This post is about the best 7 day Itinerary exploring California.
California is a huge beautiful state that one could spend a lifetime exploring every nook and cranny. While it is impossible to get to every worthwhile spot in just a week, I’ve taken the time to highlight my favorite spots I think are worth spending your short time here on.
This California road trip itinerary is a great way to see this breathtaking state. If you’re looking for a more pacific coast highway road trip then this might not be for you. I think the PCH deserves its own separate trip itself!
Feel free to adjust based on your needs and preferences. This trip would best be taken during the summer, as the highest points in the parks will be open and accessible. You will need a rental car if you’re flying in.
This trip begins in Southern California in San Diego and ends in San Francisco.
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Use the table of contents below for easy navigation!
Know Before You Go
- You will need a rental car. There’s no way to do this trip without a car!
- Keep plenty of water with you when driving into the mountains. Snacks won’t hurt either. I am the type to prepare for the worst so I always keep at least a gallon of water with me in the car; its cheap and the California heat can be exhausting!
- Bring a paper map and download maps beforehand. Some areas we are traveling to are quite remote. Download maps and directions beforehand and better yet get a paper map in case you get lost. You’ll be happy you had it! (It also makes a cute souveneir for a scrapbook).
- Reservations are needed to visit Yosemite National Park. Check out the link here for more information and to book your date.
- This itineray is flexible. Do what’s most important to you! For example, you will see below we take Route 395 up to Yosemite from LA and spend 2 days on that. Instead, you could take I-99 which would only require half a day thus freeing up a day to spend anywhere you want instead.
Day 1 : Arrive in San Diego
After flying in to San Diego, you will need to get a rental car. We recommend purchasing in advance for a seamless process and usually a cheaper price.
The time of your flight and energy levels will determine what all can be done today. Arrive early if you can and ask your hotel to hold your luggage. We’ve got some exploring to do!
Activities:
If you like the idea of spending the day on a Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise, be sure to book early (like 2+ weeks in advance to be safe) and keep in mind cruises take about 3 hours. There are light snacks and drinks on board.
If a cruise is not your thing, check out the USS Midway Museum if you’re a history geek or spend the day at the San Diego Zoo. If you opt for the zoo, take a walk around Balboa Park afterwards. There’s lots of beautiful gardens, museums and architecture to explore in the park.
Check into your hotel and get ready to grab dinner (see options below). After dinner, go to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for Sunset. There’s nothing quite like a west coast sunset and watching the sun slowly dip under the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Eat:
For lunch go to Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe for sandwiches, hot melts or salads. Whatever you get be sure to order a charcuterie board or a “beach box” of their cheeses along with.
For an upscale dinner consider Dockside 1953, a gorgeous waterfront restaurant inside of the Bahia Resort Hotel, serving fresh seafood and steak with delicious cocktails and draft beer selections. Provisional Kitchen is also a good option with more food options as well as a champagne vending machine!
Hodad’s Downtown is a great dinner or lunch option with classic burgers and malt milkshakes along with a fun atmosphere and interesting American decor.
Where to Stay:
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The Hilton is a mid range options with on the water views and great proximity to downtown while still being away from the hustle and bustle. It is close to Petco Park, the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum and the airport. This pet friendly option has a pool and a spa as well as 2 bars/lounges and a restaurant.
The Rambler Motel
For a cheaper option check out The Rambler Motel. Although a little farther from downtown and the airport, this motel is a super fun accomodation with a modern retro vibe, featuring a pool, bar and restaurant. It is right next to public transportation and a short drive from downtown.
Day 2: Drive to / Explore LA
Get breakfast at the hotel and check out early. Drive up the coast along the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles, about 2 and a half hours. If you want to spend your day in LA at Universal Studios, its best to go straight there and spend the rest of your time at those places. Otherwise, follow the below itinerary.
Activities:
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is on the way past La Jolla; a gorgeous park boasting a combination of sea and mountains. Getting an early start means beating the crowds when coming here. This is one of very few places to see the endangered Torrey Pine tree.
Check out the High Point Trail (which is really just an overlook than a trail) for panoramic views, then hike on Razor Point Trail or Guy Fleming Trail.
After the reserve, follow the PCH all the way to Laguna Beach. Grab lunch, then take a leisurely stroll along the water, walk through beautiful Heisler Park, or check out the art museum.
When done at Laguna, either take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the celebrity stars and if you have the time, stop at the Griffith Observatory to get a picturesque view of the famous Hollywood sign. Consider driving down Mulholland Drive too, as its a fun one!
Where to Eat:
Bubba Gump Shrimp
A restaurant and market eatery with more options than just shrimp. This is one of the highest rated establishments in LA. Certainly worth a try!
Langer’s
A great option for lunch, this jewish deli is the best of its kind. Offering delicious sandwiches, soups, breakfast options as well as a variety of dinner entrees.
Where to Stay:
The Prospect Hollywood
A charming hotel in a great location with beautifully decorated rooms with terraces, a chic vibe and lots of space. The hotel itself has an old Hollywood vibe with a bar and breakfast available in the morning.
CitizenM Downtown
A more affordable option is the CitizenM. This hotel has a modern and simplistic design with a bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Rooms include a tablet that controls features of the room like lighting, air conditioning, TV, etc.
Day 3: Drive to Yosemite (Part One)
I highly recommend taking Route 395 up to Yosemite. This is a long scenic drive but the views are absolutely stunning. Consider stopping along the route for a picnic lunch or hike.
There’s plenty unique spots to make along this route like ghost towns. The incredible views of the Sierras and breathtaking Alabama Hills make this long drive feel shorter than it is. It is also often closed in the winter so be sure to check before driving if you’re planning on doing this trip anytime besides summer or late spring.
We will be splitting this drive up in 2 days to get the full experience. If you’d rather spend two days in Yosemite, make this drive in one day and head straight there. You can also take I-99 instead which takes about half the time, but you’ll be missing out on some incredible views.
It also matters what time of year you do this drive. I wouldn’t recommend it in the winter, summer would be the best time. Late May / June would be the earliest as Tioga Road (leading into Yosemite) is closed until then.
Check out Yosemite’s website to see if Tioga Road is closed or not before attempting.
Activities:
Enjoy the drive! Be sure to fuel up in LA before leaving. This part is about 4 hours of driving.
We will be driving up Route 395 and staying in the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area / Lone Pine.
If you have more days in your trip than 7, consider checking out more of the national parks in this area. You’ll pass by Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon, all incredibly beautiful places!
Red Rock Canyon State Park
This park is on the way up from LA. Its a fun little stop for a quick hike to stretch your legs along the route. There’s Utah desert-like landscape here featuring unique red rock formations that would remind you of Mars!
Drive Whitney Portal Road
This scenic route is a must see especially if you’re not planning to hike or don’t have the time. Its a gorgeous 13 mile drive winding through the Eastern Sierras with many different viewpoints on the way you might recognize in famous movies! There’s also a souvenir shop along the way.
Museum of Western Film History
For the history and movie buffs, the Museum of Western Film History is a must see. The museum boasts a wide collection of western film memorabilia and interesting exhibits. You can also get a map here detailing locations in Alabama Hills that famous movies were filmed.
Admission is $8 and the museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily.
Where to Eat:
Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery
A great breakfast spot in Lone Pine offering delicious scrambles, burritos, sandwiches and other traditional breakfast favorites as well as a lunch menu with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, etc. Be sure to check out their homemade pies and other baked goods!
Tacos Los Hermanos Food Truck
Amazingly delicious Mexican food offered here. Enjoy some incredible tacos, quesadillas or burritos at their outdoor seating area or get it to go and picnic at Spainhower Park.
Where to Stay:
You can camp in Alabama Hills if you so choose! It is free dispersed camping. Check out their website for more information if you wish to camp. If not, check out the following hotels outside of Alabama Hills in Lone Pine.
Be sure to book early, especially for weekends or holidays! Places fill up fast and booking early ensures the best deal.
Mt Whitney Motel
This is your basic mountain motel offering clean rooms at an affordable price. The amenities are scarce but they do have a pool, free wifi and friendly service. A great place to stay and rest your head for the night.
Historic Dow Hotel
This is another basic amenities hotel but with a bit more of a luxury vibe and a higher price point. Here there is free wifi, a pool, and outside patio area.
Day 4: Drive to Yosemite (Part Two)
This is another 5 hours of driving, so fuel up before leaving! We will be driving from Alabama Hills to Yosemite, via Route 395.
Activities:
Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar was a Japanese internment camp during WWII where Japanese American people were held captive and treated horribly. This site was established to spread information about the cruelty that these people experienced during World War 2.
We highly recommend going to the visitor’s center and watching the 20 minute film about Manzanar to learn about the history of the site. Afterwards, spend some time reading the exhibits in the center and then drive to Block 14 to learn more about daily life at Manzanar inside of two of the remaining barracks and other historic buildings.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Located close to Lone Pine, this forest contains some of the oldest trees in the world! A very neat thing to see, these trees can live up to 4,000 years old. Patriarch Grove boasts the world’s largest bristlecone pine tree, The Patriarch Tree. The twisty shape of the trees and unusual climate make for a unique exploring adventure.
Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
A beautiful place to soak in a hot spring and take in the sights around you. There are several different hot springs along this route, we just particularly like the views at this one! Its also close to Yosemite at the end of your drive therefore making it the perfect spot to relax after driving and exploring so much.
Where to Eat:
Indy Place
Indy Place is the home of the Eastern Sierra Ice Cream Company: A small ice cream shop featuring ice cream and non dairy frozen dessert all hand made in small batches with fresh natural ingredients. This is a great spot along the drive for a refreshing treat in the summer heat!
Owens Valley Distilling Company
Owens Valley is a great stop in Bishop for a delicious craft cocktail and rotating food vendors. This distillery has a wonderful modern atmosphere but stays true to the rustic charm of the Eastern Sierras.
Erick Schat’s Bakery
A wonderful deli with delicious top quality ingredients and enormous selection. There is fresh homemade bread, pastries, cake, pies, sandwiches, you name it! This is a must stop along your travels, you will not be disappointed!
Where to Stay:
Be sure to book early! Places fill up fast. You will be booking two nights here. There most likely will be an extra cost during the summer months but booking early will help get the best deal.
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
This is your luxury hotel option for staying in Yosemite. Rush Creek has a pool, hot tub, poolside bar, restaurant, coffee shop, snack bar, spa, and a gym! This place has everything you could really need to keep your stay stress free.
June Lake Motel
June Lake is a more affordable option offering gorgeous views and a comfy bed to rest your head at night. Here there is free wifi and free parking along with friendly and helpful service. A good spot to kick back and relax on your stay in Yosemite.
Day 5: Explore Yosemite
Today your day will be spent exploring Yosemite! Be sure to get an early start today as parking fills up quick in the park. Also get gas before entering the park as there aren’t any options to do so inside.
Reservations are now required to visit Yosemite, so check out the link here to book yours before visiting the park. Book a full day reservation.
Activities:
Only one day in the park certainly limits things! But here is what we would recommend:
Tioga Road
Based off this itinerary you should be coming from south by Route 395 and thus onto Tioga Road once you enter Yosemite. This is a beautiful scenic drive boasting views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point is one of the most breathtaking views in the park and the most easy to get to! There is really no hiking required as you drive a scenic route up to the point, park in a parking lot and walk to the viewpoint. There is also a gift shop here so you can commemorate your experience. Keep in mind that this is a great place to watch sunset!
Yosemite Valley
This viewpoint is an iconic location with easy access! Expect high traffic here, but its for a good reason. This is a common entrance spot into the park so its easy to find and also hit on your way out of the park. It is really gorgeous here any time of year; but especially beautiful during sunset or early morning.
“[T]he far-famed valley came suddenly into view throughout almost its whole extent: the noble walls, sculptured into endless variety of domes and gables, spires and battlements and plain mural precipices, all a-tremble with the thunder tones of the falling water. The level bottom seemed to be dressed like a garden, sunny meadows here and there and groves of pine and oak, the river of Mercy sweeping in majesty through the midst of them and flashing back the sunbeams.” –John Muir
Hikes to Consider
Bridalveil Fall Trail
This is a short easy trail measuring half a mile that leads up to Bridalveil Falls. It is usually the first waterfall you see when entering Yosemite. It is a paved trail up to the falls, which has heavy flow in the spring and a misty spray in other seasons.
Be sure to stay on the trail as rocks are always slippery and walking on them can lead to serious injury. This hike takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Mirror Lake Trail
This trail has awesome views with a unique perspective looking up at Half Dome. It is a 2 mile trek which round trip takes about 2 to 3 hours, or you can just go to the lake and back which is only one hour. The lake is most full in the spring and most often is dry during the summer.
There is still gorgeous scenery to be seen here despite the fact!
Wawona Meadow Loop
If you love wildflowers this short hike is a must see! Since they bloom here most of the year, you will be able to see spider lupine, tufted poppy, applegate’s paintbrush, fiddlenecks, primrose and more. This loop is a short one mile trek that is rated easy and takes about 30 minutes.
This is a great bang for your buck hike as it offers gorgeous views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.
Where to Eat:
There are lots of food options available within the park. For a fine dining option, check out The Ahwahnee Dining Room which also features a bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. In Yosemite Village, there is Degnan’s Kitchen offering great breakfast and lunch food like sandwiches, pizza, coffee drinks and baked goods. Check out this link if you want to see more dining options available in Yosemite National Park.
Where to Stay:
See accomodation in above Day 4 section!
Day 6/7: Drive to San Francisco
If you want to get the most out of San Francisco and you don’t have much time, wake up early and get moving to have a full afternoon there before your flight tomorrow. I’m combining both days 6 and 7 since they’re in the same city and what you can do depends on the time of your flight on day 7.
Activities:
Drive the Golden Gate Bridge
Well, you kind of HAVE to see the Golden Gate Bridge if you’ll be in San Fran, right?
No, you don’t. But you should!! It is just as beautiful and iconic in person as it is on TV and in all the pictures. There’s a couple different viewpoints that give a great picture of this famous structure. Check out Crissy Field if you want a large park to roam around in that just happens to offer a beautiful view of the bridge in the distance. Fort Baker is another great option featuring the city skyline neighboring the bridge, making a great photo op.
Keep in mind there is a toll when driving on the bridge back into the city. It is also a popular main route for many commuters so you will likely experience traffic. Take it easy and enjoy the views on this beautiful drive!
The Painted Ladies
If you’re a Full House fan or grew up watching the show, then The Painted Ladies is a must see! Its a gorgeous spot to see victorian architecture and sit to have a lunch picnic if you so choose. Consider spending time walking through Alamo Square and witness the city skyline on a clear day.
Lombard Street
Quite literally the curviest street in the world, Lombard Street is an iconic landmark of the bay area and fun to take a drive down. The location boasts gorgeous architecture and beautiful greenery throughout the neighborhood.
Japanese Tea Garden
This is a unique spot to spend some time in SF. Stroll around the garden and take in the beautiful scenery and serene greenery. Be sure to enjoy a hot cup of tea at the tea garden cafe! Admission costs $18 for adults.
Where to Eat:
The Mill
The Mill is a cafe / bakery that is right around the corner from the Painted Ladies and Alamo Square. This is a wonderful cozy spot for a light breakfast with specialty toast options, smooth four barrel coffee and fresh baked bread. Keep in mind this is an unplugged place – there is no wifi or outlets here.
The Baked Bear
This is the perfect place if you are a cookie and ice cream lover – especially if you love them combined! You can DIY your own ice cream sandwich made with their homemade ice cream and hot cookies. Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, you won’t regret coming here and watching the sea otters bask on the dock at Pier 39 while enjoying your ice cream sandwich.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a gold mine for delicious food and gorgeous ambience. Some would say its too busy or a tourist trap, I would simply disagree! While it is definitely a high traffic area there is a reason why, it is worth visiting.
Golden Gate Bakery
This place is incredibly famous for their egg tart which I highly recommend if the business is open on your visit. Their hours are unreliable due to short staff so don’t get discouraged if they’re not open when you visit – there’s plenty more to see in Chinatown (and taste)!
China Live
China Live is a two story marketplace featuring a restaurant and bar, tea cafe and shop offering necessities for cooking like spices, condiments, cookware, produce and tea.
Where to Stay:
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
A luxury option for a San Francisco hotel, this place boasts incredible views along with a pool, restaurant, bar, gym, free wifi and in prime location of downtown San Francisco.
Francisco Bay Inn
The Francisco Bay Inn is a more affordable option located in the city center of San Francisco. Here you will find free wifi, free parking, comfortable beds and friendly service all for a good price!
Conclusion
There’s SO much to do in California, one could spend an entire lifetime exploring its serene coastline, gorgeous mountain ranges, rich history, incredible forests and exciting cities. While a 7 day trip can only pack so much, we tried to fill this one up with as much worthy experiences as we could!
What are you looking most forward to seeing?
Happy exploring!
