10 Days of Family Fun in Northern California Itinerary

Begin your day at Golden Gate Park, starting with a visit to the California Academy of Sciences. This incredible museum features an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history exhibits all under one roof. It's an educational wonderland for kids.

After exploring the academy, have a picnic lunch in the park before heading to the Japanese Tea Garden. The serene environment and beautiful landscapes provide a peaceful break from city life. Continue your exploration by visiting Stow Lake, where you can rent paddle boats or bikes.

For dinner, head to Outerlands, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Ocean Beach as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Drive north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. Here you'll find towering redwoods that will leave you in awe. Take one of the easy hiking trails suitable for families and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.

After your hike, drive to Sausalito for lunch at Bar Bocce. This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay along with delicious Italian cuisine. Spend some time exploring Sausalito's charming shops and galleries.

In the evening, return to San Francisco via ferry for a unique perspective of the city skyline as it lights up at night. Enjoy dinner at Scoma's, located on Fisherman's Wharf, offering fresh seafood dishes that everyone will love.

Start your day with a scenic drive to Napa Valley, known for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries. Begin your exploration at the Castello di Amorosa, a stunning 13th-century-style castle and winery. While adults can enjoy wine tasting, kids will love exploring the castle's architecture and learning about its history.

Afterward, head to the Napa Valley Wine Train for a unique lunch experience. This vintage train ride offers gourmet meals while you take in the beautiful vineyard views. It's a fun and relaxing way to see more of Napa Valley without having to drive.

In the evening, visit Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. This bustling marketplace features a variety of food vendors, offering everything from fresh oysters to artisanal chocolates. Enjoy dinner at Hog Island Oyster Co., known for its delicious seafood dishes.

Drive to Yosemite National Park early in the morning to make the most of your day in this natural wonderland. Start with a visit to Yosemite Valley, where you can see iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. Take an easy hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, perfect for families.

After lunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, explore more of Yosemite's beauty by visiting Glacier Point. The panoramic views from this vantage point are breathtaking and provide excellent photo opportunities.

In the evening, check into your accommodation within or near the park. Enjoy dinner at The Mountain Room, located in Yosemite Valley Lodge, offering stunning views of Yosemite Falls while you dine.

Begin your day with a visit to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest trees on earth. Take an easy walk among these ancient giants and marvel at their immense size.

Afterward, drive along Tioga Road for some of Yosemite's most scenic vistas. Stop at Olmsted Point for panoramic views of Tenaya Lake and surrounding granite peaks. Have lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill, offering casual dining amidst beautiful surroundings.

Return to Yosemite Valley for an evening ranger-led program or stargazing session if available. These programs are both educational and entertaining for kids and adults alike. End your day with dinner at Curry Village Pizza Deck, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

Start your day with a scenic drive to Lake Tahoe, one of Northern California's most beautiful destinations. Begin with a visit to Emerald Bay State Park, where you can take in stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a family-friendly hike to Eagle Falls for some great photo opportunities.

After your hike, head to the beach at Sand Harbor for some relaxation and fun in the sun. The clear waters and sandy shores make it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging by the water. Have lunch at Sand Harbor Bar & Grill, offering casual dining with beautiful lake views.

In the evening, take a sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe for a unique perspective of this stunning area. Enjoy dinner at Riva Grill, known for its delicious seafood and lakeside dining experience.

Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park early in the morning. Start your exploration with a visit to the park's visitor center to learn about its unique geothermal features and volcanic history. Take an easy hike along the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail, which offers fascinating insights into the park's volcanic past.

Bumpass Hell is a must-see attraction in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This geothermal area features boiling springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots that will captivate both kids and adults alike. Have lunch at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Cafe before continuing your exploration.

Manzanita Lake is perfect for an evening visit. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake or rent kayaks for some on-the-water fun. The serene setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. End your day with dinner at Lassen Cafe & Gift, offering casual dining options within the park.

Mount Shasta is your first stop today. This majestic mountain offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and even summer skiing if conditions allow! Take one of the family-friendly trails that provide breathtaking views of Mount Shasta's snow-capped peak.

Burney Falls is another highlight of the Shasta Cascade Region. Known as one of California's most beautiful waterfalls, Burney Falls offers easy hiking trails suitable for families and plenty of spots for picnicking by the falls.

End your day with a visit to Shasta Dam, where you can take an informative tour about this engineering marvel while enjoying panoramic views over Shasta Lake below it! For dinner head back towards Redding stopping by Cielo Estate Winery which has great food paired perfectly with their wines.

Start your final day in Northern California with a visit to Bidwell Park in Chico. This expansive park offers a variety of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Begin with a leisurely hike or bike ride along one of the park's many trails, taking in the natural beauty of the area. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Big Chico Creek, where kids can splash around and enjoy the water.

Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park is a must-see attraction in Chico. This beautifully preserved Victorian mansion offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the history of the area and its early settlers. After your tour, head to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom & Restaurant for lunch. This popular spot offers delicious food and a variety of craft beers for adults to enjoy.

In the evening, take a stroll through downtown Chico, where you can explore charming shops and boutiques. For dinner, head to The Pour House, known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty American cuisine. End your day with a visit to Chico Community Observatory, where you can gaze at the stars and planets through powerful telescopes – a perfect way to conclude your Northern California adventure.