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Epic 6-Day California Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 58 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with Mama's famous French toast and fresh fruit, setting the perfect tone for your San Francisco adventure.
Walk or take a quick taxi ride to your first iconic landmark.
USD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take the ferry to Alcatraz and immerse yourself in the history of this iconic prison, exploring its haunting corridors and learning from the informative audio tour.
20-minute ferry ride.
USD41, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Savor clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery, enjoying the lively atmosphere along the waterfront.
Walk back to Fisherman's Wharf.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Golden Gate Park

Wander the expansive park, visiting the Conservatory of Flowers and the tranquil Japanese Tea Garden.
Ride a bus or take an Uber to Golden Gate Park.
USD10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Enjoy dinner with breathtaking ocean views, dining on fresh seafood and California fare as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Drive or take an Uber to The Cliff House.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Bottle Coffee

Grab a world-class coffee and a pastry from this beloved local favorite, kicking off the day with a caffeine boost.
Walk to the nearest Blue Bottle location.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Painted Ladies

Take picturesque photos of the famous Painted Ladies houses and enjoy a lovely view of the San Francisco skyline from Alamo Square.
Catch a bus or walk to Alamo Square.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

Delve into nature and science exhibits, including an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, all under one roof.
Walk or take a public bus to the Academy.
USD40, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Grove

Enjoy a seasonal meal at The Grove, featuring farm-to-table ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
Walk to The Grove.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable car ride, moving through hilly streets while enjoying views of the bay.
Walk to the Powell-Hyde line.
USD8, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Foreign Cinema

Dine al fresco while enjoying a classic film screening in the background at this unique restaurant.
Head to the Mission District, take a taxi for about 15 minutes.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Bound

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Denny's

Start your journey toward Monterey with a hearty breakfast at Denny's, fueling up for the drive south.
Drive to Denny's for breakfast before heading out of San Francisco.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Monterey

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping for breathtaking views along the way.
Drive south on Highway 1.
Gas Cost: USD20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Have lunch at The Fish Hopper, known for its seafood and beautiful views of the bay.
Drive to Cannery Row.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the renowned aquarium with its exceptional exhibits showcasing marine life native to the California coast.
Short drive from Cannery Row.
USD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Pacific Grove

Walk along the coast in Pacific Grove, enjoying the picturesque views and perhaps even spotting sea otters or sea lions.
Drive to Pacific Grove, just a few minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Dine at a historic restaurant known for fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list.
Short drive from Pacific Grove.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 4: Santa Barbara Leisure

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Enjoy baked goods and organic breakfast dishes at Jeannine's before heading to your next adventure.
Drive to Jeannine's, located in Santa Barbara.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Santa Barbara Mission

Visit the historic mission, learning about its rich heritage and enjoying beautiful gardens.
Short drive to the mission.
USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Relax at the Santa Barbara Beach

Spend some time relaxing on the sandy beach, indulging in the sun and ocean breezes.
Walk to the beach from the mission, just a few blocks away.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Santa Barbara Harbor

Enjoy fresh seafood at Brophy Bros., known for its clam chowder and vibrant views.
Short drive to the harbor.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Meander through the beautiful landscape, showcasing California’s native plants in a stunning setting.
Drive to the botanic garden.
USD15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Feast on fresh seasonal dishes while enjoying picturesque ocean views at The Boathouse.
Drive or ride-share to The Boathouse.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 5: Los Angeles Extravaganza

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Head to The Griddle Cafe for oversized pancakes and delicious breakfast options to energize you for the day ahead.
Drive to The Griddle Cafe in Hollywood.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore space exhibits, learn about astronomy, and enjoy stunning views of the Hollywood sign and the city.
Drive or take an Uber to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through Hollywood Boulevard

Walk along the famous boulevard, spotting the stars on the Walk of Fame and taking photos with iconic landmarks.
Short drive or Uber to Hollywood Boulevard.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Mel's Drive-In

Dine on classic American comfort food at this iconic diner, enjoying a retro experience.
Located conveniently on Hollywood Boulevard.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Universal Studios Hollywood

Spend the afternoon on thrilling rides and attractions at this famous movie-themed park.
Drive to Universal Studios, about 20 minutes away.
USD120, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Roof on Wilshire

Savor upscale American cuisine with city views atop the rooftop bar as you wind down your day.
Short drive or Uber to The Roof on Wilshire.
USD75, 2 hours
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Day 6: Final Day in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a contemporary twist at Great Maple, known for its maple bacon doughnuts.
Drive to Great Maple in Hillcrest.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Spend the morning exploring Balboa Park, with its gardens, museums, and the San Diego Zoo in the heart of the city.
Short drive to Balboa Park.
USD15, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Dine overlooking the harbor at The Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to The Fish Market, close to the waterfront.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an exciting whale watching tour, hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures off the San Diego coast.
Book a tour that departs from the harbor.
USD70, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Coasterra

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Coasterra with sweeping views of the San Diego skyline and delectable modern Mexican cuisine.
Drive or Uber to Coasterra on Harbor Island.
USD60, 2 hours
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