Pacific Coast Adventure: Eugene, OR → San Diego, CA

Day 1: Eugene → Redwood National Park

Morning: Depart Eugene early and drive north along the scenic I‑5, crossing the majestic Oregon‑Washington border. Arrive at the Redwood National Park visitor center for maps and trail recommendations.

Afternoon: Explore the towering old‑growth forests on the Lady Bird Johnson Trail, marveling at ancient redwoods that seem to touch the sky. Keep an eye out for elk and Roosevelt elk herds.

Evening: Check into a cozy lodge near the park and enjoy a campfire dinner, sharing stories of the day’s forest wonders.

Day 2: Redwood National Park → Sea Lion Caves

Morning: Take a short hike on the Redwood Creek Trail for sunrise views, then pack up and head south on US‑101 toward the coast.

Afternoon: Arrive at the iconic Sea Lion Caves, the nation’s largest sea‑lion cavern, and join a guided tour to watch playful sea lions bask in the sunlight.

Evening: Stay overnight in nearby Coos Bay, strolling the waterfront and sampling fresh Pacific seafood.

Day 3: Sea Lion Caves → San Francisco

Morning: Begin the scenic drive up Highway 101, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as you enter the Bay Area.

Afternoon: Spend time wandering Fisherman’s Wharf, riding a historic cable car, and visiting the bustling Pier 39, where sea lions lounge on the docks.

Evening: Dine in Chinatown’s vibrant streets before retiring to a downtown hotel.

Day 4: San Francisco → Yosemite National Park

Morning: Depart early for the 4‑hour drive east via I‑580 and CA‑120, enjoying the changing landscape from coastal fog to Sierra foothills.

Afternoon: Enter Yosemite National Park and visit iconic sites like Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, and the towering El Capitan.

Evening: Check into a lodge inside the park, relish a starlit dinner, and listen to the distant roar of waterfalls.

Day 5: Yosemite Exploration

Morning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, capturing mist‑kissed vistas and vibrant alpine flora.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic Tioga Pass (season‑dependent) for panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows and high‑country lakes.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a relaxing soak in the hot tub, reflecting on the park’s natural grandeur.

Day 6: Yosemite → Los Angeles

Morning: Begin the descent from Yosemite, stopping at Mariposa Grove to walk among ancient giant sequoias.

Afternoon: Continue south on I‑5, arriving in Los Angeles for a quick tour of Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in downtown LA before heading toward the final destination.

Day 7: Los Angeles → San Diego

Morning: Drive the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway (CA‑1) to San Diego, savoring ocean vistas and occasional whale‑watching stops.

Afternoon: Arrive in San Diego, explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and stroll along the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Evening: Conclude the journey with a sunset dinner at La Jolla Cove, watching sea‑lions play in the harbor.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Redwood National Park – 4 hours – $0 (park entry is free)
• Sea Lion Caves – 2 hours – $25 (admission)
• San Francisco (cable car, attractions) – 5 hours – $30 (transport & tickets)
• Yosemite National Park – 6 hours – $35 (park entrance fee per vehicle)
• Mariposa Grove (Sequoia visit) – 2 hours – $0 (included with Yosemite fee)
• Miscellaneous meals & fuel – 7 days – $250
• Total Estimated Cost: $340

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in San Francisco to explore Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Park, or spend a full day at the coastal towns of Mendocino and Eureka. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine the Los Angeles and San Diego legs into a single travel day and skip Mariposa Grove, focusing on the main highlights of Redwood, Sea Lion Caves, San Francisco, and Yosemite.