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Ultimate LA to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary via Monterey and Yosemite

Viewed by 170 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sqirl

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sqirl, famous for its inventive takes on classic dishes.
Located in Silver Lake, a short drive from downtown LA.
USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Head over to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the Hollywood sign and downtown LA.
Drive about 15 minutes from Sqirl.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore a diverse range of food stalls for lunch at the iconic Grand Central Market.
15 minutes drive from Griffith Observatory.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk down Hollywood Boulevard

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and enjoy the famous Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
A 10-minute drive from the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Bestia

End your day with a delightful Italian dinner at Bestia, one of LA's top restaurants.
A 15-minute drive from Hollywood Boulevard.
USD60, 2 hours

8:00PM

Stay at The Hollywood Roosevelt

Check into The Hollywood Roosevelt, a historic hotel known for its charm and location.
A short drive from Bestia.
USD250, N/A
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Day 2: Journey to Monterey

Los Angeles to Monterey, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Hollywood Roosevelt

Enjoy a delightful breakfast on-site at The Hollywood Roosevelt before starting your journey.
Stay at the hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Monterey

Set off on your scenic drive to Monterey, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way.
Approximately 5 hours along US-101 N.
N/A, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Arrive in Monterey and have lunch at Cannery Row, known for its waterfront dining.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, a must-see for marine life enthusiasts.
Just a few minutes from Cannery Row.
USD50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Savour fresh seafood with a view at The Fish Hopper, overlooking the ocean.
Walk from the aquarium.
USD40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stay at Monterey Tides

Check into Monterey Tides for a comfortable and convenient stay by the beach.
Just a short drive or a 10-minute walk from dinner.
USD150, N/A
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Day 3: Exploring the Beauty of Monterey

Monterey, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bette's Oceanview Diner

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast with ocean views at Bette's Oceanview Diner.
Just a 10-minute walk from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive along 17-Mile Drive

Embark on the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive, famous for its stunning views and the iconic Lone Cypress.
Start from your hotel.
USD10 (entrance fee), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beach House

Enjoy lunch at The Beach House, known for its fresh local ingredients and beautiful ocean views.
Located along your drive.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Explore the breathtaking coastal scenery and wildlife at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Approximately a 20-minute drive from The Beach House.
USD10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

Enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of the many wineries in the beautiful Carmel Valley.
Drive 30 minutes to Carmel Valley.
USD25, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Dine at La Bicyclette, a charming bistro serving up French-inspired fare.
Drive back to Carmel.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Stay at Monterey Tides

Return to Monterey Tides for a comfortable night's rest.
A short drive back.
USD150, N/A
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Day 4: Adventure to Yosemite National Park

Monterey to Yosemite National Park, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Whole Enchilada

Start with a hearty breakfast at The Whole Enchilada known for their delicious burritos.
Located in Monterey.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Leave for Yosemite National Park, a stunning journey through California's scenic landscape.
Approximately a 3.5-hour drive via CA-120 E.
N/A, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Wawona Store

Enjoy a quick picnic-style lunch at the Wawona Store within Yosemite.
Located inside the park gates.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Spend the afternoon exploring the majestic wonders of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
Easy access from the Wawona Store.
Free (with park entry), 3 hours

4:30PM

Hike to Bridalveil Fall

Take a short hike to Bridalveil Fall, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the park.
Short drive from Yosemite Valley.
Free (with park entry), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Savour dinner with a view at The Mountain Room Restaurant in Yosemite.
Located within the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stay at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Check into Tenaya Lodge, a luxurious lodge just outside of the park entrance.
15 minutes from the restaurant.
USD250, N/A
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Day 5: Full Day in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
On-site.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Guided Tour of Yosemite

Enjoy a guided tour to discover the park's iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Booking required ahead of time.
USD150, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen

Grab some fresh and quick bites at Degnan's Kitchen in Yosemite Valley.
Drive from your tour drop-off point.
USD20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Glacier Point

Drive up to Glacier Point for stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
30 minutes drive from Degnan's Kitchen.
Free (with park entry), 2.5 hours

3:00PM

Wildlife Spotting

Take some time to relax and spot wildlife in the park, including deer and various birds.
Stay around Glacier Point area.
Free (with park entry), 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Return for another delightful dining experience at The Mountain Room Restaurant.
Drive back to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Tenaya Lodge

Enjoy the amenities at the Tenaya Lodge, including the spa or hot tub.
Return to the lodge.
Free for guests., N/A
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Day 6: Onward to San Francisco

Yosemite National Park to San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Have breakfast one last time at Tenaya Lodge before heading out.
On-site.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to San Francisco

Leave for San Francisco, taking in the beautiful California landscapes along the way.
Approximately a 3.5-hour drive via CA-140 W.
N/A, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Arrive in San Francisco and enjoy a seafood lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Easily accessible from the main highway.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Pier 39

Walk around Pier 39, featuring shops, sea lions and entertainment.
Short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to tour Alcatraz Island, learning about its storied past.
Ferry departs from Pier 33.
USD40 (ferry + tour), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Dine at The Stinking Rose, a garlic-themed restaurant that’s a fun experience.
Short drive from the ferry terminal.
USD40, 2 hours

9:00PM

Stay at Hotel Zephyr

Check into Hotel Zephyr, located near the waterfront with quirky décor.
Short drive from dinner.
USD250, N/A
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Day 7: Exploring San Francisco

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day at Mama’s for a scrumptious breakfast known for its French toast.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for stunning views of the Bay.
A 20-minute drive from Mama’s.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Spend some time visiting Golden Gate Park, which houses beautiful gardens and museums.
Drive from the bridge.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Park Chow

Enjoy lunch at Park Chow, known for its fresh organic fare and relaxed atmosphere.
Located near the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Take a short drive to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to view incredible contemporary art.
Approximately a 15-minute drive.
USD25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Exploration of Chinatown

Wander through Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest outside Asia, for unique shops and experiences.
Drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at R&G Lounge

Savour delectable Chinese cuisine with a modern twist at R&G Lounge in Chinatown.
A short walk in Chinatown.
USD35, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Stay at Hotel Zephyr

Return to Hotel Zephyr for another comfortable night stay.
A short walk back.
USD250, N/A
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Day 8: Return to Yosemite

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Zephyr

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before hitting the road.
On-site.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Commence your drive back to Yosemite National Park, relishing the beautiful drive once more.
Approximately a 4-hour drive via I-580 E and CA-140 E.
N/A, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Ahwahnee

Enjoy a luxurious lunch at The Ahwahnee hotel, a historic and stunning venue.
Inside the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Witness the magnificent Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove.
Drive from The Ahwahnee.
Free (with park entry), 2 hours

4:00PM

Free Time in Yosemite

Take some time to relax, enjoy nature, and explore on your own in Yosemite.
Stay within the park.
Free (with park entry), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tenaya Lodge

Dine at Tenaya Lodge to savour a lovely ending to your day.
Drive back to Tenaya Lodge.
USD50, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stay at Tenaya Lodge

Retreat to Tenaya Lodge for your final night in Yosemite.
Short drive from dinner.
USD250, N/A
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Day 9: Return to Los Angeles

Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles, California

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Indulge in your final breakfast at Tenaya Lodge before hitting the road.
On-site.
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Begin your journey back to Los Angeles, reflecting on your incredible trip.
Approximately a 5-hour drive via I-5 S.
N/A, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Bianca Pizza Parlor

Stop for a delicious lunch at Casa Bianca Pizza Parlor, known for its award-winning pizza.
Located in Eagle Rock on your route.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Continue to Los Angeles

Wrap up your final leg of the journey heading back to Los Angeles.
About 30 minutes drive from lunch.
N/A, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Arrive in Los Angeles

Return to Los Angeles, concluding your unforgettable road trip.
End of your journey.
N/A, N/A
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