Family California - Route 1: San Francisco to Los Angeles XXL version
For this second trip to California, things didn't quite go to plan... and so much the better! This time, we couldn't find open-air tickets like on our first trip. No problem - we decided to leave... from LA and back, by turning this constraint into an opportunity.
With 2 full weeks in front of us and the Southern California we'd already explored on our previous adventure, we wanted to think bigger, to get off the beaten track. So we mapped out a daring itinerary: rather than skirting the coastline directly, we plunged inland for a desert detour unforgettable.
On the program for this detour: the elegant Palm Springs, the lunar landscapes of Joshua Tree, the crazy lights of Las Vegas and the hostile but magnificent Death Valley. Then north to San Francisco, where we took the time to breathe for a few days before finally starting the legendary Route 1 to Los Angeles.
And to top it all off, we've kept a little surprise for the kids as a final gift: ❤️a day at Universal Studios - that we didn't have time to do on our first trip. The perfect cherry on top of this Californian sundae!
❄️ When Quebec decides to complicate things...
Ah, the Quebec winter... That great classic that reminds every traveler that a vacation from Quebec City always starts with a bit of adventure - even before takeoff! This time, the plane out of Quebec City is showing 2 hours late, And it's with a lump in our stomachs that we watch our Toronto connection fly off without us. Literally. Air Canada, however, plays along and takes care of us for a night - which turns into two - in Toronto, at the company's expense.
Good. Might as well make the most of it! Rent a car and head for Niagara Falls with the kids, who have no idea they're on their first real vacation. We find a hotel with indoor water park, and shouts of joy echo through the corridors - the vacations are officially under way!
But for Dad, the trouble is just beginning... Because our first hotel in California? Already paid for and planned. Just like all the others. As a result, the carefully planned itinerary goes adrift and you have to improvise. Welcome to the real family trip - the one you'll remember for a long time!
Why California again?
The answer is simple: because we are in love. Our first trip to California had left such a deep impression on us - the landscapes, the warmth, the atmosphere, San Diego being our favorite ❤️ - that all we wanted to do was return to Quebec under the snow : go back. And then there was this idea that had been in the back of my mind for months, this route that everyone talks about, that travellers snatch up and that photographers love : Route 1. This mythical coastal road runs along the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with its breathtaking cliffs, picture-postcard villages and sunsets over the water.
The idea just wouldn't go away. So this year, it was decided: we'd go back, and we were going to take that road. California, Act II - and I promise, it'll be even better than the first!
Our 14-day California Itinerary
- Day 1-2 (Canada): Toronto / Niagara Falls
Flight delay + free night with Air Canada + Niagara Falls + waterslide hotel - Day 1: Los AngelesArrival in California
- Day 2: Palm Springs
San Andreas fault + Zoo - Day 3: Joshua Tree
Lunar landscape + giant cacti + sculpted rocks + magical sunset - Day 4-5: Las Vegas
Strip lights + shows + a unique experience for the whole family - Day 6: Death Valley
Valley of Fire + Badwater Basin + Zabriskie Point + extreme heat - Days 7-9: San Francisco
Golden Gate + Fisherman's Wharf + Alcatraz + historic streetcars + Giant Sequoia - Day 10: Monterey Bay
Route 1 starts + famous aquarium + seals + breathtaking coastal scenery - Day 11: Santa Barbara
Pearl of the coast + Spanish architecture + beach + historical mission + relaxation - Day 12: Los Angeles / Universal Studios
Back to LA + final surprise for kids + rides + Harry Potter World
What to do and where to stay
Palm Springs - Eternal summer
There are places that defy logic, and Palm Springs is definitely one of them. Just imagine: you're in the pool, the sun is beating down, the water's just the right temperature... and in the distance, the mountains are just around the corner. covered in snow. It's almost unreal. You pinch yourself to believe it. As a good Quebec dad used to enduring winter six months of the year, I have to admit that the scene left me speechless. Swimming in the sun against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - Palm Springs, you got me.
For history and geology buffs, we took advantage of our stay to go for a walk in the famous San Andreas fault - yes, the kind you see in disaster movies! Literally walking on two tectonic plates is a humbling experience. You realize just how powerful nature is, and the kids found it fascinating too once we explained the concept to them.
But the a real Palm Springs favorite for the whole family? Without hesitation: the zoo. And not just any zoo - a zoo where it's possible to feeding giraffes by hand ! The children's eyes alone were worth the detour. We had a great time in this section, and before leaving, we discovered a miniature area with a incredible train collection - detailed, animated, magnificent. Even I found it hard to tear the children away... and myself!
Good news for those looking for accommodation with character: downtown Palm Springs a wealth of small resorts with swimming pools and bars. There's no need to splash out on a big hotel - these boutique resorts are charming, conveniently located and offer exactly what you want after a day in the desert sun: a sun lounger by the pool, a drink in hand and the snow-capped mountains in the background. It's Palm Springs in all its glory, at a reasonable price.
Joshua Tree - Park of the desert giants
After Palm Springs, we load up the car and hit the road for Las Vegas - but we're not going to do it in a straight line! We pass through Joshua Tree National Park, And believe me, it's a detour well worth making. It's a big day's drive, but worth every kilometer.
As soon as you enter the park, the scenery changes completely. It's like being on another planet. The famous Joshua trees - these giant cacti with their twisted, wind-sculpted silhouettes - stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. It was impossible not to take out the camera every five minutes. But what really took my breath away were the rock formations. Blocks of granite piled one on top of the other, polished by millions of years of erosion, that look like giant skeletons straight out of a science-fiction movie. It's wild, it's grandiose, it's extraordinary.
The kids loved climbing on the rocks while we huffed and puffed in the shade - if there is any! Because here, the sun reigns supreme. We set off again with our eyes full of memories and images, heading for the bright lights of Las Vegas at the end of the road.
Las Vegas for the whole family!
Las Vegas as a family? We'd heard it was a city for adults. We didn't quite agree - and we were right! Las Vegas is a giant open-air amusement park, It's a real eye-catcher on every street corner.
We start with the Strip by day - already impressive with its oversized hotels, fountains and extravagant facades. Then it's back to at night, And then, a completely different city lights up. The neon lights, the hustle and bustle - it's a total visual shock. The kids couldn't believe it, and frankly, neither could we.
For thrills, head for the Stratosphere Tower rides perched at the top of the tower overlooking the entire Nevada desert, and zip lines above the Strip. The kind of experience that makes you scream like a child - and I'm talking for the little ones as much as for daddy! We continue with Circus Circus, where free circus shows take place every hour under the big top. Children are hooked.
Here's a fun fact about Las Vegas with kids: they can walk everywhere on the Strip and in hotel-casinos... but they are not allowed to stop near the gaming tables! So we find ourselves speeding through the casinos as if on a mission, under the watchful eye of the security guards. It's almost like a game in itself!
And to top off this day of madness, we end with a dinner and show at L'Excalibur - the famous medieval dinner. Knights in armor, horses, jousting, a royal banquet... Children are in total shock - the good kind. A breathtaking meal that the whole family will remember forever. Sword raised and bon appétit!
Where to sleep in Las Vegas
Good news: Las Vegas is probably the city where you'll get it. the most for your money when it comes to accommodation. The hotels are all spectacular - even the less expensive ones have grandiose lobbies, huge pools and breathtaking scenery. My advice: go for the cheapest, you won't be disappointed.
Two good options to consider on the Strip:
- The Excalibur - medieval castle theme, ideal for families, and one of directly on the Strip. It's the one we chose and we have no regrets.
- The SLS (the former Sahara) - a little further from the center of the Strip, but often very affordable and very well renovated.
💡And the most important tip: book early in the week - Monday to Thursday, prices can be two to three times cheaper than on weekends. Las Vegas is all about weekends, so make the most of them to grab a bargain and enjoy the city with fewer crowds.
💡 Family Las Vegas is much more than casinos — and the Go City Las Vegas Pass covers the best attractions: High Roller, Mob Museum, Big Bus Tour, and more. A great way to control your budget in a city where extras can add up quickly.
Death Valley - The valley of extremes
From Las Vegas, we take the road towards Death Valley - and we know from the outset that it will be a long day. There are no hotels within easy reach of the park, so the plan is clear: enter, visit, leave. A full day of thrills in the heart of the hottest place on earth.
And Death Valley does not disappoint, to say the least. From the very first minutes, the scenery is striking - an arid immensity, endless ochre and gold colors, an almost eerie silence. We stop at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, with its white salt flats shining like mirrors in the sun. Then on to Zabriskie Point for a panoramic view of geological formations in otherworldly colors - yellow, orange, violet. The beauty is almost unreal.
One thing's for sure: Death Valley is no picnic in the heat. We keep the kids well hydrated, we don't hang around too far from the air-conditioned cars, and we appreciate every stop for what it's worth. It's the kind of place we're glad to have seen - and glad to leave before the sun burns us out!
Then head for Bakersfield for the night.
Where to stay after Death Valley
After a long day under the blazing sun, the question quickly arose: where should we sleep? The strategic answer is Bakersfield. This Californian town, located just outside the park on the road to San Francisco, is the perfect stop-off to break up the journey. It's not the most glamorous city in California, let's face it - but it's got a lot to offer. plenty of affordable hotels, A good night's sleep before heading off to San Francisco the next morning.
San Francisco - The surprising route from Bakersfield
We leave Bakersfield in the morning, well rested, and we attack a long day on the freeway direction San Francisco. At first, we expected a quiet but somewhat monotonous road. In fact, it's quite the opposite - the Californian Highway is full of surprises every kilometer of the way.
On either side of the road, the first thing that strikes you is the smell... even before the scenery! From thousands and thousands of cows are spread out as far as the eye can see in huge industrial farms. The children laugh, the windows are rolled down... then rolled back up again!
But the scenery quickly evolves and becomes truly impressive. We ride for kilometers and kilometers through orchards and fields of carefully aligned fruit trees - orange, almond, pistachio - an agricultural abundance that reminds us just how much California feeds much of America. And as if that weren't enough, the hills are gradually covered with solar panels and’wind turbines as far as the eye can see - a modern, almost futuristic contrast to the desert we'd just left.
We arrive in San Francisco tired but with our eyes full - and the city awaits us with its mists, its Golden Gate and its unique character.
San Francisco - At last, the real destination!
We're here! After days of desert, heat and road, San Francisco welcomes us with its characteristic coolness and morning mists. It feels like we've crossed several countries in just a few days - and in a way, that's exactly what we've done.
First stop: Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront. Stroll along the harbor, admire the boats, munch a crab on the go and breathe in the sea air that is so typical of San Francisco. The atmosphere is unique - lively, colorful, authentic. And from the quayside, you can head off in the direction of Alcatraz. The famous prison on its island in the middle of the bay is simply fascinating - the audio guide is excellent, the story is captivating, and children hang on every word. A word of advice: book your tickets in advance, It's a shame to miss out!
The next day, we take a completely different tack. We start by visiting a historic submarine moored in the harbor - an incredible experience that immerses the whole family in the world of the navy. Then we cross the mythical Golden Gate Bridge - yes, on foot or by car, both are well worth the detour - and we're off to the other side to discover something even bigger: the giant sequoia. These thousand-year-old trees of overwhelming dimensions put human beings in their rightful place. We look up, can't see the end of it, and remain silent for a few seconds - the kind of rare moment when the whole family is speechless at the same time.
💡 In San Francisco, the Go City San Francisco Pass includes Alcatraz, the Bay Cruise, the California Academy of Sciences, and about thirty other attractions. For a family that wants to see everything without juggling tickets, this is the simplest solution.
La Route 1 - The big start!
This is where the real adventure I'd been waiting for months. We load up the car, leave San Francisco, and set off on the mythical Route 1 direction Monterey Bay. From the very first minutes, it's clear why this road is the stuff of dreams for travellers the world over. On the left, the cliffs. To the right, the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see. Ahead, a road that winds up the mountainside as if drawn by an artist. We drive slowly - there's no hurry here - and stop at every viewpoint to immortalize the breathtaking scenery.
After a few hours of pure coastal magic, we reach Monterey Bay - and head straight for its star attraction: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And that's when I fell in love with it. The aquarium is quite simply one of the most in the world - The tanks are huge, the species on display are incredible, and the kids can't get enough of sticking their noses up at the windows. The sea otters steal the show, of course. A visit well worth the detour, and one of the highlights of the trip for young and old alike.
💡My advice: plan a minimum of 2 nights in Monterey. And it's not a luxury - it's a necessity! The aquarium alone deserves a full day. We thought we'd spend 2-3 hours there... we spent the whole day there, with no time to spare.
La Route 1 - Pure happiness
We get up at the crack of dawn, load up the car in the silence of sleepy Monterey, and set off on our journey. Route 1. No stress, no rush - today is the most zen day of the trip. We're driving slowly, stopping when we feel like it, admiring. And there's a lot to admire.
The cliffs plunge straight into the Pacific, the waves crash below, and the road winds with an almost insolent elegance. It's exactly what I'd imagined for months when planning this trip. Every bend offers a new postcard. It's easy to see why this road is rated one of the most beautiful in the world - and that's no exaggeration.
The original itinerary included a stop at Morro Bay - this charming fishing village with its iconic rock in the middle of the bay. It would have been perfect. But that was without counting on mom... who decided, in a fit of generosity for children - at least that's the official version - that it was absolutely necessary to add Universal Studios adventure. So before leaving Monterey, I changed hotel reservations and readjusted the route to save time.
Management Santa Barbara for the night - and Los Angeles the next day!
Los Angeles - The grand finale
We arrive in Los Angeles with suitcases full of memories and legs that are starting to claim their due - but we can't stop now! LA has one last surprise in store for us, and what a surprise it is.
Because yes, we've saved the best for last: Universal Studios. Mom's promise - sorry, gifts for children - finally comes to fruition. And as soon as you enter the park, you instantly forget how tired you are. Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter The rides are spectacular, and the scenery is breathtakingly realistic. You spend a whole day running from attraction to attraction, getting soaked, screaming and laughing. The perfect day to round off a perfect trip.
And then comes the inevitable moment - the return to the hotel, the closing of suitcases, the last glimpses of this city that never sleeps. We leave Los Angeles with our hearts full, our feet tired and already nostalgic.
One last little anecdote for the road... That night at the hotel, we had almost no sleep. didn't sleep a wink. And it wasn't because of the excitement of the trip. Our room-mate, on the other hand, clearly had a much more... animated than ours. Let's just say the walls were thin, the kids were happily sleeping like rocks, and Mom and I exchanged knowing glances in the dark, trying not to laugh too hard. Los Angeles all the way!
💡 Consulting for Universal Studios
A tip from a dad who's done his homework: if you visit Universal Studios over the weekend, don't hesitate to invest in Fast Pass. Weekend queues can be interminable - and no one wants to spend the day standing around with impatient children under the LA sun. With the Fast Pass, you can cut through the queues, take in one attraction after another without wasting any time, and get the most out of your day. do the whole park in a single day. It's an investment well worth making - the difference between a frustrating day and an absolutely magical one.
Where to sleep in Los Angeles - Early morning flight?
When you have an early flight from LAX and a rental car to return, the strategy is simple: we sleep as close as possible to the airport. Hotels around LAX are plentiful and affordable - and best of all, they're within walking distance. 5 minutes from car return counters. There's no need to fight your way through Los Angeles traffic at 4 a.m. with kids asleep and suitcases in tow. Just return the car the night before or early in the morning, and the airport is just a stone's throw away. Look for hotels marked «near LAX» when you make your reservation - you'll have peace of mind for your last night in California.
What's the budget for a 15-day family holiday in Nevada/California?
California is a wonderful destination, but let's be honest - it's a trip that seriously budgets, especially with Universal Studios on the agenda. Here's a realistic estimate for a family of 4.
- Flights Round trip for the whole family - 2 640 $
- Hosting 3 nights in San Francisco at 250 $/night + 11 nights elsewhere at 150 $/night - 2,400 $
- Vehicle Car rental for 16 days - 600 $
- Food Hotel breakfasts + restaurant lunches and dinners with research - ~3,200 $
- Activities Alcatraz, Universal Studios, Palm Springs Zoo, Excalibur, Aquarium - 2 000 $
Total trip: ~11,000 $ For 2 adults and 2 children
💡 Budget tips
- California is expensive for food - buy your lunches at Walmart
- San Francisco is the most expensive city - expect 250 $ and more per night
- Elsewhere, aim for an average of 150 $/night
- For restaurants, do your research in advance and avoid tourist traps.
- Las Vegas: book early to save 50% on accommodation
Trip Checklist — California · 14 days
📋 Documents
- Valid passports 6 months after return
- The ESTA is mandatory. Apply online BEFORE departure ($14$ USD, valid for 2 years).
- Scanned copies in Google Drive
- Printed and PDF travel insurance
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Valid driver's license — car essential for the entire trip
👕 Clothing — 5 climates in 14 days
- Los Angeles and Santa Barbara: mild, 20-25°C
- Palm Springs and Death Valley: extreme heat 104-122°F in summer — light-colored, lightweight clothing
- Joshua Tree: warm days, cool nights - a light layer for the evening
- Las Vegas: dry heat 38-42°C (100-108°F) — mild during the day, aggressive air conditioning at night
- San Francisco: Cool and windy even in summer, 15-18°C — coat mandatory
- Layering clothes — San Francisco freezes, Death Valley burns, all in 2 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — Universal Studios and SF all day on foot
- Sandals for LA, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas
- 1 dressy outfit for Las Vegas in the evening
Daypack
- SPF 50+ Sunscreen — Relentless Californian sun, Death Valley critical
- Reusable Water Bottles — Death Valley: Minimum 4L per person
- Energy replenishment — long road trips between stages
- Binoculars — Monterey Bay (whales, otters), Joshua Tree (birds)
- Camera — Unmissable Joshua Tree Sunsets and Golden Gate
Medicine
- Death Valley in summer = real risk of heatstroke — leave early in the morning, avoid 11 AM-4 PM
- Mandatory hydration — 4L minimum per person in Death Valley
- Waterproof sunscreen — Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey by the sea
- Sufficient quantity of usual medications
- Complete first-aid kit
- Solid health insurance — medical care in the USA extremely expensive
📱 Tech — eSIM First
- eSIM strongly recommended — activate BEFORE leaving from Quebec
- Reliable providers: Airalo, Holafly, T-Mobile — USA plan 15 days
- Advantage: data upon landing in LA, essential for navigation.
- Keep SIM Québec active for banking SMS and 2FA
- No adaptor needed — American plugs like in Quebec
- Google Maps offline for Joshua Tree and Death Valley — no signal
- Power bank — long road trips without an outlet
- GasBuddy App — Gas prices vary greatly by station in California
💰 Budget & Logistics
- US Dollar (USD) — predict generous budget, California = expensive destination
- ESTA mandatory for all — don't forget before departure
- Book Universal Studios online in advance — save money + avoid queues
- Book Alcatraz weeks in advance - quickly sells out
- Go City Los Angeles Pass and Go City San Francisco Pass — Covers several attractions, real savings for a family of 4
- Go City Las Vegas Pass High Roller, Mob Museum, and more in one pass
- Death Valley: Leave at dawn — Badwater Basin before 9 AM is mandatory in summer
- Route 1 Monterey → Santa Barbara → LA — one of the most beautiful routes in the world, plan for stops
- California gasoline — among the most expensive in the USA, factor into the budget
- LA and SF parking — expensive and complicated, use Uber/Lyft in town
🌉 Must-sees you shouldn't miss
- Niagara Falls — unexpected bonus, enjoy the Air Canada detour 😄
- Joshua Tree at sunset — one of North America's most beautiful starry skies
- Death Valley at dawn - Badwater Basin at -282 ft below sea level, unreal
- Golden Gate Bridge on foot or by bike - crossing the bridge from the Marin side
- Alcatraz — book early, captivating audio tour for the whole family
- Monterey Bay Aquarium — one of the best in the world, the kids will love it
- Route 1: Drive slowly, stop often, don't rush.
- Universal Studios Harry Potter World — save for last, end the trip in style
❤️ The bite of the American West
Two trips to California, and the bug is stronger than ever. We thought this second trip would quench our thirst for the American West - satisfy that craving, turn the page and move on. Quite the opposite happened. We came back to Quebec even more enamored of these huge landscapes, this unique light, this freedom that you feel when you drive on an infinite road with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other.
What's next? We dream. We dream of Utah national parks - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands. These cathedrals of red rock that we've seen in photos and that have been calling out to us ever since our return. The American West is immense, generous and inexhaustible - and we fully intend to explore every nook and cranny, one adventure at a time. 🏜️🔴
See you soon, Grand Ouest... we'll be back.
