12 Days, 1 Convertible, 2 Kids: The California Family Road Trip You’ve Been Dreaming Of

California isn’t just a place on the map — it’s a dream that begs to be lived on the open road. With endless beaches, giant redwoods, quirky roadside stops, and golden sunsets, the Golden State is a ready-made playground for families. In just 12 days, you can go from Venice Beach performers to Big Sur campfires, from Hollywood lights to sea lions barking on a pier. This is the ultimate family adventure — the kind of trip your kids will talk about for years.

Santa Monica & Venice: Where the Road Trip Begins

The first stop is Santa Monica Beach, where kids race across the sand while acrobats flip on gymnastic rings. The air smells like sunscreen and saltwater, and the energy is contagious.

Follow the ocean path to Venice Beach, where street performers, tie-dye stalls, and roller skaters make every step entertaining. Even the dog in a bikini (yes, a real one) gets a laugh from the crowd. Venice is chaotic, colorful, and the perfect kick-off to a California road trip.

Malibu Nights and Old Western Towns

Before leaving Los Angeles, the family detours to Paramount Ranch, where wooden storefronts from classic westerns sit quietly in the mountains. With no crowds, it feels like discovering a secret ghost town.

The evening ends in Malibu, with dinner at The Sunset, a wood-clad restaurant where seafood is served steps from the sand. Watching the sun sink into the Pacific, with waves crashing just beyond the tables, is the kind of family memory that feels almost cinematic.

Hollywood Dreams Come True

Los Angeles delivers on its promise of stardust. Kids press their hands into celebrity imprints at the TCL Chinese Theater, families refuel at In-N-Out Burger, and everyone gets a behind-the-scenes peek at the Warner Bros Studios.

But the highlight comes on horseback at Sunset Ranch, winding up trails beneath the Hollywood sign. As the skyline glows in the evening light, it’s clear why this city has fueled so many dreams.

Highway 1: Every Turn a Postcard

The drive north along Highway 1 is more than a journey — it’s an experience. At Port San Luis Pier, sea lions bark from below while fishermen slice through fresh catches with Samurai-like precision. Children gasp at tubs of live crabs, while parents sneak photos of the view.

Nearby, Avila Valley Barn becomes an instant favorite: pony rides, hay bale climbing, and homemade pies that rarely survive past the parking lot. Sticky fingers, big smiles — this is road-tripping at its best.

Every mile north reveals another jaw-dropping view of cliffs plunging into the Pacific. Even kids, usually quick to lose interest, sit in awe as each bend unveils something even more dramatic.

Big Sur: Redwood Forests and Ocean Magic

If there’s a soul to the California coast, it’s Big Sur. Instead of checking into crowded cabins, families can plan a HomeExchange stay nearby — waking up surrounded by redwoods, with the Pacific just minutes away. Evenings mean campfires under the trees, home-cooked meals, and kids running free in nature.

Days are filled with tubing down the river, swinging from ropes, and hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Complaints quickly fade at the summit of Valley View Trail when the ocean stretches endlessly into the horizon.

The most unforgettable scene comes at Pfeiffer Beach, where waves crash through a rock arch at sunset. With a HomeExchange stay close by, it’s easy to linger as long as you want, then return to the comfort of a real home.

Days mean tubing down rivers, swinging from ropes, and hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The reward at the top? Panoramas stretching all the way to Monterey.

But the most unforgettable scene comes at Pfeiffer Beach. As waves thunder through a rock arch and the sky explodes in pink and violet, silence falls over the crowd. It’s a moment that defines the trip.

Quirky Stops and Sandy Goodbyes

Heading south, California continues to surprise. At Pismo Beach, dune buggies tear across golden sand while kite surfers leap across the horizon. Families spread blankets, cheer the riders, and soak up one last golden California sunset.

By the time the convertible is returned in Los Angeles, the car is sandy, the kids are sun-kissed, and the family carries memories that feel larger than life.

California Road Trip Snapshot

Why HomeExchange Makes This Trip Even Better

Road trips are thrilling, but families need a place to recharge. Hotels along the California coast can be pricey and cramped, but HomeExchange swaps those rooms for real homes. Picture cooking fresh corn from Avila Valley Barn in a cozy kitchen, tossing sandy clothes straight into the wash, or sipping local wine while kids play in the backyard. It’s comfort, space, and savings — all while living like a Californian.