California with 6 and 8 year old

[PSL1990]

Can anyone give me any recommendations or specific tips for a holiday in California in August with a 6 year old and 8 year old? We fly into LA and out of San Fran two weeks later. We’ll have a car. Thanks!

studio tour is good.

traffic in La is a nightmare. Getting around can take hours and hours.

we visited Yosemite between the two which was amazing.

San Fran was a lot colder than we expected. The seals in the ocean were a hit.

CA is a huge state and is larger in total area than the UK.

Would suggest you do this as a two centre holiday with say a week in the greater LA area followed by SF. You perhaps do not need so long there.

Where are you going to stay upon arrival in LA?. I would consider Anaheim which is where the Disney Parks are located. There is plenty of family friendly accommodation in Anaheim. You may also want to visit the nearby city of Buena Park which is where Knotts Berry Farm is located; they have rides for kids of your age. You could also go south from there towards San Diego and the city of Carlsbad which is where Legoland is located.

Do not try and see everything by dashing about here, there and everywhere in the car as the kids will likely only see the backs of your heads. Distances can be long and they could well get fed up of the car very quickly as could you.

I would go Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, then loop round up the coast Cayucos, Santa Cruz (old wooden rollercoaster and funfair + beach), SF. But I love landscape and driving and my son loves road trips too.

We did a similar trip with ours a couple of years ago. Places that worked well:

• San Diego was good, although it’s quite far south but you could go there as soon as you land and then travel up during your two weeks. The SD zoo and the beaches and food are all great.
• LA around Venice Beach and Santa Monica - nice beaches, vibey
• Universal Studios
• Disney
• Monterey on your way up to SF - the aquarium is the one featured in finding dory - also whale watching, seals etc.
• Recommend staying coastal as much as you can. We headed inwards for part of it and although it was beautiful it was so hot at that time of the year and the kids had little patience for us wandering around looking at waterfalls and scenery. Joshua Tree is incredible but will be absolutely roasting.

I’d just drive up the coast and stay in beach towns. It will be h o t!! I’d not go inland at all and I’d not spend days on end in theme parks. On highway 1, going north means you are not Oceanside. However there’s old missions and wildlife to spot. Stay at Santa Monica. You don’t need to drive around LA but the coast road will be busy! Santa Barbara is great and we really liked Carmel. Definitely go out looking for whales (check season).

I would not go to San Diego as well. You don’t have enough time. SF has plenty to see and do.