14-Day Ultimate California Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a legendary French toast at Mama's, which is known for its delicious brunch offerings.
Located just a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf, head towards Columbus Ave.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz and explore the infamous former prison with an audio tour featuring stories from past inmates.
Catch the ferry from Pier 33.
USD45, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Indulge in a classic sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder at this beloved bakery.
Walking distance from Alcatraz ferry return.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Fisherman's Wharf

Stroll along the bustling Wharf, enjoy street performers, and see the sea lions at Pier 39.
100% walkable from Boudin Bakery.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable car ride and enjoy the scenic hills of the city.
Catch the Powell-Hyde line close to Fisherman's Wharf.
USD8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Enjoy a quirky garlic-themed dinner at this renowned restaurant, famous for its unique decor and dishes.
Located in North Beach, a short ride from the cable car stop.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Day in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

Refuel with their heavenly pancakes and fresh espresso to fuel your day.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore this vast urban park with beautiful gardens, museums, and walking trails.
Just a 15-minute drive from the breakfast spot.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Park Chow

Savor organic comfort food with views of the park at this local favorite.
A short walk from Golden Gate Park.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit California Academy of Sciences

Discover the wonders of the natural world through an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum.
Located in Golden Gate Park.
USD40, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Take a leisurely walk across this iconic bridge for spectacular views of the city skyline.
Drive towards the bridge entrance, parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Greens Restaurant

Finish your day with a luscious vegetarian meal overlooking the marina.
Located close to the bridge exit.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Coast Drive

San Francisco > Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mill

Enjoy artisanal toast and craft coffee at this chic cafe before hitting the road.
Located in the city center before departing.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Monterey

Enjoy a scenic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping for wonderful views along the way.
Leave San Francisco, traveling south on Highway 1.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Hike through stunning coastal trails and watch for California sea lions and otters.
Drive directly to the reserve from Highway 1.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine on delicious Californian cuisine with breathtaking ocean views.
Continue driving south, located near Big Sur.
USD30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Arrive in Monterey and Visit Cannery Row

Explore historical waterfront cannery buildings filled with shops and restaurants.
Drive along Ocean View Blvd to Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Relax with a hearty meal and craft beer after a long day of driving.
Short walk from Cannery Row.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Indulge in a hearty breakfast with an array of dishes to kickstart your day.
Located just a few minutes from your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Witness a mesmerizing world of marine life at this famous aquarium.
Just a short drive from the breakfast spot.
USD50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Hopper

Enjoy fresh seafood with beautiful ocean views before heading to Carmel.
Located near the aquarium.
USD35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea

A quick 15-minute drive takes you to the picturesque town of Carmel.
Take Highway 68 to Carmel.
USD0, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wander through charming streets filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafes.
Everything is walking distance.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at La Bicyclette

Dine on rustic European fare in a cozy setting at this charming restaurant.
Located central to Carmel’s downtown area.
USD45, 2 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Relaxation

Carmel-by-the-Sea > Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carmel Café & Bakery

Delight in fresh pastries and organic coffee to fuel your road trip south.
Just a walk away from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Barbara

Travel along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway with coastal views.
Head south on Highway 1.
USD0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Lark

Savor locally-sourced dishes in a converted warehouse in Santa Barbara.
Located in the Funk Zone area.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Explore the historic mission and its beautiful gardens, often called the 'Queen of the Missions.'
A short drive from lunch; plenty of parking available.
USD12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Stearns Wharf

Take a leisurely stroll along the wharf, enjoy shops, and views of the coastline.
Drive to Stearns Wharf; parking available.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Shoreline Beach Cafe

Dine with your toes in the sand while enjoying casual beach bites and cocktails.
Walk from Stearns Wharf; located right on the beach.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Fun

Santa Barbara > Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Start your day with a fresh and delicious breakfast featuring a variety of options.
Conveniently located in Santa Barbara downtown.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Journey to LA, making your way through the picturesque coastal scenery.
Take US-101 south towards Los Angeles.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign while exploring the Astronomy displays.
Drive to Griffith Park; parking available.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore various food stalls and grab a bite at this historic market.
Located nearby in Downtown LA.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Hollywood Boulevard

Stroll along the Walk of Fame and see TCL Chinese Theatre.
Short drive or rideshare from your lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at this legendary Hollywood establishment, serving classic American cuisine since 1919.
Located right on Hollywood Boulevard.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Culture and Shopping in LA

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Dig into giant pancakes at this famous breakfast spot in Hollywood.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Getty Center

Explore art, gardens, and stunning architecture at this famous museum.
Located in the hills above LA.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at LACMA Café

Enjoy delicious bites at the café adjacent to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Short walk from the Getty Center parking.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit LACMA

Explore one of the largest art museums in the west featuring a diverse collection.
Located adjacent to the lunch spot.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at The Grove

Shop at this outdoor mall featuring high-end shops and boutiques.
Short drive or rideshare from LACMA.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Wrap up the day with an extensive menu and their famous cheesecake dessert.
Located at The Grove.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Sun-Kissed San Diego

Los Angeles > San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Enjoy a traditional breakfast with a variety of pancake options to choose from.
Short drive from your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Diego

Head towards San Diego, enjoying the views along the way.
Take I-5 South towards San Diego.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the rich culture and museums in this vibrant park setting.
Drive directly into Balboa Park and find parking.
Free (some museums have fees), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Prado

Enjoy a delightful meal in a beautiful setting within Balboa Park.
Located in Balboa Park.
USD35, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Discover the world-renowned San Diego Zoo filled with diverse species of animals.
Located within Balboa Park; easy walking distance.
USD65, 4 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Old Town Mexican Cafe

Relish authentic Mexican dishes in a vibrant atmosphere in Old Town.
Short drive from the zoo.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Beach and Adventure in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Indulge in modern American breakfast with maple bacon doughnuts.
Located near your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Enjoy the scenic views and watch sea lions basking on the rocks.
Short drive to La Jolla.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kayak Tour of La Jolla

Join a guided kayaking tour to explore the stunning ocean caves.
Tour companies are located near La Jolla Cove.
USD65, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at George's at the Cove

Savor American cuisine with ocean views in this upscale restaurant.
Located above La Jolla Cove.
USD45, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Cabrillo National Monument

Discover beautiful coastal views and explore the lighthouse and tide pools.
A scenic drive from La Jolla.
USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Point Loma Seafoods

Enjoy fresh seafood in a casual setting with lovely waterfront views.
A short drive from the monument.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Desert Escape to Palm Springs

San Diego > Palm Springs, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Start your day with delightful breakfast options in this charming spot.
Located near your hotel in San Diego.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Palm Springs

Admire the scenic desert landscapes as you head towards Palm Springs.
Travel via I-15 N and CA-111.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Palm Springs VillageFest

Wander through this captivating street fair featuring local vendors, food, and entertainment.
Drive to downtown Palm Springs.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cheeky's

Feast on inventive dishes highlight local ingredients in a retro diner setting.
Located near the village fair.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at a Palm Springs Spa

Indulge in a chance to unwind at one of Palm Springs' top-notch spas.
Book a session at a local spa.
USD100, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Purple Room

Savor a delightful dinner coupled with live jazz music in a vintage atmosphere.
Located centrally in Palm Springs.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 11: Sequoia National Park Adventure

Palm Springs > Sequoia, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Norma's

Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring their famous banana pancakes before heading out.
Located near your accommodation.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Travel through stunning mountain landscapes as you make your way to the park.
Take CA-99 North to CA-198 East.
USD0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lodgepole Visitor Center

Grab a quick bite at the visitor center café after arriving at the park.
Central location within the park.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Giant Forest

Wander through the Giant Forest, home to some of the largest trees on earth.
Easily accessible from the visitor's center.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Scenic Drive through the Park

Drive through the park’s winding roads, taking in breathtaking views.
Follow the scenic routes marked within the park.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Peaks Restaurant

Dine at this beautiful restaurant with outstanding views over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Located within the park.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Yosemite National Park Exploration

Sequoia > Yosemite, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Wawona Store

Grab a hearty breakfast before setting off for Yosemite.
Located near your accommodation.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains on the way to one of the nation’s most iconic parks.
Take CA-41 N to Yosemite.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stop at Mariposa Grove

Visit the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove before entering the park.
In the southern area of Yosemite; parking available.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Degnan’s Kitchen

Refuel with fresh local ingredients in a casual setting within the park.
Located in Yosemite Valley.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Discover iconic sites like El Capitan and Half Dome while hiking along amazing trails.
Easily accessible with the park shuttle.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Enjoy upscale dining with a panoramic view of the valley.
Located within Yosemite National Park.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Scenic Lake Tahoe

Yosemite > Lake Tahoe, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Delight in a luxurious breakfast at one of the national park's most elegant settings.
Located in Yosemite National Park.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Drive to Lake Tahoe

Travel north through the scenic Sierra Nevada to Lake Tahoe.
Take CA-120 W towards Lake Tahoe.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Emerald Bay State Park

Capture breathtaking views and hike around this stunning bay area.
Easily reachable from Highway 89.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Beacon Bar and Grill

Feast on burgers and cocktails right by the lake with spectacular views.
Located nearby Emerald Bay.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax by Lake Tahoe

Spend time enjoying the serene beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Short drive to various beaches around the lake.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gar Woods Grill & Pier

Dine on lakeside cuisine in this relaxing atmosphere.
Drive to the north shore of the lake.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 14: Return to San Francisco

Lake Tahoe > San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Red Hut Cafe

Delight in a classic American breakfast before embarking to San Francisco.
Located in South Lake Tahoe.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Francisco

Enjoy one last drive through the beautiful California landscape on your way back.
Take CA-80 W towards San Francisco.
USD0, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at House of Prime Rib

End your trip with a classic San Francisco experience, indulging in prime rib.
Located in the city center.
USD60, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Union Square

Stroll around Union Square for last-minute shopping and people-watching.
Short drive or rideshare from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Chinatown

Explore the vibrant streets of one of the oldest Chinatowns in the U.S.
Just a short walk from Union Square.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Final Dinner at House of Prime Rib

End the adventure with a hearty dinner in the classic San Francisco style.
Return to House of Prime Rib if you wish.
USD60, 2 hours
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