10 Days • 9 Nights
California Family Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- San Francisco's cable cars and sea lions
- Monterey's world-class aquarium
- Los Angeles theme parks
- San Diego's beaches and famous zoo
- The scenic California coast
- Fun and sunshine for every age
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
The family is met at San Francisco airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in with a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf to spot the sea lions, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
A day exploring San Francisco, riding a cable car, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and visiting the Exploratorium or the sea lions at Pier 39.
A free day for a ferry to Alcatraz, the redwoods of Muir Woods, or the shops and chocolate of Ghirardelli Square, however the family likes.
You collect your car and drive down the coast to Monterey, visiting its world-class aquarium and the cypress-lined 17-Mile Drive.
You drive south along the coast to Los Angeles, checking into a family-friendly hotel ready for the theme-park fun ahead.
A full day of magic at one of LA's legendary theme parks, riding coasters, meeting characters and enjoying movie magic.
A day exploring Hollywood and the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, with time on the pier and boardwalk, or another theme park.
You drive south to San Diego, checking in near the beach, with an afternoon of sand and surf in California's sunniest city.
A day enjoying San Diego's world-famous zoo or SeaWorld and its beautiful beaches, a perfect family finale, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast the family returns the car and transfers to San Diego airport for the onward flight home, full of Californian fun.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a coastal lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Self-drive car hire or private transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, a San Francisco tour and a Monterey aquarium visit
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Theme park and zoo tickets (we can pre-book)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: California is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Sales tax is added at the register
- Best time to visit: California is a year-round destination; spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and busy on the coast and in the parks (and very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and skiing in the Sierra
- Driving & distances: California is large, and a self-drive is the classic way to explore; Americans drive on the right, roads are excellent, and we arrange car hire and detailed routes, though city parking can be costly
- National parks: Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and others are highlights; some Sierra roads and passes close in winter, and popular parks may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange
- Deserts & heat: Death Valley and the desert parks are extremely hot in summer; we plan desert visits for cooler months or early in the day, and you should always carry plenty of water
- Wine country: Napa and Sonoma are world-class; if tasting, plan a designated driver or a guided tour, as US drink-driving limits are strict and strictly enforced
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; the legal drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pre-book theme park and zoo tickets?
Yes — we can arrange tickets and skip-the-line passes for LA's theme parks and San Diego's zoo and SeaWorld in advance so your days run smoothly. Just tell us which the family wants to visit.
Is the self-drive easy with children?
Very — California's roads are excellent and the drives between stops are scenic and manageable, with a comfortable family car arranged for you. We plan the route and hotels to keep travel days easy for children.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a wine-country lunch. California's dining is world-class, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with our recommendations.
Is this a self-drive holiday?
Most California itineraries are designed as self-drives, the classic and flexible way to explore the coast, parks and cities, with a comfortable car and detailed route notes. We can also arrange private driver-guides or rail where it suits.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit California?
Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and lively on the coast (but very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and Sierra skiing. We advise on timing for your chosen route, especially for the parks and deserts.
Are the national parks easy to visit?
Yes, though popular parks like Yosemite may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange, and some Sierra roads close in winter. We plan your park visits and any permits so everything runs smoothly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, coast, parks and wine country, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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