Jun 25, 2023

21 Day USA Itinerary with Kids: Copy Our Family Trip!

Thinking of heading to the US with the kids?

Here’s the exact 21-day USA itinerary we followed as a family of three from Australia, covering California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Copy all of it, or just the bits that suit your family.

Short on time? Read this:

Route: Melbourne, Brisbane, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Page and Lake Powell, Zion, Barstow, LAX, then home via Brisbane.
Where we stayed in Brisbane - Pullman Airport Hotel
Where we stayed in Anaheim - Hotel Peppertree & Suites
Where we stayed in Las Vegas - The Flamingo
Where we stayed in Page - Best Western View of Lake Powell
Where we stayed in Zion - Zion Lodge
Where we stayed on Route 66 - Rodeway Inn
Where we stayed at LAX Airport - Hyatt Place

Highlights: Disneyland and California Adventure, Griffith Observatory at sunrise, a Lakers game, the Las Vegas Strip, Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park.
Our top tips: Consider flying out of Brisbane to minimise jet lag. Bring your own food and drinks into Disney, skip San Diego for Temecula and La Jolla.

What it all cost: see our 3-week USA trip cost breakdown HERE
Travel insurance: we use SCTI (kids are insured for free), eSIMs: we recommend Airalo

Day 1: Melbourne to LA, the journey begins:

Our trip started with an early morning departure from Melbourne. After breakfast and showers at the Qantas Club (see this post for how we get free Qantas Club passes), we took a short flight to Brisbane.

We had all day to wait for our flight to LA, so instead of hanging around the airport, we checked into the conveniently located Pullman Airport Hotel.

For $288, we had a room for the day and access to all the hotel’s facilities. We swam, napped, enjoyed two hours of included cocktails and canapes, then headed back to the airport around 7.30 pm.

The flight from Brisbane to LA was about 14 hours, and we all managed a good few hours of sleep from around midnight Aussie time.

When we landed, we caught a bus to a designated taxi pick-up area, as there are no taxis immediately outside the airport. We chose Lyft over Uber or a taxi because it was about half the price.

We arrived at Hotel Peppertree in Anaheim around 8.30 pm LA time, and we were all asleep by 10.30 pm.

We chose Hotel Peppertree because it was under $300 a night and had a kitchenette.

It’s also only 7 minutes from Disney, and there’s a supermarket right across the street. The room was big, and the decor was a fusion of Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean influences.

Pro tip: Even if you live in Melbourne or Sydney, consider flying out of Brisbane International Airport, as the flight times are often better.

Flying through the night and landing at night meant we had almost no jet lag. The airport is also smaller, easier to navigate and has fewer people transiting, so there’s less time lining up for kids.

If you're looking for an affordable family hotel near Disneyland, Hotel Peppertree in Anaheim is great.

You can check prices of Hotel Peppertree HERE

Day 2: Rental Car, Walmart & Disneyland:

After a good night’s sleep, we had included breakfast at Hotel Peppertree and collected our rental car, which we booked through Turo.

We also popped into Walmart to stock up on snacks and easy meals for our hotel room, then made our way to the original Disneyland Park and stayed until midnight.

Built in 1955, this was the first of the Disney parks. It has a nostalgic vibe, with Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, The Lion King, Peter Pan, Snow White and of course the iconic Disney Castle.

You can come and go throughout the day, which is handy if you need a rest, and it’s great to experience the park by both day and night. We watched lots of the older Disney movies in the lead-up to our trip, which made it even more special.

Pro tip: There are two Disney parks directly opposite each other in California: Disneyland (the original park) and Disney California Adventure.

You can buy tickets that let you into both parks on the same day, but we decided not to spend the extra and focused on one park per day.

There’s plenty to do in each without park hopping. At the time, we did spend extra on Genie Plus, which let us book specific ride times and skip the queues.

We booked our Disney tickets directly, but KLOOK sometimes has epic sales, so check KLOOK first for discounted Disneyland tickets.

Day 3: Disneyland, the original park:

After a lazy morning, we headed back to the park around 2 pm and stayed until 10 pm.

Pro tip: Not many people know you can bring your own food and drinks into the Disney parks. We brought our own water and bought food there, but splurged on a few iconic snacks.

There are plenty of water stations to refill drink bottles.

Want to know what Disney cost us travelling from Australia?

See our Disneyland breakdown HERE

Day 4: Rest and Anaheim Packing District:

After a morning of rest, we spent the afternoon at Anaheim Packing District, a lively social hub where locals and visitors gather for good food and live music. From sushi and tacos to Vietnamese and vegan, there’s something for everyone.

Pro tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to secure seating. We arrived at 3 pm, which was perfect.

Day 5: Exploring LA and hockey excitement:

Our fifth day in California started at 5.30 am, so we could watch the sun rise over LA from the Griffith Observatory, a sight not to be missed.

We then hiked through Runyon Canyon, hoping to spot celebrities, and got up close to the iconic Hollywood sign.

Both Griffith Observatory and Runyon Canyon are some of the best things to do in LA.

After a relaxing lunch and some downtime back at Hotel Peppertree, we headed to the Honda Centre for an Anaheim Ducks ice hockey game. You can buy tickets for Ducks games HERE.

Us at the Hollywood Sign

Pro tip: To get an up-close view of the Hollywood sign for free, type 3160 Canyon Lake Drive into your sat nav and travel along this road until it becomes Mulholland Highway.

From there, find a park, follow the “local traffic only” signs and park where the road ends. Once parked, walk towards the sign and stick to the left when you get to the fork in the road.

We purchased tickets for the Anaheim Ducks through Ticketmaster

Click HERE to see pricing

Day 6: Market adventures and a Lakers game:

Today we explored Grand Central Market. There are lots of well-known eateries, and it’s worth a look if you’re a foodie. We enjoyed mouth-watering dishes from Sticky Rice and treated ourselves to a phenomenal Reuben sandwich at Wexler’s Deli.

Then we saw a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena. At $125 per person, it’s pricey, but it was such a cool experience for anyone who’s into sports. Dinner that night was Chick-fil-A.

You can buy tickets for Lakers games HERE.

Pro tip: If sports aren’t your cup of tea, or you’re after a grown-up date night, head to the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Hotel. You can sip cocktails while enjoying breathtaking rooftop views of Los Angeles.

We purchased our NBA Tickets from Ticketmaster

Click HERE to see pricing

Day 7: Retail therapy and sweet treats:

Today was all about outlet shopping at two of the most renowned destinations: The Outlets at Orange and Citadel Outlets. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, they’re nice places for strolling and people-watching.

After our shopping spree, we caught up on laundry, ate more tacos from the street vendor opposite Hotel Peppertree and ticked off another must-try food spot: M&M Donuts.

Pro tip: Go to M&M Donuts at 9 pm when it opens for fresh blueberry donuts!

Day 8: Malibu, Santa Monica Pier and the Farmers Market:

Today we did a coastal drive around Malibu, then made our way to Santa Monica Pier and ate at the Farmers Market. We’d planned to stop at Venice Beach too, but the kids were tired, so we skipped it. I’ve heard it’s brilliant for people-watching and trendy cafes.

Pro tip: Don’t park near Santa Monica Pier. Park in the car park off Arizona Avenue, where the first 90 minutes are free, which is more than enough time to walk the pier and go on a few rides. It’s not a big place, but it’s so iconic it’s worth a visit.

Day 9: California Adventure:

Today we spent the afternoon and evening at Disney’s other park, California Adventure. It’s more of a thrill-seeker park, with rides themed around Star Wars and The Avengers, but it also has Cars Land, which is great fun for all ages.

Pro tip: For the best view of the spectacular World of Colour show, catch the second show at 10 pm when the crowd has thinned. You’ll be able to get a prime spot at the front of the viewing area with ease.

Planning on visiting both Disney parks?

You can check for discounted Disneyland tickets on KLOOK

Day 10: A drive to Temecula, San Diego and enchanting La Jolla:

Our first stop today was a lovely little town called Temecula. Nestled between the mountains, it has lots of antique shops, cafes and wineries to explore.

From there, we drove to San Diego, which we honestly wouldn’t visit again. Then it was on to the breathtaking La Jolla, a quaint beachside town where you can watch seal colonies lounging on the beach.

Pro tip: Skip San Diego and prioritise Temecula and La Jolla.

The best things to do in Temecula

The best things to do in La Jolla

Day 11: Anaheim 1 and preparing for our national park road trip:

Today the boys spent the day at Anaheim 1, and I took the opportunity to rest and stock up on supplies for our upcoming road trip, knowing national park areas tend to have higher prices.

I also returned our smaller hire car and swapped it for a bigger 4WD.

The small car had served us well in the cities, but we wanted something bigger for safety and comfort on our big road trip. Again, I rented it through Turo.

Pro tip: Don’t hire a brand-new car for Anaheim and LA. Every second car is banged up, so a little old buzz box will do fine. Upgrade when you leave the city.

We had great experiences and can highly recommend Turo. Turo is like Airbnb for cars.

We loved Turo. Click HERE to see car hire prices

Day 12: Anaheim to Las Vegas, a road trip adventure:

Today we left Anaheim behind and headed for Las Vegas. The drive took 6 hours, as we took the scenic route and stopped in Death Valley, a stunning national park and a great place to stretch everybody’s legs.

The other highlight was lunch at Molly Brown’s Roadhouse in Helendale. A classic diner that will remind you of old TV shows you watched as a kid.

When we arrived in Las Vegas, we checked into the Flamingo Hotel, an older establishment and one of the few remaining original “gangster” hotels, which gave a cool sense of history to our stay.

Pro tip: Before heading to Las Vegas, withdraw cash, as most ATMs charge a $7 USD withdrawal fee.

You can check reviews & prices for the Flamingo Hotel HERE

Day 13: Exploring iconic Las Vegas and culinary delights:

Today was all about photos at the iconic spots that define Las Vegas, including the Eiffel Tower, the Bellagio fountains and the Mirage volcano.

There are stacks of shows you can see in Vegas too; however, do check age restrictions if travelling with kids. Many shows require the audience to be 16+.

For dining, we had a fantastic breakfast at Margaritaville. For lunch, we headed to Ocean One Bar & Grill, a hidden gem with unbeatable deals like $2 beers and three cocktails for $10. In the evening, we had a memorable dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant.

A single main at Carmine’s might seem steep at $60 AUD, but the portions were incredibly generous. One meal and a side fed our whole family and our friends; it let us enjoy authentic Italian flavours in a shared dining experience, and you couldn’t fault the service.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll clock lots of kilometres walking up and down the Strip. Also, head to the Mirage car park before sunset for a breathtaking view that’s free!

Lady Gaga at Madame Tussauds

The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas

See Current Shows & Musicals

Day 14: Horseshoe Bend adventure:

Today, we drove 5 hours from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona. This place is nothing short of breathtaking. We stayed at the Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel, which had clean rooms and a stunning view, although the service left a lot to be desired.

Pro tip: Do not leave Horseshoe Bend or Lake Powell off your itinerary! I’d even suggest prioritising them over the Grand Canyon, as they’re far less crowded and, in my opinion, more stunning!

View from Horseshoe Bend

Day 15: Lower Antelope Canyon, Big John’s Texas BBQ and Zion National Park:

We started the day with a guided walk through Lower Antelope Canyon, led by fantastic Native American guides. Words cannot describe the magic of this place.

It’s a must for any nature lover and a great adventure for kids (though you might want to skip it if you’re claustrophobic). You can book a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon HERE.

You need to book a tour. The canyons aren't something you can do on your own. It's prohibited.

We then ate lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ, then took the scenic 2-hour drive to Zion National Park. The afternoon was filled with awe-inspiring sights of snow-capped mountains, striking red rocks and native deer.

Pro tip: We stayed at Zion Lodge while exploring Zion, because it’s the only accommodation inside the national park. Over summer, if you don’t stay inside the park, you’ll need to use a shuttle bus to enter and exit, since private cars aren’t allowed, except for guests staying at Zion Lodge.

You can book a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon HERE

Note: The only way to access the Canyons is through a Tour

Day 16: More Zion:

Today we hiked the Emerald Pools trail, which took us three hours at a leisurely pace.

There’s some slippery terrain, but it’s fine for newbie hikers and kids over 8. If you have younger kids, there are other walks you can do, or you could bring a carrier for babies and toddlers.

After the walk, we relaxed in our cosy cabins, soaked in the scenery and rested before dinner.

Pro tip: Eat at Oscars in Springdale (the closest town). It’s the best restaurant in the area, and prices are on par with other venues.

This was my Aunt's room at Zion Lodge - our cabin was the same, but with two double beds

Day 17: Zion and Springdale:

Today we wandered around the charming town of Springdale and enjoyed the local ambience. It was a perfect chance to unwind, recharge and simply enjoy the tranquillity. We also did more laundry!

Pro tip: Eat at Zion Canyon Brew Pub and The Spotted Dog.

Click HERE to See The Best Things to Do in Zion

Day 18: Back to California via Barstow:

Today we made our way back to California and spent the night in Barstow. There’s not much to do there, but it was a good halfway point to stop and sleep.

Along the way, we stopped at a Chevron station, one of the largest gas stations in the world, and the Frozen Coke wall and millions of flavours made our son very happy.

Pro tip: Eat at DiNapoli’s Firehouse in Barstow, and stay at the Historic 66 Rodeway Inn!

Day 19: Marina Del Rey, Walmart and plane spotting:

Today we completed our journey back to Los Angeles, where we checked into the Hyatt Los Angeles, conveniently located near LAX airport. We explored Marina Del Rey (not a must-see, but nice if you have time to kill) and ate at the iconic In-N-Out Burger at LAX.

Pro tip: Set aside time for plane spotting at LAX. It’s an absolute thrill to feel the planes flying right over your head! We stood on the grass between In-N-Out Burger and 7-Eleven.

Day 20: Homeward Bound - Back to Australia:

Today we began the journey home from Los Angeles back to Melbourne, Australia (via Brisbane).

I’d pre-booked meals for our Qantas flight, which is worth doing, especially if you have picky eaters. Our son was happy to have mac and cheese and pancakes rather than having to choose from typical grown-up meals. And pre-booking meals usually means you get to eat first!

When we landed in Brisbane, we checked into the Ibis airport hotel for the day and made the most of our layover by catching up with family who had recently moved to Brisbane.

We explored the vibrant South Bank area, swam in the man-made lagoons and relaxed in the parklands.

Having now stayed at the Ibis and the Pullman, I prefer the Pullman. If budget allows, this is the Brisbane Airport hotel I'd recommend choosing.

Day 21: Brisbane to Melbourne:

On the final day, we flew from Brisbane to Melbourne. Thanks to being Amex credit card holders, we again enjoyed the comforts of the Qantas Club, indulging in food and drinks before take-off.

The tranquil lounge was a relaxing contrast to the busy airport, and it made our final travel day enjoyable!

Pro tip: Book a click-and-collect grocery order for the day you get back, and make sure you have some meals in the freezer you can easily pop in the oven. It’s much nicer coming home to food in the house!

More USA travel tips:

Don't even consider travelling to the USA without travel insurance. We use and recommend Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) as it's fully comprehensive; plus, kids are insured for free with paying adults, which is a nice budget hack.

Get a quote with SCTI

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Kindest,
Kirstin