10‑Day West Coast USA Adventure: Mumbai → Los Angeles → San Francisco → Yosemite → Lake Tahoe

Day 1: Departure from Mumbai & Arrival in Los Angeles

Morning: Board an overnight flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), settling into your seat for a comfortable journey.

Afternoon: The flight crosses time zones; enjoy in‑flight meals and entertainment while you gradually adjust to Pacific Time.

Evening: Land at LAX, clear customs, and transfer to your hotel in downtown Los Angeles for a good night’s rest.

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Day 2: Los Angeles – Iconic Highlights

Morning: Visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views and a quick hike up to the Hollywood Sign.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the beachfront boardwalk, and grab a light lunch at a seaside café.

Evening: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, snap photos of famous stars, and dine at a trendy restaurant on Sunset Boulevard.

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Day 3: Los Angeles – Culture & Coast

Morning: Explore the art collections and gardens of the Getty Center, taking in sweeping views of the city.

Afternoon: Head to Venice Beach to see the famous Muscle Beach gym, colorful murals, and the bustling boardwalk.

Evening: Experience downtown LA’s vibrant scene with a visit to The Broad museum followed by dinner in the Arts District.

**Travel to San Francisco**

Morning: Fly from LAX to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and transfer to your hotel near Union Square.

Afternoon: Settle in, enjoy a quick walk around Union Square, and sample local pastries.

Evening: Wander the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, watch sea lions at Pier 39, and savor fresh clam chowder in a waterfront restaurant.

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Day 5: San Francisco – Golden Gate & Alcatraz

Morning: Cycle or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the nearby Golden Gate Park gardens.

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, enjoy the audio tour of the historic prison, and return with stunning bay views.

Evening: Dine in Chinatown, exploring its lantern‑lit streets and authentic dim sum eateries.

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Day 6: Journey to Yosemite National Park

Morning: Rent a car and drive the scenic 4‑hour route to Yosemite, stopping for photos at Mariposa Grove (optional).

Afternoon: Check into a lodge inside the park, then take a leisurely walk to the base of Yosemite Valley for sunset.

Evening: Attend a ranger‑led stargazing program and relax by the campfire.

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Day 7: Yosemite – Waterfalls & Viewpoints

Morning: Hike to Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, enjoying mist‑kissed air.

Afternoon: Drive up to Glacier Point for breathtaking vistas of Half Dome and the valley below.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a quiet dinner and optional night photography.

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Day 8: South Lake Tahoe – Alpine Relaxation

Morning: Depart Yosemite and drive to the south shore of Lake Tahoe, soaking in mountain scenery.

Afternoon: Enjoy lake activities such as paddle‑boarding, a boat cruise, or a lakeside hike at Emerald Bay.

Evening: Stay at a lakeside resort, dine on fresh trout, and watch the sunset over the crystal‑clear water.

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Day 9: Return to San Francisco

Morning: Drive back to San Francisco, arriving by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Spend leisure time shopping on Union Square or exploring the historic Cable Car Museum.

Evening: Pack and enjoy a farewell dinner in the Mission District, sampling local tacos and craft beer.

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Day 10: Departure to Mumbai

Morning: Transfer to San Francisco International Airport, complete check‑in and security procedures.

Afternoon: Board your flight back to Mumbai, reflecting on a week of West Coast wonders.

Evening: Overnight flight; arrive in Mumbai the following morning.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • International round‑trip flight (Mumbai ↔ Los Angeles ↔ San Francisco) – 30 hrs total – $1,300
  • Domestic flight LAX → SFO – 1.5 hrs – $150
  • Car rental (7 days) – 7 days – $350
  • Accommodation (9 nights total) – 9 nights – $1,350
  • Griffith Observatory – 2 hrs – $0
  • Santa Monica Pier – 3 hrs – $0
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame – 2 hrs – $0
  • Getty Center – 3 hrs – $20 (parking)
  • Venice Beach – 2 hrs – $0
  • The Broad museum – 2 hrs – $0 (reserve ticket)
  • Fisherman’s Wharf – 3 hrs – $0
  • Golden Gate Bridge (bike) – 2 hrs – $15 (bike rental)
  • Alcatraz Island tour – 3 hrs – $45
  • Yosemite National Park entry – 2 days – $35 (vehicle pass)
  • Yosemite Falls hike – 3 hrs – $0
  • Glacier Point – 2 hrs – $0
  • Lake Tahoe paddle‑boarding – 2 hrs – $25
  • Meals (average $50 per day) – 10 days – $500
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – – $200
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,190

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add an extra day in San Francisco to explore Sausalito and Muir Woods, or spend another night in Yosemite for a sunrise at Tunnel View. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Lake Tahoe leg and fly directly from Yosemite (via Fresno) back to San Francisco, reducing travel time and accommodation costs while still capturing the highlights of the West Coast.

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