Magical California Family Adventure - Theme Parks, Beaches & Wildlife

Day 1

Los Angeles - Anaheim

Arrival Day - Welcome to California

Los Angeles International Airport - Arrival - Stanford Inn & Suites Anaheim - Check-in & Rest

Day 2

Anaheim

Disneyland Magic - Classic Disney Dreams Come True

Stanford Inn & Suites - Morning Wake Up & Breakfast - Disneyland Park - Morning Rush (Opening to Lunch)

Day 3

Anaheim - San Diego

California Adventure Morning & Coastal Drive to San Diego

Stanford Inn & Suites - Morning Checkout - Disney California Adventure Park - Avengers & Pixar Adventures - Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Check-in & Harbor Views - Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar - Harbor Fresh Dining - Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Evening Rest

Day 4

San Diego

San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park Wonder

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Morning Departure - San Diego Zoo - Arrival & Morning Exploration - Children's Zoo - Interactive Animal Experience - Balboa Park - Gardens & Cultural Exploration - Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar - Family Dinner

Day 5

San Diego

SeaWorld & Beach Bliss

Humphreys Half Moon Inn - Morning Wake Up - SeaWorld San Diego - Marine Life Adventure - Island Prime - Waterfront Lunch with Views - Mission Bay Park - Beach Relaxation & Swimming

Day 6

Los Angeles - Santa Monica

Universal Studios & Santa Monica Sunset

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Morning Checkout - Universal Studios Hollywood - Movie Magic Adventure - 71Above Restaurant - Sky-High Dinner with Views - Rest Haven Motel - Santa Monica Beach Base

Day 7

Santa Monica - Los Angeles

Santa Monica Beach Farewell & Homeward Bound

Rest Haven Motel - Morning Checkout & Beach Day Prep - Beachfront Breakfast Café - Fuel Up with Ocean Views - Santa Monica Beach - Final Sandcastle Memories - Santa Monica Pier - Pacific Park Fun & Iconic Ferris Wheel - Third Street Promenade - Shopping & Souvenir Hunt - Farewell California Lunch - Ocean View Dining - Rest Haven Motel - Luggage Pickup - Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Journey Home

Day 1

Mar 30

Los Angeles - Anaheim

Arrival Day - Welcome to California

Evening arrival from Mexico City via direct flight, comfortable drive to Anaheim, check into family-friendly hotel near Disneyland, and settle in for the magical adventures ahead. A relaxed start to your California dream vacation.

😎

Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 904.6

Estimated Cost

Land at Los Angeles International Airport - Arrival

60.33km, 46 mins

Suggested check-in00:30(8 hours 30 mins)

Day 2

Mar 31

Anaheim

Disneyland Magic - Classic Disney Dreams Come True

Full day immersed in the magic of the original Disneyland Park. Start early to maximize ride time, experience classic attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, enjoy the enchanting Blue Bayou dining experience, meet beloved characters, and end with the spectacular fireworks show. Perfect balance of thrills for your 14-year-old and fairy tale magic for your 9-year-old.

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Active

Pace Level

USD 810

Estimated Cost

Staying at Stanford Inn & Suites - Morning Wake Up & Breakfast

2.22km, 9 mins

Enjoy fun for3 hours 30 mins(09:00 - 12:30)

Tips: Lightning Lane tip: Purchase Genie+ for $30/person to skip lines on popular rides - totally worth it for a one-day visit! Head to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge first thing for shortest Rise of the Resistance waits.

2.06km, 7 mins

Day 3

Apr 01

Anaheim - San Diego

California Adventure Morning & Coastal Drive to San Diego

Start with thrilling morning adventures at Disney California Adventure Park featuring Marvel's Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, then embark on a scenic 2-hour coastal drive to San Diego for evening relaxation and fresh seafood by the harbor

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 610

Estimated Cost

Return to Stanford Inn & Suites - Morning Checkout

2.45km, 7 mins

Enjoy fun for4 hours 30 mins(09:00 - 13:30)

Tips: Arrive right at opening (8 AM) to beat crowds! Head straight to Radiator Springs Racers first (longest wait times), then work your way to Avengers Campus. Use Genie+ if available to skip lines. Don't miss the amazing sourdough bread bowls at Pacific Wharf for a quick lunch!

152.16km, 1 hour 36 mins

Suggested check-in17:45(45 mins)

6.15km, 11 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(20:00 - 21:30)

4.2km, 15 mins

Suggested check-in21:45(10 hours 15 mins)

Day 4

Apr 02

San Diego

San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park Wonder

Full day exploring the world-famous San Diego Zoo with 4,000+ animals, gondola rides, and Children's Zoo, plus beautiful Balboa Park gardens and cultural attractions. A perfect blend of wildlife education and outdoor beauty that both adults and children will treasure.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 380

Estimated Cost

Return to Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Morning Departure

12.67km, 18 mins

Enjoy fun for3 hours 30 mins(09:00 - 12:30)

Tips: Download the San Diego Zoo app before arriving - it has interactive maps, animal feeding times, and wait times for shows. The Guided Bus Tour departs every 15-20 minutes and covers 75% of the zoo - perfect for getting oriented and resting your feet early on!

1.37km, 18 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(12:45 - 14:15)

Tips: The nursery feeding times are usually around 1:00 PM - check the schedule when you arrive. If there are baby animals being bottle-fed, it's an unforgettable photo opportunity! Hand sanitizing stations are everywhere, so let the kids touch and explore freely.

790m, 12 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 30 mins(14:30 - 17:00)

Tips: The free Balboa Park trams run continuously and are a lifesaver for tired feet! Use them to hop between the zoo exit and the main plaza area. The Spanish Village Art Center has working artists and is fascinating for your 14-year-old if she's interested in arts and crafts.

3.29km, 10 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 30 mins(17:45 - 19:15)

7.01km, 14 mins

Day 5

Apr 03

San Diego

SeaWorld & Beach Bliss

Dive into marine life adventures at SeaWorld San Diego with spectacular killer whale shows, interactive touch pools, and thrilling rides. Afternoon transitions to peaceful beach relaxation at Mission Bay Park's calm, family-friendly waters - perfect for swimming, sandcastles, and watching the California sunset together.

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Moderate

Pace Level

USD 483

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in07:30(1 hour)

7.82km, 15 mins

Enjoy fun for5 hours 30 mins(10:00 - 15:30)

Tips: Download the SeaWorld app for show times and interactive map. Arrive right at opening to beat crowds. Sit in the 'splash zone' for the orca show if your teens are brave - it's hilarious! The Manta and Electric Eel coasters are perfect for your 14-year-old's thrill level.

10.04km, 18 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 15 mins(15:45 - 17:00)

11.78km, 21 mins

Enjoy fun for2 hours 15 mins(17:15 - 19:30)

Tips: Head to Bonita Cove or Ventura Cove - these designated swimming areas have lifeguards and gentle waters perfect for families. Free parking available. Bring beach toys, frisbees, or a football. The water temperature in early April is cool (60-65°F) but manageable for kids who've been running around all day!

10.73km, 19 mins

Day 6

Apr 04

Los Angeles - Santa Monica

Universal Studios & Santa Monica Sunset

Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles for an action-packed day at Universal Studios Hollywood featuring the legendary Studio Tour, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. End the day checking into your Santa Monica beachfront hotel and enjoying a sunset dinner by the ocean.

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Active

Pace Level

USD 670

Estimated Cost

Return to Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel - Morning Checkout

206.52km, 2 hours 18 mins

Enjoy fun for7 hours(11:00 - 18:00)

Tips: Saturday crowds can be intense! Download the Universal Studios app for real-time wait times. Hit Super Nintendo World first (newest attraction = longest waits), then Harry Potter, then Studio Tour around 2-3 PM when crowds thin. Single Rider lines can save 30+ minutes on popular rides!

15.46km, 25 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour 45 mins(18:45 - 20:30)

23.94km, 21 mins

Suggested check-in21:30(12 hours 30 mins)

Day 7

Apr 05

Santa Monica - Los Angeles

Santa Monica Beach Farewell & Homeward Bound

Your final California morning is all about soaking in those last precious beach vibes! Start with a relaxed beachfront breakfast, let the girls enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel and arcade games, stroll the famous Third Street Promenade for last-minute souvenirs, and savor a leisurely lunch with ocean views before heading to LAX for your evening flight home. A perfect balance of fun and relaxation to end your magical California adventure.

😎

Relaxed

Pace Level

USD 340

Estimated Cost

Suggested check-in08:00(1 hour 30 mins)

800m, 15 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour(09:45 - 10:45)

300m, 15 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(11:00 - 12:30)

Tips: The area near the pier has lifeguards and is perfect for families. Bring or rent beach chairs if you want to relax. Sunday mornings are magical with fewer crowds. Don't forget to capture a family selfie with the pier in the background!

100m, 5 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour 30 mins(12:30 - 14:00)

Tips: Rides typically cost $5-10 each or buy an unlimited wristband for ~$35/person if doing multiple rides. The Ferris wheel is a must for family photos! Check out the vintage carousel from 1922. Free to walk the pier, pay only for rides you choose.

400m, 10 mins

Enjoy fun for1 hour(14:15 - 15:15)

Tips: Head straight for the souvenir shops on the north end of the promenade (near Broadway). Sunday afternoons have great street entertainment. Keep it quick since you need to head to the airport - focus on one or two favorite shops rather than browsing everything.

500m, 12 mins

Enjoy foods for1 hour(15:30 - 16:30)

700m, 15 mins

Suggested check-in16:45(15 mins)

8.5km, 30 mins

Land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Journey Home