7-Day California National Parks & Scenic Road Trip Itinerary
The Ultimate California Family Road Trip: National Parks, Scenic Drives & Kid-Friendly Adventures
California is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation, packed with breathtaking landscapes, exciting national parks, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. This 7-day road trip itinerary takes your family from San Francisco’s iconic landmarks to the towering redwoods of Sequoia, the dramatic deserts of Death Valley, and the sun-soaked beaches of Los Angeles and Big Sur.
Whether you're hiking beside waterfalls in Yosemite, marveling at giant sequoias, stargazing in Joshua Tree, or spotting elephant seals along the coast, this adventure balances national park excitement, engaging activities, and scenic relaxation—so kids and parents alike can enjoy every moment.
With easy-to-navigate drives, accessible hikes, hands-on nature experiences, and plenty of great food stops, this itinerary is designed to keep families engaged, entertained, and immersed in California’s most spectacular sights. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!
📍 Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco & Explore
✈️ Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Top Things to Do in San Francisco:
- 🌉 Walk or Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge – Iconic views of the bay!
- 🚋 Ride a Cable Car – A must-do classic experience.
- 🏛 Visit Alcatraz Island – Take a ferry to explore the historic prison.
- 🍽 Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf or Chinatown – Fresh seafood or dim sum!
🏨 Overnight in San Francisco.
📍 Day 2: Drive to Yosemite National Park
🚗 Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park (4 hours).
Top Things to Do in Yosemite:
- 🏞 See El Capitan & Half Dome – Two of the park’s most famous granite formations.
- 🌊 Visit Bridalveil & Yosemite Falls – Stunning waterfalls, especially in spring!
- 🥾 Hike to Glacier Point or Taft Point – Incredible panoramic views of the valley.
- 🌅 Sunset at Tunnel View – The most famous overlook in the park.
🏨 Overnight in Yosemite (if available) or nearby in Mariposa or Oakhurst.
📍 Day 3: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
🚗 Drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon:
- 🌲 See General Sherman Tree – The largest tree on Earth by volume!
- 🏔 Drive through Kings Canyon – One of the deepest canyons in North America.
- 🥾 Hike Moro Rock – Climb to the top for stunning mountain views.
- 🌌 Stargazing in Sequoia – Some of the darkest skies in California!
🏨 Overnight in or near Sequoia National Park.
📍 Day 4: Death Valley National Park
🚗 Drive from Sequoia to Death Valley National Park (5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Death Valley:
- 🏜 See Zabriskie Point at Sunrise – A surreal, colorful desert landscape.
- 🥵 Visit Badwater Basin – The lowest point in North America (-282 ft)!
- 🏎 Drive Artist’s Palette – A scenic route with multi-colored hills.
- 🌄 Walk the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – A great place for sunset photos.
🏨 Overnight in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells (inside the park) or in Pahrump.
📍 Day 5: Joshua Tree National Park
🚗 Drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree National Park (4 hours).
Top Things to Do in Joshua Tree:
- 🌵 Hike Hidden Valley Trail – A short, scenic hike among boulders and Joshua trees.
- 🏜 See Skull Rock – A famous rock formation that looks like a skull.
- 🏕 Sunset at Keys View – Stunning views over Coachella Valley.
- 🌌 Stargazing – One of the best dark sky parks in the U.S.!
🏨 Overnight in Palm Springs.
📍 Day 6: Drive to Los Angeles & Explore
🚗 Drive from Palm Springs to Los Angeles (2 hours).
Top Things to Do in LA:
- 🎥 Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Spot your favorite stars!
- 🏄 Visit Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach – Classic SoCal vibes.
- 🌳 Hike to the Griffith Observatory – Amazing views of LA & the Hollywood Sign.
- 🍔 Eat at In-N-Out Burger – A California must!
🏨 Overnight in Los Angeles.
📍 Day 7: Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur & Return to San Francisco
🚗 Drive from LA to Big Sur along Highway 1 (4.5 hours to Big Sur, then 3 hours to SF).
Top Stops Along the Pacific Coast Highway:
- 🦭 See Elephant Seals at San Simeon – Hundreds of seals on the beach!
- 🌉 Bixby Bridge – One of the most scenic bridges in California.
- 🌊 McWay Falls in Big Sur – A waterfall that drops into the ocean!
- 🍽 Lunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea – A charming coastal town.
🚗 Drive back to San Francisco for your flight home.
✈️ Fly out of San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) if extending your stay.
🚗 Total Drive Time:
🛣️ Approx. 30-35 hours across California
This itinerary covers iconic national parks, desert landscapes, coastal highways, and major cities, giving you the best of California in one week!