12 Must-See Stops on Your Southern California Family Road Trip
We all dream of sunny California now and then. So when the Golden State beckons, use this list of must-visit spots for a family road trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
Southern California has so much to offer, it can be overwhelming. Here's a tip from a local: Don't try to see everything in one go. Plan for at least five nights, giving your family time to truly experience the area without spending too much time in the car.
A breathtaking sunrise view from East Beach in Santa Barbara. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)San Diego
Fly into the convenient San Diego International Airport (SAN), and take the shuttle to the rental car facility. Once you're settled, get ready to explore San Diego's top attractions with your family.
La Jolla Shores Beach
Head to La Jolla Shores Beach for soft sand, pristine waters, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a picnic on the grass or grab a bite from nearby eateries. Don't miss the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, just a short drive away. Reservations are required. (Admission: $24.95 adults, $19.95 kids 3-17, free for kids under 2.)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Skip the crowds at the San Diego Zoo and visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instead. Located 32 miles from downtown, it offers a more natural habitat experience with animals like giraffes, rhinos, and gazelle. (One-day pass: $65 adults, $55 kids 3-11.) For an additional cost, try the Wildlife Safari package for closer animal encounters. (Starts at $89 per person; ages 3+.)
Get up close with wildlife at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Legoland California
Legoland California is a top pick for families with younger kids. The park features Lego-made exhibits and characters, with rides and shows perfect for kids 12 and under. Parents and older siblings will enjoy it, too. The food is surprisingly good, and there’s enough to keep everyone entertained all day. Located in Carlsbad, it’s about a 40-minute drive from San Diego. (Advance online tickets: $75 for kids, $81 for adults.)
Anaheim
An hour north of San Diego, Anaheim is famous for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Passing by iconic rides like the Matterhorn and Space Mountain without stopping is nearly impossible.
The Mad Tea Party ride at Disneyland is always a hit—well, except for Dad! (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park
Without Walt Disney's vision, Anaheim might still be just an orange grove. His Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are truly magical places. Compared to Florida’s Disney World, these parks are more intimate. A two-day Park Hopper Pass is ideal, as doing everything in one day is nearly impossible (three days may be overkill unless this is your main stop). Prices vary, and don't forget—reservations are required even after purchasing tickets.
Knott's Berry Farm
For thrill seekers, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is just 10 minutes from Disneyland. It’s a favorite for our kids, offering thrilling rides without the Disney fuss. With great crowd control, fun entertainment, and legendary berry pie a la mode, this park is a must. (Daily admission starts at $69 for ages three and up.)
Knott's Berry Farm offers rides for thrill-seekers and younger kids alike. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Anaheim Packing District
Tired of amusement park food? Head to the Anaheim Packing District, just 10 minutes away. This former orange-packing warehouse is now a food haven with a variety of vendors spread over two floors. Fresh, healthy, and diverse, it's perfect for families who want different meals but still want to eat together.
The Anaheim Packing District offers plenty of delicious food options. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Los Angeles
Known simply as 'LA,' Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis of interconnected cities and neighborhoods. To navigate the area, you'll need a car, lots of patience, and a reliable navigation app to avoid traffic jams. (Be sure to avoid common tourist mistakes in LA.)
The rides on Santa Monica Pier. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is iconic, often seen in TV shows and movies. The beach near the pier is lively with tightrope walkers, inflatable 'hamster ball' rollers, and giant monkey bars. On the pier, Pacific Park offers rides day and night, and restaurants and shops cater to all. Rides cost between $5 and $12, but entry to the park is free.
Griffith Observatory
The iconic Griffith Observatory showcases our solar system and galaxy through fun and educational exhibits. Learn about space, planets, and humanity's historical understanding of the cosmos. Though the large telescope wasn't operational during our visit, lucky guests might catch a glimpse of the stars. With a planetarium and various shows, it's a unique Hollywood experience. Bonus: the Hollywood sign is nearby and looks massive up close.
The first telescope used by Griffith J. Griffith to explore the stars is on display at the Griffith Observatory. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, one of our top California destinations, lies about two hours north of LA. As you pass Ventura, the stunning oceanfront views make for one of the most scenic drives on the West Coast. (Fly out from Santa Barbara Airport or return to LAX.)
Santa Barbara Mission
Founded in 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission is the 10th of 21 missions established during Father Junipero Serra's journey from Mexico to Northern California. California fourth graders learn about these missions, and our kids shared facts on adobe brick making and basket weaving. The well-preserved mission gives visitors a true sense of early California life. Plan your visit during the I Madonnari street painting festival in spring, where artists create chalk masterpieces outside the mission.
We visited the Santa Barbara Mission during the vibrant chalk painting festival. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Stearns Wharf
Near Stearns Wharf, rent two- or four-wheeled cycles for an unforgettable ride along the paved boardwalk. This scenic route, lined with palm trees and beaches, is perfect for families. Four-wheel buggies are ideal for younger children. On our last trip, we enjoyed an early morning bike ride while the kids slept, watching local fishing boats depart.
A bike ride along the Santa Barbara beach boardwalk offers stunning views of the city. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Funk Zone
Once an old warehouse district near the wharf, the Funk Zone has transformed into a lively area full of wine-tasting rooms, trendy restaurants, and quirky art exhibits. We explored the area with the 'Eat This, Shoot That!' tour, a fun mix of food sampling and smartphone photography lessons. Our guide taught us how to capture perfect food shots while we enjoyed delicious bites and drinks. The tour costs $135 for adults and $125 for kids and non-drinkers.
On the 'Eat This, Shoot That!' food tour, we enjoyed some fantastic tastings. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)Where to Stay
On our several road trips through Southern California, we've stayed at great hotels along the way. If you're planning a trip with kids, it might be smart to stick with one hotel chain to maximize loyalty perks. We opted for Hilton, thanks to their Hilton Honors program, which let us redeem points for some stays while earning more at other properties.
The views from the Hilton San Diego Bayfront are absolutely stunning. (Photo by Jon Bailey for Dinogo)San Diego
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Located downtown along the waterfront, this towering hotel offers a prime location with all the necessary amenities. Award rates start at 60,000 points and go up to 409,000 points per night.
- Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines: This hotel boasts views of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course and the ocean, with nearby beaches and a popular hang gliding site. Award rates vary from 50,000 to 353,000 points per night.
Anaheim
- Hilton Anaheim: Situated directly across from Disneyland, the Hilton Anaheim offers a convenient location while being slightly away from the chaos of the park. (If you're weighing your options, check out this information on staying on-site at Disneyland versus an off-site hotel.) Award rates range from 44,000 to 120,000 points per night.
Los Angeles
- Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City: Just a short walk to Universal Studios and Universal Citywalk, this expansive hotel is also conveniently located near Hollywood. Award rates range from 55,000 to 158,000 points per night.
- The Beverly Hilton: Rich in Hollywood history, the Beverly Hilton is an iconic establishment and the annual host of the Golden Globe Awards. Award rates range from 155,000 to 200,000 points per night.
The Beverly Hilton Hotel has welcomed numerous celebrities throughout its storied history.Santa Barbara
- Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: Located directly across from the city's main beach, this hotel is just a short stroll from the wharf, Funk Zone, and other attractions. Award rates range from 59,000 to 80,000 Hilton points per night.
If you're considering staying at Hilton hotels during your Southern California road trip, there are some attractive welcome bonuses offered for the hotel chain's co-branded credit cards.
| Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | TPG Bonus Valuation* | Annual Fee | Elite Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership. Terms Apply. | TPG values the bonus at $1,050 | $550 annual fee (See Rates & Fees)(up to $500 in annual travel credits) | Hilton Diamond status |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | TPG values the bonus at $780, but you can get several hundreds of dollars in extra value with the free night reward
| $150 annual fee (see rates & fees). | Hilton Gold status |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | Earn 175,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on the card in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 6/5/24. | TPG values the bonus at $1,050
| $195 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) | Hilton Gold status |
| Hilton Honors American Express Card | 70,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | TPG values the bonus up to $480, but you can get several hundreds of dollars in extra value with the free night reward
| $0 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) | Hilton Silver status |
*Valuations are based on TPG assessments and are not provided by the card issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been independently sourced by Dinogo. The card details presented on this page have not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.
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