How many days do you need in california?

This itinerary covers 7 days in california, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for california?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to california. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

California Road Trip Extravaganza: 20-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City of Angels

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Republique

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Republique, known for its pastries and French-inspired dishes.

$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Griffith Observatory

Head to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and fascinating space exhibits.

$0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Satisfy your hunger with a variety of cuisines at the historic Grand Central Market.

$25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit The Broad Museum

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at The Broad, home to modern masterpieces.

$18, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Perch

Dine with city views at Perch, offering French cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.

$50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 2: Hollywood & Beaches

Los Angeles, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Sqirl, famous for its delicious toast and creative menu.

$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and discover your favorite stars.

$0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Malibu Farm

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at Malibu Farm with fresh, organic ingredients and ocean views.

$30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Santa Monica Beach

Unwind at Santa Monica Beach, soak up the sun, and walk along the famous pier.

$0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nobu Malibu

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Nobu Malibu, known for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.

$100, 2 hours

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Day 3: Cultural Delights

Los Angeles, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe

Savor a classic American breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe, a historic diner in LA.

$20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit The Getty Center

Immerse in art and architecture at The Getty Center, showcasing impressive collections and gardens.

$0, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bottega Louie

Dine at Bottega Louie for gourmet pizzas and pastries in downtown LA.

$35, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Arts District

Discover murals, galleries, and chic cafes in LA's Arts District.

$0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy Italian cuisine at Bestia, a hotspot for handmade pastas and charcuterie.

$75, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 4: Nature's Beauty

Big Sur, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Start your day with gourmet egg sandwiches at Eggslut, a trendy LA eatery.

$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Embark on a scenic drive to Big Sur along Highway 1 for breathtaking coastal views.

$50 (gas), 4 hours

3:00PM

Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Explore the redwoods and trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for nature immersion.

$10 (park entry), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Enjoy dinner with ocean views at Nepenthe, a cliffside restaurant in Big Sur.

$60, 2 hours

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Day 5: Coastal Bliss

Big Sur, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day at Big Sur Bakery, known for freshly baked goods and a rustic vibe.

$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Take in the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge views and snap postcard-worthy photos.

$0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sierra Mar

Indulge in gourmet lunch at Sierra Mar with panoramic cliffside ocean views.

$50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore McWay Falls

Visit the picturesque McWay Falls for a scenic waterfall and coastal beauty.

$0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

Dine at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn for a cozy dinner with classic American cuisine.

$40, 2 hours

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Day 6: Back to the City

San Francisco, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy breakfast at Big Sur River Inn before embarking on the scenic drive back to San Francisco.

$25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive to San Francisco

Enjoy the coastal views on the drive back to San Francisco.

$50 (gas), 4 hours

3:00PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Discover the beauty of Golden Gate Park with gardens, museums, and attractions.

$0, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Foreign Cinema

Savor dinner at Foreign Cinema, a unique dining experience with global cuisine and film screenings.

$70, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 7: City Exploration

San Francisco, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with artisanal pastries and gourmet coffee at Tartine Bakery.

$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous prison with an audio tour.

$40, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Ferry Building Marketplace

Enjoy a diverse culinary experience at the Ferry Building Marketplace with waterfront views.

$35, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Stroll through the lively Fisherman's Wharf with shops, attractions, and bay views.

$0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gary Danko

Conclude your day with an award-winning dinner at Gary Danko for fine dining experience.

$100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Francisco

Step 1 Outline Preview:

California Road Trip Extravaganza: 20-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City of Angels

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Hollywood & Beaches

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Cultural Delights

8:30AM

10:30AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Nature's Beauty

9:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Coastal Bliss

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Back to the City

9:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: City Exploration

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:30PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

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