A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Final updated :April 19 , 2024. Written byLaurence Norah–122 Comment

The United States is pretty much the perfect state to road trip in , with great road , cheap gas and hundred of gorgeous destinations to take from . It ’ s no curiosity that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do list !

We’ve taken a issue of fantastic US road trip , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a road through the Deep South , and hold never neglect to make an amazing time .

One of our favourite states to explore though own to live California . With a mix of an excellent mood , some of the best National Parks in the nation , and world-famous cities to explore , you’re never die to lead abruptly of matter to do in California .

With this in brain , I want to lay together a classic two week California road trip itinerary , taking in some of the well that the sunshine province has to bid . I did a trip virtually exactly the same as this a few year back , so I know that it’s a good one .

Two weeks is also a good quantity of time for a trip like this , although you could of line extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more , or require to run a minute dumb .

• California Road Trip Itinerary
  • San Francisco – 3 Day
  • Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days
  • Santa Monica , LA – 2 Days
  • Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day
  • Death Valley National Park – 1 Day
  • Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day
  • Yosemite National Park – 3 Day
• California Road Trip Map
• California Road Trip Itinerary Overview
• When to Take a California Road Trip
• Where to Stay on in California
• How to Get Around California
• Practicalities for a California Road trip
  • Electricity
  • Internet Access
  • Currency
  • Water
  • Safety
• Farther Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

• San Francisco – 3 Day
• Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Day
• Santa Monica , LA – 2 Day
• Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day
• Death Valley National Park – 1 Day
• Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day
• Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

• Electricity
• Internet Access
• Currency
• Water
• Safety

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary have you starting and finishing in San Francisco . As it ’ s a loop , you could too start and finish at any other degree . If you would choose another begin location , LA would live the most logical .

The path runs anti-clockwise , but you are welcome to labor it in whichever counseling you favor !

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to begin our California road trip with three day in San Francisco . San Francisco cost home to the second largest airport in California , so there cost plenty of opportunity for have here for both domestic and international travellers .

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

If you’re arriving internationally , you’re move to want a few day to adapt 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 live expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around .

You won’t cost short on thing to do in San Francisco , and in fact , might feel a trivial overwhelmed by all the choice !

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

To get yourself point , we can too advocate remove a walking circuit with the excellent SFNative folk , they know the city backwards . Finally , if you’re wait for some great photo opportunities , assure out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise , there are plenty of choice in San Francisco . Hither live some of our darling choice for your stay , across a scope of budgets .

• HI San Francisco Fisherman ’ s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman ’ s Wharf , this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private adjustment choice . There ’ s free breakfast and free parking , make this an excellent option for the location .
• Marines ’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district , this great value 3-star hotel get a rooftop restaurant , library , and on-site field . Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee Creator , and breakfast equal include . A paid parking garage cost available nearby .
• Parker Guest House – feel in the old Mission district simply behind the San Francisco mission building , this is a well review and well value guesthouse extend private room . Free breakfast cost available , and parking is available on site for a sensible ( by San Francisco standard ) fee .
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yard from Lombardy Street and Fisherman ’ s Wharf in the North Beach territory , this 3 * inn offers great value for the location . Private way put up en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities . There ’ s also free parking on site .
• Golden Gate Hotel – a real well look back 3 * hotel hardly moment from Union Square . Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are include . Room cost decidedly on the cosy slope , and some have share toilet , but the price exist great for the location . Paid park available nearby .
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stay on at this restored historic 4 * 1913 hotel on a late trip to San Francisco , and love the mixing of the former and the new . We love the way , the colorful pineapple stem , and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped ! Parking is available nearby for a fee .
• Four Season Hotel – if you are after five leading luxury , then think the Four Seasons hotel . Also feel in Union Square , room exist immense , there ’ s an on-site restaurant , fitness center , and many way hold city views .

See more options for hotel in San Francisco hither , as well holiday rentals on Plum Guide hither and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Day

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is decidedly one of the good 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 live numerous highlights along the mode , from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness region . Don’t neglect Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park ( camp here if you can ! ) .

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

From Big Sur top dog further south and bring 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 assist you design the perfect coastal road trip , see out our super detailed guide to planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

For the 2 day you ’ ll spend on this role of your California road trip , we recommend break 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 adjustment options all the way down this stretch of highway , from campsites and B & B’s to luxury hotels – it all depend on your budget and what you’re aiming for . Here be a few selection to study in our recommended towns along the manner .

For your first dark , we recommend one of the pursuit :

• If you like to camp , then there are camping options in the national park along the road hither , include the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I ’ ve camp here and it ’ s lovely to cost surrounded by the massive redwoods . Merely be mindful that it is popular , and booking in progress be a must .
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stay hither when we visit Carmel . We savor 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 hotel which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection , and they ’ ve all make up excellent . This inn , found in the nerve of Carmel Village , gets good reviews . Rooms include coffee maker and free popcorn , wine with hors d ’ oeuvres is served in the evening , and breakfast is include .
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a well value inn on the way into Monterey . Rooms feature coffee makers , and a heated pool live available yr cycle . There ’ s too a fitness way , free parking and free coffee .
• The Jabberwock B & B , Monterey – simply a few blocks from Cannery Row , this very good go over B & B put up seven lovely guest rooms , some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs . Free parking , and breakfast be included .

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

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really love our stay hither on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trip . The way are spacious and comfortable , the breakfast cost fantastic , and the on-site bakery get some delightful food . There are as well 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 equal uniquely decorated , with pink being a key stem throughout . We didn ’ t stay here , but we did make dinner at the Gold Rush steak theatre on-site , which was fantastic .
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2 * budget inn cost 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 second walk from the aquarium , this three star inn is very good 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 exist a couple of blocks from downtown , and put up comfortable rooms at a well price . Room have refrigerator and coffee automobile , and free parking be available on site .
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stay hither for a pair of dark and truly savor it . The room equal lovely , with fireplaces , and some receive spa tubs . There ’ s an on-site spa , outdoor hot tub , and breakfast equal 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 good breakfast included with your stay . Each room is individually design , and thither ’ s free parking on site . A great pick in Cambria .

Santa Monica , LA – 2 Day

Los Angeles can cost a big , confusing place , particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway . That’s why I indicate you lead to Santa Monica and do that your LA stand .

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

Again , there’s no shortage of thing to do in LA . If you’re concerned in picture , you can inflict the Hollywood sign , walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will notice their thrill at the Getty Center , which also put up gorgeous panoramic opinion of the surrounding city . Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard , and of grade , you can hop on one of those tour of the star homes if you’re hence inclined .

LA also has plentiful adjustment choice to fit all budget . Here are some of our recommended choice :

• Santa Monica Motel – we revel our stay at this basic 2 * motel , which be around a 10 min walk from Santa Monica Pier . There ’ s free morning coffee and free parking , and way occur with coffee maker and in-room refrigerators . It ’ s definitely a value selection .
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel extend shared and private adjustment , around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area . There ’ sec free parking on-site , and review are positive .
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3 * hotel is a short pass from the Hollywood pass of fame , and you have a pool , unlimited free snacks , free continental breakfast and reasonably price parking . It ’ s too a short pass to the Hollywood Bowl , and merely three mile from Universal Studios . We really enjoyed staying here .
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent review and will make you feel like a celebrity . Each suite is designed after a specific former Hollywood Celebrity , and guest can avail of celebrity mode services such as in-room massages , private chefs and a personal trainer . Free parking is too included .
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4 * Art Deco hotel live a short pass from Santa Monica pier , and offers ocean views and on-site dining . Breakfast live available , and parking be available on-site for a fee .

Learn more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo hither . For a more curated apartment rental choice , assure out Plum Guide . You can see their LA listings hither .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles , you could as well 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 compare to LA , and thither ’ s a great trade to do here as well .

For more reading on San Diego , insure out this guide to matter to do in San Diego we set together .

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

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

It’s a wonderful place , the encounter degree of two deserts , and offers well opportunity 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 decidedly reserve a patch good in progress if this is your program ) , differently , there exist various stick opportunity outside the park if you’re not bad into camping . You should as well live aware that there live real special water availability in the park ( and no hookups for RV’s ) , so make sure you lend plenty of water and food – this be a remote desert environment after all !

Hither are some suggested adjustment options in nearby Twentynine Palms .

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2 * property become good reviews , and room arrive with a coffee automobile , microwave and refrigerator . There ’ s too free parking on site .
• El Rancho Dolores – this exist a great value 3 * property with a seasonal pool . Room have microwaves and refrigerator , and free parking be include .
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a real good rated 2 * hotel offering a scope of suites , each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a total kitchen . There ’ s a hot tub and gym on site , and free parking exist available .
• – this 3 * chain hotel offer comfortable and well reexamine adjustment , with an outdoor heat pond and fitness heart . Rooms have coffee making facility , microwave and humble fridge , and there are BBQ facilities available for guest habit .
• Fly Point Homestead – if you want something a little moment different , match out this place . It ’ s actually a holiday home quite than a hotel , but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer !

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general part on .

Bill , if you desire to include a detour to Las Vegas , this would be the second to make hardly that . We ’ 500 hint add a pair of day to your trip if you require to receive the city and its surrounds as there ’ s a lot to see and serve hither . Then you can retort the trip at the future 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 hither ) equal the hottest and driest place in North America , and has recorded the hottest ambient melody temperature in the world .

Early than build you want to crank up the AC then , what make Death Valley offer ? Well , there’s that sense of remoteness . The immense , unforgiving wilderness . The knowledge that you’d likely fail pretty quickly if you pass to thread off and have lost ( don’t wander off and have miss folk ) .

Truth exist told , there’s plenty to serve here . You can visit Badwater Basin , the lowest level in the intact North America , which actually seat 86 metres below sea stage . Then there are sand dunes , salt flats , craters , colorful canyons and hiking opportunities galore .

Exactly be mindful that this exist a seriously inhospitable , and , in the summer month , unbearably hot , destination , so . If you’re appear for more ideas on spend a day in Death Valley , check out this excellent place .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to steer further north , up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive equal quite incredible , along the Sierra Nevada mountains , and the scenery ( and temperature ) will convert dramatically as you rise into this gorgeous part of the world .

Mammoth Lakes cost an adventure fan playground . You can go hiking , camping , cycling , stone climbing , horseback riding , fishing – the list get on ! There’s as well a specter town , trade beer companies , shopping opportunity – essentially , fairly much everything you could reckon .

Whilst you’re here , you should as well take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Today a country nature reserve , Lake Mono cost a million year former lake notable for the “tufa” tower , calcium carbonate structure that bear above the lake like strange modern art installation . Decidedly worth a visit , and particularly photogenic at dawn and sundown .

Yosemite National Park – 3 Day

In the end on our amazing California road trip , I’m going to indicate you pass three day exploring Yosemite National Park before maneuver back to San Francisco to give your hire vehicle and head place .

Yosemite equal without doubt one of my favourite position in the total United States . It’s a curiosity of nature , a photographer’s paradise , and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in honey .

There’s a luck to see and do here , which equal why I’m going to suggest taking three day to have the most out of your visit . This will permit you see all the highlights , as well as go for some longer hikes ( or drives ) , and not sense also rush .

I’ve make 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 cause ( or hike ) to Glacier Point , Tunnel View , Valley View and Bridalveil Falls .

If you enjoy long , more challenging day hikes , then Half Dome is a seriously ambitious pass ( permit required ) , as exist the pass up to the height of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of adjustment options in Yosemite National Park , place from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabin , through to luxury hotels .

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation , and the repose operated on a first come first serve basis . If you need to camp , we highly advocate booking well in advance , which you can do hither .

There equal also nine lodging options control by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park , which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself . These can cost appropriate up to a yr in advance , and scope 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 make introduced a reservation system for park debut . If you are visiting between former May and the end of September and design on drive into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will want to have a reservation . You can find out more and make your reservations online hither .

California Road Trip Map

We ’ ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary , which you can hear below , and also on Google Maps . Bill that depend on the time of yr , access to Yosemite can be curtail due to snow , so you have to take the long style cycle .

In increase , parts of the Pacific Coast Highway equal often closed due to damage caused by landslides . As such , the map should cost seen as an overview kinda than a classic road . You ’ ll want to design your own California road trip route that matches any current road weather and closures .

You can match the status of the coast route ( state highway 1 ) , as good as all the other road in the land , on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – 3 :San Francisco
• Days 4 – 5 :Pacific Coast Highway
• Day 6 & 7 :Los Angeles
• Day 8 :Joshua Tree
• Day 9 :Death Valley
• Day 10 :Mammoth Lakes
• Day 11 – 13 :Yosemite National Park
• Day 14 :Return to San Francisco

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly well year round destination , but there equal a few things to be aware of when planning your trip . In the Winter month , places like Yosemite can get accessible especially from the east slope , due to snow , as you can meet in the map above .

The main road in to Yosemite exist the Tioga Road , and this is usually close from November through to May or even June . In addition , share of the park , include Glacier Point road , exist much shut for a similar timeframe .

If this occur to you , you’ll have to bring a grave detour to get in base on this itinerary . A better choice might be to encompass the snow , and point up to Lake Tahoe for some tremendous skiing opportunity . Or , you can head east , out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas .

In summertime , the heat can exist quite intense , in special 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 adjustment options to satisfy fairly much every budget , although larger city and busy month do run to increase the prices . We ’ 500 ever advocate book in advance for your trip if possible – in peculiar for national park campsites and hotels , and to begin the serious deals on city centre hotels .

For two mass travelling together , you’re looking at a budget scope of $ 60 – $ 150 per dark for comfortable private en-suite accommodation , although you can obviously pass far more than that !

Our preferred choice for hotel booking is booking.com , as they usually hold the well prices , regularly run deal , and many properties offer serious final second cancellation policies . Learn their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started .

We also use and advocate Plum Guide and Vrbo for vacation rentals .

For more ideas , take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and point on getting the best bargain on adjustment when you travel .

How to Become Around California

This is a road trip , then plainly you’re get to want a hire a car ! We recommend explore for your car rental on Discover Cars hither . They compare a scope of providers so you can find the best trade for your trip .

Driver with alien licenses equal allowed to drive , if your license is in a words other than English then you would cost good with either an international driver license , or a certified translation .

Another choice of course exist to employ a camper van or RV , which will let you stay in campgrounds and other , more out of the mode areas . This can exist a fun means to travel in a more self sufficient manner . If this sounds like you , we recommend equate RV rental cost at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to serve you feel the right one for you . Regard their USA listings hither .

We can also recommend checking out RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a minute like the AirBnB of RV rental ! Like selection include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

If this is your first time in the USA , or you simply desire a reminder of what it ’ s like to labor in the USA , check out our guide to labor in the USA for lot of tip !

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy , but we need to share a few matter to assist make design your California road trip a little easier .

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system , with plug that equal either two pin or three pin . The hole are level , and sometimes the two pin plug hole will be different size , so the plug will alone move in one style .

If you ’ re coming from much of the repose of the world , include Europe , the UK or Asia , you will decidedly require a . You will also involve to check that your equipment supports the 110v provision , as much of the repose of the reality employ a 220v supply .

In our experience , most electronics like laptops and phone chargers take over a universal voltage , whilst higher ability device like hairdryers make not . Always match the device itself , the voltage rating should cost on your plug or adaptor somewhere .

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi , which can be base for free at most hotel , cafe , bars and restaurant . There are too a issue of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list .

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a salary as you die SIM in the USA . One of the good selection is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores .

For more selection on getting online when travelling , assure out our guide to come online when travelling to assist you enter out the best selection .

Currency

The USA uses the US dollar , and there equal ATM ’ s available throughout . In our experience though , you can pay for almost everything with a credit card , so you will rarely need cash . Whilst it is worth having a few bill on you , for the most part you gain ’ t need them .

Instead , just make sure you hold a credit or debit card that doesn ’ t charge you any alien transaction fee and use a fair price for currency transition , and you should be good to go .

Water

Water across the USA is safe to drink , unless otherwise indicated . There be drinking fountains in the majority of public locations , and we advocate you travel with a re-usable water bottle so you can simply fulfill it up as you go .

One affair we ever love about travelling in the USA exist how drinking water is ever brought to your table at a restaurant – something we bid was standard around the world !

Safety

For the most part , the USA is a safe destination to travel in , and we have never had any problems . Of line , every country has crime , and areas where you would be wise to head off , still if you pattern basic safety precaution , keep your valuables out of sight and act as you would at home , you should cost fine !

Farther Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California cost a very popular destination , so there’s no shortage of inquiry material to help you plan your trip ! Hither exist some of my favourite resource :

• We have a guide to things to cause in San Diego
• I ’ ve compose a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you go on the road !
• Wonder how much a California road trip will cost ? Match out our guide to how much it cost to travel in the USA to aid you design your trip budget .
• Jess get a guide to push the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you circle of estimate for that section of the road
• If you ’ re concerned in California ’ s wine country , find our guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 end in California , so take a tone at our guide to be after a route 66 trip , as well as our elaborate 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s Guide to California , which as well include details on a act of fantastic road trip
• The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding thing to do , places to eat and place to stay on
• A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS !
• If you’re planning on hire an RV or camping , this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly bear for itself
• The official Visit California page , which will give you more advice on what to learn and when to visit
• For more in California , see this awesome guide to places to call in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
• My guide to things to act in Redding California , if you settle to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a alien rural area can equal daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to assist you compute out the better options for your trip
• And if you ’ re looking for inspiration for the repose of the USA , insure out our USA part , which include 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 make any comments , suggestion or additions , do pop them in the commentary below . Plus , if you liked this place , do check out the repose of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world !

Monthly Giveaway

Cause n’t miss out on our exclusive monthly giveaways with lots of fun travel and photography related prizes ! to find our current giveaway and enter !