Summer is finally here for my family…today is officially the last day of school for my son, he’s culminated from TK!  And to make it even more special, my stepdaughter graduated from high school last week! We’re soaking up all the emotions and getting ready to take on summer.

While we’re not hitting the road just yet, I’m putting the final touches on our July adventures and I wanted to share some of my favorite road trip tips, tricks, and California getaway ideas in case you’re thinking of loading up the car too!

There’s something magical about a summer road trip. It always brings back memories of being a kid and all the trips we took up and down the California coast — the open road, snack breaks, family sing-alongs, and yes… even the “Are we there yet?” moments!

Here’s what I typically expect on our road trips, what to pack, and a few of my favorite family-friendly road trip destinations. Plus some fun extras to help keep the kids smiling along the way.

 🚗 What to Expect on a Family Road Trip

More stops than you think: Bathroom breaks, snack runs, and wiggle time are essential when traveling with kids. Embrace the journey — not just the destination.

Messy car = happy family: Between juice boxes, crackers, and toy explosions, your car might not look Instagram-ready. And that’s okay!

Flexible timelines are everything: Traffic, meltdowns, and unexpected detours happen. Build in buffer time and go with the flow.

🎒 What to Pack (for All Ages!)
Packing smart can make or break the trip. I’ve created customized checklists based on your kids’ ages, because what works for toddlers definitely doesn’t work for tweens!

👉 Click here to download my Road Trip Essentials Checklists for Kids of All Ages

🗺️ Where to Go This Summer

Some of my favorite family-friendly road trip destinations starting right here in California:

🚙 Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1):
Scenic ocean views, charming beach towns, and even elephant seals!

🌲 Yosemite National Park:
Towering trees, waterfalls, and trails where kids can run wild.

🏔️ Lake Tahoe:
A perfect mix of beaches and mountains — think swimming, paddle boarding, and family hikes.

☀️ San Diego to Santa Barbara:
A sun-soaked weekend filled with sand, surf, and delicious coastal eats.

🌄 National Parks Tour:
Hit Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon for one epic loop through some of America’s most iconic landscapes.

🎉 Bonus Fun: Road Trip Bingo!
Looking for screen-free entertainment? My 4-year-old and I created Road Trip Bingo cards filled with fun things to spot along the way — cows, convertibles, roadside diners, and more! It’s simple, fun, and keeps those little eyes off screens (for at least a few minutes 😉). Click here to get your Road Trip Bingo cards.

Where are you heading this summer? If you haven’t planned your California road trip yet, now’s the perfect time! And if you need help choosing a destination or building the perfect itinerary, I’d love to help.

Here’s to full tanks, great snacks, and memories that last long after the drive is over. 💛