tour california 13 giorni

Tour California 10, 15 e 20 giorni: itinerari e consigli

Disneyland Los Angeles: vale la pena?

Hollywood Walk of Fame: il marciapiede più famoso di Los Angeles

Tutti, almeno una volta nella vita, dovrebbero visitare la California e scoprire lo spirito dell’ on the road.  Organizzare un viaggio in California potrebbe sembrare facile, in realtà gli itinerari possibili sono tantissimi e diversi tra loro.

Itinerario California 10 giorni: i luoghi da vedere assolutamente

Itinerario california 20 giorni: cosa puoi visitare in tre settimane.

Sita sulla costa ovest degli Stati Uniti, la California ha spiagge bellissime, come quella di Malibù e Santa Monica , scogliere e foreste di sequoie. In California ci sono, però, anche le montagne della Sierra Nevada , il deserto del Mojave e i terreni agricoli della Central Valley .

La California è anche Sacramento , la sua capitale, e Los Angeles con Hollywood e San Diego . Volendo, si potrebbe continuare il tour nella Baja California, in Messico.

Ecco cosa vedere in un tour di 10, 15 e 20 giorni.

Primo e Secondo giorno . Arriva a Los Angeles e prenditi due giornate piene per visitarla. Fai una passeggiata lungo la Walk of Fame , troverai più di 2000 stelle in ottone con i nomi di celebrità del cinema. Passa per gli Universal Studios di Hollywood , potrai vedere i set dei tuoi film preferiti. Passeggia, infine, per Beverly Hills dove potrai ammirare una moltitudine di abitazioni in perfetto stile californiano;

Terzo e Quarto giorno . Vai a Las Vegas , capitale mondiale dell’intrattenimento. Ci vorranno circa 4 ore per arrivare, anche se non è in California , è impossibile saltarla. È la città più grande del Nevada ed il suo soprannome “Sin City” la dice lunga sulla città stessa. Qui tutto pare permesso, il destino passa per delle slot machines e il tempo sembra non avere importanza;

Quinto giorno . Parti alla volta del Parco Nazionale della Death Valley e pernotta a Fresno . La Death Valley è il parco nazionale più grande della California oltre che una delle zone più aride e calde del pianeta. Visitate l’ Artist’s Palette un anfiteatro naturale in cui le rocce assumono mille diverse sfumature di colore. E non lasciarti sfuggire il paesaggio lunare dello Zabriskie Point ;

Sesto giorno . Sempre pernottando a Fresno visita al Parco nazionale di Yosemite . Lo Yosemite National Park è stato il primo parco naturale al mondo, istituito con un decreto da Abramo Lincoln nel 1864. Qui potrai visitare Grizzly Giant (una sequoia alta quasi 64 metri), le cascate Yosemite Falls , l’ Half Dome e il Glacier Point ;

Settimo e Ottavo giorno . Parti per San Francisco , ti ci vorranno circa 3 ore e mezzo, e visita la città. San Francisco si sviluppa su delle colline creando il famoso effetto “Sali e scendi”. Mangia a base di pesce al Fisherman’s Wharf e poi fai un giro sui Cable Car ed infine visita i quartieri di Chinatown o Hight Ahsbury ;

Nono e Decimo giorno . Lascia San Francisco per viaggiare verso sud. Fai una sosta a Monterey e Carmel , una piccola città dotata di una ricca storia artistica che merita di essere visitata. Rientra a Los Angeles e goditi l’ultima giornata tra shopping e localini prima di ripartire.

Itinerario California 15 giorni: cosa puoi vedere in due settimane

• Primo giorno . Arriva a Los Angeles ed immergiti nello spirito californiano;
• Secondo giorno . Parti lungo la Pacific Coast Highway passando per Malibù e Santa Barbara, e goditi le “227 miglia di grandi panorami” fino a San Simeon dove potrai pernottare;
• Terzo e quarto giorno . Parti per Monterey con sosta a Carmel e visita Monterey. Parti poi per San Francisco e visita la città;
• Quinto giorno . Lascia San Francisco per raggiungere e visitare il parco Yosemite, dormi a Fresno;
• Sesto giorno . Visita il Sequoia e il King Canyon National Park e dormi a Bakersfield . Qui troverai la cima più elevata degli Stati Uniti, Mount Whitney , e uno dei più profondi canyon del Nordamerica, il Kings River Canyon;
• Settimo e Ottavo giorno . Parti per Las Vegas e perditi nei suoi divertimenti;
• Nono giorno . Fai una breve tappa fuori dalla California, nello Utah, per visitare il Parco di Zion , suggestiva è soprattutto la gola profonda scavata dal fiume Virgin, un canyon mozzafiato;
• Decimo giorno . Visita il Bryce Canyon National Park e Lago Powell;
• Undicesimo giorno . Visita il Grand Canyon e dormi a Flagstaff;
• Dodicesimo giorno . Da Flagstaff prendi la strada panoramica attraverso Oak Creek Canyon e la cittadina di Sedona e prosegui per Palm Springs , caratteristica per la sua architettura: “una singolare commistione fra lo stile ispano-coloniale e modernista”;
• Tredicesimo e Quattordicesimo giorno . Parti per Los Angeles e visita la città. Visita Hollywood e gli Universal Studios. Raggiungi Venice Beach e Santa Monica ;
• Quindicesimo giorno . Dopo l’ultimo giro di shopping per la città e una buona colazione parti per l’aeroporto.

Mito americano per eccellenza, territorio urbanizzato e selvaggio insieme, probabilmente hai deciso di far durare il tuo viaggio on the road in California qualche giorno in più.

Ecco con quali luoghi potresti approfondire il tuo itinerario:

• Fresno . Ideale se vuoi vivere qualcosa di differente dalla California turistica, raccontata da decine di film, e conoscere quella autentica. Quinta città più grande dello stato, Fresno è una meta straordinariamente vivace;
• Disney California Adventure . È il secondo parco divertimenti della Walt Disney Company aperto nel Disneyland Resort ad Anaheim, Stati Uniti, e inaugurato l’8 febbraio 2001. Tornerai bambino per un giorno;
• Alcatraz. Tour nella prigione. Alcatraz è stato il penitenziario più celebre degli Stati Uniti, una grande fortezza invalicabile. Il carcere è posto su un’isola rocciosa al centro della baia di San Francisco ed ha chiuso definitivamente nel 1963 a causa degli alti costi di gestione. Misterioso e inquietante;
• San Diego . È una sulla costa del Pacifico, nota per spiagge, parchi e clima mite. Nel vasto Balboa Park troverai, oltre al celebre Zoo di San Diego, gallerie, atelier di artisti, musei e giardini;
• Santa Barbara . Se vuoi semplicemente rilassarsi un po’, Santa Barbara è l’ideale! È la classica cittadina di mare, con spiagge costellate da palme e ristoranti. Potrai spostarti ovunque a piedi e godere della movida notturna.

Ora che sai cosa visitare nel tuo tour on the road in California, cosa aspetti? Parti per l’avventura!

Horseshoe Bend: Guida e Consigli

Antelope Canyon: Tours, Biglietti e Consigli

Downtown a Los Angeles: i distretti più famosi della città

Golden Gate Bridge, Ponte di San Francisco: cosa vedere e informazioni

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Home » Stati Uniti » Tour California e parchi

Tour California e Parchi Usa

Il tour è proposto in due formule. Il programma è molto simile e le differenze sostanziali sono:

• programma A – con guida bilingue (italiano/spagnolo) – sistemazione in alberghi di 3/4 stelle – prima colazione
• programma B – con guida parlante solo italiano (da Los Angeles a Las Vegas) – alberghi 4 stelle – prima colazione e alcuni pasti nel corso del tour

Nella foto: uno dei bellissimi tramonti ai quali abbiamo assistito al Grand Canyon

Tour California e parchi – in breve…

Los Angeles, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion Park, Las Vegas, parco di Yosemite, Carmel-by-the-Sea e Monterey, San Francisco

12 giorni/11 notti

♦ inizio del tour a Los Angeles e termine a San Francisco ♦ riferimento tour: USA-52A/2 guida it/spagn – USA-52B/2 guida italiano

Tipologia del tour

♦ tour in pullman con guida-accompagnatore locale 1°/7° giorno: lingua italiano/spagnolo per il programma A – lingua esclusiva italiano per il programma B 8°/12° giorno: lingua italiano/spagnolo per entrambi i programmi

♦ pasti inclusi: tutte le prime colazioni (programma A/B) + 3 cene e 3 pranzi (programma B)

> Date di partenza 2024

Partenze da Los Angeles come specificato:

> Tour California e parchi – programma A – guida italiano/spagnolo:

1° giorno • lunedì • arrivo a los angeles.

2° giorno • martedì • LOS ANGELES (prima colazione)

3° giorno • mercoledì • LOS ANGELES / LAS VEGAS • km 432 (prima colazione)

4° giorno • giovedì • GRAND CANYON / WILLIAMS • km 540 (prima colazione)

5° giorno • venerdì • MONUMENT VALLEY / PAGE • km 460 (prima colazione)

Prima colazione  in albergo. Partenza al mattino per la Monument Valley : una vasta aerea quasi desertica ma di grande bellezza, con i pinnacoli di roccia e i monoliti di sabbia rossa che si stagliano all’orizzonte. Un luogo molto suggestivo, spesso scenario di film a partire dalla seconda metà degli anni ’30, dal capolavoro di John Ford “Ombre Rosse” fino alla celebre corsa di Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”.  FACOLTATIVA: escursione in jeep guidata dagli indiani Navajo, che occupano queste terre, per scoprire anche i luoghi più segreti della Monument Valley. Continuazione quindi fino a Page , cittadina situata nei pressi del Lake Powell. Sistemazione in albergo e serata libera. Pernottamento. Nella foto: immagini dalla Monument Valley

6° giorno • sabato • ANTELOPE CANYON / BRYCE CANYON • km 272 (prima colazione)

7° giorno • domenica • ZION PARK / LAS VEGAS • km 419 (prima colazione)

8° giorno • lunedì • LAS VEGAS / FRESNO • km 633 (prima colazione)

Prima colazione in albergo. Continuazione del tour con la partenza al mattino in bus privato e con una guida italiano-spagnolo che resterà con il gruppo fino all’arrivo a San Francisco. Parte del gruppo termina il tour il 7° giorno e la guida potrebbe cambiare per questa seconda parte del tour. Sistemazione in albergo nell’area di Fresno e serata libera. Pernottamento.

9° giorno • martedì • FRESNO / YOSEMITE AREA / MONTEREY • km 464 (prima colazione)

Prima colazione in albergo e proseguimento per il  parco nazionale di Yosemite . Parco nazionale già da 1890, Yosemite è stato designato nel 1984 come Patrimonio dell’umanità dall’Unesco per le sue spettacolari cime granitiche, le sue cascate, i ruscelli limpidi, le sequoie giganti ed in generale per la biodiversità. Circa l’89% del parco è considerato ancora allo stato selvaggio, cioè un’area dove l’apporto delle modifiche da parte dell’uomo è minimo.

10° giorno • mercoledì • MONTEREY / CARMEL / SAN FRANCISCO • km 130 (prima colazione)

Prima colazione in albergo. Il fascino di Monterey , che fu capitale della California, è tutto sul mare: la baia è riserva marina nazionale, mentre il quartiere storico, a pochi isolati dal lungomare, ancora custodisce le radici ispaniche e messicane della California nei bei palazzi d’epoca. A breve distanza si raggiungerà Carmel , un tempo località di mare per artisti e oggi graziosa cittadina con le belle case. Da qui si prosegue lungo la nota strada panoramica “17-Mile Drive”, percorso romantico attraverso spiagge incontaminate e selvagge, mare blu, scogliere che vedono appisolati i leoni marini, baie e un continuo susseguirsi di spettacolari scorci scenografici.

11° giorno • giovedì • SAN FRANCISCO (prima colazione)

12° giorno • venerdì • SAN FRANCISCO e partenza (prima colazione)

Prima colazione e tempo a disposizione fino al trasferimento in aeroporto con gli shuttle-bus. termine del tour.

> Tour California e parchi – programma B – guida italiano esclusiva:

1° giorno • lunedì • arrivo a los angeles.

2° giorno • martedì • LOS ANGELES (prima colazione + pranzo)

3° giorno • mercoledì • LOS ANGELES / LAS VEGAS • km 432 (prima colazione + pranzo)

4° giorno • giovedì • GRAND CANYON / WILLIAMS • km 540 (prima colazione + cena)

5° giorno • venerdì • MONUMENT VALLEY / PAGE • km 460 (prima colazione + cena)

6° giorno • sabato • ANTELOPE CANYON / BRYCE CANYON • km 272 (prima colazione americana + cena)

7° giorno • domenica • ZION PARK / LAS VEGAS • km 419 (prima colazione + pranzo)

Prima colazione in albergo. Continuazione del tour con la partenza al mattino in bus privato e con una guida italiano-spagnolo che resterà con il gruppo fino all’arrivo a San Francisco. Parte del gruppo termina il tour il 7° giorno. Per chi prosegue ci sarà un’altra guida bilingue per questa seconda parte del tour. Sistemazione in albergo nell’area di Fresno e serata libera. Pernottamento.

11° giorno • giovedì • SAN FRANCISCO con escursione ad Alcatraz (prima colazione)

> alberghi previsti:.

PROGRAMMA A (guida italiano/spagnolo) Los Angeles – Renaissance Los Angeles Airport – 4 stelle Las Vegas – Sahara Las Vegas o Westgate – 4 stelle Williams – Comfort Inn near Grand Canyon – 3 stelle Page – Holiday Inn Express Page – 3 stelle Bryce Canyon – Hotel Ruby’s Inn – 3 stelle Fresno – B.W. Plus Fresno Inn – 3 stelle Monterey – B.W. Plus Victorian Inn – 3 stelle sup San Francisco – Riu Plaza Fishermans Wharf – 4 stelle

PROGRAMMA B (guida esclusiva italiano) Los Angeles – Los Angeles Airport Marriott – 4 stelle Las Vegas – Sahara Las Vegas o Westgate – 4 stelle Williams – Grand Canyon Railway – 4 stelle Page – Lake Powel Marina Resort – 4 stelle Bryce Canyon – B.W. Bryce Grand – 4 stelle Fresno – B.W. Plus Fresno Inn – 3 stelle Monterey – B.W. Plus Victorian Inn – 3 stelle sup San Francisco – Riu Plaza Fishermans Wharf – 4 stelle Nella foto: camminando tra gli hoodoos del Bryce Canyon

> Tour California e parchi – dettaglio quote anno 2024

Quote per persona in euro.

* Quota valida per 1-2 bambini 7-12 anni sistemati in camera con 2 adulti paganti la quota in doppia (utilizzando i letti esistenti). I bambini da 0 a 6 anni non possono prendere parte al tour.

(1) le quote “speciale prenota prima” sono contingentate e sono valide per prenotazioni entro il 31/12/23. In caso di prenotazione con questa offerta è richiesto un deposito di € 250,00 per persona alla conferma (non rimborsabile in caso di annullamento).

Quota d’iscrizione € 60,00 per persona adulti. Ne vengono applicate massimo 2 per camera, non vengono applicate ai bambini. La quota prevede in omaggio la  POLIZZA ASSISTENZA IN VIAGGIO WI UP come da dettagli che potete leggere qui.

Segnaliamo alla pagina regolamento  trovate le indicazioni delle eventuali penali in caso di annullamento e qui tutte le informazioni relative alla nostra azienda.

TOUR NON CONSIGLIABILE A PERSONE CON MOBILITA’ RIDOTTA (COMUNICAZIONE OBBLIGATORIA AI SENSI DI LEGGE)

INCLUSO NELLE QUOTE

PROGRAMMA A – GUIDA ITALIANO/SPAGNOLO • 11 pernottamenti negli alberghi indicati o similari cat 3-4 stelle • tasse e percentuali di servizio in albergo • prima colazione in albergo  • trasporto in autopullman privato Gran Turismo con aria condizionata • guida-accompagnatore di lingua italiano-spagnolo dal 3° al 7° giorno e dall’8° alla mattina dell’11° giorno • trasferimento in arrivo a Los Angeles aeroporto/hotel con le navette dell’hotel • ingressi a: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion, Yosemite e 17-Mile Drive  • mezza giornata visita guidata di Los Angeles e San Francisco • visita di Alcatraz con audio guida (senza accompagnatore) • trasferimento in partenza a San Francisco hotel/aeroporto in shuttle bus • facchinaggi negli hotels (1 valigia per persona)

PROGRAMMA B – GUIDA ESCLUSIVA ITALIANO • 11 pernottamenti negli alberghi indicati o similari cat 4 stelle • tasse e percentuali di servizio in albergo • prima colazione in albergo  • 3 pranzi e 3 cene come dettagliato in programma • trasporto in autopullman privato Gran Turismo con aria condizionata • guida-accompagnatore di lingua esclusiva italiano dal 3° al 7° giorno e bilingue italiano-spagnolo dall’8° alla mattina dell’11° giorno • trasferimento in arrivo a Los Angeles aeroporto/hotel con le navette dell’hotel • ingressi a: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion, Yosemite e 17-Mile Drive  • mezza giornata visita guidata di Los Angeles e San Francisco • visita di Alcatraz con audio guida (senza accompagnatore) • trasferimento in partenza a San Francisco hotel/aeroporto in shuttle bus • facchinaggi negli hotels (1 valigia per persona)

NON INCLUSO

• voli in partenza dall’Italia (quote su richiesta) e relative tasse aeroportuali internazionali • iscrizione e assicurazione medico/bagaglio € 60,00 per persona adulti (ne vengono applicate massimo 2 per camera – non vengono applicate ai bambini) • pasti non specificati alla voce “incluso nelle quote” • bevande durante i pasti • tasse di soggiorno • mance ad autisti e guide (in genere si considerano $ 3/5,00 per la guida e $ 2/3,00 per l’autista al giorno – l’importo più alto se siete riemasti molto soddisfatti!) • extra personali negli hotel e nei ristoranti • tutto quanto non espressamente indicato alla voce “Incluso nelle Quote”

EXTRA & NOTE

♦ Camere e sistemazione La tipologia delle camere negli Usa è diversa da quella europea. Le camere sono infatti generalmente composte da un solo letto matrimoniale che può essere “Queen Size” (una piazza e mezza) – questa è la normalità – oppure “King size” (matrimoniale grande) – per questa tipologia di camere è in genere richiesto un supplemento. Per camera tripla/quadrupla s’intende sempre l’uso della camera con i letti esistenti per 3/4 persone. Non sono previsti letti aggiunti, così come in genere NON esistono camere a 3 o 4 letti. Si tratta quindi di una sistemazione che consente un risparmio, ma è decisamente più scomoda, perchè i letti disponibili sono solo 2 matrimoniali queen talvolta anche piccoli.

♦ Escursioni facoltative Le escursioni facoltative dovranno essere prenotate direttamente con la guida-accompagnatore e pagate in loco.

> Assicurazioni

Speciale polizza - prenotazione senza pensieri.

SPECIALE POLIZZA FACOLTATIVA “WI ENERGY – PRENOTAZIONE SENZA PENSIERI Libero di prenotare, libero di ripensarci ”

Quota euro 128,00 per persona. Questa polizza consente di annullare anche semplicemente per cambio idea, senza avere motivi documentabili da esporre fino a 15 giorni lavorativi prima della partenza (sabato/domenica esclusi). Resterà a vostro carico solo il costo della polizza, come indicato in ogni singolo tour. Dai 14 giorni prima fino all’inizio del viaggio, la polizza consente comunque di avere il rimborso della penale purchè il motivo sia documentabile. Tutti i dettagli al punto 2.  in questa pagina.

ALTRE POLIZZE

Assicurazioni

Possibilità di attivare altre tipologie di polizze annullamento + altre polizze assicurative per aumentare il massimale spese mediche: quote su richiesta.

♦ Voli dall’Italia

Non riteniamo opportuno indicare una quota comprensiva di voli dall’Italia, perchè le tariffe aeree sono legate alla disponibilità effettiva dei voli e sono quindi soggette a variabili che non si possono prevedere. Ne risulterebbero quote mai realmente aggiornate.

Preferiamo invece pubblicare il prezzo reale e aggiornato per il singolo tour, ma restiamo a disposizione per valutare le varie possibilità di operativi voli dall’Italia con le migliori compagnie di linea. Aggiungiamo che disponiamo di tariffe preferenziali da abbinare a questi tour, ma sempre legate alla disponibilità del volo.

Vi possiamo fornire, con piacere, tutte le informazioni, così come possiamo provare ad aiutarvi se avete necessità di completare il vostro viaggio con altri pernottamenti/servizi.

♦ Cambio del dollaro USA

Le quote del tour sono calcolate sulla base del cambio del dollaro Usa al 15 settembre 2023.

♦ Informazioni e prenotazioni

Gli agenti di viaggio sono un bene prezioso! Se avete una agenzia di viaggi di fiducia, vi preghiamo contattarla e chiedere di chiamarci.  Altrimenti potete contattare noi per mail o telefono.

Mappa interattiva cliccando qui sotto.

⇒ Stati Uniti – pagina iniziale

⇒ Informazioni utili e documenti di ingresso 

⇒ Tour New York: elenco

⇒ Tour Costa Est: elenco

⇒ Tour Costa Ovest: elenco

⇒ Tour Grande West Americano e Montagne Rocciose: elenco

TUTTI I TOUR NEW YORK

> Tour New York, New York > Tour Alla Scoperta di New York  > Tour New York per mano > Tour New York: the Big Apple

TUTTI I TOUR COSTA EST

> Tour New York e Cascate del Niagara > Mini tour Washington D.C. e Philadelphia > Mini tour Cascate del Niagara (3 giorni) > Mini Triangolo dell’Est (4 giorni) > Tour Triangolo dell’Est (5 giorni) > Tour New York e Costa Est (8 giorni) > Tour New York, Boston e cascate del Niagara > Tour Boston e Triangolo dell’Est > Tour Stati Uniti e Canada: Costa Est > Tour American Music & stati del Sud > Tour della Florida

TUTTI I TOUR “IL GRANDE WEST e LE MONTAGNE ROCCIOSE”

> Tour grandi parchi Usa: dalla California a Yellowstone (10-16 giorni) > Tour Indiani e Cowboy (15 – 8 giorni) > Gran tour Usa dal Colorado al New Mexico, tra parchi e treni a vapore (15 – 8 – 7 giorni)

TUTTI I TOUR OVEST E PARCHI NAZIONALI

> Mini tour Yosemite e San Francisco (4 giorni) > Mini tour parchi americani (6 giorni) > Tour Parchi Ovest Usa (9 giorni) > Tour parchi americani (11 giorni) > Los Angeles e tour parchi dell’Ovest (8 giorni) > Tour California e parchi (12 giorni) > Tour parchi da San Francisco a Los Angeles (11 giorni)

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Wild California: The Best 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary

California was made for road trips! The natural diversity between ocean-side, deserts, redwood forests, and mountains make it the ideal place to explore. California has more National Parks than any other state in the U.S.

Our road trip route will take you through 6 of the 9 National Parks in California along with a few foodie hot spots, dramatic coastal views, and a popular city or two. This road trip itinerary favors outdoor explorers and food & wine enthusiasts. We also provide additional activities and suggestions that are ideal for family road trippers.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored, we paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Thank you for being a loyal reader!

California Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

For our 14 Day California Road Trip Itinerary, the start point is San Diego and the end point is Crescent City.

• Day 1 & 2 – San Diego
• Day 3 – San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park to Ventura
• Day 4 – Channel Islands National Park
• Day 5 – Ventura to Big Sur to Kings Canyon National Park
• Day 6 – Kings Canyon National Park
• Day 7 – Kings Canyon to Sequoia National Park to Big Pine
• Day 8 – Big Pine to Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park
• Day 9 – Yosemite National Park
• Day 10 – Yosemite to Lake Tahoe
• Day 11 – Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley
• Day 12 – Napa Valley to Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Day 13 – Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Day 14 – Lassen Volcanic to Redwood National Park to Crescent City

Our Style of Travel

We aren’t fans of the city, traffic, or crowds. Therefore, we tend to gravitate more towards smaller, charming towns and national parks. Don’t get us wrong- we love seeing iconic places such as the San Diego Zoo or Napa Valley, but this road trip itinerary will focus more on the wild side of California. We’re avoiding the tourist traps, only indulging in truly exceptional experiences, while taking the road less traveled.

Our idea of a good road trip includes stunning views, tasty food, fabulous wine, amazing outdoor activities, and back roads with little to no traffic. Road tripping at its finest! For us, the drive is just as important as the destination. Therefore, we’ve researched and driven the best routes and stops for the ultimate California road trip with the least crowds.

Also, as I’m sure you’ve deduced from our schedule, we like to see as many places as possible during one road trip. Time is precious and we enjoy experiencing different climates and terrain during a long road trip. Therefore, our itinerary does not leave much room for flex time in every location. There are many early mornings and late nights in our itinerary. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing schedule, this timeline is probably not for you! However, we still offer plenty of great suggestions to include in your version of the perfect California road trip!

Although splurging on one nice accommodation or luxurious meal from a top rated restaurant is not out of the norm for us, we usually maintain a strict road trip budget. That means that we keep our food purchases, accommodations, and tours under an agreed price cap.

We also prioritize the needs of our stay in certain locations to determine our budget for an Airbnb or hotel. Usually, at least twice throughout our road trip, we choose an Airbnb with a washing machine and dryer. This provides us the freedom to pack light; an important principle in planning a stress-free road trip.

In addition, a cooler with re-usable ice packs and daily essentials keep us company on long driving days. In a 14 day span, we may purchase groceries 2-3 times depending on our needs. Water bottles, packaged snacks, and fresh fruit stay well stocked in our cooler. This prevents us from snacking at fast food restaurants or convenience stores while we’re out and about. While we love trying new restaurants along the route, we minimize post-trip financial stress by eating many of our meals from our cooler.

Read more about our best tips and tricks for saving money while on a road trip!

Tips to Know Before You Go

Be aware of time zone changes when flying or driving into California when planning your daily itinerary. Also, the “busy” season for vacationers and National Parks is typically summer months and school holidays. The least crowded time to visit is winter, early spring, and late fall. Saturdays also tend to be busier, so avoid popular tourist attractions during the weekend.

• Winter: Enjoy less crowds, but may encounter snow on roads and in parks.
• Spring: Amazing wildflowers and cascading waterfalls, but may endure more crowds and wildlife encounters.
• Summer: Beaches and parks are at their best, but you’ll be battling tourists at most places. Also, highest chance for wildfires.
• Fall: Cooler temps and stunning fall colors, particularly in northern California; but weather is a bit more wet and overcast.

Although the majority of California enjoys lovely weather year round, there are a few weather considerations for a road trip. The summer months tend to be the peak of wildfire season. This can cause road closures and park closures as well as ruining some of California’s amazing views and air quality. Stay in the loop with fire incidents and watches with the Cal Fire website . The winter/ spring months also typically contain snow in popular parks such as Yosemite and Sequoia, which can also lead to road closures and partial park closures. Keep an eye on the park website for the latest info on closures. We traveled the popular Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway One, to Big Sur in September. Unfortunately, the one day we dedicated to the drive left the PCH blanketed in heavy fog. We were unable to truly enjoy the sweeping vistas and ocean views because the mist was so thick. This is an important lesson about road trips—if mother nature doesn’t cooperate, remember there are plenty more things to see. Try to find joy and beauty in the experience anyway!

Direction of Drive

The start or end point of your California road trip really doesn’t matter too much. The drive is equally impressive from either direction. As noted above, you should take into account that the southern part of California tends to be more hot and dry, while the northern area of the state is cooler with more lush vegetation. This will affect the sights you see along your drive.

Traffic in California’s major cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento will, of course, be congested and unpredictable; especially during peak travel times such as rush hour. Your best bet is to plan additional travel time in your itinerary if you plan to drive through a major city during peak hours. Also, using Google Maps is helpful to anticipate actual drive time due to accidents or road construction.

Even driving through the National Forests or Parks can be problematic due to weather, construction, or animal crossings. I highly encourage you to stay prepared by checking the national park alerts and current road conditions on the websites the day before you plan to embark on a leg of your trip.

San Diego, California

• Days 1 & 2
• Total Drive Distance: Up to 30-50 miles depending on stops
• Total Drive Time: 1 to 2 hours depending on stops

San Diego is the only location in our itinerary that includes a two and a half or three day stay. This is mostly due to the fact that some people drive or fly into San Diego in the afternoon or the evening. In order to enjoy this city, we agree that you need at least two nights.

San Diego Accommodations

We stayed at the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites , which is a basic but adequate stay for anyone with military base access. If you don’t have access to military lodging, I would suggest researching VRBO , Airbnb , or Expedia for hotels in the area that best fit your needs.

Restaurants & Cafes

• Caffe Italia – The blended gelato drinks are the bomb!
• Lucha Libre Taco Shop – Vibrant and exciting decor with unique Mexican menu items!
• Breakfast Republic – The mashed potato omelet is wild and their cafe de olla is the best coffee I’ve ever had!
• Hodad’s – Was there a line out the door? Yes. Was it one of the best burgers I’ve ever had? Also, yes.

Things to See & Do

Most of our time was spent exploring the San Diego Zoo . We arrived when it opened and the line was already quite long. However, we spent nearly all of the opening hours at the zoo and managed to see a solid 80 to 90% of the exhibits.

In addition, we toured the Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse . Then, wrapped up our stay in San Diego by enjoying a sunset from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park . Be aware that this is a popular spot and the parking was already at capacity when we arrived an hour before sunset.

Below are more exciting sights & activities near the San Diego area:

• La Jolla Shores Park
• Coronado Bridge
• Sea World San Diego
• Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
• Imperial Beach Pier

San Diego —> Joshua Tree National Park —> Ventura

• Total Drive Distance: 465 miles
• Total Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours

Leaving before sunrise ensures less traffic in San Diego and more time spent in the National Parks and Forests. Remember if you are traveling during the summer months that the desert climate can get very hot with little shade. Stay prepared with a full tank of gas and plenty of water!

Ventura Accommodations

At the end of day three, we stayed at an Airbnb in Santa Paula . Santa Paula is about a 20 minute drive from Ventura. The guest house was immaculate and the hosts were so friendly and helpful! We loved our stay here.

For a long day of driving such as this, we typically eat the majority of our meals on the go. As I mentioned above, we pack a cooler with fresh veggies, fruits, and drinks for snacking during the drive. In addition, if we stumble upon a scenic lookout or picnic area, we may take a “lunch break” for 30 minutes or so to eat a sandwich or pre-made salad while we enjoy the view.

One of the benefits of eating out of our cooler on long road trip days is we don’t get weighed down by greasy foods or over indulge. Nothing is worse than being stuck in a car for hours with a bloated tummy or brain fog!

For more tips on shopping and packing your cooler for your road trip, check out my blog post Road Trip Cooler Packing Like a BOSS !

The primary focus during this driving day is to spend as much time in Joshua Tree National Park as possible. We took our time navigating through the park from one visitor center to the other while stopping at numerous viewpoints and trail heads. We didn’t hike any of the long trails due to time restraints, however, we did walk around to photograph rock formations, cacti and succulents, and (of course) the Joshua Tree!

Throughout this first leg of the road trip, we also enjoyed scenic drives through Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and Angeles National Forest .

Below are more exciting sights & activities along this route:

• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
• Cabazon Dinosaurs – World’s Biggest Dinosaurs
• San Bernardino National Forest
• Mojave National Preserve (about 1.5 hours northeast of Joshua Tree)

Channel Islands National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 5 miles from Ventura to Island Packers Cruises
• Total Drive Time: 12 minutes from Ventura to Island Packers Cruises (2 hour boat ride each way)

NOTE: Scorpion Anchorage Closure During Pier Construction. Beginning November 1, 2019, there will be no public access to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island due to the construction of a new pier. Construction is expected to take 6-12 months.

Cruises depart to Prisoner’s Harbor at Santa Cruz Island with Island Packers Cruises at 9AM. The boat ride is about 2 hours and you will arrive at the island at 11AM. The ride back is also 2 hours and departs the island at 3:30 PM with an arrival time of 5:30 PM in Ventura. The total round trip cruise cost for 2 adults is $118.

Same as day three, we stayed at the Airbnb in Santa Paula for a two night stay. Santa Paula is about a 20 minute drive from Ventura.

• Pete’s Breakfast House – Best place to grab a hearty breakfast in Ventura before you head to Channel Islands. Try the pancake roll, it’s delicious!
• Rice by Mama – Tasty Thai cuisine located on main street in Ventura; parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it!

Although you can choose to camp overnight at Channel Islands National Park (next time, my friend!) – a day trip is just long enough to complete a kayaking trip or hike to enjoy the views that Santa Cruz Island has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of common dolphins and mischievous little island foxes!

We started our hike from Scorpion Anchorage, past the Historic Ranch, toward Smuggler’s Cove. Immediately, we were greeted with sweeping vistas of the coast on our first steep climb along Smuggler’s Road. We then started on Scorpion Canyon Loop, which brought us to Potato Harbor Road. Following the road to the coast, we finished the hike by walking along the cliffs to Cavern Point and back to Scorpion Anchorage.

The trail was roughly 6 miles and took us nearly 4 hours to complete. We did a combo of Scorpion Canyon Loop and Potato Harbor .

If you do have more than one day to spend at Channel Islands, consider taking a guided kayak tour through the sea caves! Another alternative is to bring your kayak on the cruise to the island with you (ONLY if you are a confident and experienced sea kayaker).

Ventura —> Big Sur —> Kings Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 470 miles

Once again, you’ll have to hit the road early to make this drive count. Unfortunately, during our road trip, the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive along Big Sur was full of mist, fog, and heavy rain. We couldn’t see past a quarter of a mile in front of us most of the time. However, I still enjoyed the drive and we were able to catch glimpses of elephant seals and waterfalls. I have no doubt that on a clear day this drive is phenomenal.

Kings Canyon National Park Accommodations

During our two night stay on the 5th and 6th road trip days, we chose the Grant Grove Cabins located in Kings Canyon National Park. We rarely choose accommodations located inside a national park mostly due to the more expensive costs. Choosing to bite the bullet and enjoy a short drive to hiking trails, we booked a cabin.

I can honestly say it was the most disappointing lodging experience we ever had. Not only did we spend more on the two night stay in the cabins than any other stay during our trip, but it was also the smallest and least clean accommodation. The shower curtain was covered in mold, the walls and floors were thin and flimsy, and the beds were incredibly uncomfortable. That day we learned that staying in park facilities is just not worth the convenience of a slightly shorter drive. We’ll be booking an AirBNB next time.

• Coast Big Sur – Enjoy a chocolate landslide (soft serve) while soaking in ocean views from their rooftop terrace!
• Sam’s Italian Deli and Market – YUM. Splurge on the pastrami fries!

The first stop along the drive is to The Friends of the Elephant Seals . Peak season to spot these creatures is December through March! We saw a handful on the beach when we visited in September. The vista view point and visitor center are two different locations, but very close along the route to one another.

In Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most iconic stops along highway one- McWay Falls . It is important to know that there is no beach access at McWay Falls. There are fenced boundaries that you should not cross. However, there is parking in the state park and you can walk the overlook/waterfall trail to see the falls from above.

Bixby Creek Bridge is another popular viewpoint. Stop before the bridge and after the bridge for different perspectives to photograph. Be very cautious when parking and walking along the road. This area tends to get congested, therefore, it’s not unusual to miss out on an opportunity to park. Take your time and be patient with the other drivers and pedestrians.

Our final stop along the coast was at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve . In the rain, we walked the short trail to Hidden Beach and enjoyed watching the waves crash along the black, rocky shore.

• Hearst Castle
• Limekiln State Park
• Big Creek Cove Vista Point
• Big Creek Bridge
• Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Point Sur Naval Facility (Lighthouse)
• Rocky Creek Bridge
• Rocky Ridge Trail at Garrapata State Park
• China Cove via Bird Island Trail

Kings Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 75 miles
• Total Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours

Once again, we stayed at the Grant Grove Cabins located in Kings Canyon National Park. While the in-park location was convenient, the cabins were still overpriced and underwhelming.

We spent the day eating out of our cooler. We snacked on pre-packed baked goods for an early breakfast, then enjoyed a picnic on our hike. There are multiple restaurants in Grant Village to choose from if you want something heartier.

Starting the morning early, we set out on a short tail to Panoramic Point for sunrise. Then, we drove to Road’s End Trailhead, which is the starting point for the majority of the trails in Kings Canyon National Park.

Mist Falls is an 8 mile out-and-back trail that is rated as moderate. Although I would agree that the trail itself was not overly strenuous, it did present a challenge we were not prepared for. One word for you- mosquitoes. We were shocked at the swarms that congregated along the trail. These little bugs were persistent despite the chilly weather. We passed many other (smarter) hikers that wore mosquito netting and face coverings. We highly recommend this unless you want to be cool like us and run for your life.

A covering like this one would’ve saved our hike that day.

After our hike we slowly meandered our way back to the cabins, stopping at a couple of shorter trails along the road. We enjoyed exploring Roaring River Falls and Grizzly Falls and General Grant Loop Trail . All are rated as easy.

Below are other easy to moderate hiking trails along this route:

• Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
• Little Creek Trail to Cedar Grove
• Yucca Point Trail
• Indian Basin Grove Loop Trail

Kings Canyon —> Sequoia National Park —> Big Pine

• Total Drive Distance: 335 miles
• Total Drive Time: 8 to 9 hours

Although Google Maps will force the route south along Mountain Hwy 99, you could choose to continue east on Sherman Pass Road through Sequoia National Forest to Linnie. Either route is fairly similar in distance and drive time.

This timeline is a little tricky because we departed Grant Grove at 5AM to ensure we arrived in Big Pine with enough time to check into our Airbnb, get some rest, and wash laundry before the next day. Therefore, our first stop, the General Sherman Tree , is only about an hour down the road. This meant we were hiking in the dark.

We got about a quarter of a mile down the trail and decided to turn back because we couldn’t see anything anyway. I would highly recommend visiting the General Sherman Tree the day before, if you have time. Or, bring a flashlight.

Big Pine Accommodations

Our night in Big Pine was spent at an Airbnb called Big Pine Cottage Hideaway. The entire guest house was cozy, comfortable, and stocked with coffees and snacks. Our hosts were very welcoming; we definitely recommend staying here!

• Kern River Brewing Co . (Kernville) – Amazing atmosphere and delicious handcrafted root beer! However, food was fairly average.
• Frosty Chalet (Lone Pine) – Old fashioned burger, fries, and shake joint that hits the spot!

In lieu of the General Sherman Tree, we hiked Moro Rock to see the sunrise (excellent decision!) . The short, steep climb up the granite dome offers a stunning view of the Great Western Divide. We did not have this trail to ourselves at dawn. There was already a large group of student photographers positioned at the viewing platform. However, we enjoyed the experience despite the crowd.

Next, we stopped in Sequoia National Park to enjoy a short loop called The Trail of 100 Giants . This trail is an excellent, easy 1.3 mile walk through stunning giant sequoia trees.

Finally, we spent a good hour in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine and the Whitney Portal. Did you know that Mt. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet? The Mobius Arch was a short, easy hike with stunning views of Mt. Whitney. However, it was extremely windy and there was no shade. Hold onto your hat and sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen! In addition- keep your eyes peeled for the Heart Arch.

Big Pine —> Mammoth Lakes —> Yosemite National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 130 miles
• Total Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours

Our day trip to Mammoth Lakes was probably the most surprising (in a good way!) . When we traveled through in September, there wasn’t any snow yet, but it was chilly. My favorite part was witnessing the changing of the colors of the leaves. Everywhere we went there seemed to be no shortage of gold and red hues. If you are road tripping through California in the fall, this alpine haven is not to be missed!

Yosemite National Park Accommodations

We spent the night of Day 8 and Day 9 in Lee Vining at The Lake View Lodge . They offer cottages, camping, and motel style lodge rooms. We opted for a lodge room. It was no frills, but met our needs. The location of the lodge (20 minutes outside of Yosemite National Park) made it an ideal choice.

• Good Life Cafe – Hearty and mouthwatering breakfast! Try the chicken fried steak & eggs!
• Hugs Ice Cream – Hits the sweet spot! Don’t forget to pose with your ice cream in front of the bear statue!

After a late breakfast in Mammoth Lakes, we ventured out to explore. We started by driving around Lake Mary and walking to Twin Falls . The short walk to the upper falls was easy and scenic. Then, we took a peek at the Earthquake Fault . Cutting through volcanic rock, the “fissure” is 60 feet deep and up to 10 feet wide. Pine and fir trees surrounded us as we gazed upon the enormous crack in the earth, astounded by the raw power of mother nature.

While traveling through Inyo National Forest (we made a lot of silly road trip jokes about this name, haha!) , our favorite stop was at the viewpoint for the Minaret Vista . The panorama view of the Sierra Nevada mountains was dazzling! There was interactive signage which aided in identifying each jagged peak.

The afternoon was spent on an easy hike to see the Devil’s Postpile . This geological wonder is an excellent example of a columnar basalt. Thanks to powerful erosive forces, the cooling lava solidified in an unreal hexagonal column style formation. If you didn’t see it with your own eyes, you wouldn’t believe it wasn’t man-made. The drive to reach the Devil’s Postpile parking lot is part gravel/dirt and one lane. Proceed with caution and make space for oncoming traffic!

NOTE: Following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities, the ESTA shuttle is not operating in 2020. The road to Devils Postpile opens on June 26. The road will be open when parking is available, but closed when parking is full.

The final leg of our drive took us around the scenic June and Grant Lakes before stopping at the less scenic, but beautiful in its own way Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve . During the fall season, the route around June Lake is characterized as one of the best places to see colorful foliage. When visiting Mono Lake, be prepared to hold your nose! The “tufa towers”, or calcium-carbonate spires, make for a smelly walk. The lake is over twice as salty as the ocean thanks to alkaline lake water.

Yosemite National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 155 miles
• Total Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours

Yosemite National Park is our favorite National Park in California. A week or two could (and should) be spent exploring Yosemite. However, we included are our best suggestions on how to visit in one day.

Although, you could attempt everything we list below, it is in your best interest to pick just one hike so you don’t overextend yourself. We learned the hard way about overextending yourself on a hike while we were in Yosemite. We highly encourage you to NOT attempt any of the strenuous hikes without trekking poles.

Be prepared- Check out our (Cheap!) Hiking Essentials that you should never hit the trail without!

Once again, we stayed in Lee Vining at The Lake View Lodge .

Due to our full day of hiking and driving, we packed a lunch and snacks in our cooler.

• Whoa Nellie Deli – Fantastic dinner to wrap up a long day! Inconspicuously located inside a gas mart, the food here is phenomenal! We feasted on the Fish Tacos and Buffalo Meatloaf.

Boots to the ground before sunrise is the only way to truly enjoy Yosemite National Park without battling the crowds! We recommend traveling all the way to Yosemite Valley to start your day, and wrap up near the Tuolumne Meadow area in the evening.

Although it is one of the most popular trails in the park, hiking the rigorous 9 mile loop from Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls , is an unforgettable experience! This hike is easily one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes we’ve ever completed. The trail is definitely challenging, so don’t attempt the entire loop unless you feel confident in your hiking abilities. Even an experienced hiker may experience jelly legs by the end of the ordeal.

At the end of the day, park near the Lyell Canyon Trailhead along Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Road and enjoy a short, but steep hike up Lembert Dome . The 2.5 mile out-and-back trail is mostly a bunch of switchbacks, however, the 360 degree view at the top is well worth the effort. I am a big, fat scaredy cat when it comes to heights; therefore, the dome took me a bit of time and courage to make it to the top. But, it’s not so bad once you’ve finally made it!

Below are other easy to moderate trails and viewpoints along this route:

• Tioga Pass Road Valley View
• Ellery Lake Lookout
• Tuolumne Meadows Footbridge
• Cathedral Lakes Trail
• Tenaya Lake
• Half Dome View
• El Capitan Meadow
• Yosemite Falls

Yosemite —> Lake Tahoe

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours

ALERT! ALERT! An actual road trip day in this itinerary that does not include waking up before sunrise?! Believe it, friends! You earned a relaxing day after all that hiking in Yosemite yesterday!

Lake Tahoe Accommodations

We stayed at an Airbnb studio cabin. Eagle Cabin at Emerald Bay was clean, cozy, and conveniently located in South Lake Tahoe.

• Latte Da Coffee Cafe (Lee Vining) – Delicious organic coffee from a family run business!
• Base Camp Pizza, Co. – Try the Thai Chicken Curry pizza- ahhhhmazing!

Things to See & D o

Day ten’s road trip festivities centered around getting settled at Lake Tahoe and taking the kayak out on the water. Did you know that Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States?

Of course, there are a couple gems along the route. Explore Fallen Leaf Lake, and if you have time, check out the Glen Alpine Trail . You’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfalls.

Once we had driven around Emerald Bay (and gawked, took photos, and gawked some more) , we then headed to Baldwin Beach to set out on our kayaking adventure. There was plenty of parking and the lot was very close to the beach. Even though we only kayaked for a couple hours due to the rough winds, we enjoyed being out on the water soaking in the stunning mountain views.

Pro Tip from Brian: If you lose your wedding ring, it’s probably in the kayak. Ask me how I know.

Below are other fun things to see & do around Lake Tahoe:

• Vikingsholm
• Squaw Valley Skiing
• Spooner Lake
• Cascade Falls
• Eagle Falls
• Cave Rock Tunnel

Lake Tahoe —> Napa Valley

• Total Drive Distance: 215 miles
• Total Drive Time: 3-4 hours

Road trip day 11 is another day that you don’t HAVE to leave at the break of dawn, if you don’t want to! We like to hit the road early so we had most of the afternoon/evening to spend in Napa Valley. You can also choose to take the route around Lake Tahoe and through Tahoe National Forest , if you want a bit of a longer drive.

Napa Valley Accommodations

Check out local bed and breakfasts or hotels with DoNapa . Or, just look into a trusty VRBO or Airbnb !

• Glazed and Confuzed Tahoe Donut – Grab this yumminess on your way out of Lake Tahoe!
• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Pricey, but an incredible outdoor dining experience- including wine!

Truthfully, we spent our entire afternoon in Napa Valley eating, drinking, and doing nothing! We used this opportunity to recharge and indulge. Below are a couple suggestions to look into while you’re visiting California’s wine country.

• Napa and Yountville’s Art Walks
• Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga
• St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley —> Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 240 miles

Lassen Volcanic National Park Accommodations

About 45 minutes outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park is a small town called Westwood. It’s so small that if you want to try any restaurants or stores, you’ll have better luck in the neighboring town of Chester. However, we enjoyed our stay at the remote and quiet Log Cabin in Westwood.

• Broderick Roadhouse in Sacramento – Try the poutine fries! Almost felt like I was in Canada- haha
• Happy Garden in Chester – No frills Chinese restaurant with tasty flavors!

Enjoy another relaxing morning in Napa Valley! Then, head out on a slow drive to your destination for the night. We opted to arrive at our Airbnb in the late afternoon so we would have an opportunity to rest before our full day of hiking at Lassen Volcanic the next day. You could also choose to spend an hour or two in Sacramento as you drive to Westwood.

Below are other fun things to see & do along the route:

• Putah Creek State Wildlife Area
• California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento
• California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento
• Sacramento Zoo
• Oroville Dam
• Lake Almanor

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 185 miles
• Total Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours

Lassen Volcanic National Park is probably the least popular national park on our California road trip itinerary. It’s a bit of a mystery why this park isn’t crawling with more hikers (not that I’m complaining, though) . Lassen Volcanic kind of reminded me of a combination of Yellowstone and Kings Canyon with the abundance of mud pots, colorful rock formations, and heavily forested trails.

We spent a second night at the Log Cabin in Westwood.

Due to our full day of hiking and driving, we packed lunch and snacks in our cooler.

• Buffalo Chip’s Pizza – Casual, rustic restaurant with endless exciting pizza options!

The first stop of our day in Lassen Volcanic National Park began at sunrise (surprise, surprise) . We had the entire trail to the Cinder Cone to ourselves. We encountered a lot more than we bargained for on this hike. Before we ever reached the cinder cone, we stumbled upon a bear foraging on the trail. Unfortunately, to be safe, we decided to turn back. However, I was truly pleased to have seen a bear! I love spotting wildlife on the trail.

Since we didn’t complete our first hike, we had a little extra time to explore the park. We stopped at Hat Creek Rim Scenic Viewpoint where you can see the volcanic ridges of Lassen Peak, Mt. Shasta, and Crater Peak. Then, we explored the Subway Cave Lava Tubes . No crawling is required to check out the cave, but you’ll definitely need a flashlight as it is completely dark as you follow the 1,300 foot tube.

Following the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, we made our way around the park. The afternoon grew foggy, drizzly, and overcast. However, the sights remained spectacular. We stopped at Reflection Lake and Sulphur Works . It was mesmerizing to see bubbling, stinky mud pots so close to the road!

Finally, we wrapped up our day at Lassen Volcanic with a moderate, 2.5 mile loop trail around Boiling Springs Lake . If you aren’t up for the entire loop, you can simply walk to the lake and turn around at the first overlook. The thermal features of the lake are definitely an exciting sight to behold and much less crowded when compared to Yellowstone!

Lassen Volcanic —> Redwood National Park —> Crescent City

• Total Drive Distance: 320 miles
• Total Drive Time: 6 hours

Although, you will be driving around part of Lassen Volcanic National Park again, if you leave early enough you won’t be seeing much of the views. The primary focus for the last road trip day is to enjoy the redwoods and witness more cliffside coastal views.

Crescent City Accommodations

The last night of the best California Road Trip was spent at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City. The king room was clean, but basic. The stay was adequate for one night.

Our final road trip day was spent finishing up the leftover snacks and meals in our cooler.

Once you’ve entered Redwood National Park , we encourage you to take exit 753 onto Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to immerse yourself in the forest. There are plenty of opportunities to stop on the side of the road and photograph the coastal giants. If you’ve never seen redwoods, this drive will change your world forever as you drive past hundreds of trees with trunks bigger than your car.

The coastal redwoods have a different aesthetic and presence than the giants in Sequoia. It’s difficult to explain until you’ve seen the two for yourself. For a list of other unforgettable scenic drives through Redwood National Park click here .

After checking into our hotel, we drove out to Battery Point to watch the sunset and see the Battery Point Lighthouse from the shoreline.

• Burney Vista Point
• Moonstone Beach
• Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
• Klamath Tour Thru Tree

In conclusion, California provides endless opportunities to lose yourself in the wilderness. This road trip itinerary can help you plan two weeks across the state to see a variety of forests, mountains, oceans, and deserts, featuring rare geothermal pools, earthquake faults, and rock formations. In short, California has it all and that’s why it makes the perfect choice for the best road trip.

Other Road Trip Blog Posts:

• 5 Steps to Plan Your Next Road Trip
• Keto Road Trip Snacks
• 7 Tips for Road Tripping with Your Spouse

What are you most excited to see in California? Do you have other road trip stops in California that you love that aren’t listed here? Let me know in the comments below!

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

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And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

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Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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Tour Usa California Dream

Usa california dream.

PRENOTA IL TOUR

RICHIEDI INFO

Tour California on the road. Viaggio in America da sogno tra Los Angeles, San Diego e San Francisco passando dalla Death Valley alla panoramica costa californiana, con puntatina a Las Vegas.

Tour usa california dream | in breve, top 3 esperienze, prezzi e partenze, appunti di viaggio, scheda tecnica, gruppo facebook, info destinazione, tour usa california dream | top 3 esperienze.

Vivere la West Coast come i protagonisti di un film

Viaggiare lungo la Pacific Coast Highway

Camminare nel bacino salino di Badwater nella Death Valley

Tour usa california dream | itinerario.

IN PROGRAMMA Ritrovo in aeroporto e volo con scalo per Los Angeles . Arrivo e trasferimento privato alla struttura.

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Marriott Hotel (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA City tour di Los Angeles con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS Los Angeles | Hollywood | Beverly Hills | Santa Monica | Venice Beach

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a San Diego e city tour con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS San Diego | City tour | Old Town | Gaslamp | Little Italy

­ PERNOTTAMENTO King's Inn San Diego (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA City tour di San Diego con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS San Diego | Balboa Park | Zoo | Spanish Village Art Center | Coronado

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a Yucca Valley , sosta e visita di Julian con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS Paesaggi del deserto californiano | Julian | Yucca Valley

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Super 8 (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a Las Vegas, sosta e camminate nel Joshua Tree National Park . All'arrivo, breve giro orientativo di Las Vegas con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese e tempo libero per scoprire la città in autonomia.

HIGHLIGHTS Joshua Tree National Park | Las Vegas | Breve tour orientativo | Tempo libero

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Strat Hotel (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA Giornata a disposizione per attività facoltative e visite libere a Las Vegas .

HIGHLIGHTS Las Vegas | Sorvolo in elicottero sul Grand Canyon (attività facoltativa, da richiedere in fase di iscrizione e da pagare in loco con carta di credito o contanti) | Tempo libero

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a Bakersfield e sosta lungo il tragitto nella Death Valley con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS Death Valley | Badwater Basin | Zabriskie Point | Bakersfield

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Four Points by Sheraton (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a Morgan Hill , soste e visite lungo il tragitto con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS Morro Bay | Pacific Coast Highway 1 | Carmel by the Sea | 17 Mile Drive | Monterey

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Comfort Inn (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato a San Francisco , soste e visite con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese.

HIGHLIGHTS San Francisco | Golden Gate Park | Golden Gate Bridge | Alamo Square

­ PERNOTTAMENTO Hotel Caza (o similare)

­ IN PROGRAMMA La mattina city tour di San Francisco con autista/accompagnatore locale parlante inglese. Pomeriggio libero per esplorare la città in autonomia.

HIGHLIGHTS San Francisco | Fisherman’s Wharf | Pier 39 | Lombard Street | Chinatown | Pomeriggio libero

­ IN PROGRAMMA Trasferimento in maxi-van privato all'aeroporto di San Francisco e volo di rientro in Italia con scalo.

­ PERNOTTAMENTO A bordo del volo

­ IN PROGRAMMA Arrivo in Italia (come da orario indicato).

TOUR USA CALIFORNIA DREAM | PREZZI E PARTENZE

PREZZI GARANTITI Lo promettiamo: i nostri prezzi non subiranno mai alcuna variazione, anche e soprattutto per agevolare chi prenota con anticipo

• LA QUOTA COMPRENDE
• LA QUOTA NON COMPRENDE
• SU RICHIESTA
• OPERATIVO VOLI
• COMPAGNIA AEREA E BAGAGLIO
• Volo intercontinentale : da/per Milano Malpensa con Air Canada con scalo
• 11 pernottamenti in Hotel/Motel: strutture di classe turistica, in camera tripla/quadrupla (2 letti matrimoniali "full o queen-size") con servizi privati
• Trasporti (carburante compreso): maxi-van privato e trasferimenti da/per aeroporti in loco
• Attività: visite e ingressi come da programma
• Esperienza da Nomadi Moderni ­ Visitare le città californiane come i protagonisti di un film
• Autista/accompagnatore locale: parlante inglese per tutto il viaggio
• Assicurazione 360° : annullamento, malattia e spese mediche (massimale 50.000 € ), bagaglio e copertura pandemie | Consulta le condizioni della polizza Viaggigiovani.it
• Documentazione di viaggio elettronica e Travel Kit gEcosostenibile
• Assistenza 24/7 per qualsiasi emergenza
• Tasse aeroportuali: 352 € (aggiornate al 11/01/24) | Tasse aeroportuali, scopri come funzionano
• Pasti non menzionati e tutte le bevande
• Escursioni, attività e ingressi non menzionati
• Visto: registrazione ESTA (per ingresso negli USA): 21 $ | Leggi l'infografica su come richiedere l'Esta
• Registrazione eTA (per transito in Canada): 7 CAD
• Mance: almeno 150 €/persona per tutta la durata del tour | Scopri di più sulle mance negli Stati Uniti
• Trasferimento dalla propria abitazione all'aeroporto di partenza del tour
• Gli extra in genere e tutto quanto non descritto in "la quota comprende"
• Supplemento camera singola: 1.360 €
• Supplemento camera doppia: 200 €/persona
• Volo in elicottero sul Grand Canyon: variabile da 600 $ a 650 $ (prezzo da riconfermare) | Su richiesta in fase di iscrizione e da pagare in loco con carta di credito o contanti (scelta vincolante)
• Integrazione massimale medico assicurativo fino a 300.000 € : 60 € | Consigliata per viaggi negli Usa
• AC 895 | 03AUG | MILANO MALPENSA MONTREAL | 11.50 14.30
• AC 779 | 03AUG | MONTREAL LOS ANGELES | 17.35 20.35
• AC 760 | 14AUG | SAN FRANCISCO MONTREAL | 08.00 16.30
• AC 894 | 14AUG | MONTREAL MILANO MALPENSA | 20.00 09.45 (15AUG)
• Bagaglio a mano: NL (55cm x 40cm x 23cm); è possibile aggiungere un accessorio per passeggero a scelta tra borsetta, laptop o tablet
• Bagaglio da stiva: 23 kg (somma lunghezza + larghezza + altezza del bagaglio = 158cm)

PRENOTA IL TOUR USA CALIFORNIA DREAM

Richiedi informazioni, tour usa california dream | strutture.

• Le strutture : in questo viaggio in America le sistemazioni saranno in hotel di categoria turistica e/o motel in camere triple/quadruple (2 letti matrimoniali "full o queen-size") dotate di servizi igienici privati. Le strutture sono state selezionate in base a pulizia e posizione strategica, ma in un viaggio della durata di diversi giorni come questo non è possibile garantire che siano di pari livello, soprattutto nelle città; per questo richiediamo comprensione e spirito d'adattamento .
• Le camere : causa la svalutazione dell’Euro nei confronti del dollaro, per limitare i costi e proporre questo viaggio in Usa a prezzi competitivi, provvederemo a suddividere i partecipanti in camere triple e/o quadruple (che prevedono 2 letti matrimoniali "full o queen-size" ), in base alle disponibilità. Specifichiamo che generalmente le strutture selezionate prevedono letti "full-size" che misurano circa 137cm x 182cm; a volte, invece, si potrebbero trovare anche letti "queen-size" che sono intorno ai 150cm x 200cm (variabile che dipende da struttura a struttura). Per chi desiderasse maggior privacy, resta invariata la possibilità di pernottare in doppia o singola (con supplementi indicati alla voce "su richiesta" nella sezione "prezzi e partenze" ).
• I servizi : le stanze prevedono bagni privati e comfort basilari. Generalmente le strutture selezionate prevedono il Wi-fi, anche se non ci importa: viaggiamo per "staccare la spina"!

TOUR USA CALIFORNIA DREAM | APPUNTI DI VIAGGIO

Ogni tour della California è un'avventura, perché richiama alla mente paesaggi mitici e leggende primordiali. Certo è che gli Stati Uniti sono un 'viaggio facile', in quanto gli standard sono quelli a cui siamo abituati. Ricordiamo che le stanze sono triple/quadruple (con 2 letti "full o queen-size"), quindi per questo motivo occorre un po' di spirito di adattamento , di condivisione e pazienza!

Questo viaggio in California ci permetterà di attraversare città spumeggianti, Los Angeles , San Francisco , San Diego , Las Vegas e di percorrere le strade storiche della West Coast, che ci porterà indietro nel tempo, facendoci sentire come i protagonisti di un film.

Durante questo tour California visiteremo entusiasmanti metropoli e ci addentreremo in parchi spettacolari. Prenderemo parte a visite delle città, ma non sono previsti eccessivi sforzi fisici: cammineremo in piano ma, si sa, talvolta la scoperta di nuovi luoghi fa accumulare tanti passi... Le visite ai parchi saranno invece prettamente panoramiche, senza quindi particolari difficoltà. Le temperature sono molto variabili, certamente il caldo potrebbe portare ad affaticamenti sporadici. Da considerare i numerosi spostamenti in programma, che potrebbero indurre a ulteriore stanchezza.

Le infinite spiagge bagnate dall’Oceano, l’ambiente desertico caratterizzato da distese di alberi di Yucca del Joshua Tree National Park , le tinte lunari della Death Valley e la natura selvaggia che costeggia la Highway 1 ... Questo viaggio in California sarà memorabile anche dal punto di vista paesaggistico!

• Viaggi da solo/a? NESSUN PROBLEMA! Se non trovi nessuno con cui condividere questa esperienza, non preoccuparti perché questo viaggio fa anche per te : faremo il possibile per sistemarti con una persona del tuo stesso sesso ma se ciò non fosse possibile (perché i partecipanti fossero dispari) e se, per caso, poco prima della partenza il/la compagno/a di camera con cui ti abbiamo abbinato cancellasse la sua adesione al viaggio, dovresti valutare il supplemento singola (indicato alla voce "su richiesta" ).
• Sei un/a viaggiatore/viaggiatrice flessibile? TI PREMIAMO! Se, come la maggior parte dei Nomadi Moderni, sei flessibile e desideri evitare ad ogni modo il supplemento singola, cercheremo di aiutarti proponendoti tutte le sistemazioni disponibili al momento della tua iscrizione, compresa la possibilità di condividere la sistemazione con partecipante di sesso opposto. Se anche ciò venisse meno e l’unica opzione possibile risultasse la camera singola, ti sconteremo il 50% del valore del supplemento.
• Qualora da parte tua venisse meno la disponibilità di condividere con partecipante del sesso opposto, saremo costretti ad applicarti l'intero supplemento singola indicato
• Nel caso in cui desiderassi condividere la sistemazione, ma al momento della tua iscrizione ci fosse l'ultimo posto disponibile (con ovvia possibilità di pernottare solamente in singola), dovrai considerare l'intero supplemento singola indicato
• Trasferimento all'aeroporto di partenza : Viaggigiovani.it non si farà carico del trasferimento (sia via terra sia via aerea) dalla propria abitazione all'aeroporto, ogni Nomade Moderno sarà libero di scegliere il mezzo più idoneo. Per coloro che dovessero raggiungere l'aeroporto di partenza con l'auto, consigliamo il sito Parkos.it per confrontare e scegliere uno dei parcheggi disponibili nelle vicinanze. Per coloro che invece dovessero raggiungere l'aeroporto di partenza per via aerea, consigliamo di acquistare un volo che abbia almeno 5 ore di margine. In caso di ritardi e conseguente perdita del volo, nè Viaggigiovani.it nè la compagnia aerea del tour si faranno carico di eventuali costi aggiuntivi.
• Ritrovo in aeroporto : a circa 7 giorni dalla partenza invieremo l'email di "convocazione viaggio" con l'indicazione di orario e luogo di ritrovo, indicativamente sempre 3 ore prima della partenza direttamente al desk (banchi check-in) della compagnia aerea utilizzata per il tour.
• Accoglienza aeroportuale : all’aeroporto principale come da programma è generalmente prevista un’accoglienza personalizzata per il gruppo, dove una hostess consegnerà il Travel Kit gEcosostenibile di Viaggigiovani.it, aiutando nelle procedure di check-in. Coloro che partissero da altri aeroporti, riceveranno questi materiali a destinazione dagli altri partecipanti, da noi gentilmente incaricati. Ad ogni modo, invieremo maggiori specifiche nella email di convocazione poco prima della partenza.
• Pasti : durante il tour i pasti sono tutti esclusi . Per quanto riguarda la colazione, l'accompagnatore ci indicherà ristoranti, bar o supermercati dove poter acquistare o consumare il pasto. Per i pranzi, saremo liberi di gestirli come preferiamo; normalmente, essendoci molti parchi durante tutto il tour, si preparano dei panini da portare durante le escursioni, in modo che durante le varie camminate non ci si appesantisca e non si perda troppo tempo. La cena viene gestita egualmente in maniera libera e come sempre l'accompagnatore ci darà consigli in merito. Nel complesso è necessario calcolare una media di 50 $/giorno fra colazione, pranzo e cena (cifra variabile in base alle... quantità), che ognuno pagherà in maniera autonoma, perché con i Nomadi Moderni non esiste alcuna cassa comune .
• Intolleranze o allergie : ricordiamo di segnalarci eventuali intolleranze alimentari o esigenze particolari, in modo da poter avvisare la guida e la compagnia aerea.
• Budget : per questo viaggio negli Stati Uniti consigliamo come budget totale circa 800 € e in questa cifra consideriamo i pasti non compresi nella quota, le bibite, le mance e le eventuali spese personali in loco, come i souvenir
• Mance : per Viaggigiovani.it lasciare la mancia per il servizio svolto è sempre buona educazione; consigliamo almeno 150 €/persona per tutta la durata del tour
• Nessuna cassa comune : con Viaggigiovani.it la cassa comune non è obbligatoria, i partecipanti potranno scegliere in autonomia se condividere o meno alcune spese in loco
• Tazza di caffè = 1,50-2 $
• Bottiglia d'acqua (0,33 L) = 1,50-3,50 $
• Hotdog in un chiosco di strada = da 3-4 $
• Pasto fast food = 9-13 $
• Pasto in ristorante economico = 12-40 $
• Taxi (prezzo medio per l'addebito iniziale) = da circa 3 $
• Bagaglio : per questo tour della California, rispettando le franchigie imposte dalla compagnia aerea (si veda "compagnia aerea e bagaglio" alla voce "prezzi e partenze" ), consigliamo una valigia morbida o zaino come bagaglio principale da stiva, più uno zainetto comodo per le escursioni giornaliere.
• Abbigliamento : l’estate negli Stati Uniti è molto calda e soleggiata, con giornate che possono raggiungere anche temperature torride, con possibile escursione termica tra la notte e il giorno, soprattutto nei parchi. Per questo viaggio negli Stati Uniti consigliamo capi di abbigliamento informali e pratici di cotone . In estate il sole della California è molto forte, quindi cappellino, indumenti chiari, crema protettiva e occhiali da sole sono indispensabili. A San Francisco di solito le temperature possono, invece, essere più fresche, quindi sarebbe ideale 'vestirsi a cipolla'; indispensabile una ventina o k-way per proteggersi dal vento. In ogni caso per affrontare i tour sono un 'must' scarpe comode e capi pratici.
• Passaporto : per recarsi negli Stati Uniti è necessario il passaporto in corso di validità (la data di scadenza deve essere successiva alla data prevista per il rientro in Italia)
• ESTA : per recarsi negli Stati Uniti è necessario il permesso elettronico 'Electronic System for Travel Authorization' (eSTA) , il cui costo è di 21 $ (pagamento con carta di credito). L’autorizzazione ESTA deve essere ottenuta almeno 72 ore prima dell’inizio del viaggio. Tuttavia, suggeriamo di ottenere l’ESTA il prima possibile , dal momento che un eventuale rifiuto comporta la necessità di richiedere un visto non-immigranti, con i tempi relativi. Per i nostri tour è ideale provvedere a richiedere l'eSTA circa 35 giorni dalla partenza, dopo la nostra email di "Conferma Tour" I cittadini dei Paesi aderenti al VWP - Visa Waiver Program (tra i quali rientrano gli italiani) che sono stati in Iran, Iraq, Siria, Libia, Somalia, Sudan, Siria, Yemen e Corea del Nord a partire dal 1° marzo 2011 non sono più idonei per il viaggio e l’ammissione negli USA nell’ambito del VWP - Visa Waiver Program. Questi viaggiatori non possono, perciò, entrare negli Stati Uniti nell’ambito di questo programma richiedendo l’autorizzazione ESTA. Possono comunque fare ingresso nel Paese richiedendo un visto, rilasciato dall’ambasciata a Milano o da uno dei consolati degli Stati Uniti in Italia, previa compilazione di un modulo on-line, prenotazione di un appuntamento, e intervista con l’ambasciatore/console. Ai Paesi sopra citati si aggiunge dal 12 gennaio 2021 anche Cuba ; chi vi è stato dopo questa data deve richiedere un visto non-immigrante, mentre chi vi ha viaggiato prima rimane idoneo e può fare regolare richiesta del permesso ESTA. I minori, per compilare la registrazione online e ottenere l’ESTA, devono essere in possesso di passaporto individuale, non essendo sufficiente né la loro iscrizione sul passaporto dei genitori, né il lasciapassare. Infatti, nel caso in cui il minore sia iscritto nel passaporto di uno dei genitori, occorre richiedere il visto, qualunque sia il periodo di soggiorno negli Stati Uniti. Per approfondimenti consigliamo di leggere: Come richiedere l'Esta - Infografica .
• eTA : dal 15 marzo 2016 gli stranieri esenti da visto, tra cui i cittadini italiani, diretti in Canada per via aerea dovranno munirsi prima dell’imbarco dell’”electronic Travel Authorization” (eTA). La richiesta dell’eTA dovrà essere effettuata online: sito web ufficiale per richiedere l'eTA .
• Vaccinazioni obbligatorie : non ci sono vaccinazioni obbligatorie per recarsi negli Stati Uniti .
• Vaccinazioni facoltative : in ogni caso, per le vaccinazioni facoltative, è sempre meglio contattare il proprio medico di fiducia o l’ASL locale.
• Moneta : la valuta negli Stati Uniti è il Dollaro ($) .
• Pagamenti e cambio valuta : per ogni pagamento è consigliata la carta di credito (in particolare le Visa-Mastercard), per i prelievi invece è consigliato il Bancomat (circuito Cirrus o Maestro). Le carte di credito principali sono accettate dappertutto, anzi spesso sono necessarie per noleggiare una macchina o fare una prenotazione. I piccoli caffè e negozi potrebbero non accettare carte di credito, assicuratevi di avere denaro sufficiente per far fronte ad eventuali spese negli stessi. Infine, se il vostro bancomat è convenzionato con i circuiti principali, potete prelevare contante agli sportelli automatici, trovarne uno non sarà un problema nella maggior parte delle città.
• Chiamare dagli Stati Uniti verso l'Italia : comporre 0039 + il numero desiderato.
• Chiamare dall'Italia verso gli Stati Uniti : comporre 001 + il numero desiderato.
• Rete mobile : negli Stati Uniti la copertura per la rete mobile è ottima nelle principali città ma in alcune zone remote alcuni operatori potrebbero non funzionare.
• Internet : la maggior parte delle sistemazioni del tour prevede il Wi-Fi , quindi potremo comunicare via e-mail, Skype e WhatsApp (modalità da verificare in loco).
• Corrente elettrica : il voltaggio negli Stati Uniti è di 110 volt .
• Adattatore? Sì! Negli Stati Uniti è necessario munirsi prima della partenza di un adattatore per le spine americane a sbarrette piatte (sarà possibile comprarli anche in loco al Wal-Mart, K-mart o Radio Shack).

Tour Usa California Dream | Le esperienze dei nostri #nomadimoderni

CALENDARIO PARTENZE TOUR PICCOLI GRUPPI 2024

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"California is a dream destination, from star-gazing in LA and sipping world-class wines in Napa, to marvelling at the national parks, and even diving into Disneyland, the happiest place on earth."

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Take a city tour of San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most incredible destinations in California, and we’ll take you on a sightseeing tour of all the highlights from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the scenic Fisherman’s Wharf dotted with sea lions, to the bustling Union Square, the gorgeous 1,500-acre Presidio Park and the historic neighborhoods like North Beach and Chinatown.

See the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea

This charming Monterey city is a little slice of heaven, famed for being dog-friendly and home to an inspiring community of artists. With over half of the residents once devoted to the arts (Clint Eastwood was the town’s Mayor!), you’ll find writers, poets, actors and musicians at every turn as you stroll down Ocean Avenue lined with cafés, boutiques and galleries.

Take a scenic drive through Napa Wine Country

As one of the world’s most famous wine regions, you’ll love driving through the beautiful hillside vineyards and countryside scenery of Napa Valley. We’ll even stop at a local winery to explore their stunning vineyards, learn all about the process of winemaking, and of course, enjoy a tasting of the finest Napa Valley wines.

Visit Yosemite National Park

California is renowned for its spectacular national parks and Yosemite is the jewel in its crown. This UNESCO-listed park is packed with wonders, from cascading waterfalls, blooming meadows and emerald valleys, to the iconic El Capitan, glowing in the setting sun. We’ll even stay overnight in a cosy lodge just a stone’s throw from Yosemite Falls.

Discover 'The Salad Bowl of the World' in Salinas Valley

You’ll dive into the world's salad bowl with a Local Specialist, as you take a private farm tour to learn all about the advanced farming techniques and fruit and vegetable production in the incredible Salinas Valley. Admire the lush crops, discover the fascinating history of the valley, and taste some fresh produce for yourself.

Our top 5 things to do in California

There are so many incredible places to visit in California and we’ll show you the very best of the state, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Salinas Valley.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in the western United States, the LACMA is not to be missed. Over a million visitors wander the halls every year, marvelling at the diverse collections, including Asian art, Islamic art and Latin American art, with pre-Columbian masterpieces and contemporary works from the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Autry Museum of the American West

The glory days of the Wild West may be over, but they live on in the Autry Museum in Los Angeles. You’ll discover over half a million artworks and artefacts from the American frontier, ranging from Western film memorabilia and a replica movie set of an Old Western town, to Annie Oakley’s engraved golden pistols, and a mahogany saloon with a roulette wheel.

California Science Center

Located in Los Angeles, the California Science Center is one of the most hands-on museums you’ll find in the country. From the world’s largest display of Lego art and the space shuttle Endeavour, to a 7-storey IMAX theater, high-wire bicycle, climbing wall, earthquake simulator, and a virtual reality exhibit, this museum is hours of fun.

Best museums in California

Our California tour packages will show you where to find the most fascinating museums in the state, from amazing aquariums to the story of the American West.

Avocado Toast

If you love avocados, you’ve got to visit California. These creamy green delights have been mashed, sliced and spread on toast in California for over a century, and it’s only in the last few decades that this trendy dish really took off around the world. Just ask your California guide where to find the very best avocado toast and lose yourself in avocado heaven.

Hailed as the signature dish of San Francisco, this seafood stew was developed by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s. Cioppino is traditionally made from the catch of the day, like shrimp, squid, scallops, clams, crab and fish, then melded with a tomato and wine sauce. Be sure to mop up every last drop with a piece of crusty sourdough bread. Delicious!

Known as ‘California’s Cut’, tri-tip is a Santa Maria style barbecue that takes a triangle cut of top-block sirloin and grills it to perfection. It can be sliced into steaks or cooked as a whole block, but either way, the meat is juicy, tender and packed with flavor. Pair it with Santa-Maria style salsa and grilled garlic bread and you’ve got the ultimate Californian dish.

Best food in California

With multicultural influences, fresh produce and farm-to-table experiences, California’s dining scene is truly special and our California holidays will show you where to taste the best.

What to pack for California

With miles of golden, sunny coastline, you can’t resist taking a dip in the ocean or soaking in a pool on your California tour.

Reusable water bottle

California is one of America’s greenest states and you can help reduce your environmental footprint by refilling your own bottle at free water stations around the state.

Big appetite

With so many diverse cuisines and everything from gourmet fine dining to delicious food trucks, prepare to loosen your belt when you travel California.

Sun protection

With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll need to stock up on sunscreen and bring your sunglasses and a hat on your California trip.

A warm jacket

Despite the heat and sunshine, it can get cold in some parts of California, especially the misty redwood forests, so come prepared with a cosy jacket.

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• USA Tours and Trips
• California 13-Day Tours And Trips

California 13-Day Tours and Itineraries

We sell 5 great 13-Day California trips and itineraries in 2024/2025. Our itineraries and tours in California are offered by some of the best USA tour agencies. You can look forward to providing you with an excellent California 13-Day itinerary.

• USA Travel Guide

4 Trips in California with 1 Review

• Starts Los Angeles, USA
• Ends San Francisco, USA

Real San Francisco to LA

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Adventure & Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Camping
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,940
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 441
• Total Price from: US$ 2,499
• May 25 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 13 Only 7 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends New York, USA

Best of USA

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Active and outdoor & City sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,955
• Special Deal (16%): - US$ 618
• Total Price from: US$ 3,337
• May 22 Only 9 seats left
• Jul 17 Only 10 seats left

• Ends Los Angeles, USA

Western Landscapes

• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Lodge
• Transport Bus, Coach & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,491
• Special Deal (40%): - US$ 1,796
• Total Price from: US$ 2,695
• May 03 10+ seats left
• May 17 10+ seats left

• Starts Montreal, Canada

Unmissable Canada and Western Classics

• Transport Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• May 29 10+ seats left
• Jun 05 10+ seats left

California 13-Days Tour Reviews

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Other Tour Destinations in USA

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Yosemite National Park

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• Monday : 9am – 9pm
• Tuesday : 9am – 9pm
• Wednesday : 9am – 9pm
• Thursday : 9am – 9pm
• Friday : 9am – 8pm
• Saturday : 9am - 8pm
• Sunday : 10am – 8pm
• Start point: San Francisco
• Duration: 13 Days
• Style: Family, Outdoor, Luxury, Highway 1, Culture, Culinary, Multi Centre

San Francisco • Sonoma County • San Jose • Monterey • San Luis Obispo • Santa Monica • Los Angeles

California is a whole world of its own that’s waiting to be explored and you can experience everything the Golden State has to offer on this incredible 13 day trip.

13 Day Highlights Trip

Start your journey in vibrant San Francisco before heading to Sonoma for a taste of California’s superb Wine Country, then on to beautiful Lake Tahoe for unmissable outdoor adventures. Discover the rugged beauty of California’s spectacular Pacific Coast as you travel south, then top off your trip with a few days soaking up LA’s iconic movie culture. Save up to 17% per person on this itinerary

• Sample world-class wine at the Rodney Strong Vineyards
• Relax at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor Beach
• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Enjoy the laid-back beach scene of Santa Monica
• Go on the LA Movie Locations Tour

Let’s break it down

Explore legendary San Francisco and find yourself engulfed by the city’s welcoming locals and colourful character. Discover the birth place of the hippy movement and bathe yourself in the beautiful surroundings as you experience the fantastic entertainment and iconic attractions.

• Experience San Fran in the 60s on the Magic Bus Tour
• Explore Alcatraz Island
• Go on the Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour
• Visit the famous ‘Painted Ladies’
• Catch the Giants play at AT&T Park
• Boutique hotel located in the heart of Union Square
• Classic movie themed hotel with private theatre
• High-speed wireless internet & cable television in rooms

Discover California’s premier wine region with a trip to stunning Sonoma County. Bordered by the rugged Pacific Coast and home to huge forests of towering redwood trees, experience world-class wines along with exhilarating outdoor adventures.

• Do the Sonoma County Bicycle Tour
• Sample wines at the Rodney Strong Vineyards
• Explore Glen Ellen village
• Visit Bodega Bay
• Zip-line through the coastal redwoods
• Stylish, contemporary accommodations
• Views of the stunning Sonoma Mountains
• Close to California's wineries and the Sonoma Coast

Welcome to California’s third largest city and the home of Silicon Valley, San Jose. This city is a modern metropolis and there are endless amounts of urban entertainment as well as fascinating historical and cultural offerings to be enjoyed.

• Visit the San Jose Museum of Art
• Spend time at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
• Cool down at Raging Waters water park
• Explore the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
• See the Winchester Mystery House
• Luxury guestrooms and amenities
• Central location with attractions and airport nearby
• Relaxing rooftop pool and gazebo on-site

With a rugged coastal border holding back the Pacific, Monterey is awash with stunning ocean views and some of the finest seafood in California. Kick back, enjoy Monterey’s excellent attractions and soak up the atmosphere of this soothing seafront city.

• Sample world-class seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Play golf at Pebble Beach
• Explore scenic 17-Mile Drive
• Go to nearby Carmel Beach
• Moments away from Fisherman’s Wharf
• Award-winning spa
• Fresh California cuisine served on-site

Seated between the rocky coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo is located right in the middle of the legendary Central Coast Wine Country and is a great place for discovering California’s remarkable diversity.

• See the famous Morro Rock
• Explore the sand-dunes of nearby Oceano
• Catch a movie at the Sunset Drive-In Theater
• Visit the impressive Hearst Castle
• Do some wine tasting at the Pear Valley Vineyard
• Just 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean
• Restaurant and bakery on-site
• Outdoor pool and spa

Santa Monica is the epitome of perfection, the streets are lined with palm trees and the weather is sublime. With at least 50% of the locals working in the arts, this creative place is teeming with galleries, theatre and fantastic live music. Did we mention there are also 3.5 miles of sun-kissed beach at your disposal?

• Enjoy Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
• Visit Southern California’s biggest art gallery, the Bergamot Station
• Have a night out at Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater
• Experience the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market
• See the views from Palisades Park
• Beautiful coastal-inspired guestrooms
• Less than 2 miles from Third Street Promenade
• 24-hour fitness centre & free parking

Home to Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Universal City, Los Angeles is arguably California’s premier city. Enjoy a whole host of world-class attractions, from the legendary Sunset Strip to prestigious Rodeo Drive, and revel in the glory of this movie star metropolis.

• Visit Madame Tussauds Hollwood
• See the city from the Runyon Canyon
• Shop along Melrose Avenue
• Do the LA Movie Locations Tour
• Spend a day at Universal Studios
• Unique accommodations on a docked cruise liner
• Enjoy an audio tour of this historic ship
• Casual and fine dining with a view
• Share basis: 2
• Includes: Car hire
• Example Date: 2nd November 2017
• Airline: Virgin Atlantic

Other itineraries you may also like:

• Duration: 11 Days
• Type: Luxury, Culinary, Multi Centre

San Francisco • Sonoma County • Napa Valley • Sacramento • Sausalito

• Start point: San Diego
• Duration: 9 Days
• Type: Outdoor, Luxury, Escorted Tours, Culinary, Multi Centre

San Diego • Los Angeles • Paso Robles • Monterey • Yosemite • San Francisco

• Dedicated California experts with a passion for the Golden State and the USA
• Our team have all had their own California adventures, ask them for a few stories!
• Itineraries crafted to your taste and budget
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The best 10-day California road trip itinerary

Imagine yourself on a California road trip , the windows rolled down, on your right the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see, on your left, high mountains looming in the distance. 

You're humming California Dreamin' as you breathe in the ocean air. Sound like a dream?

Here's the best 10-day California tour to help you make that dream come true!  

Map of California road trip

Summary - 10-day tour, days 1-2 : los angeles .

That's right, your trip to California begins in the City of Angels, Los Angeles ! 

L.A. is an iconic Golden State destination, so you simply must stay there during your 10-day tour. Why not take advantage of your first day here to take in some typical California sights ?

Be sure to make a stop at Venice Beach  to see its endless beach , its lively boardwalk and its one-of-a-kind assortment of artists and athletes.

For dinner, go to Abbot Kinney Boulevard   , a colourful Venice Beach street where you will find a wide range of dining options.

In the evening, make your way to neighbouring Santa Monica  . 

The area features many small shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Santa Monica Pier .

A small amusement park, the official end of the legendary Route 66 and breathtaking panoramas await.

For your second day in the vibrant city of L.A., immerse yourself in the Hollywood experience !

I recommend taking a Hollywood studio tour , such as the Universal Studios with its World Famous Studio Tour  . 

This tour offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at sets, special effects and everything related to moviemaking .

To complete your day, spend some time exploring Beverly Hills  , home of the stars , or pay a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory for a spectacular view of the city!

California Coast

Day 3 : sequoia    (282 km / 2:47).

Today you take to the road in your USA rental car , for a complete change of scenery!

It may be but a relatively small protected enclave in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, but Sequoia National Park offers nature on an epic scale . 

You won't want to miss the park's star attraction, the General Sherman Tree . At 31 metres in circumference and 84 metres tall, it is the largest living organism on the planet and is more than 2200 years old!

A short 800-metre trail leads to the tree and takes about 45 minutes (round-trip).

The General is not the only giant in the park! For a close look at other notable trees, take the Congress Trail  , which begins near General Sherman. This easy 3.2 km loop takes about 1 hour to complete. 

Another highlight of Sequoia National Park, and probably its best-kept secret, is Crystal Cave  , a truly majestic marble cavern .

45-minute guided tours are available. If you'd like to adventure even further into the depths of the cave, talk to a Ranger at one of the Visitor Centers! 

Note: the temperature inside the cave never goes above 10 degrees Celsius, so bring a jacket!

Days 4-5 : Yosemite  (230 km / 2:41)

No California road trip is complete without a visit to the jewel of American national parks , Yosemite .

Your first stop is sure to be Yosemite Valley , home to most of the park's famous cliffs and waterfalls .

For a sweeping view of what's in store, and to get a photo of the most iconic panorama of Yosemite Valley, go to Tunnel View   .

On the right you can see Bridalveil Falls . Straight ahead is the famous 2,307 metre high granite monolith known as El Capitain   , while Half Dome   looms in the background.

I highly recommend taking in the sunset from Glacier Point  .

While this lookout offers breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls  at any time, it is even more spectacular at nightfall.

As the valley fades into deepening dusk, the mountain peaks glow shades of pink and red . An unforgettable moment!

If you're still up for it, a short trail leads from the Glacier Point parking lot to a panoramic viewpoint 3,214 feet above Curry Village   .

On your second day in this legendary park, you will explore the spectacular Yosemite Falls . 

A thirty-minute walk along an easy trail will take you to the base of the Lower Fall .

If you're feeling athletic , you can also tackle the epic Yosemite Falls Trail  , a 6 to 8 hour hike to the top of the Upper Fall for a view of the falls from above!

For a more peaceful, but exciting, adventure , head to Tuolumne Meadows   . 

This vast subalpine meadow in the heart of the Sierra Nevada is crossed by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by magnificent peaks and domes . It's a wonderful place for a scenic stroll. 

Days 6-7 : San Francisco  (315 km / 3:34)

Today, set a course for San Francisco , a city open to diversity, with a certain European flare. 

Visiting San Francisco in 2 days will require making some choices. Why not start your visit with an overview of what the city has to offer?

In the Telegraph Hill neighbourhood , at the top of the hill of the same name, is the Coit Tower  , built as a tribute to the city's firefighters by Lillie Coit.

To end the day on a high note, take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge  at sunset!

If this is your first time in San Francisco, you will want to take at least one cable car ride .

Plan to do this as the first activity of the day, before 8:30 , to avoid the crowds! 

Continue your day at Fisherman's Wharf   , a series of piers on the northern waterfront.

The stars of the show can be found at Pier 39   : a small colony of sea lions!

The pedestrian section of the pier also features more than 100 boutiques, a dozen restaurants, and street artists and musicians performing all day long.

To end your visit on a high note, visit Alcatraz  at dusk ! 

The night tours are especially exciting... and feature the ghosts that haunt the famous prison.

Day 8 : Monterey    (193 km / 2:01)

Enjoy your last morning in San Francisco before setting out along Highway 1   , a scenic route along the Pacific coast.

You will quickly see why it is considered by some to be the most beautiful coastal road in the world .

In fact, it is at the top of our list of the 7 wonders of California.

To give you the time to stop along the way, today's destination is Monterey .

Monterey is a typical California coastal town . You will be charmed by its picturesque beauty!

I highly recommend the 17-mile drive   , a private scenic road through one of the most famous residential neighbourhoods on the west coast .

Be sure to stop at Pebble Beach   in Cypress Point  to see the Lone Cypress , one of the most photographed trees in the world, all alone atop its rocky outcrop.

Day 9 : Pismo Beach  (251 km / 2:32)

Your tour of Highway 1 continues today towards Pismo Beach , another small coastal town known for its beaches and sand dunes .

Today you will experience the most spectacular section of this legendary highway , between Carmel and San Simeon , via Big Sur  . You will want to stop often to take in the views.

To see the most beautiful and largest area of coastal dunes remaining in California , drive about 3 miles south of Pismo Beach, to the Oceana Dunes Natural Preserve .

In the evening, head to downtown Pismo Beach  for a good meal. There is something for everyone, but the area is particularly known for its seafood restaurants .

For the perfect ending to your day and, at the same time, to your 10-day tour, take a stroll along the beach !

Day 10 : Los Angeles (278 km / 2:55)

That's right - all good things must come to an end! It's already time to make your way back to Los Angeles for your flight home .

You'll return home with your head and heart filled with memories of America . I bet the California breeze will stay with you for a long time to come!

This concludes the best 10-day California tour .

If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to share them below!

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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Ripartenza! Stati Uniti di nuovo aperti al turismo. Contattaci per un preventivo e scopri regole di ingresso e tutele in caso di cancellazione.

BEST OF CALIFORNIA

Lascia Los Angeles e le spiagge per risalire la costa che si inasprisce sempre più e si arricchisce di scogliere, una tappa a Big Sur prima di arrivare a San Francisco. Dalla baia salirai sulle montagne di Yosemite, la Valle della Morte e i suoi paesaggi lunari, Las Vegas e le mille luci per ritornare sulla costa di San Diego.

Prenota la tua vacanza on the road negli Stati Uniti.

Scegliere un tour in auto di Xplore significa avvalersi dell'esperienza e della professionalità di un tour operator specializzato nei viaggi negli Stati Uniti. Ricorda che le quote non comprendono i voli e che i bambini sotto i 16 anni non pagano gli hotel se dividono la camera con i genitori. Puoi scegliere di richiederci un preventivo per questo tour in California di 12 giorni cos' com'è o puoi contattarci per personalizzarlo.

Le quotazioni sono per persona adulta. I bambini sotto i 16 anni dormono gratis in camera con i genitori, oltre i 16 anni sono da considerarsi adulti. Possibilità di personalizzare l'itinerario modificando il percorso e cambiare tipologia di auto, per maggiori informazioni non esitare a contattarci.

Prezzi Hotel + Auto (per persona)

I prezzi sono indicativi e possono variare a seconda del periodo dell'anno e della tipologia degli hotel disponibili.

• pernottamenti per tutta la durata del tour in hotel di categoria turistica, salvo diversamente specificato
• noleggio auto Compact per tutta la durata del tour con formula all inclusive (tutte le assicurazioni, tasse locali, zero franchigia)
• consulenza Xplore per la preparazione del viaggio e assistenza italiana durante il viaggio
• voli intercontinentali e interni
• eventuali notti extra prima e dopo il tour
• navigatore satellitare in auto (quotazioni su richiesta)
• eventuali ingressi ai parchi
• supplementi alta stagione, pasti, mance ed extra in genere
• spese di prenotazione comprensive di assicurazione medica Europ Assistance

Indicazioni sui prezzi dei voli

I prezzi sono puramente indicativi e si intendono in Euro per persona adulta, tasse comprese, da sommare alle quote del tour. Quotazioni basate su voli a/r da Milano/Roma considerando almeno 3 mesi di anticipo rispetto alla data di partenza.

Puoi decidere di prenotare il tour così com'è oppure personalizzare l'itinerario a tuo piacimento. Contattaci per un preventivo gratuito e ricorda che prima prenoti e più risparmi, sia sui prezzi dei voli che degli hotel.

È il tour che fa per me!

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IL MEGLIO DEL WEST

Uno dei tour in auto negli Stati Uniti di maggiore successo, il classico che non stanca mai, adatto sia per chi affronta per la prima volta un viaggio in America, per chi vuole ritornare o per chi vuole approfondire la conoscenza di queste meravigliose terre. Un mix di natura condito con le grandi città, insuperabile!

PARCHI NAZIONALI USA

Grand Canyon e molti altri parchi naturali degli Stati Uniti, in questo tour in auto davvero completo, perfetto per gli amanti della natura! Il percorso si snoda tra montagne, deserti, canyon e conformazioni rocciose mai viste in Europa. Il rientro è a Los Angeles sul mare, dove fare una tappa di relax prima di rientrare.

ASSAGGIO DEL WEST

Un tour da abbinare ad un soggiorno mare negli Stati Uniti oppure per chi non ha moltissimo tempo, un assaggio completo che ti farà sicuramente voglia di ritornare in America senza lasciarti deluso. I parchi di Yosemite e la Valle della Morte ti faranno rimanere a bocca aperta e potrai percorrere alcune delle strade più belle della California.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Tour della California in 10 giorni! Un tour in auto negli Stati Uniti dedicato a uno degli stati più famosi (e più belli) con una breve scappatina a Las Vegas, giusto per divertirti a percorrere anche i deserti californiani confinanti con il Nevada. Dal mare alla montagna e ritorno, dove potrai abbinare un soggiorno di mare.

CALIFORNIA ESSENTIAL

Una pillola di California, perfetto tour in auto da abbinare ad esempio ad un soggiorno alle Hawaii oppure ad una vacanza di relax lungo le coste di Los Angeles. Non preoccuparti per gli hotel o per l'auto, potrai scegliere tutto con calma e con la nostra assistenza e partire serenamente. Basterà accendere il navigatore in italiano

DESERTI, CANYON e PARCHI

Itinerario in auto negli Stati Uniti con un mix incredibile e affascinante di meraviglie della natura. Con la tua auto a noleggio, potrai scegliere quella che vuoi prima di partire, percorrerai le strade più belle dell'Ovest americano! Goditi la strada che scende dalla montagna al deserto e che si perde sotto archi di pietra.

OMBRE ROSSE

Un viaggio completo che ti porterà alla scoperta di terre meravigliose, del colore della sabbia al tramonto. Ti torneranno subito in mente i film western e vedrai sagome di cowboy e indiani all'orizzonte. L' itinerario è già deciso, la macchina ha già il pieno e gli hotel negli Stati Uniti sono stati prenotati... dovrai solo guidare.

TERRE INDIANE

Le terre dei nativi americani aspettano solo di essere esplorate da te, scoprirai angoli di paesaggio che non ti aspettavi e rimarrai incantato dalla Monument Valley al tramonto, tanto da volerla vedere anche con le stelle e all'alba. Un viaggio allo scoperta della storia degli americani e degli indiani ma anche paesaggi meravigliosi.

OVEST AMERICANO e BASSA CALIFORNIA

Un'itinerario che combina San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas e i migliori parchi nazionali di Utah e Arizona con un soggiorno mare e avventura sulle coste messicane della Baja California! Da San Diego si vola verso San Jose del Cabo in poco meno di due ore, da li si affitta auto e si continua il viaggio tra spiagge sensazionali, cactus, tequila e cibo squisito!

SENSAZIONALE BASSA CALIFORNIA

Il meglio della Bassa California abbinato a qualche giorno tra Los Angeles e San Diego, cosa volere di più? Un itinerario all'insegna delle onde, del mare, dei cactus e di un'anima latina che accomuna la California americana e la Bassa California Messicana!

Prenota anche i voli con noi

E ricorda che prima prenoti, meno paghi

Chiedici un preventivo compreso di voli a/r e risparmia! Per il tuo viaggio negli Stati Uniti possiamo prenotare voli da qualsiasi città italiana, voli interni e trasferimenti.

Personalizza il tuo tour

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Centinaia di itinerari in auto, in pullman o in moto per il tuo viaggio negli Stati Uniti... e ricorda che ogni tour è modificabile in base alle tue esigenze!

Scegli il solo noleggio

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Noleggia solo un'auto o una moto e scopri gli Stati Uniti di giorno in giorno. Ricordati però che in alta stagione faticherai a trovare da dormire...

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California Classics with San Diego

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Wander San Francisco's streets
• Visit Lake Tahoe
• Explore Yosemite National Park
• Discover San Diego
• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO
• Day 2 SAN FRANCISCO
• Day 3 SAN FRANCISCO–EXCURSION TO SAUSALITO & SONOMA
• Day 4 SAN FRANCISCO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
• Day 5 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–MONTEREY
• Day 6 MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL
• Day 7 MONTEREY–BIG SUR–SAN SIMEON–SOLVANG
• Day 8 SOLVANG–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES
• Day 9 LOS ANGELES
• Day 10 LOS ANGELES–AMTRAK’S PACIFIC SURFLINER–SAN DIEGO
• Day 11 SAN DIEGO
• Day 12 SAN DIEGO
• Day 13 SAN DIEGO

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What's Included

• Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

Operated by globus.

It began more than 90 years ago, when a young man purchased a boat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single boat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies? Today, the Globus family of brands is a global company reaching every corner of the world, yet remains family-owned and steeped in the values Antonio Mantegazza had when he set out across Lake Lugano in 1928 - to enlighten travelers by showing them the very best of the destinations we know so well. At Globus, we create first-class escorted tours with just the right balance of included features & free time. We’re all about hidden gems, not hidden charges. We throw in more visits, toss in more experiences & include more sightseeing, all in the price of the vacation.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Bad 1.0
• Transport Good 4.0
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Globus 5.0
• Most Recent
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• Highest First
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• A Belinda · 21st September 2023 It was definitely higher end as far as tours go. Bus driver and tour guide were excellent. Accomodation great. Well chosen itinery. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
• K Katarzyna · 19th September 2023 I had great expectations for this trip- flying from Europe to see Californian highlights. I have chosen this trip based on itinerary and standard of hotels offered. Hotels were very good , especially in San Francisco, Solvang, Monterey. The lodge in... Show more Trip date: September 2023
• A Harriet · 13th September 2023 Good balance of natural world & urban environments…the tremendous variants of California. Substantial breakfasts to start our busy days. Guide is lively, energetic, caring, kind, informative, patient, a good partner with driver. Well-prepared... Show more Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A tatiana · 4th September 2023 this was our 3rd trip, most likely will book again in 2024 Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Rhonnie · 1st September 2023 Darren, was pleasant, remembered our names and was always available to listen or discuss the trip. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Antoinette · 31st August 2023 My family and I were disappointed that the tour of Los Angeles did not include Universal Studios. It could have taken the place of the Getty Museum or the Farmers Market stops. We would have also enjoyed additional time In San Francisco. Overall, we... Show more Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Nancy · 30th August 2023 Darren, was very caring and offered to bring us dinner because I did not feel well and could not go to dinner. He also checked on us the next morning. I appreciate his kindness and compassion. We enjoyed our adventure! Nancy Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A JAMES · 29th August 2023 The overall tour was very good. The Farmer's Market experience was alright, but I think that working in a studio tour instead might have been more interesting. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Elizabeth · 29th August 2023 Road conditions shortened our time in Big Sur, but I would love to see more hours allocated to Yosemite and Big Sur in the future. Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Martyn · 26th August 2023 Darren and Hose go above and beyond and both are excellent . You should promote both and give them bonuses Trip date: August 2023 Review collected by Globus

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• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
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• 2 Other Unavailable Departures
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As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
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• For any tour departing before 10th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 10th June 2024, a minimum payment of €250 is required to confirm your booking with Globus. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 50 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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Small World This Is

California , Road Trips

The Ultimate 10-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

California does not cease to impress with its diverse landscape. The classic Highway 1 road trip is an option for those who have less time, though to get a better understanding of California , it’s important to see both the coast and venture further inland. Here’s a California road trip itinerary that will take you from the ocean to the desert to the mountains and back to the ocean.

This post contains affiliate links (with no extra cost to you). Read the full disclosure policy click here . Thank you for supporting Small World This Is.

Best Time To Plan a California Road Trip

September to early October is an ideal time to plan your trip. During this time, California is experiencing late summer weather in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the national parks are less crowded.

Summer weather can be cold, especially since San Francisco tends to be extra foggy during the summer months, and Los Angeles experiences June Gloom, where days can be chilly and overcast.

California has a Mediterranean climate, which gives the state dry summers and rainy winters. Right before the rainy season starts in mid to late October, it’s important to take advantage of the ideal seasonal weather around the state.

May is also a good time to plan a California trip, but depending on the severity of the rainy season, roads to national parks like Yosemite can still be closed.

Defining the Pacific Coast Highway

Note that the Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 1 are often used interchangeably. This main stretch of coastal road is officially called California’s Highway 1 (starting a bit north of San Francisco), where the Pacific Coast Highway, is the portion that starts from roughly Oxnard all the way to the end in Dana Point in Southern California.

If you do decide to plan a PCH trip in the late spring/early summer there’s a good chance the coastline will be foggy, especially in Southern California, which the locals lovingly refer to as June Gloom. Winter and spring can also be an option if the weather is sunny but be forewarned that if it’s rainy there can be road closures due to dangers like mudslides.

Renting A Car For Your California Road Trip

The best rental car prices are at the airport (SFO or LAX in this case) and I usually do a search on this site   that sorts through the top rental car companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis to get the best deal. You can rent a car in San Francisco and then leave it in Los Angeles, though it will cost a bit more it’s well worth it.

California Road Trip Map

I recommend starting and ending in San Francisco for your California road trip itinerary, just because it’s a smaller, more manageable city than Los Angeles. You will not have to deal with the headache of Los Angeles traffic (though San Francisco does have its fair share of backups). You can also ditch your car and use public transportation to easily zip around the city before spending the next week and a half on the road.

10-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

This guide starts from San Francisco and heads down the coast. If you’re starting out in Los Angeles, just do the reverse route. Here’s the itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 – San Francisco

Day 3 – big sur.

Day 4 & 5 – Santa Barbara

Day 6 & 7 -Los Angeles

Day 8 – Joshua Tree

Day 9 – Yosemite National Park

Day 10 – lake tahoe.

The City By The Bay is a great place to get your bearings, spoil yourself at all the good food and visit the diverse neighborhoods that each feels like entering a different world. You can get in plenty of steps in this walkable city, where you can quickly log in your daily 10,000 before you know it.

Start your day with this well-loved San Francisco Love Tour that brings guests around on a 70-era VW bus. The tour is 2 hours and stops at popular sights like Haight Ashbury, downtown, Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission to name a few.

After your tour, head to Crissy Field for top views of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as Lands End for more spectacular bridge views.

On the second day, make your way to Golden Gate Park , where you can visit the California Academy of Sciences if you’re interested in natural history or art at the de Young . Afterward, go to the Japanese Tea Garden next door, the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S.

Treat yourself to a dim sum brunch at Dragon Beaux (or hot pot in the evenings) in the Outer Richmond, get your fill of carbs at Tartine Bakery in the Mission, and eat your way through the Ferry Building restaurants , with a view of the Bay Bridge in the background. For dinner, try Foreign Cinema, if you want to get fancy.

Where to stay in San Francisco

• Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman’s Wharf   – a great mid-range central option near Pier 39.
• Marriott Courtyard San Francisco Union Square – a solid choice downtown.

Travel tip: take BART back to the airport to pick up your rental car right before you hit the road. Having a car in San Francisco for the few days you’re visiting is usually a bigger headache than it’s worth with parking. Local public transportation and ride-sharing services will get you everywhere you need to go.

The beautiful city of San Francisco should definitely be on your 10-day California road trip itinerary.

The first stop on this road trip is one of the most picturesque portions of the California coast . Be warned that the roads are especially windy on this part of the highway, so make sure to take motion sickness medication if you need to.

PCH stops along the way to Big Sur

• Half Moon Bay’s Mavericks Beach (of Mavericks surf competition fame), though you will probably not see the monster waves which make rare appearances only during the wintertime.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the adjacent beach, which is a lot calmer than the boardwalk and a great break from the sensory overload.
• Cannery Row , the city’s main drag that used to be filled with sardine canneries back in the day.

The Bixby Bridge is the most iconic sight in Big Sur, standing at 260 feet above Bixby Creek. There’s plenty of parking on both sides of the bridge to pull off and take photos from nearby vantage points.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a massive state park home to McWays Falls , an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into the Pacific Ocean. There are also numerous other hiking trails throughout the park ranging from easy strolls to strenuous full-on hikes.

Pfeiffer Beach feels almost otherworldly with its lavender-colored sand and keyhole rock formations jutting dramatically out of the Pacific Ocean.

Big Sur Bakery is a solid spot to stop for breakfast, including freshly-made baked goods and strong coffee. Big Sur Deli is a great spot to pick up sandwiches on the go.

Where to stay in Big Sur

• For an affordable option, Big Sur Lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur National Park, with cottage-style rooms and the Homestead Restaurant on the property which uses local ingredients for its menu.
• For a taste of luxury,  Ventana Big Sur just outside of Pfeiffer Big Sur National Park is where you go to get properly pampered.

Day 4 – Santa Barbara

This day is going to be one of the longer ones on your California road trip itinerary, and it’s recommended that you start as early as possible. It’s also one of the most scenic portions of the road trip, starting at Big Sur and ending in the beautiful seaside city of Santa Barbara .

You definitely don’t want to rush your way through.

PCH stops along the way to Santa Barbara

• San Simeon’s Hearst Castle  to witness true extravagance (make a tour reservation beforehand)
• Morro Rock looming at the entrance of the harbor to Morro Bay
• San Luis Obispo , a college town where the tri-tip is not to be missed at Firestone Grill

One of my favorite ways to see Santa Barbara is through a bike tour, where you can view the city’s main sights like State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission on wheels. I highly recommend the Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour , where the electric bike cruisers allow for easy mobility.

Sip local wines on the Urban Wine Trail , including the Funk Zone , which is a revitalized industrial area of town that has numerous wine tastings, cafés, and galleries. Get some sun at the city’s East Beach , while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific. Wander around Ganna Walska Lotusland , a botanical garden located on the Montecito estate of a Polish singer.

Stroll down State Street downtown and then drive to nearby Los Agaves for some solid Mexican food. Get a scoop or two of ice cream at McConnell’s on State Street.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

• Sunset Motel is located close to downtown, is spotless, and comes with a complimentary breakfast.
• The Lavender Inn by the Sea   is a cozy boutique hotel that is a few blocks from the beach and includes a free continental breakfast.

Day 5 & 6 -Los Angeles

Welcome to Southern California! This sprawling city is not to be missed and two days will give you an introduction to a city that has many different sides. Los Angeles is roughly divided up into West, Central, Downtown, East, South, and The Valley.

If you want to experience beach life, the Westside (Santa Monica, Venice) is where you should go, but also keep in mind that there is a lot more to the city than these beachside neighborhoods.

To get your bearings, take a comprehensive guided tour that allows you to see popular LA sights like downtown, Griffith Park, Hollywood, Beverley Hills, and Koreatown. One of my favorites is this Grand City Tour of Los Angeles , which is a 5-hour long tour through the city in a 12-person van that allows for a more intimate feel.

Another favorite is the Downtown LA Food Tour , which stops at food havens like Grand Central Market, but also iconic landmarks like The Bradbury Building.

On the last day, drive down the coast to Malibu and spend the day beach-hopping at local gems like Point Dume , El Matador , and Zuma.

Immerse yourself in everything Hollywood, by taking a tour at a movie studio , or if you have the energy (and money) head to Universal Studios Hollywood , which is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Eat a Turkish-inspired brunch at Kismet , grab a sandwich and baked goods at Gjusta in Venice or steaming bowls of ramen in Japantown (there is also a branch in Sawtelle) at the ever-popular Daikokuya .

Where to stay in Los Angeles

Ideally, if you’re planning to visit all around Los Angeles, the central part of the city is a good spot to call home. A home base in the greater Hollywood area for example will give you easier access to the west and east parts of  LA, instead of staying on the Westside and having to drive all the way across town to sights on the Eastside or vice versa.

• The Trylon Hotel is a great reasonably-priced hotel in Hollywood.
• If you want to be beachside, The Gateway Hote l , is a mid-range hotel less than two miles from the beach and Santa Monica Pier, with free parking.

Travel tip: Plan your LA itinerary around neighborhoods that are close to each other to minimize driving across town. This means meals too. LA is a big city and driving from Santa Monica to Downtown in weekday rush hour traffic is not for the faint of heart.

Day 7 – Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is such an unexpectedly beautiful part of California, where the rugged landscape often feels more like a remote planet than a desert two hours drive east of Los Angeles.

The best way to experience the park is to get out and explore it on your own two feet by taking advantage of all the hiking trails . Skull Rock is a popular 1.7-mile trail that takes hikers past the giant skull rock formation, whose eye sockets formed out of centuries of erosion from the rain.

Hidden Valley features a 1-mile loop trail that goes through a valley sheltered by rock formations For more trails, check out this post .

There are no grocery stores within the park, but there is a café at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, where you can pick up boxed lunches. There are eight picnic areas within the park: Black Rock, Split Rock, Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, Indian Cove, Cap Rock, Live Oak, and Quail Springs.

Within the town of Joshua Tree here are some good options for food, including Pie For The People for outstanding pizzas at a spot located right outside the park’s west entrance. Royal Siam Thai Cuisine is a local favorite that’s perfect for a post-hike celebratory meal of green curry and pad see ew.

Joshua Tree Health Foods by the West Entrance is a great place to pick up healthy snacks and drinks before heading into the park. Joshua Tree Coffee Company is a great spot to pick up some strong morning fuel (try the vanilla latte).

Where to stay in Joshua Tree

Within the park itself there are nine campgrounds to stay at, where during the busy season of October through May, they are first-come, first-serve, except Black Rock and Indian Cove. During the quieter summer months, all campground grounds are first-come, first-serve.

Most sites only allow tents, except for Indian Cove Group Campground, which allows small RVs.

Though the park only has camping options, the nearby town of Joshua Tree has some good lodging options.

• Joshua Tree Inn & Motel this hacienda-style inn is located a mere five miles from the park entrance and has a lot of historical charm. Each room has a patio to relax on after a long day of exploring.
• Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway -a family-owned spot that is filled with personality and hospitality, and boasts clean spacious rooms with kitchenettes to prepare a packed lunch in for the trails.

Entrance fee: $30 for a 7-day vehicle pass as of February 7, 2023.

Day 8 – Death Valley National Park

If you want to really understand California’s contrasting landscapes, Death Valley’s bone-dry desert landscape is not to be missed. It’s best to avoid going during the summer when the temperatures can easily reach 110 degrees and over.

Stop by the Furnace Creek area which includes the park’s visitor center, restaurants, and gas stations. Visit Zabriskie Point , one of the most popular lookout points in the park, where you can hike from the Badlands Loop or just drive up and soak in the view.

Experience the Badwater Basin , the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level, where you can view the mysterious salt flat from the parking lot.

The Racetrack with the magical moving rocks is also worth a mention (though it’s highly recommended to not go with a regular rental car due to the rough road).

For a sit-down meal, the Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant has solid burgers and fries, as well as massive salads.

Where to stay in Death Valley

There are limited accommodations in the park and not all places are open year-round. That being said The Oasis at Death Valley is home to two of the best hotels in the area:

• The Inn at Death Valley is more luxury travel
• Ranch at Death Valley has a more casual setting

Travel tip: Do not underestimate the dry desert heat and be prepared with plenty of water (at least a gallon per person/per day). Make sure to fill up on gas before entering the park, since it’s expensive and limited to areas like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs.

It’s hard to plan a California road trip and not include this iconic national park . The trick to having a successful trip to Yosemite is meticulous planning and more planning.

The best time to visit is May or September when there are fewer crowds and the weather isn’t too hot. The difference between these two times is that during May the waterfalls will be in full flow as the snow melts, but in September there isn’t as much water after a dry summer, but the scenery is still stunning.

On your way into the park turn onto CA Highway 41, and follow the sign that is marked Bridalveil Fall. Right before you reach the Wawona Tunnel, pull off into the parking lot and you’ll be rewarded with the classic Tunnel View that Ansel Adams made famous and includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Once in the valley, start at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center , to get your bearings. Explore the valley, whether you go on the walking paths of Tuolumne Meadows (open from late May or early June to November, depending on the season), the easy Yosemite Falls 1-mile loop trail, or the more strenuous Glacier Point hike.

Nearby Mono Lake , with towering limestone formations, is also worth the stop as well.

The food in the valley itself is not particularly noteworthy, but there’s the historic The Ahwahnee for brunch with a view, where reservations are recommended. For a more casual meal, there’s Degnan’s Kitchen for reliable sandwiches and pizza.

Where to stay in Yosemite

If you have limited time in Yosemite, it’s highly recommended you stay inside the valley, since it takes about an hour or more to get from the entrance to the valley if you stay outside.

• For luxury digs, The Ahwahnee in the valley is a popular choice.
• If you prefer more rustic accommodations, the Half Dome Village is worth checking out for its heated tent cabins.

Travel tip: There are multiple park entrances depending on where you’re coming from. If you are driving from Death Valley, you will most likely enter from the South entrance. Make sure to always double-check road closures the day before, since things can change quickly.

Entrance fee : $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass as of February 7, 2023.

Head to the Bay Area’s favorite mountain getaway, where in the winter it’s popular for winter sports and the summer for outdoor activities around the lake.

There are two sides of Tahoe: the North Shore is quieter, more spread out, and nature-oriented, while the South Shore has a more touristy vibe with a lively nightlife with the bars, casinos, and resorts of Stateline and South Tahoe. The distance between the two locations is around an hour, so it’s important to choose which area best suits your needs.

Plan a day hike in either Emerald Bay State Park or neighboring D.L. Bliss State Park in the southwestern corner of the lake. If you prefer a more sedentary activity, float down the Truckee River, which flows out of the northwestern corner of the lake.

Visit the Alpine Village at Squaw Valley , where there are shops, restaurants, and free summer concerts. During the summer, visit King’s Beach in North Tahoe, a family-friend stretch of sand, where you can rent SUPs or kayaks to bob on the lake for a few hours.

Artemis Lakefront Café is a great place to grab Mediterranean food with a lake view on the South Shore. There are two Artemis cafes, so make sure to choose the one at Ski Run Marina for a memorable view. Fire Sign Café is a reliable choice on the North Shore in Tahoe City for brunch.

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

• For the South Shore, the boutique hotel Basecamp South is a lively spot to call home for a few days.
• On the North Shore, the Best Western Plus Truckee has a reasonable price and includes breakfast. There are also vacation rentals in popular areas like Incline Village and Kings Beach as well in North Tahoe.

Travel tip: double-check park closures, since some close in September, but it depends on the weather. Also, make sure not to overdo it, since the 6,255-foot elevation can affect some people, especially during physical activity.

The drive back to San Francisco is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic/weather conditions.

Alternative California Road Trip Itinerary for 7 Days

If time only allows a week-long trip, you can easily shorten this 10-day itinerary by spending only one day in San Francisco and Los Angeles, driving through Big Sur to spend the night in Santa Barbara, and choosing between Death Valley and Joshua Tree. A 7-day California road trip might be a bit tight, but you will still get a solid introduction to some of California’s most beautiful destinations.

Alternative California Destinations

Here are some additional destinations that you can add to your itinerary if you have a few days extra on your road trip or want to substitute for example Los Angeles with San Diego if you have already been to LA before.

For everything indulgent, this Northern California city is the best place to go for wine, food, and relaxation. Visit the historic Downtown Riverfront Promenade and make sure not to miss the Napa River Inn and the surrounding beautiful artwork including Alan Shepp’s Mosaic Fountain in Riverbend Plaza.

Rent a bike and head out on the Napa River Trail , which winds its way along the river for 4.2 miles.

Sonoma may not have the world-renown fame of its larger neighbor, but it definitely has more charm. The walkable downtown is centered around Sonoma Plaza with wineries, cafes (try the Sunflower Caffe for brunch), and boutiques to browse.

Afterward, walk around the neighborhoods surrounding downtown and admire the homes and sometimes even see horses grazing around.

The capital of California is a lot more than its political roots (though a visit to the California State Capitol Museum is well worth a visit). There’s trendy Midtown with its tree-lined streets and the beautiful homes of  East Sacramento .

My favorite corner of Sacramento is Curtis Park, a picturesque residential neighborhood that is home to Gunther’s Ice Cream and Pangaea Bier Cafe .

Monterey’s swanky neighbor is known for its rich artistic community, where writers and artists live and work (director/actor Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel at one time). Dogs are revered in this town, and there are plenty of places to cater to any pups in tow, including Diggidy Dog , for dog treats and toys.

For humans, Cafe Luna downtown is worth stopping by for the breakfast sushi and wonton ramen.

This town was formed by a group of Danish settlers who were tired of Midwest winters and were looking for sunnier prospects out west, hence the name Solvang (sunny field). Stroll down Alisal Road to admire the Danish architecture and make sure to pick up aebelskivers (Danish pancakes puffs) at Solvang Restaurant’s to-go window.

Stop at Copenhagen Sausage Garden to counteract all that sugar with a cold beer and savory sausages.

Carpinteria

This small beach city on the Central Coast is a great alternative for those that want to avoid the tourists or the college student crowds of Santa Barbara. Take a walk on Carpinteria State Beach , and later head over to The Spot , a Carpinteria institution for hamburgers and fries.

If you want to stay inland, Seaside Gardens, a nursery/botanical garden hybrid boasts an extensive and unusual plant selection.

This coastal city has plenty to see and do, including the Ventura Pier , and a little ways down the San Buenaventura State Beach , which boasts less crowds with beautiful views. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Cafe Nouveau , which serves both traditional American brunch items and those with a Creole twist, like their maple bacon beignets.

Pacific Palisades

Tucked in between Malibu and Santa Monica, this affluent seaside community is worth stopping at the Getty Villa for ancient art, rich architecture, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

For some extra fuel, head over to the Palisades Village , a pristine outdoor shopping mall and get an ice coffee at Alfred’s Coffee and make sure to check out the Instagram flower wall if that’s your thing.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach Pier is fun to walk down and browse the shops for souvenirs and spot playful seals frolicking in the harbor below.

Jus’ Poke is a must for some authentic Hawaiian poke. The shoyu-flavored one is my favorite, with a side of brown rice and seaweed salad. There is also a solid selection of Hawaiian Sun drinks (try the guava).

Take a tour of the Queen Mary , a historic ocean liner that is rumored to be haunted and also has a hotel, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. Rent a kayak and leisurely float through Naples Island , which is similar to the Venice Canals in Venice Beach with envious waterfront homes.

If you have more time, take the Catalina Express for a day trip to this popular island that always is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.

Huntington Beach

Your first stop in this surf-obsessed beach town should be to catch all the action and watch the surfers from the iconic Huntington Beach Pier . Afterward, learn all about why this town has been nicknamed Surf City, USA, at the International Surfing Museum and view the world’s largest surfboard.

Newport Beach

Known for its picture-perfect piers: Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier , there is no shortage of activities to fill your visit. For an adrenaline rush, head to the Wedge , where you can watch surfers ride up to 20-foot waves.

Escape to Balboa Island on the ferry and walk around the town with a frozen banana in hand from Sugar ‘N Spice . Head to Mama D’s Italian Kitchen for homemade spinach ravioli and their famous pink sauce.

Laguna Beach

As a major art community, this Orange County beach town is home to many notable galleries. The Laguna Art Museum is worth visiting to view an impressive collection of art from around the state. Soak in the coastal beauty of Laguna Beach by heading to Main Beach , just steps away from the city center.

Drop by Nick’s Laguna Beach for a blackened fish sandwich or the grilled steakhouse salad.

LEGOLAND California may be this coastal city’s claim to fame, but there is a lot more than this popular theme park to do in the area. Every spring, the Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch boasts 50 acres of vibrant blooms. There is also the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa , where you can indulge in an afternoon of self-care or perfect your swing on the golf courses.

For music enthusiasts, the Museum of Making Music , is a great spot to learn about how instruments are made, as well as try your hand at making your own music.

This eclectic seaside surf town has stunning beaches like Moonlight State Beach and Swami’s to spend a lazy afternoon lounging on and watch surfers do their thing. Further inland, the San Diego Botanic Garden has over 4,000 different plants from around the world, including rare bamboo groves and an intriguing undersea succulent garden.

Head back to town and walk along historic downtown Encinitas to browse the boutique stores and cafes.

Solana Beach

For a quick San Diego day trip, this coastal beach town boasts a strong community feel. A whole afternoon can easily be spent at the Cedros Design District , where you can shop for home interior goods, stop into a café for a quick pick-me-up or browse the numerous art galleries.

For outdoor adventures, Fletcher Cove Beach is a sheltered inlet where you can take a swim or surf. Every summer, the Fiesta De Sol marks the beginning of the season, with live music, local art, and specialty foods.

One of the wealthier communities of North County, this glitzy beach town is known for events like the Del Mar Horse Races and San Diego County Fair located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds during the summertime. Spend the afternoon at picturesque beaches like Del Mar City Beach , and pup-friendly Dog Beach .

Every year in September, the city hosts the Taste of Del Mar , which features local artists in a free art walk, along with culinary highlights from nearby restaurants and live music.

California’s southernmost city is known for its many stunning beaches, delicious food, and laid-back attitude. Start your day out at Balboa Park , where you can go to one of the many museums including the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Space and Air Museum .

Afterward, go to La Jolla where you can explore tide pools or just walk along the ocean and watch playful seals and sea lions. For dinner (and dessert) head to Little Italy , where you can find anything from breweries to traditional Italian.

Palm Springs

Head to this glam dessert town to spend a day cooling off at the Arrive Hotel , where anyone can use the pool free of charge. Hop on the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to take in panoramic views of Coachella Valley below and hike around the trails once you reach the top.

Walk along Palm Canyon Drive to browse the art galleries, antique shops, and retro-themed furniture stores. Make sure to stop by the Cabazon Dinosaurs on your way to Palm Springs to snap a pic with the life-sized dinos.

Head inland to indulge in a day of wine tasting in Temecula Valley Wine Country, with over forty wineries to taste some of the region’s best vino. Walk along the historic Old Town where you can browse shops and cafes that are housed along the wooden boardwalk and get a glimpse of the town’s Old West roots.

Go up in a hot air balloon at sunrise to see the expanse of vineyards from above or stay on the ground and play a round of golf. If you want to be a bit more active, rent a bike and spend the day biking through the vineyards.

There you have it. A California road trip that takes you from the coast, through the desert and mountains, and back to the ocean. Of course, you can mix and match the schedule so it fits your personal time frame.

You can extend your stay in places like Yosemite or Joshua Tree, if you have more time you can add on stops at places like Palm Springs if you want to experience this luxurious desert town where many Angelenos escape to on the weekend.

You can also stay in Los Angeles longer and explore all the different neighborhoods, and continue to eat your way through the city. It’s completely up to you.

Sources: Death Valley photo

April 3, 2021 at 3:39 am

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

April 9, 2021 at 5:15 pm

Thank you! I hope you get to visit California one day.

July 25, 2021 at 12:34 pm

Hi this a great bit of info. extremely useful we live in Manchester Uk and (assuming no covid restrictions) are looking to do this trip in April 2022 with two kids 12 and 17. so just starting to plan now.

July 26, 2021 at 10:08 am

Thanks Mark! Glad to hear it helped. April is a great time to take a California road trip.

September 23, 2021 at 10:10 am

How would this trip be in the beginning of April? The 1st week of April is our spring break. Do the fires impact this trip at all?

September 28, 2021 at 2:16 am

Hi! Early April should be an ideal time to visit. You don’t need to worry about fires, since those typically happen in late summer when it’s drier. The only thing that you need to keep an eye on is late-season rain/flooding when driving down Highway 1, since there can be landslides that cause road closures. This government website is helpful for checking highway closures: roads.dot.ca.gov. Have a great trip!

December 21, 2021 at 8:49 pm

This California road trip guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

December 22, 2021 at 11:40 am

Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful!

March 4, 2023 at 4:44 am

I always look forward to your newsletter and reading about your California adventures! A PCH tour is definitely on our bucket list. I loved your 10 day itinerary & hope to put it to good use one day soon. I have visited California a couple of times years ago. I’ve never seen a prettier place – although the traffic was like no place I’ve ever been!!! Enjoy & stay safe.

March 6, 2023 at 4:22 pm

Thanks Carol! I hope you get to come back to California soon and drive along the beautiful PCH. And yes the traffic around LA still baffles me even after living in the area for years ha.

May 30, 2023 at 4:41 pm

How would this trip look in the end of December weather wise?

May 31, 2023 at 10:01 pm

Usually, there’s a good chance of rain at the end of December, especially in Northern California. Last year was very rainy, but that was an exception. Weather in Southern California is mild and in my opinion great for visiting. Just be prepared for everything and bring layers!

June 8, 2023 at 3:10 am

very perfect article thanks for sharing it with us

June 8, 2023 at 3:46 pm

Thank you Gerald!

August 9, 2023 at 8:57 am

woow this pretty much gives all the insights about carlifornia , thanks for putting this pieces together.

August 9, 2023 at 10:55 am

Thanks, glad you found this helpful Bosco!

November 10, 2023 at 3:44 am

very perfect article thanks for sharing it with us.

November 10, 2023 at 10:34 am

Thanks, glad you enjoy it!

December 15, 2023 at 3:25 am

very perfect article thanks a lot

December 15, 2023 at 11:17 am

Thanks Mike!

January 4, 2024 at 6:55 am

very nice article thanks a lot

January 4, 2024 at 10:16 am

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