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Nous partageons nos expériences en France et autour du monde pour vous inspirer lors de vos prochains voyages et road trip ! Découvrez sur ce blog nos itinéraires, nos conseils et nos incontournables pour partir à l'aventure et créer vos propres expériences.

Basse Californie : 12 jours de Roadtrip au Mexique

La Basse Californie (ou Baja California) au Mexique restera comme notre première destination tour du monde saison 2 mais on se souviendra surtout de la Basse Californie pour ses paysages, ses plages, ses expériences, ses rencontres et son soleil ! Nous avons passé 15 jours en Basse Californie et nous avons adoré cette destination où se mêlent la mer et l’océan, les montagnes et le désert.

Au pays des cactus, nous avons pu découvrir des plages de rêve, de jolis petits villages, des oasis et nous avons aussi eu la chance de voir des tortues et des requins baleines. Ces 15 jours en Basse Californie au Mexique nous ont permis de déconnecter, d’être dépaysé et surtout de prendre notre temps pour visiter cette belle région mexicaine.

Depuis la France, le meilleur moyen d’arriver en Basse California est de prendre un vol Paris – Mexico puis un autre vol Mexico – La Paz (ou Los Cabos qui est le deuxième aéroport de la Basse California Sur). La location de voiture est un indispensable selon nous pour découvrir la Basse California en toute liberté.

Retrouvez tous nos conseils pour organiser et vivre une belle expérience au Mexique en cliquant ICI !

🧡  Cliquez ici pour découvrir les hôtels en Basse Californie sur Booking.com !*

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Informations Roadtrip Basse Californie

Nombre de jours : 15 jours

Moyen de transport : Voiture de location

Logement : Booking.com*

Période de l’année : Novembre

Budget : 3100 euros pour deux personnes (tout compris)

Que voir et que faire en Basse Californie au Mexique ?

Jour 1 : playa balandra & el dia de muertos.

Hébergement : Hôtel à La Paz*

Randonnée de Tecolote vers Balandra

Nous commençons fort notre voyage en Basse Californie avec une randonnée entre les plages de Tecolote et Balandra. Nous en avons pris plein les yeux toute la journée, c’était magique avec une succession de plages de rêve et de panorama à couper le souffle. On comprend rapidement pourquoi ces plages font parties des plus belles du monde et notamment la plage de Balandra où les bancs de sable se dévoilent au fil de la marée descendante. Nous avons eu aussi un coup de cœur pour la plage de Tecolote Sur entourée par les dunes et de petites falaises.

Conseils : Le début de la randonnée se trouve à environ 30 minutes de voiture du centre de La Paz. Nous vous conseillons de vous garer sur le parking de la plage Tecolote pour commencer cette randonnée d’environ 1h30 aller. Le chemin n’est pas vraiment indiqué alors quand vous êtes sur le parking de la plage Tecolote il faut aller tout au bout à gauche et de là vous apercevrez une maison en ruine contournez là par la gauche et quelques mètres plus loin sur votre droite un chemin monte à flanc de colline, c’est le début de la randonnée ! Le chemin est un aller/retour par le même sentier. Prévoyez au moins des baskets pour faire cette randonnée, de l’eau, de la nourriture et si vous en avez un parasol car il y a que très peu d’ombre. Il est aussi possible de rejoindre les plages par bateau par le biais d’une excursion. Enfin dernier conseil, plus vous viendrez tôt plus vous serez seuls dans ces endroits paradisiaques !

Playa Tecolote

La Playa Tecolote en Basse Californie a été notre point de départ de la randonnée et quel plaisir de voir ce bleu transparent. La longue plage est la plus facilement accessible du secteur et il y a donc souvent plus de monde. La vue sur l’île Espiritu Santo en face est top aussi. Un endroit parfait pour profiter et se baigner. Il faut savoir qu’en fin d’après-midi, une bonne partie de la plage est à l’ombre.

Conseils : il est possible de se restaurer sur place grâce à quelques restaurants et bar de plage. Des excursions se font aussi au départ de la Playa Tecolote notamment pour l’île Espiritu Santo ou la location d’équipements comme des kayaks ou autres.

Playa Tecolote Norte

La plage Tecolote Norte est sans doute la plus sauvage de la randonnée. En contrebas de la montagne, elle permet de se retrouver quasiment seuls au milieu d’un magnifique endroit. Une jolie dune surplombe les couleurs une nouvelle fois turquoise de cette plage.

Conseils : lors de notre passage, c’était la seule plage avec des algues mais cela doit sans doute dépendre des courants.

Playa Tecolote Sur

La Playa Tecolote Sur est tout simplement superbe avec son eau turquoise, son sable blanc et ce décor en arrière-plan avec les dunes et la montagne. C’est aussi ici que nous avons réussi à trouver un petit coin d’ombre grâce à la falaise à gauche de la plage. Il faut d’ailleurs monter sur les falaises de chaque côté de la plage pour prendre de la hauteur et découvrir les panoramas sublimes de la Basse Californie notamment sur la baie de Balandra.

Playa Balandra

La playa Balandra est le joyau de la Basse Californie et du Mexique. Cette baie en mer de Cortez nous a rappelé Whitehaven en Australie. Les bancs de sable qui se découvrent au fur et à mesure de la marée descendante, l’eau cristalline et une nouvelle fois ce décor tout autour avec les falaises, la végétation et ces couleurs. Coup de cœur assuré.

Conseils : il est possible de rejoindre la plage Balandra en Basse Californie directement en voiture sans faire la randonnée. Cependant lors de notre passage, la plage était limitée à 120 personnes en même temps. Il y a une sorte de barrage un peu avant le parking de la plage qui filtre tout ça ! En résumé pour vous rendre sur la plage Balandra vous avez deux solutions soit en y allant directement en voiture en espérant qu’il n’y ait pas déjà 120 personnes sur le parking soit en faisant la randonnée depuis la plage Tecolote.

El Dia de Muertos à La Paz

Le jour de notre arrivée à la Paz en Basse Californie, nous avons eu la chance de pouvoir vivre une jolie soirée lors de El Dia de Muertos. El Dia de Muertos est une fête mexicaine qui célèbre les morts sur plusieurs jours entre le 31 octobre et le 2 novembre. C’est un peu comme la Toussaint en France mais ici la fête est joyeuse et colorée. Pour vous dire l’ampleur de cette tradition, El Dia de Muertos est inscrit au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité de l’UNESCO. Nous sommes arrivés le 1er novembre à La Paz, nous ne pouvions donc pas rater ce moment. Nous avons donc pris part à une fête où se mêlent des autels avec offrandes, des costumes, des danses et une multitude de couleurs. Certaines personnes sont maquillées pour l’occasion et l’ambiance y est festive et joyeuse. Nous avons d’ailleurs pu voir une Catrina qui reconnaissable par le squelette d’une femme bourgeoise orné d’un chapeau fleuri. El Dia de Muertos est plus ou moins intense et suivie par rapport à où vous vous trouvez au Mexique. À La Paz, la fête des morts était plutôt petite par rapport à d’autres villes mexicaines mais nous étions contents d’avoir pu ressentir l’ambiance et voir à quoi pouvait ressembler cette coutume.

Jour 2 : La Paz & El Saltito

Pour ce deuxième jour Basse Californie, nous décidons d’aller visiter la ville de La Paz de journée et à pied. Il est très agréable de se balader sur la Malecon qui correspond à l’espace piéton sur le front de la mer de Cortez. Tout au long du Malecon, vous pourrez découvrir des plages, des statues, des jetées, un kiosque et les fameuses lettres de La Paz. De part et d’autre du Malecon, il y a deux marinas. C’est aussi près du Malecon que vous trouverez les nombreux restaurants, bars, les excursions et tous les autres services de la ville. Nous avons aussi adoré la place où se trouvent le jardin Velasco, la cathédrale Nuestra Senora et le musée d’art. Au détour de ruelles, vous apercevrez de nombreuses œuvres de street art comme par exemple près du magasin Harker Board. La Paz se transforme entre le jour et la nuit. En pleine journée, on pourrait croire à une ville morte alors qu’en début de soirée, elle devient animée avec de nombreuses familles profitant de températures plus clémentes pour sortir et se promener, des jeunes s’essayant au skate ou aux rollers et les locaux et touristes assis aux terrasses des bars et restaurants.

Conseils : il est facile de visiter l’hyper-centre de La Paz à pied. Au niveau des parkings, ils sont pour la majorité directement dans la rue et ils sont gratuits. On vous conseille d’aller manger au Taco Fish de La Paz qui est réputé comme le meilleur de la région en Basse Californie et qui se trouve un peu en périphérie du centre-ville.

Playa El Saltito

En début d’après-midi, nous partons à la Playa El Saltito qui se trouve à environ 30 minutes de route de La Paz dans un décor désertique au milieu de nulle part. La plage est très jolie et l’eau est une nouvelle fois transparente et chaude. C’est aussi ici que de nombreux cactus ont élu domicile et donne au paysage entre mer et montagne un style particulier. Encore une fois, nous étions presque seuls dans ce super spot en Basse Californie.

Conseils : sur les derniers kilomètres, l’accès à la plage se fait sur un chemin ensablé qui reste accessible en voiture.

Cerro de la Calavera

En fin de journée, nous faisons un arrêt à Cerro de la Calavera pour le coucher de soleil. Ce spot se trouve à la sortie de La Paz en direction de la Playa Tecolote. Un sentier très peu aménagé vous amène en haut d’une sorte de rocher et donne un joli point de vue sur La Paz et les couleurs du soleil couchant derrière les dunes et la mer. Les rochers de Cerro de la Cavalera prennent eux aussi une couleur orangée le temps que le soleil disparaisse complètement.

Conseils : Vous pouvez vous garer sur le grand parking en face de Cerro de la Calavera entre les deux routes. Vous devriez voir le début du chemin qui monte vers le fameux spot. Il n’y a pas vraiment de sentier à proprement dit, il faut suivre des bouts de chemin jusqu’en haut. Il faut moins de 30 minutes de marche.

Jour 3 : Loreto

Hébergement : AirBnB à Loreto

Route entre La Paz et Loreto

Nouvelle journée et nous décidons de faire quelques heures de route depuis La Paz pour rejoindre Loreto. Il nous aura fallu 5h de trajet pour arriver à destination. La route est assez longue et les paysages qui défilent sont désertiques et plats puis désertiques et montagneux avant de retrouver à la fin la mer. Il n’y a qu’une seule grande ville entre La Paz et Loreto.

Conseils : il y a un arrêt militaire entre La Paz et Loreto mais pas d’inquiétude si vous êtes en règle car c’est juste un contrôle d’identité et de la voiture.

Le village de Loreto est très sympa et surtout parfait pour se balader. Nous avons adoré les couleurs et l’ambiance de Loreto avec sa mission, ses places (Californias et Civica) et ses bars et restaurants. Il est aussi agréable de se promener sur la Malecon jusqu’à la plage de sable noir La Negrita.

Conseils : Nous ne l’avons pas fait mais il est possible de partir en excursion vers l’île de Coronado qui il parait est très sympa.

Jour 4 : Bahia Concepcion

Hébergement : Hôtel à Loreto*

Playa El Requeson

Aujourd’hui, nous partons plus au nord de Loreto à environ 1h30 de route direction les plages de Bahia Concepcion en Basse Californie. Nous commençons par celle qui restera notre préférée : Playa El Requeson. Cette plage possède un vrai charme avec son banc de sable qui se découvre à marée basse et permet de rejoindre un petit îlot. L’eau reste transparente et elle n’est pas très profonde. Bref, de quoi passer un bon moment à profiter.

Conseils : il est possible de camper sur place pour une centaine de pesos avec son van, son camping-car ou même une tente. Dans tous les cas, pour toutes les personnes souhaitant venir sur cette plage, il est demandé une donation. Il est possible de louer des kayaks sur place et quelques vendeurs de fruits sont aussi présents.

Playa El Coyote

La plage El Coyote est une autre plage en remontant vers le nord avec une eau transparente, une sorte de crique surplombée par les montagnes. Il est aussi possible de camper sur cette plage.

Playa Los Cocos/El Buren

La Playa Los Cocos aussi appelé El Buren est une succession de plages sur la route et dans la baie de Bahia Concepcion. Ce sera à vous de choisir votre préférée.

Playa Santispac

La Playa Santispac est un peu plus grande que les autres. Toujours les mêmes caractéristiques pour profiter lors d’une journée plage avec une eau transparente et limpide. Le droit d’entrée sur la plage est de 50 pesos et 100 pesos pour dormir et camper dessus.

Jour 5 : Route et repos à La Paz

Cette journée a été consacrée à faire la route retour entre Loreto et La Paz en Basse Californie. Rien de très intéressant excepté le fait de conduire pendant 5h puis de se reposer après à la Paz sur une plage du centre.

Jour 6 : Todos Santos

Hébergement : Hôtel à San José del Cabo*

Todos Santos

Nous repartons sur la route direction le village de Todos Santos qui se trouve en Basse Californie Sur côté pacifique. Todos Santos possède un vrai charme que l’on découvre en se promenant dans les rues notamment autour de son église et de sa place principale. C’est aussi une ville d’artistes avec de nombreuses boutiques. On ressent aussi l’ambiance surf au travers de quelques ruelles.

Playa Las Tunas

La Playa Las Tunas est une longue plage de sable à Todos Santos. Ici les vagues sont puissantes et il n’était pas possible de se baigner lors de notre passage. Vous verrez aussi ici des quartiers avec de grandes villas.

Punta Lobos

Punta Lobos a été notre coup de cœur dans le coin. Cette longue plage est un repère de pêcheurs et c’est à Punta Lobos que l’on voit les petites embarcations. Le décor est très joli. Il est une nouvelle fois difficile de se baigner à cause des vagues mais on profite pour regarder les surfeurs s’essayer à dompter les vagues.

Conseils : la fin de la route pour arriver à Punta Lobos est ensablée mais il est largement possible de passer avec une voiture. Pour s’y rendre aller jusqu’à parking de l’hôtel San Cristobal.

Playa Cerritos

La Playa Cerritos est un peu plus au sud de Todos Santos en Basse Californie. Elle a l’avantage d’être accessible pour se baigner même s’il faut faire attention aux courants dangereux.

Jour 7 : Todos Santos

Rencontre avec les tortues.

Nous retournons à Todos Santos aujourd’hui en milieu d’après-midi pour réaliser un de nos rêves. Accompagner les bébés tortues dans l’océan. Nous nous sommes donc rendus sur la Playa Maquina où nous avons trouvé une association de protection des tortues qui nous a permis de réaliser cette expérience. Il est fortement recommandé de passer par une association pour respecter au mieux ces animaux dans les règles. Le moment aura été magique car nous avons pu accompagner 6 bébés tortues jusqu’à l’océan grâce à des noix de coco vident permettant de ne jamais les toucher. Les tortues faisaient partie de l’espèce des Golfina, espèce en voie d’extinction. A l’heure actuelle, on se demande encore où elles peuvent bien se trouver maintenant.

Conseils : il existe plusieurs associations à Todos Santos mais elles n’exercent pas forcément en même temps ça dépend de l’avancée de la saison, de la ponte et de l’éclosion. Lors de notre passage, la saison a débuté le 22 octobre et peut se terminer au premier trimestre de l’année. Une donation est exigée si vous souhaitez avoir une noix de coco afin de pouvoir relâcher les bébés tortues. La donation est de 100 pesos par noix de coco. L’expérience dure environ 30 minutes avec une première partie de sensibilisation avant de procéder au véritable relâchement des tortues.

Jour 8 : Canyon de la Zorra & Santa Rita Hot Springs

Canyon de la zorra.

Direction le Canyon de la Zorra en Basse Californie aujourd’hui pour aller découvrir une magnifique cascade au milieu d’un joli décor. Quel plaisir de se baigner dans cette eau et ce spot au milieu de nulle part.

Conseils : le canyon de la Zorra est assez difficile d’accès car les derniers kilomètres sont ensablés même s’il reste possible d’y accéder avec une voiture. L’accès à la cascade est privé et il faut passer par le ranch écologique Sol de Mayo. Le coût de l’entrée est de 150 pesos par personne. Il faut environ 15 minutes de marche pour arriver à la cascade depuis le ranch.

Santa Rita Hot Springs

À quelques kilomètres du canyon de la Zorra en Basse Californie, nous avons continué sur des routes ensablées pour aller découvrir la source d’eau chaude de Santa Rita. En 5 minutes de marche, nous atteignons la source d’eau chaude de Santa Rita qui est assez déroutante. On ne savait pas à quoi nous attendre mais en résumé la source d’eau chaude est une sorte de basin de quelques mètres carrés où l’eau est à environ 40 degrés. Et juste à côté, il est possible de se rafraîchir dans la rivière qui reste très bonne à environ 20 degrés. Et inutile de vous dire que le décor est une nouvelle fois magnifique au milieu de nulle part.

Conseils : On nous a demandé de repayer 100 pesos pour l’accès à la source d’eau chaude car nous avions déjà été au canyon de la Zorra (on vous donne un bracelet lors de votre entrée sur le site qui prouve que vous avez bien été au canyon de la Zorra).

Jour 9 : Cabo Pulmo

Playa el arbolito.

La plage El Arbolito fait partie du parc national de Cabo Pulmo très connu et réputé pour sa faune et sa flore marine. Nous y avons passé une bonne partie de la journée à nous baigner et à se promener aux alentours pour découvrir les jolis panoramas. N’oubliez pas de prendre un masque et un tuba pour profiter au mieux de l’endroit.

Conseils : Le droit d’accès à la plage El Arbolito est payant à hauteur de 150 pesos.

Nous avons fait un petit détour dans le village de Cabo Pulmo en Basse Californie. Ici, vous trouverez des logements mais aussi toutes les agences pour partir en excursion que ce soit pour du snorkeling, de la plongée ou autres. C’est l’endroit idéal pour partir découvrir les fonds marins de Cabo Pulmo.

Playa Miramar

La Plage Miramar est une longue plage près de Cabo Pulmo où il est possible de poser sa serviette, se baigner ou même camper.

Jour 10 : Requins Baleines

Pour notre dernier jour en Basse Californie et à La Paz, nous décidons d’aller nager avec les requins baleines, une expérience que nous avions hâte de réaliser en venant en Basse Californie. Après une petite demi-heure de bateau, nous arrivons sur le spot où se trouvent les requins baleines qu’ils faut maintenant trouver avant de se jeter à l’eau. Au final, nous avons nagé avec 3 requins Baleines différents pendant environ 30 minutes. Ces 3 moments furent magiques, quel plaisir de se retrouver face à ces géants des mers à quelques mètres de nous dans le même environnement. C’était un moment à part et nous avons adoré cette expérience hors du commun. Nous sommes aussi conscients d’avoir eu de la chance car la saison des requins Baleines a débuté 2 jours avant notre départ de Basse Californie.

Conseils : il existe de nombreuses agences à La Paz qui proposent l’excursion Requins Baleines. Nous vous conseillons de faire plusieurs agences et de demander aussi aux personnes dans la rue sur le Malecon pour connaître le prix moyen et négocier. Ce que nous avons apprécié, c’est que l’excursion est très encadrée pour protéger les requins baleines et du début à la fin, vous serez accompagné par un guide qui vous donnera les consignes que ce soit depuis le bateau ou dans l’eau. Il n’est pas possible de nager avec plus de 4 personnes en même temps autour du requin baleine. Nous avons payé l’excursion 1300 pesos par personne. L’activité dure entre 2 et 3 heures et vous aurez à disposition masque, tuba et palme. Selon le nombre de personnes sur le bateau mais aussi le déplacement des requins baleines, vous pourrez avoir plusieurs sessions dans l’eau (si vous êtes plus de 4 personnes notamment). La saison des requins baleines en Basse Californie débute très souvent début novembre à février.

Jour 11 : Repos à La Paz

C’est notre dernier jour à la Paz en Basse Californie, nous en avons donc profité pour nous reposer sur les plages autour de la ville et dans la piscine de notre hôtel. Nous en profitons aussi pour organiser nos prochains jours sachant que nous sommes que nous partons le lendemain pour les Chiapas.

Jour 12 : Bonus à Espiritu Santo

Si vous avez le temps et l’argent, nous vous conseillons d’aller découvrir le temps d’une excursion l’île de Espiritu Santo. Cette île se trouve en face de la Paz et vous pourrez voir de nouvelles plages à l’eau cristalline, une faune et flore variée que ce soit sous l’eau ou sur terre. Le must est de pouvoir nager avec les otaries à la pointe de l’île en snorkeling. Il paraît que la colonie avoisine les 600 otaries. Lors de notre passage, le prix de l’excursion était de 1300 pesos par personne avec déjeuner sur une plage de l’île.

La Basse Californie aura été une belle surprise. Nous avons pu profiter des plus belles plages du Mexique ainsi que des paysages désertiques très sympas. On aura eu un coup de cœur pour La Paz car nous nous sommes très bien sentis dans cette ville et parce que les alentours sont juste magnifiques. Les bébés tortues resteront gravés dans nos mémoires tout comme les requins-baleines. On ne s’attendait pas à une diversité de paysages comme celle-ci notamment avec le canyon de la Zorra, les petits villages aux 4 coins de la Basse Californie et les plages côté pacifique et mer de Cortez. La Basse Californie est une destination parfaite si vous aimez les plages associées à l’ambiance mexicaine. Le détour à Loreto et à Bahia Concepcion était assez long et ça aurait été vraiment cool d’avoir plus de jours pour profiter et pas juste faire l’aller/retour. Cette nouvelle expérience au Mexique nous donne envie d’aller découvrir d’autres régions de ce beau et grand pays.

Découvrez tous nos voyages en cliquant ICI !

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Visiter New York en 3 jours, nos incontournables !

Chiapas : Roadtrip d'une semaine au Mexique (incontournables)

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Ma Grande Vadrouille

Par ce blog, spécialement créé pour mon trip à Mexico, j'espère pouvoir vous faire partager ce petit bout de ma vie...

mardi 26 février 2008

Road trip en basse californie.

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California Road Trip: A 21-Day Suggested Itinerary

California is the third-largest state in the country and home to over 40 million people, as well as a range of environments and landscapes: dense forests in the north, rugged mountains in the east, majestic deserts in the south, world-class beaches on the coast, and the fabulous wine regions in the west and in the Central Valley.

And it’s perfect for road trips.

I’ve already outlined an awesome seven-day itinerary for Southern California , but today I wanted to share a longer, more comprehensive route for anyone who has a few weeks to explore more of the state’s cities and landscapes.

Even with three weeks, you’ll still miss a lot of great spots in this state (I mean, you could spend months traveling California), but this suggested itinerary hits some of my favorite major — and not so major — places.

Table of Contents

Days 1–3: San Francisco

Day 4: big sur, days 5–7: los angeles, days 8–9: san diego, days 10–12: joshua tree national park, days 13–15: sequoia national park & kings canyon national park, days 16–18: yosemite national park, days 19–20: napa valley, day 21: back to san francisco.

• Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge, stretching some 4,200 feet. It offers incredible views of the bay and the ships coming and going. You can walk across it too.
• Tour Alcatraz – Alcatraz is one of the country’s most infamous former prisons. It housed some of the worst criminals, such as Al Capone. Today, it’s a national landmark in which you can take tours of the prison, step foot in the cells, and learn about its history. Admission is $53.25 USD (this includes round-trip transportation by boat, entrance fees, and an audio guide).
• Visit the Beat Museum – Dedicated to the 1950s Beat Generation, this unique museum houses original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. It also holds regular events, so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Admission is $8 USD.
• Take a food tour – San Francisco is known for its foodie culture. If you want to cast a wide culinary net and try a lot of different cuisines and dishes, consider taking a food tour. Some companies to check out are SF Native Tours and Secret Food Tours . Tours are generally around $79 USD.
• Explore Chinatown – When immigrants from China first came to America, many set up shop in San Francisco. Today, in the biggest Chinatown in the US, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in the country, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers.
• Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park is a great place to walk or relax. It features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s 20% bigger than New York’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here!

For more suggestions, here’s a detailed list of things to see and do in San Francisco .

Where to Stay

• HI San Francisco – Downtown – HI Downtown has some standard perks, like free breakfast and free towels, but the staff also organize a lot of events, including pub crawls, trips to Muir Woods and Yosemite, and bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Green Tortoise Hostel – This lively hostel is my favorite in the city. It offers free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and even a free sauna! It’s a party hostel, so be sure to stay here only if you’re looking to meet people and get rowdy.

For more suggestions, here’s a full list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco!

And if you need a rental car to kick-start your trip, check out Discover Cars . They search rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.  

Where to Stay I suggest staying at least one night around Big Sur (or just south of the region) to split up the drive to LA. If you don’t have camping gear, Airbnb has a lot of places around the area. You can also just pop into any of the numerous cheap motels nearby too.  

Here are some suggestions on how to fill your days:

• See the Hollywood Sign – You can snap pictures of the sign from pretty much anywhere in Hollywood. However, it’s also possible to hike up to the sign itself to take in the view. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water, because the hike will take a few hours.
• Visit LACMA – Home to some 150,000 works, the LA County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western USA. It has collections from pretty much every era throughout history and every region of the world. Admission is $25 USD.
• See The Last Bookstore – This is one of my favorite bookstores in the world. It also sells records, has art displays, and features a cool upstairs area with cheap used books. Browse the shelves, grab a coffee, and buy a book for your journey.
• Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard – Don’t miss the Walk of Fame (where celebrities have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (featuring stars’ handprints and footprints).
• Tour the Getty Museum – This art museum opened in 1997 and boasts a diverse collection of paintings, manuscripts, drawings, and other artwork. The collection runs from the 8th century to the present day, so there is something for everyone. Admission is free.
• Go hiking – Get out and stretch your legs on the city’s hiking trails. Some worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Baldwin Hills (30 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3-3.5 hours).
• Visit The Broad – This contemporary art museum is one of the city’s newest. Opened in 2015, it has over 2,000 pieces of art. It also has a rotating series of temporary exhibitions too (check the website to see what’s on during your visit). Admission is free, though you must reserve a timed entry slot in advance.

For a much longer list on what to see and do in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide .

Moreover, the city also has innumerable world-class food options. Some places I really like are Musso & Frank Grill, Dan Tana’s, Meals by Genet, The Butcher’s Daughter, and Sugarfish.

• Banana Bungalow Hollywood – A laid-back but social hostel that organizes lots of activities and makes it easy to meet people. If you want to party and have fun, this is the place for you!
• Freehand Los Angeles – This hostel/hotel features designer rooms with comfortable beds, a rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of the city, a lobby bar, a restaurant, and even a fitness center.

For more suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in Los Angeles.  

Here are some suggestions for things to see and do during your visit:

• Visit the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier, commissioned right after World War II, was the largest ship in the world until 1955 and saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. It was decommissioned in 1992 and became a museum. You can explore the flight deck as well as many of the rooms below. Admission is $32 USD and you can get them in advance here .
• Hike Point Loma – Walk out to the tip of the peninsula where Europeans first arrived in California and enjoy the serene views, visit the lighthouse (built in 1855), and watch locals climb the rocks and cliffs of Osprey Point.
• Explore the San Diego Zoo – This is one of the best zoos in the country. Located in Balboa Park (see below), it has over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive, 1,800-acre park where you could easily spend an entire day. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss it. A one-day adult pass is $72 USD.
• Admire Balboa Park – In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park also offers dozens of museums, as well as walking paths, sports fields, gardens, greenhouses, stadiums, theaters, and much more. It’s one of the oldest recreational parks in the country.
• Enjoy Pacific Beach – If you want to soak up the sun, swim, or surf, head to Pacific Beach. If you’re a night owl, the area also has lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Go whale-watching – California gray whales, which can grow up to 49 feet and live for over 70 years, migrate from Alaska to Mexico each year between December and April. They are incredible to see up close, and tours are quite affordable (usually around $39 USD).
• Relax in Belmont Park – This is a kitschy amusement park right next to the ocean. It has a few classic rides, as well as games and lots of greasy (and delicious) snacks. It’s cheesy but fun!
• Go surfing – Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, grab a board and hit the waves. There’s some awesome surfing here. You can usually rent a board for around $60 USD a day. Lessons cost around $130-150 USD and last 90 minutes.
• HI San Diego – HI San Diego organizes lots of events and tours that make it easy to meet other travelers. Breakfast is included, and there’s also a big kitchen so you can cook your own food to save money.
• ITH Adventure Hostel – This is an eco-friendly hostel with a vegetable garden (guests get free veggies), a recycling and compost program, and even backyard chickens. There is lots of outdoor common space to relax in too.

If you’re on a budget, here’s a list of the best hostels in San Diego for you.  

The park was declared a national monument in 1936 and designated a national park in 1994. There are a lot of trails here, so consult the trail map when you visit. Some of my favorites are:

• Barker Dam Trail – A quick 1.1-mile loop on which you can see wildlife such as rabbits, bighorn sheep, and all kinds of birds.
• Wall Street Mill – An easy 2.8-mile hike that leads to an old mill used to refine ore from nearby gold mines.
• Ryan Mountain – A steep 3-mile hike offering some incredible views.
• Split Rock Loop – A quiet 2-mile hike with lots of neat rock formations.

A seven-day vehicle pass for the park is $30 USD (it allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns).

Where to Stay Airbnb is the best option if you don’t have your own camping gear, although there are also glamping and more rustic options.  

Start your visit at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the history, geography, and importance of the park and its flora and fauna. Afterward, walk the Big Trees Trail, a short loop that will get you in and among the trees so you can see them up close.

For a sweeping view of the forest and surrounding landscape, hike up Moro Rock, a massive 250-foot granite dome that juts out of the surrounding hills and forest. Stairs and a concrete viewpoint were built into the rock itself, so you can safely climb to the top and enjoy the magnificent vista.

And for more hiking options and beautiful scenery, visit nearby Kings Canyon National Park. Here you’ll find “General Grant” (the third largest tree in the world). For a scenic drive, cruise along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

Both parks are around 4-6 hours from Joshua Tree. Combined admission for both parks is $35 USD. If you plan on visiting a lot of national parks and federal lands on your road trip, you might want to get an America the Beautiful parks pass ($80 for a one-year pass).

Where to Stay There are tons of places to camp here (both inside and outside of the parks). However, there are also lots of lodges and hotels if camping is not for you. Booking.com is the best place to search for affordable options.  

Yosemite is also where you’ll find El Capitán, the towering granite cliff you’ve likely seen on social media (it was also featured in the documentary, Free Solo , where elite rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the cliff face without ropes or other protective gear).

Here are a few hiking suggestions to help you get started:

• Mirror Lake – An easy 2-mile hike to the lake. Takes 1-2 hours.
• Nevada Falls Trail – A challenging 5.8-mile hike to the top of the Nevada Falls waterfall. Takes 5–6 hours.
• Tuolumne Grove Nature Trail – An easy 2.5-mile hike around a grove filled with massive giant sequoia trees. Takes 1–2 hours.
• Elizabeth Lake Trail – A moderate 4.8-mile hike that leads to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Takes 4–5 hours.
• Eagle Peak Trail – A difficult 6.9-mile hike to the top of the peak and back. Takes 8 hours.

Be sure to visit the visitors’ center on arrival to get information on activities, prices, and the latest weather. Admission is $35 USD and reservations to enter the park are required for peak hours and seasons.

Where to Stay If you aren’t planning to camp, there are actually many other options here. Lodges, resorts, and hotels can be found both inside the park and all around it. Use Airbnb or Booking.com to find a place to stay.  

While it’s a particularly expensive region of the state, it is possible to visit Napa Valley on a budget if you plan ahead and share costs with other people.

If you’re on a budget, stick to the markets and sandwich shops. Gott’s Roadside has locations in both Napa and St. Helena and serves yummy burgers for $10-15 USD , while Ad Hoc runs a lunch-only food truck called Addendum offering delicious fried chicken made by a Michelin-star chef (only open Friday & Saturday).

Where to Stay While some vineyards offer accommodation, they are usually super expensive. Unless you’re looking to splurge, use Airbnb . I find the best value accommodation in the area on that site.  

It’s time to head back to San Francisco. The drive is around 90 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to make stops along the way if you see anything that piques your interest.

This three-week itinerary will help you cover a lot of ground without being too rushed. Adjust the route as you go (or based on the amount of time you have). But no matter the route you pick, the diversity and beauty of California will ensure you’ll have a wonderful road trip.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need an Affordable Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

And if you need an RV, RVshare lets you rent RVs from private individuals all around the country, saving you tons of money in the process. It’s like Airbnb for RVs, making road trips fun and affordable!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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• Amérique du Nord , Etats-Unis

Road trip en Californie de 15 jours, entre Lac Tahoe, Yosemite et Sequoia

C’est un peu le rêve américain. Au programme de ce road trip en Californie de 15 jours : la Sierra Nevada avec les visites de grands parcs de l’Ouest Américain comme Yosemite, Sequoia et Kings Canyon National Park ou encore le lac Tahoe.

Lors de cet itinéraire en Californie, que vous pouvez faire en couple ou en famille, vous allez découvrir des lieux mythiques, mais aussi des sites plus secrets et moins connus des touristes.

Nous irons visiter des villes fantômes abandonnées, nous verrons des points de vue superbes mais aussi des lacs aussi mystérieux qu’originaux.

Pour chaque étape, comme sur chaque article de blog, je vous donnerai mes suggestions de restaurants et d’hôtels.

Pour préparer au mieux votre voyage, retrouvez mon article de blog consacré au budget pour 3 semaines de road trip et celui dédié à la préparation d’un itinéraire en van ou camping-car .

Road trip en Californie de 15 jours en famille ou en couple

1er jour : los angeles.

Après un vol d’environ 11h depuis la France jusqu’à l’aéroport de Los Angeles, je vous conseille de prendre, pour commencer, une petite journée tranquille dans la Cité des Anges.

Il y a une foule de choses à faire et à voir dans la plus grande ville de Californie : Venice Beach et ses canaux, l’Observatoire Griffith qui permet d’avoir l’un des meilleurs points de vue sur Los Angeles et le fameux Holywood Sign.

Sans oublier non plus Arts District et ses nombreuses oeuvres de street art, la célèbre artère Rodeo Drive avec ses palmiers, Hollywood Boulevard et le walk of fame… Ou encore à Santa Monica près de l’océan avec son fameux ponton et sa grande roue.

N’oublions pas non plus les musées ou parcs d’attractions tels que les Studio Universal.

Les lieux à voir sont nombreux à Los Angeles. Si vous venez pour la première fois, il est même possible de prévoir 2 ou 3 jours sur place pour bien profiter de la ville avant de partir pour votre road trip en Californie de 15 jours.

2e jour : Mammoth Lakes

Cette fois, on prend la route. Après avoir loué votre voiture à Los Angeles (je vous parle à la fin de l’article de la location), c’est parti pour cet itinéraire de 2 semaines en Californie.

Direction Mammoth Lakes. à 5h de route environ plus au Nord, vers l’Est de l’État. Un lieu réputé des californiens qui viennent en nombre ici pour faire du ski en hiver.

La route peut être un peu longue, notamment si vous faites ce voyage en Californie en famille. Aussi, je vous propose de faire quelques stops intéressants.

Sur la route, dans le désert, vous trouverez à coup sûr des paysages mémorables. Puis, à mi-chemin, la ville de Lone Pine est un arrêt incontournable avec ses saloons ou boutiques qui semblent tout droit sortis du Far West .

En route pour Mammoth Lakes

Quelques kilomètres plus tard, Bishop est l’une des principales villes de la région. Une cité agréable avec les montagnes en toile de fond.

Nous y avons fait un arrêt pour profiter d’un bel événement, le Bishop Pabanamina, qui se déroule chaque année en septembre et réunit des peuples autochtones. L’occasion de voir de magnifiques pow wow et des costumes incroyables.

Après cette longue route le long du désert californien, vous serez certainement surpris de l’environnement de Mammoth Lakes avec ses montagnes environnantes !

Ici, on se trouve à plus de 2 000 m d’altitude, je vous recommande donc de prévoir d es vêtements adéquats en fonction de la période lors de laquelle vous venez.

Nuit à Mammoth Lakes au Alpenhof Lodge. Un établissement emblématique et idéalement situé dans la ville. Les tarifs évoluent en fonction des saisons, comptez au moins 150$/nuit. Plus d’infos sur le site . 

Jour 3 : Mammoth Lakes et ses environs

Pour cette troisième journée de road trip en Californie, je vous propose donc d’explorer Mammoth Lakes et ses environs.

Voici quelques suggestions de lieux à découvrir, au choix, en fonction de vos envies.

Le téléphérique de Mammoth Lakes

Rien de tel que de prendre encore plus de hauteur pour admirer les nombreux et beaux sommets autour de Mammoth Lakes. Après quelques minutes de montée, le téléphérique (appelé gondola en Amérique du Nord) vous mènera à 3368 m !

De là, vous aurez une vue à 360° magnifique sur les alentours, avec le désert d’un côté, mais aussi de nombreuses montagnes qui culminent à plus de 4000 m.

Pour y aller, il faut un peu sortir de la ville. Adresse du téléphérique : Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center, 10001 Minaret Road. Le tarif évolue régulièrement, comptez une trentaine de dollars pour un adulte.

Convict Lake

Le Lac Convict est l’un des lieux emblématiques du comté de Mono, à Mammoth Lakes. Le lac n’est peut-être pas aussi spectaculaire que des lacs comme en Alberta au Canada…

Mais il possède tout de même un certain charme avec ses montagnes en arrière plan et ses forêts. La promenade autour du lac est très agréable, que vous soyez en couple ou en famille.

Minaret Vista et Devils Postpile dans le parc de Pinnacle

Minaret Vista est un très joli point de vue à 10-15 minutes de la ville de Mammoth. Il doit son nom aux montagnes que l’on peut apercevoir avec leurs formes si caractéristiques. Ainsi, ,à l’origine, certains l’ont comparé à des minarets !

Environ 20 minutes de route (aux nombreux virages) plus loin, se trouve le site de Devils Postpile. Après avoir laissé votre voiture au parking, vous devez marcher une quinzaine de minutes pour atteindre le fameux Devils Postpile Monument .

Un lieu qui a des airs d’Islande , si vous y êtes déjà allé… Bien qu’un peu moins impressionnant, au milieu de la forêt.

Les sources d’eau chaude de Mammoth Lakes

Malheureusement, nous n’avons pas eu le temps de profiter des multiples sources d’eau chaude (Hot Springs) que l’on peut trouver autour de Mammoth Lakes. Pourtant, celles-ci ont l’air magnifiques comme Hilltop Hot Tub, The Rock Hot Tub ou Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.

Si vous désirez être seuls, je vous conseille d’y aller tôt le matin, voire au lever du soleil pour avoir en plus les belles lumières rosées de l’aube.

Jour 4 : Mono Lake South Tufa, Bodie et arrivée au lac Tahoe

Pour ce quatrième jour, reprenons la route et poursuivrons de road trip en Californie de 15 jours vers le nord et des sites particulièrement sympathiques.

Le premier arrêt se trouve à 35 minutes à peine de Mammoth Lakes.

Mono Lake South Tufa

Ce premier lieu à voir est un lac un peu particulier. Mono Lake South Tufa est connu pour son extrême salinité. Ce site à la géologie volcanique présente des formes extravagantes, les Tufa. En résumé, des sortes de tours naturelles, formées par une réaction physique complexe.

Le lieu est donc tout à fait étonnant et propice à l’observation de nombreuses espèces d’oiseaux au-dessus de l’eau qui a par endroits un bel effet miroir.

Aussi, les moments du lever de soleil et du coucher de soleil sont favorables à de magnifiques photos ! À tout moment, l’odeur de souffre vous rappellera que l’on se situe sur une zone géothermique.

À noter que le parking est payant. Pour accéder aux « tufas » les plus hauts, comptez plusieurs minutes de marche.

Bodie, la ville fantôme

À 1h de route, on se dirige vers la ville fantôme ou ghost town de Bodie. Un lieu que je vous conseille vivement lors de cet itinéraire en Californie.

Ici, vous faites un bond en arrière d’environ 150 ans. À l’époque, cette ville de Californie était une cité importante de près de 10 000 habitants, en raison notamment de l’exploitation d’or tout près. Un lieu particulier au milieu du désert, avec de fortes chaleurs l’été et de la neige en hiver…

Bodie est une ville comme on peut en voir dans les films avec des maisons en bois et quelques bâtiments de cette époque (église, hôtel, boutique…). Dans cette ambiance qui semble figée, on s’imagine bien au XIXe siècle, avec ses saloons, sa banque ou encore sa prison !

Bodie State Historic Park. Tarif : 8$/adulte. Plan et historique de la ville : 3$.

Restaurant Virginia Creek Settlement . Un restaurant qui se trouve à 30 minutes de Bodie et qui se trouve sur la route en direction du lac Tahoe. Une adresse aux influences italiennes avec une agréable terrasse. 

Direction le Lac Tahoe

Ensuite, on reprend la route en direction du nord du Lac Tahoe, en Californie. Comptez 2h30 à 3h de route pour atteindre votre destination.

Vous aurez le choix entre passer par le Nevada ou emprunter la route 89, qui longe ensuite le lac sur la partie ouest et qui est très jolie.

En arrivant à North Lake Tahoe, rien de tel que de se détendre dans une adresse avec vue au bord du lac Tahoe !

Rendez-vous pour le dîner au restaurant  Sunnyside Tahoe . Un lieu à l’ambiance vraiment très agréable où les Californiens viennent volontiers boire un verre ou manger sur la terrasse. Adresse : 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. 

Nuit à l’hôtel Resort at Squaw Creek. Un établissement vraiment magnifique, qui se situe à quelques minutes de Tahoe City. On est ici en pleine nature, à Squaw Valley, là où se sont déroulés les Jeux Olympiques de 1960.

L’hôtel est superbe, avec de belles parties communes, un espace extérieur vaste et très beau et des chambres très cosy avec vue sur la nature. Un vrai cocon où l’on resterait bien la semaine… Infos et tarifs sur le site de l’hôte l. Adresse : 400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley.

Jour 5 : North Lake Tahoe

Pour cette cinquième journée de road trip en Californie, profitons cette fois du Lac Tahoe et plus précisément de la partie nord. Un lieu réputé pour la beauté de ses paysages.

Mais aussi pour son atmosphère unique avec ses restaurants, ses boutiques et galeries d’art à Tahoe City, et les magnifiques maisons secondaires et chalets de Californiens.

Le point de vue de Eagle Rock

Cette balade est très sympathique et facile à faire si vous êtes en famille. En effet, il faut à peine 15-20 minutes de marche pour accéder au ce point de vue avec un petit dénivelé positif et progressif.

Là-haut, la vue sur le Lac Tahoe est superbe avec en complément la forêt et les montagnes environnantes. Adresse du parking : 3370 W Lake Blvd, Homewood, CA 96141.

Faire une croisière en voilier sur le Lac Tahoe

Comme je vous le disais plus haut, le Lac Tahoe est un lieu qu’on aime autant pour ses paysages que pour son art de vivre.

Ainsi, quoi de mieux qu’une belle croisière en voilier pour apprécier ces différents attraits ? C’est ce que nous avons fait une après-midi du mois de septembre, entre 16h et 18h.

Un moment hors du temps où nous avons profité de cette douce navigation sur l’eau, sous la chaleur du soleil et avec un petit verre à la main pour couronner le tout! Un beau et bon moment avec une équipe sympathique.

Sunset Sailboat Cruise avec Tahoe Sailing Charters. Croisières possibles le matin, l’après-midi et pour le coucher de soleil. Tarif : 90$/adulte boissons comprises (vin, Prosecco, bière ou sans alcool). Plus d’infos sur le site . Adresse : 700 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Faire un saut à Sand Harbor et son eau cristalline

À 45 minutes à peine de Tahoe City, je vous suggère de rouler un peu en direction de Sand Harbor (Nevada) pour voir une autre partie magnifique du Lac Tahoe.

Ici, les paysages sont dignes d’une carte postale avec une eau incroyablement bleue et cristalline, de superbes rochers blanc/gris à la forme arrondie et les montagnes aux alentours.

Dans ce secteur, il est possible de s’arrêter pour faire des promenades le long du lac qui se trouve alors en contrebas, mais aussi de faire du kayak ou du paddle (60-70$ avec les taxes et tips).

Une plage agréable permet également de se prélasser quelques instants, que l’on soit en couple ou en famille. Attention, l’eau est fraiche!

Mes autres suggestions d’adresses à North Tahoe

Breakfast Tahoe House Bakery. Une adresse sympathique où l’on trouve tout ce qu’il faut (viennoiseries, sandwiches) pour commencer la journée du bon pied. Adresse : 625 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City.

Restaurant Za’s. Un restaurant réputé pour ses fameuses pizzas ! La cuisine est très bonne et la vue sur le lac est tout simplement splendide. Juste à côté de l’agence qui réalise les croisières pour ceux qui souhaitent se restaurer avant ou après le tour en voilier. Adresse : 120 Grove St. Tahoe City.

Jour 6 : de Lac Tahoe à Tuolumne County plus au sud

Beaucoup de route vous attend pour cette sixième journée, lors de cet itinéraire de 15 jours en Californie. Ce que je vous conseille ? Le matin, profitez encore un peu du Lac Tahoe, de ses paysages et de ses belles balades.

Puis, en voiture, descendez tranquillement le long du lac sur la côte ouest, et faites quelques stops sur des endroits clefs. À l’image d’Emerald Bay, plus au sud, avec notamment un point de vue magnifique.

Ensuite, continuez votre route en direction de Long Barn, dans la région de Tuolumne County. Sans y être encore vraiment, on se rapproche tranquillement du parc national de Yosemite.

Pour l’itinéraire, je vous conseille, pour les paysages, d’emprunter la Highway 108 en passant par le Sonora Pass en direction de Tuolumne County et Long Barn.

Nuit à Long Barn Lodge. Une adresse vraiment tranquille , au milieu de la forêt, à un prix plutôt abordable pour les États-Unis. Adresse : 25957 Long Barn Rd, Long Barn .

Jour 7 : visites en famille puis Yosemite

Avant d’arriver dans le célèbre parc national de Yosemite, prenons le temps de découvrir quelques lieux moins connus mais aussi agréables pour les petits et les grands.

Kayak à Pinecrest Lake

À quelques minutes seulement de Long Barn, on arrive au Lac Pinecrest. Un joli lac, à l’atmosphère paisible (en tout cas lorsque nous y sommes allés en septembre), qui est entouré de forêt et de montagnes.

Tôt le matin, l’ambiance est douce, avec parfois une légère brume. Un lieu agréable, qui s’apprécie encore plus sur l’eau à bord d’un kayak lorsqu’il n’y a encore presque personne sur place, si ce n’est quelques pêcheurs.

Location de kayak et paddle possibles . Tarif : 30$ les 2h pour un kayak simple et 25$ pour 2h de paddle. Adresse : 31 Lakeshore Dr, Pinecrest.

Un brunch à Cover’s Apple Ranch

Un endroit fort apprécié des locaux et des touristes, notamment en famille. Et cela se comprend lorsque l’on s’arrête pour le déjeuner. Déjà, parce que les plats et boissons sont plutôt bons (le jus de pomme est fabriqué sur place).

Surtout, en raison de l’environnement du lieu avec une sympathique terrasse et une grande aire de jeu pour les enfants. Il y a par exemple un petit train sur place, mais aussi des décors superbes comme avant Halloween !

Plus d’infos et menu sur le site de Cover’s Apple Ranch. Adresse : 19211 Cherokee Rd, Tuolumne, CA 95379

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Sur la route en direction de Yosemite, je vous propose de faire une petite halte supplémentaire à Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Un lieu dédié aux trains anciens et à tout ce qui tourne autour des rails !

Des locomotives présentes sur place ont servi à l’occasion de tournage de film comme la n°3 dans Retour vers le futur III.

Infos sur le site web . Adresse : 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown.

Yosemite National Park : Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Pour commencer, il faut savoir que l’entrée dans les parcs nationaux des États-Unis sont payants. Ainsi, il faudra s’acquitter de 35$ par véhicule afin de pénétrer dans le parc national de Yosemite, pour un pass valable 1 semaine.

Avant d’explorer la vallée de Yosemite le lendemain, effectuons un premier arrêt dans ce parc si connu de l’Ouest Américain.

Le site que nous allons voir, Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias est réputé pour son « bosquet » de séquoias. C’est dire que l’on trouve plusieurs Séquoias Géants sur un même périmètre.

Le lieu que tout le monde va voir ? Le Dead Giant Tunnel Tree , un Séquoia mort sous lequel un sentier passe. Une promenade agréable à faire pour terminer la journée.

Attention, le chemin n’est pas très long pour y accéder (moins de 1 km), mais la pente est raide et le retour en montée peut donc être éprouvant pour ceux qui ne sont pas en pleine forme physique.

La promenade est goudronnée et les familles avec enfant(s), même en bas âge peuvent donc le faire avec au choix la poussette ou le porte-bébé.

Nuit à Yosemite View Lodge à El Portal. Ce grand lodge se trouve à 5-10 minutes à peine du parc de Yosemite, du côté de la vallée et ses principaux sites.

Sur place, au bord de la rivière, on trouve un nombre importants de chambres, des restaurants, une boutique et une laverie.  Adresse : 11136 Ca-140, El Portal. 

Jour 8 : Yosemite National Park

C’est certainement l’une des journées phares de ce road trip de 15 jours en Californie. Eh oui, le parc national de Yosemite est réputé pour être l’un des plus importants à voir dans l’Ouest Américain.

On y va surtout pour admirer sa nature, avec ses montagnes, ses cascades et rivières, mais aussi ses forêts.

Beaucoup des principaux lieux du parc se situe dans ce que l’on appelle la Vallée de Yosemite. Sur plusieurs kilomètres, c’est là que l’on trouve ainsi les principales cascades, points de vue ou sites d’intérêts.

L’idéal est bien sûr de passer au moins deux jours sur place pour profiter du parc national de Yosemite, notamment si vous désirez faire des randonnées.

Sinon, voici déjà quelques principaux lieux à voir :

• Tunnel View. C’est certainement le point de vue le plus connu de Yosemite avec les sommets connus comme El Capitan et le Half Dome, mais aussi la cascade Bridalveil.

• Cathedral Beach. Un lieu agréable pour se poser et prendre le temps de faire un pique-nique ou se baigner dans la rivière par exemple. La vue avec la montagne en arrière plan est superbe, qui a donné son nom au site. Petit bonus : nous avons vu un petit cerf boire dans la rivière lors de notre venue !

• Les montagnes El Capitan et Half Dome .

• Les cascades : Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls . Pour les voir à leur apogée, il est ainsi préférable d’y aller au printemps. Lors de voyage en septembre, il n’y avait malheureusement pas beaucoup d’eau après l’été.
• Ahwahnee Hotel . Un hôtel bien particulier à voir dans le parc de Yosemite. Les salles communes sont vastes et plutôt impressionnantes, comme tout droit sorties d’un film…

Stanley Kubrick s’en est d’ailleurs largement inspiré pour son film Shining. Alors faites-vous plaisir et déjeunez sur place lors de votre journée dans le parc ! Plus d’infos ici .

• Yosemite Valley Tram Tour . Pour ceux qui souhaitent voir les principaux sites de Yosemite avec un guide expert, sachez que des tours sont organisés régulièrement. Infos et tarifs sur ce site .
• Valley View. Vous avez beaucoup de spots photos le long de la vallée, celui la est l’un de mes préférés.

• À faire aussi :  Mist Trail pour voir la cascade Vernal Falls Footbridge . Mirror Lake. Swinging Bridge.

Pour les familles ou les couples appréciant la nature et les randonnées, il est possible de prévoir une journée de plus à Yosemite. De notre côté, nous avons préféré explorer d’autres lieux après cette journée. 

9eme jour : Kings Canyon National Park

Continuons ce road trip en Californie plus au sud, toujours dans la Sierra Nevada. Ce matin, partons de Yosemite et prenons la route en direction d’un autre parc national : Kings Canyon.

Déjeuner à Oakhurst au Glow Café . Une adresse assez intimiste et sympathique où il fait bon s’arrêter après quelques heures en voiture.

Kings Canyon National Park

Au sud de Yosemite, à 4h de route, se trouve le Kings Canyon National Park. Cet autre parc national est quasiment collé à celui de Sequoia National Park et a par conséquent quelques similitudes.

Ainsi, on trouve quelques jolis points de vue depuis des sommets, de jolies randonnées, et, évidemment, de belles forêts composées notamment de séquoias géants.

Hélas, pendant notre séjour, nous n’y avons pas passé beaucoup de temps pour le visiter complètement. Mais je vous conseille d’aller voir au moins le site de Giant Sequoia Trees à Grant Grove.

Une belle balade, accessible aux familles, qui permet d’observer plusieurs séquoias géants dont le fameux Général Grant .

Celui-ci mesure plus de 80 mètres et il est l’un des arbres les plus massifs au monde derrière Général Sherman (que nous verrons demain). ll aurait entre 1 500 et 2 000 ans ! Impressionnant…

Sur cette même promenade, il y a aussi Fallen Monarch Tree, un séquoia qui est couché sur le sol et dans lequel on peut marcher.

Nous n’y sommes pas allés, mais beaucoup m’ont parlé aussi du Panoramic Point Road, accessible après une route panoramique (fermée en hiver).

Nuit à Visalia

En fin de journée, il est temps d’aller se reposer ! Plusieurs options s’offrent à vous. De notre côté, nous avons fait le choix de dormir dans la charmante ville de Visalia, à environ 1h de Kings Canyon et 45 minutes de Sequoia National Park.

Avant d’explorer un peu la ville le lendemain, il est temps de reprendre des forces au restaurant avant une bonne nuit de sommeil dans un hôtel mythique.

• Dîner le soir à Pita Kabob . Une adresse très sympathique juste en face du Darling Hotel. Dans une jolie cour, on y sert une cuisine fraîche et méditerranéens aux inspirations libanaises. Menu ici . Adresse : 227 N. Court St, Visalia.
• Nuit au Darling Hotel à Visalia . C’est un hôtel que nous avons adoré. Situé dans un ancien bâtiment judiciaire de la ville, le Darling Hotel a été récemment rénové et possède un charme fou.

L’ambiance est un peu magique dans cet établissement Art Deco style années 30 où l’on se croirait transporté au siècle dernier. Tarif : à partir de 159$, diffère en fonction des périodes. Infos et résa sur le site . Adresse : 210 N. Court Street, Visalia.

Jour 10 : Visalia et Sequoia National Park

Il fait bon vivre dans cette ville de Californie, située dans la vallée de San Joaquin, connue pour son activité agricole (orangers, arbres fruitiers…).

Nous avons adoré l’ambiance à Visalia. Une cité typiquement californienne, à l’atmosphère décontractée avec pas mal de cafés et restaurants et à seulement 1h environ de Kings Canyon National Park et de Sequoia National Park.

ImagineU Children’s Museum

Si vous voyagez en famille avec vos enfants, alors ce lieu est fait pour vous ! Enfin, plutôt pour eux… Ici, c’est un peu le paradis des enfants avec des jeux de toutes sortes à l’intérieur ou à l’extérieur.

Qu’ils soient plus ou moins jeunes, chacun y trouvera sont bonheur. Votre cher petit(e) pourra se prendre par exemple pour un mécanicien dans l’espace « garage » ou alors pour un maraîcher dans le (faux) potager à l’extérieur.

Lorsque nous y sommes allés, notre petite garçon avait seulement 1 an et il s’est énormément amusé (à sa façon évidemment) ! Plus d’informations et horaires d’ouverture sur le site de ImagineU Children’s Museum. Tarif : gratuit pour les moins de 1 an. 15$ pour les enfants de plus de 1 an. 10$ pour les adultes.

Sequoia National Park

À seulement 1h de voiture de Visalia, Sequoia National Park est l’un des fameux grands parcs de l’Ouest Américain. Sa particularité ? On peut y voir beaucoup de Séquoias Géants, comme son nom le laisse deviner.

Nous avons passer une journée à visiter le parc, ce qui était un peu juste pour vraiment bien l’explorer et en profiter pleinement. L’idéal étant d’y venir au moins deux jours si possible.

Pour l’entrée, le tarif est de 35$ par véhicule pour une durée de 7 jours. Si vous avez déjà acheté votre entrée à Kings Canyon, alors le billet sera aussi valable pour Sequoia National Park, qui lui est associé.

General Sherman Tree

Il s’agit tout simplement de l’arbre le plus massif du monde ! Il est impressionnant… Il possède deux records : celui de l’arbre au volume et au poids le plus important. Pour donner un ordre d’idée, il pèse 1,385 tonnes.

Pour le voir, il faut marcher environ 10 minutes depuis le parking. Alors certes, il y a souvent beaucoup de touristes autour de cet arbre mais cela vaut vraiment la peine de s’y déplacer !

Big Trees Trail

C’est l’un de mes coups de coeur du Sequoia National Park. Cette petite boucle est très accessible et facile (plat et moins de 2 km). Surtout, on peut voir une grande quantité de Séquoias Géants le long du sentier, dont certains sont très impressionnants !

Le parking se situe à côté du Giant Forest Museum. La balade débute à côté de celui-ci.

Les autres lieux à voir

Moro Rock. L’un des principaux lieux à voir dans le Sequoia National Park. Vous aurez une belle vue à 360° sur la Sierra Nevada.

Congress Trail. Une autre jolie balade à faire dans le parc au plus près des Séquoias Géants.

Tunnel Log. Un endroit étonnant puisque la route passe sous un « tunnel », formé par le tronc d’un Séquoia. Un lieu très photogénique mais où les touristes sont nombreux… Ce qui ne nous a pas donné envie d’y rester.

D’autres idées : Crystal Caves, Beetle Rock, Hanging Roc, Congress Trail.

Mes bonnes adresses à Visalia

• Pour le petit déjeuner.  Component Coffee Lab . Une très sympathique adresse pour savourer un bon petit déjeuner le matin dans la cour ou tout simplement pour prendre un café dans la journée ! Adresse : 514 E Main St, Visalia, CA 93292 (juste à côté de ImagineU).
• Le dîner. Sequoia Brewing Company . Un restaurant à l’ambiance décontractée, idéal pour boire un verre (avec un large choix de bières) avant de dîner ! Adresse : 124 W Main St., Visalia.

11eme jour : Sequoia National Park ou autour de Visalia

Pour cette onzième journée de road trip en Californie, à vous de voir en fonction de vos envies et de votre état physique.

Comme je vous le disais plus haut, une deuxième journée de visite dans Sequoia National Park n’est assurément pas de trop ! Les possibilités de randonnées sont en effet nombreuses.

Si vous souhaitez prendre une petite pause, libre à vous de chiller plus tranquillement en ville, à Visalia.

De faire un peu les boutiques par exemple ou d’aller voir quelques lieux aux alentours tels que Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corner Maze . Un endroit sympathique pour faire un tour en famille, profiter du lieu et des food trucks !

Aussi, il est possible de faire le tour des murals à Visalia par exemple ou dans d’autres villes alentours. D’autres idées d’activités dans le secteur existe : rendez-vous sur le site de l’office du tourisme pour en savoir plus.

Jour 12, 13 et 14 : Highway 1 ou d’autres parcs nationaux

On approche de la fin de ce road trip en Californie de 15 jours. Pour la suite, plusieurs options s’offrent à vous.

Soit, vous partez sur la Côte Ouest et vous profitez de la Côte Pacifique. Soit, vos préférez rester dans les terres afin de voir d’autres beaux parcs nationaux de Californie.

À l’Ouest, la Highway 1 est forcément une superbe option.

Cette route, qui relie San Francisco à Los Angeles le long de la côte Pacifique, est mythique en plus d’être magnifique. Plusieurs beaux points de vue se trouvent sur la route, et vous passerez, à proximité de beaux domaines viticoles.

Vous pouvez retrouver mon itinéraire sur la Highway 1 dans cet article de blog . Libre à vous de débuter à San Francisco ou d’emprunter cette route plus loin, à Monterey ou Morro Bay par exemple.

À l’Est, les parcs s’offrent à vous. 

Si vous souhaitez rester plus dans les terres californiennes, d’autres parcs nationaux peuvent être visités plus à l’Est. À l’image de Death Valley National Park ou de Mojave National Preserve.

Un peu après Los Angeles, un arrêt à Palm Springs est également une belle idée. Si vous êtes amoureux d’architecture et d’ambiance vintage-californienne, ce coin est fait pour vous !

15eme jour : retour à Los Angeles

Ça y est, ce road trip en Californie de 15 jours se termine. Il est donc temps de rentrer à Los Angeles. En fonction de l’heure de votre vol, une petite escale à Santa Monica ou Venice Beach, non loin de l’aéroport, est possible !

Attention toutefois, il faut compter au moins 3-4h d’avance avant votre vol. Les agences de location de voiture se situent à quelques minutes de l’aéroport et il faut donc dans un premier temps rendre la voiture, avant de prendre une navette qui vous transporte jusqu’à votre terminal.

Toutes ces étapes peuvent être un peu longues et il est donc préférable d’arriver à l’avance afin de ne pas se stresser.

Quelle compagnie aérienne prendre pour aller à Los Angeles ?

Pour voyager jusqu’en Californie, nous avons pris la compagnie aérienne Air Tahiti Nui . En effet, avec cette compagnie, il est possible de réaliser deux voyages en un, sans frais supplémentaires.

C’est ce que nous avons fait lorsque nous sommes allés en Polynésie française . Comme nous, n’hésitez pas à faire une escale plus ou moins longue en Californie par la même occasion. Cela permettra de rendre le voyage moins long et de voir une grande diversité de paysages et d’ambiances.

Il est possible de choisir cette option lors de votre réservation avec le «  multi-destination  » ou en appelant le service client. À noter que les bagages en soute sont inclus.

Et puis si jamais vous n’avez pas la chance de visiter les belles îles de Polynésie française, rien ne vous empêche de voler vers Los Angeles tout en profitant de la belle ambiance polynésienne à bord des avions de Air Tahiti Nui.

Entre les décors, la musique et le personnel d’origine polynésienne, vous aurez un peu l’impression d’être sous le soleil de Bora Bora !

La location de voiture pour le road trip en Californie

Pour la voiture de location, il faut savoir que toutes les agences se situent à quelques minutes de l’aéroport de Los Angeles (LAX). Au niveau de votre terminal, il faut donc sortir, pour aller vers les panneaux « Car Rentals » violets.

Là, vous prendrez alors la navette qui correspond à votre agence de location de voiture.

Pour ce road trip en Californie, nous avons décidé de passer par le site BSP Auto , un comparateur de location de voiture. Ainsi, près avoir mis les dates de voyage, nous avons pu choisir rapidement le véhicule en fonction de nos critères parmi plusieurs agences (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Entreprise…).

Vous pouvez faire votre sélection en fonction du prix, de la taille et de la catégorie du véhicule, etc. Pour notre part, nous voulions une voiture avec 5 portes afin que ce soit plus simple avec notre bébé (nous avons demandé un siège auto, le prix était affiché).

L’assurance voyage pour plus de tranquillité

Une assurance voyage ? C’est quelque chose que nous ne laissions un peu de côté auparavant… Mais après une petite mésaventure en vacances, nous avons changé d’avis. Et encore plus aujourd’hui, alors que nous voyageons avec notre bébé !

Pour ce voyage aux États-Unis, nous avons donc choisi le contrat Cap Assistance 24h/24 chez Chapka. Ce qui est plutôt intéressant dans ce pays où les frais médicaux peuvent être faramineux…

Autre avantage non négligeable avec cette assurance : la téléconsultation médicale. Ainsi, 7j/7 et 24h/24, vous pouvez parler à un médecin francophone par téléphone. Ce qui est plutôt rassurant lorsqu’on a un enfant en bas âge.

Plus d’informations et tarifs sur le site de Chapka. Avec ce lien , vous avez une remise de 10% sur ce contrat Cap Assistance 24h/24 .

Partir en road trip sur la côte ouest des Etats-Unis l’esprit tranquille

Envie d’un voyage sur mesure et authentique, organisé à la perfection, sans vous prendre la tête ? Je ne peux que vous conseiller les services de Marion, la fondatrice de l’agence Mademoiselle-voyage .

Forte d’une expérience de plus de 15 ans de le tourisme, c’est son côté humain qui en fait une véritable perle. Elle organisera pour vous le voyage parfait, qui vous ressemblera, tout en respectant votre budget! Vous pouvez la contacter à [email protected] n’hésitez pas à lui dire que vous venez de notre part pour avoir une petite surprise offerte sur votre voyage 🙂 

Les autres articles consacrés aux États-Unis

Nous arrivons à la fin de cet article de blog sur le road trip en Californie de 15 jours. Si vous avez envie de visiter un peu plus cet état de l’Ouest Américain, alors n’hésitez pas à consulter mes articles de blog sur :

• la mythique Highway 1 , qui longe le Pacifique
• Palm Springs et son architecture unique
• Los Angeles et ses quartiers incontournables.

Enfin, si vous rêvez de grands parcs de l’ouest américain, découvrez mes articles :

• Road trip de 3 semaines aux États-Unis avec l’Arizona et l’Utah
• Ce qu’il faut savoir pour bien préparer son voyage en van ou camping-car
• le budget pour un road trip aux USA de 3 semaines

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate California road trip itinerary with our 10-day road trip itinerary, including all of the best national parks, cities and other attractions!

California is instantly captivating. Its major cities twinkle in the spotlight, from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. Its natural beauty is abundant as well, from the cliffs of Big Sur to the beaches of Santa Barbara.

However, California is ever-changing, and it changes fast. Rising snow-capped mountains soar out of lifeless deserts. Roads weave through conifer forests and giant redwoods, where alpine lakes mingle among hot springs and local towns that boomed with the growth of climbing.

Metropolises and epic nature are never far apart in this state. But it’s the California road trips between them that make it the perfect state to turn on the engine and put the car in drive.

This ultimate California road trip itinerary will include the highlights of this massive west coast state. From national parks to big cities, lazy beach towns, and more, here is our guide to planning the best California road trip!

Looking for the absolute best things to do in California? Check out our complete list here !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Where to stay in san diego, where to stay in palm springs, where to stay in mammoth lakes, where to stay in lake tahoe, where to stay in sacramento, where to stay in san francisco, where to stay in santa monica, california road trip wrap up, the perfect california road trip itinerary.

The best way to travel from northern California to southern California , or vice versa, is via an epic California road trip. Sure you can take a quick flight, but the best way to absorb all the the Golden State has to offer is by exploring on land.

This 10-day California road trip itinerary gives you a nice introduction to this beautiful state. California is massive, and 10 days is not nearly enough for seeing all of it. But in these 10 days, you’ll get to see as much as possible. Let’s get into it!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 1 – Los Angeles

World-famous Los Angeles makes for the perfect place to start your California road trip itinerary. With easy access from around the world, fly into LAX, rent a car, and start exploring. Here are a few of the best things to do in Los Angeles !

• The Griffith Observatory

Start your time in Los Angeles by getting your bearings. The Griffith Observatory offers amazing insight into the cosmos, but just as applicable are its far-reaching views across the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean.

Home to Lotus flower beds, floating swans, and paddle boats, Echo Park is a glimpse into LA’s past and current beauty. Book a paddle boat in advance to best enjoy the scenery. Afterward, pick from a smorgasbord of local food trucks.

• The Hollywood Bowl

As the sun sets on Los Angeles, take in a show at the beloved Hollywood Bowl. The airy amphitheater has consistent events from festivals to concerts featuring a whole range of genres. With the sky a burst of colors, it’s a captivating music space.

• Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Getting around Los Angeles can be a nightmare. Lack of solid public transport and gridlocks can slow you down on what’s already a tight California road trip itinerary.

The Hop-on Hop-Off Bus delivers you to some of the city’s highlights, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. You can always wait to pick up your rental car until after you explore LA!

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in Los Angeles itinerary !

Close to Rodeo Drive, The Peninsula has a world-class restaurant, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. It’s the best option for luxury in Los Angeles!

In Venice Beach, Stay Open brings one of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Enjoy free bike rentals and WiFi so you can explore LA with ease.

Close to Hollywood Boulevard, Banana Bungalow leaves you close to the action with cheap onsite dinners plus regular free BBQs. If you’re on a budget during your California road trip, there are some great cheap hostels around the state!

Day 2 – San Diego

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles

After a leisurely drive from Los Angeles, discover the lovable San Diego , where sprawling parks harbor dozens of museums, galleries, and world-class zoos.

Beaches offer more than just a quick surf, in fact, you can expect to find life-changing burgers. At night, the bay glistens alongside the Gaslamp Quarter, here you can reflect on a busy first few days.

San Diego is a must on any California road trip. Here is our list of the best things to do while visiting San Diego.

• Mission Beach and Hodad’s

Before you make it to downtown San Diego, stop for a swim and the best burgers in America. Big call, so I’ll let you decide. Hodad’s is a gastronomic and cultural gem. While Mission Beach is the perfect way to cool off after a big drive.

• San Diego Zoo

The extensive San Diego Zoo takes you on a journey through our natural world. Experience the Elephant Odyssey or the Polar Bear Plunge alongside 4,500 other endangered or rare animals from across the globe.

• Balboa Park

It takes days to explore the incredible Balboa Park with a fine-tooth comb. But in such a short time, pick your favorites among the 16 museums, impressive Spanish architecture, landscaped gardens, and galleries.

• USS Midway Museum

Covering 10 acres, the USS Midway Museum boasts 30 historic aircraft on board the famous carrier. Learn more about WWII and the Battle of Midway, and experience real cockpits alongside other interactive exhibits. Afterward, wander along the Embarcadero.

• The Gaslamp Quarter

Once the sun has set, the Gaslamp Quarter lights up and the streets’ cobblestones glimmer under the stars. Enjoy a fun night in San Diego while exploring this romantic district home to high-end restaurants and candle-lit cocktail bars.

With four outdoor pools, half a dozen restaurants, a golf course and a spa, the five-star Fairmont Grand Del Mar has all your needs covered.

In Downtown San Diego, Motel6 offers cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and close proximity to the top adventures around the city.

Set in the Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego is a refurbished urban hostel with a fun atmosphere, a game room, plus self-guided tours and adventures.

Have more time? Check out our 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary !

Day 3 – Palm Springs

This drive takes 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Diego.

In southern California, Palm Springs is a gateway to epic mountain ranges and mystical deserts. Your time here is packed with hiking trails delivering memorable views and guiding you through a unique national park. But the town itself has a charming culture, shopping, and regular enchanting events.

• Joshua Tree National Park

The main reason to visit Palm Springs is to explore Joshua Tree National Park. This intriguing national park showcases the beauty of the desert landscapes, its unique flora, which gave the park its name, plus the colors that make every use of an open canvas.

• Downtown Palm Springs

After visiting Joshua Tree National Park, shop, eat, and walk your way through downtown Palm Springs. Adorable boutiques whisper your name with handcrafted goods looking to find a home in your road trip vehicle. On Thursday evenings, the town comes to life for its weekly VillageFest.

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

With no time to hike, take a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. The stunning rise provides views across the Coachella Valley along with the Chino Canyon.

• Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

If you choose to avoid downtown Palm Springs, Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is a great alternative. Walk among 150-year-old trees where the desert mixes with exotic landscapes to create a spectacularly colorful ecosystem.

• The San Jacinto Mountains

Another option is to explore the San Jacinto Mountains in greater detail. The Deer Springs Trail is a challenging, designated National Scenic trek that takes you to the San Jacinto peak for an ultimately rewarding experience through memorable desert landscapes.

Find more of the best things to do in Palm Springs here !

Close to downtown Palm Springs, The Paloma Resort is set in historic bungalows with mountain scenery and offers inspired Spanish cuisine in a former mission.

The Travelodge provides travelers with easy access to the town’s best restaurants and shopping while being a great base to explore beyond.

With free onsite parking and complimentary breakfast, the Crashpod Hostel is cozy, inexpensive, and a great place to recuperate.

Day 4 & 5 – Mammoth Lakes

This drive takes 8 hours and 15 minutes from Palm Springs, via Death Valley National Park

Today on your California road trip itinerary, drive from Palm Springs through the ethereal Death Valley. The drive along Route 395 will be unforgettable, delivering you first to Convict Lake and then to the beauty of Mammoth itself.

On the second day, explore the lakes, ride the gondola, and hit the hot springs.

Find more things to do in Southern California here !

• Death Valley National Park

Break up your journey to Mammoth Lakes with a drive through the otherworldly Death Valley National Park. Stop by Badwater Basin and stand almost 240 feet below sea level in the depths of Death Valley.

If you love unique natural scenery, Death Valley is a must on any California road trip!

• Convict Lake

Next, get a sneak peek at Convict Lake. The alpine lake is surrounded by fast-rising peaks and while it’s a sunrise hot spot, its serene beauty can be admired at any point. Just off the highway, you won’t even have to leave the car.

• The Village at Mammoth Lakes

After an enormous and beautiful day on the road, enjoy a relaxing evening in the Village at Mammoth Lakes . Shops, restaurants, and bars combine in this classic mountain village. Enjoy a nice meal before resting up for the day ahead.

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

There’s no better way to enjoy the enchanting lakes than on a stand-up paddleboard. The handful of nearby bodies of water are often calm and glass-like, leading to ease of movement and the chance to feel small alongside the stunning Sierras.

• The Minaret Vista

On your way to Devil’s Postpile, stop at the Minaret Vista to admire the eternal beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Set in the Eastern Sierra Range, these craggy mountains fall down to vast valleys and feature two soaring spires, including Clyde Minaret.

• The Devils Postpile

A national monument, the Devils Postpile is a formation of giant basalt columns. These were created by lava which cooled over 80,000 years ago. The hexagonal columns can reach up to 60 feet in height.

• Rainbow Falls

A part of the Devils Postpile National Monument , don’t miss out on a trek to Rainbow Falls. Walk from the post pile to discover a 100 feet waterfall whose consistent rainbows gave the fall its name. You can also walk directly here by driving to the Rainbow Fall trailhead.

• Mammoth Mountain Gondola

It’s been a busy day of activity, so take it down a notch with a ride on the Mammoth Mountain Gondola . The ride up lands you at over 11,000 feet. The panoramic views span the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

• Wild Willy’s Hot Spring

End your day with a recuperating experience at Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. It’s been a busy trip so far, so put your legs up in one of the two springs whose temperatures range from 95 degrees up to 105.

From Westin Monache Resort , you can take the gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain before returning to make use of your kitchenette as well as the onsite pool and hot tub.

The Tamarack Lodge dates back to the 1920s and, among the included kitchens and private fireplaces, the lodge hasn’t lost any of its charm.

The Moderne Hostel provides guests with large communal and cooking areas, including BBQ facilities, while being close to Mammoth Mountain.

Day 6 – Lake Tahoe

This drive takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Mammoth Lakes

With one full day in Lake Tahoe, it’ll be up to you how much you explore. Do you choose to focus your day driving through Yosemite National Park on your way there or do you take the direct route to explore local hikes, parks, and lakeside towns? There’s no losing here.

• Yosemite National Park

An option along the drive from Mammoth Lakes is the world-famous Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to make it a priority to explore well, but views of El Capitan and Half Dome make any “detour” worth it. Yosemite National Park is so famous that you may even choose to solely focus today’s exploration on that! Luckily this ultimate California road trip is customizable, and you can easily change it to allow for more time in Yosemite National Park.

• Fallen Leaf Lake

A direct drive to Lake Tahoe leaves ample time to explore. Check out the nearby, charming Fallen Leaf Lake where you can SUP or kayak before enjoying some waterfront eats surrounded by epic mountains.

• Eagle Rock Trail

For rewarding views of Lake Tahoe without a lengthy hike, meander down the Eagle Rock Trail. The mile-long trek is family-friendly and ends with breathtaking views of the lake with enchanting nature along the way.

• Emerald Bay State Park

Along the west shoreline of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find the popular Emerald Bay State Park. Find hiking, swimming, and mountain biking throughout while you can also explore Vikingsholm, with its impressive Scandinavian design.

Visiting the charming mountain town of Tahoe City is a great way to ring in the evening. Along the lake’s edge, the town has elegant mountain architecture, local galleries, plenty of places to eat, and bars in which to toast to a great day.

If you need more ideas for exploring Lake Tahoe after your California road trip, here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe !

Live in the lap of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton , complete with on-site restaurants, spas, and a pool with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.

A stay at the Mother Nature’s Inn comes with free onsite parking, along with inclusive WiFi and Smart TV, while being close to the beach.

The sprawling Mellow Mountain Hostel is close to Heavenly for skiing, summertime gondola rides, the beach, and some of the best action in South Lake Tahoe.

Day 7 – Sacramento

This drive takes 2 hours from Lake Tahoe

Next on your California road trip, enjoy the drive from Lake Tahoe through the Eldorado National Forest on your way to Sacramento.

Take the time to explore the underrated city where farm-to-table restaurants are much more than a niche. Take in the history and, if you have energy, try your hand at some fun outdoor sports.

• Downtown Sacramento

Culture, history, and food collide in downtown Sacramento. A surprising foodie haven and cocktail paradise, travelers will also be happy to see so many museums and galleries to visit as you’ll discover below.

• California State Railroad Museum

Within the Old Sacramento Historic Park, the California State Railroad Museum is an ode to westward expansion and the worker’s efforts. The latter particularly focuses on the prominent role of Chinese railroad workers. Explore 19 authentic trains before traveling on one yourself.

• The American River Trail

If you prefer to keep experiencing the state’s splendid nature, head to Discovery Park. It’s here you can explore one of America’s great bike trails, the American River Trail which spans 32 miles through brilliant scenery.

• White Water Rafting

Add some adrenaline to your California road trip with some white water rafting. With snow melting from the Sierra Nevada, this part of California is prime for some adrenaline-pumping rafting on the American River.

Looking for more incredible things to do in Sacramento? Check out our ultimate guide here !

In central Sacramento, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel , evokes class and provides high-end amenities with a poolside bar and hotel restaurant.

With easy access to downtown, Wyndham Garden provides a great place to recuperate before with an onsite restaurant and bar, plus free WiFi.

Save money on your California road trip with this incredible hostel! Nestled in a former Victorian mansion, HI Sacramento provides guests with a social experience with a spacious patio and complimentary breakfasts.

Day 8 & 9 – San Francisco

This drive takes 1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento

Start your day early and head towards the stunning California coast, where you should reach San Francisco by mid-morning. From there, head to the waterfront where you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine and epic bay views.

With two days of your California road trip, take your time in San Francisco, see all the attractions, and even take a day trip to Napa Valley.

• Embarcadero

Canvassing the waterfront of San Francisco, the Embarcadero is the perfect place to start your exploration. As you wander along the boulevard you’ll pass a number of historic piers with excellent views with many offering boat tours into the harbor and Alcatraz Island .

• Fisherman’s Wharf

With gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fantastic lunch spot. The early fishing boats have long gone and the Dungeness crab is ready.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to the Hyde Street Pier and its historic ships.

• Lombard Street

Take your mind away from the famed bridge and you’ll notice how undulating San Francisco is. We mean, it’s crazy steep. Lombard Street represents this best. Home to eight compact turns and beautiful landscaping, it’s a unique drive.

• Golden Gate Bridge

Ok, you’ve been patient. It’s time for the Golden Gate Bridge. The incredible site, of orange arches spread between two rising headlands, will be one of the most memorable parts of any California road trip. Admire it from the Presidio before walking along for amazing views of San Francisco.

• Napa Valley

Finding time for Napa Valley with just two days in San Francisco can be tricky. But lovers of wine and captivating landscapes should make time. An hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley has over 400 wineries covering a range of budgets and styles.

Save time and energy during your visit to Napa Valley with this half-day wine tour .

If you want more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco !

Your second day in San Francisco is all about nature. Start with an early morning hike up to the Twin Peaks. This slice of untouched nature offers splendid from its summit, at 922 feet.

• Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s own Central Park, Golden Gate Park combines historic architecture and eye-catching nature. Walk or ride along the miles of trails to discover the Dutch Windmill and Japanese Tea Garden to go alongside its Botanical Garden.

• Ocean Beach

After a busy morning of hiking and biking, take some time to relax at Ocean Beach. The three-mile beach spreads the crowds and allows ample room to take in the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and the far horizon.

• Union Square & Chinatown

Having got enough exercise and sun on day 9 of your California road trip, take some time to indulge. Union Square is the city’s top shopping district and also home to the towering Dewy Monument. Afterward, enjoy some mouthwatering eats in SF’s famed Chinatown.

• Oracle Park

Leave room, of course, for a ballpark hot dog as you end your second day in San Francisco at the beautiful Oracle Park. Set right on the bay, it’s a great place to catch a game of baseball as the sun sets to the west.

The high-end Fairmont Heritage Place provides guests with luxurious apartments with full kitchens and a private terrace complete with a fire pit.

Set in Union Square, Club Donatello is a four-star hotel with an onsite restaurant, and a rooftop lounge, and is close to Oracle Park. Make the most of your California road trip itinerary by choosing mid-range accommodation right near all the best attractions!

Enjoy modern amenities and a lively atmosphere at ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel which is close to Chinatown and the San Francisco waterfront.

Take a look at our list of the 25 best things to do in Northern California if you need more inspiration!

Day 10 – Santa Monica

This drive takes around 9 hours from downtown San Francisco.

After departing San Francisco, you’ll start wrapping up your California road trip by looping around and heading back down to southern California.

Make your way south on a California coast road trip where you’ll soon meet Half Moon Bay and the splendid beauty of one of the most famous roads in America. We’ve saved the best for last!

The Pacific Coast Highway is packed with highlights and epic scenery like the famous Big Sur, making it the perfect way to end your California road trip.

• Pacific Coast Highway

One of the most iconic roads in America, no California road trip is complete without a journey down the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Yes, you can take this drive from the PNW, but the section between San Francisco and Santa Monica is highlight packed.

Read More: Plan your Pacific Coast Highway road trip with our ultimate guide !

• Carmel By the Sea

10 minutes from the famous Monterey, Carmel By the Sea is laden with adorable seaside cottages that lead to white sand beaches. However, the architecture combines with the art scene to be the true highlight. Explore a town once home to Jack London and now over 100 art galleries.

The section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is a shock to the senses, in all the best ways. From tunnels and Pfeiffer Beach to the unforgettable Bixby Bridge, Big Sur is maybe the most scenic spot on this drive. No California road trip is complete without driving through Big Sur!

• Santa Barbara

You’re almost done with your California road trip, so take a break in Santa Barbara ! The stunning town of Santa Barbara is known for seafood, powdery white sand beaches, and fascinating Spanish history. Though you could easily spend days in Santa Barbara, if you’re short on time you can just have a quick driving break here.

• Santa Monica Pier

There’s no better way to end your California road trip itinerary than with a sunset viewing at the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic landmark will appear around the corner as you caress the edge of Malibu along Pacific Coast Highway . Park the car and watch the sky become ablaze before enjoying some of the pier’s rides.

Check out all the best things to do in Santa Monica here .

Enjoy the beauty of the west coast at the charming Shutters On The Beach with an onsite restaurant along with surfboard and bike rentals.

Enjoy free parking, a simple breakfast, an onsite gym, and free WiFi at the Days Inn which is close to major routes into LA.

A block back from the famed local beaches HI LA – Santa Monica is prime for the last night of your California road trip. They offer lots of fun activities, like a pub crawl and group dinners.

This California road trip itinerary takes you around the state, through its major cities and best national parks. You’ll experience a mix of civilization, lush landscapes, and lifeless deserts, sometimes on the same day.

From the cliffs of Big Sur to the mountains of Yosemite to the beaches of Santa Barbara, there is so much to see in California! Even the best California road trips couldn’t really include it all, but we’ve done our best to give you a good introduction.

Ten days is short for a west coast road trip, but it’s better than nothing! As a quick and inspiring glimpse into the Golden State, it’s the perfect platter to decide what you’ll inevitably later explore in greater detail.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 122 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

Table of Contents:

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

San Francisco, and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is also an excellent city to base yourself for your first three days.

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

Our suggestions would be to take in the Golden Gate bridge (hire a bike to get here easily), explore Chinatown, pop across to Alcatraz , revel in the tourist trap that is Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t miss golden gate park , head to the top of Nob Hill for cocktails at The Mark, hop on a cable car and, if you still have time, take a stroll at Lands End.

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
• Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

The latter is particularly famous for the waterfall that cascades onto the beach, a gorgeous photo opportunity.

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

• If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
• Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
• Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
• Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
• J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

On the coast, and technically a separate city (it’s kind of hard to tell as LA and its surrounds are part of a fairly vast urban sprawl), you’ll have access to the wonderful beach and pier, as well as nearby Venice, most famous for its beach and people watching opportunities.

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

• Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Time to head out of the city, and the remainder of this itinerary is going to focus on exploring some of California’s unbelievable wilderness areas and National Parks. We’re going to start this off with a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park , home to those iconic shaped trees that the park is named for.

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
• El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
• Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Days 1 – 3: San Francisco
• Days 4 – 5: Pacific Coast Highway
• Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles
• Day 8: Joshua Tree
• Day 9: Death Valley
• Day 10: Mammoth Lakes
• Days 11 – 13: Yosemite National Park
• Day 14: Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

For two people travelling together, you’re looking at a budget range of $60 – $150 per night for comfortable private en-suite accommodation, although you can obviously spend far more than that!

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

We also use and recommend Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals.

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

The USA uses the US dollar, and there are ATM’s available throughout. In our experience though, you can pay for nearly everything with a credit card, so you will rarely need cash. Whilst it is worth having a few bills on you, for the most part you won’t need them.

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

• We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
• I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
• Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
• Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
• If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
• The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
• A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
• If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
• The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
• For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
• My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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Sara John says

16th July 2024 at 1:45 pm

This is some great information for our upcoming trip. We will have almost three weeks in CA and we will visit these spots!

Laurence Norah says

18th July 2024 at 5:41 pm

Glad to be able to help Sara, have an amazing trip!

7th July 2024 at 10:21 am

Hi, This has been really useful! we are planning on Mammoth down to LA via Death Valley, I have seen you have said skip this in August, is this still worth a drive through with some quick stop offs? It seems to be largely the quickest route back down to LA anyway?… Thanks, Emma

7th July 2024 at 1:57 pm

Sure thing, as long as you are prepared for the heat and don’t spend a lot of time outside in the heat. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the Death Valley National Park website in case there are any alerts or closures during your trip.

Have a great time!

2nd June 2024 at 11:19 pm

Hey, lovely guide thank you!

I am coming from Brazil and will spend around 2 weeks in the US, I was thinking of doing an itinerary very similar to this one, but starting and leaving in LA, and adding 1-2 days in Las Vegas and just pass through San Francisco after Yosemite (Entering the NP from the west coast).

What do you think of it? Also, we want to go on July and I’m worried that Las Vegas/Joshua Tree NP/Death Valley would be too hot, so I’m thinking of just driving through Death Valley to reach Mammoth Lakes, do you think it makes sense? Is there a way to “skip it”? By looking at the maps it seems it’s the shortest way to Yosemite. I’m use to the Brazil’s temperature which is quite hot but not so much as Death Valley hot.

My itinerary is extremely open so please feel free to suggest anything really, I’m just prone to visit LA and the west coast really, I want to visit some interesting cities but also see a lot of nature, small towns, and have an open itinerary in case I want to stay more at some specific place.

2nd June 2024 at 11:53 pm

Thanks very much! Sounds like you have a great trip planned. So your trip idea is definitely do-able, in fact I have a similar California itinerary that includes Las Vegas here . It also includes the Grand Canyon but you can leave that out as it’s a lot of driving. Going through Death Valley is going to be one of the quicker way to Mammoth Lakes. The park does get incredibly hot, but if you are driving through with an air conditioned vehicle then you should be ok. I’d just avoid doing too much sightseeing in the park as it can be pretty intense. You can also take Highway 95 from Las vegas and follow the eastern edge of Death Valley without having to actually go into the park if you prefer.

But honestly if you are coming from Las Vegas it’s going to be hot wherever you go, Vegas in July is also incredibly hot, as is all the desert around it! You certainly can sightsee if you get up early in the morning, but don’t plan to spend a lot of time outside.

If you like small towns then another option would be to join the original Route 66 road, if you drop down the 95 from Las Vegas to where it joins the Interstate 40 around Needles, then you can follow Route 66 towards LA. That’s a really fun drive with lots to see on the way, and we cover lots of detail on that in our two week Route 66 itinerary (just read the Needles to LA section , days 13 and 14).

Have an amazing trip, let me know if I can offer any more advice!

3rd June 2024 at 12:17 am

Thank you so much for the quick answer!

I will look into those, thank you again!

Just in general, first time coming to the US (and the west coast of course), in the summer, do you think there are better options than this itinerary I described or is it a solid one? I’m looking for a mix of interesting cities (LA, Vegas, SF), driving through interesting places, see nature, and just a flexible schedule in general that I can spend more days in places that I really like!

5th June 2024 at 5:55 pm

It’s my pleasure! So actually I think this is a great first time US itinerary. California and the section of Nevada from Las Vegas is going to give you a really diverse range of things to see. From the wild desert to dramatic Yosemite, to mountains and lakes, through to big cities like San Francisco and LA, through to the beautiful coastal towns. There really is something for everyone. This was actually really close to the itinerary I first took when I first visited the States around 20 years ago and I really enjoyed that trip. So I am sure you will have a great time. Let me know if you have any more questions as you plan it out, I’m happy to help!

robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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The Best California Road Trip Itineraries: 13 Grand Adventures

California is built for road trips. We’ve got 163,000 square miles of mountains, desert, redwood forest, beaches and pastoral landscapes. And while driving the Pacific Coast Highway or doing a lap of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are popular (more on them below), there are a whole lot of other backroads and coastal drives that await you.

So, we’ve compiled our favorite baker’s dozen of California road trip itineraries. These CA road trip ideas cover the whole state, north, south, east and west and all of them promise stunning landscapes and epic adventures.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

Our 13 Fave California Road Trip Itineraries

This CA road trip planner has a lot of detail. Each itinerary has mileage info and suggested number of days along with a rough idea of which roads to take. We’re also suggesting some itinerary highlights, when to go and some top stays along the way.

We think you should read the whole thing, so that you can get itinerary ideas for multiple trips. But if you’re in a hurry, please use the table of contents to skip around to the areas which most peak your interest.

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Pacific Coast Highway: SF to LA

• Start : San Francisco
• End : Los Angeles (you can do the reverse, but pullouts are easier to do north-to-south.)
• Miles : 460
• # of Days : 3-6
• Route : Highway 1 all the way down

The Pacific Coast Highway is America’s classic road trip and hand’s down the most popular California road trip itinerary. It actually runs the full length of California from the Oregon Border to San Diego. And we cover more sections of it in the North Coast and South Coast road trips below.

But the section from SF to LA is a fave Cali road trip for the sheer jaw-dropping scenery. If you need some convincing, check out our advice on why we think Big Sur is so worth it .

Just go ahead and bookmark our SF to LA PCH itinerary . It’s a 5-7 day slow roll down the coast which is optimized for epic coastal views, marine life, wine tasting and fun beaches.

On the northern section of the drive, key stops include whale watching in Monterey Bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the 17-mile drive through Carmel .

Once you hit Big Sur , our favorite stops include the Point Lobos State Park, Garrapata Beach, redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand!), Sand Dollar Beach, the Piedras Blancas lighthouse , Hearst Castle and elephant seals at Ragged Point.

After Cambria, you can head inland for wine tasting in Paso Robles or stay on the coast road. You can visit quirky Harmony town , do some fun hikes and eat cookies in Cayucos , or take on some activities in Pismo Beach , like visiting Pismo’s best beaches or doing some Edna Valley wine tasting .

In the southern section of the hike, you can visit the quirky Solvang Danish town, do yet more wine tasting in Los Olivos and swing into Santa Barbara to visit the mission and art galleries. Then it’s a long roll down Highway 1 past some of Northern LA County’s prettiest beaches.

When to Do the PCH

Summer is the busiest time to visit Big Sur . And winter is very tricky because winter storms often close Highway 1 through Big Sur. We favor April/May or September-November for the finer weather and slower pace.

Notable Places to Stay on the PCH

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a 5-star splurge with killer views. For something more low-key amidst the redwoods, you can also rent glamping cabins in Big Sur . Get an ocean view (with free sunsets!) at the Vespera Marriott in Pismo Beach.

Pacific Coast Highway: North Coast

• End : Leggett
• Miles : 210
• # of Days : 3-5
• Route : Highway 1 all the way up

This northern section of the PCH is less popular than the Central California section, but it’s notable for its rugged coastline, Tule elk, some of our favorite northern California coastal towns . And if you’re thirsty, there’s no shortage of wine tasting throughout this region.

On the southern end of this road trip, notable stops include Muir Woods (reservations in advance are required), the Marin Headlands and dog-friendly Stinson Beach (one of our favorite CA hippie towns .)

In the mid section, Point Reyes National Seashore is worth at least a full day, with tons of hikes, Tule elk, elephant seals and the lovely cypress tunnel. There are also wine and cheese tasting rooms nearby. Cute Bodega Bay is worth a stop, as are the Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

There’s also a ton to do in and around Fort Bragg and Mendocino. Detour onto Highway 128 to visit the Anderson Valley vineyards and take a stroll through the Hendy Woods redwood groves. You can also find coast redwoods and a fern grove in Van Damme State Park , killer sunsets on the Mendocino Headlands, a quiet cove at Jug Handle beach and the skunk trail and rail bikes in Fort Bragg.

We are (arbitrarily) ending this routing in Leggett on Highway 101, but you can combine this California road trip plan with the one for the North Coast redwoods and do both as a loop.

When to Do the North Coast

This part of California receives a ton of rain between December and March. Any other months are fine and April/May and Sept/Oct are quieter times to go.

Notable Places to Stay on the North Coast

The Palace Hotel in SF is one of the city’s oldest and it offers afternoon tea in their stunning atrium lobby. For some oceanfront bathing, the Seamist cottage in Bodega Bay has an ocean front hot tup and the North Cliff hotel in Fort Bragg has ocean view bathtubs with a fireplace.

North Coast Redwoods

• End : Crescent City
• Miles : 355
• # of Days : 4-7 days
• Route : Highway 101/Highway 1 all the way up

This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for all of the forest bathing opportunities. California’s North Coast Redwoods can easily be done as a loop in conjunction with the coastal route just above. Or, if you are keen for some serious me-time in the trees, you can just focus on this particular itinerary.

This road trip covers 13 state parks, one national park and some whacky roadside attractions…all focused on Coast Redwoods. We have a very thorough redwoods road trip itinerary with a full FAQ, map, advice on the best time to visit the redwoods , and trip planning ideas.

But here are some of our favorite highlights: The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the scenic Drury parkway drive in Prairie Redwoods State Park, the Roosevelt Elk in Prairie Redwoods, the wacky Trees of Mystery , the Lady Bird Johnson grove in Redwoods National park, and the groves and Boy Scout hike in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Phew, that’s a lot of trees!

When to Do the North Coast Redwoods

Notable places to stay in the redwoods.

There aren’t a lot of fancy hotels in this part of California. You’ll want to look for cozy inns and places that give you forest or ocean views. You can go glamping in the woods near Trinidad, or at the Mendocino Grove , or lodge at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City is near Jedediah Smith and close to downtown restaurants and the actual lighthouse.

The Central Coast Loop

• Loop : Between Monterey and Santa Barbara
• Getting There : ~2 hours from LA to Santa Barbara or SF to Monterey
• Miles : 506
• #of Days : 3-5
• Route : Highway 1, Highway 101, Highway 33

Many folks just drive down Highway 1 through Big Sur, which is certainly worth the views and the beaches. But there are some really great things to see and do on the Central Coast’s interior.

This itinerary goes down (or up) the coast and then laps back, taking some little known scenic roads. This whole region has a chill vibe and you can use that to set a leisurely pace for your road trip.

Drive…stop at a beach…drive…stop for a walk…drive…have a long lunch…drive…do a wine tasting…wash rinse repeat.

All of the key stops that we noted on the PCH itinerary above are still relevant. But some of our favorite interior stops include: wine and olive oil tasting in Paso Robles , the San Luis Obisbo Mission, eating danish in Solvang, and the Carrizo Plain National Monument (if the spring flowers are blooming).

We also recommend taking a winding scenic drive through Los Padres National Forest. It goes from Ventacopa to Ojai on Highway 33. And for that matter, it’s really fun to wander around the wine country backroads in Paso Robles and Los Olivos. Even if you aren’t into wine, the countryside is really beautiful.

When to Do the Central Coast Loop

This route is really fun in the summer, after the June gloom fog clears. The Carizzo Plain often blooms in early April. And there are fall wine harvest festivals, which is a great time to visit Pismo Beach .

Notable Places to Stay in on the Central Coast

There’s the completely over the top Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, the Ojai Valley Inn (with spa!), and yet more glamping tents and trailers at the Flying Flag in Buellton (near Solvang).

Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Drive

• Start/End : Loop from San Francisco
• Mile s: 213
• # of Days : 3-4
• Route : Highway 101, Highway 29, Highway 128, Highway 116

Many people just go to either Napa or Sonoma and hang out in one spot for wine tasting. But it’s worth extending your wine country stay and doing a wider loop because you’ll find lovely country drives, state parks, fine cheeses and fun on the water.

This wine country drive is a loop which starts in SF, goes up Napa Valley and down through Healdsburg, with a side trip to Guerneville before heading down Sonoma Valley. If you want to go wine tasting, especially on a weekend, it’s best to get reservations in advance.

In Napa Valley, start by taking a wander around Napa’s downtown shopping and art district. The Oakville Grocery is a great place to pick up picnic provisions and you can do a mud bath in Calistoga. From there, branch off of Highway 128 and take the slow road to the Petrified Forest and Safari West, before heading into Healdsburg.

Healdsburg has a really cute downtown with galleries, boutiques and a great indy bookstore. Heading southwest on Westside road will take you along the Russian River and past the Armstrong Woods State Park (redwoods!) to quirky Guerneville . If it’s summer you can do a lazy river float along the Russian River, or take a cedar bath at the Osmosis Day Spa. Then head south to groovy Sebastopol where there are three dairy tasting rooms from the California Cheese Trail , Finally, heading back east, taking Highway 12 down Sonoma Valley.

Take a hike in the Trione Anondel State Park or visit the Jack London State Historic Park , then taste some yummy private label Jack London wine at the Kenwood Winery. Sonoma has the well-preserved Sonoma Mission, a chill downtown square and a couple more cheese stops.

When to Do the Napa/Sonoma Drive

This region gets a lot of rain in the winter. Which is not to say that you can’t visit during that time, but pay attention to the forecast. The fall is a fun time because of the wine harvest festivals. Any weekend from May to September is going to be very busy, so book ahead.

Notable Places to Stay in Napa/Sonoma

Go for some Buddhist vibes at Bann in Oak Knoll , Dr. Wilkinson’s spa is a quirky boutique motel with mud baths, Autocamp Russian River has the full glamping experience with luxury tents and Airstreams, or a historic ranch stay at the Beltane in Glen Ellen .

Highway 49 Gold Country Route

• Start : Mariposa
• End : Nevada City
• Miles : 186
• # of Days : 2-4
• Route : Highway 49 all the way up

By most measures, California’s economy is one of the largest in the world. And it all started when, in 1849, gold was found in them thar hills. This historic Highway 49 route, also known as the Golden Chain Highway, takes in some of California’s well-preserved gold rush history and it has a lot of fun activities for kids and history buffs.

The key on this itinerary is to take it slow and take advantage of the many historic markers and tiny little towns along the route. Start in Mariposa, which is also the western gateway to Yosemite National park. It also has a historic park with gold rush exhibits and one of the oldest (and loveliest) county courthouses in the state.

There’s another small county museum in Coulter and a nice vista along the Don Pedro reservoir. If you’re keen on covered bridges, you can take a detour to Knights Ferry. Otherwise continue to Jamestown for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, and then through Sonora to the Columbia State Park. It’s an oldey timey gold rush town and living museum.

Take a side trip up Highway 4 to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for some Giant Sequoia trees. Then north to Indian Grinding Rock State Park and then the adorbs little town of Sutter Creek. If you are into wine, there are a lot of places to stop in the stretch between Sutter Creek and Placerville.

North of Placerville, you’ll find the Gold Bug Park and Mine and Sutter’s Mill, which is where gold was initially found. You’ll find the Empire Mine State Park near Grass Valley along with a cute historic downtown in Nevada City, before ending the trip at Malakoff Diggins State Park .

If you have extra time, stay on Highway 49 and then take the Gold Lake Highway scenic byway to Highway 395.

When to Do the Gold Country

Unless there have been heavy winter storms, you can do this drive any time of year. Although expect to find cold winter temps in some of the state parks and Nevada City.

Notable Places to Stay in Gold Country

Bed, breakfast and wine at the Hanford Inn in Sutter Creek. The National Exchange Hotel was built in the throes of the gold rush and it occupies a sweet spot in downtown Nevada City. Or you can go glamping at the Autocamp Midpines , which is just 5 miles from Mariposa.

The Lassen/Shasta Volcanic Legacy Highway

• Start : Mount Shasta
• End : Lassen National Park
• Route : Highway 89

The official Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway actually starts at Crater Lake and the full drive is 500 miles. But this alternative routing is shorter and takes in the best bits of the California section. On this drive, you get a lovely mix of volcanic geology, waterfalls and charming historic communities.

This part of northern California is not nearly as popular as places like Lake Tahoe or the PCH, so you can enjoy a relaxed pace and a strong dose of outdoorsy vibe with this itinerary.

Key stops include historic Dunsmuir, Weaverville Joss House State Park, Shasta State Historic Park, Burney Falls, Bumpass Hell hydrothermal pool, Devastated Area interpretive trail and Lake Almador.

When to Do the Lassen/Shasta Drive

Late May through late October. The waterfalls are best in spring, but the main road through Lassen is  closed in the winter .

National Park Trifecta: Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

• Start : Three Rivers
• End : Groveland
• Miles : 276
• # of Days : 4-6
• Route : Generals Highway, Highway 180, Highway 41, Highway 120

This California road trip itinerary is optimized for sheer awe inspiring nature.

Sequoia National Park is famous for their giant Sequoia trees and Kings Canyon has conifer forest and the deepest canyon in North America. There’s a scenic route connecting the two parks. The Generals Highway covers the best-of Sequoia National Park and Highway 180 covers the best-of Kings Canyon, including the Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and trails to Mist Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.

Yosemite is California’s most popular national park, and for good reason. It presents the best of the Sierra Nevada mountain range with pine forests, giant Sequoia groves and soaring granite peaks.

Valley highlights include the Mariposa grove, Glacier Point overlook, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake loop, and Yosemite falls. In the upper reaches, there’s the scenic drive over Tioga pass, tons of hikes and the Merced grove. Consider cribbing part of this SF to Yosemite itinerary if you’re also keen to add on some Gold Country.

When to Do the National Park Trifecta

Mid-spring through late fall is best. The parks are open throughout the year, but Tioga Pass and the higher elevations will be closed for snow. You can do Yosemite Valley in the winter , but keep an eye on the National Parks site for closures.

Notable Places to Stay on the Trifecta

The Ahwahnee is Yosemite’s historic inn and it has great views and lovely architecture. They Tenaya Lodge is located in the southern section of Yosemite, offering free park entrance and amenities for the kids. And Autocamp in Midpines is a cool glamping option near-ish to Yosemite Valley.

However you stay, even if it’s a modest motel, book early for these parks.

Highway 395 Eastern Sierra Drive

• Start : Bridgeport
• End : Lone Pine
• Miles : 147
• # of Days : 4-6 days
• Route : Highway 395

The Eastern Sierra doesn’t get as much love as the Western Sierra (and Yosemite), but there’s a lot there for people who like crazy geology, hot springs, ghost towns and sparsely populated forests.

This drive is a straight down (or up) Highway 395 and can easily be combined with a visit to Lake Tahoe, the higher elevations of Yosemite National Park or Death Valley. We’ve got a full 5 day Eastern Sierra itinerary along with detailed stay and play guides for both Bishop and Lone Pine .

Some highlights on this itinerary include: Mono Lake and its moonscape, Bodie Ghost Town State Historic Site, the June Lake Loop, Mammoth Lakes, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Convict Lake , Hot Creek Geologic site, the Laws Railroad Museum, Manazar National Historic site, and the Alabama Hills.

And if that isn’t enough for you, there are about 2 million acres of National Forest lands which feature alpine lakes, scenic canyon drives and more hiking and fishing than you’ll ever have time for.

When to Do the Highway 395 Drive

Unless you are a skier, winter is not a great time as many of the forest areas and Tioga Pass (via Yosemite) will be closed. Summer is a great time to visit, but it will be hot in the southern end. This is one of our favorite California road trip itineraries for October because the fall color is unbelievable.

Notable Places to Stay in the Eastern Sierra

Just for grins, you can rend a covered wagon at the Virginia Creek Settlement motel . And if you want to pick a central spot for your base, there are tons of condo rentals in Mammoth Lakes .

South Coast Beaches: LA to San Diego

• Start /End: Los Angeles or San Diego
• Miles : 120
• Route : Highway 1, I-5, Coast Highway/El Camino Real

Forget Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo and the California Missions. This SoCal road trip itinerary is all about the shoreline. And there’s 120 sweet, sweet miles of it between the Los Angeles and San Diego airports.

For this road trip, be sure to override the Google mapping instructions. It will always steer you on the large freeways and this itinerary is best done on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) and the slower surface roads.

Key stops in greater LA include: Manhattan Beach (stroll or bike The Strand), Huntington Beach (10 miles of uninterrupted sand), Newport Beach (electric Duffy Boat rentals), Catalina Island (old school beach resort) and Laguna Beach (Crystal Cove State Park), and Dana Point (whale watching).

Key stops in greater San Diego include: Carlsbad (spring ranunculus flowers), Encinitas (Moonlight Beach), Solana Beach (San Elijo Lagoon), Torrey Pines State Reserve, and La Jolla (sea lions and tide-pooling).

When to Do the South Coast Beaches

Try to avoid the May/June gloom season. Otherwise, go for it!

Notable Places to Stay in on the South Coast

Laguna Beach House , is a unique surf-themed ocean-front stay. The Hotel del Coronado is an old-school 130 year-old luxury resort hotel with historic architectural features and a prime spot on the beach. The Sea Bird is an oceanfront hotel in Oceanside, with a spa!

California Deserts Loop: San Diego to Death Valley

• Start/End : San Diego
• Miles : 822
• # of Days : 7-8
• Route : San Diego, Julian, Salton Sea/Bombay Beach, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Kelso Dunes, Death Valley National Park, Ballarat, San Diego

This is one of the best winter California road trip itineraries for its vast open landscape. The southeastern California deserts include both the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. And what to some people is a whole lot of brown, to us is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem with a lot of subtle beauty.

And this lap from San Diego (or LA) shows off the best of CA’s deserts. This itinerary has a fun mix of forest, desert, weird geology and even offbeat art projects.

The first section includes Julian (apple cider and pies), Anza Borrego (hiking and metal sculptures), Slowjamistan (a weird micronation), the Slab City squatter community and the East Jesus art installation .

Center yourself in Palm Springs, taking in the mid-century vibe, palm oasis’ and a scenic lap around the Palms to Pines drive .

Spend at least a day in Joshua Tree (two is better), using our Joshua Tree hiking guide to prioritize which areas to explore, then head into Joshua Tree town for more quirky art projects.

Ignore the Google mapping instructions for how to get to Death Valley and instead, take the slow way to Death Valley via the Amboy Crater and Kelso Dunes. Then use our Death Valley visitor’s guide to plan your time there.

On the way back to San Diego, take the Trona Wildrose road out via Ridgecrest, stopping at Ballarat Death Valley Ghost town on the way out.

When to Do the California Deserts Loop

This whole region is volcanically hot in the summer. October to April is best and going between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a very quiet time to be in the National Parks.

Notable Places to Stay on the California Deserts Loop

In Palm Springs, go for the Fleur Noire , a low-key spot with floral murals and rosé all day. Joshua Tree town has a ton of quirky trailers and cabins to rent , and the Inn at Death Valley is a fancy historic inn right in the heart of the park.

We’ve also got camping guides for Death Valley , info on hotels and motels in and near Death Valley , and also for Joshua Tree campgrounds .

The two CA road trip itineraries below combine several of the plans noted above into one larger itinerary.

The Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

• Start/End : Anywhere along the loop
• Miles : 900-1,000
• # of days : 12-14 days

Glue together the Yosemite/Sequoia, Highway 49 and Highway 395 road trips into one epic, mountain adventure. This itinerary does a full lap around the Sierra Nevada range, with Lake Tahoe at the north end and Lake Isabella at the south end.

After you finish up Highway 49, head over to Lake Tahoe, where you can do a scenic drive around Tahoe . Head over to Highway 395 via either historic Carson City or take Highway 88 over Monitor Pass.

Once you’ve lapped Highway 395, ignore the Google maps instructions and head back over to the western Sierra via Highway 178 and Lake Isabella.

When to Do the Best of the Sierra Nevada Scenic Drive

This drive is best done between late May and early November. You’ll avoid snowy road closures. For any portion of the trip that occurs on a weekend (especially in Yosemite and Tahoe), be sure to book lodging ahead.

The Best California Road Trip Itinerary (in 2 Weeks)

• Start/End : San Francisco or LA
• Miles : ~1,000 miles
• # of Days : at least 14, more is better

This loop combines two of the most popular road trips in California: Yosemite/Sequoia and the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to LA.

You can do the drive in either direction, however we like doing the PCH from north-to-south as it’s easier for the scenic pullouts. Do not underestimate how much driving this is, so get an early start everyday and bake in some down time.

If you have extra days and want to spend some time in San Francisco, we have travel tips for SF first timers and a local’s guide to San Francisco .

If you don’t care to visit SF, just use Highway 152 to cut over from Yosemite directly to Monterey and start down Big Sur. If you don’t care to visit LA, head northeast from Ventura, on the scenic Highway 33 through the Los Padres National Forest to Ventacopa, then east from there.

When to Do California’s Most Epic Road Trip

November through April are the worst weather for both the Sierra Nevada range and Big Sur. You’ll also get some June gloom along the coast. We like April/May or July-October for this route.

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road. Jack Kerouac

Got that right Jack! Enjoy your epic California road trip. Whichever of these routes you take, you are sure to have a most grant adventure.

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IN-DEPTH ONE MONTH CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY ~ BUDGET CAMPING EDITION

9 Jun 2022   ||    UNITED STATES

The outdoors is forever calling in California; with record-breaking trees and deserts, jaw dropping coastlines, volcanoes, and high-altitude lakes; it is one of the most astoundingly diverse places on Earth. If you want to experience all of this in a single, budget trip, a California road trip with camping is the solution.

Have you already visited the popular California sites like Yosemite, the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco, and Los Angeles? Maybe you just crave a quieter, outdoor-oriented road trip; if so, then this is the itinerary for you. It includes lesser known but equally as remarkable destinations where the crowds are (often) thinner, but the adventure is just as breathtaking.

CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS

RECORD BREAKING TREES  – TALLEST: REDWOODS; LARGEST: SEQUOIAS; OLDEST:  BRISTLECONES

TALLEST SAND DUNES  – THE EUREKA DUNES IN DEATH VALLEY AT 207 M

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN  – MOUNT WHITNEY IN THE SIERRA NEVADA RANGE 4421 M (14,505 FT)

CRAFT BEER  – EVERYWHERE (SERIOUSLY)

DEEPEST LAKE – LAKE TAHOE, WITH A DEPTH OF 501 M

NUMBER OF NATIONAL PARKS  – NINE, THE HIGHEST OF ANY STATE IN THE U.S.

LOWEST POINT  – BADWATER BASIN IN DEATH VALLEY AT 86 M BELOW SEA LEVEL

SEARCH CAR HIRE IN THE U.S.    

THE CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Honestly, there must be enough ‘Cali Road Trip’ posts for everyone in the world to have one each, so this itinerary takes a different, more ‘outdoorsy and quiet’ perspective instead. 

Each location has camping suggestions. If you would like more general camping information, check out our tips for national park camping . Every location mentioned on the itinerary has hotels, motels and lodges available if that is your preference. 

This itinerary can be cut into segments and include the more famous California locations along the way. See the coloured routes on the map below.

Included are some suggestions for things to do around the major cities that involve less ‘city’ too. 

TIP:  pop into the visitor centre for any parks you visit. The rangers are always super knowledgeable and can provide maps, suggestions, and updates on road and trail conditions. 

TIP:  as this itinerary is heavy on National Parks, it is worth purchasing an ’ America the Beautiful ’ pass that provides free entry to all lands managed by the National Park Service. Individual parks cost $10-$30 for entry and the pass costs $80 per car per year. It’s a no-brainer.

CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP MAP

THE BEST TIME FOR A CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP

As the climate and terrain varies so much across California, there is no perfect time to visit the entire region. It also depends on what type of weather you are comfortable camping in. I have done the above road trip itinerary several times, always between May – October. My favourite months are September into October. Here are some things to consider:

The southern itinerary (in orange on the map above) is better towards the wintertime; the green northern route is better either side of the summer months. 

As a camping trip, it is important to have three-season gear , almost all year around, due to the high elevations. To see what we use, check out our lightweight backpacking and camping gear . In the wintertime, it will be almost impossible to camp in the mountains without specialist four-season equipment.

Southern California , especially inland, is scorching hot in summer. If you intend to do any extensive hiking, avoid the warmer months. Choose the direction of your trip to coincide with the weather. Ensure the desert segment is done in the coolest time of your chosen month(s).

Crowds are greatest in most places during July and August. Shoulder seasons can still be busy in some popular regions, like Yosemite, Tahoe and Joshua Tree. Winter is by far the quietest (apart from the southern California deserts). Peak summer can be extremely challenging to acquire camping reservations and permits for too.

There is the risk of forest fires after the summer season. The National Forests shut, permits were cancelled, and campgrounds closed during our 2021 trip. Visibility can be reduced as far south as Joshua Tree and further north than Tahoe during particularly bad years (although awful, the smoke makes for epic sunsets).

May – June is an excellent choice for this road trip, but some higher elevations can still have snow and the Tioga Pass access to Yosemite is sometimes shut until late June (requires a long diversion).

CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP COSTS

CAMPSITE:  $10 – $25

HOTEL/MOTEL:  $75 – $200

BEER AT A BAR:  $3 – $8

GAS PER GALLON:  $5 – $7

CAR RENTAL PER DAY:  $60 – $100

A LARGE PIZZA:  $10 – $20

COFFEE:  $1 – $5

CHEAPEST LITRE OF RUM WE FOUND:  $12

KEEPING TO A BUDGET ON YOUR CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP

Camping keeps the costs down, as does cooking for yourself at campgrounds. A campsite costs between $10-25 total a night for up to six people.

Car hire (if you do not use your own) is expensive, especially at the moment due to the pandemic. Avoid paying for Satellite Navigation and just use Google Maps – it works perfectly in the United States. Also check with your rental company that you are not being charged automatically for tolls.

Gas is also particularly pricey cross-country due to the  ongoing war in the Ukraine, and California is the most expensive state. Using apps like GasBuddy can help find the cheapest gas station in your area.

Restaurants and bars are not cheap in California, but there are some places that are worth splurging on (especially the California craft beer scene!).

Groceries are more expensive than in Europe, but not excessively so. Walmart is cheapest; Trader Joes and Whole Foods are nicer.

Spirits/Liquor is the cheapest way to drink from a supermarket, although basic beer like Keystone is cheapish too.

As mentioned above, buy your National Park pass to save on entry fees.

CAR HIRE FOR THIS USA ITINERARY

We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in USA, with Discover Cars . They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.

If you book through the link below, we make a small profit, at zero cost to you, which helps us write these posts with no advertising! We only endorse products and companies we *actually* use regularly. For more information, read our position on affiliates .

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IN THIS SECTION

Northern California – The Trees and Mountains Itinerary

SAN FRANCISCO

REDWOODS NATIONAL PARK VIA AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

DETOUR – CRATER LAKE

LAVA BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Lassen volcanic national park.

DETOUR – YOSEMITE

MAMMOTH LAKES VIA MONO LAKE

Big pine to lone pine.

Northern california

This route traverses the northern half of California and begins in San Francisco. It can be done alone or combined with the southern deserts itinerary. The trip winds and twists through unique forests, alpine lakes, volcanoes and the Sierra Nevada mountains, all while avoiding the Disneyland/Yosemite crowds.

No California road trip is complete without San Francisco! Here are some suggestions that keep you outdoors and slightly away from the crowds.

Marin Headlands: this is a great option if you like to spend time outside the city. The area has beaches, sweeping views, hiking, and camping. Rodeo Beach is great for a picnic and there are views of the Golden Gate Bridge throughout the area.

Muir Woods: if you continue north past Marin headlands for around 12 miles on the 101 and 1, this National Monument has beautiful redwood trees and is a lovely quick stop with six miles of hiking trails. 

Palace of Fine Arts: before you leave the city, check out this relic of the 1915 world’s fair. The beautifully designed complex is a fantastic place to take a wander plus it’s pretty photogenic (and free). You can find it just off the 101 towards the Golden Gate Bridge, near Crissy Field and the Presidio area (also worth a stop). On the opposite side of the 101 are several beaches with alternative views of the bridge, including Baker and Marshall’s Beach.

CAMPING NEAR SAN FRANCISCO

Kirby Cove has a particularly fun campground if you can reserve a spot (try to get site 1, it’s competitive!). The highlight is the view of the Golden Gate Bridge and city at night – read more in our comprehensive guide of Kirby Cove campground . There are three other campgrounds in the Golden Gate Recreation Area, the most accessible being Bicentennial campground. All others involve hiking in. All require reservations. 

Heading to Marin Headlands from the Airport means passing through the centre of San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge (in the non-toll direction!). Be aware of the toll in the southbound direction heading into the city. It costs around eight dollars, check up-to-date information on paying the fees .

Suggested number of nights: 3

REDWOODS VIA AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

Leaving San Francisco northbound, the first thing you notice is the thinning of the crowds. Relative to the Pacific Coast Highway heading down to Los Angeles, this route is so peaceful. It takes you up the California coast to the border with Oregon to hang out with the world’s tallest trees. 

This leg of the California road trip takes you to multiple sites where you can visit these magnificent, mist-topped trees and have some epic camping alongside them. The national park encompasses a cluster of state parks, starting just above Eureka and following the coast up to the northern boundary with Oregon. 

Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt State Park: On your way north after Fort Bragg (stay overnight here if you need to cut the drive in half), you have the option of checking out Avenue of the Giants. This is a 31-mile road through some of the most impressive redwood groves with walks, fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. If you want to explore the area in more depth, stay overnight at one of the three campgrounds available in Humboldt Redwoods State Park (no entry fee, camping fees apply).

Redwoods National Park: With the tallest redwood in the world towering at 379 feet tall, many often have their heads in the clouds. To get the most immersive experience in this park, hike some of the 170 miles of mostly easy trails, bike some of the 40 miles of coastline and keep your eyes peeled for bears and other wildlife.

CAMPING IN REDWOODS NATIONAL PARK

There are four developed campgrounds and seven backcountry ones within Redwoods National Park. 

Jedediah Smith is my personal favourite campground, surrounded by old growth redwoods which soar above your tent and make you feel miniscule. I also like Gold Bluffs Beach Campground; it is lovely, adjacent to a beach and surrounded by hills. Be aware that the access road is unpaved so your hire car insurance will be invalidated. Reservations  are recommended all year round for campsites.

It is a long-ish five-hour drive to the Fort Bragg area where it is possible to stay overnight on route to Redwoods, or camp at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Taking route 1 is the most scenic option and I would suggest this over the 101, but it depends on how much time you have. This route takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway and has tonnes of beautiful stops to stretch your legs along the way. I’ve done the entire journey to Redwoods in a day before along the 1, skipping Fort Bragg, so it is doable (but way too long to be fun). 

After Fort Bragg, it is two hours to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and another two hours to Redwoods National Park. 

The coastline is stunning but sometimes moody so be aware it can get a little bit damp and cold. Bring a jacket.

Suggested number of nights: 2-3

OPTIONAL DETOUR - CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK

Although technically not in California, if you have time on your road trip, do not miss Crater Lake National Park. It’s the deepest lake in the United States situated inside a dormant volcanic crater.

The park is a three-hour drive from the Redwoods area. There are two campgrounds. I have stayed at Manzama campground which is large with decent facilities and reservable for July, August and September. If you want a real treat, stay in Crater Lake Lodge on the edge of the volcanic rim. It’s expensive and only open from May through October, but the views are outstanding (book a year in advance). 

Suggested number of nights: 2

This park, near the border with Oregon, is perched on the north face of one of the largest volcanoes in the Sierra Nevada area. Often, in national parks you must take an escorted tour for any cave-type activities. Here though, you can roam and wander through tubes made from lava all on your own. There are quite a few and are split into easy, moderate and challenging. It makes for an exciting (and budget) stop on your California road trip.

CAMPING AT LAVA BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT

There is one campground which operates on a first-come first-serve basis and is on the cheaper side at $10. Backcountry camping here is free if you do not need facilities.

The national monument is a four-hour drive inland across northern California, through sprawling pine forests and winding roads. The caves themselves are dark and cold, so make sure you have a decent torch and warm clothes.

Suggested number of nights: 1

California's National Park Entry Fees - why you need a pass

YOSEMITE:  $35 (3 or 7 days)

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON:  $35 (7 days)

JOSHUA TREE:  $30 (7 days)

DEATH VALLEY:  $20 (7 days)

CHANNEL ISLANDS:  Free

REDWOODS:  $5 day use (state park fees)

LASSEN VOLCANIC:  $30 (7 days)

PINNACLES:  $30 (7days)

Despite having national park status, this place is astonishingly quiet. For some reason it passes under the radar of most California road trip tourists, and I’ve never visited when it’s been even the slightest bit busy. 

The area is centred around Lassen Peak, a volcano that you can see from numerous angles in the park. The hiking opportunities are fantastic with masses of geological and hydrological features – think Yellowstone without the crowds. 

One of the most popular hikes is Bumpass Hell which leads to the largest hydrothermal area in the park. There are many other trails in this park too, leading to remarkable features such as bubbling lakes and waterfalls. If you’re up for an achievable challenge, take on Lassen Peak itself which shows off views of the Devastated Area, a region destroyed by an eruption in 1915. If you’re not able to hike far, there are stunning blue lakes, meadows, and hydrothermal features next to the main road throughout the park.

CAMPING AT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

There are a several campgrounds to choose from; the most developed is Manzanita. It is $26 a night, so on the upper end of the camping budget for this road trip, but the sites are spacious and right next to Manzanita Lake. It has reservable and first come first serve sites, plus a few cabins.

Lassen is an easy two-hour drive south of Lava Beds National Monument on this California road trip. Be aware of the altitude – most of the park is over 6000 feet and Lassen Peak itself is over 10000 feet. This means it can get a bit chilly overnight so pack sensible camping gear. In the winter, the main road is not ploughed so check the website for access and conditions.

Okay, so this entry on the California road trip itinerary sneaks into Nevada (the lake intersects the boundary between the two states). About two thirds of the lake is in California so that’s how we can justify it! It’s also not that quiet (super busy in summer) but on a northern California road trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains you can’t miss it. Tahoe is also the start of the incredibly scenic California route 365 which stretches all the way down to Death Valley.

Tahoe is a spectacular high-altitude lake, doubling as a world class ski resort in winter and a beach and water sports haven in summer. I’ve never visited in winter, so this itinerary entry is more focussed on outdoorsy stuff in spring, summer, and fall. We’ve always wanted to go skiing there though!

THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TAHOE

The best beaches are, in my opinion, on the Nevada side.  There’s even a nudist one if you’re into that! The nicest ones take a bit of walking to get to and others are state parks so have a small fee for entry. Check out Secret Cove, Hidden Beach, and Creek Beach (clothing optional although I hear the authorities are cracking down on this?). 

Emerald Bay State Park is impossible to miss on the California side. It is a stunning, beautiful azure blue and a fantastic place for water sports (you can kayak or paddleboard to the little island in the middle!). Be warned, it gets very busy and there is minimal parking. Sometimes people just stop on the side of the road. Don’t be one of those people – get there early.

The Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe delivers remarkable views from the top of Heavenly Mountain. Here you get views of the entire lake, weather permitting. There’s a lodge, observation deck, activities, and food. Be warned – it is pricey. Coffee is mind-blowingly expensive, activities cost a fortune and the gondola ride is ski-pass rates. Unless you already have your ski pass paid for, you must really want those views to fork out the cash. You can buy tickets online or from the village kiosk.

OPTIONAL STOP - RENO, NEVADA

This California road trip route can take you through Reno, NV if that is your jam, so there is an opportunity to stop there. Reno is a cheap, elderly version of Vegas (in our opinion) and is worth a little time if you are all natured out or need to stock up on supplies. Lodging can be moderately cheap here so it’s a great place to grab a shower and a comfy bed for the night after a camping marathon.

CAMPING AROUND LAKE TAHOE

There are various camping locations all around the lake perimeter, but my favourite one is General Creek in Sugar Pine Point State Park on the California side – average campground, amazing location. It’s a 13-minute drive from Emerald Bay which means you can get there early! Be careful of bears; always use the bear lockers provided.

It is a straightforward 3.5-hour drive from Lassen to South Lake Tahoe, where most of the accommodation, restaurants and facilities are. In South Lake Tahoe, you’ll immediately see the border between the states – the Nevada side has giant casinos! The north of the lake is far quieter if you prefer that.

OPTIONAL DETOUR: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

This detour is only possible if you are travelling in summer as the Tioga Pass to Yosemite is shut seasonally (it is above 10000 feet!). If it is open though, the drive is beautiful. If you’ve never been to Yosemite before, this might be a good optional stop – do not go without a plan though. Accommodation can be tricky to secure and the park is jam-packed during summer. Consider using the shuttle service YARTS to avoid traffic congestion.

Camping in Yosemite is exceptionally competitive, so reservations are essential. Unless you get particularly lucky with first-come first-serve campgrounds you will not find anything at all during summer. There are occasional cancellations online so check regularly – we have obtained reservations this way. The campgrounds are nicest outside of the valley – often more spacious and without fire restrictions.

If you cannot get a campsite, consider Housekeeping Camp instead. It’s a bit like camping but in basic structures and costs a fair bit more so doesn’t sell out as quickly.

Other accommodation options include the lodges inside the park boundaries, such as The Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge. These are beautiful but very expensive.

Suggested number of nights: 3-4

A renowned ski resort in winter, Mammoth Lakes transforms into an exhilarating summer destination full of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, backpacking, hiking and biking. There are so many routes of various difficulties around the high-altitude lakes – the Welcome Center has maps and details for each. Mammoth has over 300 miles of trails in total – it is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. 

Devil’s Postpile National Monument , a wall of basalt columns 60 feet high (like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Island) is worth a trip from Mammoth Village.

Mono Lake is a great place to take a break between Tahoe and Mammoth but don’t count on swimming! It is a saline lake (2.5 times saltier than the ocean) and is great for bird watching and short walks. It has these crazy calcium-carbonate towers which look super alien!

OPTIONAL DETOUR - BODIE GHOST TOWN

Bodie Ghost Town – a California State Historic Park preserving an old gold-mining town. The settlement ‘boomed’ when small amounts of gold were found in the hills around Mono Lake in 1876 and grew to encompass around 2000 buildings. By 1880 though, the population began to decline and by 1915, Bodie was first described as a ghost town. It costs $8 per adult without an annual California State Park Pass and is reached by a turning off the 365 which ends in a three-mile dirt road. If you are renting a car this road may invalidate your rental insurance, but many tourists do it with no difficulties.

CAMPING AROUND MAMMOTH LAKES

Mammoth has a lot of car camping options. Lake Mary is my favourite developed campground – the views are lovely, the location is central and there are exceptional facilities. Another beautiful campground is at Convict Lake , which I think might be the prettiest lake of all! Be aware that this area can get busy, and campgrounds can fill up in summer. Reservations recommended.

The drive from Tahoe to Mammoth is under three hours and goes directly via Mono Lake (and the turn off to Tioga Pass for Yosemite). At Mammoth, check in with the Welcome Center to confirm the state of the roads if there is any uncertainty around the weather. Most of the places you will visit are above 6000 feet in this area – be prepared for the weather and altitude.

During summer, you will need to get a shuttle to Devil’s Postpile National Monument from Mammoth Village which costs $8.

Big Pine and Lone Pine in the Inyo National Forest are not at the forefront of most to-do lists for a California road trip, but that would be an error. With the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop, the area is stunning, there’s loads to do and it isn’t all that busy. 

There are too many hiking possibilities to list for this post. Highlights include the John Muir Trail , which cuts through the area on route to Yosemite and the Big Pine Lakes ; a priority for any backpacking enthusiast. Hiking Mount Whitney is another very popular activity – it is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet and should be on any hardcore hiker’s itinerary. All these activities require permits – check out recreation.gov for more information.

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains is another focal point of the region (I have a tree obsession). At over 4000 years old, these are the oldest living trees on Earth and absolutely floor me every time I see them. There are several hikes, some more family friendly and accessible than others (all above 10,000 feet so can be a bit exhausting).

The scenery around Lone Pine has been used as the location for hundreds of films, such as Django Unchained, Gladiator and several Star Treks. The Museum of Western Film History provides a fascinating overview of the town’s involvement in the film industry and is well worth a visit. 

Manzanar National Historic Site is also an important stop that gives an overview of the Japanese internment camps during World War two. Manzanar was one of ten detention centres in the United States and held 10,000 Japanese Americans.

CAMPING AROUND BIG PINE AND LONE PINE

There is an absolute tonne of camping – too many campgrounds to list. To look through them all, check out the Inyo National Forest site. My favourite campground is Big Pine Creek (perfect for the Big Pine Lakes hike), followed by Whitney Portal and Lone Pine (both great if you are hiking Mount Whitney).

They’re all decent and facilities are generally good – check the website if you are after something specific. They cost in the region of $20-28 and I would recommend reserving a site , especially in summer.

The drive from Mammoth (which is also part of Inyo National Forest) is only around two hours to Lone Pine. Highway 395 is a lovely drive parallel to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the little towns along the route are full of quirky restaurants and places to stay. Take your time on this part of the road trip, it’s beautiful!

Suggested number of nights: 2-4, depending on hiking choices!

Southern California: The Desert Itinerary

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

DETOUR – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE

Joshua tree national park.

ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

OPTIONAL DETOUR – SAN DIEGO AND LOS ANGELES

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK

southern california

This segment of the California road trip continues from Lone Pine into the deserts of southern California. This section can be done separately (Los Angeles is a good starting point) or combined with the trees and mountains section above to make one large loop. These have some of my favourite camping backdrops on Earth.

I could write for days about Death Valley .

There is so much to do. The giant Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes; astonishing views from Dante’s View and Zabriskie Point; the lowest point in the U.S. at Badwater Basin; a 600-foot volcanic crater only 300 years old; the ‘geological rainbow’ called Artists Palette; more Canyons than you can count. These are just some of the sites you can reach with a normal low-clearance car. 

This itinerary only provides an overview and I strongly suggest you plan your trip using the National Park Service website (with some assistance from Google Maps). It gives you up-to-date weather and road conditions along with seasonal guidance on what to expect. The visitor centre at Furnace Creek is a particularly good one, and during summer, check the enormous thermometer outside for the temperature!

OPTIONAL DETOUR - RHYOLITE GHOST TOWN

Rhyolite, an abandoned mining town which at its peak had a population of around 5,000, has been unoccupied since 1920. It has some seriously quirky artwork, remnants of the old town buildings and a pretty weird house made of bottles! There are no tourist traps or entry fees, and I personally felt a curious sense of isolation. It is 35 miles from Furnace Creek and a perfect stop off on route to Las Vegas if you head that way.

CAMPING IN DEATH VALLEY

Campground selection is seasonally dependent.

The most central campsites are Furnace Creek, Sunset and Texas Springs, which have an elevation between sea level and several hundred feet below. This makes them exceptionally hot during the summer. I’ve stayed at them all during this season; they were empty – the benefit of uncomfortable temperatures (we also did not have to reserve in advance or pay).

In winter , reservations are available and recommended. There are also first-come first-serve sites available (all open campgrounds are FCFS in summer).   

In summer , if you don’t fancy overnight temperatures in triple digits, check out higher altitude campgrounds that are cooler (but busier). There are five in total, none take reservations and four are free. Several need a high-clearance vehicle to access. Check the official website for more detailed information (including elevations) for all Death Valley campgrounds .

O ther options for accommodation include a nice lodge in Furnace Creek if camping seems a bit much.

Death Valley gets hot. I have only ever been in July, August and September (because I’m just a glutton for punishment apparently) and can confirm this. Be prepared – it does not cool down much either (often over 100 F overnight). Camping can be a sticky, uncomfortable experience. The winter is prime season to visit but be aware – other people know this too, so you won’t be alone. 

If you visit in summer, pack extra food and a few spare gallons of water. This seems like overkill, but your car could break down, your aircon could give-in, you could get caught in a flash flood that sweeps all the roads away (these have all actually happened to us in Death Valley). 

Death Valley is unforgiving in summer and people do die.

The number of nights you choose to stay will depend on your car too – there are some seriously cool things to do if you have a decent off-road vehicle (or are willing to rent one with suitable insurance).

Fill up on gas before you enter the park. There is a gas station in the park at Stovepipe Wells but it is justifiably pricey.

OPTIONAL DETOUR - LAS VEGAS

If you need supplies, a nice restaurant, pool, or comfy hotel room, then Las Vegas is great for a stopover before continuing your California road trip around the deserts. It is a two-hour drive from Death Valley and has a bunch of outdoor activities worth doing while you are there (it’s not all casinos!). Check out Red Rock National Recreational Area and if you want a challenge, climb Charleston Peak (this is a nice respite from the heat during summer).

Tip to keep costs down : only stay in Las Vegas on weekdays. The price tag for hotels often triples (or more!) on Friday and Saturday. Also watch for those sneaky resort fees that can double the price of your room (currently loving the new Virgin Hotel just off strip for having free parking, no resort fee and free WIFI). For more, check out our Las Vegas money saving tips .

We often camp through the weekends when in Las Vegas, generally in the Mojave Preserve or Death Valley , to avoid these costs.

Sandwiched between the two main interstates in the area is the huge Mojave Preserve, encompassing a harsh, moon-like desert landscape. Depending on hiking preferences and season, you could easily only spend one night here, just pass through and see the main sites. However, with a four-wheel drive vehicle or a few days backpacking (no permits required!) you could take far longer. The Mojave has some wonderful campgrounds, singing sand dunes, the best Joshua tree forests (better than Joshua Tree National Park!), and some quirky installations, like the Mojave Road Mailbox.

CAMPING IN MOJAVE

On the I-40 side of the Preserve, Hole in the Rock is a cool little campground that we regularly use. It’s pretty open but has amazing scenery and is off a paved road (so no worries about clearance). It is also budget-friendly at $12 a night. At an elevation of 1341 metres (4400 feet), the temperatures are excellent in summer. There is easy access to some of the better hikes in the area, including the popular Rings Loop.

Mid Hills is the other campground in the Preserve but does not have paved access. All campgrounds are first-come first-serve.

Call into the Visitors centre in Kelso (Kelso Depot Visitor Center on Google Maps). There’s loads of leaflets and information on the things to do here. Update: this visitor centre is closed until Spring 2023, use the Hole-in-the-Wall one instead. 

The region is unpopulated; apart from a few other cars passing through, you are not likely see many people. 

This is another area, like Death Valley, that is more accessible with a high clearance vehicle. However, on this California road trip itinerary, you do not need one. Just driving through the preserve is spectacular, with scenery that makes me think of the moon.

There is no gas in the preserve, fill up before in Baker, Cima or Primm on the I-15; Ludlow or Fenner on the I-40. For this road trip itinerary, Baker or Primm makes the most sense.

This park gets busier, year-on-year, but as with the other desert areas in this California itinerary, it depends on the season. Many Los Angeles residents love this region as a getaway from the city, especially outside of the summer season. Visit during the warmer months to avoid this issue – prepare for very hot days but perfect evening temperatures. 

Despite the name, the park is not only about Joshua trees. There are lots of awesome-looking rock formations, perfect for climbing and scrambling, or simply hiking around. Climbing and bouldering is super popular here, with thousands of routes and problems available. If this is your sort of jazz, add an extra day or two onto the itinerary.  

For a full list of hikes, check out the official website . If you are interested in climbing, read the park service information .

CAMPING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Camping is first-come, first-served during the quiet season (June to September) and is often mostly empty. For the rest of the year, the 500 sites across the park can fill up, especially at weekends and in the spring. Reserve ahead where you can and if you can’t, try for a first-come, first-serve site. This can be competitive, particularly at weekends. The official site has a full list of the campsites .

My favourite campground is Jumbo Rocks . The scenery is amazing, it is $20 a night, reservable and is centrally located, right next to the Skull Rock hiking loop.

Joshua Tree takes longer to reach and drive through than it looks like it should on a map. It is about three hours from the Mojave Preserve to the centre of Joshua Tree, through some amazing but very stark scenery.

Make sure to get gas and supplies in Twentynine Palms before heading into the park. For a park leaflet, stop in the Visitor Center – be aware that it is outside the park on route 62 just past Twentynine Palms.

It is very hot in summer, take more water than you think you will need.

ANZA BORREGO DESERT and AROUND

While everyone is flocking to Joshua Tree during peak season, California’s largest state park remains (relatively) under the radar, although that is slowly starting to change. There is an entry fee of $10 (without the California State Park Pass) with various camping options depending on facilities required. 

This is another park that relies on off-road capable vehicles for some areas. If you only have a two-wheel drive car, fear not, for there are lots of things to do in the surrounding area as well visiting the park itself. 

OPTIONAL DETOURS

There is some really interesting stuff in the surrounding area outside of the park. 

Julian is a town that exudes charm; as small places go it is up there with the best, but not in a fake, touristy way. It is famous for apple pies; there are at least four cafes and bakeries that serve them all year round! 

Slab City is located on the opposite side of the Salton Sea (also worth visiting – it won’t be there forever). Described as ‘lawless’ and labelled ‘one of America’s last free places’, it is Slab City’s art installations that motivate most people to visit. A community with no water, electricity or trash removal can sound unappealing to some, but the man-made Salvation Mountain has become a huge draw for anyone searching for a unique experience. In fact, the entire community is rather distinctive! If you are considering a visit, read up on the history and culture that surrounds Slab City. Bring a book or two to swap at the library.

Galleta Meadows in Borrego Springs has some seriously cool metal sculptures. I thought they were just magic! There are more than 130, made by Ricardo Breceda, including a dragon, giant tortoises, a woolly mammoth and dinosaurs. It’s just so so weird, but excellent. You can drive between the statues, many of which are marked on Google Maps and the visitor center can give you a map of them.

The whole region surrounding Anza Borrego and the Salton Sea is just really wild and empty. Small settlements dot the landscape, with an utterly un-Californian feel to it. Everyone who spends time on a California road trip should witness rural life surrounding Anza Borrego, it is honestly eye-opening. I felt like we were in Mad Max at times.

CAMPING AROUND ANZA BORREGO

The state park has four developed and eight primitive campgrounds. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has the easiest access and best facilities, if a little expensive at $35 (state parks are often quite pricey to camp in). Three campgrounds are available to reserve online outside of the summer season.

There are many areas for dispersed camping in this park and surrounding region, so if you don’t need facilities, this is a good option. 

It is a couple of hours drive between Joshua Tree and Borrego Springs. This journey is one of my favourite parts of the road trip, especially along Box Canyon Road; the area has excellent hiking in the Mecca Hills Wilderness if you have more time in your schedule. There are loads of camping and hiking opportunities off the Borrego Salton Sea Way too.

When leaving Borrego Springs, Montezuma Valley Road has remarkable views from the top of the mountain. The drive is fun too!

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a tricky one to navigate. Pop into the visitor center to get all the information you need.

Suggested number of nights: 1-2

OPTIONAL DETOUR - SAN DIEGO AND LOS ANGELES

If you have not visited either of these, please consider it! The laid-back ambiance of San Diego and the rough-meets-glamour vibe of Los Angeles call me back time and time again. There is no space for guides to these two epic cities here but attempt to include them on your California road trip if you have not been. They’re detours-only on this itinerary, mainly because they don’t fit the theme.

The road trip along the coast between both is also worth your time; take a break at the Orange County classics of Newport and Laguna Beach .

Around the Los Angeles area, Pasadena and Glendale often have cheaper accommodation options (in our experience). Santa Monica is amazing if you can afford it! In San Diego, the La Jolla area north of the city is our favourite area to stay,  or alternatively we stay in centrally located Coronado (expensive though).

The Santa Monica Mountains are epic for outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the Los Angeles area. Escondido Falls is an easy hike but has heavy foot traffic. Also consider hiking sections of the Backbone Trail, which is 67 miles long and traverses the area from east to west with top-notch views of Los Angeles, the Channel Islands and the San Gabriel Mountains. There is also camping offered by nearby state parks but getting a spot can be competitive. If you need accommodation, stay in Thousand Oaks or Calabasas for *slightly* cheaper rates. 

Further north in Ventura and Oxnard is the jumping off point for the Channel Islands National Park . This park is comprised of five islands off the California coast with unique wildlife and a wild, rugged landscape. There are campgrounds on each island that cost $15 a night. Advanced reservations and pre-organised transport from the mainland are essential.

THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

From Los Angeles, the most scenic route for the road trip back to San Francisco is via the Pacific Coast Highway . This is the slower but far more picturesque route, so it depends on how much time you have.

At a minimum, I would spend a night in the Morro Bay/Pismo Beach area and then a night around Monterey. This gives you a full day to explore the northern section of the coast which includes the highlight of Big Sur. Any spare time spent in the lovely town of Monterey is never a chore either (our recommendation – Fieldwork Brewing Company – order a flight). 

On route, check out the famous elephant seals (Elephant Seal Vista Point on Google Maps); see the giant rock of Morro Bay and eat some saltwater taffy; stop at the numerous viewpoints and beaches along the way and take your time. The most famous view on the route is McWay Falls , in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. There is dedicated parking but costs $10 (you can park on the street but it’s a little sketchy).

In the far north near Monterey, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a beautiful place to stretch your legs with lots of hiking (entry fee of $10). If the weather is good, the water here has a bright aquamarine hue, and you can see sealions and many types of bird.

CAMPING AND LOGISTICS ALONG THE PCH

Camping is difficult along the coast; it books up fast and there isn’t all that much of it compared to demand. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is the trickiest so reserve as far ahead as possible. Limekiln State Park is another great choice. 

Logistically, this is the easiest section of the California road trip, although it could be amongst the most expensive too. Fill up your gas before getting to Big Sur; there is gas available, but rates are sky high. The total drive time is around eight hours, which doesn’t sound like much over several days, but the amount of stopping makes it take far longer!

It is hit or miss with the weather. Three times we drove this stretch of road and didn’t see a single cloud, another time we were engulfed in fog.

Pinnacles NATIONAL PARK

This is a small volcanically formed park, the beauty of which is that it’s nearly always quiet with no need for reservations. There is hiking, bat caves, California condors and renowned rock climbing too if that’s your jam. In my opinion, this park has some of the best hiking anywhere, with a few trails leading straight off from the campground. Some hikes lead through cool caves too. 

CAMPING IN PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK

The park has one campground, which has a few nice private sites (the rest are a bit open). Weirdly for a national park, this campground also has a pool. It is not the best campground ever, but rarely fills up, costs $23 and provides excellent access to the east side of the park. In September, we were the only people there apart from two other groups (it was very hot though). Beware of raccoons at the campground – they steal your stuff.

This park is split into east and west; it is not possible to reach each side by road directly within the park. Check on your GPS to make sure you are going to the side you intend! From Monterey, it is less than 90 minutes to the west or east entrance.

This is also one of those parks with four weather seasons, so is very hot in summer but can freeze in the evenings during winter.

The final leg of the California itinerary is an easy 2.5-hour drive back to San Francisco through the Garlic capital of Gilroy (you can smell the garlic in the air!). 

FINAL THOUGHTS - CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP

This California road trip is an ambitious, epic journey. If you have a month and want to experience all the natural diversity California has to offer, then this itinerary provides that in droves, along with some more off-beat options to check out along the route. It is even better suited if you are on a budget road trip and love camping! 

We hope this aids your trip planning. Although we don’t write itineraries very often, California is one of our favourite states. Having spent a lot of time travelling it, we thought we’d share the love.

If this itinerary has been your kind of fun, check out our list of favourite alternative national and state parks across the southwest.

Have a great day!

Hi, thanks for visiting our blog! If this post has been of help to you, or you’ve just enjoyed our random ramblings and musings, say thank you by buying us a coffee ! It helps keep The Restless Beans blog up and running without ads.

Thank you, Claire + Nick

Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?

Thanks so much for your comment, glad to be of help! If you ever want to communicate with us, you can send a message through the ‘contact us’ link at the bottom of any page on this website :). Or, email ‘hello @ therestlessbeans.com’.

sweeet post! i’m from CA but been living abroad for a few years and came home to a bunch of state campgrounds charging $60 a night? so crazy to me, bookmarking this for cheaper sites to add to our list of overlanding spots 🙂

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Le meilleur circuit en famille en Californie

Ah la Californie … Ses villes mythiques, ses plages de sable blanc et ses célèbres parcs nationaux vous donnent des envies de voyage ? Alors, pourquoi ne pas partir avec les enfants à la découverte de la côte californienne  ?

Dans cet itinéraire de 11 jours, je vous présente le meilleur circuit en famille en Californie . C’est parti pour un road trip inoubliable dans l’Ouest américain  !  

Carte du circuit de 11 jours en famille en Californie

Résumé du road trip, jours 1-2 : los angeles.

Bienvenue à Los Angeles !

Votre road trip en famille en Californie débute par cette ville tentaculaire de la côte Ouest.

Un conseil, ne cherchez pas à tout faire à pied. Les distances sont immenses et vous risquez de vous épuiser. Le meilleur moyen pour visiter Los Angeles est de vous déplacer avec votre voiture de location en regroupant les activités par secteur.

Pour cette première journée, imprégnez-vous de l’ambiance de Los Angeles en commençant par Hollywood . Rendez-vous au Walk of Fame pour vous amuser en famille à trouver les étoiles de vos stars préférées.

Pour voir le panneau Hollywood et prendre LA photo culte des vacances , je vous conseille de vous rendre au centre commercial du Hollywood & Highland Mall, au Griffith Park Observatory ou à Canyon Lake Drive.

Restez dans le quartier et continuez avec la visite incontournable d’Universal Studios . Les petits comme les grands vont adorer découvrir l’envers du décor d’un tournage et les effets spéciaux 100 % cinéma avec le World Famous Studio Tour.

Accrochez-vous, le super parc d’attractions des studios Universal vous embarque dans des aventures épiques. Plongez dans les univers d’Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Kung Fu Panda, Fast & Furious et tant d’autres. Sensations fortes garanties !

Les passionnés de cinéma peuvent aussi visiter les Warner Bros Studios . Trois tours sont proposés pour tout savoir des étapes de la production d’un film. Une super visite à faire avec des enfants et des adolescents.

Venez ensuite reprendre des forces et manger un morceau au Grand Central Market . Depuis 1917, ce magnifique marché propose des spécialités culinaires à l’image des différentes cultures de L.A. Tacos, poulet frit, ramens, burgers, pizzas, etc., vous ne resterez pas sur votre faim.

Après toutes ces émotions, une bonne nuit de sommeil vous attend avant la journée de demain.

Pour ce deuxième jour à Los Angeles, direction Santa Monica . Le Santa Monica Pier n’est pas seulement le point final de la mythique route 66, c’est aussi un super endroit pour s’amuser en bord de mer. Son parc d’attractions au charme désuet vous promet de bons moments en famille. Après quelques tours de manège, marchez jusqu’au bout de la jetée. La vue sur la ville et la côte est à couper le souffle.

Prenez le temps de flâner sur Santa Monica Muscle Beach . Les sportifs et acrobates en tout genre aiment s’y donner en spectacle sous les yeux ébahis des touristes. La Cité des Anges assume pleinement son côté bling bling et c’est aussi pour ça qu’on l’aime.

Profitez d’être à Venice Beach pour pique-niquer les pieds dans le sable avant de partir explorer le quartier et ses canaux.

Si le cœur vous en dit et que la météo s’y prête, n’hésitez pas à prendre un cours de surf . Rien de tel pour se remettre du jetlag !

Si vous cherchez d’autres activités à faire en famille à Los Angeles , vous pouvez aussi faire la tournée des maisons de stars à Beverly Hills ou visiter le musée de Madame Tussauds.

La côte californienne

Jours 3-4 : sequoia national park (282 km/2h47).

Aujourd’hui, quittez l’agitation de L.A. pour la nature grandiose de Sequoia National Park . Au cœur de la Sierra Nevada, venez parcourir les sentiers de cette forêt de séquoias géants en famille.

Récupérez une carte au Lodgepole Visitor Center du parc , remplissez vos gourdes et partez à l’aventure.

Pour commencer, prenez la route en direction du sud et garez-vous sur le parking aménagé du General Sherman Tree . Empruntez le court sentier de 0,8 km aller-retour qui mène à cet arbre monumental âgé de plus de 2 200 ans. Avec ses 84 m de haut et 31 m de circonférence, le General Sherman Tree est vraiment impressionnant.

Je vous conseille de poursuivre avec le Congress Trail. Cette balade très agréable et facile à faire avec des enfants commence au General Sherman Tree.

Congress Trail

Longueur (boucle) : 3,2 km Durée (boucle) : 1 heure Niveau : Facile

Le long du chemin, vous découvrirez de magnifiques séquoias géants comme le McKinley Tree (89 m de haut), le Lincoln Tree (79 m de haut) et le President Tree (76 m de haut).

Poursuivez l’exploration du parc avec le Giant Forest Museum . Ce petit musée regorge d’informations sur les séquoias et le parc et donne accès à la boucle de Big Trees Trail.

Big Trees Trail

Longueur (boucle) : 2,4 km Durée (boucle) : 1 heure Niveau : Facile

Au départ du musée, empruntez directement le sentier de Big Trees Trail. Les panneaux d’interprétation dispersés tout au long de la boucle sont très instructifs et agréables à lire.

Pour terminer la journée sur une note sportive, prenez la direction de Moro Rock.

Longueur (Aller) : 0,9 km/400 marches à monter Durée (Aller) : 30 minutes Niveau : Intermédiaire

Avec ses 400 marches creusées dans le granit, l’ascension de Moro Rock est assez sportive, mais une belle récompense vous attend à l’arrivée. D’en haut, la vue panoramique à 360° sur le parc de Sequoia et la Sierra Nevada est spectaculaire.

Pour ce deuxième jour à Sequoia National Park , partez en direction de Crescent Meadow. Vous passerez en voiture à travers le très amusant Tunnel Log . Il s’agit d’un séquoia géant tombé sur la route et dans lequel un tunnel a été creusé pour que les voitures puissent passer.

Au bout de la route de Crescent Meadow, prenez à pied le Crescent Meadow Trail. Cette balade très plaisante invite à prendre son temps, parfait quand on voyage avec des enfants.

Crescent Meadow Trail

Longueur (boucle) : 3,2 km Durée (boucle) : 1 heure Niveau : facile

Le sentier fait une grande boucle autour d’une superbe prairie alpine entourée de séquoias. Au cours de votre promenade, vous découvrirez la Tharp’s Log. Le tronc d’un séquoia tombé à terre autrefois a été creusé pour servir de cabane aux pionniers. Les enfants vont adorer !

Vous prendrez également plaisir à photographier le Chimney Tree , un arbre dans lequel il est possible de s’assoir.

Pour vivre une expérience incroyable en famille, ne repartez pas de Sequoia National Park sans avoir visité Crystal Cave . Cette majestueuse grotte de marbre est accessible, même pour les jeunes enfants. La visite guidée de 45 min menée par un ranger est vraiment super. N’oubliez pas de vous couvrir, les températures n’excèdent pas 10 °C une fois à l’intérieur.

S’il vous reste de l’énergie et que vos enfants aiment marcher, lancez-vous sur le Tokopah Falls Trail, l’un des sentiers les plus populaires du parc.

Tokopah Falls Trail

Longueur (Aller/Retour) : 6,7 km Durée (Aller/Retour) : 2 h 30 Niveau : Intermédiaire

Le chemin débute près de Lodgepole Visitor Center et part vers l’est. Vous y verrez de très beaux paysages et à l’arrivée, les Tokopah Falls vous attendent. Ce sont les plus hautes chutes d’eau du parc.

En repartant, rendez-vous au Tunnel Rock pour un dernier point de vue impressionnant. Le long de la Generals Highway se trouve cet énorme bloc de granit dans lequel un tunnel a été creusé.  

COMPARATEUR DE PRIX DE LOCATION DE VOITURE

Jours 5-6 : yosemite national park (230 km/2h41).

Après en avoir tant rêvé, vous y êtes enfin ! Votre circuit en famille en Californie se poursuit par la découverte du parc national de Yosemite .

Ce parc situé en plein cœur de la Sierra Nevada est immense et compte parmi les plus beaux parcs nationaux américains. Yosemite est divisé en trois grands secteurs :

• Yosemite Valley au centre avec ses cascades et ses falaises de granit
• Mariposa Grove au sud avec ses séquoias géants
• Tioga Road qui traverse le parc d’ouest en est à travers des paysages grandioses

Du 20 mai au 30 septembre, gardez en tête qu’il vous faudra réserver ( recreation.gov ) pour entrer en voiture dans le parc entre 6 h et 16 h.

Passez au Yosemite Valley Visitor Center pour prendre une carte du parc et savoir si toutes les routes sont ouvertes. Selon les périodes de l’année, certaines portions peuvent être fermées à la circulation à cause de la neige notamment.

Comme vous avez déjà vu beaucoup de séquoias à Sequoia National Park, nous vous conseillons de faire l’impasse sur Mariposa Grove et de dédier cette journée au secteur de la Yosemite Valley .

Commencez par vous rendre à Valley View. Vous pourrez y admirer les chutes de Bridalveil Fall et El Capitan . Arrêtez-vous également à Tunnel View pour bénéficier d’un point de vue mythique.

Même si vous allez la voir souvent lors de votre séjour à Yosemite, ne manquez pas de vous rendre au pied de la cascade Bridalveil Fall via un court sentier de 20 min. Pour cela, garez-vous sur le petit parking à l’intersection de Wawona Road et Southside Drive.

Rendez-vous ensuite aux Yosemite Falls qui comptent parmi les chutes d’eau les plus hautes du monde. Un sentier facile de 30 minutes aller-retour conduit au pied des chutes Lower Fall. Il est possible d’emprunter le Yosemite Falls Trail pour arriver jusqu’à la Upper Fall. Cependant, cette partie étant particulièrement longue et difficile, je déconseille de la faire avec des enfants.

N’hésitez pas à remonter ensuite en direction de Mirror Lake pour une balade calme et reposante .

Mirror Lake

Longueur (Aller/Retour) : 3 km Durée (Aller/Retour) : 1 h Niveau : Facile

Parfait pour une fin de journée, ce sentier sans dénivelé longe la rivière de Tenaya Creek et Mirror Lake.

Si vous comptiez venir voir le coucher de soleil à Glacier Point, sachez qu’en 2022 il ne sera plus possible de rejoindre le belvédère par la route (même en navette) à cause de travaux routiers. Glacier Point reste accessible par des sentiers de randonnée, mais en empruntant des trails trop difficiles pour les enfants. La route devrait réouvrir en 2023.

Si vous avez envie d’explorer une autre zone du parc, n’hésitez pas à emprunter la Tioga Road . Notez que cette superbe route est fermée de novembre jusqu’à fin mai/début juin chaque année.

Cette route panoramique vous fait découvrir de magnifiques décors . Les 45 km entre Crane Flat et Tuolumne Meadows offrent des paysages à couper le souffle.

Faites absolument un arrêt à Olmsted Point sur la Tioga Road pour admirer la vue panoramique sur le Tenaya Canyon avec le Half Dome en fond.

La prairie d’altitude de Tuolumne Meadows est un lieu incontournable où il est possible de faire quelques promenades faciles. N’hésitez pas à demander conseil auprès des rangers du Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. La rivière Tuolumne qui serpente au milieu de pics majestueux et de fleurs sauvages offre un véritable décor de carte postale.

Soda Springs et Parsons Memorial Lodge

Longueur (Aller/Retour) : 2,4 km Durée (Aller/Retour) : 1 h Niveau : Facile

Au départ du Visitor Center ou du Lembert Dome parking, un chemin sans difficulté particulière vous mène à une source d’eau gazeuse. Vous y découvrirez aussi une des cabanes historiques du parc.

Lembert Dome

Longueur (Aller/Retour) : 4,5 km Durée (Aller/Retour) : 2 h Niveau : Facile

Le départ de cette jolie balade se fait depuis le Dog Lake parking. Le chemin monte d’abord dans un sous-bois avant de bifurquer en direction du dôme. La très belle vue qui vous attend à l’arrivée ne vous décevra pas.

Jours 7-8 : San Francisco (315 km/3h34)

Quelques heures de route séparent le parc de Yosemite de San Francisco . Les enfants peuvent se reposer pendant le trajet afin d’être en forme pour explorer cette ville mythique. Prévoyez des chaussures confortables, ici le dénivelé n’est pas une légende  !

Parmi les lieux incontournables à voir, le Golden Gate Bridge figure en haut de la liste . Si vous n’avez pas le temps de le traverser, vous pouvez aller au Viewpoint Golden Gate Bridge ou à la Marshall’s Beach, pour photographier le célèbre pont rouge.

Poursuivez votre balade à pied vers l’est jusqu’au Fisherman’s Wharf et les otaries du Pier 39 . Juste à côté se trouve la Coit Tower. N’hésitez pas à y monter pour admirer d’en haut la vue à 360° sur San Francisco.

Si vous avez faim, vous pouvez suivre The Embarcadero jusqu’au marché couvert Ferry Building. Dans ce temple des produits frais et fermiers, vous trouverez forcément de quoi vous régaler.

Continuez ensuite jusqu’à la célèbre Lombard Street et ses virages en épingle . La perspective depuis le bas de la rue est impressionnante.

Dans l’après-midi, partez faire une croisière dans la baie pour admirer la ville sous un autre angle, passer sous le Golden Gate Bridge et vous reposer un peu les jambes.

Terminez la journée en passant voir les Painted Ladies depuis Alamo Square Park . Vous avez forcément déjà vu ces maisons victoriennes aux couleurs pastel dans un film ! Asseyez-vous dans l’herbe en dégustant une glace de chez Salt & Straw, le glacier situé à 200 m du parc.

Profitez de ce début de matinée pour emprunter le fameux cable car de San Francisco en évitant les foules. Ce tramway rendu célèbre est un des symboles de la ville.

Si vous souhaitez visiter la très populaire prison d’Alcatraz , pensez à réserver vos billets à l’avance. La visite convient même aux enfants et vous apprendrez plein de choses passionnantes sur l’île et le pénitencier. C’est également un spot photo incontournable à San Francisco .

Au Walt Disney Family Museum , chacun y trouvera son compte. Les grands adoreront apprendre des anecdotes sur la vie de Walt Disney tandis que les petits pourront écouter des contes et participer à plein d’activités vraiment fun.

Si vous voulez faire plaisir à vos enfants, emmenez-les à l’Exploratorium . Ce musée des sciences invite les visiteurs à faire des expériences ludiques. Danser avec son ombre, toucher une tornade, arrêter le temps… vos enfants ne voudront plus partir !

Terminez votre visite de San Francisco en beauté par une balade dans Chinatown . Passez sous la grande porte colorée et plongez dans l’ambiance animée qui règne ici. N’oubliez pas de jeter un œil à votre avenir en dégustant un fortune cookie.

Jour 9 : Monterey (190 km/1h59)

Aujourd’hui, c’est une belle journée qui s’annonce ! Continuez votre road trip en famille en Californie en direction de Monterey . Ce village typique de la côte californienne plaira aussi bien aux parents qu’aux enfants.

Impossible d’aller à Monterey sans se rendre au Fisherman’s Wharf. Il fait bon flâner sur cet ancien quai de pêcheurs qui regorge à présent de boutiques de bonbons, magasins de souvenirs et restaurants.

Poursuivez la journée par la visite du Monterey Bay Aquarium qui compte parmi les plus beaux aquariums du monde.

Pour une activité familiale dont vous vous souviendrez longtemps, partez faire du kayak avec les phoques dans la baie de Monterey. Ouvrez grand les yeux, vous apercevrez sans doute de nombreux mammifères marins pendant votre balade sur l’eau.

Pour terminer la journée, empruntez en voiture la splendide route panoramique 17-Mile Drive . Privée et payante, il est possible d’y circuler entre le lever et le coucher du soleil. Rejoignez Carmel en profitant à chaque virage de superbes panoramas sur l’océan Pacifique et la forêt de cyprès.

N’hésitez pas à faire des pauses photos au Cypress Point et au Lone Cypress pour des points de vue exceptionnels. Pour observer des otaries, le Seal Rock est le meilleur spot du secteur.

Jour 10 : California Coast (201 km/2h04)

C’est avec les lunettes de soleil sur le nez et les Beach Boys dans les oreilles que vous démarrez la journée ! Ne traînez pas, un superbe concentré de Californie vous attend . Poursuivez la route vers le sud par la mythique Highway 1. De Carmel à San Simeon, en passant par Big Sur, toute la famille sera éblouie par la beauté de la côte.

Le Point Lobos State Reserve est idéal pour observer des phoques, lions de mer, loutres de mer et oiseaux marins dans leur habitat naturel.

Pensez à vous arrêter à Elephant Seal Vista Point situé au nord de San Simeon pour apercevoir des éléphants de mer. Ces gros mammifères sont très rigolos à regarder et leur bruit caractéristique fera rire les enfants à coup sûr !

Surtout, prenez votre temps et n’hésitez pas à faire de nombreux arrêts photo pour immortaliser ces paysages sauvages et escarpés de la California Coast . De toute façon, cette route vertigineuse ne se prête pas aux excès de vitesse.

Une fois arrivés à Pismo Beach, faites un passage à Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve pour vous amuser dans les dunes de sable. Un excellent moyen de se dégourdir les jambes après une journée de route.

Jour 11 : Los Angeles (324 km/3h24)

Votre séjour en famille en Californie se termine et l’heure est venue de reprendre la route direction Los Angeles pour le vol retour.

Après avoir fait le plein de soleil, d’air marin, de parcs nationaux et d’excentricité californienne, votre tribu rentre à la maison des souvenirs plein la tête !

Ce road trip en famille au pays de l’Oncle Sam vous aura sûrement donné envie de revenir aux États-Unis. Alors la prochaine fois, pourquoi ne pas partir sur les routes de Floride en VR  ?

C’est ici que se termine le meilleur circuit en famille en Californie . Alors, est-ce que cet itinéraire vous a donné envie de partir explorer l’Ouest américain  ? Dites-nous tout en commentaire et n’hésitez pas à partager vos suggestions et vos questions !

Du plus loin que je me souvienne, j’ai toujours été attirée par le mouvement et les voyages. Je parcours le monde avec des yeux d’enfant et un plaisir chaque fois renouvelé. Après 3 ans de vie et de nombreux road trips en Amérique du Nord, c’est avec joie que je partage mon expérience avec les lecteurs d’Authentik !

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