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Ultimate 9-Day California Road Trip Itinerary: Los Angeles to Sequoia, Yosemite, San Francisco & Back

Viewed by 1.7K travelers

Day 1: Depart from LA

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your journey with oversized pancakes at this iconic breakfast spot.
Head northwest on I-5 N towards Sequoia National Park.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

The stunning drive takes you through beautiful landscapes, arriving at the park around noon.
Continuing on I-5 N for about 2.5 hours.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy a hearty lunch with a view of the towering Sequoias.
On-site at the lodge.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Giant Forest

Experience Giant Forest to see some of the largest trees on Earth.
Short drive or hike in the park.
Included, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in at Wuksachi Lodge

Relax and soak in the natural beauty after a day's drive.
Lodge on-site.
USD200, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy locally sourced American cuisine at the lodge’s restaurant.
At the lodge.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Sequoia

Sequoia National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Fuel up with a full breakfast from the lodge before your adventures.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit General Sherman Tree

Begin your day with a trip to the most famous tree in the park.
Drive 5 minutes from the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Hiking Trails

Choose between easy to moderate hikes among the majestic trees.
Various trails available.
Included, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Peaks Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal while admiring the views.
15 minutes drive from the park.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Free Time for Exploration

Explore more of the park or simply relax in nature.
Self-guided.
Included, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Wuksachi Lodge

Rest and prepare for the next adventure.
Short drive back.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge

Indulge in another delightful dinner in the serene atmosphere.
On-site.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Head to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy another hearty breakfast with stunning views of Sequoia.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Departure for Yosemite

Drive towards Yosemite, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.
Take Generals Hwy to CA-41 N.
Included, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check-in at Tenaya Lodge

Settle into your comfortable lodge right outside Yosemite.
Located in Fish Camp.
USD250, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at Tenaya Lodge

Relish a tasty lunch at the lodge before your adventure.
On-site.
USD30, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Spend the afternoon marveling at the iconic landscapes such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
Drive into the park.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 3 hours

4:30 PM

Glacier Point Drive

Experience breathtaking park views from Glacier Point.
Continue driving within the national park.
Included, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Tenaya Lodge

Return to the lodge for an excellent dinner to end the day.
On-site.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Another Day in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Starting your day with a buffet breakfast at the lodge.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Misty Fiords Hike

Enjoy an early morning hike to explore the beautiful Misty Fiords.
Hiking trails within the park.
Included, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Enjoy lunch with a view of Yosemite Falls.
Drive back down to the valley.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center

Learn about Yosemite's rich history and culture.
Short drive away.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Ansel Adams Gallery

Explore works from the famed photographer inspired by Yosemite.
Nearby in the park.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Return to Tenaya Lodge

Unwind from a busy day in nature at your lodge.
Short drive back.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at Tenaya Lodge

Indulge in fine dining at the lodge to wrap up your Yosemite stay.
On-site.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tenaya Lodge

Savour your final breakfast at Tenaya.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for San Francisco

Hit the road towards the Bay Area with a scenic drive through CA-120.
Take CA-120 W and I-580 towards SF.
Included, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Cliff House

Dine with ocean views at this historic restaurant.
Located along the coastline.
USD35, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Wander through one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
Short drive into the park.
Included, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel Nikko

Settle into your luxury lodging in the heart of SF.
In Union Square.
USD250, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Stroll along the waterfront, enjoying street performances.
Drive or take public transport.
Included, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Sotto Mare

Feast on some of the freshest seafood SF has to offer.
Nearby Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Discover San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Nikko

Begin your day with a gourmet breakfast at the hotel.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to this infamous former prison.
Ferry leaves from Pier 33.
USD39 (Ferry & Tour), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Stinking Rose

Dine at a garlic-themed restaurant in North Beach.
Drive or use public transport.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Chinatown

Wander through the largest Chinatown outside Asia.
Short walk from North Beach.
Included, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Bike Ride Across Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy stunning views as you cycle across this iconic landmark.
Bike rentals available in the city.
USD20 (Rental), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The House

An exquisite Asian-fusion dining experience.
Located in Chinatown.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Drive to Monterey

Monterey, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Nikko

Enjoy a lovely breakfast before setting off to Monterey.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for Monterey

Enjoy the scenic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Take CA-1 S.
Included, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover marine life at this world-renowned facility.
Short drive to Cannery Row.
USD50 (Entrance Fee), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Grab a bite at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Multiple options along Cannery Row.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Walk along Cannery Row

Leisurely explore the shops and sights.
On foot.
Included, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Check-in at Monterey Tides

Settle into your beachfront accommodation.
Located along the coast.
USD200, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Indulge in fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean view.
Near Cannery Row.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Monterey & Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Monterey Tides

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit 17-Mile Drive

Take a scenic drive along the famed coastline.
Travel towards Santa Barbara via CA-1 S.
Included, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Lunch at The Apple Farm

Stop for a charming lunch at this local eatery.
On your route to Santa Barbara.
USD30, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Explore Santa Barbara

Discover the beauty of the city’s beaches and Spanish heritage.
Short drive into Santa Barbara.
Included, 3 hours

3:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel Milo

Relax at a beachside hotel in Santa Barbara.
Located on the beachfront.
USD250, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

Explore the local wineries with a scenic drive.
Short drive into the valley.
USD20 (Tasting Fee), 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Dine by the ocean for a beautiful closing meal.
Located on the beach.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Milo

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the beach.
On-site.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for LA

Head back to Los Angeles, reflecting on unforgettable memories.
Take US-101 S.
Included, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Stop at Malibu

Take a break at the picturesque beaches of Malibu.
Short detour off US-101.
Included, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Malibu Farm

Enjoy fresh, organic dishes with a view of the ocean.
Located at the Malibu Pier.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Drive back to Los Angeles

Complete your road trip, arriving back in LA with cherished memories.
Back to I-10 E.
Included, 30 minutes

2:00 PM

Arrive in Los Angeles

End your journey filled with incredible sights and experiences.
Back at your starting point.
Included, 0 hours
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