Key stops on your trip — highlights, tips, and what to know before you arrive.
Why it's special: A 50-ft deep gorge completely covered in five-species of ferns — like walking into a prehistoric world. Used as a filming location for
The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The 1.2-mile loop involves stream crossings (wet feet, bring water shoes!).
For kids 5–8: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Magical and memorable. The 5-year-old will need some help at the crossings.
⚠️ Book NOW: Reservation required May 15–Sep 15 at
recreation.gov. Day-use fee: $12 cash/check. Arrive at Gold Bluffs Beach kiosk. No pets, no wheelchair access.
Why it's special: The most famous drive-through tree in California — a 315-foot-tall living coastal redwood with a hand-carved tunnel through its base. Dating back over 2,400 years. The surrounding park has a gift shop, picnic area, and hiking trail.
Tunnel dimensions: 6 ft wide × 6 ft 9 in tall × 11.5 ft long
CX-9 note: The CX-9 body width (~74 in) is wider than the tunnel (72 in). Fold mirrors in and inch through carefully, or park and walk through for photos — still a fantastic experience!
Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (summer) | Cost: $10/car | Phone: 707-925-6464
Why it's special: The most spectacular concentration of old-growth coast redwoods in the world. A 33-mile winding drive through cathedral-like groves. Pull off anywhere for a short walk among trees taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Best easy stops for kids: Founders Grove Nature Loop (0.6 mi flat, giant fallen tree), Bull Creek Flats (gentle and shady). Both are free, no reservation needed.
Why it's perfect for your crew: LEGOLAND is designed specifically for ages 2–12. Your kids (5, 6, 8) are in the sweet spot. Rides aren't too intense, but there's enough to do for 3 full days with the Theme Park, Water Park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Your plan: Sun June 28 = SEA LIFE Aquarium | Mon June 29 = Theme Park (⭐ Weekday) | Tue June 30 = Water Park (⭐ Weekday)
Tickets: Buy the 3-Park Resort Hopper in advance online — includes LEGOLAND, Water Park, and SEA LIFE. Gate price is $139/person; look for online discounts (GetAwayToday, Undercover Tourist). See Budget tab for hotel analysis.
Why it's world-class: Consistently rated one of the top zoos in the world. 12,000+ animals, 650 species. Kids this age will be awestruck. The guided bus tour alone is worth it for the overview of the whole park.
Can't-miss for kids 5–8: Bus Tour (first thing), Gorillas of Africa Rocks, Elephant Odyssey, Giant Pandas, Skyfari Tram, Polar Bear Plunge.
Tickets: Buy in advance at
Undercover Tourist or via CityPASS — save ~$10–15/ticket. Gate: $78/adult, $68/child (3–11).
Why it's a different experience: A massive open-range wildlife preserve — 1,800 acres — where rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and zebras roam freely. The Africa Tram ride through the savanna is unlike anything else. A completely different feel from the Zoo.
For kids: The open-air, big-animal safari feel is incredible at any age. The garden train ride and ropes course are also huge hits.
Buy a 2-park combo (Zoo + Safari Park) for best value — saves ~15% vs. buying separately.
The famous movie dinos: These concrete giants (Dinny the Brontosaurus and Mr. Rex) were featured in Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) — not The Wiz! Either way, they're spectacular, weird, and totally fun. You can walk inside Dinny's belly to find a gift shop, and dig for "fossils" in the sand pit.
For kids 5–8: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ They will absolutely flip out seeing a T-Rex taller than a building.
Admission: $15/adult, $13/kids (3–12). Can photograph from parking lot for free. Open daily. Plan for 20–30 min stop on the way into Palm Desert — right on I-10!
Bonus: Gem panning and a Dino Dig sand pit on site.
Perfect for July 4th morning: Opens at 7 AM — do this early before the desert heat kicks in! Focuses on desert animals (giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats, camels) and stunning desert botanical gardens. More manageable than the San Diego Zoo in scale — great for a morning visit.
Admission: Check website for 2026 pricing (~$35–40 adult, $25–30 kids). Member discounts available.
Best escape from July heat: Ride the world's largest rotating tram car from 2,643 ft to 8,516 ft elevation in just 10 minutes. The temperature at the top is 30–40°F cooler than the valley. Two-mile nature walk at the summit through pine trees — feels like a completely different world.
For kids 5–8: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The rotating tram car ride alone is unforgettable. Kids love the mountain summit "surprise" after the desert heat.
Admission: ~$35/adult, ~$25/kids (check website). Trams run every 30 min. Can get crowded on holiday weekends — book tickets online in advance!
🧱 LEGOLAND — Hotel vs. Off-Site Analysis
For a family of 5 staying near LEGOLAND (3 nights: June 27–30). All estimates in USD before tax. Verify current pricing at legoland.com.
~$1,800–2,000 total
1 night Legoland Hotel (check-in June 28) with 2-day included park tickets, then 2 nights off-site hotel (~$200/night) + buy 3rd park day (~$100/person online).
- ✅ Kids get the magical LEGO room experience
- ✅ Early park entry on Day 1 (Mon June 29)
- ✅ Saves $800–1,000 vs. all-in at LEGOLAND Hotel
- ✅ LEGO surprise gifts in-room for kids
- ⚠️ Two hotel check-outs/check-ins
- ⚠️ Need to book both hotels
~$2,600–3,200 total
Hotel packages from ~$214/person/night (family of 4 base pricing). 2-day park tickets included per stay, 3rd day purchased separately (~$100–140/person).
- ✅ Full LEGO-themed experience all stay
- ✅ Early park entry every day
- ✅ In-room LEGO play areas + bunk beds
- ✅ Interactive entertainment, pool
- ❌ Most expensive option by far
- ❌ Very small rooms for family of 5
- ❌ 3rd park day costs extra
~$1,100–1,500 total
3 nights at nearby hotels (Residence Inn Carlsbad, Omni La Costa, etc. ~$180–250/night) + 3-day Resort Hopper tickets purchased online (~$100–130/person).
- ✅ Save $1,000–1,700 vs. LEGOLAND Hotel
- ✅ More space and amenities
- ✅ More hotel options near Carlsbad beach
- ❌ No early park entry
- ❌ No LEGO-themed room experience
- ❌ No in-room surprises for kids
🏪 Costco Legoland Tickets — Expired!
The Costco in-store 3-day deal ($109.99) was valid through
June 6, 2026. That deadline has passed — this deal is no longer available for your June 28–30 visit. Best current discounts:
GetAwayToday.com and
UndercoverTourist.com typically save $15–25/ticket.
🎟 Full Trip Admission Cost Estimate
| Attraction | Details | Est. Cost (Family of 5) |
|---|
| 🌿 Fern Canyon | $12 day-use fee (cash/check) + reservation | $12 |
| 🚗 Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree | $10/car | $10 |
| 🧱 LEGOLAND 3-Day Resort Hopper | ~$100–130/person online | $500–650 |
| 🐠 SEA LIFE Aquarium | Included in Resort Hopper | $0 |
| 🦁 San Diego Zoo (2 days) | ~$71 adult / $61 child × 2 days | ~$650 |
| 🦒 Safari Park (1 day) | ~$65 adult / $55 child (with combo) | ~$235 |
| 🦕 Cabazon Dinosaurs | $15 adult / $13 kids | $69 |
| 🦁 Living Desert | ~$35 adult / $28 kids (est.) | ~$154 |
| 🚠 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | ~$35 adult / $25 kids | ~$145 |
| Total Admissions (estimate) | ~$1,775–1,925 |
⛽ Gas Estimate
| Segment | Miles | Est. Cost (at ~$3.50/gal avg) |
|---|
| Mukilteo → Crescent City | ~600 | ~$96 |
| Crescent City → Carlsbad | ~670 | ~$107 |
| Local (Carlsbad/San Diego area) | ~150 | ~$24 |
| San Diego → Palm Desert | ~130 | ~$21 |
| Palm Desert → Mukilteo | ~1,100 | ~$176 |
| Total | ~2,650 mi | ~$424 |
CX-9: 19.5 gal tank, ~24 mpg highway. Costco gas typically saves $0.20–0.40/gal vs. regular stations.
⛽ Costco Gas Stop Plan
2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring: 19.5 gal tank, ~24 mpg highway = ~468 mile range. Plan to stop every 300–350 miles. Costco gas hours typically 6 AM – 9:30 PM (Sat to 9 PM, Sun to 8:30 PM — varies by location).
🔽 Going South
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1
Costco Lynnwood/Mukilteo, WA
Fill up COMPLETELY before 9 PM on June 25 — this is your last Costco until morning. (~0 mi)
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R
Regular Gas — Portland, OR area
~180 mi south. Costco closed at midnight. Use Shell/Chevron on I-5 near Tigard or Portland. If arriving after 6 AM, hit Costco Tigard (7850 SW Dartmouth St).
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2
Costco Grants Pass, OR
~400 mi from Mukilteo. 2555 Brookside Dr. Opens 6 AM. Great morning stop before turning west on US-199 toward Crescent City.
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R
No Costco in Crescent City — regular gas if needed
From Grants Pass, the next Costco is Ukiah (~300 mi south via US-101). Tank from Grants Pass should reach Ukiah.
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3
Costco Ukiah, CA
1050 Airport Park Blvd, Ukiah. On US-101 heading south — right on your route! First California Costco. Opens 6 AM Sat. (~650 mi from Mukilteo)
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4
Costco Rohnert Park, CA
5201 Redwood Dr, Rohnert Park. Bay Area approach — fill before the city. (~730 mi from Mukilteo)
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5
Costco Stockton or Tracy, CA (optional)
If cutting inland via I-580 → I-5 south. Multiple options on I-5 through the Central Valley.
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6
Costco Bakersfield, CA
3800 Panama Ln, Bakersfield. I-5 corridor — great lunch/fuel stop. (~950 mi from Mukilteo)
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7
Costco Carlsbad, CA ⭐
850 Palomar Airport Rd — literally near your Legoland hotel! (~1,200 mi). Also use during your 3-day stay.
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8
Costco San Diego (Mission Valley or Otay Ranch)
Multiple locations. Fill before heading to Palm Desert on July 3.
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9
Costco Palm Springs / Rancho Mirage, CA ⭐
72840 CA-111, Rancho Mirage. Near your timeshare! Fill for the long drive home on July 5.
🔼 Return North (July 5)
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A
Costco Palm Springs (fill up!)
Start the long drive home with a full tank.
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B
Costco Bakersfield, CA
3800 Panama Ln — ~200 mi from Palm Desert on I-5.
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C
Costco Sacramento, CA
Multiple I-5 corridor locations. Great lunch break ~400 mi from Palm Desert.
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🏠
⭐ WILLOWS, CA — Childhood Home Stop
Exit I-5 at Hwy 162 or N Humboldt Ave, Willows. Directly on I-5 — zero detour! (~560 mi from Palm Desert). Quick family memory stop.
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D
Costco Redding, CA
2600 Rancho Rd — last California Costco before Oregon. (~680 mi from Palm Desert)
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E
Costco Eugene, OR
85 Goodpasture Island Rd (~870 mi from Palm Desert)
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F
Costco Portland/Tigard, OR
7850 SW Dartmouth St (~1,000 mi from Palm Desert)
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G
Costco Lynnwood/Mukilteo, WA — Home!
~1,100 mi from Palm Desert. Welcome back!
🚦 Traffic Watch
🌉 Bay Area — Saturday June 27
Aim to clear San Francisco/Oakland by 12:30 PM. Saturday midday traffic is manageable. Cut east at Novato on I-580 → I-5 south for the fastest route (avoid Peninsula 101 which is slower). Avoid 4–7 PM at all costs — it backs up badly on summer Saturdays.
🏙 Los Angeles Basin — Saturday June 27
I-5 through LA is slow on Saturday afternoons. Aim to hit downtown LA before 2 PM or after 7 PM. The I-5 south through the Grapevine and into LA on a Saturday mid-afternoon is often at a standstill near the 405 and 605 interchanges.
☀️ San Diego to Palm Desert — Friday July 3
Pre-holiday traffic on I-15 heading toward Temecula can be heavy Friday afternoon. Depart San Diego by 10 AM to clear most of it. The I-10 into Palm Desert is generally fine once you're past Beaumont.
🎆 July 5 Return — Post-Holiday Traffic
I-5 north on July 5 (Sunday after July 4) can be congested through LA and the Bay Area. Depart Palm Desert by 6 AM to get ahead of the holiday traffic wave. Consider stopping overnight in Redding or Eugene and driving the last stretch on July 6 instead.
🌡 Desert Heat + Driving
Driving through the Mojave/Coachella in July midday (noon–4 PM) is hot but safe in a modern car. Keep water accessible, don't leave kids or pets in the car even briefly, and keep the AC set to recirculate for efficiency.
Things to book, buy, or prepare before you leave. Click each item to check it off!
📅 Book These ASAP
✓
Fern Canyon Reservation — Reserve at recreation.gov now! Required June 26. Fills up fast in summer.
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Legoland Hotel (1 night) — Book Legoland Hotel for Sun June 28 for the kids' experience + early entry. Legoland.com/california
✓
Off-site Carlsbad hotel (2 nights) — For Mon June 29 & Tue June 30. Look for family suites near LEGOLAND (Residence Inn Carlsbad, SpringHill Suites, etc.)
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San Diego hotel (2 nights) — For Wed July 1 & Thu July 2. Near Balboa Park or Mission Valley for easy Zoo access.
✓
Miranda Gardens Resort — (or Benbow Inn) for Fri June 26. Very limited options in this area!
✓
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets — Buy online in advance at pstramway.com, especially for July 4 weekend.
✓
LEGOLAND 3-Park Resort Hopper tickets — Buy 3-day hoppers online now for June 28–30. Saves vs. gate price. Try GetAwayToday.com or UnderTourist.com first.
🎟 Buy Tickets in Advance
✓
San Diego Zoo + Safari Park 2-Park Combo — Buy at sdzsafaripark.org or via CityPASS. Saves ~$15/person vs. gate.
✓
Cabazon Dinosaurs — Can buy at the gate ($15/adult, $13/kids), no advance booking needed.
✓
Living Desert Zoo, Palm Desert — Check for online discount at livingdesert.org
🎒 What to Pack for This Specific Trip
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Water shoes (x5) — Essential for Fern Canyon stream crossings and Legoland Water Park
✓
Rash guards (x3 kids) — Legoland Water Park, protect from sun
✓
Dry bag — For phones and valuables at water park and beach
✓
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — Apply before leaving hotel each day. Desert sun is intense.
✓
Reusable water bottles (x5) — Mandatory for Palm Desert. Refill constantly.
✓
Car snack bag — Granola bars, jerky, fruit pouches, gummies. Saves $$ and meltdowns.
✓
Headlamps (x2) — Useful for early morning wakeups and late-night fireworks walk
✓
Kids' road trip entertainment — Tablets loaded with shows/games, headphones, activity books
✓
Portable car charger / power bank — For overnight drive and long park days
✓
$12 cash or check for Fern Canyon — No cards accepted at Gold Bluffs Beach kiosk!
✓
Light jackets — Coastal redwoods can be 55–65°F even in late June, and Palm Springs Tramway summit is cold
🚗 Car Prep
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Oil change — Check mileage; 2,700-mile trip may push you into next change
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Tire pressure check — Especially important for desert driving in July heat
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Coolant and fluids check — Desert heat can stress the cooling system
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CX-9 width for Chandelier Tree — Fold mirrors in for the drive-through or plan to walk through (still great!). Opening is 6 ft wide.
✓
Load up family playlist / audiobooks — Make the overnight and long drives fun
💡 Quick Trip Notes
•
Legoland ages: Your kids (5, 6, 8) are in the perfect LEGOLAND age window — don't wait another year!
•
July heat: Outside Palm Desert, all other stops are mild (60s–70s). Pack layers for the overnight drive through Oregon.
•
The Wiz vs. Pee-wee: The Cabazon Dinosaurs were in Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) — still iconic and the kids will go crazy for them!
•
Willows, CA: Directly on I-5 returning north — zero detour. Just watch for the exit!