Travel day: depart Dallas (DFW) and arrive at LAX; give yourself extra time for rental car pickup or rideshare to Marina del Rey. Flight times vary—confirm your ticket.
Rent a bike or e‑bike and ride along the scenic beachfront to Venice Beach and the Venice Canals — smooth, flat route and great people‑watching. Rentals generally open ~8:00am and operate into early evening; confirm availability.
Head to Huckleberry (or similar Santa Monica bakery/café) for pastries, coffee and a relaxed breakfast — many bakeries open 7:30–8:00am. Good to arrive early to beat crowds.
Rent a kayak or stand‑up paddleboard to explore the harbor and get a different perspective of the marina — rental shops typically open around 9:00am and run until sunset depending on season.
Classic oceanfront dining right by Santa Monica Pier with seafood and scenic views; open for lunch and dinner—reservations or early seating recommended on weekends.
Walk the pier (Pacific Park rides are open seasonally and daily hours vary) and window‑shop along Third Street Promenade; many shops open ~10:00am and attractions run through evening.
Stroll the Venice Canals for a quieter neighborhood vibe, then check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard for boutiques and coffee shops — many businesses close by 6–7pm, so plan accordingly.
Scenic coastal drive to Cambria (~230 miles). You can take the faster US‑101 or the more scenic CA‑1 where open; expect 4.5–6 hours depending on route and stops. Watch for roadworks and traffic near LA.
Walk the boardwalk for ocean vistas, tidepools and easy photo opportunities — open year‑round from sunrise to sunset; great for a relaxed first afternoon in Cambria.
Reserve tickets and time for a guided tour of William Randolph Hearst's estate; tours typically run from ~9:00am to late afternoon and sell out—book in advance and check seasonal hours.
Drive from Cambria to Reedley (~200–240 miles depending on route). Expect roughly 4–5 hours of driving; plan for gas and a stretch break in Paso Robles or Fresno depending on route.
Small local museum and town center stroll to see Reedley history; museum hours commonly mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon—check current hours before you go.
Dinner with the bridal party/grandparents and confirm next day's timing (rehearsal or ceremony). Many wedding rehearsals/receptions are scheduled evening—follow the couple's itinerary.
Drive from Reedley to Yosemite Valley (~1.5–2.5 hours depending on entrance used and traffic). Check current Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road conditions: some roads are often closed until late spring—confirm at NPS before departure.
Arrive at Yosemite and check in to your lodging (Yosemite Bug if available, or Yosemite Valley Lodge/Curry Village). Bookings in March can be limited—confirm reservations ASAP.
Have a quick lunch (picnic or park cafeteria depending on lodging) and get oriented at the Valley Visitor Center — visitor center hours typically ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Drive to Tunnel View for a classic panorama and stop at Bridalveil Fall if accessible — waterfalls are often running strong in spring; trailheads are open year‑round but winter conditions may require caution.
Easy, year‑round loop to the base of Yosemite Falls—great for photos and seeing winter runoff (trail usually open; can be icy—microspikes may be needed).
Choose Mirror Lake for a flatter walk and reflections, or rent bikes and do the Valley Floor loop for a gentler, expansive view of Yosemite's icons; many access points are open year‑round.
If Glacier Point Road is open, drive up for sweeping valley views; if closed, hike Sentinel Dome or Taft Point from accessible trailheads — check road closures before you go (Glacier Point often closed in winter).
Options: drive to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT, ~1–1.5 hours) for flights, or back to LAX/SFO depending on return plans—choose based on flight schedules. Check road and weather conditions before departure.