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Epic California National and State Parks Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Viewed by 170 travelers

Day 1: Los Angeles to Joshua Tree

Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park, CA, USA on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe

Start your day with a classic LA breakfast at this iconic 24/7 spot, famous for hearty American breakfast meals.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park

Drive approximately 2.5 hours east to the unique desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, known for its iconic Joshua trees and rock formations.
USD30 (Park Entrance Fee), 2h30m

12:00pm

Explore Joshua Tree National Park - Barker Dam and Hidden Valley

Visit Barker Dam to see desert wildlife and petroglyphs, then take a scenic hike through Hidden Valley to admire impressive boulder formations.
Included in entrance fee, 3h

3:00pm

Check-in at a local Joshua Tree hotel

Rest and refresh at a charming local inn or Airbnb in Joshua Tree.
USD150, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Crossroads Cafe Joshua Tree

Enjoy casual dining with fresh, locally-sourced American dishes, perfect after a day of park exploration.
USD25, 1h
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Day 2: Joshua Tree to Sequoia National Park

Joshua Tree National Park to Sequoia National Park, CA, USA on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Grab a quality cup of coffee and light breakfast to energize for a long drive to Sequoia National Park.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Joshua Tree to Sequoia National Park

Head northwest on a roughly 5.5-hour scenic drive passing through parts of the Mojave and Sierra Nevada foothills.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 5h30m

2:00pm

Explore Sequoia National Park - Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree

Visit the Giant Forest to see the world’s largest tree by volume, General Sherman, and stroll the Congress Trail among massive sequoias.
Included in entrance fee, 3h

6:00pm

Overnight stay at Wuksachi Lodge

Stay inside the park at Wuksachi Lodge for rustic comfort and easy access to park highlights.
USD200, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at the Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room

Relax with a hearty meal featuring locally sourced ingredients surrounded by forest views.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, CA, USA on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wuksachi Lodge

Enjoy a mountain lodge breakfast to prepare for a full day of hiking and sightseeing.
USD25, 1h

9:00am

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Grant Grove

Drive along the scenic Kings Canyon Byway to visit Grant Grove, home of the famous General Grant Tree, the nation’s Christmas Tree.
Included in entrance fee, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Zumwalt Meadow

Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by meadows and the South Fork of the Kings River, a perfect nature break.
USD20 for picnic supplies, 1h

1:30pm

Hike Zumwalt Meadow Trail

Take a gentle 1.5-mile loop hike to appreciate grandeur views of cliffs and the meadow ecosystem.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive back to lodge; relax and prepare for next day

Rest at Wuksachi Lodge, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the high Sierra forest.
Included in lodging, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at nearby restaurant or lodge dining room

End the day with comfort food or local cuisine options inside the park.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sequoia to Yosemite National Park

Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park, CA, USA on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the lodge

Fuel up early for the drive to Yosemite National Park.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Sequoia to Yosemite National Park

Drive northwest for approximately 4 hours through scenic Sierra Nevada routes.
USD35 (Yosemite Entrance Fee), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Village Grill

Grab a quick, casual lunch near Yosemite Visitor Center before heading out to explore.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Yosemite Valley - Lower Yosemite Falls and Tunnel View

Visit iconic viewpoints like Tunnel View and walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, best visited in spring for the flowing waterfalls.
Included in entrance fee, 3h

4:30pm

Check-in at Yosemite Valley Lodge or nearby accommodation

Stay within Yosemite Valley to maximize time enjoying park’s highlights.
USD250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at the Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine with views of Yosemite Falls and enjoy seasonal American cuisine.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Yosemite Hiking

Yosemite National Park, CA, USA on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Enjoy a morning meal with mountain views before embarking on hikes.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Hike Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Take this popular 5.5-mile round trip hike to experience two stunning waterfalls close up with breathtaking vistas.
Free with park entry, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at the Base Camp Eatery

Refuel with sandwiches or salads in the Yosemite Village area.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Glacier Point

Drive or take a shuttle to Glacier Point for panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
Included in entrance fee, 2h

4:30pm

Return to lodge and relax

Unwind at lodging, perhaps enjoy a stroll along the Merced River.
Included in lodging, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pizza Patio

Enjoy casual dining with a variety of pizzas and salads surrounded by nature.
USD25, 1h
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Day 6: Yosemite to Lake Tahoe

Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe, CA, USA on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the lodge

Prepare for a longer drive with a solid breakfast.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe via Highway 50

Drive north approximately 4.5-5 hours to the scenic Lake Tahoe region, passing beautiful Sierra Nevada forests and mountains.
Free, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Getaway Cafe, South Lake Tahoe

Fresh, hearty cafe fare ideal for a casual meal after the drive.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Emerald Bay State Park

Visit this stunning lakeside park with hiking trails and photo opportunities of one of the most beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.
USD10 parking, 3h

5:30pm

Check-in at a local Lake Tahoe hotel

Stay lakeside or forest lodge for a restful night.
USD180, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Edgewood Restaurant

Fine dining with spectacular lake views and American cuisine, perfect to celebrate a day of sightseeing.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lake Tahoe to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lake Tahoe, CA to Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA, USA on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with lake views before a full driving day.
USD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Lake Tahoe to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Approximately 4-hour drive north to Lassen, known for diverse volcanic features and geothermal areas.
USD30 (Park Entrance Fee), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Manzanita Lake picnic area

Picnic by the lake with views of Lassen Peak.
USD20 for picnic supplies, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park - Manzanita Lake and Bumpass Hell Trail

Walk around Manzanita Lake and later hike Bumpass Hell trail to see bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, the park's most famous geothermal area (trail open seasonally, confirm accessibility).
Included in entrance fee, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in at nearby lodging or camp

Stay near the park or camp to enjoy starry skies and easy access the next day.
USD150, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at nearby restaurant or self-catered

Many local lodges offer hearty dinners, or opt for simple meals if camping.
USD30, 1h
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Day 8: Lassen to Redwood National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park to Redwood National Park, CA, USA on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodging

Early breakfast before a long drive north to California’s tallest trees.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Lassen to Redwood National Park

Approximately a 5-hour drive west and north to the Pacific coast’s giant redwoods.
Free park entry, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at a local cafe in Crescent City

Casual dining in this gateway town to Redwood National and State Parks.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Redwood National Park - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Take a stunning 1.5-mile loop walk through old-growth redwoods with interpretive signs detailing ecology.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to nearby state park for sunset

Head to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to catch sunset and wildlife at Elk Prairie, a prime elk viewing area.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Check-in at local lodge

Comfortable overnight stay near the parks.
USD160, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at SeaQuake Brewing

Relaxed dining with great craft beer and local food options in Crescent City.
USD30, 1h
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Day 9: Redwoods to Avenue of the Giants

Redwood National and State Parks to Avenue of the Giants, CA, USA on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Start your day with a fresh breakfast in Crescent City.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive south to Avenue of the Giants

About 2.5 hours drive south to the scenic 31-mile highway lined by giant redwood trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic along the Avenue of the Giants

Stop at one of many picnic areas surrounded by towering redwoods.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Hiking and drive along Avenue of the Giants

Explore multiple short trails like the Founders Grove Trail for up-close views of historic trees.
Free, 4h

5:00pm

Check-in at a local lodge or B&B in Garberville

Rest overnight in this quaint town near the redwoods.
USD130, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Riverwood Inn

Enjoy local cuisine with great ambiance close to the redwoods.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Avenue of the Giants to Mendocino Coast

Garberville to Mendocino Coast, CA, USA on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Fuel up with a cozy breakfast before heading west.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Garberville to Mendocino Coast

About 2.5-hour drive west to the rugged and beautiful Mendocino coastline.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Beaujolais, Mendocino

Enjoy fine dining with a focus on fresh local ingredients in the charming village of Mendocino.
USD35, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park

Walk coastal trails with grand ocean views, wildflower meadows, and rocky shorelines.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Check-in at local Mendocino hotel or B&B

Stay in a seaside inn soaking in the Pacific ambiance.
USD170, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Trillium Cafe in Mendocino

Upscale dining experience with global flavors sourced locally.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Mendocino to Point Reyes to San Francisco

Mendocino to Point Reyes National Seashore and San Francisco, CA, USA on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast with ocean views in Mendocino.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Mendocino to Point Reyes National Seashore

Approximately 3-hour scenic drive south to coastal trails and wildlife-rich estuaries of Point Reyes National Seashore.
USD20 parking fee, 3h

11:30am

Explore Point Reyes - Lighthouse and Chimney Rock Trail

Visit historic Point Reyes Lighthouse and hike Chimney Rock Trail for excellent ocean views and possible whale watching (open daily 10am-4:30pm).
Included in parking fee, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at a café in Inverness

Light lunch in this nearby town with quaint eateries.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to San Francisco

Head south approximately 1.5 hours to your final destination, the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel in San Francisco

Stay centrally to explore the city in the following days.
USD250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Dine on fresh seafood at this waterfront restaurant with views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 12: San Francisco City & Parks

San Francisco, CA, USA on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Famous bakery offering fresh pastries and coffee, perfect start to your day.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Muir Woods National Monument

Just north of the city, Muir Woods features ancient coastal redwoods. Park open 8am-6pm, get tickets in advance.
USD15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Pelican Inn, Muir Beach

Classic English-style pub meal near Muir Woods, great for relaxing after the hike.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Return to San Francisco and explore Golden Gate Park

Visit gardens, museums, and the Conservatory of Flowers in this vast urban park. Park open 5am-12am.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Nopalito

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine made with organic ingredients in a lively environment.
USD40, 1h30m
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