Itinary planner trip LA to San Fran including Yosemite + Kid

Question

Have done a similar road trip before but this time adding in Yosemite. Not sure about the space in nights at the places, or whether there are other places to look at along 101. Based on last trip I have added more nights in LA and Monterey. First time including Yosemite so would welcome thoughts. Not fussed whether we start in San Fran or LA.

Children are ages 11, 13 and 15 and we all love nature, forests, beaches, city life too.

Santa Monica 4 or 5 nights (I have done LA but family haven't and think this is good base for them)

Pismo Beach 2 nights (never been here before)

Monterey Bay 3 nights (only did 1 night before and defo need more here!)

Santa Cruz 2 nights (visited before & think kids will enjoy here)

Yosemite 3 nights

'San Fran 3 nights (I have done SF but family haven't)

Thanks for thoughts

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for a California road trip from LA to San Francisco including Yosemite looks well-paced, especially with children aged 11–15 who enjoy nature, beaches, and city activities. The mix of urban, coastal, and mountainous destinations gives a balanced experience. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions for each stop:

Santa Monica (4–5 nights):

Excellent choice for a base in LA. Plenty of family-friendly activities: Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Third Street Promenade, Venice Beach.
Consider a day trip to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood to introduce your family to iconic LA landmarks without overwhelming them.
Traffic can be heavy; plan morning or late afternoon excursions to avoid peak hours.

Pismo Beach (2 nights):

A great midway stop between LA and Monterey. Explore the beach, sand dunes, and Monarch Butterfly Grove (if visiting in late fall).
Consider a visit to nearby Avila Hot Springs or small hikes along the coast.
Two nights is reasonable; enough time to relax and enjoy the beach.

Monterey Bay (3 nights):

Perfect amount of time to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove.
Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive and visit Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Consider a family-friendly whale-watching tour if your schedule and season permit.

Santa Cruz (2 nights):

Good choice for kids: Boardwalk amusement park, Natural Bridges State Beach, and local hiking trails.
Two nights allows for exploring the area without feeling rushed.

Yosemite (3 nights):

Three nights is ideal for first-time visitors with kids. Allows time for Yosemite Valley highlights (Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Mirror Lake) and at least one shorter hike suitable for children, such as Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Bridalveil Fall.
Consider starting early to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife spotting opportunities.
Pack layers and rain gear—September weather can vary, with cooler evenings.

San Francisco (3 nights):

Three nights is adequate to cover highlights such as Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (book in advance), Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Exploratorium for interactive science fun for kids.
Use public transport or ride-sharing to minimize parking challenges in the city.
Allocate at least one day for walking around neighborhoods like Mission or Marina for a more local experience.

Additional suggestions along the 101:

Consider stops in Santa Barbara for the mission, beaches, and small downtown shops.
Big Sur coastal viewpoints (Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls) for spectacular scenic breaks—short hikes are possible with kids.
Check for seasonal events, such as local fairs or farmers markets, to enrich your road trip experience.

Overall, your plan allows for a comfortable pace, balancing driving with sightseeing and relaxation. The mix of extended stays in key destinations minimizes frequent hotel changes, which is helpful with children. Yosemite is the only place where staying inside the park or nearby will save time, especially for early hikes and stargazing.

Itinary planner trip LA to San Fran including Yosemite + Kid

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