The World Was Here First

How Much Will a California Trip Cost in 2024?

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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california trip how much

The California lifestyle is an iconic one, and those seeking it have made it the most visited state in the US. However, this west-coast state also has a reputation for being expensive and unattainable to visit for budget travellers, which begs the question: How much will a California trip cost?

Of course, visiting California can be quite expensive if you’re not smart about where you spend your money, however, it is also possible to visit this great state on a shoestring budget. Especially if you’re interested in outdoor activities (of which California has many) and are willing to cut costs in your food and accommodation costs, your trip can end up being a relatively affordable affair.

On average, you can expect your trip to California to cost $135-330 per person per day for budget to upper mid-range travellers. However, your trip cost can vary significantly depending on how you plan to allocate your spending across the below categories.

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices

Whether you’re exploring beautiful beaches or heading to the shores of Lake Tahoe , you’re going to need to find a great place to stay.

The first thing you need to consider when trying to figure out the average cost of your trip is how much your accommodation costs will be. Accommodation is likely to take the biggest dent out of your total California vacation cost, so it can help to get a good idea on how much you’re willing to spend.

If you’re planning a coastal road trip and plan to stay in hotels, expect to pay, at a minimum, about $80-100 per night. Hotels in California, even traditionally “budget” hotels, can be incredibly expensive.

You also could opt to get a private room on Airbnb . While this is something we recommend on virtually every other cost guide we have written, it stands as true in California as it does elsewhere in the world.

A surfer about the hit the waves in Pismo Beach

Not only does a private room through Airbnb give you a comfortable bed in a room all to yourself, but you also get the added benefit of staying with a friendly local who will help you out with all the best tips and tricks for where you’re staying. 

Depending on where you are, private rooms on Airbnb typically start at around $80-100 per night. If you want to cut costs even further, try and find accommodation a little bit outside the main tourist centre. This will inevitably save you some money in the long run.

If you want to try and cut costs even further, look for a room that allows you access to the kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. I will get into the cost of food in California later on in this article, but it’s worth finding accommodation with self-catering facilities if you want to try and cut costs on your eating habits.

Another way to try and save on accommodation during your trip to California is to camp. While wild camping is definitely illegal in the state, there are a number of campsites throughout the state that are infinitely more affordable than a hotel stay, particularly if driving inland to Yosemite through central California or other national parks.

It is worth noting, however, that if you’re used to European prices of campsites, you still might be surprised at how much a tent plot will cost in California.

If you want to go the traditional backpacker route, you will be pleased to know that, while not so commonplace in the entirety of the USA, there are a few hostel options in most major California cities. There are numerous hostels to choose from in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego.

While a dorm bed in a California hostel will typically start at around $40-50 per night, private rooms can come in at over $100. So, if you’re travelling as a couple and value your privacy, Airbnb might still be the best choice for you.

For those who are looking to stay in more traditional accommodation, expect to spend at least $150 per night in a mid-range hotel. And if you’re after a boutique B&B or a high-end hotel, this will be far closer to $250-300 per night.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at sunset

Transportation Prices

One of the other constant and most expensive factors that needs to be considered are your transportation costs. With the possible exception of San Francisco, California is a state where visitors very much need a car in order to see everything and get everywhere you might want to go.

Very few places in the US have adequately invested in public transportation which makes it extremely difficult to get around if you don’t have your own personal vehicle. So, if you want to get around everywhere and not lose precious time and sanity by trying to rely on public transport, you’re seriously going to need to consider renting a car in California.

Fortunately, car rental doesn’t have to be exceedingly expensive, especially if you opt for a weekly rather than a daily rate. In the USA, there is little to no difference in price between a manual or automatic transmission, either. All in, if you know where to find the best car rental deals (we suggest RentalCars.com !), then expect to pay about $50 per day on a basic hire car.

Another way to reduce your overall trip cost by saving on accommodation is to hire an RV or campervan through Outdoorsy. This gives you more freedom on the road and is a great way to save significant money in the expensive Golden State.

If you are renting a car for your transportation in California, you also need to factor in the cost of fuel and this is where the state might cut you a break, budget-wise. While California might have some of the highest fuel prices in the country, the cost is a fraction of what you might expect to pay for petrol in Europe.

With average petrol/gas prices coming in at about $5 per gallon (about $1.35 per litre) and cars being more fuel-efficient than ever, you probably won’t need to spend too much money on fuel while on a California road trip.

All in all, expect to pay about $50-70 per person per day on transportation while visiting California, assuming you’re splitting the cost of a car hire.

Viewpoint from a coastal walk at Big Sur

Food Prices

The third constant in your California trip budget that you’re going to need to factor in is the cost of food. You need to eat and, unfortunately, that costs money. Especially in the trendy California restaurants where such things as tax and a customary 20-25% tip are not factored in.

While eating out in restaurants can be expensive, as it is most everywhere in the Western world, supermarket prices can be surprisingly affordable and getting a good portion of your meal at local grocery shops can save a significant amount of your total trip to California cost.

California is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the USA, meaning that there are numerous culinary influences and one of the best food scenes in the country.

Though eating out in high-end restaurants every single night can certainly add up, you also would be missing out if you didn’t sample some of the fantastic gastronomic offerings in this beautiful state.

Delicious poke in Pismo Beach!

If you avoid super expensive restaurants in California and maybe only eat at lunch, which is frequently more affordable than dinner, you can expect this to cost around $15-20 for a main meal.

For those not from the USA, it’s worth remembering that this is not what you will pay – as tax is added after the fact and you need to ensure you tip at least 20%, as well. All in all, don’t expect to eat out at a restaurant for less than about $50-60 for two people.

If you stay at an accommodation with self-catering facilities (like a hostel or Airbnb), you can end up saving a significant amount of money on your food costs if you prepare a number of your own meals.

Head to an affordable grocery shop — we like Trader Joe’s — and pick up some easy breakfast and lunch foods and only eat dinner out. Or better yet, pick up enough for all three of your daily meals and you need only spend a fraction of what you would if you ate every meal out.

If you alternate when you eat out and when you cook for yourself, you can save a lot of money on food, giving you more room for other things in your California travel budget.

On average, expect to spend around $20-50 per person per day on food while visiting California. If you plan to eat out more, multiply that by two.

Lovely Santa Barbara

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered the three most basic constant costs of your trip, let’s talk about how much your day-to-day activities are going to cost you.

This is a section where you could either spend a small fortune every single day to see top attractions or nothing at all and it really just depends on your habits.

If you’re interested in visiting museums while visiting some of California’s historic cities, for instance, don’t expect that to be an affordable experience.

If you’re like us and you’re used to the free museums of the UK or otherwise affordable museums on the European continent, then the price of entry to museums in California is going to come as quite a shock. Expect to pay no less than $15-20 for an adult ticket at a state-run museum in the state.

Belmont Park in Mission Bay, San Diego

If you’re keen to go hiking and enjoy some of California’s excellent natural scenery , many of the best hiking trails and routes are in state parks, which costs about $10 (total, not per person) to park and enter. If you don’t go into a state park, however, you needn’t spend a dime on a hike. The same goes if you’re able to find free parking outside of the park.

Another iconic California activity is wine tasting, as the state has some of what is considered to be the best wine country in the world. If you want to save money on a wine tour to the vineyards themselves, which can really add up in cost, a great idea is to head to some tasting rooms.

Cities like Santa Barbara , Carmel , and San Francisco are packed with wine-tasting rooms where you can get a flight for roughly $15. To save money further, share one flight between two people.

If you’re able to prioritise which activities you think are worth spending money on, you only need to average about $15-30 per person per day on this when visiting California. If you intend to do more than basic activities, your upper end can be limitless (especially if you’re planning to visit any theme parks (like Disneyland!), for instance).

Wine tasting is an excellent California activity

Entertainment Prices

Now that we’ve covered the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and activities in California, it’s time to tackle the least constant and necessary of budgeting categories: entertainment.

However much you decide to allot to your entertainment costs in California really depends on your own habits and tendencies.

That is to say, if you love to go out and check out the bars and nightlife of wherever you’re visiting, your entertainment budget is going to need to be higher than if you like to be in bed with a cup of tea by 9 PM.

To give you an idea of how much to budget for entertainment when figuring your total cost of a trip to California, I’ll break down a few prices for you.

A local, non-craft beer at a bar (think Budweiser or Coors) will set you back about $5-6. If you venture to one of the many, many craft beer bars (and you should!), expect the price of a pint to be closer to $8-10.

A glass of wine, whether local or imported, runs somewhere around $10-12 in most restaurants and bars and a basic cocktail will often cost about the same, depending on how fancy the establishment you happen to be drinking in is. Again, this is all not including tax and tip. Please remember that it is essential to tip a bartender even if you don’t get table service (plan for about $1 per drink or at least 15% of the total bill).

If you like to have a few drinks but don’t particularly like the steep price tag that comes along with it, you can cut a significant amount off of your total trip cost if you take advantage of some happy hour deals. Most bars and restaurants have some sort of happy hour (usually lasting from 4-6 PM) that have great deals on drinks and food.

Of course, you can save a lot of money on booze if you buy from a supermarket. A 6-pack of beer will cost somewhere around $8 depending on the quality and where it comes from and you can get a bottle of wine from Trader Joe’s for as little as $2 (plus tax)!

In summation, depending on your habits, it is easy enough to save money on your entertainment costs. Try not to drink every night, purchase alcohol from the shop rather than a bar, or don’t drink at all. All in, I would say to budget about $10-30 per day for entertainment.

Sunset at Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel

California Trip Cost Calculator

With the above categories of a California travel budget taken into consideration, this is how much you can expect to spend per person per day when you are visiting the Golden State. This is assuming you are splitting costs like accommodation and car hire between two people and does not include expenses like flights.

Accommodation:  $40-150/night

Transportation:  $50-70/day

Food: $20-50/day

Activities:  $15-30/day

Entertainment:  $10-30/day

In total, expect your average California trip cost to be about $135-330 per person per day. While there are certainly ways that you can cut down on costs and not spend that much, this is the budget to stick to if you want to cut costs in some ways and splurge in others.

This doesn’t include any pre-trip expenses such as anything on your California packing list or travel insurance.

Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County

The total cost of a California trip doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re smart about where and how you spend your money. Keep track of your expenses and how much you’re spending, and you can make California a budget-friendly destination!

Are heading to the Golden State? Have questions about the prices in California? Let us know in the comments!

california trip how much

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thanks Maggie for the updated information and it really helps. Do you have information the must stops along the PCH from San Francisco to LA? As a Photography enthusiast would like to stop along the way and any suggested pace to stop over for a 3 day road trip would be helpful.

Thanks for your comment, Reuben! We have an entire article dedicated to the PCH: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/la-to-san-francisco-drive/ Hope you have a great trip!

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Cost of a Trip to California & the Cheapest Time to Visit California

The average price of a 7-day trip to California is $1,389 for a solo traveler, $2,080 for a couple, and $4,562 for a family of 4 . California hotels range from $75 to $334 per night with an average of $116, while most vacation rentals will cost $200 to $680 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to California (from all airports) are between $703 and $1,145 per person for economy flights and $2,207 to $3,595 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $56 to $114 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit California

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to California and stay in a California hotel:

  • January 8th to March 11th
  • April 16th to April 29th
  • August 13th to November 18th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in California is usually early to mid September .

Average California Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit California for a week is $1,411-$2,889 ($202-$413 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $114 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $431 to $1,011 for economy

Lodging : $98 to $134 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $147 to $180 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit California for a week is $2,227-$4,699 ($318-$671 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $111 to $228 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $862 to $2,023 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit California for a week is $4,461-$8,857 ($637-$1,265 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $223 to $456 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,724 to $4,045 for economy

Lodging : $196 to $267 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $221 to $270 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to California

How cheap can you make a vacation to California? The cheapest trip to California is about $144 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $64.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit California for a week is $1,011-$2,201 ($144-$314 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $28 to $56 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $64 to $75 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $104 to $133 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit California for a week is $1,638-$3,598 ($234-$514 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $111 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit California for a week is $3,263-$6,806 ($466-$972 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $111 to $223 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $127 to $150 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $155 to $200 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to California cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury California Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in California.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit California for a week is $2,898-$12,159 ($414-$1,737 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $111 to $228 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,071 to $2,517 for first class

Lodging : $175 to $334 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $671 to $1,341 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit California for a week is $4,753-$16,265 ($679-$2,324 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $223 to $455 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,142 to $5,034 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit California for a week is $9,505-$28,515 ($1,358-$4,074 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $445 to $910 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,284 to $10,067 for first class

Lodging : $351 to $669 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $1,004 to $2,013 per night for a preferred vacation rental

California Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in California is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in California due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

California Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on California hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in California.

Flight Costs to California

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,145 average in late July to a low of $703 in early to mid September. Median flight price is $692. These prices are based on millions of flights. For California our data includes hundreds of originating airports, and dozens of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In California, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $442, so you can easily save about 63% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around California can easily cost $418 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $28 per person. Private tours can cost $835 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other California Guides

Travel costs nearby.

  • Corcoran, CA, US
  • Kettleman City, CA, US
  • San Joaquin Valley, CA, US
  • Wasco, CA, US
  • Hanford, CA, US
  • Lost Hills, CA, US
  • Tulare, CA, US
  • Lemoore, CA, US
  • Delano, CA, US
  • Visalia, CA, US

Travel Costs in Popular Places

  • Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • Shenandoah National Park, the United States
  • Chicago, IL, US
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Home » North America » USA » California

Epic California Road Trip Guide [Coolest Routes in CA!]

Going on a road trip in California has to be one of the best ways to experience the state. With amazing national parks, world-class cities and everything in between – California has everything that a road tripper could ever want!

But California is huge , and is practically a nation unto itself. Where do you pick where to go on your California road trip? How long will you visit each place? How much will it cost?

Don’t worry – we have the insider information you need for an EPIC road trip.

Written by our road-trip experts, this epic guide covers everything you need to know about your California road trip.

We’ll show you exactly how to stick to a budget, where to find California’s hidden gems, and give you plenty of ideas and itineraries so you can easily plan out your entire California trip!

The highway is calling – let’s dive right into our insider California travel guide!

california trip how much

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California Road Trips Costs

Cool itineraries for a road trip in california, southern california roadtrip, sf and the sierra nevada, eastern california road trip, the california coast road trip, places to visit in california, california road trip tips, apartments and hotels in california, renting a car or campervan in california.

Let’s be frank here: a road trip in California is not going to be cheap by any means.

It’s not the kind of cost to be discouraged though since we at The Broke Backpacker still look for ways to save! Even if we are unable to travel for $10 a day we can at least help reduce the prices of a California road trip to a reasonable level.

The average daily budget for a California road trip is between $75-$150 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry into certain attractions. Make note of this number but please do not let it discourage you – we’re going to show how to reduce it to a more budget-friendly amount soon.

wildflowers on california coast at sunset

The largest cost will definitely be your rental car, as it is unavoidable for a road trip. We suggest visiting California outside of peak season for cheaper prices.

California is a large state – don’t be surprised to drive 5+ hours in a day – so gas prices are inevitable too. While much cheaper than say, Europe, California gas prices are one of the most expensive in the country.

Finally, lodging, food, and drink can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it. This is where you can really bring the costs down, which we’ll break down in the next section.

california trip how much

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Average Costs of a California Road Trip

Rental car per day: $30-$100

RV rental: $100-$300

Gallon of gas: $3.65

Private AirBnB home: $100-$200

Hotel room: $150-$250

Hostel: $25-$45

Campground: $10-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich: $8-$12

Beer at a bar: $5-$8

Coffee: $3-$4

Bottle of Whiskey from market: $18

Dinner for two: $60-$80

Southern California Road Trip – 5 days

Sf and the sierra nevada – 7 days, eastern california road trip – 10 days, road trip on the california coast – 14 days.

Below is a list of the best itineraries for a California road trip. Varying from 5 to 14 days in length, they cover many of the top destinations in California. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good California road trip ideas.

Southern California may be the first place everyone imagines when they think about the state. Fine-sand beaches, palm trees, plenty of urban sprawl, and plenty more weed and booze, SoCal is quintessential California.

Going on a road trip in Southern California will afford you lots of chances to try all of the aforementioned activities.

The area between Los Angeles and San Diego is classically considered SoCal. Between two massive cities, you’ll get to do everything from surfing to smoking to skating in the parks. You’ll get to hang with hipsters in Echo Park, have date nights in La Jolla, and chillax in Venice Beach.

If you’d like to shoot for the stars, you can even make road trips to Southern California’s other top spots, likes of Santa Barbara, the San Bernardinos, and Santa Catalina Island.

California road trip itinerary 5 days

Road Trip Length:

Highlights:.

San Diego, Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, Malibu, San Bernardino’s, Santa Catalina, Channel Islands

Notable bars and restaurants:

The food carts, Lost Abbey (San Diego), Greenflash (San Diego), El Prez (San Diego), A.O.C. (LA), Night Market Song (LA), Tabula Rosa (LA)

Where to Sleep:

Samesun Venice Beach (LA), Grafton on Sunset (Los Angeles), USA Hostels Hollywood (LA), ITH ZOO Hostel San Diego , Lucky D’s (San Diego)

palm trees at sunset southern california coast

Activities:

Surfing, brewery walks in San Diego, food tours in Los Angeles, partying in Hollywood, Venice Beach oddities, hiking on the Channel Islands

Scenic Drives:

I-5, California Highway 1 road trip, Palos Verdes Drive

Festivals and Events:

Sun and Sea Fest San Diego (July), Rose Parade and Rose Bowl (January), Adult Swim Festival (October), Desert Daze (October), Camp Flog Nawg Festival (November)

california beaches at sunset

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Bay Area is (in my opinion) the best part of California – it’s drop-dead gorgeous, prosperous, dynamic, and absolutely chalked full of things to do. Food, drink, nature, culture, weather; it’s all here. No road trip on the California Coast is complete without stopping in the Bay.

There are just so many superlatives around the Bay:

San Francisco is probably the most beautiful city in the USA (it knows this though). Oakland is low-key the coolest part of the Bay. Napa produces the best wine in the state. Finally, a road trip down California Highway 101 will land you in Santa Cruz – the surf capital of NorCal – and then Big Sur, which is arguably the most popular part of the coast.

The Bay Area is also conveniently within a few hours’ drive of amazing outdoor destinations like Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Both offer some of the most scenic drives in California, not to mention an endless amount of outdoor activities.

California road trip itinerary 7 days

John Muir Woods, San Francisco, Oakland, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa, Big Sur

Bierhaus (Oakland), Wreck Room (San Francisco), Zeitgeist (SF), Thieves Tavern (SF), Stonefly Restaurant (Markleeville), Austin’s Restaurant (Tahoe)

USA Hostels San Francisco, Green Tortoise Hostel (SF), Knights Inn (Oakland), Yosemite Bug Rustic , Mellow Mountain Hoste l (Lake Tahoe)

san francisco streets and neighborhoods

Climbing in Yosemite, wine tasting in Napa Valley , swimming at Lake Tahoe, beers in Dolores Park, art walks in Oakland, staying in Big Sur

Highway 1, Tioga Pass, Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, Silverado Trail

Treasure Island Festival (October), SF Pride Parade (June), SF Chinese New Year (February), Outside Lands (August), Festival Napa Valley (July)

half dome trail sunset yosemite road trip

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Eastern California is a side of the state that not too many see. A lot of people are turned off by the region’s heat, desolation, and lack of coastline.

While the East may not be as popular as a road trip on the California Coast, it is still beautiful in its own way.

As you make a road trip on California’s 395, you will be presented with unexpected natural splendor. To the west, the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada rise very prominently. To the east, the Great Basin stretches on for unfathomable miles.

This California road trip route offers a lot of the state’s best destinations, like Death Valley, Mt Whitney, Lake Mono, and Lassen Volcanic Park. All of these locations are stunning and it goes without saying that some of the best hikes in California are around these parts.

california highway 1 road trip map

Death Valley, Alabama Hills, Bishop, Lake Mono, Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Holy Smokes Texas Style BBQ (Bishop), Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse (Bishop), The Stove (Mammoth Lakes), John’s Pizza Works (Mammoth Lakes), La Vecchia (Reno), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno)

Grafton on Sunset (Los Angeles), USA Hostels Hollywood (LA), Morris Burner Hostel (Reno), Moderne Hostel ( Mammoth Lakes ), Hostel California (Bishop), Mellow Mountain Hostel (Tahoe)

desert sunset in california

Climbing Mt. Whitney, skiing at Mammoth Lakes, hiking in John Muir Wilderness, paddleboarding at Lake Tahoe, gambling in Reno

Highway 395, Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, Lassen Scenic Byway

Burning Man (August), Reno Artown (July), Reno Hot August Nights (August), Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August), Mammoth Village Summer Jam (June), Bishop Manzanar Pilgrimage (April)

road eastern sierra nevada california road trip

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A road trip on the California Coast is the stuff of dreams – it’s one of the most romantic parts of the entire USA and has inspired countless people to pack up their lives and move west. Ultimately, it is a superbly beautiful place to travel around and, crucially, very easy as well.

You can take a road trip on California Highway 1 and 80% of the time you will never leave the coast. Seriously, the ocean is within sight for the near entirety of the trip. For those who want to be close to the sea, this California Coast road trip route is about as close as it gets.

You will also visit most of the state’s top locations while on a Highway 1 California road trip as well. This includes San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco the Redwoods; all that and then some.

California road trip itinerary 14 days

San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, San Francisco, Marin Country, Redwoods National Park

Greenflash (San Diego), El Prez (San Diego), A.O.C. (LA), Night Market Song (LA), Tabula Rosa (LA), Wreck Room (San Francisco), Zeitgeist (SF), Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka)

USA Hostels Hollywood, ITH ZOO Hostel San Diego , HI San Luis Obispo, HI Monterey, USA Hostels San Francisco, Emerald Forest Cabins (Eureka)

santa moncia pier in los angeles california

Hanging out in Santa Cruz , hiking in SLO, road trip along Big Sur, food in LA, photography with the Redwoods, beers in San Diego

The entire road trip on California Highway 1

Kinetic Grand Championship (May), Redwood Coast Music Fest (May), Reggae on the River (August), Pride Parade (June), Outside Lands (August), Sun and Sea Fest San Diego (July), Desert Daze (October)

Redwood highway Emerald Triangle

Below is a list of the best road trip stops in California. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most. Check out this post for  romantic getaway ideas  found along your California road trip route.

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Road Trip to Los Angeles

When people imagine California, the first place that comes to mind is Los Angeles . Let’s just get it over with. Not that it isn’t a great place to visit in California. In many ways, Los Angeles does epitomize Californian life – hopeful, buzzing, fortunate, decadent, and decrepit all at once. I can think of no better place to start a road trip in California than the “City of Angels.”

Located in Southern California on the Pacific Coast, Los Angeles is an enormous city. It’s the second-largest city in the USA and has dozens of unique districts that offer their own flair. To speak to each one would require a lot more time than we have in this guide so we’ll have to gloss over a lot of LA. If you want to get a better idea for the city, then check out our in-depth Backpacking Los Angeles guide .

Los Angeles does a lot of things to do. It is statistically superlative: the most LGBT-friendly city in America, one of the most ethnically diverse cities, and one of the most sexually active. In summation, LA is really good at being open-minded and enjoying itself.

Much of LA’s reputation precedes it. World-famous Hollywood is still a playground for the rich, famous, and beautiful. Santa Monica is still the place for family fun and fresh-out-of-college greenhorns. Venice Beach is still full of weirdos.

There is a lot more to LA these days. Once crime-ridden and neglected areas like Koreatown, Silverlake , and Echo Park are on the rise. Hipsters are becoming the new socialites, not aspiring actors. If there’s one thing I can credit LA for, is that it’s always surprising me.

So stay in Los Angeles for good food, good parties, and good vibes. You’ll find it to be one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.

los angeles at night road trip california

Road Trip to San Diego

People often imagine Los Angeles as a laid-back surfer town with sick beaches and good vibes but this is not always the case. If this what you’re looking for, you should visit San Diego instead as it is the more the stereotypical Southern California road trip experience.

San Diego is a fun, easygoing beach city that is renowned for its excellent surf, seriously spectacular weather, and righteous residents.

San Diego is south of Los Angeles and sits right on the border of Mexico. Literally, from a large hill, you can Tijuana and the Mexican border . This makes trips to Mexico very easy and also imbues the city with a very Latin vibe.

Aside from Balboa Park , the best places to visit in San Diego are the many coastal neighborhoods or one of the many cultural sites.

San Diego has a lot of history, both as an ex-colonial town and important military base during World War years. You’ll a decent amount of Spanish-inspired architecture in San Diego and many landmarks like the Cabrillo Monument , the USS Midway , and the Old Colonial Park.

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with just laying on the beach in San Diego. The city beaches here are some of the best in California and should not be missed. Coronado, Mission, La Jolla , and Pacific are all noteworthy ones.

Be sure to grab a drink or attend a concert while road tripping in San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter (Downtown) is definitely ground zero for parties in San Diego though Mission and North Park are also good. There are many breweries around San Diego and it’s often ranked one of the best beer cities in America. Check out ListenSD for all up upcoming music shows.

surfer walking beach at sunset in california

Road Trip to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo

Heading north from Los Angeles we begin our real road trip in Southern California; the area we’re about to describe is known as the Central Coast and arguably the best area in the state.

When driving northbound, you definitely have to drive on California Highway 1 and 101 . These coastal routes are among the most famous roads in California because they hug the coast perfectly and offer breathtaking scenery.

Leaving Los Angeles and the ultra-luxurious Malibu , you’ll first pass through Ventura . Ventura is a nice coastal town with a couple of things to do ; mostly it’s a welcome respite from mad LA. Look out for the iron bells on the 101, which mark the original pilgrimage of Junipero Serra, who was one of the most important religious figures in Californian history.

Keep driving on the 101 and you’ll eventually you’ll arrive in Santa Barbara . Santa Barbara is one of the most beloved cities in California due to its historical significance, downtempo vibe, and excellent beaches.

The Mission Santa Barbara and County Courthouse are two of the best examples of the local (Catholic) Mission-style architecture. They’re nice to appreciate but only for about 15-30 minutes.

Much better is East Beach and Leadbetter Beach , which could rival any Californian beach in terms of beauty. Try visiting more cultivated spots like Lotusland and the Botanic Gardens also.

If you’d like to stay in Santa Barbara for the night be sure to check out the best places to sleep in the city . (Hint: the lodges are really nice here.) Otherwise, let’s move on.

Back on the road again, we head further north towards San Luis Obispo . You’ll notice by now the landscape becoming increasingly green and rugged, which comes to a zenith in San Luis Obispo. Upon arriving in San Luis or “SLO,” you’ll see that it’s a gorgeous college town.

San Luis Obispo is surrounded by woods, volcanic-formed hills, and rugged coastline, all of which are prime places for hiking and adventure sports. It’s also close to Paso Robles , a popular spot for wine-lovers passing through the area.

For the more hedonistic travelers, there is an excellent farmers market in SLO every Thursday that offers live music and plenty of fresh food. Wine tours in the Edna Valley are also recommended.

mission santa barbara with plants

Road Trip to Big Sur and Monterey

The coastline between Los Angeles and San Francisco, referred to as Big Sur , is considered by many to be one of the top destinations in California.

This part of the California Coast is an absolute feast for the eyes. With wind-warped trees, towering cliffs, and some of the most rugged topography in the state, this will be one of the highlights of your road trip on California Highway 1.

Not long after you enter Big Sur from San Simeon in the south, you’re afforded views of one the most photographed places in California: McWay Falls . This near-perfect waterfall empties straight onto a gorgeous beach and is framed by equally inspiring sea cliffs. There are several trails around this area that take you to various little canyons and cascades.

Moving along, you’ll drive further into Big Sur and past many remote beaches. Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most famous due to the keyhole formation in a local seastack and sparkly, purple sand. You can access several more beaches from Andrew Molera State Park via hiking trails.

Continuing on you’ll round Point Sur and be afforded some epic views of the coast. There are lots of vistas here on the side of the road so be sure to pull over for photos.

You’ll also see the impressive Bixby Creek Bridge , another oft-photographed landmark in Big Sur. Don’t forget to stop by Garrapata Beach for a break.

Last but not least on our Big Sur road trip is Point Lobos , which has lots of gorgeous coves that are accessed via trails. Beyond Lobos is Monterey  and the upscale Carmel , a charming little beach town that deserves a day or two to be explored.

If you’re looking for some excellent surf, nearby Santa Cruz is legendary for its waves as well as its alternative lifestyles and omnipresent fog. Don’t be surprised to smell the grass. Check out this post for fun things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need cheap accommodation in Santa Cruz, check out these stunning motels .

You can either sleep in Big Sur or around Monterey Bay. We love Monterey and the local hostel there but camping in Big Sur is an awesome experience.

mcway falls viewpoint in day big sur california coast

Road Trip to San Francisco

San Francisco has always been in a league of its own. Though it often competes with Los Angeles for the title of “coolest city in California,” it is in so many ways incomparable to any other city, both in America and the world for that matter.

A supremely confident place with a host of attractions that most international cities dream of having, San Francisco is simply one of the coolest places in California.

San Francisco is a different city from Los Angeles both culturally and geographically. Here, ubiquitous, bright sunny days are swapped for more moody, misty ones and people here are generally more alternative in their lifestyle choices. That is not to say LA and SF are at odds with one another. At the end of the day, the two cities probably have more in common than not.

There is just a fuck ton to do in San Francisco and, like Los Angeles, we can’t cover everything in this brief section.

My advice for what to do in San Francisco is to just start walking around. As one of the densest urban areas in the USA, there is literally something to see on every street corner.

Take a walk down Market Street to see the city’s skyscrapers. Tour the ultra-touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and make your way past Marina District to the elegant Presidio . Get Italian food in North Beach . Explore the ritzy Nob Hill and Russian Hill food and bar scene. Wander around the increasingly gentrifying Mission, Haight , and Castro districts, which were once the hubs of civil action.

Of course, no road trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge too.

If you want to really dive into the city, then be sure to read out more comprehensive backpacking San Francisco travel guide!

golden gate bridge at dawn road trip to san francisco

Road Trip to the Greater Bay Area

It’s sometimes easy to forget that San Francisco is a part of a much larger urban organism, one that is among the most dynamic in the USA. Referred to as the Bay Area , there are many cities besides worth visiting when planning a trip to SF . The most noteworthy of these include Oakland, San Jose , and the combined counties of Marin and Napa . Between these other destinations, there is an even greater amount of things to do outside of San Francisco.

San Jose aka “Silicon Valley” is the center of the technological world in California and probably the entire United States. Here are some of the richest, most daring company headquarters in the world, including Google, FaceBook, and Apple, and yet San Jose is kind of a boring place.

Oakland is a way more fun to visit, arguably more than San Francisco actually. Granted, Oakland has had a pretty rough reputation in the past for being crime-ridden and underprivileged, but it is quickly becoming one of the most eclectic and interesting places in California.

The lifestyle here is notably more relaxed than San Francisco and much more geared towards the anti-establishment mentality. With soaring costs of living though, this could all change.

Berkeley is famous for its local university but is a charming place to visit otherwise. Think hippies who made a lot of money and wanted to settle down; that’s Berkley. The local Cal Sailing Club also offers free sailing tours in the Berkeley Marina on certain nights, which is one our favorite free things to do in California!

North of SF is Napa Valley, famous for its world-class wineries, and Marin County, arguably the prettiest part of the Bay Area. This area is also where rich hippies settle down. Both make for excellent day-long road trips from San Francisco. Be sure to check out Mount Tamalpais and the Bay’s own redwood collections.

napa valley vineyards road trip through california

Road Trip to Yosemite

One of the most popular road trips from San Francisco is to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada . Sacred to rock climbers and incomprehensible to first-timers, Yosemite is one of the best places in California and the entire world for that matter. If you’re planning on a road trip to California’s national parks , Yosemite is absolutely mandatory.

Yosemite is a short 4-hour drive away from the Bay Area. You’ll drive along the 508 and Highway 5 through the Central Valley before merging onto the 120 , which will take you all the way to the edge of the park.

Beyond Yosemite, the 120 is also one of the most beautiful and famous roads in California because it goes over the Tioga Pass . Views are plentiful and astounding in the summer but during the winter the pass is closed.

Most people end up staying in Yosemite Village where the Visitor’s Center is. You’ll have to pay a $35 per vehicle entry fee for Yosemite National Park.

If you are visiting more than one national park on your California road trip route, then we highly suggest buying an America the Beautiful pass. It allows unlimited entry to all national parks for one year, and only costs $80 (limit one per vehicle).

In Yosemite Valle y, you’ll see all of the park’s most iconic features, including the hallowed Half Dome and El Capitan . Both of these granite gods are legendary rock climbing destinations and arguably the most famous places to go sport climbing in the world.

For the more casual outdoors person, Yosemite has some of the best hikes in California. The trails leading up to Glacier Point via 4 Mile, Vernal/Nevada Falls via Mist , and Yosemite Falls are all spectacular. You can even hike to the top of Half Dome with a highly competitive permit. Several viewpoints, like Tunnel View and Glacier Point View , are accessible by car as well.

yosemite valley with snow in winter

Road Trip to Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an unfathomably beautiful lake, the likes of which is a great source of pride for Californians. Lying deep in the Sierra Nevada and on the border of the state of Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the USA and the largest freshwater lake in California.

It is one of the most popular road trip spots in California among locals and visitors alike.

There are several roads leading to Lake Tahoe. Both Highway 50 (to South Lake) and 80 (to North Lake)will take you to the lake from the Bay Area and both will take 3-4 hours to drive. If you’re looking for a piece of American history, try taking a detour over Donner Pass , which is another famous road in California due in part to the story of the Donner Party .

Arriving at Lake Tahoe, you will be knocked dead in your tracks by the beauty of the lake. It is a massive body of water with huge boulders intermittently strewn and a painter’s palette of colors.

The water, a deep turquoise and blue, is often considered some of the clearest in the world and ranked right up there with Lake Baikal and Crater Lake.

There are several places to stay at around Lake Tahoe . The major towns are South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City  in the north. There are several little villages, resort towns, and campgrounds all around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe as well.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Lake Tahoe. Swimmers, hikers, and boaters all enjoy the crystal clear (and very cold) water at this time as well as the scenery. There are several gorgeous beaches, both obvious and hidden, around Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe has awesome skiing in the winter. Tahoe gets absolutely dumped on by snow during this time, sometimes 8 feet at a time, though as of late the snow seasons have been hit or miss. The opening of the ski season varies wildly depending on the year as the climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Home to the number one rated hostel in all of California, nowhere else can compete with South Lake Tahoe neighborhoods in terms of budget accommodation options. Check it out yourself and decide what suits you best!

lake tahoe clear day beautiful water

Road Trip to Northern California

Northern California , excluding the Bay Area and Sacramento, is a very different place than the rest of the state. With a penchant for successionism and a far, far sparser population/infrastructure, Northern California can feel like a completely separate state.

It receives far fewer visitors than the more southern California destinations and, for this reason, is actually kind of exotic. With hidden coastlines, gigantic flora, and a string of overactive volcanoes, Northern California is an excellent place for an adventure.

Your Northern California road trip route will probably start in the state capital of Sacramento . A misunderstood city, Sacramento is often mislabeled as “dull” or “backwater.” In reality, Sacramento has an amazing cultural scene, with excellent dining and lots of history, not to mention an exploding arts scene thanks to the influx of hipsters.

Driving north along I5 , you’ll travel quite a ways before you reach anything noteworthy, first of which is the Lassen Volcanic National Park . Due to its isolation, Lassen is one of the least visited parks in the state but has some of the most unique offerings. There are bubbling thermal pools here, surreal landscapes, and one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

Traveling north along the 89, a very scenic drive in California, you’ll pass by Burney Falls , which is one of the prettiest falls in the state. Beyond Burney, you’ll see the massive Mt. Shasta in the distance, which, at 4322m, is one of the most bulbous mountains in the lower 48.

In the summer, you can climb the mountain over several days or get a good view from Castle Lake/Heart Lake.

Making the long drive west over the Trinity Alps , which is great for wilderness backpacking, you’ll eventually land in Redwood National Park , home of the giants. Truly, one of the most beautiful places in California, do not miss the state parks around RNP.

At this point, you’ve met back up with Highway 101 and the California coast. Road trip back down through Eureka and Humboldt County, the weed growing capital of California, until you arrive back in the Bay Area or keeping driving north to Oregon!

road going through redwood national park california

National Parks in California

California has a whopping 9 national parks , which is more than any other state in the USA! Between these many parks are some of the best hikes in California as well as some awesome campgrounds and villages. On your California road trip route, visiting at least some of the nationals parks are absolutely mandatory!

  • Yosemite – Yosemite is Mecca for rock climbers and photographers. Here are some of the most imposing, most dramatic, and most beautiful rock walls in the entire world. Everyone who visits Yosemite and the valley is awestruck.
  • Kings Canyon/Sequoia – Two separate national parks that are located right next to each other. Sequoia National park is famous for its towering sequoia trees e.g. General Sherman and Tunnel Tree . Kings Canyon is a craggy, mountainous terrain that is typical of the High Sierra. Lake Marjorie in Kings is one of the most beautiful places in California.
  • Death Valley – One of the lowest and hottest places on Earth! Characterized by high mountains, surreal geology, and the tallest dunes in North America. Be sure to look for accommodation in Death Valley ahead of time as well – you don’t want to be stuck in the heat without a place to stay.

colorful rock formations death valley national park california

  • Joshua Tree – Very popular place for boulderers and weekend road trippers from Los Angeles. Very unique flora and fauna and arguably the best stargazing in the state. There are also great accommodation options near Joshua Tree National Park .
  • Redwood – The Land of the Giants. This enormous park is full of giant redwood trees, which are among the tallest trees on the planet. One of the lushest and most ancient places in California.
  • Lassen Volcanic – Lesser-visited park in Northern California. A very geologically active place full of bubbling lakes and active volcanoes. A little Yellowstone.
  • Pinnacles – Small and newest national park in the country, but significant national park southeast of San Francisco.
  • Channel Islands – Islands that have huge ecological diversity. Good for whale watching, scuba diving, and hiking.

Off the Beaten Path California Road Trip Ideas

California is an absolutely massive state and so there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. Most travelers stick to the popular routes while road tripping in California as well, which means these locations will be way quieter. Consider visiting these remote and special destinations in California while on your adventure.

  • Lost Coast – The name alone gives away this location’s anonymity! Located in Northern California south of Eureka, this area experienced massive depopulation in the 30s thus giving it its name. The Lost Coast is one of the most underdeveloped and remote places in California for this reason and is stunningly beautiful. The eponymous Lost Coast Trail is very popular with backpackers and hiking this may be your only chance in Cali to have a beach to yourself.
  • John Muir Wilderness – John Muir is a legend in the outdoor community thanks to his herculean effort to navigate and preserve California’s nature. Long gone, he is now honored with a section of wilderness in the Sierra Nevada named after him. The John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness has some of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of California including Thousand Islands Lake/Minaret Lake, Bear Lakes Basin, and Sailor Lake . To appreciate this area, you’ll have to go wilderness backpacking for several days, at least, or maybe even for a whole month if you want to complete the whole John Muir Trail !
  • Eastern Sierra Nevada – The Western side of the Sierra Nevada receives far more visitors than the blistering hot Eastern side. If you can be there in the Spring or Autumn, the Eastern Sierras are absolutely breathtaking! Aside from hosting the highest mountain in the lower 48, Mt. Whitney (4421m), the Eastern Sierras are far more rugged and barren than the Western side, making them look like an alien planet. Travel between the towns of Lone Pine and Bishop for the best of the Eastern Sierra.

alabama hills sunrise alpenglow eastern sierra nevada

California Roadside Attractions

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. These roadside attractions have become so admired that many people go on a trip just see them! If you’re around one of these sites on your California road trip, be sure to drop by. Did we mention that a lot of these stops are among the best cheap things to do in California as well?!

  • Galleta Meadows (Borrego Springs) – A collection of fantastical iron-welded sculptures in the middle of the desert!
  • Salvation Mountain (Niland) – A pretty famous attraction on the edge of San Diego. Surreal and Gaudi-like shrine in the desert. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.
  • Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon) – One of the OG California roadside attractions! A favorite for many.
  • Neverland Ranch (Los Olivos) – The former residence of the infamous pop singer, Michael Jackson. Now an abandoned palace that sometimes attracts offerings from ardent fans.
  • Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno) – An impressive and intricate series of underground passageways with gardens everywhere. Very pretty place.
  • Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – An amusement park of sorts with, most notably, two giants statues of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe .
  • International Museum of Bananas (HWY 111 near the Salton Sea) – Hope you like bananas for this one! Or else you’re going to go bananas if you visit here….

roadside attraction dinosaur california

California Scenic Drives

There are many famous roads in California, renown for both their beauty and history behind them. Those who want to take the long-way-round should definitely check out these scenic drives in California.

  • Highway 1 – Highway 1 and its neighbor Highway 101 run the near entire length of the California coastline. It is arguably the most romanticized road in all of America outside of Route 66. From north of San Diego to the border of Oregon (HWY 101), you can see the best of the California coastline. For those looking for the best California road trip route, Highway 1 is without question the road for you.
  • Silverado Trail – Wine-os rejoice! The Silverado Trail is an awesome Californian scenic drive north of San Francisco through prime winery territory. On this byway, you’ll have lots of chances to try the local drops, responsibly of course.
  • Route 395 – Most travelers stick to Highway 1 on their road trip through California, which is totally understandable but they’re missing out on the epic Route 395. Running all the way from the outskirts of Los Angeles to the Canadian border, 395 passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Eastern California. If you’re looking for more deserts and mountains on your California road trip, Route 395 is undoubtedly the better choice. Be sure to drop by Mono Lake, which is one of the most interesting places in the USA!
  • San Diego to Las Vegas – This way passes through some of the finest desert landscapes in the state. Watch the sea slowly recede behind you and an ocean of sand rise ahead. You’ll pass by the Anza Borrego Desert, the Salton Sea, San Bernardino National Park, Joshua Tree, and the Mojave Desert on this route. Big Bear Lake makes for a picturesque place to stop for a rest stop.

california coast road trip big sur

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Why Visit this Part of the World

How many songs have been written about the state of California? Hundreds? Thousands? Whatever the final count it is, it should be made apparent that people are quite fond of this state. California Dreamin’ by the Mamas and Papas; California Love by Dr. Dre; every single song every written by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (these guys really like Cali); the list goes on and on.

California is one of the most attractive, most prosperous, and most desirable places in not only the USA but the whole world. The landscape here is absolutely jaw-dropping, the lifestyle is notorious if not expensive, the food is honestly some of the best in the country, and the legendary parties are, for the most part, just as you’d expect them to be – that is wild and crazy.

In a lot of ways, California is the epitome of American decadence and, at the same time, its problems.

Everyone knows about California, and I mean everyone . I’ve met village people in the Karakorum of Pakistan who don’t know what a cellphone is but know what California is. That’s saying something.

For those who want to get a taste for the American dream, and for those who want to see some of its greatest natural attractions, California is probably your best option.

Granted, you will see some ugliness in the state, including rampant homelessness, gentrification, and gang-related crime. With an open mind though, you’ll be able to digest these harsh realities and look beyond towards California’s greater positives. At the end of the day, California simply has everything going for it.

skater in venice beach california

Getting Insured

Whilst the USA is generally safe for tourists , not everything goes as planned.

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

california trip how much

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of California road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

  • Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
  • Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
  • Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal in California, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
  • Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
  • Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive in California. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
  • Do free shit: There are lots of free things to do in California! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in California.
  • Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
  • Pack a travel water bottle: It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

hanging out on half dome yosemite california

Good news is that there is a huge array of hotels and apartments in California. The bad news is that they’re all expensive, even by American standards. Staying in San Francisco can be ESPECIALLY expensive.

For those road tripping in California on a budget, you’re either going to have to get very creative or accept the fact that you’ll be crashing in some pretty basic digs.

Cheap hotels in California are like those in much of the USA – barren, bland, and sometimes bleak. You’ll find some pretty decent motels and budget hotels in California, ones that are clean and tidy, but they’ll still be an eyesore and often located in a rough part of town. You’ll be paying at least $60-$80/night minimum as well.

AirBnBs in California are usually around the same price as hotels, if not cheaper. Since you’ll often be staying in someone’s home or in a shared space, there’s a better rapport and at least some character.

Californians can be really creative with their homes as well – I’ve seen luxury Airstreams, yurts, and even a Gingerbread house on AirBnB!

san francisco house airbnb apartment

To save the most money, stick to hostels and campgrounds on your road trip through California. Hostels in California are actually really nice (some of the best hostels in the US , in fact) and are usually the most affordable accommodation available. Camping is the best way to experience the beautiful nature in California; it’s also the cheapest way to visit California.

If you’re feeling lucky you could try your hand at couchsurfing! Lots of people use this though so competition is quite high in California.

Camping in California

Camping in California won’t just help you stick to a budget, but is a great way to make the most of your road trip experience. Campgrounds are way cheaper to stay at than hotels or apartments, and often may be your only means of lodging. If you’re going to go on an affordable road trip in California, camping will be a necessity just as much as pleasure.

There’s all sorts of nature in California and, consequently, countless places to go camping. There are several types of campsites in California that range in price and amenities. Some common examples include walk-up sites, cabins , and primitive sites. You can even stay in a fire lookout , which has to be one of the coolest things to do in California!

The grand majority of campgrounds in California will require payment that can either be accepted via an electronic authorization or a physical drop box at the actual grounds. In regards to the latter option, some people get away with not paying since receipts are not always checked. Whether or not one actually pays or not is none of our business, but the money does go towards maintaining the grounds for future guests.

If you intend on going on a “National Park Road Trip” in California and want to sleep inside one of them, prices will be much higher and availability will much lower. When camping in California’s most popular outdoor areas like Yosemite or the Redwoods, I highly recommend reserving ahead.

If there is no reservation system, get to the campground as early as possible to claim a walk-up campsite. Generally, the more expensive sights have running water, clean bathrooms, and fire pits. Primitive camping often requires you bring your own water (or means of filtering natural water nearby).

For a complete list of official campgrounds in California, you can refer to this website here  for a useful search engine.

best backpacking stoves

Camping in California – Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best ways to travel cheaply in the USA , and California has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while road tripping in California but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…

Pacsafe belt

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

sea to summit towel

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Gifts for backpackers

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

GEAR-Monoply-Game

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Mesh Laundry Bag Nomatic

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Check out our full road trip packing list for more inspiration on what to bring on your road trip!

Free Camping in California

There are a number of free campgrounds in California that road-trippers should totally take advantage of. Refer below for a list of these. Note that electricity, bathrooms, and running water are not guaranteed at any of these. Bring water just in case.

big sur camping

Books to Read during your California Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in California. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for California…

  • The Girls – A young and impressionable woman becomes attracted to another woman in a group of girls. She becomes a part of the group and is eventually caught up with a burgeoning cult.
  • The Mountains of California – The musings and ramblings of John Muir, one of the most famous and beloved naturalism in American history.
  • Slouching Towards Bethlehem – A collection essays about some of California’s greatest icons including John Wayne, Howard Hughes, and the Haight neighborhood of San Fran.
  • The Big Sleep – One of the most culturally significant murder mystery novels in existence. A piece of American history in itself.
  • East of Eden – One of Steinbeck’s masterpieces, considered his magnum opus by many. Explores the relationship between two families in the Salinas Valley in the early 20th Century.
  • The Octopus – A semi-biographical novel about the conflicts between California wheat farmers and the Union Pacific Railroad. A look into the brutal and relentless tactics of capitalism.
  • Lonely Planet Coastal California – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around California. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV in California, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. They cost a bit more to rent, but they do make for some epic travel stories!

redwood national park road trip northern california

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in California are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of California’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the state and the Sierra Nevada, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

If you’re on a road trip in California in the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

If traveling onwards, check out our West Coast road trip guide then!

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

  • We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America, as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
  • Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
  • Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit California

With so many places to see, and so many things to do in California, it’s tough to know when the best time to visit is. With a very mild climate, compared to the rest of the USA, and a plethora of activities appealing to all sorts of travelers, California can, honestly, be visited at any time of the year.

California is a big state and so is subject to several different types of climates. Most of the coast has a lovely Mediterranean-like climate while the interior is dominated by harsh desert or alpine conditions. There are unique pockets strewn throughout the rest of the state.

Generally speaking, California has four seasons regardless of geographic position. Most of the state has warmer, drier summers and cooler, wetter winters. Temperatures and annual rainfall vary depending on latitude and local geography. Northern California gets much more rainfall and is generally more temperate while the south is quite arid and very hot depending on how far from the coast you are.

In terms of road tripping in California on a budget , the summer months should be avoided at all costs. During this time there way too many tourists and prices are even higher than usual.

On another note, forest fires are becoming very common and very violent in recent years. They usually start in July and can rage until September. Air quality may be very poor in August.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit California because there are fewer people and the weather is still agreeable. The mountains may still have snow or be on fire depending on the season. Southern California will have very comfortable temperatures at this time.

If you like winter sports, you can totally visit California in the winter! There are lots of world-class ski resorts ( Mammoth Lakes , Squaw Valley, Heavenly, etc.) in the Sierra Nevada and the surf is sometimes epic with big winter storms coming through.

yosemite in the winter beautiful snow california

Food in California

California is consistently rated by several national publications as one of the top states in the country for foodies. Thanks to its bountiful crops, large immigrant population, and demand for high-quality products, California is simply one of the best places to eat!

Most of California’s restaurants will be located in the larger cities. Los Angeles and San Diego are most famous for their amazing and authentic Mexican food, which, swear to God, is the best you’ll find north of the border.

San Francisco is known more for its eclecticism and diversity of culinary offerings due in part to the fact that it has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in the country. You’ll find excellent Asian food in the Bay Area, where many immigrants have settled throughout the century: Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, India, you name it.

Sacramento, considered the breadbasket of California, has an amazing farm-to-table food scene and the city is one of the greatest hidden culinary gems in the state. Expect excellent farmers markets year round. You’ll also find some affordable motels in Sacramento which are perfect for road trippers.

When driving on the highways, you’ll encounter a mix of fast food and holes-in-the-wall along the way. Along the major routes, like I5, you’ll see a lot of burger and taco joints including the infamous In-and-Out Burger , which you should definitely try at least once (get the animal style).

On the smaller, satellite roads, you’ll see more diners and mom-and-pop joints , which are, in my opinion, far better. In these little haunts, you’ll get great home cooking and for a low price.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget in California, you’ll have to limit how much you eat out. Rely more upon off-the-beaten-path diners when driving and food trucks when in the cities.

Seriously, food trucks will be your best friend on any road trip in California as they offer cheap and delicious eats. If your hostel or campground has cooking facilities, use them too!

taco truck california serving up eats

Get your Buzz on in California

It’s hard to imagine an easier place to unwind or party in than California. The wine is superlative, the beer is endless, the bars are raucous, and weed is legalized. How can it get much better than this?

You will have lots of opportunities to drink and smoke on a road trip in California. Whether or not you choose to do so in the cities or at the campgrounds makes no difference. Everywhere you go, there will be booze or cheeky smokes. Though remember my young backpackers, the drinking and marijuana age is 21 and over.

All of the larger Californian cities have a huge selection of bars and nightclubs. Los Angeles and San Francisco, in particular, have some of the best nightlife in the country. You could find anything that you could possibly want in these cities from dives to speakeasies to burlesques to underground raves. You can even procure your favorite drugs in these places quite easily if that’s your thing.

Partying in the big cities regardless of how you do so will almost always be expensive. Cover charges are exorbitant in places like Hollywood and the price of drinks/drugs will not be far behind.

On the other hand, California has some cheapest retail prices for booze in the entire USA. There are alcohol superstores in California that are dangerously inexpensive, and you can buy alcohol in just about any food store in California (which is not the case in many states).

A better road trip idea for California would be to buy alcohol from a supermarket and then prefade. Few things can top a pint of cheap camp whiskey or craft beer enjoyed next to the fire.

Weed is legal in California! To buy weed in California, all you need to do is have a valid ID that proves you’re over 21 years of age and go to a dispensary . Dispensaries look and behave very much like any bottle shop with educated clerks and a wide selections of strains. Note that dispensaries only accept cash .

hollywood sign road trip in southern california

Being a Responsible Backpacker in California

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your California road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans. Forest fires are an enormous problem in California and are often caused by reckless campers.

Californians are also very conscious of the environment and like to take care of it, as should you.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geoprress . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a  tough and cool travel water bottle . You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here.

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

sea lion playing the water clean oceans

Make Money Online Whilst Traveling in California

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer California road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

malibu pink sunset on ocean

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ralph Cope

Share or save this post

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> The largest cost will definitely be your rental car, as it is unavoidable for a road trip.

Huh? Unavoidable? Millions of people actual OWN a car.

Thanks for clarifying this. It is indeed news to us as we were under the impression that it is not possible to own a car. Our guide will be updated in due course to reflect this strange and terrifying development!

Roaming Ralph has a dirty mouth ? My pre teen daughter was reading your article out loud to the family. Our “excited to plan our family road trip together” session was marked by fifth because of your bad language. Now we have an unpleasant memory associated with our trip. You know, there are people in this world who make it a better place by promoting clean, wholesome goodness. Ralph you’ve clearly shown by your base expressions that you surely must walk around with a slimy butt as dirty as your mouth. Too bad you never learned your manners Ralph. How does it feel to leave a trail of filth as you go?

You’re welcome for the awesome free resource, if you don’t like certain parts of it or find some of our language offensive, you can either 1. Create your own content, 2. Stop reading, or 3 (the one I recommend for you Esla), go fuck yourself.

Awesome that you cover the costs – super useful!

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Planning A Trip To California? Here’s EVERYTHING You Need To Know

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Pack your bags because California is calling! If this is your first time planning a trip to California, it can be tough to decide where to start. Our California travel guide is designed to answer every question you would have in your trip planning process!

big sur california

From deciding when to go and what to see, to how to get around and what to pack for your California road trip, we will walk you through each step so that you’ll have the best California vacation possible! Let’s get starte

Where is California?

Before deciding where to go in California, it is important to have a general idea of the geographical location of the Golden State and its big cities.

Let’s take a quick look at the map of California below.

Map of California

California stands on the far western end of the USA. It meets the Pacific Ocean on the west while sharing borders with Arizona and Nevada to the east (Las Vegas is nearby and it’s commonly included on a road trip to California). 

The sunny state stretches from the Mexican border in the south for nearly 900 miles (1448 km) to the state of Oregon in the north. 

Northern California (NorCal)

In the northern part of the state, you’ll discover forests with redwood trees that are about 380 feet (115 metres) tall—about the length of a football field! East of the redwoods is Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the 48 contiguous states and part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 

Big cities in northern California include Sacramento (the capital), San Francisco and San Jose. The world’s largest tech hub Silicon Valley and America’s most celebrated wine region, Napa Valley, can also be found here.

Central California

The centre of the state includes Santa Cruz County in the north and all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in the south. The sun-kissed coast is dotted with idyllic beach towns. One of the prettiest drives is the Big Sur, offering memorable ocean vistas between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County.

Southern California (SoCal)

As you travel south, you will find the crowds. Some come to Los Angeles for Hollywood’s star power, and some make magic happen at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort. Some travel east to the 25,000-square-mile Mojave Desert, while others spend happy days on sunny beaches in San Diego.

When is the best time to visit California?

golf course in pebble beach via 17 mile drive

Most of California benefits from a pleasant Mediterranean climate (cool, rainy winters and dry summers) that makes it a popular year-round tourist destination. Having said that, it is a large and diverse land so the climate varies widely depending on the terrain (coast, inland, mountains) you’re visiting. 

The coast enjoys a mild, temperate climate, but is covered in fog in the summer (usually June-August is the foggiest). In San Francisco, the notorious fog even has a name “Karl the Fog,” with a Twitter and Instagram account!

Karl the fog california

Farther inland, expect extreme temperatures, colder winters and hotter summers. Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, gets extremely hot and dry in the summer, running above 120℉ (49℃) in the shade during daytime! Snowfall is commonly seen in the northern mountainous area such as Mt. Shasta and Lake Tahoe during winter months from December to February. 

california desert landscape

Most of California, though, is marked by only two distinct seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season runs from October to April in northern California and from November to March or April in southern California.

So when you plan a California trip, our best suggestion is to visit during the shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct), when you can take advantage of mild temperatures, sunny days and fewer crowds.

How many days should you spend in California?

Now that you’ve decided when to come to California, the next question is how long should you stay? California is huge – did you know that it takes over 12 hours to drive from northern California to southern California without traffic and or any stops?

And there’s so much to see and do in between! You really could spend months here if you want to explore every single destination in the State. But sadly not all of us have the luxury to take months-long vacations.

Depending on what you want to see and where you’re coming from, your California vacation could easily be as short as a weekend for a city getaway to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Or, if you want to see a little more, consider 1-2 weeks for a coastal road trip to California along the Pacific Coast Highway. Even better, combine urban exploration with outdoor adventure to get the best of both worlds, which you can swing in 7 days.

To get the most out of the state, we’d recommend planning a trip to California that lasts at least two weeks.

Where should you go when visiting California for the first time?

Our advice to first time visitors to California is to start your trip in one of the big cities with major airports—San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. 

Convenience plays a key role as these cities are easily accessible by air, which is important for international travellers. They are also packed with excitement and have enough variety to keep you entertained, no matter your interests. Lastly, you can easily get around without renting a car.

Here’s what you can expect in each of the metropolitan cities in California:

  • San Francisco: The hilly city boasts jaw-dropping ocean views, world-class cuisine, hip cafes, and colourful Victorian style houses. We love it for its laid back culture and how it maintains a balance of history and modernity. The city is big yet manageable for exploration for first-time travellers. Doubtlessly, Golden Gate Bridge is the top attraction in SF and we never get bored looking at it!

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco California

  • Los Angeles: Home to the Hollywood sign, the city is the entertainment capital of the world . Just as you saw in the movie La La Land , this is where people who wish to make a name for themselves in show business come to realize their dream. You can get behind-the-scenes looks into the world of filmmaking and television broadcasting at studios like Paramount Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. Studio. Those who love action-packed entertainment should look into spending a day or two in Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland in Anaheim! 

hollywood los angeles california

  • San Diego: There are many reasons to visit San Diego, but with 70 miles (112 km) of shoreline, the southern city offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country! And the warm climate makes it an appealing destination for beach activities like surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, and boating.

san diego city skyline california

Each city has its own appeal and is so different from the others. The ideal plan is to choose one of the 3 cities as your starting point, stay there for 2-3 days, then add some nearby destinations mentioned below to your California road trip itinerary.

What other destinations should you include when planning a California road trip?

California has a wealth of natural beauty – from giant redwoods and snow-capped mountains to expansive deserts, and idyllic beaches. Here are the best places worth exploring in California:

Northern California

  • Redwood National and State Parks: comprises one national park (Redwood) and three state parks (Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek). It is home to the tallest trees on earth!
  • Lake Tahoe: the second deepest lake in the USA. It sits between California and Nevada.
  • Sonoma & Napa Valleys: These two valleys have over 30 diverse growing regions, producing some of the country’s – and the world’s – most celebrated wines. When planning a trip to Napa Valley, our advice is to plan your tastings, especially at the famous wineries, during the week to avoid big crowds.
  • Monterey Bay: a hotspot for wildlife viewing. Sea lions, seals, otters, and whales can often be spotted by the coast. 17-Mile Drive is a must-see. If you’re staying overnight, we suggest booking your accommodation at Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming fairytale village nearby!
  • Big Sur: a rocky stretch of coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon. You will find plenty of hiking opportunities and beautiful photo spots (Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach) along the way. 
  • San Luis Obispo (SLO): A sleepy town along Big Sur. Unlike the bustling scene at Santa Monica, the historic town has a laid-back charm filled with historic architecture, eclectic shops and hip eateries. 
  • Yosemite National Park : one of the most famous and popular national parks in the US. It is best known for its gigantic granite domes and cliffs, giant sequoia, and towering waterfalls
  • Death Valley National Park: lies in the Mojave Desert and is the home to barren Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America, as well as the Furnace Creek – one of the hottest places on Earth.

Southern California

  • Joshua Tree National Park: It is a treat to explore its dramatic geography. The odd-shaped Joshua Trees make for incredible photos!
  • Palm Springs: a desert oasis city known for its mid-20th century modern architecture. A great place to play golf, relax and enjoy spas!

How to get around California?

delta plane in the air

➤ By air: Save time by hopping on a flight! 

Three major airports service northern California: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJO), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in the Central Valley. 

In Southern California, major airports are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Numerous smaller regional airports are scattered throughout the state serviced by domestic carriers. For example, Avelo, JetBlue and Southwest all have comprehensive networks of California flights.

amtrak california train by the coast

➤ By train: Take a scenic train ride on Amtrak ! 

The rail carrier not only operates long-distance trains that connect the state with other parts of the USA, but also run regional trains and connecting buses to more than 150 destinations within the Golden State! On a rail journey, you can easily explore top cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Sacramento, travel through national parks like Yosemite, and escape to beaches like Malibu!

uber driver google maps

➤ By taxis and ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft offer services throughout the state. You can get an estimate here for Uber and here for Lyft .

road trip california car travel

➤ By car: For the utmost convenience and flexibility, rent a car ! However car rental comes with some hassles such as parking. Is this a good option for you? Keep on reading in the next section.

Do you need a car in California? If so, how do you rent a car in California?

Big cities in California have an extensive public transportation network. In San Francisco, for example, you can use the Muni system, the city’s network of buses, subways, streetcars and cable cars, to explore all corners of the city. Similarly, Los Angeles is well-connected by L.A. Metro via bus, rail and bike, and San Diego’s MTS operates a reliable bus and trolley system in the region.

los angeles metro station

You can easily get by without a car in big cities. In fact, it is easier to explore without the car because finding parking in the cities is a nightmare!

However, if you want to explore outside the city boundary, visit the national parks, or drive the famous Pacific Coast Highway, then you absolutely need a car. 

You can find car rental companies like Hertz, Avis and National, stationed at major airports or in the downtown core of a city. 

Click here to find the best car rental deals!

Most car rental companies require you to pick up and return at their storefront. If you prefer to have the rental car delivered to you, consider Kyte ! We fell in love with this service because its hassle-free operation saved us so much time!

driving car in california

What do you need to rent a car?

To rent a vehicle, you’ll typically need to be at least 25 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have a major credit card .

For out-of-the-country visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license doesn’t have a photo or isn’t written in English. Make sure to carry your home license together with the IDP.

Additionally, California law requires liability insurance for all vehicles . Check your auto insurance policy back home or your credit card’s travel insurance policy to see if you’re already covered. If not, there’s usually an option to pay $10 to $30 per day for an insurance package at the car rental place.

What is parking like in California?

Parking is usually plentiful and free in small towns and rural areas, but often scarce and expensive in cities. Downtown and hotel parking garages in San Francisco and LA can be costly, ranging from $30 to $50 per day.

When parking on the street, pay attention to the restrictions (e.g. street-cleaning hours, permit-only residential areas) and colored curbs, or you may be ticketed and towed. In Carmel, we were careless with street parking, missed the red curb marking, and ended up having to pay a $50 fine! 

Where to stay in California?

➤ City breaks

California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose need little introduction. There is a huge range of accommodation options available to meet your budget and needs. 

Find the best hotel deals for: → Los Angeles on Agoda // Expedia → San Francisco on Agoda // Expedia → San Diego on Agoda // Expedia → San Jose on Agoda // Expedia

➤ Beach vacations

Away from the city lights, California promises spectacular coastline, dotted with trendy beach towns, superb surf spots and vast stretches of wilderness.

If you’re planning a coastal road trip, we highly recommend booking a night or two at a cozy AirBNB or chic seaside property in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Barbara, Malibu, or Laguna Beach.

You can bask in that Californian sunshine and admire the rugged seashore. Monterey is a well-known destination; however, it is extremely touristy so we recommend staying in Carmel instead for more privacy.

➤ Mountain escapes

For the ultimate mountainous escape, break up your itinerary by lodging in the enormous Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park or the Sequoia National Forest.

Palm Springs, on the other hand, offers a retro gateway to the wonders of the Sonoran Desert — and boasts hot springs, stylish hotels, and spas. Alternatively, look into the ski hotels and resorts around Lake Tahoe if you enjoy cooler climates. 

➤ Wine-cations

Wine lovers would enjoy a trip to the wine regions. Napa, Calistoga, and St Helena are good places to start. For a quieter and more secluded experience, you may want to check out quaint towns nearby like Glen Ellen. Serious foodies would not want to miss Healdsburg or Yountville, which has more Michelin stars than any other town in the USA!!

Pro tip: To get the best deals on accommodations, make your bookings in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busier months. We use TripAdvisor to compare pricings across hotel websites and 3rd party booking platforms, then decide where to book based on the prices.

What to eat in California?

in-n-out burger california

Many people associate In-N-Out burgers with California. It’s true that the chain started in the Los Angeles suburb of Baldwin Park, but what exactly is Californian cuisine? 

The type of dishes you’ll find in California focuses on fresh, simple preparation and the use of local and sustainable ingredients. You can also expect to find food that is creative, fusion, and health-conscious (think acai bowls and avocado toast).

With 89 Michelin star restaurants in California (as of 2022), the world’s best restaurants are at your fingertips – the most in the country! You’ll certainly have no shortages of high-quality restaurants to try if you fancy a memorable dining experience. Just be sure to secure a table well in advance!

Lazy Bear San Francisco Michelin Star Restaurant

In the southern region, the exceptionally rich Mexican culture gives rise to Mexican-inspired cuisine (aka Cal-Mex), thanks to the big Mexican population! In contrast to Tex-Mex which is largely beef and pork, Cal-Mex uses more chicken and seafood. It also tastes lighter, not as spicy and more subtle, compared to the bolder, spicier flavours in Tex-Mex dishes. Alberto’s Mexican Food is a popular chain in SoCal – it’s affordable, authentic, and its carne asada fries are to-die-for!

mexican street food tacos

How much would a week-long California road trip cost?

Planning a road trip to California and wondering how much a 7-day trip will cost? It depends on what sort of trip you want to experience, what kind of traveller you are and what experiences you want to enjoy.

We always plan our trip around food and don’t mind paying a little more for nice restaurants and unique boutique hotels so our budget reflects that. But there are plenty of choices for cheaper food and accommodations if you are working with a small budget. 

Here are some general guidelines to help you ballpark the cost of your trip:

Accommodations: This will probably be the most expensive part of your budget. For most city stays, if you choose to stay in a mid-range hotel you can expect to pay at least $200-400 per night. For luxury accommodations, it ranges between $500-800 per night depending on the season and location. Costs will be lower for more remote destinations.

Rental car and gas: Rental car is essential for a California road trip, and gas is something you won’t want to overlook when planning your vacation budget! The average cost to rent a car in California is approximately $170 per day. A gas estimator like GasBuddy is handy in giving you a rough estimate of how much your trip will cost.

Food: You can eat at less expensive places or splurge on more expensive options. We would budget around $50-$70 per person per day for eating out at mid-level places (not including drinks and tips).

Activities and entertainment: Factor in the tours you plan to go on during your trip. Do you plan to rent a kayak? Are you going for a wine tasting? Are you joining a whale watching tour? Are you spending a day at Universal Studio? 

For a comfortable budget, we’d suggest starting with at least $250-300 per person per day. This is with two people sharing accommodations and a rental car. You will then factor in extra costs for tours and activities you plan to take. 

What practicalities do you need to beware of in California?

Make note of these few things prior to visiting California:

✓ Electricity

Electrical voltage in the USA is 120v, with power plugs of Type A & B (two pin or three pin). 

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor. 

Most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage whereas higher power devices like hair dryers do not. However, it is always a good practice to check if your equipment or devices support the 120v supply.

✓ Internet Access

You can find free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. 

If you need constant access to the internet, we recommend buying a travel SIM, either in the form of a physical SIM or an eSIM. Please note that this will require your phone to be unlocked. We have personally tried TravelSim and KnowRoaming before, both provide eSIM service. Between the two, KnowRoaming has more affordable plans.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in California. Pretty much any restaurant or bar will serve tap water for free, though you might need to specifically ask for it. 

✓ Car safety

Car break-ins are a huge concern in California, especially in big cities like San Francisco. One piece of advice that every Californian would give you is to never leave things in your car–not even your phone cable!

What documents do you need to travel to California?

For travellers coming from outside the USA, you’ll need to prepare the following documents before you travel to California:

  • A valid passport for 6 months starting from the day of the arrival;
  • A visitor visa or ESTA to get into the United States (Canadians don’t require either to enter USA);
  • Proof of vaccination;
  • An international driving license if you plan on driving in California;
  • A credit card;
  • A travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies as well as trip cancellation and interruption. This is optional and always good to have as you never know what could happen.

What to pack for your road trip to California?

Here are some essentials to pack for your trip:

  • eSIM: we’ve personally used KnowRoaming (based in Canada) for its eSIM service and it worked smoothly for our trip.  Airalo is also a great choice!
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Camera: consider a compact, lightweight camera like GoPro for outdoor adventures

For more details, check out our comprehensive California packing list.

What souvenirs to bring back from California?

Want to bring a piece of California back with you? Here are some (edible) gift ideas for you!

  • Napa Valley wine
  • Chocolates from See’s Candies or Ghirardelli
  • Salt water taffy
  • California olive oil: we’ve heard great things about Olive Crush and Olivina
  • Palo Alto Firefighters pepper sauce
  • Spices from Oaktown Spice Shop

california trip how much

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Thanks for sharing this well detailed guide! Will definitely come back here if ever i get my chance to travel to California! More power to guys!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

California252520Beach_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B425255D

A Two Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: June 3, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 114 Comments

The United States is pretty much the perfect country to road trip in, with great roads, cheap gas and hundreds of gorgeous destinations to choose from. It’s no wonder that a California road trip is on many visitors to-do lists!

We’ve taken a number of fantastic US road trips , including Route 66 , the Pacific Coast Highway , the Oregon Trail and a route through the Deep South , and have never failed to have an amazing time.

One of our favourite states to explore though has to be California. With a mix of an excellent climate, some of the best National Parks in the country, and world-famous cities to explore, you’re never going to run short of things to do in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put together a classic two week California road trip itinerary, taking in some of the best that the sunshine state has to offer. I did a trip almost exactly the same as this a few years back, so I know that it’s a good one.

California Road Trip

Two weeks is also a good amount of time for a trip like this, although you could of course extend it by a few days if you wanted to see a bit more, or wanted to go a bit slower.

California Road Trip Itinerary

This California road trip itinerary has you starting and finishing in San Francisco. As it’s a loop, you could also start and finish at any other point. If you would prefer another starting location, LA would be the most logical.

The route runs anti-clockwise, but you are welcome to drive it in whichever direction you prefer!

San Francisco – 3 Days

We’re going to start our California road trip with three days in San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the second largest airport in California, so there are plenty of opportunities for getting here for both domestic and international travellers.

Tram in San Francisco streets

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

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re going to want a few days to adjust to the time zone difference before hopping into a car. For this reason, I’m going to recommend spending three nights in San Francisco, and picking up your hire car as you leave. You won’t want (or need!) a car while you’re in the city – parking is expensive and there are plenty of other options to get around.

You won’t be short on things to do in San Francisco, and in fact, might feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices!

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

San Francisco Sunset

To get yourself oriented, we can also recommend taking a walking tour with the excellent SFNative folks, they know the city backwards. Finally, if you’re looking for some great photo opportunities, check out our guide to the best photography locations in San Francisco .

Accommodation wise, there are plenty of options in San Francisco. Here are some of our favourite picks for your stay, across a range of budgets.

  • HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
  • Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
  • Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
  • Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
  • Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
  • Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
  • Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

See more options for hotels in San Francisco here, as well vacation rentals on Plum Guide here and Vrbo here .

Pacific Coast Highway – 2 Days

The drive down the section of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of the best road trips in the world. So it’s really a no-brainer that this would be your first destination after you pick up your hire car and head out of the city.

Pacific Coast Highway California

There are numerous highlights along the way, from cute seaside towns to gorgeous wilderness areas. Don’t miss Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur and the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park (camp here if you can!).

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

From Big Sur head further south and take in highlights like the seals at Cambria , tasty food at San Luis Obispo, the gorgeous Pismo beach, Hearst Castle and more.

For loads more information on this stretch of highway and to help you plan the perfect coastal road trip, check out our super detailed guide to planning a  Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

California road trip - Waterfall onto beach Juiia Pfieffer Burns State Park California Big Sur

For the 2 days you’ll spend on this part of your California road trip, we recommend stopping overnight around Monterey or Carmel on your first night, and San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria on your second night.

There are plenty of accommodation options all the way down this stretch of highway, from campsites and B&B’s to luxury hotels – it all depends on your budget and what you’re aiming for. Here are a few options to consider in our recommended towns along the way.

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

  • If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
  • Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
  • Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
  • The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
  • The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

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

  • Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
  • Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
  • Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
  • Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
  • Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
  • El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visits to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
  • J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

Santa Monica, LA – 2 Days

Los Angeles can be a big, confusing place, particularly after your trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. That’s why I suggest you head to Santa Monica and make that your LA base.

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

santa monica sunset

Again, there’s no shortage of things to do in LA. If you’re interested in film, you can visit the Hollywood sign, walk the Hollywood walk of fame or go on a tour of the backlot at Universal Studios .

Art lovers will find their thrills at the Getty Center , which also offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding city. Other highlights include Sunset Boulevard, and of course, you can hop on one of those tours of the stars homes if you’re so inclined.

LA also has plentiful accommodation options to suit all budget. Here are some of our recommended options:

  • Santa Monica Motel – we enjoyed our stay at this basic 2* motel, which is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a value option.
  • Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
  • Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood walk of fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here.
  • Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
  • The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

See more LA listings here for inspiration , as well as LA listings on Vrbo here . For a more curated apartment rental option, check out Plum Guide. You can see their LA listings here .

If you’re not excited about Los Angeles, you could also choose to skip it and head down the coast to San Diego County and the city of San Diego itself. This is a more laid back (and easily navigable!) experience compared to LA, and there’s a great deal to do here as well.

For more reading on San Diego, check out this guide to things to do in San Diego we put together.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

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

Joshua Tree

It’s a wonderful place, the meeting point of two deserts, and offers good opportunities for camping, hiking and star-gazing.

The best way to experience the park is to camp overnight in one of its many campgrounds (you should definitely reserve a spot well in advance if this is your plan), otherwise, there are various lodging opportunities outside the park if you’re not big into camping. You should also be aware that there is very limited water availability in the park (and no hookups for RV’s), so make sure you bring plenty of water and food – this is a remote desert environment after all!

Here are some suggested accommodation options in nearby Twentynine Palms.

  • 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
  • El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
  • Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
  • Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

See more listings for Twentynine Palms and this general region on  Plum Guide here .

Note, if you want to include a detour to Las Vegas, this would be the moment to do just that. We’d suggest adding a couple of days to your trip if you want to experience the city and its surrounds as there’s a lot to see and do here. Then you can rejoin the trip at the next stop.

For more on that sort of trip, check out our two week USA road trip itinerary , which include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Moving on from one desert environment to another desert environment – and the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Death Valley (the name was given by gold rush travellers who nearly perished here) is the hottest and driest place in North America, and has recorded the hottest ambient air temperature in the world.

Badwater basin

So, overall, a hot place.

Other than making you want to crank up the AC then, what does Death Valley offer? Well, there’s that sense of remoteness. The vast, unforgiving wilderness. The knowledge that you’d probably die fairly quickly if you happen to wander off and get lost (don’t wander off and get lost folks).

Death Valley

Truth be told, there’s plenty to do here. You can visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the entire North America, which actually sits 86 metres below sea level. Then there are sand dunes, salt flats, craters, colourful canyons and hiking opportunities galore.

Just be aware that this is a seriously inhospitable, and, in the summer months, unbearably hot, destination, so plan and pack accordingly . If you’re looking for more ideas on spending a day in Death Valley, check out this excellent post .

Mammoth Lakes – 1 Day

From Death Valley we’re going to head further north, up to Mammoth Lakes . This drive is quite incredible, along the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the scenery (and temperatures) will change dramatically as you ascend into this gorgeous part of the world.

Mammoth Lakes are an adventure lovers playground. You can go hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing – the list goes on! There’s also a ghost town , craft beer companies, shopping opportunities – basically, pretty much everything you could imagine.

lake mono

Whilst you’re here, you should also take the opportunity to visit Lake Mono . Now a state nature reserve, Lake Mono is a million year old lake notable for the “tufa” towers, calcium carbonate structures that stand above the lake like strange modern art installations. Definitely worth a visit, and particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Yosemite National Park – 3 Days

Finally on our awesome California road trip, I’m going to suggest you spend three days exploring Yosemite National Park before heading back to San Francisco to return your hire vehicle and head home.

Vernal falls Yosemite

Yosemite is without doubt one of my favourite places in the entire United States. It’s a wonder of nature, a photographer’s paradise, and somewhere I dare anyone to visit without falling instantly in love.

There’s a lot to see and do here, which is why I’m going to suggest taking three days to get the most out of your visit. This will let you see all the highlights, as well as go for some longer hikes (or drives), and not feel too rushed.

Glacier point view Yosemite

I’ve got a full guide to the best photography locations in Yosemite , but in brief, don’t miss Yosemite Falls, the hike up to Nevada and Vernal Falls, the drive (or hike) to Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Valley View and Bridalveil Falls.

If you love longer, more challenging day hikes, then Half Dome is a seriously challenging walk (permit required), as is the walk up to the top of Yosemite Falls .

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

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

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

Yosemite view of El Capitan

California Road Trip Map

We’ve put together a map of our suggested California road trip itinerary, which you can see below, and also on Google Maps here . Note that depending on the time of year, access to Yosemite can be restricted due to snow, so you have to take the longer way round.

In addition, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are often closed due to damage caused by landslides. As such, the map should be seen as an overview rather than a definitive route. You’ll want to plan your own California road trip route that matches any current road conditions and closures.

You can check the status of the coast route (state highway 1), as well as all the other roads in the state, on the Caltrans website here .

California Road Trip Itinerary Map

California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

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

When to Take a California Road Trip

California is a fairly good year round destination, but there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip. In the Winter months, places like Yosemite can become accessible particularly from the east side, due to snow, as you can see in the map above.

The main road in to Yosemite is the Tioga Road, and this is usually closed from November through to May or even June. In addition, parts of the park, including Glacier Point road, are often closed for a similar timeframe.

If this happens to you, you’ll have to take a serious detour to get in based on this itinerary. A better option might be to embrace the snow, and head up to Lake Tahoe for some fantastic skiing opportunities. Or, you can head east, out to Nevada and the pleasure city of Las Vegas.

big sur coastline

In summertime, the heat can be quite intense, in particular in places like Death Valley, where in the summer months temperatures can exceed 100F, and it’s not recommended to spend much time outside.

Where to Stay in California

California has a serious range of accommodation options to meet pretty much every budget, although larger cities and busier months do tend to increase the prices. We’d always recommend booking in advance for your trip if possible – in particular for national park campsites and hotels, and to get the best deals on city centre hotels.

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

Our preferred option for hotel booking is booking.com, as they usually have the best prices, regularly run deals, and many properties offer good last minute cancellation policies. See their listings for California , San Francisco and Los Angeles to get you started.

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

For more ideas, take a look at our travel resources page for helpful hints and tips on getting the best deal on accommodation when you travel.

How to Get Around California

This is a road trip, so obviously you’re going to want a hire a car! We nearly always hire cars for our US road trips through Enterprise . We generally find they have the most competitive prices and widest choice of locations, plus if you’re thinking of a one way trip they have reasonable fees for doing that.

If you’d prefer to compare prices across a range of providers, then we recommend Rentalcars.com .

Drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive, if your license is in a language other than English then you would be best with either an international drivers license, or a certified translation.

Another option of course is to hire a camper van or RV, which will let you stay in campgrounds and other, more out of the way areas. This can be a fun way to travel in a more self sufficient style. If this sounds like you, we recommend comparing RV rental prices at Motorhome Republic . They list all RVs from many of the major suppliers to help you find the right one for you. See their USA listings here .

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

If this is your first time in the USA, or you just want a reminder of what it’s like to drive in the USA, check out our guide to driving in the USA for lots of tips!

Practicalities for a California Road trip

Travelling in the USA is relatively easy, but we wanted to share a few things to help make planning your California road trip a little easier.

Electricity

The USA uses a 110v electrical system, with plugs that are either two pin or three pin. The holes are flat, and sometimes the two pin plug holes will be different sizes, so the plug will only go in one way.

If you’re coming from much of the rest of the world, including Europe, the UK or Asia, you will definitely need a travel adaptor like this . You will also need to check that your equipment supports the 110v supply, as much of the rest of the world uses a 220v supply.

In our experience, most electronics like laptops and phone chargers accept a universal voltage, whilst higher power devices like hairdryers do not. Always check the device itself, the voltage rating should be on your plug or adaptor somewhere.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

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

Instead, just make sure you have a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge you any foreign transaction fees and uses a fair price for currency conversions, and you should be good to go.

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

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is always brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems. Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight and behave as you would at home, you should be fine!

Further Reading and Resources for a California Road Trip

California is a very popular destination, so there’s no shortage of research material to help you plan your trip! Here are some of my favourite resources:

  • We have a guide to things to do in San Diego
  • I’ve written a guide featuring some of my top tips for driving in the USA to help get you going on the road!
  • Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan your trip budget.
  • Jess has a guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
  • If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our guide to visiting Napa Valley
  • Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
  • Fodor’s Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
  • The Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
  • A US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
  • If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this guide to free and super cheap campgrounds will quickly pay for itself
  • The official Visit California page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
  • For more in California, see this awesome guide to places to visit in California , from fellow bloggers at yTravelBlog
  • My guide to things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
  • Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
  • And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our USA section , which includes a Deep south itinerary , tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras – and lots more!

Detailed itinerary and trip planning advice for the ultimate California two week road trip, including San Francisco, LA, the Pacific Coast Highway, Death Valley, Yosemite and more!

And that sums up my perfect two week California road trip itinerary! If you’ve got any comments, suggestions or additions, do pop them in the comments below. Plus, if you liked this post, do check out the rest of my itinerary series , which will help you plan the perfect trips all around the world!

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robert feinberg says

16th December 2023 at 4:48 pm

Hello, we are planning a road trip to California in July, and using your template, but adding a few different options. we are traveling with 2 15 year olds, and they want to surf. any recommendations you can make on that, as well as stops that will be good for them? much appreciated.

Laurence Norah says

16th December 2023 at 8:26 pm

So there are a lot of surfing options all along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego. A lot will depend on the experience of your children and whether or not they are experienced surfers or are looking to learn. Also, some locations will have surfboard rentals wheras others are more remote. So it will depend what you need in that regard. However, there are good options all along the California coast, including Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Pismo, Morro Bay, Ricon Point and Surfrider beach (Malibu). I’d just recommend doing some research to ensure you match the breaks to the skill level required 🙂

Have an awesome trip!

Kim Dawtrey says

7th October 2023 at 9:39 pm

Hi Lawrence We are just home after nearly three weeks in the US on a route based on your California Road Trip, although we also went to the a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. The information within your blog was a great help in planning our trip. Unfortunately we were unable to drive down the whole Pacific Highway due to landslide near Big Sur, but we loved the 17 mile drive and would recommend staying in Pacific Grove (we stayed in Bide-A-Wee hotel which was great). We were also unable to drive across Death Valley as the NP was closed due to the damage to the roads, we did however visit Death Valley Junction and throughly recommend a visit to Amargosa Opera House. The board outside says tours at 9.00am and 6.00pm, but the young lady in the hotel reception was more than happy to give us a tour for a donation, fascinating place and history. If you haven’t visited I can send you some photos. Another side trip we did was to Bristlecone Ancient Pine Forest, amazing place, great drive up to 10,000 feet, with fresh snow at the top! The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were certainly the highlights for us. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, thank you for all your valuable information, if we were 40 years younger, we would love to be doing what you and Jess are doing!

8th October 2023 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you had a great trip in California and beyond! Unfortunately the Pacific Coast Highway does get blocked quite regularly due to landslides, and it also sounds like unfortunate timing with Death Valley. However I am glad to hear you still had a good time overall! We haven’t visited the Amargosa Opera House, we will definitely have to add that to the list!

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, and safe onward travels 🙂 Jess and I love to hear from fellow adventurers who have been out exploring!

All the best,

erika liaci says

3rd July 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi we are finalising our US Road trip to/from LAX in mid August. Would you recommend still going to the Death valley? I am a bit scared of the temperature which might be 50C? Thanks erika

4th July 2023 at 9:26 am

So I would personally probably skip Death Valley in August. It’s going to be too hot to do very much, and you would likely be able to better spend your time elsewhere. An extra day in Yosemite for example!

Have a great trip!

17th April 2023 at 11:43 am

Hi – this 2 week California road trip looks amazing. Your blog is really helpful for planning our own trip. Would it be possible to know the driving distances between each of the places please. Thanks Sam

18th April 2023 at 8:09 am

Hi Sam, thanks very much! So I didn’t put distances because in my experience they tend to change with side trips etc. Also, the Pacific Coast Highway is regularly affected by landslips so stretches of the route can be closed.

That said, as a rough guide:

From San Francisco to Santa Monica is around 500 miles From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree is around 150 miles From Joshua Tree to Death Valley is around 260 miles From Death Valley to Mammoth Lakes is around 200 miles From Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite is normally around 75 miles but this depends on the pass being open From Yosemite back to San Francisco is around 170 miles.

I hope this helps! Have a great time in California 🙂

28th January 2023 at 2:46 pm

Hi. Would you recommend Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon? We will be driving back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and are thinking of an extended detour north rather than going back via Kingman. Thanks

29th January 2023 at 9:07 am

It is with some dismay that I’m not able to accurately answer your question as both parks are still on my to-do list and I haven’t visited either. So rather than inaccurately answer your question I would have to say I don’t know. I definitely want to visit them both, and from the photos I have seen I don’t think you would be disappointed with either, but that’s about as much as I can say for now until I have visited both!

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope you have an amazing trip nonetheless!

Maxine says

4th August 2022 at 8:16 am

This post has been super helpful and given us great ideas for a trip we are planning with our two teenagers next summer. We want to include vegas, therefore, would you recommend that we head there after San Diego before heading back to Yosemite? Thank you

4th August 2022 at 6:06 pm

Thanks very much, glad you found the post useful! So yes, heading from San Diego or Death Valley to Las Vegas would make the most sense. I’ve actually written a trip out that is similar to this one but include Vegas (and the Grand Canyon if you wanted to also include that). That’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2-week-usa-road-trip-itinerary/

You can save time of course by skipping the Grand Canyon 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Otherwise, have a great trip!

William D Villont says

6th January 2022 at 9:03 pm

My wife and I took a California trip similar to this one except we went south to San Diego as our final destination. I really enjoyed the trip and can fully understand why you highlight this trip as one someone should surely take. We agree. My only disappointment of the trip is that, at the time, I was doing videography and that is all I took on the trip, my video camera. Now that I have gotten back into photography I wish I had taken my camera as well. We rarely get out the old video (VHS tape) and watch and I have not taken the time to transfer the VHS to DVD yet. I just gave it away, that this trip was sometime ago because I was shooting VHS. Anyway I would love to take this trip again and if this Covid thing ever goes away, maybe I will. Thanks for sharing this trip.

7th January 2022 at 11:29 am

Hi William,

I’m glad to bring back positive memories of your California trip! Interesting to hear you mostly took video. I have a similar reverse quandry when I travel, I usually only find myself able to concentrate on one medium of story telling as we go, so I focus on photos. But I often think it might be nice to have more videos. I hope you get to watch your video soon and also to take the trip again one day!

Have a lovely and safe 2022,

Delaney Blute says

1st July 2021 at 3:18 am

Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful travel recommendations. I’m planning on taking this trip with my mother and sister, possibly leaving next late summer. Do you have a ball park recommendation for price for the entire trip for 3 people? We plan on budgeting it, but just wanted to know if you had any estimate of what this trip would cost for 3 people. Thanks so much!

1st July 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Delaney,

This is a great question. So it’s really hard to give a price estimate because everyone has a different travel style, and it will depend on what type of accommodation you are thinking of booking, whether you are happy to share a room for the three of you vs have individual rooms, whether you are ok with budget dining vs more expensive options and so on. I’m also not sure if you’re from the US or not, so car rental if you need to rent a car would also be a cost to consider.

I do have a guide which has a ballpark idea of costs for travel in the UK, which you can see here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

That should give you an idea of how much each element of the trip should cost you, to help you come up with a rough figure. The main costs are going to be your accommodation, gas / car rental / car parking in cities, food, and any attraction entry.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can provide any further input, and have a great trip 🙂

Chantelle says

7th March 2020 at 2:06 pm

We have a trip booked for just short of a month in September! Your blog was really helpful, thank you!

I was wondering if you had some advice on Car vrs Camper. Is it easy to find places to stay in a camper or would you recommend a car and motels. We are happy either way just want our trip to be as stress free as possible!

7th March 2020 at 5:07 pm

Hi Chantelle!

So we have done both, and honestly, we prefer motels / B&Bs to campsites.

In the USA, campsites are a bit different to the UK in my experience. They tend to have more formal “sites” for each visitor, which means they can’t just squeeze another person in. When they are full they’re full. For National Parks especially, this means that they can book out and then you can be stuck trying to find somewhere to stay. You can of course book them in advance, so that’s an option. The other good news is that if you have a campervan all is not lost as there are places you can camp for free. However these tend not to be totally exciting, Walmart carparks for example let folks stay overnight, but this might not be the dream option.

The other thing is that if you do the math, you will find that the cost of renting a campervan + the cost of paying campsite fees will probably be a lot more than the cost of a cheap car and economy lodging. Plus if you plan on visiting a few of the cities in this itinerary a camper will be more effort than it’s worth. You didn’t mention budget so this might not be a huge factor, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I think you can see where my preference lies for this itinerary. Obviously if you love camping and want to spend more time out in the backcountry and national parks, it’s a great option. But you might find that buying a cheap tent and a couple of sleeping bags for a few nights is a better option than renting a camper 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know how it goes and what you decide to do! We have a facebook group you’re welcome to share your experiences in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

chantelle sims says

14th March 2020 at 2:44 pm

This has been so incredibly helpful thankyou!!

My pleasure Chantelle – have a great trip!

Sharon says

16th February 2020 at 7:40 pm

Great inspiration and ideas, thanks

16th February 2020 at 9:34 pm

Our pleasure Sharon, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Thiago says

12th February 2020 at 7:45 pm

Just want to thank you for these super detailed guides, guys;

13th February 2020 at 10:48 am

Our pleasure Thiago, if you have any questions we’re happy to help 🙂 Safe travels!

Kathy Reed says

26th January 2020 at 5:51 pm

Hi – this was an amazing find! Loved all of your recommendations. Do you have any recommendations for anything just a little further north into the Redwoods. Perhaps starting in Santa Monica and going north? Though i do love the loop feature of this itinerary. Makes it so hard to decide. Thanks!

28th January 2020 at 9:19 am

We have travelled north of this itinerary as well, with our highlights including Napa Valley, Point Reyes National Park and Redding, however we’ve not put together a detailed itinerary for this sort of trip as we’ve not covered the area in enough detail. If redwoods are what you are after particularly, then on this itinerary you can see them near Santa Cruz, if you did want to follow it.

Let me know if I can offer any more advice for your trip!

4th January 2020 at 4:39 pm

Hi Great site for info ? Just would like to know what time of year would you recommend doing this road trip ive just read on here ,we’re coming from the UK so any info will help us plan Many thanks Barry

5th January 2020 at 11:25 am

It can definitely be done at any time of year, but I might avoid the depths of winter as snow can make the roads into Yosemite a challenge, plus it will be quite cold. So if you are looking for more of a summery California road trip, I might suggest May through September. We just toured California in August, and it was definitely very hot inland, as well as being busy so perhaps May/June or September would be the best time for a good combination of weather and fewer people 🙂

Debbie says

4th January 2020 at 3:03 pm

Hi We are planning this trip in April 2020! We will skip LA (Not interested) & Yosemite (We’ve already been) & we will only spend 1 day in San Francisco (we’ve already been) my question is do you think we can do the rest in 7 days?? We definitely want to do the scenic drive from San Francisco to San Diego & back to San Fran an thank you for all the wonderful information!!

5th January 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Debbie!

Awesome 😀 So you can do the Pacific Coast Highway from SF to San Diego in a couple of days if you don’t mind going at a bit of a pace. I’d probably slow it down to 3 days though. I’m not sure if you still plan on seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley – if you plan on going up and down the Pacific Coast Highway both ways, then you’re actually going to end up driving much more than this itinerary if you do visit Death Valley, as you’ll do about 2/3rds of the route and then turn around.

I’m not sure if you wanted to go to Las Vegas instead, but what you could do instead of going all the way back is finish in Vegas. I have noticed that many car hire firms don’t charge one way fees for trips between SF and Las Vegas, and flights out of Las Vegas are also very inexpensive. Even if you don’t want to do the whole Las Vegas thing, there are some lovely outdoor attractions in the area including the Hoover Dam and the spectacular valley of fire state park.

Anyway, just a thought. To answer your question – yes, you could do the rest in 7 days but I fear it might be a bit rushed,

30th December 2019 at 1:24 am

How many miles is this trip in total?

30th December 2019 at 3:28 pm

Around 1400 miles, but you’ll want to add on detours, side trips etc. So I’d say 1500 – 2000 to be on the safe side 🙂

Mallikarjun says

19th December 2019 at 8:51 pm

Can you please let me know the “Public Transport” options, it may be Bus, Metro or any other services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. I am planning for a trip in end of Jan 2020 for about 6 to 7 days to cover these cities. Or is there any travel packages you suggest for these cities. Please let me know.

Thanks, Malli

22nd December 2019 at 5:29 pm

My pleasure, and apologies for the slow response, I’ve had some site issues I’ve been working on.

For your question, are you looking for public transport between the cities, or in the cities? If the former, then I’d generally recommend the long distance bus as the best way to get between the cities in California, although you will struggle to get to more remote locations this way.

For each city you mention, there are different options. San Francisco is the easiest to get around, as there’s a great bus system as well as bikes, e-bikes and scooters. LA is a bit trickier – there are both buses and a metro, but just be aware that the distances can be quite far as the city is very spread out. So the best option is to figure out what you want to see and make sure the accommodation you pick is as close to the sights as possible.

San Diego is also easy to get around for the most part, with buses, trolleys and trains.

I hope this helps 🙂

Samantha says

28th October 2019 at 1:20 pm

Hi! this sounds amazing and I am literally looking at booking this for June next year! From looking about the only area that I am a bit unsure of is Death Valley – where is best to stay around there and if only doing a day – what would be the best suggestion of something to do? I am also thinking that we will add 1 day on to do a Vegas stay since its so close!

29th October 2019 at 8:31 am

Hi Samantha,

So when we visited we stayed just outside the valley at Panamint Springs – specifically we stayed here .

A day is enough to see the highlights of Death Valley. You’ll want to visit Badwater Basin of course, the lowest point in North America. Other highlights including the Mesquite Sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, the Devil’s Golf Course, the Artists Drive and Palette and Mosaic Canyon.

We can definitely recommend tacking on a trip to Vegas as well. We’re actually thinking of publishing a new itinerary in the coming months which includes Vegas, as it’s a popular addition 🙂

Gisele leduc says

13th October 2019 at 3:38 pm

Would like to know w ymt is there a bus trip to 14 days in calif. Where does the bus leave from in the US. And approx how much is the cost

14th October 2019 at 8:36 pm

Sorry, could you clarify? Are you looking for a tour of California?

15th October 2019 at 3:32 pm

Looking for next year we live in Ottawa Canada and would like to take a 14 day bus tour especially san Francesco and pacific route. Are there bus tours leaving let’s say from Buffalo, New York we can easily drive to these destinations. I meant leaving from New York City and Buffalo. What would be the cost and does it include meals. Thank u

Gisele Leduv says

15th October 2019 at 7:37 pm

Hi I would like to know if there are Any bus tours leaving from New York City or buffalo 14 day road trip to California especially the pacific coastland. What would be the cost for such a trip.

16th October 2019 at 8:08 pm

Hey Gisele,

I have looked but most tours that depart from New York and go to California are much longer, because the distance is so great from the east coast to the west coast. If you want a tour that focuses more on California, it would definitely be easier to get one that departs from San Francisco or Las Vegas rather than New York – is that a possibility?

vivianchoo says

5th October 2019 at 4:44 am

Good articles and good photos, Helps a lot. Thank you!

5th October 2019 at 10:16 am

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Jason Parsons says

19th August 2019 at 3:23 pm

This is a super inspiring blog. Which area did you stay in Yosemite? We are planning to complete our road trip with 3 nights in Yosemite. We will have a car and plan on day trip walks within the park.using a hotel or lodge as our base.

19th August 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks very much! In Yosemite we’ve stayed in a few places. On the trip with the photos in this post, we stayed in Curry Village, which were canvas tents ( https://www.nationalparkreservations.com/lodge/yosemite-curry-village/ ).

Jess has also stayed at the Wawona hotel, and the other lodge options are The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. I would definitely recommend staying with the park if you can as it makes it a lot easier to see everything within a short distance. The various options are at different price points though, so you’ll have to figure out which is best for you 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

julie morton says

15th June 2019 at 4:36 pm

Great article, thank you. I will be doing a similar route with my husband in September. Do you have any further guides on the Mammoth Lakes area or could you suggest somewhere to base ourselves there for a couple of nights please? We will be coming from Death Valley and then heading on to Yosemite.

15th June 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hi Julie! We don’t have anything else about Mammoth Lakes unfortunately on our blogs. We have guides to other parts of California, including Yosemite, but Mammoth Lakes is still on the to do list.

Have a great trip, sorry we couldn’t help this time!

Tara West says

2nd June 2019 at 6:30 pm

Hi there, Just found your blog. Really helpful. Thank you. We are thinking of doing a Californian road trip with our 5 month old baby in Sept. How long are the drives between the places you mention? I wouldnt want to do LA so would probably do San Diego instead. Is there anywhere you advise missing out with a baby? Thanks so much. Tara

3rd June 2019 at 6:26 pm

Our pleasure, we’re delighted to be able to help 🙂

So the drives will obviously vary depending on what you stop and see, but none of the days on the itinerary should have more than four hours driving. We’ve also not got any personal experience with traveling with a baby, however, just bear in mind that even in September Death Valley is going to be very hot. Other than that I don’t see a reason not to go to any of the locations on the list, and Death Valley will be manageable, just take care with the heat 🙂

Priya Singh says

30th April 2019 at 6:40 am

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.Good post. I was searched for this topic. Finally, I got the information on this blog. Thanks for the effective information.

30th April 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks Priya – pleased we were able to help! Have a great trip 🙂

Rafael says

5th March 2019 at 1:45 pm

Hi guys, great post. I found it really handy now as i’m planning a 3 week road trip through California (and Nevada) in a month (apr 6 to 27). We are starting in LA, just a few days and then planning to go to Joshua Tree (Mojave, is it worth it?), Las vegas, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco, and Route 1 back to LA. It’s quite a lot of days, and i find hard to plan where to sleep every night, as i’m not sure how long would it take me to visit every national park, and even cities. So my question is, should i book in advance all different accomodation? In that case how many days should we give to the different national parks and places. As the trip gets so long, we are being really careful with our budget, and that takes me to the second question, what are the best places to stay on a budget in the different stops?

By the way, we are a group of four, planning to rent a car.

Thanks again for your post. Looking forward to read your answer!

Rafael from Uruguay

5th March 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂

So to answer your questions. I think Mojave is worth it if you like deserts and wide open spaces.

In terms of accommodation, you are not travelling at a very busy time of year, although it is easter towards the end of April. However there are no Federal holiday, so it should not be too busy. So this means you should be able to book quite last minute. The only places I would advise maybe booking in advance would be any national parks you want to stay in, which can be busy year round. So Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Death Valley, if you plan on staying inside the park, you will want to plan your accommodation in advance.

In terms of budget accommodation, the parks all have campsites, so that would likely be the cheapest option if you don’t mind camping. Some have existing tents you can hire if you don’t want to bring your own tent – Yosemite for example has some nice fixed tents which are not too expensive. For other cities, I’d advise looking at the budget motel chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and so on. These can be very cheap, but do be aware they are not always very central. So you might find something like AirBnB to be more cost effective.

As you are visiting a number of parks you will probably want to buy a national parks pass, which will save you money on parks entry.

I’d also advise taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which should give you some more budgeting ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

c. m. crawford says

17th February 2019 at 3:22 pm

I would take extra care with possessions in the big cities in California. I left my purse in the back of my rental car, parked in a highly visible location on a beach in San Francisco, and even though there were people walking up and down the beach, the window was smashed and the purse stolen. Luckily wallet & phone were on me and the purse was even found and turned in to the police, but I had to exchange the rental car. Other than that California is awesome.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Sorry to hear that Cris! This is definitely an issue around the world, we always recommend not leaving any valuables in sight in a car as it makes for a tempting option for a thief 🙁 Glad to hear you got your purse back though!

Matthias says

9th February 2019 at 6:57 pm

Hey you guys! You have a great blog and this post inspired the route for my first trip to California with a buddy (we’re planning on doing pretty much the same route). But our plan is doing it the other way around: Also starting end ending in SF but heading to Yosemite from there and doing the trip clockwise. Would love to hear your thoughts on that idea 🙂

10th February 2019 at 6:06 pm

Hi Matthias!

The route would work either way. The only thing is that many people prefer to drive the PCH from north to south as you are on the right hand side of the road, so you get clearer views. But it’s stunning either way to be honest 🙂

Catherine Smithfield says

18th January 2019 at 4:12 pm

Hi Laurence,

Fabulous site guys… I would love some tips please my husband and I are planning a once in a lifetime trip to the USA, we fly into and out of Los Angeles , arriving 16th October and leaving 5th December. We will be spending thanksgiving with friends in Washington state . We would like to drive the Pacific highway, see some of LA, San Fran , Yosemite,Death Valley Las Vegas,- just very quick as we feel we should see it and the Grand Canyon . We love nature, beautiful landscapes, we are also foodies . Any suggestions would be very welcome , hire car v Rv , obviously due to the length of our trip I would like to be sensible on accommodation costs…is there a reliable decent hotel/motel chain you would recommend, or Airbnb. I have also been looking a5 the trusted Housesitters website but have recently come across a few very negative reviews . Many thanks catherine(UK)

18th January 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Catherine!

Thanks so much! We’ll do our best to help out.

So first of all, if you haven’t already, we can definitely recommend checking out the USA sections of both our websites:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/north-america/usa/ https://independenttravelcats.com/category/travel-destinations/united-states/

Where we have loads of posts that you will find useful. Most particularly, I’d advise reading our driving in the USA , and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA . That latter one in particular will help you in terms of costing out the trip.

For a hire car, a normal car rental is going to be a lot cheaper than an RV, especially as you will most likely still have to rent campsite space to stay at. A standard hire car in the US will usually start at around $200 a week. Our US travel budget post has a lot more on how to find the best deal and things to watch out for.

In terms of accommodation, the US has a wide range of options. The cheaper chains include: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Super 8, America’s Best Value Inn, Travelodge. The next step up would be Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn.

Note that the cheaper hotels are often found a little way outside of towns, often at interstate exit ramps. It’s also worth being aware that they are nearly all franchises, and so as a result the quality can vary dramatically, so it’s always worth reading reviews before visiting.

For booking and reviews, we highly recommend Booking.com . We have nearly always found this to be the cheapest option, even compared to turning up at the property, and the reviews can be a helpful guide. However, just bear in mind that cheaper hotels tend to rate worse, as folks can have high expectations!

Hopefully all this helps, let us know if you have any more specific questions we can help with!

Natasha says

9th January 2019 at 10:22 am

PS We are also planning to visit family in LA and have possible access to accommodation in Pacific Grove so should we be considering finding snow at Big Sur instead of north of San Fran? PPS Budget is going to be very tight!

9th January 2019 at 10:38 am

Hey Natasha!

So I’ll answer the Big Sur question first 🙂 Snow isn’t very common at Big Sur as it’s right by the sea, and it doesn’t usually get much except at higher elevations. The most reliable option is to head east to Tahoe or Yosemite, although that is going to be quite a drive and won’t fall into the definition of a short drive I’m afraid 🙁 The other option is to head up towards Auburn, as you get closer to the Sierra Nevada Mountains you will definitely find snow, but again, this isn’t going to be a short drive.

Whilst there is always a possibility of snow elsewhere, I wouldn’t want to guarantee it!

In terms of house swaps, the closest option we have for you is TrustedHousesitters , but that’s more of a house sitting opportunity than a home swap. I know there are home swapping platforms, but we’re not familiar with them, so I wouldn’t want to give a recommendation!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

9th January 2019 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for the super-prompt response! Very helpful to know Big Sur is unlikely to tick the box and we hadn’t considered Auburn so I’ll find out more about that instead. Otherwise we’ll stick to Yosemite or Tahoe, which we’ve heard lots about.

9th January 2019 at 2:50 pm

My pleasure! Those two will definitely be fantastic, Yosemite in winter in particular is stunning. We have a guide to visiting Yosemite here 🙂

Also, I know real snow is ideally preferable, but there are a number of locations that generate snow that are going to be closer to San Francisco. If you google “snow in san francisco” or something similar, you should find some options!

9th January 2019 at 10:17 am

Thrilled to find your fascinating and helpful site! We live in Cape Town, and are planning a month in California between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, focussed around spending time with family in San Fran.

But my 14- and 16-year-olds have never experienced snow so we’re looking for guaranteed on-the-ground snow in early/mid December, as short a drive from SF as possible. Skiing not required, but snowman-building and perhaps some sledging would be great.

Also, can you recommend a site we might arrange a house swap through?

20th November 2018 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I’d like to know if February os a good time to make this travel. And what do you think about Sequoia National park?

27th November 2018 at 11:22 am

February would be good, just be aware that there might still be snow in Yosemite and so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures around that area. We haven’t visited Sequoia National Park, but we have heard it is a great park, well worth visiting 🙂

12th November 2018 at 10:53 am

Hi there! This post has been really helpful as my partner and I are planning our honeymoon for April 2019 and we would love to roadtrip in the US. We have about 12 nights and would love to spend good chunks of time in San Francisco, LA or Santa Monica and some national parks. We would also love to do the Pacific Coast. We were originally thinking of flying into San Francisco and out of LA, but your post has me wondering if a roundtrip is better. Would you suggest we amend your suggested route? Which of the the national parks would be the best to visit?

12th November 2018 at 4:15 pm

Hey Neely! There are so many great National Parks, but Yosemite is definitely up there as one of my favourites. I would say a round trip is better – the route I have outlined makes a nice loop, and car hire is nearly always better value if you return the car where you picked it up 🙂

Chiara says

2nd October 2018 at 5:21 pm

Hi! I love your blog guys! We are thinking about a road trip in California next summer, and this post is a perfect inspiration! We will travel with our kids, they will be 3 and 6 and we have 3 weeks instead of 2. Do you have suggestions on how/where to use the extra days? Considering we can’t plan super long tiring car journeys and have to incorporate some activities they would enjoy too like some beach life, aquariums… Any suggestion is very welcomed! Thank you very much in advance!

4th October 2018 at 4:20 am

Hey Chiara!

So my suggestion would be to follow this itinerary, but just to go a bit slower and spend a bit more time in each place. I’d definitely suggest the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo as two great options along the way, and Universal Studios in LA is also sure to be a hit 🙂 Along the PCH you’ll also find loads of lovely beaches, so I think you’ll easily be able to stretch this two week road trip into a three week California itinerary! Have an awesome time!

4th October 2018 at 2:09 pm

Thank you very much!

ANGELINE MONTIJO says

19th August 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Im planning a road trip with my family to California from Orlando,Fl on June 2019. I want some advice where should we start.

19th August 2018 at 5:41 pm

Hi Angeline! Do you mean where to start in terms of planning? If you could let me know how long you are travelling for and what your interests are, then we can try to help. In the meantime, we can help out with some tips on driving in the USA:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And some tips on budgeting for your trip:

The overall route you take will also take you through part of our Deep South USA itinerary:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/usa-deep-south-road-trip-itinerary/

As well as parts of our Route 66 itinerary:

https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Which should both serve to help inform your planning on your route 🙂

Lisa Stark says

16th August 2018 at 1:20 pm

Hi, my partner and me are planning to do a road trip next September 2019, starting from San Fran and heading south, eventually arriving in San Diego over a 2 week period. Can you recommend a good car hire company, how long before we should book and some nice places to stop with boutique hotels, This will be out first time in America and I’m completely at a loss where to start planning. Many thanks. Lisa

16th August 2018 at 7:05 pm

Hey Lisa! Well, that’s a great question. There are a number of hire car companies that we recommend, you can see our list here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

It looks like you are doing a one-way trip, so just bear in mind that sometimes the “meta-search” tools that search a variety of providers don’t always account for that. So it might be easier to go direct. We’ve found that it really varies, but we’ve often had success with Enterprise and Hertz. It’s also worth bearing in mind that pick up from an airport location is nearly always more expensive than a city location, so if you can be flexible in that regard you will likely save a bit of money. Especially somewhere like San Francisco, as you don’t really need the car for the city and it will just end up costing you in car parking fees and wasted rental fees for a car you aren’t using.

For hotel and car bookings, I’d usually say the further in advance the better so you have everything sorted and don’t have to worry about it. In terms of stops, your route pretty much follows the Pacific Coast Highway, and we have a super comprehensive guide to all the towns along the route which you can see here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

That also has planning tips and suggestions. I’d also advise reading our tips for driving in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-usa/

And our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/

In terms of other things to think about, I’m not sure which country you are coming from, but definitely consider getting a travel credit card that won’t charge you for foreign transaction fees, and maybe a SIM card that offers roaming in the USA. Three in the UK has a pretty good deal for SIM cards that offer free data in the USA.

Hopefully this helps a bit, let me know if you have other questions. It gives me an idea to put together a first timers guide to travelling in the USA 🙂

6th August 2018 at 12:24 pm

This is a great read, thank you for sharing. My partner and I are looking to do a similar trip in October this year. However, we are slightly confused on the route (and in what order) to do it all in. We want to do 14 nights and start in San Francisco and either end in San Diego or Vegas. (Everyone says Vegas is a must see at least once and although not on the top of our list, we thought we could add it on the end).

Our initial thoughts are 3 nights in San Fran, 2 in Yosemite, 1 in Monterey, 1 in Santa Barbara. 3 in la, 2 in San Diego and 2 in Vegas. Does this sound too ambitious? And any thoughts on in what order we would do this? I would appreciate anyones input on this. Thank you in advance!

6th August 2018 at 12:58 pm

My pleasure. So the only slight niggle in your itinerary is that Yosemite is the opposite direction to the Pacific Coast Highway, so that will add a bit of driving time to your route (it’s about 3 – 4 hours each way from San Francisco). I definitely recommend Yosemite, it’s just going to take a bit of time to do it on this trip. Overall your route is certainly do-able, as long as you don’t mind a fair bit of driving. I like that you are scheduling multiple nights in the various locations, that will give you more time to enjoy without rushing. I’d say that your order is pretty good, I can’t think of a better way to do it.

6th August 2018 at 1:27 pm

Thank you for taking the time reply! I am glad it sounds doable. I think the multiple stops should help to break up the drive (I won’t be doing it my other half has that pleasurable job =) ). Yes Yosemite is the one we are are a bit confused about as when to add it. Before or after San Fran and at what point as you say it is out of the way, but is a must for us, and we don’t want to miss anything on the drive down from San Fran to La, so a tricky one. Thank you for your input, much appreciated!

Tim Shakespeare says

24th July 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi there, my wife and I are coming mid October to California for a road trip celebrating my 50th. We start in SF, only for 2 days, then have 3 days before we get to Yosemite. Have you any recommendations of where to visit in that time, we don’t mind going in any direction before heading towards Yosemite? We then head to Las Vegas for my actual birthday for 3 days then onto LA for a further 4 days, any suggestions of where to spend time between the cities?

24th July 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hey Tim! Well, it really depends on what you are interested in! Obviously you’re not too far from Napa Valley if it’s wine you’re after, or you could head north to Redding, where there’s some beautiful scenery. A sojourn along the Pacific Coast Highway, or at least part of it, is also an option – there are so many cute towns along that route to check out (see our guide here: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-a-california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-los-angeles/

Between Vegas and LA, the obvious choices are Joshua Tree National Park, and the whole Mojave Desert is pretty impressive. I’m assuming you’ll stop at Death Valley from Yosemite, but if not, you could head up that way. Another option is to head south from Vegas and find Route 66, and follow then into LA, which is a fun option. You can see more on Route 66 here: https://independenttravelcats.com/2-week-route-66-itinerary-ultimate-american-road-trip/

Hope this helps a bit! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

tim shakespeare says

27th July 2018 at 2:56 pm

Thanks Laurance, that info is really useful

28th July 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure 🙂

Paula Lambie says

20th July 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi Laurence, Absolutely loved your article. We are a group of 6 friends that are coming from Trinidad and want to stay about 7-8 days on a road trip starting in LA and possibly leaving from San Fran. We are coming around the end of Feb 2019 and leaving around March 6 or 7th. Still in the planning stages and would appreciate any advice or recommendations. I want to include Yosemite and Sequoia but don”t know if it is feasible with the time period we are looking at. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Take care.

22nd July 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thanks very much. So Yosemite would be feasible, but you have to bear in mind that in February and March it can still be quite snowy in the park, and it’s also a four hour drive each way from San Francisco, so that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. My suggestion would be to definitely do the Pacific Coast Highway over two or three days, and then depending on your interests, either some time in places like the Joshua Tree, or the cities like LA, San Francisco or San Diego. Another option is to go further north of San Francisco, although Yosemite is a really incredible place and well worth the effort to get out there!

Hope this helps, have a great trip!

Louisa says

12th June 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Laurence, We are a family of 5 holidaying in California in August and staying San Francisco (3 nights) -Yosemite (3 nights)-Monterey (2 nights)-Santa Barbara (1 night) and at the moment San Diego (2 nights) and LA (3 nights). I am wondering if we are being over ambitious at the end of the holiday and should just stay in LA rather than driving down to San Diego and back to LA for our flight back? Is San Diego a must see? I am torn between wanting to see it all while we are in California but not overdoing it and rushing too much. What are the travel times likely to be realistically between Santa Barbara, LA and San Diego at that time of year? Thank you for any advice.

13th June 2018 at 11:07 am

Hey Louisa!

I think San Diego is worth visiting, and as you have 3 nights already in LA I don’t think you’ll have too much rush. I will be honest and say that I don’t know exactly what the travel times at that time of year will be, but I find that Google usually estimates travel times pretty well – just avoid the peak rush hours and you should generally be fine 🙂

Shelley says

14th May 2018 at 9:00 am

Hi Laurence, Great website! We are booking a 3 week trip over Christmas. LA to San Francisco, via Vegas/Death Valley etc. Weather wise, what should we expect, particularly with Yosemite? Is there anywhere along the coast which is worth stopping off between LA and San Francisco for a night? Many thanks Shelley from Sydney

14th May 2018 at 2:53 pm

Hi Shelley!

Thanks for your comment – sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. So, Yosemite in particular can be tricky in winter. It can be accessed, but you need to be aware that it will obviously be quite snowy, and access isn’t possible from all sides – the route I have laid out for example you would have to alter a bit in order to access Yosemite in winter, as the Tioga Road is closed. You also usually can’t get up to Glacier point in winter. But the major attractions in the valley are accessible. For more on visiting Yosemite in Winter, you can check out this guide to Yosemite in a day that Jess wrote: https://independenttravelcats.com/planning-day-yosemite-national-park-introduction-yosemite-valley/

There is a lot to see and do on the Pacific Coast Highway, certainly enough to fill a day or two. There are lots of towns to stop at, and which you choose really depends what you are into. Cambria is a favourite of ours, but there’s a lot to see and do. This post breaks down all the highlights, so you can make an informed decision 🙂

Have a fabulous trip!

Lis Brown says

1st May 2018 at 11:15 pm

Hi Laurence, great post and photos! My husband and I are planing to do 2 weeks driving trip in California, i love all your suggested destinations, I may do the same trip as yours. However, I will be 4 months pregnant (planning to go in May) during the trip, may I know if the in-land route/parks and lake visits are suitable for me and accessible by car or light walking/ light hiking? your trip is start from san francisco and end there too, am i right? thanks in advance!

2nd May 2018 at 8:24 pm

Hi Lis! Thanks very much 😀 The trip does start and end in San Francisco yep.

For your question – I have to admit to not being an expert as we’ve not had any kids, however there is definitely light hiking in the majority of places. Just be aware it can get very hot in some parts of California, so do take plenty of water along. My advice would be to check the websites for the national parks you want to visit and see what hiking routes they have – I think you should be fine, but it’s always best to check as one persons “light hike” is another persons marathon 😉

Theresa says

10th April 2018 at 1:59 am

This looks like a great route, but I was really hoping to see Sequoia National Park. Any advice?

13th April 2018 at 6:16 pm

Hi Theresa! Thanks very much! As that’s in the north, you’d want to add it on near San Francisco. So you could either spend less time in the city, or lose a day somewhere else on the route. It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing your exact interests, but as you sound like you prefer nature to cities, perhaps spending less time in the cities might work better for you? Have a great trip!

15th April 2018 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. Sequoia National Park is south of Yosemite on the map (Redwood National Park is north of San Francisco). It doesn’t appear that there is road access to Sequoia NP on your route which heads north on 395. I did more research and verified that is the case.

18th April 2018 at 6:22 am

Hi! My apologies, I was thinking of the redwoods to the north of San Francisco and got a bit confused – but that is another option if you can’t make it to Sequoia. Road access can be a challenge due the mountains, and also in winter some of the roads into Yosemite are closed due to snow. So you might have to alter the route a fair bit to make it to Sequoia if that’s a priority 🙂

Jacques says

5th April 2018 at 10:41 pm

Hi Lawrence , we are also considering tyis roadtrip this month. Were from Canada. Assuming we are on the road a giving day with no reservations for a room the same night , by what time do we need to confirm a room or is there plenty of options once arriving early evening. Thank for everything.

6th April 2018 at 5:09 pm

Hi Jacques! At this time of year for the most part you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a room at the last minute. It does depend a little on what level of accommodation you are after, but for quick and easy motels we found they had lots of availability in general. We do definitely advise always checking prices online somewhere like booking.com though, as we nearly always got better deals that way compared to turning up – often the person at the desk didn’t have the power to actually match a price. So do keep that in mind 🙂 Have a great trip, and let me know how it goes!

Jacques Gauthier says

20th May 2018 at 1:13 am

Hi Lawrence ! We decided to take two weeks to travel from San Francisco to LA (Manhattan Beach) . We travel along the coast for these 14 days and enjoyed it tremendously. Next trip will be the National Parks .

Thank you .

20th May 2018 at 2:36 pm

13th March 2018 at 1:27 pm

We are hoping to do everything in your itinerary plus San Diego, we will only have 15 nights and would like to spend at least 2 full days in San Diego and 2 full days in SF, do you think this is reasonable without spending too long out of the 15 days in the car?

13th March 2018 at 8:34 pm

I think that should be do-able yes, if you are focused and don’t get too distracted 😉 Have an awesome trip!

Jacqueline says

19th February 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi! I am planning a trip with my 10 year old son and love the looks of your itinerary. What would you suggest budget wise for this trip (minus flights) for the two of us?

Thanks, Jacqueline

19th February 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi Jacqueline! It’s quite tricky to put a budget together on a case by case basis because everyone has different styles and standards of travelling. I’d suggest taking a look at my guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA, which covers pretty much all the areas you need to consider, and should give you some ballpark figures 🙂

Let me know if you still have questions after checking that out 😀

Gai Pendlebury says

12th October 2017 at 11:04 pm

Thank you — what a great and helpful site you have made.We are flying into San francisco from Australia in April.We only have 10 nights.Your suggestions are great — we will miss the LA part.Happy for anyone hear to put in their opinions for an itinerary!We will spent 4 or 5 nights in San fran and 3 in yosemite but the 3 nights are up for grabs –we have done Big Sir before so probs wont go south on the coast.I am thinking maybe Lake tahoe,gold rush towns …love to walk,history, beautiful scenery and quaint American towns.Happy to drive long distances– thank you –your photos are wonderful!

Laurence says

13th October 2017 at 10:33 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting to let us know, it’s always appreciated. Sounds like you have some good plans already – one idea might be to head north for Shasta Cascade region and see the caves / redwoods. I have a post about that region on the site too 🙂 Have a fabulous trip!

14th October 2017 at 5:09 am

Thank for that .I will look into it a bit more — I am really impressed with your links for such like 12 best spots for photographing San Fran or Yosemite. So helpful to know where to go to get those great shots!

Jules Selby says

28th August 2017 at 10:24 pm

We are planning two weeks but thinking of hiring an RV instead of hotels, what do you think?

28th August 2017 at 10:43 pm

An RV is definitely a good idea, but do be aware that they can be pricey, and you often have to pay for camping on top of that as well – although there are a lot of places you can camp for free in the US! So really it’s up to you – we’ve done both, and RV’ing is definitely a lot of fun!

Bob Steiner, Jr says

25th June 2017 at 4:07 am

You can’t drive a highway 1 through Big Sur. The highest us closed and detours long and winding over dirt roads

25th June 2017 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for pointing this out. Do you know how long the road will be closed? I’ll put a note in the post.

Erica Landry Napolitano says

16th April 2017 at 7:52 pm

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. We have almost three weeks out in CA and these will be some great spots! Traveling with an 8 and 10 year old this still seems doable! Thanks.

16th April 2017 at 7:54 pm

My pleasure, have an awesome trip!

Jenna Francisco says

17th September 2016 at 5:18 am

So many good ideas here, and I agree that visitors should plan at least 3 days in San Francisco and Yosemite. One suggestion I’d make related to the “when to visit CA” section–SF and much of the coast are cold and foggy in the summer, so it’s a good idea for visitors to dress in layers and expect lots of fog in summer, that way they won’t be disappointed!

Sarah @ Endless Distances says

14th August 2016 at 1:16 pm

Wow this is so exhaustive!! I’ve don’t the pch before and it’s a dream. I would also definitely recommend staying in Santa Barbara – and the Mexican street food!!!

20th August 2016 at 8:28 pm

Thanks Sarah! It’s a fun place to road trip for sure – thanks for the recommendation!

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  • Travel Planning Guide

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  • How much do I need for a trip to Los Angeles?
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How much does it cost to travel to Los Angeles?

You should plan to spend around $258 per day on your vacation in Los Angeles. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $60 on meals
  • $42 on local transportation
  • $280 on hotels

A one week trip to Los Angeles for two people costs, on average, $3,614 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 258
  • One Week Per person $ 1,807
  • 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,614
  • One Month Per person $ 7,744
  • One Week For a couple $ 3,614
  • 2 Weeks For a couple $ 7,228
  • One Month For a couple $ 15,489

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Los Angeles cost?

A one week trip to Los Angeles usually costs around $1,807 for one person and $3,614 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Los Angeles on average costs around $3,614 for one person and $7,228 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Los Angeles will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Los Angeles on average costs around $7,744 for one person and $15,489 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Los Angeles has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Los Angeles are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Los Angeles is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Winnipeg or Houston.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Los Angeles Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Los Angeles?

The average Los Angeles trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Los Angeles travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Los Angeles

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Los Angeles is $140. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Los Angeles is $280. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 140
  • Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 280

Hotel Prices in Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

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Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Los Angeles based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $169. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

  • The Metric - Los Angeles Downtown Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 172
  • The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 449

Transportation Budget in Los Angeles

The cost of a taxi ride in Los Angeles is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $42 per person, per day, on local transportation in Los Angeles.

  • Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 42

Recommended Services

  • Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Long Beach. Viator $ 74
  • Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Orange County south. Viator $ 113

Flights to Los Angeles

Rental cars in los angeles, what did other people spend on transportation in los angeles.

Typical prices for Transportation in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Hotel Parking for a Day $ 22
  • Taxi to Airport $ 55

Food Budget in Los Angeles

While meal prices in Los Angeles can vary, the average cost of food in Los Angeles is $60 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Los Angeles should cost around $24 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Los Angeles is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

  • Food 2 Meals for one day $ 60

Recommended

  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour Viator $ 89
  • Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste Viator $ 110

What did other people spend on Food in Los Angeles?

Typical prices for Food in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4) $ 32
  • Burritos for Two $ 15
  • Coffee and Danish $ 7.70

Entertainment Budget in Los Angeles

Entertainment and activities in Los Angeles typically cost an average of $82 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 82

The Go City Los Angeles Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Los Angeles. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

  • Two Hour Movie and Show Locations Tour with Film Freak Tours Viator $ 40
  • Pretty Gritty Arts District Bike Tour Viator $ 72

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Los Angeles?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4) $ 37
  • Bowling $ 13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two $ 30
  • Six Flags for 2 $ 96

Tips and Handouts Budget in Los Angeles

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Los Angeles is $2.14 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Los Angeles is 10% - 20% .

  • Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 2.14

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Los Angeles

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Los Angeles is $154, as reported by travelers.

  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 154

Alcohol Budget in Los Angeles

The average person spends about $15 on alcoholic beverages in Los Angeles per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 15
  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Viator $ 35
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Water Budget in Los Angeles

On average, people spend $4.01 on bottled water in Los Angeles per day. The public water in Los Angeles is considered safe to drink.

  • Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 4.01

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On your vacation in California, immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling regional menu items and partaking in the nightlife. And if you'd like to explore even more of this region, pay a visit to Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco . No matter where in this state you choose to go, take a trip to the famous landmarks on your vacation, and enjoy panoramas of the most breathtaking areas. It's no wonder why so many adventure seekers, amateur historians, and wanderlusters from all walks of life are drawn to this incredible destination.

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If you have some time to off from the daily schedule that has nearly arrived, there has never been a more fitting opportunity to book a flight to California. Adjust your taste buds for tempting kitchen creations and your new camera for stunning views - it's vacation time! Book your adventure to California this instant, and prepare to take off on a memorable excursion tomorrow. When it comes to searching for flights to California that fit your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. Just designate your perfect travel dates now to find the best specials on airfare in California.

Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to California that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your United States of America travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

When it comes to finding flights to California that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you’re looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you’ll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your airfare to California today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

California Flights Information

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  • United Airlines - 9,907 flights to or near California each month, including 5,914 flights to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) and 2,991 flights to Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) per month.
  • Delta Air Lines - 6,166 flights to or near California each month, including 4,064 flights to Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) and 1,222 flights to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) per month.
  • Alaska Airlines - 5,193 flights to or near California each month, including 2,349 flights to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) and 1,483 flights to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) per month.
  • Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) - 16,630 flights per month.
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 11,935 flights per month.
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 7,260 flights per month.
  • San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) - 1 hour and 59 minutes
  • New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) - 5 hours and 54 minutes
  • Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) - 2 hours and 47 minutes

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How to Have the Perfect California Trip: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a California trip? If so, make sure you check out this ultimate checklist of things to do and important tips . From exploring the cities to discovering beautiful nature, there ’s something for everyone in California. So get ready to hit the road and explore all that this amazing state has to offer!

California Road Trip Itinerary

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If you’re looking to make the most of your California road trip , it’s a good idea to plan out your route in advance. The great thing about this state is that there is so much to see and do, from the big cities to the stunning nature scenes. Here are some suggested stops for your California trip:

san-francisco-california-trip

San Francisco is a must-visit city on any California trip. This vibrant metropolis offers something for everyone, from world-famous attractions like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge to trendy neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and SoMa. There are also plenty of delicious food options here, so be sure to sample some of the local cuisines.

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit, head to Muir Woods National Monument where you can explore towering redwoods and hiking trails. This is a great spot for nature lovers and avid hikers.

monterey-carmel-by-the-sea-california-trip

If you’re looking for a charming seaside town to explore, check out Monterey or Carmel By the Sea. These towns are both located on California’s Central Coast and offer stunning ocean views, delicious food, and plenty of shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Be sure to visit 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach while you’re in the area. This scenic drive takes you past some of the most beautiful coastlines in California, including the famous Lone Cypress Tree.

big-sur-california-trip

One of the most popular road trip destinations in California is Big Sur . This stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

There are also several small towns located along Big Sur, each with its own unique personality. Be sure to stop in at least one of these towns during your travels and explore the local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

If you’re looking for a challenging hike to do in Big Sur, check out McWay Falls. This waterfall is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and can be reached via a moderate-level trail.

Make sure you pack your camera on this California trip – you’ll want to capture the beauty of Big Sur!

coastal-highway-stops-california-trip

There are plenty of small towns and beaches to explore along California’s coastal highway. So some of our favorites include Carmel-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and La Jolla.

Make sure you stop at one of the many state parks located along the coast. These parks offer stunning views, hiking trails, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

santa-maria-california-trip

Santa Maria is a hidden gem located in Central California. This town is known for its delicious barbeque and wine country.

Be sure to visit the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum while you’re in town. This museum is great for families and offers interactive exhibits on the local history and culture.

There are also several wineries located in Santa Maria, so be sure to sample some of the local wine. The region is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Santa Maria, we recommend the Historic Santa Maria Inn. This hotel is located downtown and offers a variety of amenities such as a pool, spa, and restaurant.

santa-barbara-california-trip

Located just a short drive from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This town is known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious wine.

While you’re in Santa Barbara, be sure to visit Stearns Wharf. This historic pier offers stunning views of the ocean and is a great place for to people watch.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, we recommend the Santa Barbara Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers easy access to all of the best shops and restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for city life or a chance to get away from it all, California has something to offer everyone. With its stunning coastline, diverse landscape, and delicious food options, this is a California trip you won’t want to miss.

los-angeles-california-trip

No California trip is complete without a visit to Los Angeles. This city offers something for everyone, from world-class museums and theaters to trendy restaurants and nightlife.

Be sure to check out the Getty Center while you’re in town. This museum is home to a variety of art collections, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

If you’re looking for a night out on the town, we recommend checking out Hollywood. This neighborhood is home to some of the best bars and clubs in Los Angeles.

And don’t forget to check out Beverly Hills while you’re in town. This affluent neighborhood offers plenty of shopping and dining options.

joshua-tree-park-california-trip

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California and is known for its unique desert landscape. This park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the Joshua tree, for which the park is named.

There are several hiking trails located throughout the park, so be sure to bring your hiking boots! The Barker Dam Nature Trail is an excellent option for those looking for an easy hike.

If you’re looking to camp while you’re in the park, we recommend Jumbo Rocks Campground. This campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites.

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see for anyone during California trip. With its unique landscape and abundance of wildlife, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

death-valley-california-trip

Death Valley National Park is located in eastern California and is known for its hot, arid climate. This park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the Joshua tree, for which the park is named.

Death Valley National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting California. With its unique landscape and abundance of wildlife, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

yosemite-national-park-california-trip

Yosemite National Park is located in eastern California and is known for its stunning mountain scenery. This park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the Joshua tree, for which the park is named.

There are several hiking trails located throughout the park, so be sure to bring your hiking boots! The Barker Dam Nature Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy hike.

Yosemite National Park is a must-see for anyone during California trip. With its stunning mountain scenery and abundance of wildlife, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

lake-tahoe-california-trip

No California trip is complete without a visit to Lake Tahoe. This beautiful lake is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including swimming, hiking, and fishing.

There are several camping options available around the lake, so be sure to bring your camping gear! If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience, we recommend camping at one of the campgrounds in the Desolation Wilderness.

Lake Tahoe is a must-see for anyone during California trip. With its stunning mountain scenery and a plethora of activities, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

sacramento-california-trip

Sacramento, the capital of California, is a great place to visit for those looking for a little bit of everything. This city offers plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as museums and other attractions.

Be sure to check out the Capitol Building while you’re in town. This imposing building is home to the California State Legislature.

Sacramento is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a little bit of everything during California trip. With its abundance of shopping and dining options and its many attractions, this is a city you won’t want to miss.

Looking for a more visual representation of these destinations? Check out our interactive map of California! This map includes all of the places mentioned in this blog post, as well as information on where to stay and what to do while you’re there.

Trip Plan: Link

This route takes you down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, offering stunning views of the ocean along the way. Make a few stops at some of California’s most popular destinations, like Big Sur and Santa Monica Pier.

Start your journey in LA and make your way down to sunny San Diego. Along the way, you’ll pass through Orange County and its beautiful beaches. Be sure to stop at Disneyland for a day of fun!

From San Diego, head east into the desert to see some of California’s most unique landscapes. Joshua Tree is a must-see, and you can also camp under the stars in one of the park’s many camping areas.

Continuing on from Joshua Tree, make your way into Death Valley for an otherworldly experience. This national park is home to some of the hottest temperatures on Earth, so be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen!

Next, make your way to the majestic Yosemite National Park. With its soaring mountains and rushing waterfalls, this is one park you’ll never forget.

Finally, end your road trip to San Francisco. This city is full of history and culture and offers plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Be sure to visit Alcatraz Island while you’re here!

Planning a California road trip can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. With our ultimate checklist and helpful tips for travelers looking to explore the Golden State’s sprawling landscape, you’ll find all of the information you need in one place. We’ve also included an itinerary overview that details what to do on your epic journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back again! So whether you’re looking for things to do or places to stay along the way, we have everything covered with this comprehensive guide.

The best time to visit California depends on what you’re looking to do while you’re here. If you’re hoping to catch some waves, the best time to come is between September and November when the water is at its warmest. For those looking to hit the slopes, the ideal time to road trip around California is between December and February when the snow is at its best. And if you’re simply looking to escape the cold weather elsewhere, any time between March and August will do!

In terms of traffic, the worst times to travel are during holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. If possible, plan your California trip around these dates to avoid the crowds and long traffic jams.

There are countless places to stay in California, but it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re hoping to rough it in the great outdoors, there are plenty of camping options available throughout the state. For those looking for a more comfortable experience, there are also hotels, motels, and Airbnbs in nearly every city and town.

No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to read the reviews carefully before making a reservation. This will help you avoid any bad experiences and ensure that you have a comfortable place to rest your head at night.

There are a few different ways to get around California, but the best option is definitely by car. This allows you to go at your own pace and make stops along the way, which is perfect for road trippers. If you’re hoping to avoid renting a car, some buses and trains can take you from place to place.

However, you choose to get around, be sure to map out your route before setting off. This will help you avoid any traffic jams or detours that could throw off your plans.

With our comprehensive guide to California road tripping, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip for you and your travel companions. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

Now that you know when and where to go, it’s time to start planning your route. If you’re starting in San Francisco, we recommend making your way down Highway One. This scenic route will take you along the coast and provide plenty of photo ops.

Once you’ve reached Los Angeles, there are a few must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check out Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Griffith Observatory.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, consider heading east to Joshua Tree National Park. With its beautiful desert landscapes and hiking trails, this park is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Once you’ve seen all that California has to offer, it’s time to head back to San Francisco. But don’t worry, we’ll have a few more recommendations for you before you go!

  • Highway One is a scenic route that runs along the coast of California and provides plenty of photo ops
  • In Los Angeles, be sure to check out Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Griffith Observatory
  • For something a little more low key, consider heading east to Joshua Tree National Park
  • When you’re done exploring California, head back to San Francisco for our final recommendations!

The cost of a California road trip will vary depending on several factors, including the length of your trip, the number of people in your group, and your preferred accommodation. However, there are a few ways to save money on your trip.

One way to save money is to camp instead of staying in hotels or motels. This can be a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty, but it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the elements. Another way to save money is to buy food in bulk and cook your meals instead of eating out at restaurants.

With a little planning, you can have an amazing California trip without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

Guide to California. Learn more

Hi, I'm Carol Ortiz. I'm a travel blogger and a bookworm, from Phoenix, Arizona. I love to read, write, and travel - in that order! I've always been an avid reader, it's my escape and my hobby. When I'm not reading or writing, I'm probably up into some adventure, while travelling.

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Visit Los Angeles , San Francisco , San Diego , Orange County , Sacramento , San Jose , and more ! Book your California adventure today and experience what the west coast has to offer. American Airlines offers several flights to Californian cities, vacation days are meant to be used!

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Cheap flights to California from $474

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to the united states departing on 6/5. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., flights to california in 2024, find the latest flights to california in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,372,138 searches and data was last updated on märz 1, 2024., find flights to california, browse one-way and round-trip flights deals to california on cheapflights. flight deals are based on user searches and were last updated on märz 1, 2024, explore california, cheap flights to california in march & april 2024, search the best deals to popular california cities recently found by cheapflights users, the following deals offer some of the lowest prices we've found on flights heading to california in march and april 2024. check back soon for alternative prices as deals update often., cheap flights to los angeles, ca, cheap flights to san francisco, ca, cheap flights to san diego, ca, california 2024 flight deals, explore flight deals for california in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,372,138 searches and data were last updated on märz 1, 2024., these are some of the best deals we've found on flights to california in 2024 at this time. check back in a little while for more flight options., flights to california departing soon, discover available last-minute flight options to california, providing immediate availability and potentially lower prices. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,372,138 searches and data was last updated on märz 1, 2024., browse some of the flights available to california departing last-minute. make sure the flight you book matches the day, time, and destination you're looking for., one-way flights to california, explore one-way flight options to california for greater flexibility in your travel plans. find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,372,138 searches and data was last updated on märz 1, 2024., these are some of the best available deals on flights to california. if you're in need of a round-trip flight to california instead, make sure to update the search form at the top of page., direct flights to california, find flights to california within your budget, locate flights to california that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 3,372,138 searches and data was last updated on märz 1, 2024..

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Average price of flights to California by month

Plan your trip to california by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. the average price of a one-way flight to california is currently $550 while a round-trip flight costs $889. price data was last updated on february 25, 2024..

Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to California (average of $238). Flying to California in June will prove the most costly (average of $328). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

Peak Season:

California is blessed with pleasant weather most of the year, meaning the peak season is year-round. Flights to California can be expensive because of this, so make sure to book in advance to get the best savings on your flight tickets. If you’re a movie fan, you should book your flights to California around February, more specifically to Los Angeles, as it is home to the Academy Awards. You’ll find cheap flights to California are extremely difficult to find around this time of year, as well and in June and August.

Off Season:

The cheapest flights to California are best found around January. Parts of California class this as the rainy season so expect the best discounts on your flight tickets here. That said, cheap flights to California aren’t overly common, so plan in advance and book early to get the best savings.

Temperature and rainfall in California by month

Plan your trip to california by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month..

If weather is an important factor for your trip to California, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 73.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 57.2 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to California?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to california. price data was last updated on january 28, 2024., to find the cheapest flights to california, it’s recommended to book your flight tickets as early as 6 months in advance. if you’re not flexible enough to plan that far ahead, aim for a minimum of 7 weeks before booking your flights to california. take into consideration events like the academy awards when looking into flights to california as this will increase the price a lot. if you’re flying into los angeles try to sit on the right hand side of the plane to get spectacular views of the hollywood sign, the l.a river and the san gabriel mountains. being flexible is the best way to secure the cheapest flights to california., reviews of airlines servicing california, get insights into the airlines that provide service to california. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to california. reviews last updated märz 1, 2024., read through reviews of airlines servicing california, such as spirit airlines, american airlines and united airlines. users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

Know this before booking California flights – if America is the land of opportunity, California is the state of chance. California showed great prospect as far as back as the 1800’s, when a settler struck gold at Sutter’s Mill and California quickly became the land of wealth. The effects of the California Gold Rush were monumental and today, the coastal state continues to welcome visitors booking airline tickets to California for a greater opportunity, or for just plain fun.

The third-largest state in the United States is a place of enormous diversity. From the Redwood forests in the north to the sunny beaches of the Pacific Coast, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Central Valley, visitors will be spoiled for choice. The question travelers should ask themselves before booking a cheap flight to California is not what to do, but where to start? The four biggest cities in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco. Each of these cities have more than enough to occupy visitors, between museums, galleries, shopping, world-class dining and exciting nightlife.

In LA, travelers have the chance to experience some of the West Coasts’ most famous streets. The rich and luxurious charter their own California flights to Beverly Hills and to shop the swank stores along Rodeo Drive. In Hollywood, see the Mann Chinese Theater and be on the lookout for celebrity A-listers. Gold stars grace the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard, marking the achievements of Hollywood’s greatest artists. Just outside of Los Angeles, visitors would be remiss if they didn’t visit one of California’s beautiful beaches in Malibu or Santa Monica before boarding the California flight home. In San Fran, people will be awed by the hilly streets and views of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge which spans the Golden Gate strait, a channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Fisherman’s Wharf and the former prison on Alcatraz Island also are big reasons why many take flights to California. San Diego is famous for its beaches, parks like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, and warm weather. You can also catch a Padres game if you’re a sports fan, or grab some food and drinks in the famous Gaslight district. Lastly, San Jose is known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley” and is major technology hub, home to many high tech and electronics companies. Many business conferences are held in the area as well each year.

Outside these bustling metropolises, natural wonders are in abundance. For the outdoor traveler going to California, open parks and hiking trails at Big Sur, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park contrast with the beaches of Orange County and are a nature-lover’s dream come true. One of the best-kept secrets in California is the Shasta Cascade region in the far north of the state. Covering 20 percent of California, this uncrowded region of national forests, parks, lakes, rivers and waterfalls offers the chance to refresh and recharge before heading back to the work-a-day world. For the wine connoisseur, be sure to visit the Sonoma and Napa Valley regions which reaches into the Redwood forests and trails of the North Coast. Wine country draws large crowds of tourists each and every year, and there are numerous vineyards to visit where you can sample a glass if you desire.

People traveling to California are bound to be busy during their visit and the options for activities are endless. However, in the land of opportunity, what better state to take a chance in?

How to get around the city of California

Los Angeles International:

Downtown LA is located around 18 miles from LAX airport. The easiest and cheapest option is to get a free shuttle bus from the airport. Outside of arrivals you should take either shuttle G or C. C takes you to the Metro bus center and from there you can either continue on your way to downtown LA or if you’re staying in Hollywood or Santa Monica, you can find means of transport from here.  You can also jump in a taxi if you want convenient and fast travel from the airport, however the price won’t be cheap and it is expected that you tip your driver. This is a good option if there are a few of you to split the fare.

San Francisco International:

The easiest and most convenient way to travel from the airport to the city is from the BART station. It’s located in the International Terminal, and you can take a free AirTran from all terminals to the BART station. You will need to buy a ticket from the BAET station before you travel, or you can book in advance and exchange your voucher for the correct ticket, which is kind of like a debit card which you keep for your time in San Francisco. Another option is to get a taxi from outside of the airport, although this can be costly if you’re travelling alone. You can also take a shuttle or shared van from the airport, simply tell the driver where you want to go and he’ll add you to his route and tell you the price.

In general, driving is the best way to cover short distances in California, or if you enjoy long drives, for covering the entire state. If you’re booking flights to California and then planning on driving the state, make sure to carry a map as not all road signs indicate a direction, just town or city names. If you’re headed into the mountains, make sure to get antifreeze and tire chains

Many freeways have carpool lanes called “diamond” lanes or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding the use of these lanes as some of them are monitored even during non-rush hour and fines can be quite high.

Tips for Your Stay in California

  • Los Angeles  covers desert basin, mountain canyons, and coastal beaches. With its rich cultural diversity, LA offers countless attractions—catch a glimpse of the stars, hike the Hollywood sign, visit the La Brea Tar Pits, walk the boardwalk at Venice Beach, spend like a celebrity on Rodeo Drive, and enjoy free attractions like the Watts Towers or Getty Museum.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Castro, Mission District, and Haight Ashbury just skim the surface of  San Francisco’s  diversity and charm. The city also cherishes its past, restoring and reusing its historic buildings. The surrounding areas—Marin County, Oakland, and Berkeley—are as popular as the city itself.
  • John Sutter’s trading post became the main supply point for gold miners, then western headquarters of the transcontinental railroad. Today  Sacramento  is growing, offering affordable homes to those seeking California weather. The capital city is known for its natural parkland and streets lined with fruit-bearing trees. Once the Gateway to Gold Country, Sacramento is now a gateway to the wine country.
  • Most of California’s wineries are in  Napa Valley  and  Sonoma Valley . Hundreds of wineries invite you to enjoy their tours, tastings, restaurants, and spas. Napa Valley has more wineries and a higher volume of tourism, with more commercial tours and attractions such as hot-air ballooning. Sonoma Valley is lower key, with family-run wineries, fewer tourists, and relaxed ambience. Book flights to California’s wine region and join a tour of the wineries.
  • Anaheim  is home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. The Orange County coast offers miles of beaches, and the California Riviera is the stretch between Seal Beach and San Clemente. The area’s eccentric beach towns, Santa Ana Artists’ Village, Laguna Beach boardwalk, San Juan Capistrano Mission, and Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace attract tourists year-round.
  • Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County in Southern California, is within close proximity to Disneyland, major beaches, museums, nightlife and recreation and is home to internationally-renowned South Coast Plaza, an award-winning performing arts district as well as the Orange County Fairgrounds.
  • Some ambitious travelers book vacations to California and then drive the coastline to the state’s northern most cities. While the drive and landscape is beautiful, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for the long drive north. It’s advisable that you book outbound California flights from your destination point.

Finding Flights from California

If you’re looking to extend your trip outside of California, let Cheapflights help you get there in a convenient and affordable fashion. LAX accommodates all of the major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta and Virgin America, and Sun Country offers charter flights within the U.S and to Mexico, so booking your outbound flight should be a breeze. LAX also serves several international carriers for outbound flights, including Air Canada, Scandanavian Airlines and British Airways.

Check out these popular U.S. flight routes from California, along with some great flight deals:

Cheap flights from Los Angeles to Minneapolis

Cheap flights from Los Angeles to Boston

Cheap flights form Los Angeles to London

If you need transportation to the airport, there are several options available ranging from public transportation to shuttle services such as Super Shuttle, Airport Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle. United Taxi offers flat rates to the airport, and ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber are authorized to both drop off and pick up at LAX.

The LA Flyaway located in Van Nuys provides regular shuttle services for passengers heading to the airport from the San Fernando Valley, and  Metro Red Line city buses pick up passengers at multiple locations throughout the state. If you plan to take public transportation, it’s always a good idea to catch a bus at least four hours before your flight, as traffic in Los Angeles can lead to delays, especially if you’re traveling during rush hour. LAX requires passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure for security purposes, so you’ll also want to make sure to incorporate this into your overall travel time.

When booking a shuttle van, taxi or shared transportation service such as Uber, scheduling your ride at least 24 hours prior will help to ensure a timely arrival at the airport. However, most taxis and ride-sharing services can also pick you up with a 15 minute notice if you’re strapped for time.

For additional information about navigating the Los Angeles International Airport, take a look at our detailed airport guide .

Top Destinations in California

  • Flights to Fresno
  • Flights to Long Beach
  • Flights to Los Angeles
  • Flights to Oakland
  • Flights to Ontario
  • Flights to Palm Springs
  • Flights to Sacramento
  • Flights to San Diego
  • Flights to San Francisco
  • Flights to San Jose
  • John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)
  • Flights to Santa Barbara
  • Flights to Santa Rosa

What’s the weather like in California?

Due to its topographical extremes California’s weather depends on where you are. Along the coast, the climate is mostly mild. Los Angeles is high desert, and the low humidity keeps the city comfortable year-round. About 28 miles south of LA, Anaheim can go up into the 80s or 90s in the summer, with cool evenings. Anaheim winters are mild with little rain. San Francisco is foggy with cool winds. Summer temperatures occasionally go above 70; fall tends to have clear skies and temperatures in the 80s. Winter rarely goes below freezing. Sacramento’s summer days can reach 100 degrees, but then drop as much as 40 degrees at night. The rainy season runs from late fall into spring, and winters are cold and foggy.

How long is the flight to California?

Los Angeles International Airport, also referred to as LAX, offers both domestic and international flights to multiple destinations around the world. Within the US, non-stop flights to California are approximately five and a half hours from New York, three and a half hours from Minneapolis, six hours from Boston and five and a half hours from Miami. If you’re flying internationally, flights from both London and Japan are approximately 11 hours. It’s important to keep in mind that flight times can vary due to delays such as weather conditions and unforeseen issues, so it’s always best to get to the airport a few hours early to ensure you’re properly informed of any changes to your flight. Once you arrive in Los Angeles, head to the baggage claim area and out the automatic airport doors to access transportation to your lodging destination. If you’ve booked a ride in advance, there are shuttle guides along the walkway to ensure you catch your ride on time. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also waiting at LAX for travelers without pre-booked transportation.

Which airlines fly to California?

California is an extremely popular travel destination thanks to its beautiful weather and world-famous attractions, and Los Angeles International Airport accommodates over 50 airlines for arrivals from all over the globe. Major U.S. carriers that fly into LAX include American Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta and Virgin America. Sun Country Airlines offers charter flights from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, while International carriers include British Airways, Scandanavian Airlines, Air Canada and Virgin Australia.

What should you pack for a flight to California?

While its well-known that California offers nice weather pretty much year-round, there are dips in temperature during the winter months, so you’ll want to be sure to pack accordingly. A good way to gauge the upcoming California temperatures is to go online and check the weather forecasts for your travel dates. During the spring and summer months, you’ll want to pack sunscreen, light clothing and beachwear if you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the beach or lounging poolside by your hotel.

What are some things to do in California?

From visiting national landmarks to spending the day with Mickey and the gang at Disneyland, California offers visitors something for everyone. If you’re staying in the Los Angeles area or the San Fernando Valley, a variety of attractions are just a 20-minute drive away. Take in a Laker game or a music concert at the Staples Center, or visit Universal City Walk in Universal City, where you can take a tram tour of Universal Studios or enjoy a meal at one of several restaurants in the City Walk promenade. If you’re visiting Santa Monica or Venice, head over to the Venice Beach boardwalk to check out the wares from local merchants, or take a leisurely boat ride through the Venice canals. The Santa Monica Pier is also a can’t-miss national landmark in this area, complete with restaurants, carnival rides and paddle boats for rent. For a fun-filled day of sports and food, visit the  world-famous Dodger Stadium during baseball season, where you can cheer for the boys in blue during baseball season and sample a tasty “dodger dog.” If you’re hoping to learn about Hollywood history and maybe even snap a few celebrity photos, head over to Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood and visit Mann’s Chinese Theater, where you’ll find hundreds of celebrity handprints immortalized in cement. Disneyland is one of California’s most popular tourist attractions for “kids” of all ages. Located in Anaheim, Disneyland is approximately 25 miles from Los Angeles and definitely worth the 45-minute drive. Spend the day walking through the park and riding some of the old classics such as “It’s a Small World” and the “Space Mountain,” then visit Disneyland’s partner park California Adventure and hop on “California Screamin” for the ultimate roller-coaster ride.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., popular flight searches, check out other popular destinations found by fellow travelers in 2024, search flights to california by cabin class, find flights to california, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class., book a flight to one of these trending destinations, user searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, fly with cheapflights, find the best flight deals on cheapflights, where travelers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations., how does cheapflights help users find flights to california.

Cheapflights helps you search for flights to California via 900+ travel sites so you don’t have to. After performing a flight search, users can also filter their flight selection by filtering for price, number of stops, airlines, and so on.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets to California?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights to California by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and we put them in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

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Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights to California, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

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Of course! You can track prices for flights to California and get an alert from Cheapflights when they change. Have a valid email address ready and click the bell icon next to the flight deals to set up your price alerts.

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Travelmath provides an online cost calculator to help you determine the cost of driving between cities. You can use this data to figure out a budget for a road trip. The driving calculation is based on the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and you can change the gas mileage in mpg or L/100 km to match your exact make and model. Gas prices are automatically estimated based on current fluctuations, and again you can adjust these to fit your local gas station prices. Both U.S. and international units are available to make the calculations easier to use, and the output is given for both one-way and round trip travel routes.

Check the driving distance for your planned route, and see if the total driving time requires an overnight stay. If it's a long trip, you may want to research some hotels along the way . Or compare whether it's better to fly or drive to your destination.

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The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

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

We have personally driven these roads and highways on different road trips in California and we visited all the sights recommended. This two week itinerary can easily be mixed and matched to create different California road trips as long or short as you like.

California Road Trip Itinerary

Make sure to download your Pacific Coast highway Self Drive tour before embarking on your California road trip. Explore the California Coast at your own pace as you follow the app to discover monuments, towns, and points of interest along the route. It will track your route and play automatically to tell you about your stops as you drive from Monterey to Pismo Beach.

Table of Contents

California Road Trip Map

1. san francisco – 2 days.

We’ve planned the initial stage of our California road trip itinerary from San Francisco . It is easy to fly into from all major hubs and car rentals can be picked up directly at the airport. Plus, traffic in San Francisco isn’t as congested as it is in Los Angeles making it the perfect start for any California road trip itinerary.

Spending two days in San Francisco will give you the chance to see all the iconic sites like the incredible Golden Gate Bridge before moving South. We have an excellent 72 hours in San Francisco guide where you can plan your entire stay in San Francisco .

  • Tip: When we visited San Francisco for the first time, we bought a  City Pass  and explored all the neighborhoods by bus. It was a great way to get acquainted with the layout of the city and have the option to hop on and hop off whenever we wanted with a 24 or 48-hour pass.
  • Click here to search all the car rental agencies and get the best price for your California Road Trip!

Things to do in San Francisco

  • San Francisco Cable Car
  • 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 and China Town
  • Palace of the arts
  • See our complete guide to the Best Hikes in San Francisco

Make sure to get out on the Bay to see the city when in San Francisco, this Golden Gate Bay Cruise let’s you see many of San Francisco’s top attractions. You’ll cruise along the waterfront, sail under the Golden Gate Bay Bridge, go around Alcatraz and see the former hippy enclave of Sausalito. Whatch for marine life such as sea lions, dolphins and whales as you cruise the Marin Headlands wildlife reserves.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, we suggest staying near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will be close to all the iconic places in the city.

  • Luxury: Argonaut Hotel – A 4-star hotel located next to the SF Maritime National Historic Park for about $300 per night. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Mid-Range: Pier 2620 Hotel – This eco-friendly hotel is close to the beach. It is a new and modern design, with a fitness center. $200 per night TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Budget: Hotel Zephyr – This boutique has nautical-themed rooms, central, near Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
  • Read our full guide for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Accommodation Where to Stay in San Francisco 

2. Monterey / Carmel By the Sea – 1 Day

Drive just 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco to Monterrey

After leaving San Francisco, we make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey. You can stay either stay in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea are only 10 minutes from each other. We stayed at Carmel by the Sea and it was a great location to get around Big Sur.

When visiting Monterey, you’ll want to get out on the water as it is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This Monterey Bay tour departs from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to set sail for some whale watching. You’ll see Californian Sea Lions basking in the harbor as you pass Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Things to See and Do

  • Cycling 17 Mile Drive – If there is one thing to do in Carmel before moving on, you must take a tour of 17-Mile Drive. We had a blast on e-Bikes with Big Sur Adventures . Read about our full experience at 17-Mile Drive – California’s Most Scenic Drive. 
  • Cannery Row – The Historic Cannery Row has been transformed from old warehouses to colorful buildings lining the waterfront filled with eateries and shops.
  • Monterey Aquarium – The Monterey Aquarium is the centerpiece of the city where they study the waters of Monterey Bay and tackle the oceans health problems.
  • Kayaking Monterey Bay – Don’t miss getting on the water in Monterey. We highly recommend taking a kayaking tour of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea to view sea otters and sea lions.
  • Surfing Carmel – Beginners will love the easy break and sandy shallow waters of Carmel Bay. We spent the morning taking a lesson with the Carmel Surf Company

Hotels and AirBnBs in Monterrey

The Hideaway – Centrally Located on Juniper Street, a short walk to restaurants, and just a few blocks from the beach. This luxury boutique hotel has in-room fireplaces and offers a modern design. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Suggested Place to Eat – La Belana Cucina Toscana takes you straight to the heart of Tuscany with a traditional setting. Sit outside on the heated patio and enjoy a fresh farm to table menu drizzled in olive oil and truffles.

4. Big Sur – 1 Day

Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 for an hour from Monterrey to Big Sur .

The Pacific Coast Highway is the Grand Dame of all California road trips. We suggest a minimum of 2 days exploring the coast along Big Sur. You can easily keep your base in Monterey to explore these sights.

A great compliment to your Big Sur road trip is to download this Pacific Coast Highway Self Drive tour. The app showcases the top scenic stops and views from Monterey to Pismo Beach. It tracks your route and the audio guide plays commentary to tell you stories and suggest points of interest. On this leg, you’ll see places like Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and the Bixby Bridge.

Considered by many the world’s most scenic drives, The Big Sur portion of California Coastal Drive on Highway 1 is a must for any road trip lover. In our opinion, all California road trips should include this leg as there are so many gorgeous stops from sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Things to See in Big Sur

  • Bixby Bridge – Don’t miss stopping at the Bixby Bridge. Made famous by many a film and TV Show (most recently Big Little Lies . Tip : Go for sunrise no tourists were there at all when we were up before dawn.
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This a good place to go for hikes and walk along the trails. It’s most famous for the McWay Waterfalls and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Pfeiffer Beach – One of the best beaches on the route. Pfeiffer Beach is a bit of a drive off the main highway down a narrow and bumpy road, so it attracts fewer tourists than other viewpoints on Highway 1. Check out: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
  • Garrapata State Park – Hiking trails along the coast, Karst formations, sea arches, and jagged rocks make for extraordinary views of a rugged coastal landscape at Garrapata State Park. For a complete breakdown of photography stops with GPS Co-ordinates visit our Photography Guide to Big Sur

Where to Stay in Big Sur – Ventana Resort

When exploring Big Sur we made a home base at Ventana Resort and spent two days exploring the surrounding area. We spent one night in  their glamping tents  and one night in a luxurious suite overlooking the ocean. Ventana is the perfect base for exploring Big Sur as it’s in the heart of everything.

Check out our guide to The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Where to eat in Big Sur

  • The Sur House – Located at  Ventana Big Sur , The Sur House is an upscale dining establishment using locally sourced cuisine created by Executive Chef, Paul Corsentino. $90 Fix menu offers a divine three-course meal. Location: 48123 Highway 1
  • Big Sur River Inn – The  Big Sur River Inn  was the first hotel and restaurant in the area. Enjoy the photographs from a bygone era dating back to 1932.
  • Nepenthe – Open since 1949,  Nepenthe  is a staple of Big Sur attracting artists, poets, and travelers to its 800-foot sea cliff views. Location: 48510 Highway One
  • Big Sur Roadhouse – This locally run eatery has a funky vibe with family-style seating. Designer Steve Justrich transformed the roadhouse into a unique design that they claim as homegrown modernism.

5. Coastal Highway Stops

This drive takes 3 hours from Big Sur to Santa Maria, but take you time to see all the sights.

We continue down the coast from Big Sur to the charming town of Santa Maria, which is one of our favorite California road trip stops. Be sure to give ample time for breaks on this route. There is still a lot more to see on this portion of the California Coast and you can easily spend a day exploring the sites as you make your way to your next overnight stop. 

  • Hearst Castle – Built by San Simeon, this incredible estate was built on 127 acres on a hill overlooking San Simeon. Pop in for a tour of America’s castle before driving on to spend the night in the lovely town of Santa Maria.
  • Morrow Bay – Another beautiful beach, Morrow Bay’s main attraction is Morrow Rock, a 180-meter tall volcanic plug standing proud offshore.
  • Pismo Beach is another place to stop if you still have time before spending the night in Santa Maria.

6. Santa Maria – 1 Day

So it is a good time to park your car and get out to explore the nearby vineyards for a proper “Sideways” wine tour experience. We have it as one day on your California road trip itinerary, but if you can spend two days here, we recommend it.

Things to do in Santa Maria

  • Wine Tours – There are several vineyards to choose. Hire a private car through Gold Coast Executive Transportation to take you on a wine tour. We had an amazing time touring Wine Caves of  Cottonwood Canyon .
  • Dune Buggy Adventure – To explore even more of the highest dunes in the world, go on a Dune Buggy adventure with  Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave. Oceano.  Get in a dune buggy and hit the dunes.
  • Hidden Hollywood – Don’t miss this very cool Hidden Hollywood at the Dunes Center museum in Guadalupe Cecil B. Demille created an entire set of the pyramids of Egypt in the middle of the California Sand Dunes. He didn’t want anyone to use his set again, so he buried it in the desert and didn’t tell anyone where it was. It was nearly forgotten by everyone, until the 1990s when the director, Peter Brosnan decided to search for the hidden city.

Hotels and AirBnBs in Santa Maria

Check in to the historic Santa Maria Inn in the center of town. It has been a staple in Santa Maria since 1917. Be sure to peruse the halls to see legendary movie stars that have stayed here.

  • Santa Maria Style Barbecue – If you want to try authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue, go to Far Western Tavern Tavern in Orcutt.

7. Santa Barbara – 1 Day

Today we drive a short distance of just 1 hour from Santa Maria

Continuing on through wine country and making our way through our California road trip itinerary, we arrive in Santa Barbara for a night before stopping in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara is considered one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions with nine different wine routes to explore. It is a popular escape from Los Angeles, and there are many things to do here.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

  • Sunset Sail – We suggest a sailing trip to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the California Coast followed by dinner on a patio by the waterfront.
  • Stearns Wharf – Historic deep-water pier dating back to 1871.
  • Shopping – Santa Barbara is all about the upscale experience, stroll the Spanish style shops lining State Street.
  • Museums – Check out the many museums. The Museum of Art, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center.

Santa Barbara Hotels and AirBnBs

We stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. This estate is the perfect place to relax after all that driving.

8. Los Angeles – 2 Days

It’s an hour and a half to Los Angeles so you can start enjoying the city immediately

Click here for map CA coast

We’ve come to the next metropolis on our California Road Trip and it is time to explore L.A. Los Angeles is a good place to start for southern California road trips. Who doesn’t love Los Angeles? There are so many things to do in LA , that you could have your entire California road trip right here.

Things to do in Los Angeles

The possibilities are endless for sightseeing in L.A. so you can decide how long you want to stay here. From Universal Studios and Disneyland to hiking up to see the Hollywood sign or follow the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You must get out to see the beaches of Los Angeles. Our favorite beach is Manhattan Beach where you can see the famous 90210 beach house. But everyone loves popping over to Venice Beach too. I hope you’ve rented a nice car to drive along Rodeo Drive but if not, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the Bohemian atmosphere of Venice Beach. Read 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

  • Note: You seriously need a car to explore L.A. It is spread out and it was made for driving.
  • Check out our post: Where to Stay in Los Angeles – 4 Hotels to Make You Feel Like a Star. 

Option: Continue to San Diego – Or Turn North

From Los Angeles you can continue south to San Diego or start heading north to make your way back to San Francisco.

  • The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
  • Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas

For our road trip, we turned north up towards the National Parks .

9. Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

From Los Angeles we drive two hours to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park .

Get the link to this portion of your road trip ideas in California.

Joshua Tree National Park is where two deserts meet: The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are lookout points and there’s even a cactus garden. You can camp overnight in Joshua Tree and there’s also rock climbing. It’s one of the premier places on earth for bouldering. We only suggest spending a day here on this California Road Trip Itinerary, but if you have more time, put a tent in the back of your car and spend a couple of days hiking Joshua Tree and exploring more of California

10. Death Valley National Park

It takes about 2 hours to drive through non stop

If you are planning a California road trip, you must try to include a day driving through Death Valley. It’s very hot, dry, and it’s a beautiful drive, but this portion of your California road trips planner should involve some precautionary steps. The average temperature is 48 degrees Celcius. (120F) Luckily there are enough stops at viewpoints along the road that keep you from having to trek too far for viewing in the heat.

  • Safety in Death Valley : Pack plenty of water, cover-up, and wear sunscreen.
  • Get the Google maps of  road trips California with a detour to Vegas .

11. Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

From Death Valley we drive 7 hours to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the Big 3 National Parks in the USA and it did not disappoint. It is where the legendary photographer Ansel Adams set up shop and took some of the most recognizable nature photographs of all time.

Things to See in Yosemite

Yosemite has all those iconic formations that you’ve all heard of like “The Nose” and “El Capitan”. Here you’ll find Bridalveil Falls, and the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Glacier Point is another not-to-miss stop. It’s also a place for adventurers to get out an enjoy nature. There are so many hiking trails you will need days to complete them all. Read more at Things to do in Yosemite National Park

En route to Yosemite, be sure to stop at Sequoia National Forest. We combined our stay in Yosemite with seeing the sequoias as they are less than an hour away. A highlight for us was taking the park tour to see the Grand Sequoia Trees of Mariposa Grove. It is a bit of a drive from Yosemite, but hey, you’re on a road trip so it’s right up your alley!

When booking accommodation in Yosemite, plan in advance. During high season, things sell out fast! Curry Village has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms. Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out TripAdvisor for prices .

  • Yosemite Valley Lodge is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool. Read more: Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

12. Lake Tahoe – 2 Days

From Yosemite it is 2 hours and 30 minutes to Tahoe.

There are two major tourist areas to make a base in both South and North Lake Tahoe. The south is certainly the busier of the two sides of the lake with casinos, nightclubs and lots of people. While the north side of the lake is all about nature, quiet family run lodges and rugged and historic ski hills, the South sits directly on the Nevada border and feels kitschy and commercial.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

  • Scenic Drive – The best views most certainly happen when driving between South and North Tahoe via Emerald Bay State Park. It takes an entire day to really explore the lake and you must give a lot of time for sightseeing at Emerald Bay.
  • Emera l d Bay State Park – Emerald Bay has several different scenic stops and each one is a must! When you pull over, be sure to get out of your car and hike to the viewpoints. They get more spectacular with each turn! Hike down to the bay and see the famous Vikingsholm Castle or go on a lake cruise.
  • Camp Richardson – If you are up for more hiking, there are trails all around Camp Richardson that are less steep than the hike down from Emerald Bay. They also offer hotel and cabins for lodging.
  • Skiing – Sugar Bowl Ski Resort is the closest skiing to San Francisco and receives the most snowfall out of all the hills in California. After driving up the long and winding road, we stopped for a magnificent view of Donner Lake. North Star offers the luxury end of the spectrum of skiing with the only slope-side five-star lodging in the area, and don’t forget Mt.Rose offering Tahoe’s Highest Base elevation. Heavenly Mountain located in South Tahoe.
  • Read Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Winter

Hotels and AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe

  • There are plenty of lodging options in North Lake Tahoe and a good stay for families would definitely be our lodge at Cedar Crest Cottages .
  • Sunnyside Resort is a welcoming resort located on the Shore of Lake Tahoe. Your stay includes continental breakfast and afternoon tea.

Where to Eat – We loved our meal and the friendly staff at  Sunnyside Restaurant and Resort  located at 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City. It has been a Sunnyside tradition since 1965.

13. Sacramento – Bonus Night

It’s about a five-hour drive from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco, so if you want to split up the 5-hour drive we suggest stopping in Sacramento . Even if it’s not on your California road trip itinerary from the start, it’s worth the time to see all of this history. The state capital of California is worth a visit even if you only see the historic downtown landmark of Old Sacramento. This 28-acre district is filled with old town saloons and bars taking you back to the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Sacramento

A great place to stay is  The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel  that is just a short 15-minute walk from Old Town. This new upscale hotel is located in the heart of Sacramento overlooking the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings.

How much does it cost to Road Trip in California?

As you’ve seen, your California road trip itinerary can move in a lot of different directions. There were a lot of stops we didn’t even make because this state is so enormous. As such, the cost can vary greatly depending on lodging.

Accommodation – If you stay in a campground you will pay $35 per night but you can also spend up to $1000 per night in luxury lodges like Ventana in Big Sur or the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.

This road trip is 1500 miles in total . If the average car gets 20 miles per gallon and the average cost of fuel is $3.50 per gallon, you can expect to pay $262 in fuel for this trip.

Meals too can have a broad range. If you want a multicourse meal at some of the luxury hotels, you can spend up to $200. but you can also hit roadside diners for $20. We mixed and matched packing lunches, eating in diners and sometimes splurging on gourmet meals. We suggest you do the same to make the most of your trip.

If you can get breakfasts included and pack sandwiches and waters for lunch, you have just saved a lot of money for a romantic dinner out.

Full Map of Our Road Trip in California

Whatever route you choose, you will go through some of the best  scenery in all of California . We hope to have given enough information to create your own tour by offering these California road trip ideas.

You have now completed the route and can make your way back to The San Francisco Bay area to return your rental car. Or feel free to stick around California. There are so many places to visit , you can spend months exploring.

Did you enjoy this California Trip Planner? Why not pin it to use as a reference for future road trips.

And that ladies and gentlemen are our picks for the best road trips California has to offer. So, now you are ready to hit the road with a solid plan of all the things to do in California!

To see our full itinerary through California check out  Follow ThePlanetD from Oceans to Mountains  on the Visit California Website.

  • Things to do in Napa Valley
  • 16 Best Cities in California
  • 27 Best Beaches in California
  • 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors

You may also like these other great road trips:

  • 25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
  • 13 of the Best Canadian Road Trips – That We’ve Done
  • Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary
  • Dempster Highway Road Trip – Yes You Can Drive to the Arctic
  • The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
  • Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

Our trip to California was in partnership with Visit California. For more information on California travel and itineraries,  visit their website. As usual, all opinions are our own.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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49 thoughts on “The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary”

Wow, what a great itinerary! I remember my California road trip like it was yesterday – an unforgettable experience. Starting in San Francisco was a smart choice – it’s such a diverse city with so much to see and do. I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views from Golden Gate Park! And that City Pass was definitely a worthwhile investment. Made getting around the city super convenient. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway was absolutely stunning. It’s a journey I think everyone should experience at least once. For anyone planning this road trip, don’t rush it! Take your time and really soak in the breathtaking views. It’s worth every second.

Oh wow! This is a great itinerary. Super detailed – thank you. We love California.

Thank You for sharing! This detail very use full for me!

This is really an ultimate road trip! I live in CA and have done so much of this but only little bits at a time. Beautiful photos!

This California road trip is really amazing and very useful for road trippers. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Sharon, I’m glad we could help! And have a great road trip! When do you leave for California?

This is incredible and you travel photography is totally shocking! In spite of the fact that I live in California, there are a few places on your excursion that I haven’t visited at this point! I’m anticipating getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley sooner rather than later! A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing!

You are going to love Lake Tahoe. In the winter it’s a great destination. They really have it figured out as a four season destination. Make sure to bring plenty of water for Death Valley. I am sure you are used to the heat, but we were amazed with how hot it actually was.

Santa Barbara, California is a nice place to vacation and travel to often.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go there since the soap opera called Santa Barbara. It didn’t disappoint.

I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Enjoy! They are two great and very different locations.

Super detailed – thank you!

Thanks, I’m glad we could help!

This is a great itinerary! There is so much to see in California. I have been creating CA road trip itineraries for 4 years of different duration and covering various interests. I currently have 35 and counting on my blog.

Oh wow! There are so many places to see in California, it really does take years. This road trip planner is from several different trips we’ve taken as well. It would be a dream to do it all again at one time!

I could not agree with you more about California being one of (if not the) best destinations for a road trip. Have you ever thought of renting a campervan to make the trip? It really makes the trip all the more immersive when you can stop and sleep right in the middle of it instead of having to venture off the beaten path to find lodging. And in most cases, you can do that in Cali. I recommend Travellers-Autobarn for an awesome campervan rental. They have locations in San Francisco and LA. I put their link in the website field. Happy Trails!

A campervan would be amazing. We love camping and meeting people on the road and we find that campgrounds are so much fun. Thanks for the tip!

Good to see wonderful snapshot of California and California road trip itinerary.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Great guide. Brings back so many California road trip memories. Planning one now with kids in tow!

Thanks! We love California

California is just amazing and blog was so informative about the Joshua Tree,Los angles ,South Lake Tahoe,Yosemite,Death Valley i love these kinda places actually nice write-up thanks or posting!

This post made me move towards road trip to California. Incredible post along with awesome photograph which is central attraction of the blog. Reading this post made my day. I wish I could travel like you without any worry of time.

Appreciate it for your great effort that made my day with motivation.

I hope you get the chance to road trip in California. We also have a photography guide to Big Sur with all the GPS coordinates so you can make the most of yoru trip. https://theplanetd.com/visual-guide-to-big-sur-coastal-drive-california/

A California road trip has been on the top of my travel bucket list for so long and this post hasn’t changed my mind. I’ve been to both LA and SF but would love to see all the amazing scenery in between.

Two great locations! You already have a great start to your road trip? Where would you like to go next?

This post makes me want to move home and go on a road trip! Thanks for giving me so many places to book mark. Can’t want to visit Cali again now!

Lucky you being from California. It is one of the greatest states in our opinion 🙂

Yes indeed it is great

This is great and you photography is absolutely stunning! Although I live in California, there are several places on your road trip that I haven’t visited yet! I’m looking forward to getting to Lake Tahoe and Death Valley in the near future! Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is a serious road trip, filled with so many gorgeous things! When I was growing up, we did the Highway 1 trip several times, and I have so many great memories of it. This route takes you to all kinds of places I am yet to explore! Love it!

This is some great advice for our upcoming trip. I’m currently planning a road trip from San Francisco, so this is super helpful! Beautiful pictures you captured. Thank you so much for sharing this post.

I just want to tell that your photographs are really very inspiring and they just got me. I wanted to meander in the streets of this state. Thank you for taking us on this part.

Okay … just read over all the comments and I see a lot of people don’t care for Las Vegas. Fair enough. Please don’t right the whole city off as wasteful and uncaring for the environment. I’d ask you to please be open minded and learn more about our city before jumping to that conclusion. There’s more to Las Vegas than the four miles people know as the Strip.

Get in touch regarding Las Vegas and anything you want to know about the Southwest. I’ve lived in Vegas for five years and know the Southwest well. Would love to chat about your plans and provide recommendations/answer questions. You know where to find me!

We’ve been living in the bay area our whole lives and still haven’t done this route. SF direct to LA yes, but not this kind. Sounds like an adventure! I heard you two were at a Travel Massive event in SF late last year no? It was at a beer shop I believe. We were there too!

Hi. That trip sounds amazing. I’ve actually been to all those places on a Trek America tour. Alcatraz is a must see, there is plenty to do in Vegas without gambling and if you get the chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon do it because the views are to die for. You’ll have a blast! l look forward to reading about it.

You guys are going to have such a great trip! I’m from the SF area, went to college in LA and spent several summers on family backpacking trips in Yosemite, so I have to admit I’m actually a little jealous. Enjoy it extra for me, please!

Too bad you will be missing Lake Tahoe! One of the most beautiful places in the country! You definitely have to plan a trip to visit here at some point 🙂

Did a similar road trip last year and Cam is right, you need to stop by Sequoia National Park and see the General Sherman Tree (it’s basically on the way from Yosemite to Bakersfield!). With that said, still looks like tons of fun and I’m sure it’ll be a blast!

Thanks for the report : ) We will be doing about the saem route in September: Denver-Ouray-Arches-Bryce-Zion-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas-Death Valley-Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite-SFO 🙂

— Anton Way Any Way – Airfare search done right http://www.wayanyway.com

Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to do a west coast road trip. I have driven from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, and I definitely did not spend enough time at the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas is fun, and as for shows any Cirque du Soleil show will be a good bet. I saw O which was fantastic.

Seriously–you are driving right by some really amazing places with no time to stop. You have to add several more days and visit Sequoia National Park (world’s largest trees), and Death Valley National Park.They are both incredible! Las Vegas is soulless and weird and there’s nothing to do if you don’t like gambling (my friend Jane who lives there slaps me every time I say that–well, not really, but I can tell she wants to). Replace your time in Las Vegas with time in Sedona, Arizona, about an hour’s drive south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plus, Zion isn’t all that far from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is way better! How’s that for unsolicited advice!

If you want to get out of California, these are all great suggestions. We need a year to really visit California and all the great States that Surround it.

Wha?! You’ve never been to Vegas…? Looks like a fun road trip, we’ve done a couple Californian road trips but we’ve never made it to Utah or Arizona. We originally planned to due a Utah, AZ, NV, CO road trip combined with TBEX this year, but Baby B is not a fan of long car trips, so that ones on the shelf for a few years

What a great route, including some mind-blowing scenery. Don’t spend too long in Vegas. We were disgusted by the excess and waste also. A sidetrip to the Hoover Dam would be an eye-opener as to just how much water is being sucked up. The water of Lake Mead will be so low by 2017 that they dam may not be able to produce any power.

Whoa! I met Felipe from Twtvite in Berlin last summer. Cool guy! Sounds like the road trip will be a blast. Zion National Park is amazing!

You’re not doing Highway 1 at all????

That’s by far one of my favourite road trips, between SF and LA!

Thanks for your great and motivating article.

Book flights to California with United

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Find low fares when you fly with United to these California destinations

Travel to California with United Airlines from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally. Fly to California year-round for some of the best beaches in the country. These cities combine beachside fun with plenty of other offerings. For top service and a great inflight experience, book your flights to California with United today.

California’s top attractions

California is one of the most diverse states in the U.S., drawing families, solo adventurers and anyone looking for a well-earned break. Start planning your California trip with these ideas:

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Adventure in Los Angeles

Visit Los Angeles (LAX) and explore the popular neighborhoods of Hollywood, Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Hike through Griffith Park to spot the famous sign or visit in winter for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena.

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Explore San Francisco

See the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and famous Victorian architecture in San Francisco (SFO). Tour its many diverse neighborhoods by bike or trolley.

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Discover Orange County

Take the kids to the family-friendly destinations of Orange County (SNA) like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. With nearly 40 miles of coastline, Orange County is an ideal destination for sun seekers.

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Experience San Jose

Visit San Jose (SJC) and enjoy the area’s Latin influence. In May, the city holds the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Bay Area.

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Journey to Sacramento

Fly to Sacramento (SMF) in summer for the California State Fair, a celebration with local food, attractions and live entertainment more than 150 years in the making.

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Fly to Santa Barbara

Relax on the beaches of Santa Barbara (SBA), which face south instead of west, perfect for taking in sunrise and sunset. Paddleboard in the bay, visit Stearns Wharf or stroll along East and West Beaches.

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Adventure to San Diego

Explore over 70 miles of coastline in San Diego (SAN). Another iconic attraction is the San Diego Zoo, one of the most renowned zoos in the world, particularly famous for its giant pandas.

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Travel to Monterey

Enjoy the traditional beaches of Monterey (MRY), suitable for surfing, fishing and swimming. If you’re looking for an adventure, hike along the cliffs or look for the rocky tide pools along the water.

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Winter Adventure in Mammoth Lakes

Explore a true winter wonderland in beautiful Mammoth Lakes (BIH). Hit the slopes at California's highest lift-accessible ski resort, Mammoth Mountain, which has more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. Venture into snowy pine forests on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Or marvel at snow-covered peaks from the window of a cozy cabin with a fire burning nearby.​

View BIH deals

*Prices have been available for round trips within the last 48 hours and may not be currently available. Fares listed may be Basic Economy, which is our most restrictive fare option and subject to  additional restrictions . Additional  baggage charges  and fees for other optional service may apply. Other terms and conditions may apply.

california trip how much

Find cheap flights from New York to California from $62

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from new york to california departing on 4/16. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to california.

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Best California Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking california flights, which california airport is closest to catalina island.

If you’d like to land at an airport close to Catalina Island, book a flight that lands a Long Beach Municipal Airport (LBG). Landing at this airport also referred to as Daugherty Field, is in your best interest since it is 53 km (33 miles) away from the island. All New York airports serve flights to LGB. The airlines that provide these flights include Delta, Spirit, Linear Air Taxi, and American Airlines.

Is it possible to fly directly from New York to Los Angeles, California?

If you want to travel directly from New York to Los Angeles, you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding what airline to travel with, as several air travel companies offer direct flights on this route. The airlines are JetBlue, Delta, Spirit, Alaska, American, and United Airlines. The demand for direct flight tickets for this route is usually high. Hence, to avoid missing one, you should book your ticket on KAYAK as early as possible.

How can people with hidden disabilities get help at La Guardia International Airport (LGA)?

If you have a hidden disability, you’ll be happy to hear that LGA offers Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and wristbands to persons with hidden disabilities. These Sunflower lanyards and wristbands help airport staff discreetly identify passengers who need extra help. Thus, if you wear one, you can count on being spotted and assisted throughout your airport stay.

How can I travel cheaply from New York to California?

Connecting flight tickets from New York to California tend to be cheaper than direct flight tickets. This being the case, if you want to travel cheaply from New York to California, you should check out the connecting flight tickets available on KAYAK. Airlines such as Spirit, United, Alaska, and Delta offer connecting flights from New York to various parts of California.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to California?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to California.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to California?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to California from New York is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to California?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to California with an airline and back to New York with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to California?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to California from New York up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Morning departure is around 17% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.
  • In New York, you can board your flight to California at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or La Guardia International Airport (LGA). When booking your flight to California, book one that departs at LGA since this airport has the smoothest boarding experience. This can be attributed to the fact that it faces the least passenger traffic.
  • In California, the airport you land at should be influenced by the region you’d like to visit. If you want to visit Northern California, you should land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), while if you want to visit Southern California, you should land at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
  • If you need assistance or have questions at JFK, visit one of its Information Centers. These centers are outside the Arrivals Areas of Terminals 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 and in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 4.
  • Most small airports in California serve flights from New York. This being the case, if you’re headed to a destination served by a small airport, use Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), SFO, or SAN as your base of travel. This is because they all offer flights to most small airports in California.
  • If you want to travel to JFK from Midtown Manhattan cheaply, catch the local trains to Jamaica Station. At this station, board the AirTrain, which will transport you to JFK. On the other hand, if you’d like to travel directly, you should use a taxi.

Top 5 airlines serving from New York to California

Everything went well with the flight. But one of the flight attendants had on inappropriate pants. She had on an old worn out pair of sweat pants. The back seam was unrivaled and should not have been worn for work. If I had not seen her in the airport with the standard type of luggage, I certainly would not have thought she was working for Delta. Not a good look at all for representation.

Great!! I haven’t had a bad experience with them.

The plane was one hour late cause they were doing some reparations with us on the plane no mention I was in the first seat and the door was open the entire time with 8 degrees! The plane was totally dirty no mention old ! The staff was nice but no put together, the attention to details and passenger experience is missing and i always travel first !!! Is better the lounge than the plane! KLM/air France every details is taken care maybe you need a creative creator or experience client need asap was terrible and not memorable for the price that I payed very dissatisfied

Boarding super slow with people allowed to linger in aisles

We flew early evening on New Year's Eve. Our plane was less than half full... Great for the passenger experience -- not so much for the airline lol. Comfortable, spacious, smooth flight -- and early arrival!

First time travel in economy and the worst experience I ever had ! Shame on paying 600 dollars to be in a tuna can ! Service was terrible no even water no even class no even matters your flight attendants were lazy and sloppy very bad experience! After all these years traveling in first and once I try this cause I need to go to a destination for an emergency wow shame on you !

Really impressive staff at airport and on plane, especially given how busy it was

Crew was great. However the seat I had would not recline and stay put. It would spring back to upright. Hopefully they can check the seats and maintain them. Otherwise the plane is clean and the crew is very friendly.

Pricing of seats is difficult - price transparency has disappeared. First class, business class. Comfort plus, economy, basic…. Especially the pricing of seat reservation. Used to be but early get a better price; now it seems prices are falling as we get closer to departure. Miles ticket value has gone away. Give me a break. Everybody is playing the game of upselling and delivering lower service. When demand drops, so will the game of price gouging, but we’ll see.

They made us check our bag…. Even though there was plenty of space up top… and then proceeded to shatter by brand new luggage 😞

we were upgraded which was a blessing and tender mercy for us. I fell the day before and was in extreme pain from knee to shoulder. Sitting in a more comfortable seat during the flight was an unexpected blessing and experience.

I felt thirsty and asked the flight attendent for water, but no one came for more than half an hour.

Everything went smooth. All flights were on time No changing gates, . No changing flights . It was like a completely different airlines tha n the last time I used Cathay Pacific . The last flight, 2 months ago, I had before this one was from Philippines also . I got changed in Manila and was told it only added 2 hours onto my flight . My 20 hour return trip ended up being 30 hours return with a 10.0 hour layover in New York with no seats anywhere . Everyone was sleeping or sitting on the floor . Unlike the hotel I was given in Manila to wait for this flight home . I never thought I would use Cathay Pacific again . But I did and this time you were great! I should have complained about the flight and layover from Hell a couple months ago. Consider that I am complaining about that august/23 flight now . Thank you got the great flying experience on my way home from philippines .

In flight entertainment system including wifi were down and passengers got tortured for the 16 hours flight without any of these. Food was spoiled as well for the first meal provided but second meal was Ok. Overall a horrible experience which was not at all expected for such a long haul flight which was expected to be THE most memorable part of my planned trip for family.

I traveled to Singapore for 5 days, I didn’t receive my luggage until the 3rd day. When I received my luggage was broken which they fixed it supposedly. I never had such a poor experience with the any other airline. I honestly think it should be a compensation for all of my losses and suffering that I went through.

There was no wheelchair or wheelchair escort at the gate..unacceptable

From bag drop to boarding, it was great. In-flight is a little different. The seats were a little uncomfortable for that long of a flight. The rest of the cabin crew except for Eva was wonderful. Eva was not friendly at all. I've had to personally encounter her twice in-flight. First time was when I had to go to the lavatory in the back of the plane, and since it was the first for me to board such tiny plane, I didn't know we were using the crew toilet. She was giving me an attitude while telling me where and how to open it since it's not the regular push to open type of door. The second one was when I had to throw trash then use the lavatory again. I asked where to throw them, and unfortunately she was the only crew in the back doodling on her phone, she had to point it out to me with an attitude then told me to wait on the carpet, which I understand because I didn't realize that, but she could have been nicer. After all, I'm a paying customer, and assisting a passenger who isn't knowledgeable about the aircraft is one of the things she's there for. The rest of the experience and crew from bag drop to in-flight were excellent except for her.

It took an hour to get my bag after landing. Not exaggerating

Boarding process on JetBlue is an absolute disgrace. I can’t believe they can’t figure out a better way to board everyone. They called people with disabilities, mosaic and group A all at once and it was a disaster

We flew halfway to our destination (NYC to Burlington) and turned around due to a mechanical issue (landing gear wouldn’t retract automatically). We turned back to JFK for JetBlue’s benefit as we landed safely at JFK and could've just as easily landed safely in Burlington on our Christmas Day flight. Instead the company directed the crew to return the plane to more easily service the aircraft. The passengers landed 3 1/2 hours later and JetBlue gave each passenger $50 for the trouble. Hardly fair compensation to be separated from family on Christmas Day.

There were weather issues and coding problems whatever those refer to, but JetBlue, for two days in a row was unbelievably late. Several hours late, resulting in almost no sleep for passengers like me.

I had a horrible experience with TSA at the airport. I had to go through TSA several times as there was some issue each time with a piece if clothing I had on. It was so busy & chaotic that I ended up forgetting my Apple laptop at TSA. It’s been days & I can’t get through to anyone to get useful info on how to get it back. I’m very angry because contacting lost & found shouldn’t be this difficult. Employees should know what is going on at their place of work. It seems no one knows as everyone’s answers are contradictory, or you can’t speak directly to anyone as the calls are automated. Very upsetting.

No food/drink were offered. There was no Flyfi service. The screen size & quality were below JetBlue’s typical standards. The flight was delayed by an hour.

Everything was good instead change the gates! I missed my first flight because it was changed the gate and I didn’t know!

The new seats JetBlue uses angle downwards, so the entire flight you are sliding forward out of your own seat. These seats suck!

Easy boarding in group 2. Landed 1/2 hr early. Delicious cookie snack.

Good. The wife was not working but then it got resolved.

Missed this flight due to delays from my previous flight

Easy peasy. Crew was great. Take-off and landing nice anc chill (good job by the pilot). Thank you UA!

The plane was delayed coming in and on the tarmac. I was coming from another flight so it made for a very long day. The stewardess kept trying to slam the overhead bins closed and I was worried that she had damaged my new luggage. They ran out of snacks and lccdsddd me a hummus box which was nice. It took them a very long time to pick up the garbage so I could not go to the washroom and had little time. To prepare for disbarment. The TV system was hard to control from the armrest and picture wasn’t clear. The crew did apologize several times for the lateness. It took the Denver airport an unusually long time to de-ice the plane.

Another late flight from United. We never got the exact reason why. When we got on the plane, the staff seemed to spend a very long time just milling around in the front of the plane. I also never figured out why the door to the cockpit was open for so long prior to leaving. All in all just a poor performance again from United. There is a reason we did not choose United for the international legs of this recent trip, overall dissatisfaction.

The flight was delayed by 4 hours !!!!! It was very uncomfortable , and they told us only one our before departure

Poor. 3 hours on the tarmac waiting for maintenance. We’re told numerous times it will be 10 minutes. Once going tv was blurry. Seat cramped. Not good at all. Missed an important meeting as a result.

Delays, excuses, delays, and more delays. This company is BROKEN.

The most cramped seating I’ve ever experienced, (including budget airlines) with no food available for purchase on a nearly 6 hour flight.

Smooth flight flight attendants were extremely helpful kind friendly. I had Glenn he was by far the most outgoing

Flight was delayed...not horribly late. Just before push back engine shut down for a quick replacement item that took about five minutes. After that, everything was smooth and the pilot was able to make up time in the air so that our arrival time was not too far off the original anticipated arrival time.

You get what you pay for. I did and was pleased.

thy don't even ofer water we have to buy it for $4.49 and paid for our cary on bags $100 each we never will fly in this company again.

We got back to Atlanta in two hours. Was able to get to work just 30 minutes later than I thought.

Some People complain about Spirit Airlines, I love it! It cost nothing and if you know the simple baggage rules, and you are smart enough to chose your seat, the flight is amazing.

Simply put, It’s like being a Sardine in a sardine can, zero entertainment and nothing is free and everything you add is exorbitant. It is less than no frills.

It’s a flying bus, no reclining seats, entertainment, charge ports. As if someone was out on limb to make my flight experience atrocious

It was fine. Boarding was a little rude. On flight staff was great. The cost to purchase everything was a bit annoying but I get that's the business model.

Minimalist interiors are great for legroom but terrible for comfort.

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'Life-threatening' blizzard unfolding in California mountains with 10-plus feet of snow, 145-mph winds

Blizzard warnings cover the lake tahoe area through sunday morning. as much as 3-6 feet of snow is expected around lake tahoe, with the worst conditions likely from late friday into saturday. additional snowfall is likely thereafter..

Dangerous blizzard conditions are pummeling the Sierra Nevada through the weekend with ferocious wind gusts and snow totals expected to climb over 10 feet.

Massive snowstorm set to dump 10-12 feet of snow in California's Sierra Nevada

Dangerous blizzard conditions are pummeling the Sierra Nevada through the weekend with ferocious wind gusts and snow totals expected to climb over 10 feet.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A crippling blizzard is pummeling the mountains of California and Nevada , creating life-threatening conditions along the Sierra Nevada and surrounding communities as incredible amounts of snow threaten to bury roads and neighborhoods.

"Snow amounts have increased, if that is even possible," bewildered forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno wrote in their forecast discussion. "Snow amounts will approach and even exceed 10 feet along the crest with multiple feet down into Sierra communities."

Whiteout conditions forced troopers to close Interstate 80 on Friday along the California-Nevada state line.

"It's just all weekend," FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "That's all you need to know. It is literally all weekend."

Blizzard Warnings have been issued through Sunday morning for the northern and central Sierra, including Lake Tahoe .

Blizzard conditions hit Sierra Nevada

Heavy snows fall at Lake Tahoe's Sugar Bowl ski resort on Feb. 29, 2024. (Brandon Clement)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: A view of Historic Downtown during heavy snowfall in Truckee, California, United States on February 29, 2024 as winter storm in effect California's Sierra Nevada.  (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: A snowplow clear snow from Highway 80 Eastbound during heavy snowfall in Truckee, California, United States on February 29, 2024 as winter storm in effect California's Sierra Nevada. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

Blizzard conditions hit Sierra Nevada

Heavy snows fall near Lake Tahoe's Sugar Bowl ski resort on Feb. 29, 2024. (Brandon Clement)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: A truck moves on Highway 80 Eastbound during heavy snowfall in Truckee, California, United States on February 29, 2024 as winter storm in effect California's Sierra Nevada. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: A view of tire chain control point near Donner Pass Road during heavy snowfall in Truckee, California, United States on February 29, 2024 as winter storm in effect California's Sierra Nevada. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: A view of Historic Downtown during heavy snowfall in Truckee, California, United States on February 29, 2024 as winter storm in effect California's Sierra Nevada. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu)

Snow storm in California's Sierra Nevada

"Storms of this magnitude are rare and capable of closing major roads and damaging power infrastructure for extended periods of time," the NWS warned. "Make sure you have food, water, and a secondary heat source for more than several days in your home in case of extended power outages."

Yosemite National Park was shut down Thursday night ahead of the storm, which was forecast to bring several feet of snow to the park. The park was to remain closed through at least noon Sunday, and possibly longer. Park officials urged visitors to leave as soon as possible.

The culprit is a massive area of low pressure swirling in the northern Pacific Ocean, not only flooding the West Coast with cool air, but a steady stream of moisture.

"It's really a perfect setup here," says FOX Weather Winter Storm Specialist Tom Niziol . "Precipitation is coming off the largest ocean in the world. It's an inexhaustible supply of moisture. And it is hitting the Sierra range broadside/perpendicular. That gives it the most amount of lift going over those mountains… It’s kind of like the perfect storm."

California State Patrol shut down Interstate 80 near Nevada state line due to spin outs, high winds and low visibility. 

Whiteout conditions reported on I-80 near the NV-CA state line

California State Patrol shut down Interstate 80 near Nevada state line due to spin outs, high winds and low visibility. 

Gusts hit 145 mph along Sierra Nevada ridgetops

Aside from heavy snows, ferocious wind gusts will make for whiteout conditions. Gusts in the foothills will exceed 55 mph, while gusts in the higher elevations have well exceeded hurricane-force strength.  

Already a wind gauge from Palisades Tahoe at 8,700 feet recorded a gust of 145 mph. The strong winds and heavy snow could cause extensive tree damage and extended power outages. 

West Wind Reports

(FOX Weather)

Chains are required on most of the major interstates and highways in the Sierra as heavy snow began to bury roadways.

"Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra," NWS Reno said late Thursday. "Best to hunker down where you are."

Winds gusts of greater than 65 mph are possible as well as feet of snow in the mountain ranges.

Strongest winter storm of year impacts California

Winds gusts of greater than 65 mph are possible as well as feet of snow in the mountain ranges.

The accidents started in the mountains before the snow had a chance to accumulate. A snowplow did double duty and stepped in to clear a wreck off the highway Thursday morning.

A snowplow had to clear a crash off the highway just as the snow started to fall.

(P Truckee / FOX Weather)

Elsewhere, Winter Storm Warnings are posted for the combination of snow and gusty winds across other parts of Northern California and western Nevada, including Reno , which itself could see up to a foot of snow. Carson City averages about 14 inches of snow a year and could get that in just this storm alone.

"Because the winds are so strong, rather than just hitting the windward or western side of the mountains, the snow is being carried across the entire mountain range," Niziol said. "So we're going to see heavy snowfall amounts even into a good part of Nevada."

TRAVELING THIS WINTER? HERE'S WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR IN CASE YOU GET STUCK

california trip how much

Blizzard Warnings cover Lake Tahoe area

The Lake Tahoe area – a popular travel destination throughout the year, especially for those around the San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada – is covered in Blizzard Warnings that remain in effect through Sunday at 10 a.m. PST.

As much as 3–6 feet of snow is expected around Lake Tahoe, with the worst conditions likely from late Friday into Saturday. Additional snowfall is likely after that. Mountains above 5,000 feet could see up to 10 feet of snow.

Kevin Cooper with Cali Pass Resorts says he's never seen a forecast for 12 feet of snow before for their area.

Sierra Nevada ski resorts hunker down ahead of epic snowstorm

Kevin Cooper with Cali Pass Resorts says he's never seen a forecast for 12 feet of snow before for their area.

"We’ve been saying it for the past couple days —we’ve run out of colors to tell you how much snow is going to fall," FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said of the snow forecast maps.

california trip how much

Already some of the ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have closed for the storm and those who venture up to the area could find themselves snowbound for an extended period.

"If you're going to be there in your hotel, you're not going to be leaving," Merwin said. "So just think about those things and be prepared for it."

It will still be a major deal at lower elevations as well, the FOX Forecast Center said. Lower-elevation snow is favored on Saturday at or below 2,000 feet, as a surge of colder air is expected to lower snow levels through the weekend. 

When will the snow end?

While the strong winds and heavy snow should begin to taper off later Sunday, snow remains in the forecast for the region well into next week as the broad area of low pressure continues to send a stream of moisture and winds into the Sierra Nevada.

"We are hoping you are ready to be in this for the duration, because you will be either way," NWS Reno forecasters said.

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Yosemite visitors are told to leave as storm expected to drop up to 10 feet of snow

The Associated Press

california trip how much

Juan Manuel plows snow off a sidewalk in downtown Truckee, Calif., on Friday. The most powerful Pacific storm of the season is forecast to bring up to 10 feet of snow into the Sierra Nevada by the weekend. Andy Barron/AP hide caption

Juan Manuel plows snow off a sidewalk in downtown Truckee, Calif., on Friday. The most powerful Pacific storm of the season is forecast to bring up to 10 feet of snow into the Sierra Nevada by the weekend.

RENO, Nev. — At least nine Lake Tahoe ski resorts closed and visitors to Yosemite National Park were told to urgently leave Friday as California's most powerful storm of the season bore down on the Sierra Nevada, where residents were urged to take shelter as they prepared for up to 10 feet of snow in some areas.

The storm began barreling into the region on Thursday, with the biggest effects expected to close major highways and trigger power outages Friday afternoon into Saturday. A blizzard warning through Sunday morning covers a 300-mile stretch from north of Lake Tahoe to south of Yosemite National Park.

How to handle a winter power outage

How to handle a winter power outage

"Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra," the National Weather Service in Reno posted Thursday morning on social media. "Best to hunker down where you are."

Meteorologists predict as much as 10 feet of snow is possible in the mountains around Lake Tahoe by the weekend, with 3 to 6 feet in the communities on the lake's shores and more than a foot possible in the valleys on the Sierra's eastern front, including Reno.

Winds are expected to gust in excess of 115 mph over Sierra ridgetops, and 70 mph at lower elevations.

california trip how much

Skiers enjoy a day of skiing and snow fall at North Star California Resort on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Truckee, Calif. Andy Barron/AP hide caption

Skiers enjoy a day of skiing and snow fall at North Star California Resort on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Truckee, Calif.

"This will be a legitimate blizzard," UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said during an online briefing Thursday. "Really true blizzard conditions with multiple feet of snow and very strong winds, the potential for power outages and the fact that roads probably aren't going to be cleared as quickly or as effectively as they normally would be even during a significant winter storm."

Backcountry avalanche warnings were in place around Lake Tahoe, as well as areas around Yosemite National Park stretching down to Mammoth Lakes.

At Yosemite National Park, visitors were told to leave the park as soon as possible — no later than noon Friday. The park is closed at least through noon Sunday, with the possibility that could be extended, park officials said on social media. Authorities noted that more than 7 feet of snow could fall in the Badger Pass area.

Climate change turns an idyllic California community into a 'perilous paradise'

Climate change turns an idyllic California community into a 'perilous paradise'

At least nine Lake Tahoe ski resorts announced on their websites or social media that they were remaining closed Friday due to the conditions. A handful of other resorts either opened or planned to but warned of limitations and delays.

Andrew Schwartz, the lead scientist at UC-Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab, said it is possible they could break their modern-day record of about 3.5 feet of snow in a single day from back in 1989. The lab was founded atop the Sierra in 1946 in Soda Springs, California, northwest of Lake Tahoe.

The California Highway Patrol imposed travel restrictions on a long stretch of Interstate 80 between Reno and Sacramento, requiring drivers to put chains on their tires.

california trip how much

A long line of trucks are parked off the west bound I-80 as drivers put chains on the truck wheels in preparation for the snow storm over the Sierra Nevada on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. Andy Barron/AP hide caption

A long line of trucks are parked off the west bound I-80 as drivers put chains on the truck wheels in preparation for the snow storm over the Sierra Nevada on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

"Last night, conditions deteriorated over Donner Summit causing a traffic mess," the CHP's Truckee office said in a social media post early Friday.

On the bright side, California water officials said the storm should provide a much-needed shot in the arm to the Sierra snowpack, which is vital to the state's water supplies and sits well below normal so far this season. Extreme weather continues to affect the ski industry, as U.S. ski areas could lose around $1 billion annually in coming years due to a changing climate, a new study found.

Palisades Tahoe ski resort wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the big dump expected over the weekend on top of 8 feet of snow in February should allow them to keep the slopes open through Memorial Day.

Climate is changing too quickly for the Sierra Nevada's 'zombie forests'

Climate is changing too quickly for the Sierra Nevada's 'zombie forests'

Todd Cummings decided to drive from Santa Cruz to the Lake Tahoe area ahead of the storm. His destination, the Northstar resort, did open. The resort reported 17 inches of new snow and six of 19 lifts running by late morning.

"Nobody's here," he said in a brief phone interview during his first chairlift ride of the day. "They have limited trails open but this lift goes to the top."

Some remained skeptical it will be as bad as predicted.

Richard Cunningham said he has heard before about forecasts for the storm of the century that didn't materialize since he moved from Las Vegas to Reno in 1997.

"Same story, different day," he said. "Sometimes it doesn't even snow."

That was before blue skies gave way to clouds and gusty winds that blew the roof off a shed east of Reno Thursday afternoon.

In between shoveling, we asked folks from hot spots about their first time seeing snow

Goats and Soda

In between shoveling, we asked folks from hot spots about their first time seeing snow.

Howie Nave, a radio DJ and stand-up comedian in South Lake Tahoe, said some people may not have been taking the storm seriously earlier in the week because dire forecasts of potentially heavy storms have not materialized several times this winter.

"There were times when I was expecting a Saint Bernard, but you gave me a Chihuahua," Nave said about the weather forecasters.

But "everybody's talking about the storm up here," he said. "This is the first time we've had a blizzard warning."

The Sierra Nevada snowpack stood at 80% of average to date but only 70% of the typical April 1 peak, California Department of Water resources officials said Thursday.

"The results today show just how critical this upcoming month is going to be in terms of our water supply outlook for the upcoming year," hydrometeorologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon said during a briefing at Phillips Station, a snowpack-measuring location south of Lake Tahoe.

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Yosemite closes due to monster blizzard, ‘life threatening’ conditions in California mountains

A view of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park

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With an epic blizzard bearing down on the Sierra, Yosemite National Park said it was closing through at least noon Sunday because of the storm.

“Visitors currently in the park should leave as soon as possible, and no later than noon” Friday, the park said . Several feet of snow is expected at Yosemite, and very strong winds are expected.

Some 6 to 12 inches of snow could fall in Yosemite Valley — the most popular part of Yosemite National Park, the National Weather Service office in Hanford said. A winter storm warning will take effect there between Saturday morning through Sunday morning.

A more intense blizzard warning was already in effect for the rest of Yosemite National Park outside of Yosemite Valley, which will last through Sunday morning.

Some 2 to 3 feet of snow could fall at the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park along Highway 120, a route often taken by travelers from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Along Highway 41, a route to the park often taken by those from Fresno and Southern California, 3 to 5 feet of snow could fall at the entrance to the park, around Mariposa Grove. At the historic Victorian-era Wawona Hotel, 3 to 6 feet of snow could fall.

The closure of Yosemite National Park comes as officials are urging people to avoid travel in mountain areas from Lake Tahoe to Mammoth and beyond because of intense storms packing strong winds.

Weather warnings

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning over a wide swath of the Sierra Nevada, from Lassen Volcanic National Park in Shasta County to Kings Canyon National Park in Fresno County. The blizzard warning began Thursday and will be in effect through Sunday; the worst of the storm was expected between Friday afternoon and midday Saturday.

“For Sierra locations, don’t get caught up in the ‘worst conditions’ time frame. It is going to be really bad throughout the entire event!” the weather service office in Reno warned. “Winds ... will remain strong enough to produce near-zero visibility in the Sierra and the foothills.”

The blizzard is already bringing 100- to 110-mph gusts at the highest elevations, with conditions expected to deteriorate dramatically by Friday night.

Up to 12 feet of snow could fall on the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada from Thursday through Sunday, the National Weather Service office in Sacramento said. Other areas with an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level could get 5 to 10 feet of snow.

Travel alerts

  • The main route between Southern California and Mammoth Mountain, Highway 395, could see 1 to 3 feet of snow, with gusts of up to 75 mph in lower-elevation areas. On Thursday afternoon, the Mammoth area was already seeing gusts of 60 mph.
  • The highest stretches of the main roads to Lake Tahoe from the San Francisco Bay Area — Interstate 80 and Highway 50 — could see upward of 8 to 10 feet of snow. Interstate 5 in Siskiyou County, near the Oregon border, could see more than 1 foot of snow
  • The weather service office in Eureka warned of snow on all roads 1,000 feet above sea level from Thursday through Saturday.
  • Highway 101 at Ridgewood Summit in Mendocino County could get half a foot of snow. And Highway 101 at Prairie Creek Summit in Humboldt County could get 1 to 1.5 feet.
  • Hail could strike coastal roads in Humboldt and Del Norte counties Friday and Saturday, and linger, forecasters said. “Ease off the gas if you suddenly find yourself on a hail-covered roadway,” the weather service said. “Do not slam on the brakes. Avoid overcorrecting.”
  • There’s a chance of up to 1 inch of snow on the Grapevine section of Interstate 5, which connects Los Angeles County with the Central Valley through the Tejon Pass. Snow is also possible on Highway 58 over the Tehachapi Pass, which connects Bakersfield with the Mojave Desert.
  • In the mountains of San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, there could be 3 to 7 inches of snow at areas 7,000 feet above sea level, and 1 to 3 inches at areas between 6,000 and 7,000 feet.

More to Read

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 01: Workers clear train tracks as snow falls north of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains during a powerful winter storm on March 01, 2024 in Truckee, California. Blizzard warnings have been issued with snowfall of up to 12 feet and wind gusts over 100 mph expected in some higher elevation locations. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Photos: Blizzard hammers Sierra, closing resorts and creating travel nightmares

March 2, 2024

A lone camper truck moves north bound on the I-80 at the Donner Pass Exit on Friday, March 1, 2024, in Truckee, Calif. The most powerful Pacific storm of the season is forecast to bring up to 10 feet of snow into the Sierra Nevada by the weekend. (AP Photo/Andy Barron)

Powerful California blizzard shuts roads to Tahoe, Mammoth; 190-mph winds reported

An employee at Alpine clears snow. The resort was closed on March 1 due to the blizzard.

With blizzard pounding Tahoe area, even some ski resorts are urging people to stay away

March 1, 2024

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california trip how much

Rong-Gong Lin II is a Metro reporter based in San Francisco who specializes in covering statewide earthquake safety issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bay Area native is a graduate of UC Berkeley and started at the Los Angeles Times in 2004.

california trip how much

Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, he was a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, where he covered criminal justice issues, the growing militia movement and breaking news. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. He is a Los Angeles native.

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LAKE ELSINORE,, CA. MARCH 1, 2024: Float Fisherman Johnathan O. Skinner casts his line near one of the submerged docks at Launch Pointe on Lake Elsinore. After a series of heavy rainstorms hit Southern California, water levels at Lake Elsinore have risen to one of the highest marks in 25 years PHOTOS FOR THE TIMES BY MARK BOSTER ©Mark Boster.2024

Another wet weekend as new storm hits Southern California. How long will it rain?

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Major Snowstorm Descends Over Mountains Around Lake Tahoe

Meteorologists issued rare blizzard warnings as heavy snow halted travel and caused ski resorts and Yosemite National Park to close. The system also triggered a tornado.

A man on the deck of a fishing boat, and another on the roof over the cockpit, both wearing winter clothing, shovel snow.

By Jill Cowan ,  Julie Brown ,  Alex Hoeft and Megan Michelson

Jill Cowan reported from Los Angeles, Julie Brown and Alex Hoeft from Reno, Nev., and Megan Michelson from Tahoe City, Calif.

Residents hunkered down, ski resorts closed up shop, and snowplows hustled to clear roads as an enormous snowstorm descended on the Sierra Nevada on Friday, including the Lake Tahoe area, with as much as 12 feet of snow expected at the highest elevations and winds gusting over 100 miles an hour.

The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that the danger of avalanches was high for the Central Sierra. Officials at Yosemite National Park said the park would remain closed through noon on Sunday. Many ski resorts in the region announced that they were closing at least for the day.

The storm system triggered a rare tornado that touched down in Madera, in central California, damaging an elementary school while students were inside on Friday, said Brian Ochs, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Hanford.

As showers and heavy snow continued Friday evening, more than 57,000 California customers had no electricity, according to PowerOutage.us . In Tahoe City, where there were reports of brief power outages, the streets were mostly empty of cars as snow piled up the roadways. One resident, Tristan Queen, said he was planning to head to the grocery store by snowmobile.

“It’s definitely for the novelty, but sometimes it actually feels like a safer, smarter way to travel because then you’re not going on the roads and you’re letting the plows do their thing,” said Mr. Queen, 42, who runs a local belt company.

Meteorologists began sounding the alarms earlier this week about “life-threatening blizzard conditions” expected through Sunday in the Sierra Nevada, the huge and varied mountain range that runs along the spine of California.

On Friday evening a section of Interstate 80, a major artery through the Sierra, was closed indefinitely because of “spin outs, high winds, and low visibility,” the California Highway Patrol said.

By Thursday, forecasters were urging drivers to avoid traveling in the blustering winds with minimal visibility. “Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra,” the National Weather Service in Reno, Nev., posted on social media. “Best to hunker down where you are.”

One resort, Palisades Tahoe, said it had seen “intense” snowfall and winds of 100 miles an hour on Thursday night. In videos posted on social media by the resort, ski lifts were faintly visible through a blanket of white, and the sky and ground were indistinguishable from each other.

The resort, which was packed last weekend for a major ski competition, had become “an absolute ghost town” by Friday, said Veronica Berkholtz, a manager of the coffee shop at Palisades Tahoe. The resort said it would also be closed on Saturday.

Conditions were expected to continue deteriorating into the night as a cold front moved in, said Justin Collins, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Reno. That could mean five more feet of snow on mountain crests, in addition to the snow that had already fallen.

He said that snow was expected to continue falling heavily on Saturday morning before “lightening up a little bit” in the afternoon.

Forecasters reserve blizzard warnings like the one that was in effect on Friday for only the most severe snowstorms. The Weather Service in Reno has issued only eight blizzard warnings in the last 12 years.

Forecast for severe winter weather Saturday

The last time there was a similar warning was almost exactly a year ago, when a powerful snowstorm dumped more than two feet of snow on the Lake Tahoe area in less than a day. The snow piled up so thickly on rooftops that when another storm threatened more snow and rain, residents had to scramble to shovel off enough weight to keep their roofs from caving in.

The same storm system caught officials and residents in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California off guard, trapping people for days in houses that were buried to the eaves in snow.

In the villages surrounding Lake Tahoe, residents and business owners say that they know how to prepare for lots of snow.

“It becomes part of the winter experience,” said Heather Svahn, the president of Mountain Hardware & Sports, a store in Truckee, Calif., that sells items including fishing gear, shovels and power tools.

Ms. Svahn said the store had arranged for extra supplies to be delivered earlier in the week, to avoid the most treacherous travel periods. Residents have been stopping into the store, she said, to buy shovels and shear pins, special bolts for snowblowers that are prone to breaking when the machines are used in heavy, wet snow conditions.

Shannon Parrish, the owner of Grocery Outlet, which has stores in Truckee and in Incline Village, Nev., said that both stores were open on Friday morning, but that the situation could change quickly. Deliveries were canceled for Friday and Saturday, she said, and employees who commute from Reno were told to stay home.

Ms. Parrish, who lives in Truckee, said eight to nine inches of snow had fallen at her house by Thursday night.

“It’s really quiet,” she said. “I think people are prepared to wait it out.”

But locals are also beginning to look ahead to this year’s ski season. Palisades Tahoe, the resort, announced that it would be open until the end of May.

“It’s just great fun,” said Dave Wilderotter, the owner of Tahoe Dave’s, a ski and snowboard shop with several locations in the area. “It’s just fun to be able to ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.”

On Friday, a few visitors in Tahoe City got an early start, skiing in the backyard of a rental house before the storm worsened.

John Yoon contributed reporting.

Jill Cowan is a Times reporter based in Los Angeles, covering the forces shaping life in Southern California and throughout the state. More about Jill Cowan

Powerful blizzard dumps snow across Sierra Nevada with 145 mph wind gusts in biggest storm of the season

A powerful blizzard is underway in the Sierra Nevada and forecast to bring relentless snow over the next two days, with wind gusts already clocking 145 mph at the highest peaks in the Sierra and creating dangerous white-out conditions. 

This is the biggest snowstorm for the Sierra season, with blizzard warnings active for the Sierra Nevada and parts of eastern Nevada.

Heavy snow is falling, with areas forecast to pick up between five to 10 feet of snow, and localized areas up to 12 feet. 

Skiers in California

With snow falling two to four inches an hour, travel is life-threatening and impossible, and portions of the highly-traveled Interstate 80 will likely close for days. 

California Highway Patrol in Truckee , California, said Friday that “travel is highly discouraged,” noting that conditions over Donner Summit deteriorated Thursday night, causing “a traffic mess.” Trucks are now at maximum restrictions.

Adding to the wintry mix, winds are roaring. A 145 mph wind gust was reported on the high peaks west of Lake Tahoe. Strong winds gusting 50 to 100 mph will be possible this weekend for the Sierra chain and all elevated areas and mountains across California and into Utah. 

The snow and wind will taper off by Sunday. 

A worker clears snow

The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, based in Soda Springs, California, said Friday it received 19.1 inches of snow in the last day.

“Conditions have already deteriorated this morning with gusty winds and significantly reduced visibility. The next 24 hours will be the heaviest portion of the storm," the lab said.

Meanwhile, a backcountry avalanche watch is in effect through 5 p.m. local time Sunday for the central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass and Ebbetts Pass, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area with “high to extreme” avalanche danger and “large to very large avalanches expected.”

Yosemite National Park asked visitors to be out by Friday afternoon due to possibly dangerous conditions through at least noon Sunday. 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has prepositioned fire personnel and equipment in multiple counties “to be able to respond if needed” due to the winter storm. 

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said Friday: “This storm is expected to bring dangerous temperatures and conditions to our state, and it’s critical that Nevada families are prepared.”

He said that the state’s department of transportation, energy and emergency management are working “to maximize preventative measures and recovery efforts.” 

Several school districts, including Northern Nevada’s Washoe County School District and Storey County Schools, and California’s Tahoe Truckee Unified School District and Lake Tahoe Unified School District, were closed Friday due to the weather. 

Large snowstorms are common in March. Sierra snowfall usually reaches its peak snowpack on April 1 before the melt season begins. 

california trip how much

Kathryn Prociv is a senior meteorologist and producer for NBC News. 

Breaking News Reporter

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