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 Dreamin' Itinerary

Day 1: Golden Gate Delight

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at Tartine Bakery, soaking in the charm of San Francisco's Mission District.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Spend the morning strolling through the botanical gardens, museums, and iconic landmarks in Golden Gate Park.

USD 0-25 depending on activities, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Enjoy a modern Vietnamese meal with panoramic views of the Bay at The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building.

USD 30-50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to explore the history of Alcatraz Island, once a notorious prison in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

USD 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Foreign Cinema

Experience eclectic cuisine in a lively atmosphere at Foreign Cinema for a memorable dinner in the Mission District.

USD 50-75, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Wine Country Escape

Napa Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Model Bakery

Indulge in their famous English muffins and pastries to kickstart your day in Napa Valley.

USD 10-20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Winery Tours & Tastings

Embark on a wine tasting adventure by visiting some of the renowned wineries in Napa Valley like Castello di Amorosa and Sterling Vineyards.

USD 50-100 per winery, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The French Laundry

Dine at one of the world's best restaurants, The French Laundry, for a gastronomic journey in Yountville.

USD 350+, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar above the scenic vineyards of Napa Valley on a mesmerizing hot air balloon ride for panoramic views.

USD 200-300, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bottega

Savor Italian-inspired cuisine at Bottega, a top dining spot in Yountville where flavors shine.

USD 50-100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Napa Valley

Day 3: Nature's Majesty

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Grab a hearty breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen before heading to explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park.

USD 10-15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking in Yosemite Valley

Embark on scenic hikes to iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point for breathtaking views of the park.

USD 35 entrance fee, 4 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Bridalveil Falls

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the stunning Bridalveil Falls, surrounded by the beauty of cascading water and lush greenery.

USD 15-20 for picnic supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

Yosemite Valley Floor Tour

Hop on a guided tour or rent a bike to explore the valley floor and its majestic rock formations, meadows, and wildlife.

USD 30-50 for tour or bike rental, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room

Experience fine dining in a historic setting at The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room, savoring a meal amidst the park's grandeur.

USD 75-100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 4: City of Angels

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Start your day with creative and delicious breakfast dishes at Sqirl, a hotspot in LA known for its fresh ingredients.

USD 15-20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Griffith Observatory

Visit the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city, engaging exhibits, and a closer look at the stars above.

USD 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Savor a variety of cuisines at the bustling Grand Central Market, a foodie paradise in downtown LA.

USD 10-20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spotting your favorite stars' names on the iconic sidewalk in Hollywood.

USD 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore art, architecture, and gardens at The Getty Center, offering a cultural retreat with stunning views of LA.

USD 0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Republique

Indulge in French-inspired cuisine at Republique, a chic brasserie perfect for a delightful evening in LA.

USD 50-75, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 5: Sunny San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla and soak in the charming seaside atmosphere.

USD 20-30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Balboa Park

Discover the cultural hub of Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo for a day of exploration.

USD 50-75 depending on activities, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Carnitas' Snack Shack

Enjoy pork-centric dishes and craft beers at Carnitas' Snack Shack, a casual dining spot loved by locals in San Diego.

USD 15-25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit USS Midway Museum

Explore the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier turned museum, offering interactive exhibits and a glimpse into naval aviation history.

USD 25, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Dine at George's at the Cove, a premier dining destination in La Jolla with ocean views and a vibrant culinary scene.

USD 50-75, 2 hours

Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 6: Coastal Serenity

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery, known for its delicious pastries and cozy ambiance in Santa Barbara.

USD 15-25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Santa Barbara Courthouse

Visit the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse for panoramic views of the city and its stunning Spanish colonial architecture.

USD 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

Discover the charm of Santa Ynez Valley with wine tasting at vineyards like Fess Parker Winery, enjoying the scenic countryside.

USD 30-50 per winery, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Lark

Relish in farm-to-table cuisine at The Lark, a popular restaurant housed in a historic fish market building in Santa Barbara.

USD 25-40, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Beach Relaxation at East Beach

Unwind at East Beach, a pristine stretch of sand in Santa Barbara perfect for a leisurely stroll or some beachside relaxation.

USD 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Brophy Bros

Enjoy fresh seafood and picturesque views of Santa Barbara Harbor at Brophy Bros, a seafood restaurant loved by locals and visitors.

USD 30-50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 7: Breathtaking Big Sur

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

Wake up to a cozy breakfast at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, nestled in the redwoods with a rustic and charming ambiance.

USD 20-30, 1 hour

10:00AM

McWay Falls Hike

Embark on a scenic hike to McWay Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades onto the sandy beach along the Big Sur coast.

USD 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Pfeiffer Beach

Relax and unwind with a picnic lunch at Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and stunning rock formations by the ocean.

USD 15-20 for picnic supplies, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Bixby Creek Bridge Scenic Stop

Make a scenic stop at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges on the Pacific Coast Highway with stunning views.

USD 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hiking at Andrew Molera State Park

Explore the trails and coastal beauty of Andrew Molera State Park through hikes offering panoramic ocean views and serene landscapes.

USD 10 entrance fee, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Enjoy a sunset dinner at Nepenthe, perched high above the cliffs of Big Sur with breathtaking views of the coastline and delicious cuisine.

USD 50-75, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Big Sur

Step 1 Outline Preview:

California Dreamin' Itinerary

Day 1: Golden Gate Delight

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Wine Country Escape

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Nature's Majesty

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: City of Angels

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Sunny San Diego

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 6: Coastal Serenity

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Breathtaking Big Sur

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

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