Begin your adventure at the Santa Monica Pier where you can enjoy the amusement park rides, pier aquarium and Pacific Park. Take a stroll down the Venice beach and then visit some of LA's famous landmarks like Walk of Fame, Hollywood Blvd, and The Griffith Observatory.
Visit Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the continental United States, and enjoy the great open expanses of desert. Observe the salt flats at Badwater Basin and take in the stunning views from Zabriskie Point. Go on a hike at the Mosaic Canyon to see the incredible geology up close.
Experience the vibrant and colorful Las Vegas Strip - enjoy luxurious casinos, world-class shows, and famous restaurants all within walking distance. Take helicopter tour to see the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon. Catch the live performances at the Bellagio Fountains, The Eiffel Tower Experience, and The High Roller.
Explore the magnificent nature of the Grand Canyon. Visit the Natural Village Museum and discover the history and cultural significance of the Canyon. Hike through the Bright Angel trails, observe the sunset from hopi point, watch the sunrise at Mohave point. Take the Grand Canyon Railway for a unique and scenic ride.
Visit Fisherman's Wharf, The Golden Gate Bridge, and explore the Alcatraz Island. Enjoy a wide variety of cuisines in Chinatown and little Italy. Drive down Lombard Street and discover the murals in the Mission District. A trip to San Francisco is incomplete without a cruise around the Bay.
Enjoy the scenic drive along Route 1 and see the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Stop at Monterey to see the Aquarium, San Luis Obispo for a stroll at the Bubblegum Alley, and beachside town of Santa Barbara. Take a tour of Hearst Castle if time permits.
Experience the perfect waves and surfing culture of Los Angeles. Visit Malibu Beach and the iconic Surfrider Beach. Get up and personal with marine life at the Santa Monica Pier Oceanarium. Go on a sunset bike ride along Venice Beach and take surfing lessons from a private instructor.
Visit SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo to experience the wildlife of California. Relax at the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Experience military and maritime history at USS Midway Museum. Discover the artistic community of San Diego at Balboa Park and enjoy the nightlife at the Gaslamp Quarter.
*The cost estimates are based on entry fees, food, and lodging expenses. Actual costs may vary based on accommodation preferences, transport, and activity choices.
California offers many transportation options like rental cars, trains, and buses. Driving is the most efficient option to explore California. A rental car costs approximately $275-$350 for two weeks, and the petrol cost is $200-$250 depending on the mileage covered. Public transportation is available in major cities but options are limited in remote areas. The Amtrak route offers a scenic route from San Diego to San Francisco.
If you have more time, add a day trip to Yosemite National Park and explore the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Alternatively, you can check out the wine region of Napa Valley or Santa Ynez Valley. If you have less time, skip Santa Barbara and take the I-5 freeway to Los Angeles to avoid the coastal route.
California has many international airports, but the major airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). LAX and SAN are located near the city center, whereas SFO is located 14 miles south of San Francisco.