After your morning arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), pick up your rental vehicle and head straight to the coast to stretch your legs. Take in the classic California views with a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier before wandering through the lush, clifftop gardens of Palisades Park for your first glimpse of the Pacific.
Continue your adventure by heading south to the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its vibrant street performers and the legendary Venice Beach Skatepark. Later, take a short stroll to explore the sophisticated boutiques and world-class murals along Abbot Kinney Boulevard before your first Los Angeles sunset.
As the sun sets, drive up to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and the twinkling city lights spreading across the basin. Afterward, enjoy a vibrant dinner in the heart of Hollywood or explore the historic footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre under the neon evening glow.
Start your second day with a dose of high-end elegance by exploring the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills and the iconic boutiques along Rodeo Drive. Following your walk, head to the hilltop The Getty Center to admire its world-class art collections and the meticulously designed Central Garden while overlooking the vast Los Angeles basin.
Spend your afternoon indulging in a diverse array of local treats at The Original Farmers Market before heading to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to see the iconic Urban Light sculpture. Afterward, begin your coastal journey by driving south to the Manhattan Beach Pier, where you can soak in the upscale surf culture and enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific coastline.
Savor the cool ocean breeze with a sunset walk along The Strand toward the vibrant Hermosa Beach Pier, an area famous for its lively jazz clubs and coastal charm. Conclude your evening with a fresh seafood dinner at the Redondo Beach Pier while the lights of the harbor twinkle over the Pacific waters.
Bid farewell to the coast as you drive east through the dramatic pass between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains. Make a quirky pit stop to see the world-famous Cabazon Dinosaurs, where you can climb inside a giant Brontosaurus for a unique photo opportunity. Afterward, enjoy some high-end retail therapy or a quick coffee at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets before the final stretch into the high desert.
Upon arriving in the high desert, step back in time with a visit to Pioneertown, an 1880s-style western movie set where you can wander down Mane Street to see the vintage facades and old-west atmosphere. Afterward, browse through the eclectic boutiques and desert-themed galleries of Yucca Valley or explore the local wildlife exhibits at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum as you prepare for your entry into the park.
As the desert heat begins to cool, enjoy a hearty meal and live local music at the rustic Joshua Tree Saloon, a favorite gathering spot for locals and travelers alike. Afterward, witness the celestial wonders of the high desert by heading to the Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center for an unforgettable night of stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Southern California.
Begin your exploration of Joshua Tree National Park with an early morning hike through the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, where massive quartz monzonite boulders create a legendary enclosed valley perfect for photography. Afterward, continue your outdoor adventure by visiting the historic Barker Dam, a serene spot where you might spot desert bighorn sheep drinking from the mirror-like water.
Continue your journey through the park's surreal landscape to marvel at the eerie, wind-sculpted formations of Skull Rock, a must-see landmark accessible right from the main park road. Afterward, drive up to the high-altitude lookout at Keys View, where you can soak in breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and even the distant Salton Sea.
As the sun begins to set, head to the Cholla Cactus Garden where the fuzzy-looking cacti appear to glow with a golden halo in the soft twilight. Afterward, treat yourself to a Caribbean-inspired dinner at Kitchen in the Desert in nearby Twentynine Palms, rounding out your day of exploration with local flavors and a final look at the star-studded desert sky.
Bid farewell to the high desert as you wind through the scenic mountain curves of the San Bernardino National Forest toward the charming alpine village of Idyllwild. After stretching your legs among the towering pines, continue your journey south into the rolling hills of Temecula Valley Wine Country for a refreshing mid-morning stroll through the lush, sun-drenched vineyards.
After leaving the vineyards, make your way into San Diego to step back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you can explore the city's original adobe buildings and colorful Mexican markets. Afterward, head toward the coast to watch the playful sea lions sunbathing on the rocks at La Jolla Cove and stroll along the scenic cliffs of Coast Boulevard Park for stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Experience the vibrant heart of the city with a walk through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where neon signs illuminate 19th-century architecture and a bustling array of world-class dining. Afterward, take a scenic drive across the towering San Diego-Coronado Bridge to enjoy a quiet stroll at the Coronado Ferry Landing, offering the most iconic panoramic views of the illuminated downtown skyline.
Spend your morning immersed in the lush landscapes of Balboa Park, where you can marvel at the reflection pond and the ornate architecture of the historic Botanical Building. Afterward, wander through the vibrant, sun-drenched courtyards of the Spanish Village Art Center to watch local artisans at work or enjoy the quiet beauty of the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
Head toward the Embarcadero to explore the massive flight deck and historic aircraft of the USS Midway Museum, a floating city at sea. Afterward, enjoy a breezy walk along the harbor to Seaport Village, where you can browse unique shops and watch the ships glide past from the scenic waterfront boardwalks.
Wrap up your day with a visit to the charming streets of Little Italy, where you can dine on authentic cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Piazza della Famiglia. Afterward, delve into the city's celebrated craft beer scene with a flight of local brews at one of the flagship tasting rooms in the trendy North Park neighborhood.
Start your final day with a refreshing walk along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, where you can watch surfers and cyclists enjoy the early morning sun. Continue to Belmont Park to see the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster against the backdrop of the Pacific, then head south to explore the eclectic vibe and local tide pools surrounding the Ocean Beach Pier.
Drive north to the breathtaking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you can hike the Razor Point Trail for sweeping views of the rugged coastline and rare pine trees. After your hike, head over to the historic Liberty Station to explore the public market's local gourmet offerings and the tranquil NTC Park as you reflect on your week-long journey.
For your final evening, head to the summit of Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial to take in a 360-degree sunset view of the entire county, from the mountains to the sea. Conclude your trip with a celebratory dinner at Harbor Island, where you can enjoy a meal with a stunning vantage point of the shimmering San Diego Bay as you reflect on your coastal journey.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica Pier | Free |
| Palisades Park | Free |
| Venice Beach Boardwalk | Free |
| Venice Beach Skatepark | Free |
| Abbot Kinney Boulevard | Free |
| Griffith Observatory | Free |
| Hollywood Sign | Free |
| Dinner in Hollywood | $40 |
| TCL Chinese Theatre | Free |
| Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive | Free |
| The Getty Center | Free |
| The Original Farmers Market | $15 |
| LACMA Urban Light | Free |
| Manhattan Beach Pier | Free |
| The Strand | Free |
| Hermosa Beach Pier | Free |
| Redondo Beach Pier Dinner | $45 |
| Cabazon Dinosaurs | $15 |
| Desert Hills Premium Outlets | Free |
| Pioneertown | Free |
| Yucca Valley Galleries | Free |
| Hi-Desert Nature Museum | Free |
| Joshua Tree Saloon | $25 |
| Sky's The Limit Observatory | Free |
| Joshua Tree National Park | $15 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | Free |
| Barker Dam | Free |
| Skull Rock | Free |
| Keys View | Free |
| Cholla Cactus Garden | Free |
| Kitchen in the Desert Dinner | $35 |
| San Bernardino National Forest | Free |
| Idyllwild Village | Free |
| Temecula Valley Wine Country | Free |
| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park | Free |
| La Jolla Cove | Free |
| Coast Boulevard Park | Free |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Free |
| San Diego-Coronado Bridge | Free |
| Coronado Ferry Landing | Free |
| Balboa Park | Free |
| Botanical Building | Free |
| Spanish Village Art Center | Free |
| Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden | Free |
| USS Midway Museum | $32 |
| Seaport Village | Free |
| Dinner in Little Italy | $45 |
| North Park Craft Beer | $20 |
| Mission Beach Boardwalk | Free |
| Belmont Park | Free |
| Giant Dipper Roller Coaster | $15 |
| Ocean Beach Pier | Free |
| Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | $10 |
| Razor Point Trail | Free |
| Liberty Public Market | $25 |
| NTC Park | Free |
| Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial | Free |
| Harbor Island Dinner | $60 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $397 |