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

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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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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your round trip from los angeles. Driving up via Sequoia National Park to Yosemite, then San Franscisco and drive down to LA. Staying in no more than 5 places (best places to stay and visit for longer). Add prices of national parks and things to visit. Add major stops to stay and visit in the road trip from San Fran to LA Trip

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