California holiday- advice appreciated!

[Bluebird23]

Hi,
We're hoping to visit California this summer. Myself, DH and DC (age 12 & 10).
Current itinery is:
Fly in to San Fran
San Fran - 3 nights
Lake Tahoe - 3 nights
Yosemite area - 2 nights
Sequoia - 2 nights
Big Sur area - 2 nights
LA area - 7 nights
San Diego - 4 nights
Fly out of San Diego or Lax
We've road tripped through Europe many times, so not overly concerned about the driving, but we want to enjoy the trip and not be stuck behind the wheel all day.
Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated. Also, any tips about things to do and recommendation re the best beaches for family friendly body boarding would be great.
Thank you

Oh oh make sure you can use your mobile phone over there too! And use the electric scooters in San Diego.

What are you hoping to do in San Diego that will keep you there for four nights?

Don't forget that on top of the NPs there are also state parks.
In fact, the state is choc a block with great state parks.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_state_parks

Would you consider driving two hours east and visiting another world?
www.visitcalifornia.com/destination/spotlight-anza-borrego-desert-state-park
It has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.

You could do some great backpacking in one or other of the Channel Islands (ex Ventura). They are a National Park. If you decide to go, be prepared for possible fog, wind, and sea spray. You have to hike on the islands - no vehicular transport.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is an overlooked wonder. (North and inland).
www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
Though Sequoia/Kings Canyon is spectacular.

Lassen is my favourite NP and is quiet even in the height of summer, but it’s a fair drive north of SF (about 4 hrs).

Sorry havent read whole thread.

We had the best time ever doing exactly what we liked.

3 days in LA which wasnt nearly enough, we loved it (unexpected). Favourite was universal studios and Santa Monica beach. Would have stayed just for restaurants.

1 night each in san simeon, Santa Barbara, San Luis de Obispo, Monterey.

4 nights in San Francisco, loved it even more.

As you can see, I'm not really that outdoorsy. So much more city focused. I adored every day and spent an utter fortune. Alcatraz and Hearst Castle were incredible, Muir woods and cycling over the Golden Gate beyond words. Food wonderful. Tour of Chinatown so much fun. If I'd had six months it couldn't have been enough.

Rough Itinerary
San Fran 3 nights
Yosemite 3 nights
Sequoia 2 nights
Big Sur / Coast 4 or 5 nights
La Area 3 nights
Santa Monica 4 or 5 nights
San Diego 4 nights

The words "LA area" is far too vague.

Again you are still trying to pack in too much here and are underestimating time spent in the car behind the wheel. You could well end up seeing very little because of driving about from place to place. The total driving distance from SF to SD is over 500 miles; its going to cost a fair bit in fuel too.

Not sure either SD for 4 nights; are you going to fly back to the UK from there?. I would look into flying back to the UK from LAX even though it is a dive because there are more direct flights. With SD only BA fly back direct to the UK.

OP forgot to mention. We flew into SF did our 4 nights there. At the time the PCH was closed and to save DH driving we flew on to Lax and collected the car.
We did our road trip. Handed the car back in Las Vegas and flew with Southwest, $78 each with luggage to San Diego, which was our final stop. DH isn’t used to driving long distances and I didn’t want to spoil his holiday so this was perfect for us.
I did a quick search and if it’s London you’re flying back to BA, American Airlines, Finnair and Iberia all do direct flights.

Thanks so much for the further info and advice.

I've noted all your suggestions and I'm googling away.
I understand why people recommend taking a number of trips to fully experience California as there's just so much to see and do.
An internal flight could be a good option and the cost seems reasonable. I'll look in to this.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge and offer advice.

We did a similar trip last year. Flew into San fran. Alcatraz a must. We also did a baseball game. 3 nights in SF then hired a car and drove to Yosemite. Had 2 nights there and wished we had longer. Then drove to monteray. Lovely town. Went whale watching and did 17 mile drive. Then drove down to pismo beach. And finally San Diego for 3 nights. Fell in love with San Diego and wish we had spent more time there. Driving was ok, the motorway through L.A. was the worst part. Really hot in Yosemite but much cooler in San fran and the coast which was a bit disappointing. Often cloudy in morning and sun came out in afternoon. Absolutely loved our trip but just wish we had longer. Like others have said exchange rate not great so eating out not cheap. If breakfast not included we went to diners and had a huge breakfast which kept us going most of the day. Yosemite and San Diego the highlights for me even though I had no real expectations for San Diego. Enjoy

If you're thinking of flying within the US, Southwest Airlines is probably your best bet for both price and extra luggage policies. Other airlines tend to have luggage surcharges.

You will need to make sure your hand/cabin luggage fits the stated dimensions, so if you are seriously considering internal flights, research this online before buying luggage.