Get a bird's eye view of the city with a ride on the San Francisco Cable Car and explore the scenic Golden Gate Park. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at Fisherman's Wharf.
Catch the early morning fog at the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy some retail therapy at the lively Union Square. Finish off the day by nabbing tickets to a show at the historic Orpheum Theater.
Head south to the beachy town of Santa Cruz for some thrills at the Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park and frolic at the Seabright State Beach. For the night, stay in Monterey and walk along the stunning Cannery Row.
Take a dive into the amazing marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and then immerse into history by visiting the 17-Mile Drive. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at Old Fisherman's Grotto.
Take a scenic drive to the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and then continue on to the rugged coastline of Big Sur. Stop for lunch at the iconic Nepenthe Restaurant with amazing views. For the adventurous, go hiking at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Head down to charming Santa Barbara and spend the day lounging by the beach at the East Beach and exploring the historic Stearns Wharf. End the night with a scenic dinner at the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach.
Start your day with a bang at the famous Universal Studios and take a scenic drive through the glitzy Hollywood Hills. For architectural enthusiasts, visit the historic Griffith Observatory.
Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier for some beachy fun and enjoy some celebrity sightings while on the exclusive Rodeo Drive. End the day by catching a game at the Dodger Stadium.
Travel down the coast to sunny San Diego and stop by the historic Old Town San Diego. Take a walk and enjoy the view of the sea at the La Jolla Cove and explore the incredible marine life at the Birch Aquarium.
End your trip on a high note with a visit to the legendary San Diego Zoo. Take a walk through the scenic Balboa Park and enjoy some retail therapy at the Gaslamp Quarter.
Getting around California requires a rental car, as public transportation is limited. Expect to pay between $50-150 per day depending on the size of the car. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in metropolitan areas during rush hour, so plan accordingly. Gas prices are around $3-4 per gallon.
If time is limited, consider skipping some locations and focusing on specific areas. For example, San Francisco can be explored in 2-3 days. If more time is available, add additional days for beach relaxation or theme park exploration. For those traveling with younger children, note that some activities may be more suitable for older kids. Also, during peak tourist season, expect larger crowds which may affect wait times and driving times.