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Ultimate California Road Trip: SFO to Big Sur and Beyond

Viewed by 89 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Kick off your road trip with a hearty breakfast featuring their famous French toast.
Drive or walk to Mama's, located in the North Beach neighborhood.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Golden Gate Bridge Walk

Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic bridge on a walking tour.
Drive to the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll along the waterfront, visit the sea lions, and enjoy local shops.
Drive to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Located in Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to Alcatraz, the infamous former prison, and enjoy an audio tour.
Ferry departure from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Indulge in garlic-infused dishes at this unique restaurant.
Drive to The Stinking Rose in North Beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Views from Twin Peaks

Drive to Twin Peaks for a panoramic night view of San Francisco.
Short drive to Twin Peaks from North Beach.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Coastal Exploration

Glass Beach, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road.
Hotel dining area.
USD10, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Glass Beach

Head north to explore the unique Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.
Drive north on Highway 1.
Free, 3.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Glass Beach

Admire the colorful sea glass formed from discarded glass bottles.
Direct access from the parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mendocino Cafe

Enjoy a fresh farm-to-table meal surrounded by the beauty of Mendocino.
Short drive from Glass Beach.
USD25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Prepare for an expansive landscape change as you head to one of the hottest places on Earth.
Take Highway 101 and merge onto CA-5.
Free, 5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Inn at Death Valley

Dine within the park to enjoy a relaxed meal surrounded by stunning views.
Located within Death Valley National Park.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stargazing

Experience the clear night sky in Death Valley for an incredible stargazing opportunity.
Explore the areas near your accommodations.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature’s Grandeur

Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park

6:00AM

Breakfast at The Inn at Death Valley

Start the day with a filling breakfast at the restaurant before a day of adventure.
Enjoy dining at the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Kings Canyon National Park

Embark on a scenic drive toward one of the deepest canyons in North America.
Take CA-190 East.
Free, 2 hours

9:00AM

Explore Kings Canyon

Hike along the scenic trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyon.
Trailhead access via the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
Free, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Continue your journey to see the giant sequoias that fill this historical park.
Short drive from Kings Canyon.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at The Giant Forest Museum

Grab a quick bite at the café before exploring the area.
Café located inside the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit General Sherman Tree

Marvel at the world's largest tree in terms of volume.
Walk to the General Sherman area from the parking lot.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nature Walk at Moro Rock

Climb the stairs up to Moro Rock for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.
Head towards Moro Rock parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive to accommodations near the park

Settle in to rest and prepare for dinner.
Driving distance varies by accommodation choice.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge

Finish your adventurous day with a hearty meal surrounded by nature.
Located within Sequoia National Park.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Pacific Coastal Drive

Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bay Area

7:30AM

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge to fuel up for a beautiful drive along the coast.
On-site dining at Wuksachi Lodge.
USD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Big Sur

Hit the road along one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world.
Take CA-198 W to US-101 S, then to CA-1.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Big Sur

Stop at various viewpoints for photographs and experience the coastal beauty.
Multiple pull-offs along Highway 1.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Authentic Californian cuisine with stunning views of the coastline.
Located along Highway 1.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Take a leisurely walk along the trails that offer stunning views of the ocean and wildlife.
Short drive from Nepenthe to Point Lobos.
USD10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Natural Bridges State Beach

Continue along the coast towards the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach.
Head north on CA-1.
Free, 1 hour

5:45PM

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach

Explore this picturesque beach known for its natural stone arches.
Access from the beach parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:15PM

Dinner at The Crow's Nest

Wrap up your trip with dinner overlooking the Santa Cruz harbor.
Drive to The Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:45PM

Return to Bay Area

Conclude your grand California road trip by driving back to the Bay Area.
Take CA-1 N for the most scenic drive back.
Free, 1 hour
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