I’m sharing our unforgettable family adventure through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Big Sur—with three little ones in tow, a baby on the way, and a body prepped by my Holistic Pregnancy Program to handle it all. From misty waterfall hikes to winding mountain roads, here’s an unfiltered guide to planning a family trip through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Big Sur with toddlers, a baby, and one on the way!
EPISODE 12 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: PREGNANT AND TRAVELING WITH LITTLES: OUR REAL-LIFE YOSEMITE, SEQUOIA & BIG SUR ADVENTURE GUIDE
When we started planning our family trip to Yosemite, I knew I wanted a mix of adventure and ease—a front-loaded hiking itinerary that gave way to rest, beach time, and slow moments. Here’s how we made it happen with a five-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and a tiny baby in my belly at just over 8 weeks pregnant!
Alongside our Utah Mighty Five and Canadian Rockies guides—these family travel itineraries tend to be the most saved. In the meantime, reach out on Instagram @drkaylaborchers and share your favorite family travel tips or to ask a question!
🎙️ More of a listener than a visual learner? You can catch the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast—available on all your favorite platforms!
🎧 Holistically Well Podcast on Apple | Episode 12
🎙️ Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify | Episode 12
💻 Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube | Episode 12
Day 1: Travel Day & San Fransisco as a Family
We first made the 2 hour drive from our rural home to the Cincinnati Airport, then flew direct to San Fransisco. A 5 hour flight that was challenging for our one year old at times, but he finally gave in to sleep! Our 3 and 5 year old love the flying experience and were great.
We picked up our rental SUV and grabbed lunch to go from Dinosaur Sandwiches on Ocean Ave. This had the cutest little park next to it that felt quiet amidst the big city. Onward to Golden Gate Park where the kids loved riding on the Carousel and playing at Koret Children’s Playground. This is a HUGE park with plenty around to explore. We drove past the Queen Wilhelmena Garden on our way to the beach and Golden Gate Bridge viewing.
Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge was beautiful as we had no fog our day here. When you reach the side opposite San Fran, the vibe was much more “us”. Calmer, quieter, greener. Big bays with sailboats and yachts. Less traffic and more nature. We continued on to Hyatt Place Dublin/Pleasanton, our hotel for the night. This was walking distance from Whole Foods, where I stocked up on meat, cheese, veggies and fruit for our trip.
Day 2: Welcome to Yosemite—Waterfalls, Picnic Views & Junior Rangers
We arrived in Yosemite mid-day and were ready to get some movement in. We first made the short hike to Bridalveil Falls, getting shrouded in mist as we took in the pounding springtime waterfall.
Hungry for lunch, we then found a beautiful turn-off alongside the road for a snack picnic with meat, cheese, fruit, carrots and crackers… overlooking El Capitan. I mean, does it get better?
We could hear the rushing water from Bridalveil Falls as we ate. The kids were in awe. We then went around the bend to watch climbers on El Cap. You need your binoculars to spot them! Truly remarkable.
I must note—we listened to Guide Along (an audio tour guide) throughout the trip. This gave us many of the unique pull off spots we took and so much extra history of what we saw that we would not have otherwise learned.
After lunch, we headed to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. If you’re traveling with kids, get the Junior Ranger booklets—they’re free, fun, and make even the drives feel like part of the adventure. We picked up booklets for both of our older kids this time and they took it so seriously. Bonus: the booklets are also a great quiet-time activity at dinner or before bed.
We wrapped our day hiking Lower Yosemite Falls, then settled in for the evening at Rush Creek Lodge. This was an absolutely stunning resort just outside the park where we stayed for three nights. With a nice on-site restaurant, salt water pool, indoor and outdoor natural kids play spaces, spa and nightly s’mores—our evenings were easily filled with leisure around the resort!
Day 3: Biking the Yosemite Valley + The Mist Trail Challenge with Kids
This was our first full day in Yosemite, and we hit the ground rolling—literally. We rented bikes from Curry Village and cruised around El Capitan Meadow, taking in Half Dome, the Merced River, and some of the most iconic views in the park.
The kids rode in little bike trailers behind us and loved it.
After working up an appetite, we grabbed pizza at Curry Village—super kid-friendly and casual. Then came the highlight of our day: the Mist Trail.
This is a strenuous hike, and the terrain is no joke. It starts off beautiful and wild—hiking alongside a rushing river with sheer drop-offs. I had our baby on my back, my husband started with our three-year-old on his back, and our five-year-old hiked like a pro. About a half mile up, we decided to let our three-year-old hike outside of the carrier. He did AMAZING. Our old two children held our hands throughout the climb, staying safely on the inside of the trail.
Once we reached the mist section by Vernal Falls, we were soaked and smiling. It was magical. We kept climbing and eventually made a 5-mile loop, with the kids doing most of the hiking themselves. I was in awe.
Yes, there were complaints. Yes, it got hard. But it was such a powerful reminder that kids are so capable—and sometimes all they need is a little mindset shift and encouragement to keep going.
Day 4: Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome & Honoring the Body
This day was a little more chill—but still packed with beauty. We drove up to Glacier Point for sweeping views of the entire Yosemite Valley. After soaking it in, we started the hike to Sentinel Dome.
About ¾ of the way up, my daughter wanted to stop. I stayed with her and our one-year-old (snack time!) while my husband and our three-year-old summited together. That was such a sweet bonding moment for them.
We wrapped up with a visit to Tunnel View and then spent the afternoon just being—swimming in the saltwater pool and enjoying the resort.
A note here: I was eight and a half weeks pregnant on this trip. That first trimester fatigue is real. So while I stayed active, I was also really intentional about recovery—spa time, nutrient-dense meals, and relaxing in the pool. Honoring your body is part of the adventure.
Day 5: Giant Sequoias + Travel Day to Sequoia National Park
Before leaving Yosemite, we visited Mariposa Grove—Yosemite’s largest grove of Giant Sequoia trees. It was peaceful, far less crowded, and perfect for little ones to explore safely. Our toddler even walked most of it himself!
Then we drove to Sequoia National Park, stopping briefly for lunch and snacks. The big sights here were General Sherman Tree and Grant Grove—massive, ancient trees that were cool to see… but honestly, once we saw them, we felt content and ready to move on. Yosemite stole our hearts.
The drive between parks was beautiful—rolling through California’s fruit groves. We didn’t stop this time (baby was napping), but next time I totally would.
Day 6: A Not-So-Fun First Trimester Moment + Monterey Bound
Let’s talk real-life road trip: I got sick on the drive out of Sequoia. Those switchbacks combined with first trimester queasiness hit me hard. I ended up vomiting out the car window while we wound down the mountain. Yep, real life.
We eventually made it to our stop in Monterey, checked into the Portola Hotel, and embraced the coastal air. The kids loved exploring downtown and playing at Dennis the Menace Park—a total gem.
Day 7: Big Sur Magic + A Special Family Moment
This day was straight out of a dream. We drove Highway 1 along Big Sur, stopping at scenic overlooks and beaches along the way. The views are just wow. Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and hidden beaches you hike down to.
We told the kids we were pregnant at Pfeiffer Beach, and it was such a sweet, memory-filled moment. They kissed my belly, and that’s actually the photo I used for our announcement.
Later that day, the kids played in the sand fully clothed—no swimsuits needed. It wasn’t warm, but they made their own fun anyway, jumping over waves and digging for treasures.
Day 8: Wrapping Up With Gratitude
We ended our trip with a slow morning in Monterey—beach walks, a local breakfast, and lots of smiles. It was the perfect way to close out an adventure that challenged us, inspired us, and brought us even closer together. Made the drive back to San Fransisco International Airport for the 5 hour direct flight home to Ohio. Then, a 2 hour drive to our rural hometown!
You Can Travel With Kids (Even While Pregnant)
I know how intimidating it can feel to plan a trip like this, especially with young kids or a baby on the way. But here’s what I hope this shows you: it’s possible.
It looks different, sure. You’ll need snacks, breaks, flexible plans, and mindset shifts. But the rewards? They’re huge. Not just in the views or photos, but in the resilience, joy, and experiences it builds in your family.
So if you’re dreaming of a trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Big Sur—do it. And if you have a favorite destination you’ve done with kids (especially four!), message me on Instagram at @drkaylaborchers. I’d love to hear from you!
If this was helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review for the podcast—it really helps more mamas find this space.
