California Adventure
Do you have 7 days to travel up the coast of California with your kids? If yes, then here is a detailed itinerary of the trip I did. If not, then make sure to buy my latest children’s book, Arangatanga Museum: California. It is a series that showcases every states most significant landmarks and introduces early readers to the history, and her culture. See a preview of the book and technology here. Place your phone over the images below and see the real world come to life. (must download the FREE Artivive App to your smartphone)
The California adventure Itinerary begins in San Diego and ends amongst the almighty trees of the Redwood Forest.
Day 1 – La Jolla Cove
Park yourself somewhere on the street along Prospect and Coast Blvd. There is free parking on many of those side streets. As you walk along Prospect you will see many places to eat. We stopped at Shiku Sushi for a rainbow roll and edamame and Brockton Villa for their World Famous Coast Toast. Would have loved to try a burger from Burger Lounge or Smash Burger though. We walked off the calories by strolling through the numerous art galleries and headed to the La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions. There were so many sea lions…. but even more people standing so close to the sea lions. I captured some beautiful footage for the AM: California book. My favorite video was that of a mom with her pups and huge sea lions jumping off the rocks into the ocean. The smell can be a bit raunchy when the breeze picks up. It was the only time i appreciated having to wear my mask outside…LOL. To end your day, head over to Sunny JIm Cave after then you will have earned a sweet treat from Haagen-Dazs for your drive up the coast.
Day 2 – Disneyland
If you have a Disneyland pass enjoy the adventure…if its open at this time. I believe it is still closed due to the ViRUS.
Downtown Disney is open though and many people will mobile order from these restaurants and just have a picnic under one of their beautifully manicured trees.
For me the best part of the Disneyland is the fireworks show. Grab a bottle of wine and yell out your oooohs and ahhhhhs. Or put your phone over this image to see a favorite Disney surprise.
Day 3 – Hollywood Sign
Hiking to the Hollywood sign is on most peoples bucket list. It isn’t that pretty once you get up there, but it is an accomplishment to try. There are various routes to choose… visit the hollywoodsign website to get the most up to date details. We finished the hike with a delicious lunch from Shake Shack. and jumped from Star to Star in front of the Pantages Theatre.
Day 4 – Central California Farming
There is a 7 hour drive preventing us from getting from Southern California to Northern California quickly. It is called Central California. It is a long drive filled with dust and semi trucks. If you take the scenic route along Highway 1, you can see Santa Barbara, Carmel, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Napa and the most beautiful coastlines in our states. Add 2-3 hours for that route. We chose to drive up the 5 through central coast and catch some scenes of the farming. It is because of the mass agriculture crops and dairy farms that California uses so much water but produces some of the most delicious food in our country.
Day 5 – Golden Gate Bridge
On our trip to San Francisco, we just missed the protestors in which the bridge closed. We were able to drive over to an off the beaten path area and capture this view. If was windy and cold but the red bridge is magnificent. You can even hear it whistle in the footage when you place you phone pver the image in the book. We ate at the Venice Pizzeria and the food was delicious. On the other side of the bridge is Sushirrito. Definitely worth a stop.
Day 6 – Redwood Forest
We stayed in a cabin home overlooking Muir Woods. It was peaceful and we were one with nature every corner. The name of it is Mountain Home Inn. It is close to the Golden Gate bridge, Sausalito, Stinson Beach and an hour away from Sonoma and the oldest Sequoia trees on our planet.
“California truly is such a lovely place.”
