Planning a California road trip with kids can feel overwhelming. The distances are bigger than they look on the map. The parks are iconic. The coast is dramatic. And when you’re traveling as a family, the logistics matter just as much as the scenery.

We spent three weeks road-tripping across California with our girls — camping in national parks, staying in the occasional Airbnb or hotel to reset, driving the Pacific Coast, and learning what actually works (and what doesn’t) on a trip this ambitious.

This is our real 3-week California road trip itinerary — including where we stayed, how we paced it, and the small decisions that made a big difference.

If you’re planning a California national park road trip with kids, this will help you do it smarter.

If you love scenic drives and National Park adventures, Colorado is another incredible road trip destination — don’t miss our Ultimate Colorado Bucket List for Families.

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Our 3-Week California Road Trip Route

We flew into Los Angeles and designed a loop that would take us through the Sierra Nevada, Northern California forests, the Pacific Coast, and down to the beaches of Southern California.

To make the logistics work, the girls and I flew while Chris drove across with our camping gear and bikes. It was a practical decision that paid off — we kept our full road trip setup without sacrificing vacation time to the journey itself.

California Road Trip with Kids Route Overview:

Week 1 – Sierra Nevada & Iconic National Parks

• Los Angeles arrival
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Yosemite National Park

Week 2 – Alpine Lakes & Northern California

• Lake Tahoe (Airbnb reset)
• Lassen Volcanic National Park (day trip)
• Overnight in Redding
• Redwood National and State Parks
• San Francisco (hotel reset)

Week 3 – Pacific Coast & Southern California

• Santa Cruz (day trip)
• Big Sur (camping)
• Malibu
• Santa Monica, Venice Beach & Long Beach
• La Jolla
• Farm stay near San Diego
• San Diego weekend (Balboa Park + LEGOLAND)

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Why Three Weeks Worked for Us

I know that three weeks of travel isn’t realistic for every family. It’s a privilege of time, flexibility, and planning — and we don’t take that lightly.

But for this particular trip, three weeks made sense.

California had been on our family bucket list for years. The girls had grown up hearing about giant sequoias, Yosemite’s granite cliffs, and the Pacific Coast Highway. Because it’s such a long way for us to travel, we wanted to maximize our time there rather than rush through it.

The distances alone justify a slower pace. California looks manageable on a map, but driving between places like Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and the coast quickly adds up. We didn’t want this to become one long car journey with quick photo stops in between.

Three weeks allowed us to:

• Spend meaningful time in multiple national parks
• Build in driving buffer days
• Mix camping with hotels and Airbnbs
• Enjoy cities as well as wilderness
• Let the trip feel spacious rather than rushed

That contrast kept the trip exciting.

Mountains one week. Coastal cliffs the next. Our first theme park and a farm stay near San Diego to finish.

The variety is what made it feel like an adventure rather than a marathon.

Could you do a California road trip with kids in 10–14 days? Absolutely. You’d just need to narrow your focus — perhaps choosing Northern California’s national parks or concentrating on the coast and Southern California.

For us, three weeks meant we didn’t feel like we were constantly racing the clock. We had time for long drives, spontaneous stops, laundry mishaps, and quiet moments beneath giant trees.

That margin made the difference.

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California Road Trip with Kids by week

Week 1: Sierra Nevada Giants

Sequoia & Kings Canyon with Kids

Our first stop on this epic California road trip with kids was Sequoia National Park — and we genuinely couldn’t have chosen a better place to begin our California road trip with kids.

After the flights, the logistics, and months of planning, standing beneath giant sequoias immediately shifted our perspective. The scale is hard to explain until you’re there. These trees don’t just look big — they feel ancient and steady and grounding. It was the perfect way to start a three-week adventure.

Sequoia is also incredibly manageable with kids. You don’t need long, strenuous hikes to experience the magic. The trees do most of the work for you.

Some of our favorite family-friendly experiences:

• Big Trees Trail – A gentle, flat loop around Round Meadow that’s ideal at the start of a trip.
• General Sherman Tree – Yes, it’s popular, but it’s popular for a reason. Standing in front of the world’s largest tree by volume is unforgettable.
• Tunnel Log – it was cool to drive our truck through the tree tunnel!
• Quieter forest trails near our campground where we saw very few people and could let the girls wander safely.
• Moro Rock – Hiking Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park was short but exhilarating, with steep stone steps leading us to sweeping Sierra Nevada views that made every step worth it — even with kids.
• Crescent Meadow – Walking through Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park felt peaceful and almost storybook-like, with wildflowers, towering sequoias, and an easy trail that was perfect for stretching little legs.

Even in summer, we were able to find peaceful pockets of forest that felt calm and uncrowded.

Camping here set the tone for the entire trip. Evenings were cool and quiet. The girls explored around our site, we cooked simple dinners, and we eased into the rhythm of tent life without feeling rushed. We saw a bear (from a safe distance), several deer wandering near camp, and that constant reminder that this is truly wild California.

The camp store was surprisingly well-stocked — which matters more than you think at the beginning of a long trip when you’re still figuring out your systems.

Sequoia felt magical, peaceful, and completely family-friendly. It didn’t overwhelm us. It welcomed us.

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Yosemite National Park with Kids

A Must-see on Any California Road Trip with Kids

If Sequoia felt grounding and peaceful, Yosemite National Park felt iconic.

Driving into Yosemite Valley for the first time is one of those moments that lives up to the hype. Granite walls rise almost vertically around you. Waterfalls appear in the distance. And suddenly you understand why this park sits so high on so many bucket lists.

For our girls, Yosemite didn’t feel overwhelming — it felt exciting.

The key was pacing.

Yosemite is big. It’s popular. And in summer, it’s busy. But it’s also incredibly manageable with kids if you approach it intentionally.

What Worked for Us in Yosemite

1. Early starts.
Arriving at trailheads and viewpoints in the morning made a huge difference in both crowds and temperature.

2. Choosing manageable hikes.
Instead of attempting long, ambitious trails, we focused on shorter walks with big rewards. Lower Yosemite Fall, scenic valley viewpoints, and gentle riverside paths gave us incredible scenery without exhausting everyone.

3. Scenic drives between activity bursts.
Yosemite Valley is designed in a way that allows you to drive, stop, explore, and move on without committing to one long hike. That rhythm works beautifully with kids.

Standing beneath El Capitan and watching climbers through binoculars became one of those surprisingly memorable moments. And seeing Bridalveil Fall misting in the distance while the girls ran along the meadow paths felt quintessentially California.

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Camping in Yosemite with Kids

Camping inside the park made a huge difference to how we experienced Yosemite. Instead of racing into the valley first thing with everyone else, we could head out early for quieter trails or save the most popular viewpoints for later in the evening when the day-trippers had left. Being already inside the park meant we weren’t stuck in traffic or worrying about entry times — we could move with the rhythm of the day rather than against it.

Waking up surrounded by granite cliffs and stepping straight onto trails from camp is something hotels can’t replicate. But it does require preparation.

If you’re planning to camp in Yosemite with kids — especially in peak season — book early and understand the food storage rules. Wildlife awareness here is taken seriously (for good reason).

I’ve written a full breakdown of exactly what camping in Yosemite with kids looks like — including campground tips, what we’d do differently, and how to prepare:

Yosemite with Kids: The Ultimate Family Camping Guide

That post dives much deeper into logistics, campsite setup, and practical advice.

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Is Yosemite Too Busy With Kids?

This is a common question — and honestly, it depends on expectations.

Yes, Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.

But it’s also designed for access. The valley floor makes it easy to explore without extreme elevation gain. Shuttle systems, well-marked trails, and clear viewpoints help families experience the park without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

We didn’t try to “do Yosemite.” We hiked the trails that appealed to us, played in the river, made friends with our campsite neighbors, cycled around Yosemite Valley and got a take out pizza on our last night (yes-Yosemite has it’s own pizza take-out).

And that mindset made all the difference.

We loved every minute and would go back in a heartbeat.

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Why Yosemite Belongs on a California Road Trip with Kids

Yosemite delivers the dramatic, cinematic scenery people imagine when they think of California.

But it also offers:

• Short, impactful hikes
• Wildlife spotting
• Open meadow space for kids to move
• Iconic views without technical trekking

It’s bold, busy, beautiful — and absolutely doable with kids when you plan it thoughtfully.

After Sequoia and Kings Canyon helped us find our rhythm, Yosemite felt like stepping onto a bigger stage. And by then, we were ready for it.

If Yosemite is on your itinerary, don’t miss our detailed Yosemite with kids guide, packed with tips, trails, and everything you need to know before you go.

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Week 2: Alpine to Northern California

Lake Tahoe with Kids

Our stop at Lake Tahoe was one of those classic California contrasts — beautiful and busy all at once. Being on the beach with clear blue water in front of us and mountains rising in the distance felt surreal. It’s a stunning setting, especially with kids who just want to splash and play. But in peak summer, it was packed. We found ourselves on the sand without much personal space, surrounded by umbrellas and coolers, and everything — from parking to food — felt noticeably expensive.

Even so, Tahoe served an important purpose in our trip. It was our reset stop. A proper bed, laundry (or at least an attempt at it!), and a break from tent life. It may not have been the peaceful alpine escape we imagined, but it gave us the pause we needed before heading further north.

After ten days of camping, we booked an Airbnb specifically because it had a washing machine and dryer. What we didn’t realize was that it was one of those combination washer-dryers that doesn’t really dry anything. So we improvised.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was exactly what long road trips with kids look like. Honestly, it would have been easier to use a laundromat.

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Lassen Volcanic National Park with Kids

Our visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park was a day trip — and it felt completely different from the towering forests and granite cliffs we’d already seen. Lassen is raw and geothermal, with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and bright mineral pools that almost feel otherworldly. For kids, that contrast is fascinating. The landscape looks like something from a science textbook — or another planet entirely. Because it’s smaller and less visited than parks like Yosemite, it also felt calmer and easier to navigate.

We didn’t need a packed itinerary here. A scenic drive, short geothermal walks, and time to simply explore were enough. As a stop between Lake Tahoe and the northern coast, Lassen added variety to our California road trip and reminded us how diverse the state’s national parks truly are.

If you’re visiting Northern California, don’t miss our detailed Lassen Volcanic National Park guide, with tips, trails, and what to expect.

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Overnight in Redding

On the drive north, we broke up the journey with an overnight stop in Redding — and it turned out to be more eventful than we expected. The surrounding views were beautiful, and after several long driving days, it felt good to pause rather than push straight through. During the night, we experienced a small earthquake — not strong enough to cause concern, but definitely noticeable and a reminder that California is very much alive. More than anything, that stop helped us reset before the long stretch toward the coast. Breaking up big drives with kids makes the entire road trip feel lighter.

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Redwood National and State Parks with Kids

By the time we reached Redwood National and State Parks, we were far north — far enough that we briefly considered cutting it from the route. It adds driving time, and it’s not exactly on the way to anywhere else. But I’m so glad we didn’t skip it.

If you’re planning a California road trip with kids, this stop feels different from Yosemite or Sequoia. The parks here are quieter, cooler, and far less crowded in summer. Trails tend to be gentler, with soft forest floors and manageable distances that work well for families.

We camped in the Elk Prairie campground and found it peaceful and spacious compared to some of the busier parks further south. Mornings were cool and misty, and we saw elk grazing near camp most days. Watching them move through open grassland with towering redwoods behind them was surreal — and completely unforgettable for the girls.

The hiking here was some of our favorite of the entire trip. Instead of big elevation gains or crowded scenic viewpoints, you get immersive forest walks where the trees are so tall you can’t see their tops. The famous fern canyon area — which was a back-drop in The Lost World: Jurassic Park — is especially fun with kids. It feels prehistoric, with walls covered in layered ferns and a shallow stream to hop across.

And then there’s the coastline.

One afternoon we hiked out to a stretch of wild beach and had it entirely to ourselves for hours. No crowds. Just crashing waves, dramatic sea stacks, birds overhead, and a very curious seal popping up to inspect us. We saw elk again nearby — and yes, banana slugs, which quickly became a highlight in their own right.

Driving this far north takes intention. It’s not a quick add-on. But if you have the time, Redwood offers something many of the bigger-name parks don’t: space. Fewer people. Slower mornings. Wildlife encounters. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the entire three-week trip.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the extra miles — for us, it absolutely was.

After the quiet forests and empty beaches of Redwood National and State Parks, driving into San Francisco felt like stepping into a different world. The contrast actually worked beautifully. After weeks of camping, misty mornings, and wildlife encounters, we were ready for city energy.

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San Francisco With Kids

We stayed in a hotel near the waterfront, which made exploring much easier with children. Being able to walk to major sights — especially after relying heavily on the car in national parks — was a welcome change. If you’re visiting in peak season, I’d recommend booking accommodation early and choosing a central area near Fisherman’s Wharf or the Embarcadero to minimize transport logistics.

Visiting Alcatraz Island was one of the highlights of our entire California road trip. Book early — tickets sell out weeks in advance during summer. The ferry ride across the bay adds to the experience, and the audio tour keeps older kids especially engaged.

We also spent time at the Exploratorium, which was perfect after long hikes. The hands-on science exhibits kept the girls entertained for hours and gave everyone a break from walking steep streets.

And yes — the hills really are that steep. The kids were fascinated by them. Riding cable cars and walking up dramatic inclines became part of the fun. One evening we wandered through Chinatown and had dinner in a lively restaurant, which felt like the perfect way to experience a completely different side of California after weeks in nature.

San Francisco added culture, history, and energy to our road trip — and that balance mattered more than we expected. Mixing nature and city experiences helped to keep the kids engaged over our three weeks away.

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Week 3: Driving the Pacific Coast with Kids

Leaving San Francisco and heading south along the Pacific Coast felt like the final act of our California road trip. After mountains, forests, geothermal landscapes, and city streets, the coastline delivered something different again — open cliffs, crashing waves, and long winding roads with constant ocean views.

The stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Southern California is iconic for a reason. But it’s not just scenic — it’s slow. Curvy roads, frequent pull-offs, and endless viewpoints mean this part of the trip takes longer than the map suggests. With kids, that’s actually a gift. We weren’t racing. We were stopping often, stretching our legs, climbing down to beaches, and letting the drive become part of the experience rather than just transport.

This section of the road trip felt less about checking off destinations and more about soaking in the journey — dramatic cliffs at Big Sur, small beach towns, sea air, and sunsets that made us pull over without hesitation.

If you’re planning a California road trip with kids, don’t rush this stretch. Build in time. The coast deserves it.

Santa Cruz

We made a day trip stop in Santa Cruz, which added a classic California beach-town feel to the drive south. The boardwalk area has that nostalgic, slightly retro energy that kids immediately love — rides, ocean views, and easy access to the sand all in one place. It was a relaxed, low-planning stop where the girls could run, play, and just enjoy being by the water without committing to a full overnight stay. If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway with kids, Santa Cruz makes a fun and manageable break before heading toward Big Sur.

Big Sur with Kids

Camping in Big Sur was one of the most memorable stretches of our Pacific Coast drive. We stayed at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which made a perfect base for exploring. The campground felt tucked into towering redwoods, with enough space for the girls to roam safely while still being right off Highway 1.

Big Sur feels dramatic in a way that photos barely capture — steep cliffs, crashing waves, and winding roads that demand you slow down. With kids, that slower pace actually works in your favor. Short coastal walks and frequent scenic pull-offs meant we could explore without committing to long hikes.

One of our favorite stops was Pfeiffer Beach. The rock formations, sea arches, and wide-open shoreline made it feel wild and cinematic. It’s not the easiest beach to access, but that’s part of why it feels special.

Travel isn’t always perfectly polished, though. While we were out exploring, a branch fell and cracked our truck’s windscreen. Not ideal — but thankfully it wasn’t urgent and could wait until we were home for repair. It became one of those “well, that happened” road trip moments that now makes us laugh.

Big Sur delivered exactly what we hoped for: rugged coastline, unforgettable scenery, and that feeling of being small against something vast. It was messy in places, imperfect in others — and completely worth it.

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Malibu

We camped along the coast at Malibu and woke up early to the sound of enthusiastic surfers enthusiastically saying “dude” every few seconds — which felt like the most on-brand California alarm clock imaginable. Sleep interruptions aside, Malibu itself was stunning. Wide sandy beaches, rolling waves, and dramatic coastal views made it a beautiful place to slow down after Big Sur’s cliffs and curves. Camping at a state park here keeps you close to the ocean and gives kids immediate access to the beach without the formality of a hotel stay. It’s not secluded — and it’s definitely lively — but if you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway with kids, Malibu delivers classic Southern California beach energy in a way that feels iconic and memorable.

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Santa Monica & Venice Beach with Kids

Stopping in Santa Monica gave us that instantly recognizable Southern California beach experience. The wide sandy shoreline was perfect for the girls to run and play, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier delivered exactly the mix of energy and nostalgia you expect — rides, ocean views, and that end-of-Route-66 feeling. It’s busy, but it’s fun-busy, and easy to navigate with kids if you arrive earlier in the day.

Because we had our bikes with us, we cycled along the beachfront path from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach — and that ended up being one of our favorite city moments. The bike path is flat and family-friendly, and it’s such a great way to cover distance without dealing with traffic. Venice itself is full of personality. We stopped to see the famous outdoor gym, wandered through the eclectic streets, and ate brunch at a super cool, effortlessly hip restaurant with genuinely great food. At one point someone casually had a huge bearded dragon draped over their shoulder — which somehow felt completely normal in Venice. The whole area had relaxed, creative, slightly eccentric energy — and we loved it.

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La Jolla

La Jolla felt calmer and more polished than some of the busier beaches further north, and it quickly became one of our favorite coastal stops. The coastline here is beautiful — turquoise water, rocky coves, and sea lions lounging along the shore. For kids, it’s a fantastic mix of beach time and wildlife spotting without needing a long hike.

We spent time walking the coastal paths, watching seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and simply enjoying a slower pace after the energy of Santa Monica and Venice. The water can be gentler in certain spots, making it feel more manageable for families, and the whole area has a relaxed, slightly upscale feel without losing its beach-town charm. If you’re building Southern California stops into your road trip, La Jolla offers beauty and wildlife in one easy-to-navigate setting.

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Farm Stay Near San Diego

One of the absolute highlights of our three weeks in California was our farm stay near San Diego — and we knew going in that it would be something special for the girls. Every morning they collected fresh eggs and rushed out to spend time with the goats and alpacas, completely in their element. There were kittens too (which, honestly, sealed the deal). It was hands-on, simple, and wholesome in a way that balanced out the busier theme park and city days perfectly.

I loved being able to watch the animals from the hot tub in the evenings — that quiet, golden-hour farm glow was such a contrast to the pace of the rest of the trip. It felt like a reset before diving into more San Diego adventures.

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Visiting San Diego with Kids (Including LEGOLAND)

San Diego was such a fun shift in pace for us after so much camping. It was our very first theme park as a family, and visiting LEGOLAND California felt like a rite of passage. Because our girls were the perfect age for it, the rides felt exciting without being overwhelming, and we didn’t feel the pressure or intensity you sometimes hear about at bigger parks. It was colorful, manageable, and genuinely fun. After weeks of hiking, campfires, and national park trails, it was lovely to watch them just be kids — wide-eyed, buzzing with energy, and completely immersed. San Diego itself felt easy: great weather, laid-back vibes, and plenty to do without needing to rush.

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Balboa Park with Kids

We also spent time exploring Balboa Park, and it completely surprised me with how beautiful it is. The Spanish-style architecture, gardens, fountains, and open spaces make it feel more like a European city park than something you’d expect in Southern California. It’s perfect with kids because you can dip in and out — explore a museum, wander through the gardens, grab a snack, let them run a little, then move on. It doesn’t feel structured or pressured, which I loved after a theme park day. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and still feel like you’re experiencing something special.

We also spent a full day at the San Diego Zoo, and it completely lived up to the hype. It’s enormous but beautifully designed, with shaded paths and habitats that feel thoughtful rather than rushed. The girls loved spotting animals they’d only ever seen in books, and we appreciated how easy it was to move at our own pace. We dipped into a few of the museums nearby, wandered through market stalls, and ended up at a restaurant with live music drifting through the warm evening air. It felt relaxed and celebratory — a gentle landing after three weeks of adventure.

Looking back, it was the perfect way to end our California road trip: together, tired in the best way, and already reminiscing about everything we’d seen.

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Practical Tips for Planning a California Road Trip with Kids

If you’re planning a California road trip with kids, here’s what I’d prioritize to make it smooth, realistic, and genuinely enjoyable.

1. Choose the Right Time of Year

Late spring through early fall is ideal for most of California’s national parks and coastal destinations. Summer offers the most reliable access to high-elevation parks like Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic, but it also means peak crowds. If you can travel in late May, early June, or September, you’ll often get better availability and slightly fewer people — without sacrificing weather.

2. Book National Park Campgrounds Early

If your road trip includes popular parks like Yosemite or Sequoia, book campgrounds the moment reservations open. California national parks fill quickly — especially for summer travel. Set reminders, create accounts ahead of time, and have backup campground options ready.

If you prefer flexibility, mix in a few hotel or Airbnb stays strategically (more on that below).

3. Mix Camping, Hotels, and Airbnbs

We found that rotating lodging styles made the trip far more sustainable. Camping keeps costs down and puts you in the heart of the parks — but every 5–7 days, we booked a hotel or Airbnb to reset. Laundry, long showers, real beds, and space to spread out made a huge difference in morale (especially with kids).

This pacing also helped prevent burnout over three full weeks.

4. Plan Your Drive Days Carefully

California distances are bigger than they look on a map. Aim for 3–4 hour drive windows when possible, especially between major stops. Build in:

• A scenic stop
• A playground or short hike
• A proper lunch break

Avoid stacking a long drive and a major sightseeing day together if you can.

5. Have a Grocery Strategy

Food costs add up quickly on a long road trip. We learned early on that stores like Trader Joe’s often had prices similar to home, which made stocking up less stressful. We now:

• Do one main grocery shop every 4–5 days
• Keep a well-organized cooler system
• Restock fresh produce more frequently

Packing simple breakfasts and picnic lunches saved both money and time in busy parks.

6. Use a Smart Packing System

Organization is everything on a multi-week road trip. Pack by category in clear bins or labeled bags (hiking gear, swim gear, laundry, cooler supplies, etc.). Keep daily essentials accessible and seasonal gear packed deeper.

If you want to simplify this part, I share our full printable National Park packing list here:
National Park Packing List for Families.

It saves a lot of second-guessing.

7. Budget Realistically

California isn’t a cheap road trip destination. Factor in:

• Park entry fees (consider an America the Beautiful Pass)
• Campground fees
• Fuel (especially if driving long distances)
• Occasional splurges like theme parks or guided activities

Building in a small “experience buffer” allowed us to say yes to things like LEGOLAND without stressing.

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What We’d Do Differently

If I’m being honest about what we’d do differently, a big one is food logistics. I’m much more confident managing our cooler now, and that alone would’ve reduced how often we felt the need to “top up” groceries. Early in the trip, I treated it like we had to fully restock every couple of days — which meant more stops, more impulse buys, and more time spent in stores. I’ve since learned that with a solid ice system, pre-chopped produce, and simple repeat meals, you can stretch supplies much longer than you think. I also wish I’d realized sooner that stores like Trader Joe’s often had prices very similar to what we pay at home — especially compared to small mountain or coastal town markets. Knowing that earlier would’ve made our grocery strategy feel less stressful and more predictable. Next time, I’d plan intentional stock-up stops at reliable chains, trust our cooler system, and avoid those frequent (and expensive) “just in case” runs inside park towns.

Another thing I’d absolutely do differently is rethink our laundry strategy. We sometimes felt like we had to book accommodation with a washer and dryer — which was incredibly helpful when we did — but in hindsight, I would have used laundromats far more often. Many National Park campgrounds and gateway towns have simple, easy-to-use laundromats, and it’s actually very manageable to set a timer, head off for lunch or a short walk, and return when the cycle finishes. That approach would have given us more flexibility in choosing campgrounds and lodging, rather than prioritizing laundry access every time. It also would’ve allowed us to pack even lighter, knowing we had reliable mid-trip reset options. Accommodation laundry is a luxury; laundromats are a practical road trip tool — and I’d lean into that more confidently next time.

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Is It Worth It?

Three weeks in California gave us more than beautiful places — it gave us shared stories we’ll be telling for years. Campfires, long drives, sandy shoes, towering redwoods, and ocean sunsets that made us all go quiet. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t always easy, but it was ours.

If you’re thinking about planning your own California road trip with kids, take this as your sign to start. With the right pacing and a little preparation, it might just become one of your family’s favorite adventures too.

Visit California website.

If you’re planning more family road trips after California, Colorado should be high on your list. With stunning mountain drives, easy-access viewpoints, and plenty of kid-friendly hikes, it’s one of the best road trip destinations in the U.S. for families. We’ve rounded up the best stops, experiences, and must-see places in our Ultimate Colorado Bucket List for Families.

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