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10-Day Ultimate California Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with fluffy French toast and fresh fruit at this beloved local spot known for its breakfast classics.
Walk to Fisherman's Wharf after breakfast.
USD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to the infamous Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison with an audio tour featuring former inmates’ stories.
Ferry departure from Pier 33.
USD 40, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at the clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin Bakery.
Walk back to Fisherman's Wharf.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Stroll through Golden Gate Park, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum.
Take a rideshare or walk if you prefer.
USD 20, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Dine at The Cliff House for stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.
Drive or rideshare to Ocean Beach.
USD 60, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Mill

Try their amazing toast made from house-milled flour paired with Stumptown coffee.
Take Muni bus or rideshare.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Painted Ladies

Snap photos of the iconic Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, a quintessential San Francisco experience.
Take Muni or a rideshare.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Haight-Ashbury

Stroll through Haight-Ashbury, known for its vibrant history, unique shops, and murals.
Walk from the Painted Ladies.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park

Grab sandwiches and enjoy a picturesque picnic by the lake.
Walk or bike within the park.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

Check out the aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof.
Walk or bike to the Academy.
USD 40, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner in Chinatown

Enjoy authentic dim sum at the famous Yank Sing in Chinatown.
Muni or rideshare to Chinatown.
USD 40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Highlights

Monterey, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at LouLou's Griddle in the Middle

Savor a hearty breakfast burrito on the waterfront.
Drive down Highway 1 to Monterey (approx. 2.5 hours).
USD 20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the stunning exhibits showcasing local marine life and sustainability.
Short drive from the breakfast spot.
USD 50, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Dine at a local seafood joint overlooking the bay; try fresh halibut tacos.
Walk to Cannery Row.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Discover 17-Mile Drive

Drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, stopping at iconic spots like the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach.
Bring your rental car.
USD 10, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Whale Park

Enjoy dinner with ocean views at this picturesque park while watching for sea lions.
Drive back into town.
USD 35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 4: Santa Barbara Sunshine

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Indulge in homemade pastries and organic breakfast options.
Drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara (approx. 3 hours).
USD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Take a tour of this beautiful historic mission and its beautiful gardens.
Quick drive to the Mission.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Santa Barbara Courthouse

Climb to the top of the clock tower for stunning views of the city and ocean.
Walk from the Mission.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Lark

Taste seasonal farm-to-table dishes in a vibrant setting.
Ride your car to The Lark.
USD 40, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at the Beach

Unwind at the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach and soak up the sun.
Short drive to the beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Toma Restaurant

Enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine along with sunset views of the waterfront.
Short drive to Toma.
USD 65, 2 hours
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Day 5: Los Angeles Culture

Los Angeles, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Start your day with oversized pancakes that are a Los Angeles favorite.
Drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles (approx. 2 hours).
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll among the stars at this iconic Hollywood landmark.
Short drive to Hollywood.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Tour of the Dolby Theatre

Learn about the Oscars and see where the magic happens at this renowned theatre.
Short walk from the Walk of Fame.
USD 20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Indulge in California's beloved fast food burger experience.
Drive to the nearest In-N-Out.
USD 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Griffith Park and Observatory

Spend the afternoon hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of the city from the Griffith Observatory.
Drive to Griffith Park.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bestia

Experience one of LA’s best Italian eateries known for its house-made charcuterie.
Drive to Bestia in Arts District.
USD 70, 2 hours
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Day 6: San Diego Vibes

San Diego, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Enjoy delicious maple bacon doughnuts and classic breakfast dishes.
Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego (approx. 2 hours).
USD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the cultural heart of San Diego with gardens, museums, and architecture.
Drive or take the trolley to Balboa Park.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Prado

Savor international cuisine at a historic venue within Balboa Park.
Walk to The Prado.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the San Diego Zoo

Spend the afternoon exploring one of the best zoos in the world, home to thousands of animals.
Take the tram from Balboa Park.
USD 65, 4 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Point Loma Seafoods

Enjoy fresh seafood with beautiful views of the marina.
Driving or rideshare to Point Loma.
USD 35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 7: Desert Adventure

Joshua Tree, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Start with a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros.
Drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park (approx. 2.5 hours).
USD 15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

Navigate through stunning desert landscapes and unique rock formations on a hike.
Enter through the park's main entrance.
USD 30 (park fee), 4 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown

Stop for an iconic burger or BBQ meal at this local hotspot.
Drive to Pioneertown (approx. 30 mins).
USD 20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Continue Exploring Joshua Tree

Take in the sunset with a scenic view at Keys View.
Drive within the park.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at La Copine

Dine on modern American fare at a trendy eatery near the park.
Drive to La Copine in Flamingo Heights.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Palm Springs Getaway

Palm Springs, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cheeky's

Enjoy a sunlit breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients and bacon flights.
Drive from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs (approx. 1 hour).
USD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Soar above the Coachella Valley and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
Drive to the tramway station.
USD 28, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Farm

Experience farm-to-table freshness in a rustic and charming atmosphere.
Drive to Farm.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at a Spa

Indulge in a soothing spa treatment at one of Palm Springs' renowned resorts.
Choose from various nearby resorts.
USD 100 (depends on treatment), 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Blue Coyote Grill

Dine al fresco with Southwestern-style dishes and margaritas.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Palm Springs

Day 9: Nature Retreat

Yosemite National Park, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Spot

Fuel up with a quick coffee and pastry before heading to Yosemite.
Drive from Palm Springs to Yosemite (approx. 6 hours).
USD 10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Yosemite National Park

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and towering Sequoias.
Enter the park through the South Entrance.
USD 35 (park fee), 8 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Savor hearty Californian classics in a historical setting.
Make reservations ahead of time.
USD 35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 10: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Ahwahnee Dining Room

Experience a lavish breakfast at the stunning Ahwahnee Hotel surrounded by Yosemite’s beauty.
Drive from Yosemite to San Francisco (approx. 4 hours).
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Relax at the Golden Gate Park

Spend your final hours enjoying the serenity of Golden Gate Park’s beauty.
Drive to Golden Gate Park.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Savor modern Vietnamese cuisine with views of the Bay Bridge.
Drive to the Ferry Building Marketplace.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Shopping at Union Square

Enjoy shopping in one of the most vibrant shopping districts in the USA.
Muni or short walk from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Gary Danko

Indulge in a memorable dinner at one of San Francisco’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.
Final ride to North Beach.
USD 150, 2.5 hours
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