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10-Day Family Adventure in Southern California Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jul 02

Disneyland Magic Begins

Morning

Kick off your Southern California adventure with a magical day at Disneyland Park. As one of the most iconic theme parks in the world, Disneyland offers a plethora of attractions and entertainment options that cater to all ages. Start your day early to make the most of your time here. The kids will love meeting their favorite Disney characters, enjoying classic rides like 'It's a Small World,' and exploring themed lands such as Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Afternoon

Continue your Disney adventure by exploring more of the park's attractions. Don't miss out on popular rides like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Haunted Mansion.' For lunch, there are numerous dining options within the park to suit all tastes and budgets. Take a break at Carnation Café for some delicious American cuisine in a charming setting.

Evening

As evening falls, make sure to catch one of Disneyland's spectacular parades or nighttime shows. The 'Fantasmic!' show is a must-see, featuring fireworks, water projections, and beloved Disney characters. End your day with some shopping at Main Street USA before heading back to your accommodation.

Bedtime

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More Disney Fun Awaits

Morning

Start your second day at Disneyland Resort by visiting Disney California Adventure Park. This park offers a different experience with attractions based on Pixar films and Marvel superheroes. Begin with popular rides like 'Radiator Springs Racers' in Cars Land and 'Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!' for some thrilling fun.

Afternoon

Take a break from the excitement with lunch at Flo's V8 Café, located in Cars Land. Afterward, explore more attractions such as 'Toy Story Midway Mania!' and 'Incredicoaster.' The park also offers various live shows and entertainment throughout the day that are perfect for families.

Evening

As night approaches, don't miss out on the breathtaking 'World of Color' show at Paradise Bay. This nighttime spectacular features fountains, lights, music, and scenes from beloved Disney movies projected onto water screens. It's an unforgettable way to end your second day at Disneyland Resort.

Bedtime

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Exploring San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Morning

Embark on an exciting wildlife adventure at San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket. Located in Escondido, this expansive wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Start your visit with a guided safari tour that takes you through various habitats where you can see animals like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras up close.

Afternoon

After your safari tour, enjoy lunch at Mogo Mogo Burger, which offers kid-friendly meals amidst beautiful surroundings within the park. Spend the afternoon exploring more exhibits such as Tiger Trail or Gorilla Forest where you can learn about these magnificent creatures through interactive displays.

Evening

Wrap up your visit by attending one of the park's educational shows or animal encounters where kids can get hands-on experiences with smaller animals under expert supervision before heading back to Anaheim for rest.

Bedtime

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San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket
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Beach Day at Laguna Beach

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the stunning La Jolla Cove. This picturesque beach is perfect for families and offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and simply relaxing by the ocean. The kids will love exploring the tide pools and spotting marine life.

Afternoon

Head over to Main Beach in Laguna Beach for more fun in the sun. This popular beach features a playground, basketball courts, and plenty of space for picnicking. For lunch, enjoy a casual meal at The Deck on Laguna Beach, which offers delicious seafood with a view of the ocean.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely stroll through Heisler Park. This beautiful park offers walking trails, gardens, and stunning views of the coastline. It's a great spot to watch the sunset before heading back to your accommodation.

Bedtime

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Exploring San Diego's Historic Sites

Morning

Old Town San Diego is your first stop today. This historic area offers a glimpse into San Diego's past with its preserved buildings and museums. The kids will enjoy exploring the old-fashioned shops and learning about life in the 19th century.

Afternoon

Balboa Park awaits you next. This expansive park is home to numerous museums, gardens, and cultural institutions. Visit the San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM) where interactive exhibits make learning fun for kids. For lunch, try The Prado at Balboa Park, which offers a variety of dishes in a beautiful setting.

Evening

Gaslamp Quarter is perfect for an evening stroll. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its nightlife but also offers family-friendly dining options like Café Sevilla. Enjoy some delicious Spanish cuisine before heading back to rest.

Bedtime

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Adventure on Catalina Island

Morning

Embarcadero is where you'll catch your ferry to Catalina Island. The journey itself is an adventure as you might spot dolphins or whales along the way! Once you arrive on Catalina Island, start exploring Avalon by visiting its charming shops and cafes.

Afternoon

Catalina Island Conservancy offers various tours that are perfect for families. Choose from options like an eco-tour or a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the island's natural beauty and marine life up close. For lunch, enjoy some fresh seafood at Bluewater Avalon while taking in views of Avalon Bay.

Evening

Spend your evening relaxing on Descanso Beach where you can rent cabanas or simply enjoy playing on the sandy shores before catching your ferry back.

Bedtime

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Nature and Adventure in San Diego

Morning

Begin your day with a visit to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This beautiful reserve offers stunning coastal views, hiking trails suitable for all ages, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The kids will enjoy exploring the different trails and learning about the unique flora and fauna of the area.

Afternoon

After a morning of hiking, head over to La Jolla Shores for some beach fun. This family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or even trying out some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. For lunch, grab a bite at Shorehouse Kitchen, which offers a variety of delicious options in a relaxed setting.

Evening

End your day with a visit to Sunny Jim Sea Cave. This unique sea cave can be accessed through a tunnel from the Cave Store in La Jolla. It's an exciting adventure for kids and offers beautiful views of the ocean from inside the cave. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Duke's La Jolla, which provides stunning ocean views and a menu that caters to all tastes.

Bedtime

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Exploring San Diego's Maritime Heritage

Morning

Maritime Museum of San Diego is your first stop today. This museum features historic ships that you can explore, including the Star of India and HMS Surprise. The interactive exhibits make it an engaging experience for children as they learn about maritime history.

Afternoon

USS Midway Museum is next on your list. This aircraft carrier turned museum offers self-guided audio tours that take you through various parts of the ship. Kids will love exploring the flight deck and seeing the aircraft up close. For lunch, try The Fish Market, located nearby with great seafood options.

Evening

Seaport Village is perfect for an evening stroll along the waterfront. This charming shopping area features unique boutiques, eateries, and entertainment options like live music or street performers. Enjoy dinner at Puerto La Boca, known for its delicious Argentine cuisine before heading back.

Bedtime

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Wildlife Encounters in San Diego

Morning

San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world and a must-visit attraction for families. Spend your morning exploring its vast array of exhibits featuring animals from around the globe. The kids will be thrilled to see pandas, elephants, tigers, and more up close.

Afternoon

Belmont Park awaits you next with its classic amusement park rides right by Mission Beach! Enjoy thrilling rides like roller coasters or bumper cars while taking breaks to savor some carnival treats such as cotton candy or ice cream cones from Belmonty's Burgers.

Evening

Wrap up your day by visiting Mission Beach. Take an evening walk along this iconic beach while enjoying beautiful sunset views over Pacific Ocean waves crashing against shorelines creating serene atmosphere perfect ending another adventurous day Southern California trip!

Bedtime

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San Diego Zoo
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Shopping and Farewell

Morning

Begin your final day in Southern California with a visit to Carlsbad Premium Outlets. This shopping destination offers a wide variety of stores featuring top brands at discounted prices. It's the perfect place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. The kids will enjoy browsing through the toy stores and finding some fun treats.

Afternoon

After a morning of shopping, head over to Carlsbad Village for lunch. This charming area is filled with unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a meal at The Compass, which offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Spend some time exploring the village's boutiques and art galleries before heading back.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing evening at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Watch as hang gliders and paragliders take off from the cliffs, soaring over the ocean below. It's a breathtaking sight that provides a peaceful end to your Southern California adventure. For dinner, enjoy a meal at Cliffhanger Café, which offers stunning views of the coastline.

Bedtime

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