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Ultimate 9-Day Road Trip from Los Angeles to Sequoia, Yosemite and San Francisco

Viewed by 252 travelers

Day 1: Start the Adventure

Los Angeles, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Café

Start your day with their famous oversized pancakes, a cornerstone of LA’s breakfast scene.
Head to your rental car and set your GPS for Sequoia National Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Enjoy scenic views along the way, taking in the beautiful Californian landscapes.
Follow CA-99 North for about 2.5 hours before reaching the park.
2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge

Recharge with a hearty meal featuring local ingredients amidst stunning forest views.
After lunch, you can explore the visitor center next door.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Giant Forest

Walk among the towering sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on the planet.
A short drive and a brief walk through the forest will lead you here.
3 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at Wuksachi Lodge

Relax and unwind in your cozy lodge surrounded by nature.
Simply drive back to the lodge.
USD200 per night, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a menu featuring local cuisine.
Take a short walk from your room to the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Sequoia National Park Wonders

Sequoia National Park, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the lodge before exploring more of the park.
Walk to the lodge dining area.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike to Moro Rock

Take a short hike up to Moro Rock for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Drive to the Moro Rock parking area.
2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Crescent Meadow

Stroll through the picturesque meadows and witness the beauty of this serene landscape.
Short drive from Moro Rock.
1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Grant Grove Restaurant

Savour some local fare while enjoying the national park ambiance.
Drive to Grant Grove for a delightful meal.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Grant Grove

Stand among the giant sequoias and feel the magic of nature in one of the park's most breathtaking areas.
Explore the area on foot after lunch.
2 hours

3:30 PM

Return for Rest

Head back to your lodge to take a break or explore the nearby trails.
Drive back to Wuksachi Lodge.
1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a final meal at Wuksachi Lodge while reflecting on this awe-inspiring park.
Simply walk to the restaurant.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Yosemite National Park Exploration

Yosemite National Park, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Indulge in breakfast before you journey to Yosemite.
Walk to the dining area.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Yosemite National Park

Set off early to explore one of the most magnificent national parks in America.
Drive via CA-198 E and CA-41 N to Yosemite.
2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Yosemite Valley

Marvel at iconic sights such as El Capitan and Half Dome in the stunning valley.
Navigate your way to the valley parking area.
USD35 (vehicle entry fee), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Village Grill

Grab a quick bite while enjoying the incredible views of the valley’s backdrop.
Walk from the valley to the grill.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Yosemite Falls

Experience the grandeur of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America with a delightful hike.
A short drive to the hiking area.
2 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in at Tenaya Lodge

Check-in and enjoy the luxurious amenities after a day of exploration.
Make your way to Tenaya Lodge close to the park entrance.
USD250 per night, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Tenaya Lodge Dining Room

Savour a delightful dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Dine at the Tenaya Lodge restaurant.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Start your day right with a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
Enjoy a leisurely meal before heading out.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Glacier Point

Marvel at one of the most awe-inspiring viewpoints in the park, offering stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley.
Drive to Glacier Point parking lot.
2 hours

11:00 AM

Hike to Sentinel Dome

Experience breathtaking panoramic views from atop this granite dome, a gentle yet rewarding hike.
The hike begins easily accessible from the parking area.
2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Wawona Hotel

Reminisce the hikes over a casual lunch at this iconic location.
Drive back to the Wawona area for dining.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Discover a grove full of giant sequoias, including the iconic Grizzly Giant tree.
Drive to the Mariposa Grove entrance.
2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Tenaya Lodge

Take some time to relax and recharge at the lodge before dinner.
Drive back to the lodge.
30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tenaya Lodge

Enjoy another delightful dinner at the lodge, recounting all the day's adventures.
Head to the dining room in the lodge.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Road to San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before heading to your next destination.
Slide over to the dining room.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to San Francisco

Set off towards the vibrant city of San Francisco, enjoying the scenic drive.
Take CA-120 W and US-101 N.
4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy the fresh seafood and local delicacies after arriving in the city.
Head towards Fisherman’s Wharf, park, and enjoy lunch by the bay.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Pier 39

Stroll around the lively Pier 39 with shops, sea lions, and street performers.
A short walk from the restaurant.
2 hours

4:30 PM

Check-in at Hotel Zephyr

Settle into your hotel for a restful night, conveniently located by the waterfront.
Take a short drive or walk to Hotel Zephyr.
USD200 per night, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Relish a delicious dinner featuring a variety of sustainably sourced seafood.
A quick stroll from the hotel brings you to the restaurant.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Exploring San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Zephyr

Savour a breakfast to prepare for a busy day in the city.
Eat at the hotel’s dining area.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz Island and dive into its rich history.
Catch the ferry from Pier 33.
USD40 (ferry plus entry), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Sample their iconic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a city classic.
Walk from Pier 33 to Boudin Bakery.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Walk across Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy the magnificent views as you walk across this iconic bridge, a must-see in San Francisco.
Drive to the Golden Gate Bridge parking area.
2 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Discover the expansive park with gardens, museums, and nature trails.
A short drive from the bridge to the park.
2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel Zephyr

Take time to relax before dinner.
Drive or walk back to the hotel.
30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

End your day with a delightful meal and enjoy splendid views from their location atop Macy's.
Drive to the restaurant in Union Square.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Zephyr

Start your day with breakfast before setting off for more explorations.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Muir Woods National Monument

Wander through the ancient redwood trees in this stunning national monument.
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods.
USD15 (parking fee), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Marin's Home Grown

Savour some local fare with fresh ingredients from Marin County.
A short drive from Muir Woods.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Nature Walk in Marin Headlands

Explore the rugged beauty and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Drive to Marin Headlands after lunch.
2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Sausalito

Enjoy the charming waterfront town and its artistic vibe, perfect for wandering and souvenir shopping.
Drive to the ferry terminal at Sausalito.
2 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Hotel Zephyr

Head back to the hotel to relax after a busy day of exploration.
Drive back to Hotel Zephyr.
30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Indulge in a unique dining experience focused on garlic dishes to finish your day on a high note.
Drive to the restaurant in North Beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Journey Back to LA

Los Angeles, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Zephyr

Savour your final breakfast in San Francisco at the hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely meal before packing up.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Check out and Depart

Prepare for the journey back to Los Angeles, enjoying the scenic US-101 route.
Load up and set off from Hotel Zephyr.
30 minutes

10:00 AM

Relaxation Break En Route

Take a break at one of the scenic vista points along US-101 for some fresh air and photos.
Look for vista points along the route.
1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Highway Diner

Grab a classic American meal on the go at a local diner.
Select any roadside diner along US-101.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Continue Drive to LA

Finish your drive back to Los Angeles, reflecting on the beautiful journey undertaken.
Continue heading South on US-101.
4 hours

5:30 PM

Check-in at Home

Arrive safely back home, refreshed and enriched from your travels.
Drive straight home from your local destination.
30 minutes
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Day 9: Rest and Reflect

Los Angeles, CA

9:00 AM

Brunch at Sqirl

Treat yourself to a fantastic brunch at this trendy LA spot known for its seasonal ingredients.
Head to Sqirl located in Silver Lake.
USD25, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Griffith Park

Enjoy the morning hiking in Griffith Park, exploring trails and enjoying views of the city.
Take a drive or a ride-share to the park entrance.
2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Grove

Savour a variety of food options and do some shopping at this outdoor lifestyle center.
Head to The Grove's dining area.
USD20, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax and Unwind

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your leisure, perhaps with a good book or a movie.
Return home or relax at a cafe.
3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bestia

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at this renowned Italian restaurant in the Arts District.
Make a reservation ahead of time and drive there.
USD60, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your incredible 9-day journey and begin planning the next adventure!
Relax at home with a journal or take a walk in your neighbourhood.
1 hour
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