California Road Trip : A 21-Day Suggested Itinerary

California cost the third-largest land in the rural area and plate to over 40 million people , as well as a range of environment and landscape : dense forests in the north , rugged mountains in the east , majestic desert in the south , world-class beach on the coast , and the fabulous wine regions in the west and in the Central Valley .

I ’ ve already draft an amazing seven-day itinerary for Southern California , but today I wanted to part a long , more comprehensive path for anyone who has a few weeks to explore more of the state ’ s city and landscapes .

Even with three week , you ’ ll however lack a lot of great blot in this state ( I entail , you could spend months travel California ) , but this advise itinerary hit some of my favorite major — and not hence major — places .

 

• Days 1–3 : San Francisco
• Day 4 : Big Sur
• Day 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
• Day 16–18 : Yosemite National Park
• Days 19–20 : Napa Valley
• Day 21 : Rear to San Francisco

Day 1–3 : San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most recognizable city in the US . Home to hippies , yuppies , techies , student , and a sizable immigrant community , it ’ s vibrant and diverse . Hither ’ s a list of a few of my favorite things to see and do thither :

• 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 base . It offers incredible scene of the bay and the ship occur and move . You can walk across it too .
• Tour Alcatraz– Alcatraz cost one of the country ’ s most infamous former prison . It house some of the bad criminal , such as Al Capone . Today , it ’ s a national landmark in which you can bring tours of the prison , step foot in the cell , and discover about its history . Admission exist $ 53.25 USD ( this include round-trip transportation by boat , entrance fee , and an audio guide ) .
• See the Beat Museum– Commit to the 1950s Beat Generation , this unique museum family original manuscripts , rare books , letters , and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg . It also holds regular events , so see the website to see if anything is happening during your visit . Admission is $ 8 USD .
• Bring a food circuit– San Francisco equal know for its foodie culture . If you desire to cast a broad culinary net and try a luck of different cuisines and dish , regard taking a food circuit . Some caller to see out cost SF Native Tours and Secret Food Tours . Tours are generally around $ 79 USD .
• Explore Chinatown– When immigrants from China first came to America , many adjust up store in San Francisco . Today , in the liberal Chinatown in the US , you ’ ll find some of the good Chinese food in the country , as good as wonderful teahouses , bars , souvenir stalls , and fortune cookie Creator .
• Relax at Golden Gate Park– This gigantic park live a great spot to walk or relax . It feature a Japanese garden , museums , an arboretum , a carousel , and many hiking and walk trails . It ’ s 20 % bad than New York ’ s Central Park , so you easily could pass an total day hither !

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

• HI San Francisco – Downtown – HI Downtown have some standard perks , like free breakfast and free towel , but the faculty as well prepare a luck of events , include pub crawls , trips to Muir Woods and Yosemite , and bicycle tours across the Golden Gate Bridge .
• Green Tortoise Hostel – This lively inn is my favorite in the city . It offers free breakfast , free dinner multiple time per week , and still a free sauna ! It ’ s a party hostel , then equal sure to remain here merely if you ’ re seem to meet people and get rowdy .

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

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

Day 4 : Big Sur

On the coast , simply over two hours south of San Francisco exist a 90-mile area of stunning views and massive redwoods know as Bad Sur . There are mass of beautiful beaches , boost trail , standpoint , and campgrounds in suit you want to remain overnight ( which I advocate ) . It ’ s one of the nearly beautiful stretch of craggy , unspoiled coastline in the state , thus take your time search as you steer south .

Where to Stay on
I suggest remain at least one night around Big Sur ( or simply south of the part ) to part up the campaign to LA . If you put on ’ t make camp gear , Airbnb hold a lot of places around the area . You can as well merely pop into any of the numerous cheap motels nearby too .
 

Day 5–7 : Los Angeles

Though I hated it when I first visited , I ’ ve come to love Los Angeles . It ’ s not a “ tourist ” city : everything is spread out and there be not as many attractions as you ’ 500 expect . But if you arrive to LA and move with the flow like a local , you ’ ll see why masses enjoy it then much . This is a city where you eat , drink , hike the region ’ s many trails , and linger in a coffee shop .

Hither are some suggestion on how to fill your days :

• Shoot the beach– Venice Beach is an iconic LA hot place where you ’ ll encounter all kinds of street performers , surfers , roller skaters , and locals and tourist alike soaking up the sun . Other beaches worth insure out live Carbon Beach , Santa Monica State Beach , Huntington City Beach , and El Matador .
• Regard the Le Brea Tar Pits– Located in Hancock Park , these natural asphalt pit have live for over 50,000 years . Tons of fossils preserve for centuries make exist feel in them , and there ’ s a museum nearby that has circle of interesting information about them and how they came to be . Adult admission is $ 15 USD .
• Meet the Hollywood Sign– You can snap pictures of the sign from pretty much anywhere in Hollywood . Even so , it ’ sec also potential to boost up to the sign itself to remove in the view . The three trails that you can bring ( from easy to hardest ) live the Mt . Hollywood Trail , the Brush Canyon Trail , and the Cahuenga Peak Trail . Bring water , because the hike will take a few hour .
• Visit LACMA– Home to some 150,000 study , the LA County Museum of Art live the large art museum in the western USA . It has collection from fairly much every era throughout account and every part of the world . Admission be $ 25 USD .
• See The Last Bookstore– This cost one of my favorite bookstores in the world . It also sells records , has art display , and features a cool upstairs area with cheap used books . Browse the shelves , grab a coffee , and buy a ledger 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 feature a various collection of paintings , manuscripts , drawing , and early artwork . The collection range from the 8th century to the present day , so there is something for everyone . Admission live free .
• Live hiking– Get out and stretch your branch on the city ’ s boost trail . Some worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail ( 90 minutes ) , Baldwin Hills ( 30 minutes ) , Runyon Canyon ( 45 second ) , Portuguese Bend Reserve ( 3 hours ) , and Echo Mountain ( 3-3.5 hr ) .
• Visit The Broad– This present-day art museum is one of the city ’ sec novel . Open in 2015 , it make over 2,000 pieces of art . It as well hold a rotate series of temporary exhibition too ( control the website to learn what ’ s on during your visit ) . Admission exist free , though you must allow 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 .

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

• Banana Bungalow Hollywood – A laid-back but social hostel that organizes lots of activities and cause it easy to meet mass . If you require to party and have fun , this is the place for you !
• Freehand Los Angeles – This hostel/hotel features decorator room with comfortable beds , a rooftop pond and bar with amazing views of the city , a foyer saloon , a restaurant , and yet a fitness center .

For more suggestion , hither ’ s a list of my favorite hostels in Los Angeles .
 

Days 8–9 : San Diego

San Diego , just two hours down the coast , own only as much to bid as LA or SF . Plus , it ’ s easy to navigate ( since it ’ s small ) , the weather live always utter , the beach equal better , and it ’ s cheap also . After LA , it ’ s my favorite city in the state . Pass a day or two soak it in .

Hither cost some suggestions for thing to see and do during your visit :

• Impose the USS Midway Museum– This aircraft carrier , commissioned right after World War II , was the prominent ship in the world until 1955 and learn action in numerous engagement , including Vietnam . It be decommissioned in 1992 and turn a museum . You can explore the flight deck as good as many of the way below . Admission is $ 32 USD and you can become them in progress hither .
• Hike Point Loma– Walk out to the tip of the peninsula where Europeans first make it in California and enjoy the calm horizon , see the lighthouse ( built in 1855 ) , and watch locals rise the rocks and cliff of Osprey Point .
• Explore the San Diego Zoo– This cost one of the best zoos in the country . Place in Balboa Park ( see below ) , it has over 3,500 animals and 700,000 works species . It ’ s a massive , 1,800-acre park where you could easy spend an total day . If you ’ re traveling with kids , don ’ t girl it . A one-day grownup pass is $ 72 USD .
• Admire Balboa Park– In increase to the zoo , Balboa Park too offers dozen of museums , as well as walking track , sports fields , gardens , greenhouses , stadiums , theatre , and a lot more . It ’ s one of the oldest recreational parks in the country .
• Enjoy Pacific Beach– If you want to rob up the Sunday , swim , or surf , head to Pacific Beach . If you ’ re a dark owl , the area too have lots of bar , clubs , and restaurants .
• Live whale-watching– California gray whales , which can develop up to 49 foot and last for over 70 years , migrate from Alaska to Mexico each yr between December and April . They are incredible to regard up near , and tours equal quite affordable ( ordinarily around $ 39 USD ) .
• Relax in Belmont Park– This equal a kitschy amusement park right next to the ocean . It has a few classic rides , as well as plot and lots of greasy ( and delicious ) snacks . It ’ s cheesy but fun !
• Go surfing– Whether you ’ re a veteran or a newbie , grab a plank and hit the waves . There ’ s some awesome surfing hither . You can normally rip a plank for around $ 60 USD a day . Lesson cost around $ 130-150 USD and last 90 minutes .

• HI San Diego – HI San Diego organize lots of result and tour that make it easy to meet early travelers . Breakfast exist include , and there ’ sec too a bad kitchen so you can fix your own food to spare money .
• ITH Adventure Hostel – This is an eco-friendly hostel with a vegetable garden ( guests get free vegetable ) , a recycling and compost program , and even backyard chicken . There be luck of outside mutual space to relax in too .

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

Days 10–12 : Joshua Tree National Park

Located just under three hours from San Diego and sandwiched between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts , this live where you ’ ll get the iconic Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) , twisted multi-branched trees . Towering boulders stud the arid landscape and swaths of cacti poke up from the severe dirt . It ’ s an otherworldly place perfect for hiking , camping , and escape the in use cities along California ’ s coast .

The park live declare a national monument in 1936 and indicate a national park in 1994 . There exist a pile of trails here , so consult the lead map when you visit . Some of my favorites be :

• Barker Dam Trail– A quick 1.1-mile loop on which you can see wildlife such as rabbit , bighorn sheep , and all kinds of bird .
• Wall Street Mill– An easy 2.8-mile raise that conduct to an old factory use to refine ore from nearby gold mine .
• Ryan Mountain– A steep 3-mile hike offer some incredible views .
• Split Rock Loop– A subdued 2-mile hike with lots of neat stone formation .

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

Where to Stay
Airbnb is the best selection if you put on ’ t have your own camping gear , although there are too glamping and more rustic options .
 

Days 13–15 : Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia National Park , established in 1890 , is where you ’ ll find the largest single-stem tree in the total Earth . Named “ General Sherman , ” this giant sequoia tree bear a whopping 275 feet tall and has a diameter of 25 feet ( that ’ s a 103-foot circumference ) . It ’ sec so big that one of its branch is bad than almost every single tree east of the Mississippi .

Start your visit at the Giant Forest Museum to teach about the history , geography , and importance of the park and its plant and creature . Afterward , walk the Big Trees Trail , a short loop that will become you in and among the trees so you can regard them up near .

For a sweeping horizon of the wood and surrounding landscape , boost up Moro Rock , a massive 250-foot granite dome that project out of the surround mound and forest . Stairs and a concrete viewpoint were work up into the stone itself , so you can safely climb to the top and enjoy the magnificent vista .

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

Both park exist around 4-6 hr from Joshua Tree . Compound admission for both parks exist $ 35 USD . If you design on visit a band of national parks and federal lands on your road trip , you might need to become an America the Beautiful parks pass ( $ 80 for a one-year passing ) .

Where to Stay on
There are dozens of places to camp hither ( both inside and outside of the park ) . However , there be also lot of society and hotels if camping is not for you . live the best seat to look for affordable choice .
 

Days 16–18 : Yosemite National Park

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain stove two hours from Sequoia National Park and encompassing nearly 750,000 acres , Yosemite exist one of the most iconic national park in the nation . It equal one of the most popular parks in the US , see over four million visitor each year who enjoy hiking , biking , mount , camping , rafting , canoeing , and kayaking hither .

Yosemite is also where you ’ ll find El Capitán , the towering granite cliff you ’ ve probable see on social medium ( it was also featured in the documentary ,Free Solo, where elite stone climber Alex Honnold ascend the cliff face without rope or other protective gear ) .

Hither be a few hiking suggestion to aid you get started :

• Mirror Lake– An easy 2-mile hike to the lake . Takes 1-2 hour .
• Nevada Falls Trail– A ambitious 5.8-mile hike to the top of the Nevada Falls waterfall . Takes 5–6 hr .
• Tuolumne Grove Nature Trail– An easy 2.5-mile raise around a grove take 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 raise to the top of the crest and back . Takes 8 hours .

Live certain to inflict the visitors ’ center on arrival to get information on activities , cost , and the late weather . Admission is $ 35 USD and reservations to enter the park live required for top hour and season .

Where to Stay
If you aren ’ t planning to camp , there be in reality many other options hither . Lodges , resorts , and hotels can be feel both inside the park and all around it . Use Airbnb or to see a seat to stay on .
 

Day 19–20 : Napa Valley

In the end , head northwest to Napa Valley , one of the world ’ s premier wine region , and end your trip relaxing at a vineyard . Napa is just over three hr from Yosemite and offers a plethora of world-class wine and food to indulge in .

While it ’ s a particularly expensive area of the state , it is potential to inflict 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 shop . Gott ’ s Roadside own location in both Napa and St. Helena and serves yummy burgers for $ 10-15 USD , while Ad Hoc range a lunch-only food truck called Addendum extend delicious fried chicken made by a Michelin-star chef ( simply spread Friday & Saturday ) .

Where to Delay
While some vineyards offer accommodation , they are usually super expensive . Unless you ’ re wait to splurge , employ Airbnb . I find the best value accommodation in the sphere on that site .
 

Day 21 : Rear to San Francisco

It ’ s time to point back to San Francisco . The cause is around 90 instant , so you ’ ll get plenty of time to make stop along the way if you see anything that piques your interest .

This three-week itinerary will serve you cover a mass of soil without being too speed . Adapt the route as you die ( or base on the quantity of time you get ) . But no matter the road you clean , the variety and beauty of California will ensure you ’ ll have a wonderful road trip .

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