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10-Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Viewed by 294 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

10:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel and settle in to refresh after your travel.
Located in Union Square for convenience.
USD200, 1 hour

11:30AM

Golden Gate Bridge

Take a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, capturing breathtaking views of the bay.
Drive or take public transport to the bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff House

Enjoy seafood with stunning ocean views at this historic restaurant.
Located a short drive from the bridge.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf

Stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf and take in the sights and sounds while sampling clam chowder.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sotto Mare

Savor classic Italian seafood dishes at this local favorite.
Short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: San Francisco Sightseeing

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with their famous French toast in a charming setting.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cable Car Ride

Experience a ride on the historic cable cars, heading to Lombard Street.
Walk to the nearest cable car stop.
USD8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Tour the notorious former prison with an audio guide.
Ferry departs from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Enjoy a delicious sourdough sandwich while watching the bakers at work.
5-minute walk from Alcatraz ferry terminal.
USD20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Chinatown Exploration

Wander through the vibrant streets of San Francisco's historic Chinatown.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at House of Nanking

Indulge in award-winning Chinese cuisine with a twist.
Located in Chinatown.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 3: Monterey Bound

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Monterey

Enjoy a scenic drive down the coast, approximately 2.5 hours.
Take US-101 S to CA-156 W and then CA-1 S.
Gas USD20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Savor fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants in Cannery Row.
A short drive from your accommodation.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visit the world-renowned aquarium and discover marine life in an engaging way.
Located near Cannery Row.
USD50, 2 hours

4:30PM

17-Mile Drive

Take this scenic coastal drive and marvel at the stunning ocean views and golf courses.
Entrance from Pacific Grove.
USD10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Eazzaz’s

Enjoy wood-fired Mediterranean dishes at this contemporary restaurant.
Near your hotel.
USD45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 4: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your Monterey hotel.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Big Sur

Enjoy a breathtaking drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur (only 30 minutes).
Follow CA-1 S.
Gas USD10, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike the trails and see beautiful landscapes, old-growth redwoods, and waterfalls.
Drive to the park entrance.
USD10, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine at this iconic restaurant while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.
Located along CA-1.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

McWay Falls

Visit this picturesque waterfall that cascades onto the beach.
10-minute drive from Nepenthe.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Take a stroll along the trails and enjoy breathtaking views, perfect for photography.
Short drive from McWay Falls.
USD10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Big Sur River Inn

Relax with a homey menu enjoyed next to a cozy river setting.
Drive back towards Carmel.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lucia Lodge

Enjoy breakfast with ocean views in Big Sur.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Luis Obispo

Travel approximately 1.5 hours along the beautiful coastline.
Continue on CA-1 S.
Gas USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the San Luis Obispo Mission

Explore this historic mission founded in 1772 and its tranquil gardens.
Located in downtown SLO.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Firestone Grill

Relish in their famous tri-tip sandwich in the heart of SLO.
Short walk from the mission.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Farmers Market

Stroll through the vibrant farmers market (only Thursdays) and taste local products.
Near downtown SLO.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Novo Restaurant

Dine on contemporary cuisine along the creek at this upscale venue.
Downtown SLO.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Luis Obispo

Day 6: Santa Barbara Relaxation

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Check out and have breakfast at your San Luis Obispo hotel.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Barbara

Travel along the coastal route, approximately 1.5 hours.
Take US-101 S.
Gas USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Courthouse and Tower

Tour the stunning Santa Barbara Courthouse and climb the clock tower for panoramic views.
Located downtown.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Black Sheep

Enjoy a modern twist on classic bistro fare.
Short drive from the courthouse.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Stearns Wharf

Walk along the historic wharf and check out shops and eateries.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Beach Time at East Beach

Relax on one of Santa Barbara's beautiful sandy beaches.
Short drive or walk from Stearns Wharf.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lark

Savor local farm-to-table dining in a chic atmosphere.
Located near the beach and wharf.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 7: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Santa Barbara hotel before departure.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Head to LA, approximately 2 hours away.
Take US-101 S.
Gas USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, admiring the stars and iconic sites.
In Hollywood district.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at this iconic Hollywood eatery serving classic American cuisine.
Short drive from Hollywood Boulevard.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Griffith Observatory

Tour the observatory and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Hollywood sign.
Nearby Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at In-N-Out Burger

Experience California's famous burger chain for a casual dinner.
Multiple locations in LA.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 8: Sun and Surf in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your Los Angeles hotel.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Diego

Head south to San Diego, approximately 2 hours away.
Take I-5 S for direct route.
Gas USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the stunning gardens, museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
Located in Balboa Park.
USD70 (Zoo entry), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Prado

Enjoy a delicious meal within the park with beautiful surroundings.
Short walk from the zoo.
USD40, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Coronado Beach

Spend a few hours relaxing on the beautiful white sand beach.
Short drive to Coronado Island.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Peohe's

Dine seaside with freshly caught seafood and a beautiful view of the San Diego skyline.
Located on Coronado Island.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Temecula Wine Tasting

Temecula, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in San Diego.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Temecula

Head to wine country, approximately 1.5 hours away.
Take I-15 N.
Gas USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Wine Tasting at Wiens Family Cellars

Experience a guided wine tasting at one of Temecula's best wineries.
Located on Rancho California Road.
USD30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Restaurant at Ponte

Indulge in a lovely lunch overlooking the vineyard.
Short drive from the vineyard.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Other Wineries

Continue your winery tour exploring more vineyards in the area.
Drive to selected wineries.
USD15, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Harveston Lake

Relax with dinner alongside the picturesque lake.
Short drive from the wineries.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Temecula

Day 10: Final Day in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your San Diego hotel.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit USS Midway Museum

Explore the historical naval aircraft carrier, featuring exhibits and tours.
Located in downtown San Diego.
USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Little Italy

Stroll through the vibrant streets, enjoying the art, shops, and culture.
Short drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bencotto Italian Kitchen

Indulge in fresh pasta and other Italian specialties at this popular eatery.
Located in Little Italy.
USD35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun while watching sea lions and surfers.
Short drive from Little Italy.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Fish Market

End your trip with a delightful seafood dinner overlooking San Diego Bay.
Located downtown.
USD55, 1.5 hours
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