Fly from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX). Arrive mid/early afternoon depending on carrier; allow time for luggage and car rental pickup. Verify your flight time and arrive at DFW 2 hours before departure for domestic travel.
Check in at your Marina del Rey hotel and settle into your room; El Colibri is reserved later in the trip. Use this afternoon to drop bags and change into comfortable clothes for a harbor stroll.
Walk the marina boardwalk and Fisherman's Village—great introduction to the coast with shops, boats, and sunset views. Open year-round; easy, flat walking.
Short drive (10–15 minutes) to Venice Beach Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Blvd for people-watching, street performers, and boutique shopping; good for sunset and photos. Boardwalk open 24/7, shops vary by business hours.
Reliable waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and cocktails — ideal for a relaxed first-night dinner near your hotel. Typical dinner hours ~5:00pm–10:00pm; reservations recommended on weekends.
Popular bakery-cafe with pastries, seasonal salads and brunch items — great for fueling a full day of walking. Typically opens ~8:00am; expect a short wait on weekends.
Explore Abbot Kinney's independent shops, galleries, and coffee spots; perfect for picking up unique gifts and enjoying local culture. Most boutiques open around 10:00am, cafés earlier.
Walk the pier, visit small attractions, and stroll the nearby outdoor mall for shops and street performers. Pier attractions have varying hours (rides and aquarium typically 10:00am–6:00pm).
Well-known Venice restaurant for seasonal, vegetable-forward plates and pizzas — great midday stop on Abbot Kinney. Popular and busy; reservations or early arrival recommended. Typical lunch service 11:30am–3:00pm.
Take a 1–1.5 hour harbor cruise or rent a tandem kayak in Marina del Rey to see the shoreline and seals from the water. Cruises usually run mid-morning through early evening; kayak rentals often open ~9:00am–sunset.
Casual seafood spot right on the pier with classic California coastal dishes — convenient and scenic for your last night in the LA area. Evening hours typically 11:00am–9:00pm or later.
Scenic drive north along the coast / inland sections to Cambria (~4–5 hours depending on traffic). Consider a stop in Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach for views and leg-stretching.
Stretch legs at the Pismo Pier and have lunch at one of the pier-side cafes for clam chowder or sandwiches. Pier shops/cafés typically open by morning to early afternoon.
Arrive and check into El Colibri; relax at the spa, enjoy the complimentary breakfast setup for following days, and review local maps for hikes. Spa treatments require advance booking.
Walk the peaceful Moonstone Beach Boardwalk for tidepools, driftwood art, and a calm sunset. Boardwalk is open access and great for easy evening strolls.
Cozy, local favorite for seafood and house specialties — a short walk or drive from most Cambria hotels. Dinner service usually begins around 5:00pm; reservations recommended on weekends.
Grab pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and local jams at Madeline's before heading north to San Simeon. Popular spot; check opening times (often opens by 7:30–8:00am).
Tour the historic hilltop estate and museums — offers architecture, pools, and ocean views. Tours typically run 9:00am–4:00pm and must be booked in advance; allow 1.5–2 hours.
Return to Cambria for a well-known lunch spot featuring comfort dishes and the famous olallieberry pie — open for lunch and dinner (check exact hours).
Hike the coastal trails at Fiscalini Ranch for cliffside views, wildflowers (seasonal) and possible whale sightings from the headlands. Park open sunrise–sunset.
Enjoy the hotel breakfast and schedule a morning spa treatment or couples massage at El Colibri (book ahead). Spa openings vary; confirm times and appointments.
Short scenic drive to nearby Cayucos for a relaxed lunch on the pier or beachfront cafe; good for a quieter local vibe. Many cafes open late morning through mid-afternoon.
Visit a tasting room or two in Cambria/Paso Robles area for a relaxed afternoon of local wines — check tasting room hours (often 11:00am–5:00pm) and reserve if required.
Upscale neighborhood bistro with seasonal small plates and a good wine list — great for a final Cambria dinner. Reservations recommended; typical dinner hours 5:00pm–9:00pm.
Drive across the coastal range into the Central Valley; scenic farmland replaces coastal views. Plan a gas and restroom stop en route; consider a lunch stop in Paso Robles or Fresno.
Walk the historic downtown, visit local shops, or check the Reedley farmers market schedule (seasonal). Check market days/hours locally as they vary by season.
If you want outdoor time, consider a half-day drive toward the lower edges of Kings Canyon or Sequoia entrances depending on road conditions; check conditions and drive times (can be 1–2 hours each way).
Unique hand-built subterranean gardens created in the early 1900s — guided tours typically run mid-morning; check seasonal hours and book a tour if possible.
Have a solid breakfast and pack layers — March in Yosemite can be cold with snow at higher elevations. Confirm lodge reservations (Yosemite Bug or other) and park entry requirements.
Drive ~2.5–3 hours to Yosemite Valley via CA-41 (confirm which park entrance you need). Check road/chain requirements and park conditions before departure.
Check into your Yosemite accommodation (Yosemite Bug or similar) and have lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge food services or packed lunch if arriving late. Valley dining hours vary—Valley Lodge food court open midday.
Drive or short shuttle stops for classic views — Tunnel View is often busy but iconic for photos. Tunnel View is accessible year-round but watch for winter road conditions.
Casual dining at the Valley Lodge or, for a special meal, try The Ahwahnee Dining Room (reservations recommended well in advance). Check seasonal hours (The Ahwahnee often operates year-round but may have limited service).
Early breakfast and check current park alerts, trail conditions, and shuttle schedules — spring conditions can change quickly; traction devices may be recommended.
If trail conditions are safe (no ice), attempt a section of the Mist Trail up to the Vernal Fall footbridge for great views; otherwise choose Mirror Lake or Valley floor loops for lower-elevation, safer walks. Mist Trail can be slippery in early season—microspikes may be necessary.
Pack or pick up a lunch and eat at one of the meadow picnic spots with sweeping views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Many food outlets in the valley serve sandwiches midday.
Visit additional valley highlights like Bridalveil Fall (may have icy sections) and El Capitan Meadow for climber watching and photos. Falls and meadows are open year-round though access can be impacted by snow.
Dinner again at The Ahwahnee (if you did not get it the night before) or choose Village Grill / Base Camp Eatery for a relaxed evening. Reserve if possible.
Final packing and breakfast; confirm departure plans and estimated drive time to your chosen airport (Fresno Yosemite International — FAT — is closest for a shorter drive, or LAX if you prefer a larger airport).
Drive out of the park to your airport of choice. Fresno is roughly 2–2.5 hours from Yosemite Valley (via CA-41), LAX is closer to 5–6 hours — plan accordingly for flights and return car drop-off times.
Arrive at airport in time for your domestic flight home; allow 2 hours for domestic check-in and security. If flying out later, enjoy a final lunch in Fresno or pack snacks for the flight.