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.

Ultimate California Adventure Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring San Francisco

San Francisco, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee in the trendy Mission District.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Marvel at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take a leisurely walk along the bridge for breathtaking views of the city and bay.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the bay at Fisherman's Wharf.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to explore the historic Alcatraz Island and learn about its infamous past as a prison.

USD 40, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Scoma's

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner with views of the bay at Scoma's Restaurant.

USD 50, 2 hours

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Day 2: Nature in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Savor a hearty breakfast amidst the stunning natural beauty of Yosemite Valley.

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Embark on a scenic hike to the majestic Yosemite Falls for breathtaking views of the cascading waterfalls.

Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Glacier Point

Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley at Glacier Point.

USD 10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Visit the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove and marvel at the ancient beauty of these majestic trees.

USD 15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Dine in elegance at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and enjoy a gourmet meal inspired by the natural surroundings.

USD 75, 2 hours

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Day 3: Sequoia Serenity

Sequoia National Park, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Gateway Restaurant

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Gateway Restaurant before exploring the giant sequoias.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

General Sherman Tree

Visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume, and be humbled by nature's grandeur.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Peaks Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic lunch amidst the towering trees at Peaks Restaurant with a view of Moro Rock.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Moro Rock

Climb the steps to the top of Moro Rock for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Western Divide.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge

Feast on a hearty dinner at Wuksachi Lodge, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Sequoia National Park.

USD 50, 2 hours

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Day 4: Desert Dreaming in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Fuel up for a day of desert exploration with a hearty breakfast at Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cholla Cactus Garden

Stroll through the unique Cholla Cactus Garden and admire the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Enjoy a light lunch and artisanal coffee at Joshua Tree Coffee Company to escape the midday desert heat.

USD 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Skull Rock Trail

Hike the scenic Skull Rock Trail and discover the unique rock formations and hidden gems of Joshua Tree.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pappy & Harriet's

Experience the eclectic atmosphere of Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner.

USD 40, 2 hours

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Day 5: Pacific Coast Highway Spectacular

Big Sur, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at Big Sur Bakery overlooking the rugged coastline.

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

McWay Falls

Visit the iconic McWay Falls and admire the stunning waterfall cascading onto the sandy beach below.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with panoramic ocean views at Nepenthe, a Big Sur landmark for over 70 years.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop by the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge for stunning photo opportunities of the arched bridge against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Garrapata State Park

Take a scenic hike through Garrapata State Park and discover hidden coves, rocky cliffs, and stunning ocean views.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rocky Point Restaurant

Savor a seafood dinner at Rocky Point Restaurant while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline.

USD 50, 2 hours

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Day 6: Santa Barbara Charm

Santa Barbara, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Jeannine's for a taste of Santa Barbara's culinary charm.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Stearns Wharf

Explore Stearns Wharf, California's oldest working wharf, with its shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of the coastline.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Lark

Indulge in a farm-to-table lunch experience at The Lark, known for its innovative, seasonal dishes.

USD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Funk Zone Art Walk

Stroll through the vibrant Funk Zone and enjoy the colorful street art, boutique shops, and wine tasting rooms.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Courthouse

Explore the beautiful architecture and panoramic views from the Santa Barbara Courthouse's clock tower.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hitching Post II

Dine at The Hitching Post II, made famous by the movie 'Sideways', and enjoy their renowned grilled artichokes and steaks.

USD 50, 2 hours

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Day 7: City of Angels - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Eggslut in Grand Central Market, a true LA foodie experience.

USD 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Griffith Observatory

Visit Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city skyline, Hollywood Sign, and the chance to observe the stars.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore the diverse food stalls at Grand Central Market and choose from a variety of cuisines for a unique dining experience.

USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and spot the iconic celebrity stars on the sidewalk.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Perch

Enjoy a rooftop dinner at Perch with stunning views of the city lights and a French-inspired menu.

USD 60, 2 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate California Adventure Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring San Francisco

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Nature in Yosemite

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Sequoia Serenity

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Desert Dreaming in Joshua Tree

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Pacific Coast Highway Spectacular

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Santa Barbara Charm

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: City of Angels - Los Angeles

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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