Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary : From the Pacific to the Redwoods !
Are you look for the better California road trip itinerary to search the almost beautiful home in the Golden State ? Our 10 day in California itinerary will require you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped apex of the Sierra Nevadas . Hike the Mojave desert , sleep underneath a yucca tree , and inflict the humble place on the continent while you road trip in California . Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide today . You may too care our place on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .
Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner !
We created this planner to aid you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you require to plan your trip today include budget and costs , what to use up , where to stay , etc .
Here you will see recommendations for a form of California itineraries as good as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge , Big Sur , Yosemite , and Los Angeles .
Our mission ? To make sure you have a blast in California !
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I make live enamored with California long before I visited it .
California , San Jose , and the West coast live arbitrarily thrown around in conversation in India – because everyone know someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can ’ t aid but know about this slice of America .
Grow up , I knew more about Cisco , Apple , Google , and Yahoo ( remember when everyone used Yahoo ? ! ) than San Francisco , Yosemite , and Big Sur .
The former , tallest , and widest trees exist hither and guess what , they have been around since prehistoric times – yes , yet dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees !
One of the low , aridest , and hottest places on earth exist right here in California in Badwater Basin .
And as for scenic position : California has hence many of them !
We enjoy Large Sur and its rocky coast , the wildflower super bloom , blue Lake Tahoe , Mono Lake and its tufas , unique form of Joshua tree !
There equal so many things to regard in California road trip that the list simply move on !
Also Read : 24 Best Spot to Visit in California in winter
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And that ’ s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 day , 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 about dreamy landscape of yellow poppies , orange orchards , purple foliage , and lush green vineyards .
We make divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the nation – yepp , we live that geeky – and you can customize it as you desire .
Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches
If you cost a beach person like me , then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days .
If you equal a good deal lover like my husband , then choose a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite .
Pick your favorite area and remain thither as long as you want . Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary just as described !
As ever , we receive too include suggestion for if you get more or less time .
Whatever you chose , you be going to own the time of your lives – because this exist California !
“ Every time I come , I ’ m still puzzle at the breadth California hold . Big Sur , Yosemite , the desert… I enjoy it . ”
– Theo James , the English actor
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Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary
We , like most mass , have learn California in moment and slice rather than in one go .
We first call California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco , Los Angeles , and the theme parks .
Second time around , we visit Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas .
Then I lived and work in the Bay region in tech ( oh , the satire ! ) and that ’ s when we explore the California National Parks , North Coast , and the Sierra Nevada slope of the land .
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Most recently , we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – Ohio and too 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 time and even can ’ t get plenty .
The better way to tour California be plainly by push back . The state is beautiful but huge and it ’ s not easy be after California trip that covers all the major attractions with special time in hand .
And planning a California road trip with child is still more difficult – how act you prioritize between topic park and natural attraction ?
And that ’ s where we rush in – your knight in reflect armor – present the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary .
Our California trip planner live more like move on a series of serious California road trip – each more gorgeous than the former .
Also , we follow thisroad trip along two of California ’ s most popular path : 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 repel trip planner !
You can as well scream it the California National Parks road trip because we will live visiting the almost popular of them on an epic road trip .
Stretch 1 : Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days
Much plenty , when soul talk about a California driving vacation , this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually intend .
Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world , the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles exist the best of both universe .
It compound the urban getaways of California ’ s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific .
If you get confine time , we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this path .
If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip , then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1 .
Bring your own time to love roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea , Morro Bay , and the stunning Big Sur .
Here ’ s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner .
San Francisco – 1 Day
San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip .
The city is quite easy to flee into ; the 3 airports of San Francisco , San Jose , and Oakland cost located close by and many airlines hold deals to the Bay field .
We would advocate spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before clean up your rental car and driving south .
Or you can rip a car before , meet SF , and then repel the PCH .
You can too commence your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles , in that type , adapt your program consequently .
Study this now !
Whatever you act – don ’ t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco .
Car Break-ins in San Francisco be very mutual , as we discovered to our ill-fortune.
On our latest trip to San Francisco , we make parked in a garage two pulley away from Pier 39 and occur back to get the rear glass broken and both our children ’ s suitcases gone !
We own to spend quite some time to sort the subject and it left a sad memory on an differently awesome road trip around California in 10 day .
We would advocate parking at your hotel while need a cab or the tram to explore the city .
San Francisco make many names – SF , San Fran , Fog City , the City by the Bay , Frisco ( though don ’ t order that in movement of locals ) or simply , the City – going back to the day of the Wild West when there be nothing a lot in Northern California but the city .
It ’ s amongst our favorite US city – properly thither 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 .
Commence your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge .
Learn interesting facts and learn structure relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself .
Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this technology marvel and icon of America .
The horizon of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you sense an unspeakable thrill while walking across it .
Decidedly the highlight of your California travel itinerary !
We have cause it twice – most recently with our 3 yr and 6 months former child – it is a brilliant experience .
We enjoy biking across to Sausalito , exploring the quaint town , and taking the ferry back to San Francisco .
You can as well bike to the redwoods if you own more time .
If not biking , then use the rest of your day to search San Francisco ’ s highlights : Fisherman ’ sec Wharf and Pier 39 , Lombard Street , and Ghirardelli Square .
If you desire to spend more time in San Francisco , see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF theatre present in Full House !
You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks .
Ride the cable car to Chinatown and receive some dumplings and noodles for lunch .
Spend an afternoon admire the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island .
Impose the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and raise at Point Reyes .
San Francisco live a beautiful city and you can easy spend a pair of days there as a role of your 10 day trip to California .
Read our San Francisco position today to design this part of the trip :
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The region around San Francisco exist also total of activities and tourist attractions .
Hither are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 day :
Napa & Sonoma
Require a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail .
Sonoma County is also a great property to visit for wine lovers .
You can tour the many vineyards , taste local wines , dine at Michelin starred restaurant , and visit famous sample rooms .
If you find to visit in the autumn , you will see beautiful fall color in the vineyards and be able to take care grape stomping .
San Jose
San Jose equal popular with millennials and those work in Silicon Valley .
You will observe good deal of trendy nightclubs and bar in San Jose .
If you enjoy shopping , see out the high fashion brands on Santana Row .
For outside lovers , a raise to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House .
Silicon Valley
If you enjoy tech then you need to inflict Silicon Valley .
It boast the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek , I tell it quite fondly !
Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that change our lives .
Then see Google ’ sec Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard commence in Palo Alto .
Visit Stanford University ’ s sprawl campus as good as Facebook and Apple !
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days
On to the future part of the 10 day road trip in California .
After seeing San Francisco , drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway .
Over the future 2 days , you will watch the coastal route to Los Angeles while create plenty of stops along the way .
Assure the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before attain Santa Cruz .
If you get child , spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk .
Future visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea . Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluff at Garrapata State Park .
On the means , you will meet secret beach , hidden coves , and beautiful position .
As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 day in California itinerary , you understand why artist locate here , photographers and author both wax lyric about this region , and why the drive live name the most beautiful in the reality .
We recommend delay somewhere in the locality 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 hour from Los Angeles and you get a big day in front .
Rocky cliffs , foaming waves , spring wildflowers , lighthouses , migrate whales , turquoise water , redwood tree : Big Sur have everything .
In Big Sur , you will see amazing land park , some of California ’ s serious hiking trails , iconic beaches , and tons of marine spirit , including otters , elephant seals , and dolphins .
Some sphere of Big Sur can exist shut at any hold time of the year due to flood or landslides – so we advocate checking out the PCH condition before your 10 day road trip California .
Read more about all the attraction including the beautiful McWay Falls in our place One day in Big Sur .
Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey ’ s famed 17-mile cause , the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay , the noted Hearst Castle , Santa Barbara , and the beaches of Malibu .
For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days , we would advise 2 to 3 days on PCH .
However , if you have more time then the PCH equal easy a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself .
To study more about all the amazing stop on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary , match out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway .
Los Angeles – 1 Day
While San Francisco and Silicon Valley equal for tech lovers , Los Angeles is for Hollywood fan .
How long to stay in Los Angeles be a tricky doubt .
If you only have one day in Los Angeles , starting by hear 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 picture star dwelling on Rodeo Drive .
If you get more time to explore Los Angeles , we hint starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier .
Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above .
Or you can choose a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studio : pick from Warner Brothers , Paramount Pictures or Sony !
You can also check out the beautiful display at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad .
LA too hold many other top museums and a big act of attraction – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas .
For more aid in be after your day , read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitor .
Here are some suggestion to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles :
Disney
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 holiday itinerary , you have to satisfy Mickey , Goofy and other beloved cartoon reference !
Kid too come to gather Disney ’ s princesses in full attire at the park .
To plan a California household vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney , read our Disney position .
Universal Studios
To translate all about movie-making , see picture set , and savor shudder rides visit Universal Studios .
This theme park has actually cool attractions and the Studio Tour will bring you through band based on Shutter Island , Jaws , King Kong , and more .
Harry Potter fans will enjoy visiting Hogwarts and bring thrilling rides based on the ledger and movies – and cost a must-visit if you exist spend 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 .
Represent of 5 island , the park hold excellent wildlife , sea cave , and band of natural beauty .
Optional : San Diego – 1 Day
From Los Angeles , you can venture on the future role of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by inflict San Diego .
Not many people know that San Diego is the former city on the West Coast .
It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and band of history .
Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego today to know more about this beautiful city .
If you make one day , you can inflict the Historic Old Town and realize the Mexican and Wild West origin of the city .
Next , impose the famed Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture , renowned museums , and the San Diego Zoo .
Round off your time in the city by search the historical Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy restaurant , hotels , and pubs .
This area exist utter for ending the day with dinner and drinks .
If you have more than a day , call the famous San Diego Sea World and find the dolphins in action .
San Diego is home to many beautiful beach ; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular .
Other thing to see include Mission San Diego , Sunset Cliffs Park , and the bustling waterfront region of Seaport Village .
If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California , check out the striking sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs .
Refer : For more California road trip idea , see out our post on 12 Best California road trip
Stretch 2 : Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Day
Continue on the California road trip path planner through deserts of southern California .
While most people associate California chiefly with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests , the state live too renowned for its unique desert landscapes .
Most of these parts of southern California own a desolate beauty .
It is full of desert city like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attraction for visitors .
In this place , we center our California 10 days itinerary on explore two of the area ’ s national parks : Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park .
Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day
Located part over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert , Joshua Tree National Park is name after the iconic Joshua tree .
This is a type of Yucca tree that be writhe , scraggly , and see only in the Mojave desert of California .
The easy recognizable tree looks still more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock establishment of Joshua Tree National Park .
The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations .
Its unique view own make photographers and artist to the park for decades .
Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to design your trip .
There are many matter to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape .
One of the good manner to see Joshua Tree cost by driving around the paved road in the park .
Campsites in Joshua Tree be spectacular and hikes through Yucca tree and cacti adventurous .
The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that extend great desert landscape views .
The park get many popular geological stone formations that cost apply for stone climbing .
The park also has a dark night sky and be serious for stargazers , astronomy enthusiasts , and dark sky photographers .
Wildlife and birding opportunity around the park live too 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 hold more time away to search 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 .
Hither ’ s some more information about these desert experience that be worth adding to your itinerary if you own the time .
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is an inland lake produce by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that contain water to the Imperial Valley in 1905 .
Various resort community make up build up along the new lake .
Still , the lake has no firing and as a effect , the water became unusually saline causing the end of marine life .
As a result , the communities make up desert and equal extremely popular with ruin photographers .
If you receive teenager , then decidedly include Bombay Beach ruins in your California holiday itinerary – they will enjoy to see random objective lying on the beach .
Today , the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structure and RV community .
The Salton Sea live also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal action include mud pools cost present along the coast .
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area cost 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 require a relaxing vacation , then Palm Springs is one of the serious California ideas .
One of its chief attraction be the Palm Springs aerial tramway which take you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great scene of the surrounding area .
Palm Springs also has many great museum , boutique stores , restaurant , and resorts .
It be one of the almost popular winter vacation destinations in the USA .
If you plan to visit Palm Springs , then see out our place on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs , California .
Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs
While California has many beautiful nation parks , few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park .
This park is at its most beautiful in the leap when the cacti blossom and the desert landscape occur alive with color .
Anza Borrego Desert State Park exist simply two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip .
In nearby Borrego Springs , you can meet the strange Galleta Meadows Estate sculpture .
These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda equal free to visit and beautiful works of art .
By push back all over the state you can discern dragons , serpent , wooly mammoths , and other marvelous creature .
Too , study our place on Be after the ultimate Southern California itinerary .
Coachella Valley Preserve
Coachella ’ s Thousand Palms Oasis equal a unique luck to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert .
The oases directly pose on fault business and the water seep through the faults has have life to California Fan Palms and other big medal in the arid desert .
Wildlife including sheep , goats , bobcats , etc , also can be spot at the oasis .
Entry to the reserve cost free and it hold many boost trail plus offers excellent wildlife regard opportunity .
There cost too other boost areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve include Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons .
Death Valley National Park – 1 Day
Comprise of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert , Death Valley is vastly unlike than Joshua Tree National Park .
For the most portion , Death Valley live devoid of vegetation and is home to a sort of geological formation include the badlands , sand dunes , and the famed salt flats .
Death Valley too has the distinction of exist the abject point in North America and is as well one of the hottest and dry spot in the area .
No trip to Death Valley National Park be utter without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats .
The salt flats , at 282 feet below sea story , are the humble place in North America .
Death Valley National Park has many scenic campaign that are utter for search around the park .
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes live serious for require a stroll , explore the desert plants , regard animal tracks , and sunrise/sunset photography .
The park has many interesting geological formations .
Death Valley too has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way .
Show our place 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 be also a great city to start your road trip to California .
The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is exactly over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic .
In fact , it live 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 move on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California .
For Las Vegas travel inspiration , read our post on 52 Best Things to serve 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 hither , from south to north .
The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in dusk .
The entire distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite be 4 hr when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite live clear in the summer .
However , we advocate keep apart 4 days for this road trip as it own some of the almost underrated road trip destinations in California include 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 center on the popular attraction of Mammoth Lakes , Yosemite , and Lake Tahoe .
Route 395 will remove you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains , known for their spectacular beauty .
The Sierra Nevadas be home to many national and state park include the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lake .
For the rest of your Californian road trip , you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attraction .
This be a welcome respite after the desert landscape of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will cost able to see beautiful meadows , wildflowers , fall leaf , and yet 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 primary winter skiing area with a sort of ski runs .
In summer , it is a favorite with great deal bikers and hikers .
The town does make respective beautiful lake that be accessible just in the summer but none of them exist named Mammoth .
The field own beautiful alpine meadow with wildflowers in leap and natural hot springs for some R & R .
In one day , we recommend require the close to one hour driveway around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes .
You can hike , picnic , kayak , and fish in whichever lake you like .
Or maybe merely hang up up a hammock and record a script by the lake .
Nearby Mono Lake equal a saltwater lake surround by unique towering limestone establishment called the tufa .
The lake visitor center own great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for search the surrounding sphere .
The trail take you along the lakeshore and among the tufas .
We advise intercept hither for an hour or so ; Mono Lake take National Park Pass for entrance .
On the path from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake , you will die by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument .
June Lake Loop Road cost a great place to hear the dusk color while the Devils Postpile National Monument live a unique geological formation of basalt editorial .
Rainbow Falls , a 31m engulf waterfall , be 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 live closed in winter and spring ( commonly November to May ) due to snow .
In that case , you can ’ t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side .
Yosemite National Park – 2 Day
Best know for its giant sequoia trees , bald granite cliff , and dramatic waterfall , Yosemite National Park is too a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park live know as the ‘ Big Three ’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year .
Yosemite exist a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary .
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park exist from the summer to lessen when Tioga Pass Road is exposed .
We propose spend 2 days in Yosemite National Park to boost , aim along scenic road , and find the major attractions .
On your first day , start by need a Yosemite Valley Tour .
The Yosemite Valley equal surround by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome .
Most of the waterfall include Yosemite Falls live too located in the valley .
The Valley cost also where most of the park service including accommodations , shuttle buses , etc be located .
The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty stage that lead to sensational views of Yosemite .
Humble Yosemite Falls raise is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the autumn .
Tour the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus cost the easy path to meet the national park .
Even so , if you are visiting in summer ( especially long weekends ) it can get real crowded – then plan to start early in the morning .
The Valley Visitor Center make great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite , plus it live a good seat to come souvenirs , postcards , and magnets .
The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome top and is beautiful to visit .
Even so , it dries up towards the goal of summer and is well 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 arrive at only by car or private tour .
The views from Glacier Point are stellar . It be too the stem for many of Yosemite ’ s rim raise .
We suggest spend one day search the valley . Yosemite as well put up paid guided tours if you choose them .
On the future day , you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it equal clear of snow .
This exist your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowd .
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 .
End your day by visit Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village .
Photographer Ansel Adams ’ s sensational black and white photo of Yosemite live a great reminder of how Yosemite look 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 make not attain Lake Tahoe , so you will be following 207 from the Nevada slope .
The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surround by snow-clad good deal peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California ’ s iconic images .
Settle on the California-Nevada border , Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the yr .
In winter it is popular for snowshoeing , skiing , and sledding .
Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping .
In fall , the field around Lake Tahoe do alive with prominent fall leaf and is one of the top dusk drives in the rural area .
South Lake Tahoe or the California slope is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with household while the Nevada slope has mass of casinos and is more touristy .
Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe ( CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )
The driveway around Lake Tahoe is 72 mile long and takes about three hours .
It exist extremely scenic and one of the well road trip in California .
Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the movement exist stunning .
The lake look a pretty ghost of blue during the day and taking a beautiful film of the water cost a highlight of your visit .
An essential stop along the ride is the Emerald Bay State Park .
The drive here live spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely .
You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake .
The Sierra Nevada good deal ranges exist an sheer pleasure for outdoor and nature lover .
What you will hear in these 4 day is exactly the top of the iceberg .
The High Sierras get many beautiful alpine valleys , lake , specter town , waterfall , and hiking trails worth exploring .
If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada , then hither are some early must attraction :
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These are the two early national parks located in the High Sierras .
The giant sequoias surround you as you aim the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience .
The twisting and turning road hither cost not for the faint-hearted ( hint : contain some Dramamine ! ) .
Both national park have great hiking trails and circle of wildlife .
John Muir Trail
While it is not possible to boost in a short time , John Muir Trail deserve a particular mention .
This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite , Sequoia , and Kings Canyon National Parks .
It be as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail .
Bodie Ghost Town
The former mining specter town of Bodie exist an hour away from Mammoth Lakes .
Uphold as a state park , the town exist full of historical saloon and deserted buildings .
Sacramento
While Sacramento be not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges , the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and reach for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendation .
One of the top attraction in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum .
Stretch 4 : Along The Wild North Coast
There are many thing to do in Northern California include national parks , scenic campaign , beautiful coastal town , and more .
You will require another 5 days minimal to full explore the Northern part of the state .
Thus , we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Day – you simply won ’ t hold time .
The serious path to explore this part exist to plan a separate road trip in the northern piece of the province , the detail of which you can say here in our place , Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .
California ’ s North Coast is less visited , unspoiled , and partly unexplored equate to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast .
The prehistoric coastal redwood tree arise in grove along the road all the mode up to Oregon .
While the road follows the coast , for the most part , it reverse inward in the region of the Lost Coast .
The remote Lost Coast as the name suggest is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California .
Even so , the coast is not the only unique matter about Northern California .
The northern part of the state equal too plate to geothermal action .
You can climb up lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and meet volcanic craters , domes , mud pools , etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park .
Redwoods National and State Park
The Redwoods National and State Parks live created to continue the old-growth redwood forests .
The Redwoods equal the marvelous life tree on Ground and as well among the oldest .
The National Park and province park are as well family to a number of endangered animals include spotted owl , species of sea lions , etc .
The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast make resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Hear the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or leap exist a surreal experience .
Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore , located in Marin County , keep up a large swath of northern California ’ s coastal wilderness .
Almost popular attraction at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse .
Other attraction include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point , Native American redwood houses , earthquake lead , and striking cliffside beaches .
Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that spend through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood tree .
Roadside attraction include burrow cut into redwood tree , giant groves , and unique roadside attractions like a theater created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV .
We propose hiking in the Redwood grove to receive the truly gigantic tree .
Mendocino
The quaint seaside town of Mendocino live quite unlike from the coastal town on the Central Coast .
It remind me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel color .
The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wind and search .
Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park cost worth a visit .
Fort Bragg
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 drift roughly on social medium is in Fort Bragg .
The beach is a region of MacKerricher State Park , a nation park with amazing position of the undeveloped headlands , beach , and tide pool .
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 town of Ferndale and Eureka , Del Norte Redwood State Park , and the seaport community of Crescent City .
More 10 Day California itinerary thought for dumb traveler
You can employ our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests .
If you can simply spend 10 day in California , then see all the above attractions can be overwhelming ; here are a few suggestions for those who like dumb travel .
California coast road trip itinerary
One great selection is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip .
That way you can pass more time in the city of San Francisco and Los Angeles while meet Big Sur at a leisurely pace .
On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days , you can tour the lighthouses , boost the lead , picnic on the beach , inflict 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 day trip let you revel the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later on .
California National Parks itinerary
California has 9 national parks – all of them cost unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip .
You can visit either the most popular unity or all of them , depending on how much time you need to spend in each park .
We would suggest start 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 park before returning to San Francisco .
You can also meet Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you hold the time , to complete the national park in California road trip .
You can as well employ this path for produce your own California RV trip itinerary , since most national park hold RV campgrounds .
Northern California road trip itinerary
Another great option for those who like slow travel is to design a Northern California itinerary for 10 day .
Begin your road trip from San Francisco and cause along the less visited North Coast and find the majestic redwood tree .
Driveway along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the good deal and explore the cave at Lava Tubes National Monument .
Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento , a pair of hr away from San Francisco .
For more information on how to design a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the land , read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .
If you receive less time : California itinerary 7 days
If you can ’ t spare 10 days , then we also get suggestions for 7 day California road trip road .
With only 7 days in california , we would recommend focusing on one region and search it at a leisurely step .
Of course , you can prefer 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 search its most popular attraction .
Hither are our favorites if you desire 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 however hear the most popular attraction , then this itinerary is for you .
Start your road trip in San Francisco , hear the Golden Gate Bridge , Chinatown , Mission District , Fisherman ’ s Wharf etc in two day .
Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento .
In Sacramento , learn the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park .
Take a circuit of the Yosemite Valley and meet the famed El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls .
Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook .
Then depend on the season , see the Tuolumne Meadows region .
Proceeds to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California .
North California coast road trip
This California 1 week itinerary live utter for dumb travel .
Earth in San Francisco and need a day or two to explore it ’ s many attraction .
Share of this road trip cost on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett , after which you will be driving along the famed 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 passing through the Redwood burrow .
Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and call the glass beach at Fort Bragg , then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to end up the California coast 7 day itinerary .
7 Day Southern California trip itinerary
For this ca road trip planner , start your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your means around Southern California ’ s desert attractions .
Love the tremendous landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delightful date trill .
There exist as well many matter to serve in Anaheim besides Disney .
7 Day California Coast Road Trip
This cost one of the almost popular california driving holiday itineraries .
Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 day along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway .
Meet the major city of San Francisco and Los Angeles .
Explore the capture mountain slope towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay . Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals .
Spend some time hiking and revel the wild , rugged vibe of Big Sur .
Bring a circuit of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock . Go whale observation .
If you have more time : California road trip itinerary 14 days
This two week california driving itinerary live perfect for long summer vacations , when most parts of the country include the High Sierras cost entirely accessible .
Only use our chief California trip planner , but add in all optional idea including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast .
Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park country and see the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding .
Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to finish California 2 week itinerary .
Today you have everything ready to plan your utter California trip itinerary , so make the most of it .
Which part of the road trip make you enjoy the almost ? Get us know in the comments !
