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7-Day Ultimate California Adventure Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget and Luxury Experience

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delicious and hearty breakfast at Mama’s, famous for its French toast and crab benedict.
Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf after breakfast.
USD15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy the sights of sea lions lounging along Pier 39.
Walking around the pier.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Taste their iconic clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl for lunch.
Continue exploring the wharf.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a Cable Car Ride

Experience San Francisco's iconic cable car ride up to Lombard Street, known as the world's crookedest street.
Board at Powell and Market Street.
USD8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Golden Gate Park, home to the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden.
Take bus #5 or walk for about 30 minutes.
USD10 (if needed for bus fare), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stinking Rose

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a garlic twist at this quirky restaurant.
Head back via bus or rideshare.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mill

Try their artisanal toast topped with seasonal ingredients paired with a fine brew of coffee.
Walk to Alamo Square after breakfast.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Alamo Square Park

Be enchanted by the Painted Ladies against the skyline of San Francisco – a classic photo opportunity.
Walking for 8 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Mission District

Visit Mission Dolores Park and check out the vibrant murals in this culturally rich neighborhood.
Take bus or walk; 30 minutes walk is also enjoyable.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Taqueria

Savor some of the best tacos and burritos in the city at La Taqueria.
Continue walking around the Mission District.
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Exploratorium

Engage in interactive exhibits at the Exploratorium, a museum of science, art, and human perception.
Catch bus or ride to Embarcadero.
USD29, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Old Clam House

Feast on fresh seafood at one of San Francisco's oldest seafood restaurants.
Take the bus or rideshare.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Monterey Awaits

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Place

Enjoy a simple and hearty breakfast before traveling to Monterey.
Pick up a rental car after breakfast; drive approximately 2 hours.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Monterey Aquarium

Discover the wondrous marine life at one of the top aquariums in the world.
Drive to the aquarium.
USD50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Grab a bite at one of the many cafés along Cannery Row with picturesque views.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore 17-Mile Drive

Drive along the stunning coastal route that offers breathtaking views and golf courses.
Follow the signs for 17-Mile Drive.
USD10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Indulge in delicious seafood while overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay.
Head back to Cannery Row.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Have breakfast at a charming café with a view of the coast before heading to Big Sur.
Drive the scenic route to Big Sur, approximately 30 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Marvel at the unique purple sands and breathtaking coastal views at Pfeiffer Beach.
Drive approximately 15 minutes.
USD12 (parking fee), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike McWay Falls

Take an easy hike to the spectacular McWay Falls, a waterfall that cascades into the ocean.
Drive 20 minutes to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
USD10 (day-use fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy lunch with a view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and savor their famous Ambrosia Burger.
Drive about 15 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Big Sur Coastline

Drive along Highway 1, stopping for stunning views and photographs.
Continue driving along the highway.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Big Sur River Inn

Relax and enjoy a cozy dinner while listening to the soothing sounds of the river.
Wrap up your exploration and continue to relax.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Santa Barbara Sunshine

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast with fresh pastries and a variety of breakfast options.
Drive for about 2 hours to Santa Barbara.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Santa Barbara Mission

Explore the historic and beautiful Mission Santa Barbara, a significant landmark.
Drive approximately 15 minutes.
USD12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll State Street

Enjoy browsing shops and boutiques on the charming State Street.
Short drive or a 30-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Habit Burger Grill

Savor their famous charbroiled burgers for an affordable lunch.
Walking distance from State Street.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Relax at the beach, soak up the sun or take a walk along the shore.
Drive or walk to East Beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Brophy Bros.

Enjoy fresh seafood and a perfect view of the harbor while dining.
Head towards the harbor location.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggslut

Indulge in their famous egg sandwiches at this popular breakfast spot in Grand Central Market.
Drive to Los Angeles, around 1.5 hours.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Griffith Observatory

Visit this iconic observatory for amazing views of LA and the Hollywood sign.
Short drive from breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

Take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and see the famous star-studded sidewalks.
Drive approximately 20 minutes to Hollywood.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs

Grab a classic hot dog at this famous LA eatery.
Drive to Pink's Hot Dogs.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Getty Center

Explore art, architecture, and gardens at one of the most impressive cultural institutions.
Drive towards Brentwood.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés

Experience fine dining with a modern twist on classic Spanish dishes.
Drive to The Bazaar, reservations recommended.
USD75, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relax in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast with delicious maple bacon doughnuts.
Drive to San Diego, around 2 hours.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful gardens and museums in Balboa Park.
Proceed to Balboa Park from breakfast.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Indulge in fresh seafood at this casual eatery with views of the harbor.
Drive towards the harbor.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore La Jolla Cove

Marvel at the stunning coastline, sea caves, and friendly seals at La Jolla Cove.
A short drive of around 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit San Diego Zoo

Spend the afternoon in one of the world-renowned zoos, home to thousands of animals.
Drive to the zoo.
USD65, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at One Door North

Savor upscale cuisine with local ingredients at this charming North Park restaurant.
Make your way to North Park for dinner.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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