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: City Experiences & Nature

Day 1: Urban Exploration & Beach Day

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sqirl, known for its inventive dishes and homemade jams.

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Head to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Enjoy a diverse range of food options at the historic Grand Central Market.

USD 15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Venice Beach

Spend the afternoon lounging on the sandy beaches of Venice Beach and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gjelina

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at Gjelina in Venice.

USD 50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 2: Coastal Delights & Cultural Immersion

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the ocean at The Cottage La Jolla.

USD 30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Balboa Park

Discover the museums, gardens, and architecture of Balboa Park for a cultural immersion.

USD 25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Carnitas' Snack Shack

Savour some mouth-watering pork dishes at the popular Carnitas' Snack Shack.

USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Enjoy the picturesque views and perhaps spot some seals at beautiful La Jolla Cove.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Juniper & Ivy

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Juniper & Ivy, known for its innovative cuisine.

USD 70, 2 hours

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Day 3: Desert Adventure at Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Crossroads Café before heading into Joshua Tree National Park.

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking in Hidden Valley

Embark on a scenic hike through the unique rock formations of Hidden Valley.

Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Key's View

Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley at Key's View.

USD 15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Cholla Cactus Garden

Stroll through the surreal landscape of Cholla Cactus Garden and admire the unique plants.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pappy & Harriet's

End your day with a memorable meal at the iconic Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace.

USD 40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park

Day 4: Sequoia Serenity

Sequoia National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Totem Market and Gifts

Fuel up with breakfast at The Totem Market and Gifts before exploring the giant sequoias.

USD 25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit General Sherman Tree

Marvel at the grandeur of the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume.

USD 10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Peak Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with panoramic views at The Peak Restaurant in Wuksachi Lodge.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Moro Rock

Climb to the top of Moro Rock for breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Gateway Restaurant

Enjoy a cosy dinner at The Gateway Restaurant while surrounded by nature.

USD 40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park

Day 5: City Lights of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

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

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

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

Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Indulge in modern Vietnamese cuisine and breathtaking bay views at The Slanted Door.

USD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison.

USD 45, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zuni Café

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at the iconic Zuni Café in Civic Center.

USD 50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 6: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

Napa Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at the renowned Model Bakery in St. Helena.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa

Explore the medieval-style castle and enjoy wine tasting at Castello di Amorosa.

USD 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The French Laundry

Experience a world-class dining experience at the three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry.

USD 300, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Oxbow Public Market

Explore the artisanal food and wine offerings at Oxbow Public Market in Napa.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rutherford Grill

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring classic American dishes at Rutherford Grill.

USD 40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Napa Valley

Day 7: Nature's Majesty at Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen before your day of exploration in Yosemite.

USD 20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking to Yosemite Falls

Embark on a scenic hike to Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in North America.

Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Glacier Point

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

USD 15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Visit the ancient giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove and be in awe of these majestic trees.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Hotel

End your day with a fine dining experience at the historic and elegant Ahwahnee Hotel.

USD 80, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Step 1 Outline Preview:

California Road Trip: City Experiences & Nature

Day 1: Urban Exploration & Beach Day

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Coastal Delights & Cultural Immersion

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Desert Adventure at Joshua Tree

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Sequoia Serenity

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: City Lights of San Francisco

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Nature's Majesty at Yosemite

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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