California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary will take you along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, through deserts, around lakes, and over mountains. It is one of the most diverse road trips you can make in the United States.

We have personally driven these roads on various trips and visited all the sights recommended. This two-week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips, whether long or short.

1. San Francisco – 2 Days

The initial stage of our California road trip itinerary begins in San Francisco. It’s easy to fly into from major hubs, and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Moreover, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as in Los Angeles, making it the perfect start for your California adventure.

Spending two days in San Francisco will allow you to see iconic landmarks like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before heading south. There are excellent guides available for planning your stay effectively.

• Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a City Pass and explored the neighborhoods by bus. It was an excellent way to get acquainted with the city’s layout.

Things to do in San Francisco

• Pier 39
• San Francisco Cable Car
• Alcatraz
• Golden Gate Park – one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• The Painted Ladies – made famous by Full House
• Hippie district of Haight Ashbury
• Chinatown
• Palace of the Arts

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city. A Golden Gate Bay Cruise allows you to view many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. Watch for marine life such as sea lions and dolphins as you cruise the Marin Headlands.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf to be close to the city’s iconic locations.

• Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night.
• Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – An eco-friendly hotel close to the beach, designed with modern amenities, priced around $200 per night.
• Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique hotel features nautical-themed rooms and is centrally located near key attractions.

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterey.

After leaving San Francisco, head down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can choose to stay in either Monterey or Carmel By the Sea, as they are only a 10-minute drive apart. When visiting Monterey, getting out on the water is essential, as it’s one of the best locations in the world for whale watching.

Consider taking this Monterey Bay tour that departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf for an unforgettable whale watching experience.

Things to See and Do

• Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there’s one thing to do in Carmel, it’s to tour 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures.
• Cannery Row – This historic area has transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings filled with eateries and shops.
• Monterey Aquarium – The centerpiece of the city focusing on the region’s marine life.
• Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss the chance to kayak and view the diverse marine life.
• Surfing Carmel – Beginners can enjoy the sandy shallows of Carmel Bay, perfect for surfing lessons.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterey

The Hideaway – Centrally located in Monterey, close to restaurants and the beach, featuring luxury amenities.

Suggested Place to Eat: La Belana Cucina Toscana, with a delightful true Tuscan atmosphere and local farm-to-table menu.

3. Big Sur – 1 Day

Drive about an hour down the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Big Sur.

The Pacific Coast Highway ranks as one of the top scenic routes for California road trips. Therefore, we recommend spending at least two days to explore Big Sur. You can use Monterey as your base for discovering this magnificent area.

A great complement to your Big Sur road trip is to download a Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour app. The app guides you to top scenic stops and provides audio commentary along the way.

Things to See in Big Sur

• Bixby Bridge – Famous for appearances in films and television shows; it’s fantastic to visit at sunrise when crowds are minimal.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Known for McWay Falls, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
• Pfeiffer Beach – A stunning beach that’s less visited than others, offering serene beauty.
• Garrapata State Park – Features hiking trails along the coast with extraordinary views of rugged landscapes.

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

We made Ventana Resort our base while exploring Big Sur, enjoying luxurious accommodations and picturesque surroundings.

4. Santa Maria – 1 Day

This drive takes about 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, allowing time to see the sights along the way.

As you continue down the coast, Santa Maria is a charming town with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

• Hearst Castle – A magnificent estate on 127 acres overlooking the coast, offering guided tours to learn about its history.
• Morrow Bay – Boasts a picturesque beach and famous Morrow Rock.
• Pismo Beach – Another great stop along the way if time permits.

5. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

It’s just a one-hour drive from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is renowned for its stunning wine country, boasting nine different wine routes to explore.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

• Sunset Sail – A relaxing way to take in the beautiful sunset over the California Coast.
• Stearns Wharf – Experience this historic pier dating back to 1871.
• Shopping – Explore upscale shops along State Street.
• Museums – Visit the many museums, including the Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara, the perfect place to unwind after a day of driving.

6. Los Angeles – 2 Days

With a drive time of just an hour and a half, you can dive into the excitement of Los Angeles.

Experiencing Los Angeles is essential for any California road trip. With numerous attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city.

Things to do in Los Angeles

• Explore iconic locations like Universal Studios and Disneyland, or hike to the Hollywood sign.
• Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Don’t miss the stunning beaches, such as Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach.

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

After Los Angeles, you can either head south to San Diego or start your journey back north to San Francisco.

7. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Drive two hours from Los Angeles to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park features the merger of two deserts, offering incredible lookout points and a unique cactus garden.

8. Death Valley National Park

Driving through Death Valley takes about 2 hours non-stop.

This park should be on your California road trip itinerary. Be prepared for the high temperatures; however, stunning scenery abounds along the route.

• Safety in Death Valley: Carry plenty of water, use sun protection, and dress appropriately for the heat.

9. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

The drive from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park is approximately 7 hours.

Yosemite is renowned for its iconic formations, such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls, making it an essential visit.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite offers a diverse range of hiking trails and stunning viewpoints. Remember to plan your accommodation ahead, especially during peak seasons.

10. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

The drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

There are major tourist areas in both South and North Lake Tahoe, with South Lake featuring more nightlife and commercialism. In contrast, North Lake is tranquil, perfect for nature lovers.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Scenic Drive: Take time to explore the scenic views around Emerald Bay State Park.
• Emerald Bay State Park: Offers numerous scenic stops that are must-visits.
• Winter Sports: From skiing to snowboarding, Tahoe is a winter wonderland.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

• Cedar Crest Cottages are ideal lodging for families in North Lake Tahoe.
• Sunnyside Resort offers welcoming accommodations with added amenities.

11. Sacramento – Bonus Night

A stop in Sacramento is recommended before heading back to San Francisco. This historic city offers unique attractions worth exploring.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

Consider staying at The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel for a convenient location near Old Town.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

Your total trip cost can vary widely based on accommodation choices and activities. If you stay at campgrounds, expect to spend about $35 nightly, while luxury options can exceed $1,000 per night.

• This road trip covers approximately 1,500 miles: Expect to spend around $262 on fuel at an average rate of $3.50 per gallon.
• Meals will vary: Dining at luxury establishments can range up to $200, while roadside diners will cost around $20.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

Regardless of your route, you’ll witness some of the best scenery California has to offer. We hope this itinerary inspires your road trip adventure!

Your journey can be concluded by returning to the San Francisco Bay area for your rental car drop-off or exploring further. California has a multitude of places waiting to be discovered.

Now, you are ready to embark on a fantastic road trip through California!

To see our comprehensive itinerary for California, you may visit Visit California’s website for additional insights.