10 Days California, USA Itinerary
This 10-day California adventure takes you and your family through Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Experience iconic landmarks, kid-friendly attractions, and delicious food while staying within a moderate budget. This itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxation, ensuring a memorable family vacation.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1500-2000
Best Time
California's vastness means diverse climates
Activities
38
Daily Avg
$175/day
Cities
Los Angeles (3d), San Diego (3d), San Francisco (4d)
Pace
Moderate
California offers diverse landscapes, from stunning beaches to vibrant cities, making it an ideal destination for families. It provides a blend of entertainment, education, and outdoor adventures suitable for all ages, all within a reasonable budget.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 12 must-have experiences
Iconic National Park Journey
Day 4: Lunch at Panama 66
Coastal Drive & Beach Town Exploration
Day 1: Dinner at Mel's Drive-In
Vineyard & Wine Tasting Experience
e.g., Napa Valley (Robert Mondavi Winery), Sonoma Valley (Benziger Family Winery)
Hollywood Glamour & Movie Magic
Day 1: TCL Chinese Theatre & Walk of Fame
Fine Dining & Innovative Cuisine
e.g., The French Laundry (Yountville), Bavel (Los Angeles)
Urban Art & Street Culture Walk
Day 1: TCL Chinese Theatre & Walk of Fame
Theme Park Thrills & Family Fun
Day 4: Lunch at Panama 66
Iconic City Viewpoint & Skyline Panorama
Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood
Unique Food Market & Gourmet Delights
Day 6: Lunch at Marion's Fish Market
Historic California Missions Tour
Day 9: Alcatraz Island Tour
Rooftop Bar & City Nightlife
Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood
Desert Landscape & Unique Art Installations
e.g., Joshua Tree National Park (Stargazing), Death Valley National Park (Badwater Basin)
California's food scene is a vibrant reflection of its diverse culture and abundant agricultural resources. From farm-to-table freshness to innovative fusion cuisine, the state offers a culinary adventure for every palate. Expect fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and a strong emphasis on healthy and sustainable dining.
Must-Try Dishes
A San Diego staple, this burrito is packed with carne asada, french fries, cheese, guacamole, and sometimes sour cream. The french fries set it apart!
📍 Mexican restaurants in San Diego
Lightly battered or grilled fish (often cod or mahi-mahi) served in a tortilla with cabbage, salsa, and a creamy sauce. A refreshing and flavorful bite.
📍 Coastal restaurants and taco stands throughout California
A simple yet iconic dish, typically featuring mashed avocado, salt, pepper, and often red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning on toasted bread. Variations abound!
📍 Cafes and brunch spots throughout California
Creamy clam chowder served in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. San Francisco's signature dish, perfect for a chilly day.
📍 Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly Mission-style burritos and tacos.
Known for its Italian restaurants, cafes, and markets.
Known for its Korean barbecue, kimchi, and other Korean specialties.
Known for its fresh seafood, clam chowder, and sourdough bread.
California is very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus. When in doubt, call ahead or check online menus for allergen information. Halal options are more limited but can be found in larger cities, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations.
Tipping is customary in California restaurants. A standard tip is 18-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. It's also common to tip bartenders and delivery drivers. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but nicer restaurants may have a dress code. Making reservations is recommended, especially for popular restaurants.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
AprilMajor music festival in Indio, CA. Expect increased prices and crowds in the surrounding area.
Stern Grove Festival
June-AugustFree outdoor music festival in San Francisco. Can affect traffic and parking near the park.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
OctoberFree bluegrass festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Expect large crowds.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)$50 (Rental Car for the day)
2:00 PM - Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Pick up rental car and head to hotel in Hollywood. Consider pre-booking a car with a child seat if needed.
- 🚶Take a taxi or ride-sharing service from LAX to your hotel in Hollywood.FREE
4:00 PM - Check-in at Hotel & Rest
Check into your family-friendly hotel. Settle in and take a short rest to adjust to the time zone. Aim for a hotel with a pool. Consider the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
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- 🚶Walk or take a short ride-sharing trip to TCL Chinese Theatre & Walk of Fame.FREE
6:00 PM - TCL Chinese Theatre & Walk of Fame
Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre and see the handprints and footprints of famous actors. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stroller accessible.
Book on Klook - 🚗Walk from TCL Chinese Theatre to Mel's Drive-In.$30
7:30 PM - Dinner at Mel's Drive-In
Enjoy a classic American diner experience at Mel's Drive-In. They offer a variety of burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Kid-friendly menu options are available. Stroller accessible.
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Hollywood
Central location, close to major attractions, and plenty of dining options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
California's vastness means diverse climates. Generally, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather across most regions, fewer crowds than summer, and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) is popular for beaches and national parks but sees higher prices and larger crowds. Winters (November-March) bring mild conditions to the coast but heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering excellent winter sports opportunities.
California enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Expect warm, sunny days and cool evenings, especially near the coast. Rainfall is minimal during the shoulder seasons.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices.
Check for public holidays like Memorial Day (May) or Labor Day (September) as they can affect opening hours and increase prices.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$300 (Flights/Gas)Accommodation
$700Food
$500Activities
$500Utilize California's abundant free natural attractions like stunning beaches, state parks, and scenic drives (e.g., Highway 1) for memorable experiences without a hefty price tag.
Pack your own snacks and drinks for day trips and road trips to avoid frequent convenience store markups and save money on meals.
Indulge in a fine dining experience in one of California's culinary hotspots like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Napa Valley for a world-class gastronomic journey.
Consider a multi-day pass for major theme parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios if you're a big fan, to maximize your time and enjoyment.
Look for 'happy hour' deals at restaurants and bars, typically in the late afternoon, for discounted food and drinks – a great way to sample local cuisine affordably.
Explore California's diverse state parks, which often offer stunning scenery and activities for a nominal fee (or free), providing a less crowded and often cheaper alternative to National Parks.
- Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring California beyond major city centers, as public transportation outside of metro areas can be limited.
- Tipping is customary in the US: expect to tip 15-20% for service staff in restaurants, bars, and for services like taxi rides or haircuts.
- Sales tax is added at checkout and is not included in the displayed price of goods or services. It varies by county, typically ranging from 7.25% to 10.75%.
- California is vast; distances between attractions can be significant. Factor in generous travel times for road trips and use navigation apps for real-time traffic.
- Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days, due to the strong California sun. Sun protection is a year-round necessity.
- Stay hydrated, especially when exploring deserts, hiking, or spending time outdoors in warmer regions.
- The emergency number for police, fire, or medical assistance is 911. Be aware of your surroundings and local conditions.
- Be mindful of wildfire season (typically late spring through fall) and adhere to all fire safety regulations, especially in natural areas.
- 1Layers of clothing: Essential for varied microclimates and temperature swings, especially near the coast and in mountainous regions.
- 2Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring cities, theme parks, and light trails.
- 3Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: Year-round necessity due to the strong California sun.
- 4Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste, as water refill stations are common.
- 5Swimsuit: For California's beaches, hotel pools, and potentially hot springs.
- 6Light jacket or sweater: Even summer evenings can be cool, particularly along the coast or at higher elevations.
- 7Portable power bank: For keeping your devices charged during long days of sightseeing or road trips.
- 8Daypack: For carrying essentials during daily excursions, snacks, water, and extra layers.
- 9Adapter (Type A/B): If you're traveling from outside North America, you'll need a power adapter for US outlets.
- 10Reusable shopping bag: Some cities charge for plastic bags, so having your own is convenient and eco-friendly.
ESTA or Visa
Required for most international visitors; apply well in advance of your trip (ESTA up to 72 hours, but ideally weeks).
Rental Car
Highly recommended for exploring beyond major cities; book several weeks to months in advance for best rates, especially during peak season.
Accommodation
Book hotels/Airbnbs as far in advance as possible, particularly for popular regions (e.g., coastal towns, national park areas) or peak seasons.
National Park Passes
If visiting multiple national parks (e.g., Yosemite, Death Valley), consider purchasing an 'America the Beautiful' pass online or at park entrances.
Alcatraz Tickets
Sells out weeks to months in advance, especially during peak season; book online directly through Alcatraz City Cruises.
Theme Park Tickets
For Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc., buy online in advance to save time at the gate and often some money; check for timed entry requirements.
Popular Restaurant Reservations
For highly-rated or popular restaurants in major cities (e.g., LA, SF), make reservations weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Winery Tours/Tastings
Many wineries, especially in popular regions, require advance reservations for tours and sometimes even tastings; book a few days to a week ahead.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores or authorized retailers
📍 AT&T stores or authorized retailers
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas throughout California. Many cities also offer free public WiFi in parks and libraries. However, the quality and speed of WiFi can vary, so it's always a good idea to have a backup option like a SIM card or pocket WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before you arrive to avoid roaming charges. Download offline maps for areas with limited cell service. Check the coverage maps of different providers to choose the best option for your travel route. Public WiFi is generally safe, but avoid entering sensitive information on unsecured networks. Power banks are useful for keeping your devices charged on the go.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
California is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit California is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but crowded, while winter offers skiing in the mountains.
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