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Exploring California National Parks in 7 Days

Viewed by 86 travelers

Day 1: City to Nature

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with a delicious pastry and coffee at Tartine Bakery before heading out to explore California's natural beauty.
Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, approximately a 4-hour drive.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike in Yosemite Valley

Embark on a hike in Yosemite Valley to marvel at the stunning waterfalls and granite cliffs.
Begin your hike from the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
USD 35 (park entrance fee per vehicle), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, surrounded by the natural beauty of Yosemite.
Head to the hotel located in Yosemite Valley.
USD 50-100, 2 hours
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Day 2: Sequoia Majesty

Sequoia National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodgepole Visitor Center

Start your day with breakfast at Lodgepole Visitor Center before exploring the giant sequoia trees.
Drive from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive.
USD 20 (park entrance fee per vehicle), 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike among the Giant Forest

Stroll through the Giant Forest to stand in awe of the massive sequoia trees, including the famous General Sherman Tree.
Begin your hike from the Giant Forest Museum.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy a scenic lunch at Wuksachi Lodge, surrounded by the beauty of Sequoia National Park.
Head to Wuksachi Lodge located in the heart of the park.
USD 20-40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Crystal Cave

Discover the underground world of Crystal Cave through a guided tour showcasing its unique rock formations.
Drive to Crystal Cave parking area and join a guided tour.
USD 20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Peaks Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at The Peaks Restaurant while taking in the panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Head to Wuksachi Lodge for dinner.
USD 30-60, 2 hours
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Day 3: Canyon Experience

Kings Canyon National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Grant Grove Restaurant

Start your day with breakfast at Grant Grove Restaurant before delving into the depths of Kings Canyon.
Drive from Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, approximately a 1-hour drive.
USD 20 (park entrance fee per vehicle), 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Grant Grove

Embark on a hike to visit the giant sequoia trees of Grant Grove, including the iconic General Grant Tree.
Begin your hike from the Grant Grove parking area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cedar Grove Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Cedar Grove Lodge, nestled in the picturesque Kings Canyon.
Head to Cedar Grove Lodge within Kings Canyon National Park.
USD 15-30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Scenic Drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

Take a leisurely drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, marveling at the captivating landscapes of the canyon.
Start your drive from Cedar Grove Lodge and follow the scenic byway.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at John Muir Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner at John Muir Lodge Restaurant, sharing stories of your canyon adventures.
Head to John Muir Lodge within Kings Canyon National Park.
USD 25-50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Desert Escape

Joshua Tree National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Fuel up for your desert adventure with a hearty breakfast at Crossroads Cafe.
Drive from Kings Canyon National Park to Joshua Tree National Park, approximately a 4-hour drive.
USD 30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike Barker Dam Trail

Embark on a scenic hike along Barker Dam Trail, encountering desert flora and fauna along the way.
Start your hike from Barker Dam Trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Cholla Cactus Garden

Explore the unique landscape of the Cholla Cactus Garden, known for its stunning cacti formations.
Drive to Cholla Cactus Garden parking area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

Experience the eclectic atmosphere and delicious BBQ at Pappy & Harriet's, a popular spot near Joshua Tree.
Drive to Pioneertown for dinner.
USD 35-60, 2 hours
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Day 5: Valley of Extremes

Death Valley National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Oasis at Death Valley

Start your day with breakfast at The Oasis at Death Valley before exploring the extreme landscapes of Death Valley National Park.
Drive from Joshua Tree National Park to Death Valley National Park, approximately a 5-hour drive.
USD 25 (park entrance fee per vehicle), 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Badwater Basin

Witness the stark beauty of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and take a walk on the salt flats.
Drive to Badwater Basin parking area.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Artist's Drive

Drive through the vibrant Artist's Drive, admiring the colorful geological formations of Death Valley.
Begin your drive from the Artist's Drive entrance.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Watch Sunset at Zabriskie Point

Catch the breathtaking sunset over the unique landscape of Zabriskie Point, known for its eroded badlands.
Drive to Zabriskie Point for sunset viewing.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Inn at Death Valley

Dine in elegance at The Inn at Death Valley, enjoying a luxurious meal in the heart of the park.
Head to The Inn at Death Valley for dinner.
USD 50-100, 2 hours
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Day 6: City of Angels

Los Angeles, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Begin your day with a trendy breakfast at Sqirl in Los Angeles, known for its creative dishes.
Drive from Death Valley National Park to Los Angeles, approximately a 4-hour drive.
USD 20, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of Los Angeles and educational exhibits about space and science.
Head to Griffith Observatory for an afternoon of exploration.
USD 10 (planetarium show ticket), 2 hours

3:00PM

Stroll along Venice Beach

Take a leisurely walk along the vibrant Venice Beach boardwalk, watching street performers and enjoying the ocean view.
Drive to Venice Beach for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Grand Central Market

Experience the diverse food offerings at Grand Central Market, a bustling hub of culinary delights in downtown LA.
Head to Grand Central Market for dinner.
USD 20-40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Trip Conclusion

End of Journey

8:00AM

Brunch at Republique

Enjoy a final indulgent brunch at Republique, savoring the last flavors of your California adventure.
Head to Republique in Los Angeles for a delicious brunch.
USD 30-50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore the art collections and architecture of The Getty Center before concluding your journey through California's national parks.
Drive to The Getty Center for a cultural morning.
Free (admission), USD 20 (parking), 3 hours
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