too!

Eat Lunch at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante

The thing that impressed us the most about Disneyland versus Disney World was how great the food options were at Disneyland. so be sure to do your research before you go and find the food that looks best to you and your group. For us, that was having lunch at Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante, and it was as good as we had hoped! So plan to head here for lunch and fuel up before knocking out a bunch more rides.

Ride Some of the Can’t Miss Rides

Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to hit up every single ride at Disneyland in just one day, so decide which rides you don’t want to miss and be sure to plan accordingly. Some of the rides that I highly recommend include: Buzz Lightyear, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. 

Enjoy Dinner at Blue Bayou Restaurant (Tiana’s Palace for Cheaper)

The ultimate dining experience at Disneyland is having dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. The food is delicious but the atmosphere is definitely the best part. The dining room is gorgeous and set within the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. There’s dim lighting and intricate New Orleans style decor that makes for a really beautiful dinner.

However, getting reservations here can be very difficult so plan in advance and be sure to make your reservation the day they open up, which is exactly 60 days in advance. Also, dining here will not be cheap, as each entree will cost $44 to $59. If you missed out on reservations or just don’t want to spend that much for dinner, I recommend Tiana’s Palace instead. The ambiance is not the same but it’s right next door and also serves cajun cuisine.

Watch the Fireworks

If you have the energy and your kids can stay up late enough, I highly recommend staying for the firework show. You can plan to leave right afterwards or jump on a few more rides as the crowds start to die down.

Day 7: Disney California Adventure

Get up Early for Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure doesn’t have nearly as many rides as Disneyland, but I still recommend getting up early so that you can have as much time in the park as possible while the crowds are low. As I mentioned above, getting into the park can take a very long time with lots of lines along the way, so plan for extra time getting in.

Go Straight to Radiator Springs Racers

I highly recommend starting the day at Radiator Springs racers, it has by far the longest line of all of the rides in Disney California Adventure. While the line might be long, even first thing in the morning, it’s worth it since it is a really fun ride! Take a spin on the other rides in Cars Land before heading off to explore the rest of the park. I probably recommend visiting the Avengers campus next as they all have pretty long lines as well.

Leisurely Enjoy the Rest of the Park

 While I always recommend being efficient at any Disney park you visit, Disney’s California Adventure Park definitely has much fewer rides and experiences than many of the others. That being said you don’t need to be in a huge rush to fit everything in in one day. So plan on enjoying the rest of the park at a leisurely pace and taking in the beautiful views and experiences.

Have Lunch in San Fransokyo Square

For lunch I highly recommend heading to San Fransokyo Square. There are several Quick Service restaurants located here all with really delicious and unique menus. We loved our lunch here sitting on the water looking over the park. Lucky Fortune Cookery and Aunt Cass Cafe are my two recommendations! We really enjoyed both of them!

Grab a Jack-Jack Cookie for a Treat

If you’re looking for a treat after lunch, grab a Jack Jack cookie from the stand located right next to the incredicoaster. The cookie is absolutely massive, warm and melty and so delicious. I promise it’s worth the money, and the calories.

Take a Photo From Paradise Gardens Park

For the ultimate photo op head to Paradise Gardens Park which overlooks the water and incredicoaster in the background; it’s the classic Disney California Adventure Photo.

Have Afternoon Drinks in Wine Country

Since you’ll be enjoying this park at a leisurely pace I highly recommend heading to the wine country area for afternoon drinks. There are a few different spots here where you can sit down and grab a glass of local wine (or beer), and grab a snack for the kids. It’s a great way to rest in the middle of a busy park day.

Sit Down for Dinner at Wine Country Trattoria

Follow this up with dinner at Wine Country Trattoria for delicious Italian food. Entrees here range from $24 to $42, so it’s not outrageous for a sit-down restaurant. Reservations are recommended but not required for this restaurant.

Leave Early To Get Some Rest

I recommend leaving this park a little bit early since there’s not a ton to do here and you’ll want to get your rest for a busy day tomorrow.

Day 8: Hollywood

Drive North to Hollywood and Check into your Hotel

Start off day eight of your California Road Trip itinerary by leaving Anaheim and driving north to Hollywood! You’ll be spending the next three days in Los Angeles before flying home. The drive is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

Check into your hotel, even though you might not be able to get into the room yet, you can check in and store your luggage so that you can start exploring!

We stayed at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa which is a gorgeous and super comfortable hotel in Beverly Hills. Technically not Hollywood, but super close. Some other great options include Loews Hollywood Hotel, Chateau Marmont, Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City, Sheraton Universal, or AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills.

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The most famous sight to see in the area is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Head there next and look for your favorite celebrities! Get the kids involved by having them search for people from their favorite movies!

Eat Lunch at Tail O’ The Pup

Once you’ve walked enough to work up an appetite, head to Tail o’ the Pup. Having lunch at Tail o’ the Pup is such a fun, family-friendly stop in Los Angeles! This iconic hot dog stand has been around since the 1940s, and it’s shaped like a giant hot dog, which makes it a hit with kids before you even order.

The menu is classic and casual, with hot dogs loaded up in every style you can imagine, plus burgers, fries, and milkshakes that feel like pure old-school Hollywood. Parents will appreciate that it’s not just a gimmick, the food is actually tasty. It’s the perfect place to break up a busy sightseeing day, grab an easy meal, and snap a few fun family photos at one of L.A.’s most legendary roadside landmarks.

Take a Sunset Hike to the Hollywood Sign

One of the most unforgettable things you can do as a family in Los Angeles is take a sunset hike to the Hollywood Sign. It was the top thing on my list for things to do in Los Angeles!

The hike itself isn’t too tough, 2.2 miles up with 784 feet of elevation gain and 2.2 miles back down, but the reward at the top is unbeatable. You’ll want to take the Innsdale Trail and Mt Lee Drive to get there, it’s a paved path the entire way which makes it extra perfect for families with strollers!

As the sun starts to set, the sky glows pink and gold over the city, and you get sweeping views of downtown L.A., the Griffith Observatory, and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear evening. Kids love the thrill of being so close to the famous letters they’ve seen in movies and TV shows, and it makes for the ultimate family photo-op. Just remember to bring water, comfy shoes, and a headlamp for the way back down. It’s such a magical way to end a day in Southern California with kids!

Dinner at Marugame Udon

Finish off the day with dinner at one of our favorite spots, Marugame Udon. We first found out about it while in Honolulu, Hawaii and fell in love! They have a few different locations, one of which in Los Angeles!

This popular spot is all about fresh, hand-pulled udon noodles made right in front of you, which kids find super fun to watch. The setup is cafeteria-style, you grab a tray, pick your noodle dish (hot bowls of comforting broth or cold noodles with dipping sauce), and then load up on tempura and other sides as you go down the line. It’s quick, affordable, and totally customizable, which makes it perfect when everyone in the family wants something a little different. Plus, the noodles are hearty and satisfying after a busy day of sightseeing, and the casual vibe means no stress about dining with kids. It’s one of those places that feels like a treat but is still easy and relaxed for the whole family.

Pickup Lunch for Tomorrow

Sometime today, you’ll have to grab some lunch food for tomorrow. We have a big outing planned and there won’t be any lunch options there, so you’ll need to pack a picnic lunch!

I recommend finding a grocery store nearby (this Target Grocery is located close to Marugame Udon) and grabbing something quick and easy to pack in your backpack tomorrow!

Day 9: Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park

Drive to Ventura

Today you’ll be visiting the beautiful Channel Islands National Park located just off the coast of Los Angeles. In order to get there you’ll start by making the hour and fifteen minute drive to the nearby town of Ventura. This is where the visitors center is located and the port to get on the boat. Get here early if you want to check out the visitors center first!

Ride the Boat to an Island

You’ll need to take a boat to get to the islands. The official boat company that takes visitors to and from the islands is called Island Packers. You’ll have to book your trip in advance since they do sell out!

You’ll have a few options for visiting the islands, since the national park comprises five different islands. Two of them are great options for day trips, Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island. You’ll have to decide which one to visit since you can only see one in a day.

Choosing the island can be tough since there’s pluses and minuses for each. I recommend you do some research into the two islands to make your decision, but I’ll give you my high level opinion of the two.

Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island is the one you’ve probably seen photos from, the iconic view of the tall, narrow island that juts off into the sea. It’s also the closest island to the mainland, so requires the shortest boat ride. However, it’s a very small island with only 1 square mile to explore. You’ll easily be able to see the whole island in your one day trip. Also, getting off the boat can be a little bit of work, since you have to climb a short ladder and then many steps up to the island. So if you have very young kids, this might not be possible.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the other option for a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. It’s still about an hour boat ride from Ventura, only slightly further away, and the second closest to the mainland. This island is much larger, with many trails to explore. Plus, this island is home to the cutest “island foxes” that only live here on the islands! They’re not dangerous, but they might try to steal your snacks!

This island can definitely be seen in a multi-day trip, but a one day adventure is super common and gets you a great taste of the park. Watch Adventure of A+K’s video exploring the island to help plan your time here!

Hike and Picnic Lunch

Whichever island you pick, plan to spend your time hiking and enjoying overlooks with beautiful views. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to bring a picnic lunch with you, so plan ahead and get the food earlier in your trip. There is no food on the island, so you’ll need to bring enough in for your day trip. There is water, but only at the campground near the port.

Boat Back to Ventura

Be sure to get back to the port in time, because the boat only comes once a day and will leave without you! Plan accordingly and allow for more than enough time to get back. During the boat ride, you’ll get to spot tons of wildlife along the way, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Pickup Pizza from Ronan

Since you’ll likely be very tired from a long day trip out to the island, I recommend picking up pizza for an easy dinner and bringing it back to your hotel room. Ronan offers some of the best pizza in all of LA, with Neapolitan style pizza and incredible focaccia. Grab some food and bring it back to the room to rest for the evening before your last day of your California road trip itinerary.

Day 10: Free Day in LA

For your last full day on the California road trip itinerary, spend time in LA however you like best! There are a lot of great things to do in LA and the surrounding area, and each person will want to do different things here. I’ve listed some of my favorite ways to spend a day in LA to help you plan your final day.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Since I’m a big amusement park fan, I would be remiss to leave out Universal Studios Hollywood on my Southern California with kids guide. This park is so much fun and would be an awesome way to spend your final day in California! Depending on the age of your kids might change how appropriate this park is for you, but all ages can enjoy at least parts of this park!

Warner Bros Studio Tour

Step onto the 110-acre backlot with a Warner Bros Studio Tour where movies like Harry Potter and Batman come to life with a guided Warner Bros. Studio Tour. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek at iconic sets and soundstages, from blockbuster films like Gravity to beloved TV shows like Friends, for an inside look at how the magic of Hollywood is made.

Half Day Sightseeing Tour

Experience Los Angeles in style on a half-day guided tour that highlights the city’s most iconic spots. Travel in a comfortable, climate-controlled bus while your guide brings LA’s stories, culture, and hidden gems to life. You’ll hop off at must-see destinations including the Santa Monica Pier, The Grove and Original Farmer’s Market, the legendary Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory, perfect for sightseeing, photos, and a taste of the city’s unique vibe.

Exploring the famous Beaches

There are tons of gorgeous beaches to visit during your last day on your Southern California road trip itinerary. Pick one or two to relax on like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Malibu. It’s a great, relaxing way to end your busy trip!

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

See Los Angeles your way with a hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour featuring more than 40 convenient stops. Cruise through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, and beyond while listening to engaging audio commentary about the city’s highlights. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Sunset Strip to Santa Monica’s sandy shores and Hollywood’s buzzing streets, you’ll catch all the must-sees with panoramic views of the skyline along the way. Simply hop on and off wherever you like—no hassle, no planning, just an easygoing LA adventure.

Surf Lessons

Looking for something a little more active? Catch some waves with a surfing lesson designed for both beginners and intermediate riders. Glide across the sparkling waters of Venice Beach and experience one of Los Angeles’ most iconic shorelines from a whole new perspective. I didn’t take lessons in LA, but I did in Waikiki, and WOW it was SO much fun!! And I had zero experience, am not very athletic, but I did so great! I rode in tons of waves so I believe anyone can do it.

Dinner at Oste

No matter how you spend your day, end it with an incredible Italian dinner at Oste. Sadly, I missed this dinner, but my husband ate here and still raves about his meal to this day. The pasta is made fresh, the sauces are bright and flavorful and the wine options are endless. Celebrate your final evening in California with the best meal yet!

After ten days exploring this Southern California road trip itinerary, you’ll see just how much this region has to offer. From sandy beaches and star-studded cities to epic national parks and quirky roadside gems. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just soaking up the sunshine, this itinerary gives you a little bit of everything that makes SoCal so special. Of course, you could easily spend weeks here and still not see it all, but that just means you’ll have the perfect excuse to come back!