My first trip to the USA became a moment that changed my life. I was amazed by the scale of the country, the contrast of its cities, and the incredible energy of the people. Since then, I have explored America from coast to coast: driven legendary highways, hiked national parks, and discovered hundreds of places you won't find in typical guides. Today I create personalized USA itineraries so you can experience the real America – vibrant, dynamic, and unforgettable. Let me design a trip that fits you perfectly.
West Coast of the USA with Kids
The West Coast of the United States offers thrilling theme parks, awe-inspiring national parks, and bustling city attractions that bring families to life. This two-week itinerary covers must-visit spots in California, Oregon, and Washington, with activities to suit families of all ages, from toddlers to teens. From lounging on the beach to strolling through a giant forest to taking a ferry ride in Seattle, the West Coast offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone.
Itinerary Overview
This two-week West Coast itinerary takes families to famous destinations such as Northern California’s national parks, Oregon’s unique coastline, and Seattle’s vibrant urban attractions. Here’s a quick look at what awaits you:
- Thrilling theme parks: Disneyland, Legoland, Universal Studios
- Great national parks: Yosemite, Redwoods, Mount Rainier
- Lively urban experiences: San Francisco Bay, Portland attractions, Seattle waterfront
Best Seasons to Visit the West Coast with Children
The West Coast’s diverse climate offers something special in every season, but spring and fall are ideal for family road trips. Here’s why:
- Spring (March-May): Blooming landscapes and mild temperatures are perfect for cities and national parks. Theme parks are less crowded, and wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in Oregon and Washington.
- Fall (September-November): Ideal for beaches and coastal hiking, cooler weather for exploring Seattle and Portland, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall foliage in the parks.
Summer is also popular for families with school-age children but can be crowded and hot in California’s inland parks.
Essential Travel Planning
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth West Coast trip for your family. Below are some essentials:
- Book theme park tickets early: Disneyland and Universal Studios are popular, especially during peak season.
- Secure accommodations in advance: Look for family-friendly options close to major attractions that offer amenities like pools and breakfast.
- Be flexible with a rental car: The West Coast’s varied terrain and distances between attractions make it essential to rent a car that can comfortably transport you between destinations.
Children’s Theme Parks
Disneyland (Anaheim, California)
Disneyland in Anaheim offers a magical experience for children to meet their favorite characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and explore whimsical lands. Highlights include:
- Fantasyland: With classic rides such as “It’s a Small World” and “Peter Pan’s Flight.”
- Adventureland and Galaxy’s Edge: Dive into the worlds of Indiana Jones and Star Wars.
Legoland (Carlsbad, California)
LEGOLAND in Carlsbad is perfect for little ones who love Legos, featuring themed rides and a water play zone. Highlights include:
- Miniland USA: Kids and adults alike will be impressed by the miniature city made of LEGO.
- Waterpark & Sea Life Aquarium: A great place to cool off with hands-on exhibits and marine life.
Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA)
Universal Studios offers a movie-centric experience with thrill rides and behind-the-scenes studio tours. Highlights include:
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A must-see for Harry Potter fans.
- Jurassic World Ride: A thrilling water adventure featuring dinosaurs.
National Parks for Fun with Kids
Yosemite National Park, California
Ideal for families with accessible trails, waterfalls, and cliffs. Highlights include:
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail: An easy, scenic walk suitable for all ages.
- Junior Ranger Program: Children can earn badges by learning about Yosemite’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Redwood National and State Parks, Northern California
Experience the tallest trees on earth with these family-friendly attractions:
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove: A gentle trail where children can walk among giant trees.
- Elk Meadow Day Use Area: You may spot a herd of Roosevelt elk.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The iconic summit and surrounding forests offer family-friendly trails and scenic overlooks. Highlights include:
- Paradise Area: Known for its wildflower meadows and scenic trails.
- Nisqually Vista Trail: An easy hike with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.
Family Fun in the City
San Francisco, California
Explore science museums, zoos, and iconic landscapes:
- Exploratorium: A hands-on science museum.
- San Francisco Bay Cruise: Ferry ride with views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- San Francisco Zoo: Over 2,000 animals for family fun.
Portland, Oregon
With its laid-back atmosphere and green spaces, Portland has attractions for children to enjoy:
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and submarine tours.
- Washington Park: Home to the Oregon Zoo, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s blend of culture and natural beauty is perfect for family exploration:
- Space Needle: Panoramic views of Seattle.
- Seattle Aquarium: Touch pools and interactive exhibits for children.
- Ferry to Bainbridge Island: Scenic cruise with views of the Seattle skyline.
Practical Tips for West Coast Family Travel
Transportation and Car Rental
Due to the distances between attractions, renting a car is recommended. Consider:
- Snacks and water: Stay hydrated and energized on long drives.
- Sun protection: Pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Entertainment for children: Books, games, and playlists help during travel.
Family Accommodations
West Coast cities offer a variety of family-friendly accommodations. Look for:
- Pools and play areas: Great for relaxing after sightseeing.
- Proximity to attractions: Booking near major spots minimizes travel time.
Dining with Children
For a stress-free dining experience:
- Kid-friendly menus: Look for restaurants with kid-sized portions.
- Grocery stores: Stock up on snacks before visiting remote areas like national parks.
Safety Tips
Stay safe and comfortable on your travels:
- Hydrate regularly: Especially in warm, dry areas of the West Coast.
- Stay close to children: Keep an eye on everyone, particularly in crowded attractions.
Suggested Two-Week Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Los Angeles – Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the beach.
- Days 4-5: San Diego – Legoland and the San Diego Zoo.
- Days 6-7: Redwood National and State Parks.
- Days 8-9: Crater Lake and Southern Oregon.
- Days 10-11: Portland – OMSI and Washington Park.
- Days 12-13: Seattle – Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Aquarium.
- Days 14-15: Mount Rainier National Park – mountain trails and scenic views.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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