The sun is shining and the wind is in your hair. Around every bend is another gorgeous vista. It was the promise of natural beauty that encouraged you to plan a family road trip in Southern California, and our itinerary is here to help you make the most of it. From the rocky Mojave Desert to the towering trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (plus some stunning coastline along the way), this five day Los Angeles road trip itinerary is family-friendly and shows you the best of the great outdoors in Southern California. Now all that’s left to do is pack your camping gear and hit the road.
Follow along for a Los Angeles road trip your family will never forget.
Day One
Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up your rental van or RV. Today you’re headed south to Joshua Tree National Park, a desert landscape named for its famous, twisted Joshua Trees. You’ll spend the night camping at the park, but along the way you’ll make a stop to see some of the world’s most famous dinosaurs.
Total miles and drive time: 128 miles, ~ 2 hour drive
What to Do
Upon leaving LAX head east toward Cabazon Dinosaurs, a roadside attraction that kids are sure to love. Featuring over 50 lifelike dinosaurs, kids can pan for fossils, dig for bones like an archaeologist and even climb inside a replica of a T-Rex.
When the kids tire of the dinosaurs climb back into the car for the remaining 45-minute drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Stop by the Visitor’s Center for the Junior Rangers kids program paperwork.
You’ve been traveling all day, so head to the Hi-View trail to stretch your legs, an easy 1.3-mile loop with panoramic views of the park.
When the sun starts to set, head back to camp for an evening of s’mores roasting and campfire stories.
Where to Eat
You can’t travel to California without making a stop at the classic In-N-Out Burger. Luckily, there’s one in Cabazon. Make a stop before or after you see the dinosaurs.
If you don’t have the energy for campfire cooking, there are a number of restaurants in Twentynine Palms, a small town located just outside of the Joshua Tree National Park. Rocky’s New York Style Pizza is a popular place, as is Kitchen in the Desert, a funky spot serving food with a Caribbean twist.
Where to Camp
Littered with gigantic boulders, Jumbo Rocks Campground in Joshua Tree National Park is a place like no other. Kids will enjoy scrambling over rocks and exploring the otherworldly landscape.
Day Two
Wake early and head out on a hike in Joshua Tree National Park before the sun gets too hot. After exploring the park, climb back in the car and leave the desert behind. Today you’re headed to the beach. Your ultimate destination today is Crystal Cove State Park with a stop at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve along the way. At Crystal Cove you and the family can spend the day exploring tide pools, hiking, biking or just hanging out in the water.
Total miles and drive time: 213 miles, ~ 3 hour 40 minute drive
What to Do
Wake early and pack up camp, then head to the Fortynine Palms Oasis trail, an easy-to-moderate 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to a lush oasis hidden in the desert. This Joshua Tree hike isn’t recommended in hot weather so make sure you hit the trail early.
When your hike is over, climb into the car for the 153-mile (2.3 hour) drive to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, California. Spend an hour or two hiking amongst the pines, wildflowers and sandstone cliffs that lead down to the beach. Make a stop at the Visitor’s Center and let the kids learn about the unique wildlife at the park by exploring their collection of taxidermy animals.
After your visit to Torrey Pines, get back in the car and head an hour up the coast to Crystal Cove State Park. While you drive, make sure to put the windows down and turn the music up because your drive up Highway 101 will be beautiful. Once you’ve arrived at Crystal Cove, head down to explore the 3.2 miles of beach the park has to offer. Bring beach balls and sandcastle building tools for the kids and let them burn off some energy. Kids will also love exploring the tidepools, which are visible at low tide. Finish off the day watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Eat
Located near Torrey Pines, The Cottage La Jolla is a family-friendly restaurant serving up meals with fresh ingredients. The Cottage is especially known for their mouth-watering breakfasts.
Laguna Beach, home of Crystal Cove State Park, has no shortage of fun restaurants. Try Ruby’s Diner for a laid-back atmosphere and a kid-friendly menu, or Crystal Cove Shake Shack for casual eats.
Where to Camp
The Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park offers 58 family campsites with picnic tables.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Camping in California
Day Three
It’s a busy day today, with a stop in Santa Barbara to visit the Santa Barbara Zoo and to do a little indoor rock climbing. From there you’ll head on to the Los Padres National Forest for some camping and hiking. Maybe you’ve noticed that your itinerary is inching you slowly north toward Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park? That’s where you’re headed tomorrow.
Total miles and drive time: 150 miles, ~ 2 hour and 45 minute drive
What to Do
Spend the morning exploring the Santa Barbara Zoo, home to a diverse array of over 500 animals. Though it is possible to spend all day at the zoo, take a break from the heat and let your kids test their climbing skills at the Santa Barbara Rock Gym. In the evening, make the short drive to Los Padres National Forest. There is no shortage of things to do in the 1.7 million acre forest, but tonight you’ll use the forest as a place to stretch your legs and camp before heading onto your final road trip destination.
Where to Eat
For a fun stop along the water, try the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company that serves up great seafood with ocean views. There’s also a patio, fire pit and laid-back family vibe.
Pizza lovers will enjoy the Lucky Penny in Santa Barbara, a wood-fired pizza and coffee shop that also serves pastries. Check out their back patio for outdoor dining.
Where to Camp
The Ponderosa Campground in Los Padres National Forest offers swimming and fishing in the Nacimiento River as well as peace and quiet in one of the 22 non-electric campsites. It’s the perfect place for a night of stargazing.
Day Four
Today you’ll head north to your final destination of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. There’s so much to do at the park, so make sure you rise early and hit the road. Once there, we’ve got a full itinerary of hiking amongst the world’s largest trees for you and your family to enjoy.
Total miles and drive time: 180 miles, ~ 3 hour and 30 minute drive
What to Do
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are actually two different parks that sit side-by-side (not one park, as many people assume). Thanks to their close proximity, both parks can be enjoyed and visited. Without a doubt, seeing the massive sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park is a can’t-miss experience, but climbing to some of the exposed mountaintops in Kings Canyon shouldn’t be missed either.
Upon arriving at the park, stop by one of the four visitor centers and grab a map of the parks. Make sure to talk to the rangers and inquire about any warnings or weather events you should know about.
After you stop at the visitor’s center, head to the Muir Grove. It’s a less-populated route to see the giant sequoias, a 4-mile round trip hike that will captivate the entire family.
Now it’s time to see the park from up above. Head up the Little Baldy Trail, a 3.4-mile round trip hike that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains.
If there’s daylight remaining, take the short hike to Buena Vista Peak. This 2-mile round trip hike offers stunning views of Kings Canyon high country.
Where to Eat
There are a number of restaurants within the Sequoia/Kings Canyon area, from snack bars to lodge fine dining. Click here for a full list of options.
Where to Camp
Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia/Kings Canyon is a beautiful place to spend the night. Perched on the banks of the Kaweah River, towering sequoia trees and snowcapped mountains dot the landscape.
Day Five
It’s hard to believe that it’s time to go home already! You’ve got a long drive back to the airport to catch your flight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a few highlights on the drive to Los Angeles.
Total miles and drive time: 207 miles, ~ 3 hour and 40 minute drive
What to Do
Wake up early and head to the General Sherman Tree located just two miles from the campground. General Sherman is the world’s largest tree, standing 275-feet tall and 36-feet in diameter. Seeing this wonder with your own eyes is the perfect way to end your road trip.
Los Angeles traffic is notorious, so allow enough time to reach the airport and return your vehicle.
Where to Eat
The city of Bakersfield is located halfway between Sequoia/Kings Canyon and LAX airport, which makes it a great place to stop for lunch.
The 24th Street Café serves breakfast and lunch in casual surrounds. Kid-friendly and reasonably priced, this place offers options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Cope’s Knotty Pine Café is the perfect mountain café, with wood-paneled walls and large portions of familiar favorites like cheesy omelets and biscuits and gravy.
If you want to wait to eat until you reach the airport, LAX has dozens of restaurants to choose from.
Though your road trip may be over, you’ve packed a lot into the last five days and undoubtedly made memories with your family that will last a lifetime. Have safe travels home and remember it’s never too early to start pondering an important question—where will you take your next road trip?
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