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Travel Budget for California Visit California on a Budget or Travel in Style

California Costs

California Hotel Prices
Cities in California Hotel Prices
Best Business Hotels in California
Best Party Hotels in California
Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in California
Best Cheap Hotels in California
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California
Best Adults Only Hotels in California
Best Luxury Hotels in California
Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in California
Best Beach Hotels in California
Best Hotels for One Night in California
Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in California
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in California
Best Hotels for One Week in California
Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in California
Best Hotels for Skiing in California
Is California Expensive?
How much does a trip to California cost?
The Northeast
The Midwest
New York City
San Francisco
Los Angeles
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How much does it cost to travel to California? (Average Daily Cost)
California trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is California expensive to visit?

How much do I need for a trip to California?
Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to California?

You should plan to spend around $252 per day on your vacation in California. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

$48 on meals
$43 on local transportation
$232 on hotels

A one week trip to California for two people costs, on average, $3,525 . 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 $ 252
One Week Per person $ 1,763
2 Weeks Per person $ 3,525
One Month Per person $ 7,554
One Week For a couple $ 3,525
2 Weeks For a couple $ 7,051
One Month For a couple $ 15,109

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

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

A one week trip to California usually costs around $1,763 for one person and $3,525 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to California on average costs around $3,525 for one person and $7,051 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 California will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to California on average costs around $7,554 for one person and $15,109 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 California 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 California 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, California is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.

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

How much money do I need for a trip to California?

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

Accommodation Budget in California

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in California is $116. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in California is $232. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 116
Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 232

Hotel Prices in California

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

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

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

Transportation Budget in California

The cost of a taxi ride in California is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $43 per person, per day, on local transportation in California.

Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 43

Recommended Services

Private Transfer: Pier 27 Cruise Terminal to San Francisco International Airport Viator $ 135
Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel Viator $ 200

Flights to California

Rental cars in california, food budget in california.

While meal prices in California can vary, the average cost of food in California is $48 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in California should cost around $19 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in California is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

Food 2 Meals for one day $ 48

Entertainment Budget in California

Entertainment and activities in California typically cost an average of $63 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. $ 63

Recommended Activities

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings Viator $ 95
Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast Viator $ 135

Tips and Handouts Budget in California

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in California is $4.37 per day. The usual amount for a tip in California is 10% - 20% .

Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.37

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in California

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 California is $108, as reported by travelers.

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 108

Alcohol Budget in California

The average person spends about $21 on alcoholic beverages in California 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 $ 21
Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country Viator $ 235
Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour Viator $ 249

Water Budget in California

On average, people spend $5.56 on bottled water in California per day. The public water in California is considered safe to drink.

Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 5.56

California On a Budget

Food and Dining

Transportation.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

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

How Much Will a California Trip Cost in 2024?

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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!

Find cheap flights to California from $26

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Good to know

Faqs - booking california flights, what’s the closest airport to yosemite national park.

The closest airport to Yosemite National Park with regular flights is the Fresno-Yosemite International airport (FAT), 2h 30m from Yosemite Valley. Alternatively, and within the same distance from Yosemite, you can book flights to California operated by Allegiant Air and United Airlines that land at Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK).

I’m going to Disneyland. Which airports can I fly into and which is the best?

There are four airports in California that you can fly into when visiting Disneyland. Those are John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport, Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). John Wayne Airport is the best because it’s the closest one to the resort (14 mi) and, like LAX, it’s also served by the Disneyland Resort Express bus.

What’s the closest airport to Napa Valley?

Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the closest airport to Napa Valley, just 1 hr away. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines fly there from most cities in the United States. However, if you want more options of airlines serving multiple destinations, you can look for flights to Oakland International Airport (OAK) or Sacramento International Airport (SMF), both 1h 30m from Napa Valley.

I’m traveling to Hollywood. What’s the best airport to fly into?

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most convenient and offers a wider selection of airlines and flights, but it’s one of the busiest airports in the United States, and it’s 35m from Hollywood. Alternatively, you can look for flights to California that land at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), which is just 20m from Hollywood.

How long is the flight to California?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to California takes 4h 09m, covering a distance of 1587 miles. The most popular route is New York - Las Vegas with an average flight time of 5h 35m.

What is the cheapest flight to California?

The cheapest ticket to California from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $16 one-way, and $24 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $248.

Which airlines fly to California?

American Airlines, United Airlines & Air Tahiti Nui fly the most frequently from the United States to California.

What are the most popular destinations in California?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Las Vegas (29% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Los Angeles (23%) and San Francisco (12%). Searches for flights to San Diego (8%), to Ontario (6%) and to John Wayne (Santa Ana) (4%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest California flight deals.
If you’re planning to travel to one of the two main cities in California, San Francisco and Los Angeles, you should look for flights to airports in neighboring cities. Los Angeles is close to Long Beach (30m), Burbank (15m), and Ontario (40m). San Francisco is close to Oakland (20m) on the East Bay and San Jose (50m).
If you’re traveling to San Francisco, your first thought is to look for flights that land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). However, if you want to avoid a busy airport, you can search for flights to the nearby airports Oakland International Airport (OAK) (30m by car) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) (45m by car).
Passengers traveling to Los Angeles can choose to fly into alternative airports like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Long Beach Airport (LGB), but for most, Los Angeles International is still the most convenient option, only 25m from the city center. A taxi costs around $47 flat rate, and a one-way ticket on the LAX FlyAway Bus to the city center costs about $8.
Business travelers visiting Silicon Valley should look for nonstop flights to San Jose International Airport. Most major airlines fly there nonstop from other American cities and destinations in Asia and Europe, and the airport is only a 15m drive from the world’s most famous tech hub.
If you’re traveling with your dog, you’ll find pet relief areas in all airports in the Golden State. If choosing the airport with the best pet relief area is important when looking for flights to California, then the Los Angeles International Airport and the San Diego International Airport (SAN) have the best facilities.

Top 5 airlines flying to California

Delayed departure. Delayed after landing pulling into gate. Delay due to sky bridge malfunction

Great. Loved that there was WiFi on flight to keep in touch and excellent service of beverages and snacks.

Business class is great. New airplane, very comfortable, better than some of the major airlines I am used to

Terrible. Flight was cancelled due to the weather in the east and sout east(florida). Did not get any compesation of any kind. According to them, it was not under their control so I lost all the money paid for the 2 fairs from Raleigh, NC to Orlando, Fl.

great flight. Pilot was communicative, flight attendants were excellent. Really nice experience except my tv didn’t work.

Overall, the flight was better than the flight I took to go to Florida, which had a bunch of problems. The crew is really nice and the plane was new so it had a small problem when we were on the runway, but the flight itself was great. They even made some time back up, which is always a good thing.

There were multiple delays but JetBlue tried to make the boarding and departure process as quick and efficient as possible. The crew was as detached from reality as could be, meaning: not very friendly and just doing things by the numbers.

I had back trouble prior to my flight and everyone was great about helping me.

40 minute delay before take off after boarding flight. Bright lights throughout night flight due Issues with light panels. In flight Entertainment nonfunctional

Service for food to our seat was a bit slow. Snack choices were just pretzels or baked chips. My seat cushion was not attached. Other than Barbie, video choice were not very good or current.

Check in etc was very good. As for on the plane, it was like flying in a freezer. It was so cold, i have flown for years and never been so cold on a plane. Staff on board said its always cold when flying which is a load of rubbish. They wouldnt put any heating on and now i have the flu because of this .

I’ve had a couple flights this week on United that were delayed by an hour or more

Should have video screens Plane audio was poor and without wired connection hard to understand crew. Should serve more than just cups of water and pretzels on six hour flight. Did not see crew rest of flight. Fix charging sockets to retain charging blocks.

Generally good but there wasn’t any staff available when my luggage didn’t appear at baggage claim in Fresno. It took about half an hour to locate a staff member to open up the locked room where it was being kept.

Do not like the feeling of being in the basic economy. Everyone should feel good no matter what.

Our original business class flight was cancelled so we not only downgraded but we were also spread out across the plane not sitting together in separate middle seats. My poor kids were scared and couldn’t see me on the flight and the crew wasn’t sensitive to the situation and what the airlines did to us. Very dissatisfied with United airlines.

The WiFi didn’t work and the seats are too close together. Very uncomfortable.

So so. Terrible aircraft choice for that leg of the flight.

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Fight crew was not very attentive and the bastions were gross!

Our flight was great we left Kona earlier and got into LAX almost an 1hour earlier as well. LAX AA is in repair so to get out and found our bus to get pick up was a bit confusing.

Plane was good but was delayed. probably not AA fault but caused a 1 hour delay. Seating was cramped.

5 hour flight - full flight - not enough room to use my computer - slightly delayed - Admirals club was excellent quality food, drink made up for flight seating. No food offerred on flight, you ahd to prebook.

We experience delays on departure and connecting flights resulting in 14 hour to our next departure. We were accommodated with a night's stay but was only provided a 12 dollar meals accommodation. The airlines rules state.at least 50 dollars. In any case, it can not make up for the whole day missed on our vacation in Sydney Australia.

I can say I will not be taking this airline again any time soon. Seat were uncomfortable and too tight. Lack of chair screen and little overhead space.

Plane felt so crowded and tightly packed. The chair itself was not comfortable.

They attended to my needs as I couldn't walk and they provided a wheelchair for me.q

Poor availability of food. Cold cabin temperature. Extremely long waiting time for a flight attendant to respond to a call button signal.

2.5h delay due to unruly passenger in first class. Had to be removed from the flight. No food unless pre ordered. Didn't know we would need it because of delay.

They stuck us with multiple extra fees. I will never fly spirit again

The guy with severe body odor sat next to me. For the whole duration of the flight it was a torture. The airline should have better policy on limiting people with bad body odor to board the flight. Passengers should not be the ones to endure bad odor for the whole duration of the flight. The airline should be e the one to ensure decent air quality for ever passenger.

They charged me 212.00 for a heavy check in bag at the gate. The pricing and process was so confusing - as if it was designed to purposefully gouge customers who need to board plane. That experience combined with the outrageous price charged will prevent me from ever flying Spirit again. And I’ll be sure to tell the story to anyone who cares to hear.

The text told me it was changed to Terminal E and Gate D5. But with no one on site to ask questions there was confusion on where to go as all the gates were E's. Then we took the skyline to the D area. We left to get something to eat. No announcement was made but my daughter happened to asked and they told her our gate was moved to D12. I will not fly Spirit again.

The agent at the check in desk was absolutely rude. The rest of the team after that was good, but the check in process at LAS was miserable. The woman at the desk spoke like we were stupid and was rude throughout the process.

Its so random that they only allow 40 pounds on checked bags when all airlines take 55. They then charge you for each 10 extra pounds, so my checked suitcase was $130 and the flight $30 ... its like whattt, im for sure not traveling with Spirit again

So bad. The check in process was laborious and the check in agent didn't seem to know how to manage the process efficiently and was confused about how to check in my son's sports equipment. The baggage fees were outrageous and so expensive. $90 for a carry on bag? And $200 additional for 2 check ins. The security lines were insanely long and the terminal was not very nice in the Spirit area. $5 for a water on board. It was my first and last time flying Spirit - I tried to save $ by flying them due to the accommodating schedule but I should have paid for Southwest, because it would've actually ended up less expensive due to the free bags with Southwest. There were no charging ports on the airplane, no wifi and really uncomfortable seating. The flight crew were great though, courteous and efficient in their boarding. Flight was delayed 1 hour, but we made up 15 minutes in flight.

My experience was better than expected. What I did find not so great was the seats. Very little room, they did not recline and the tray table was the size of a post card. There was no food to try, just standard snacks that you had to pay for and I don’t know of any entertainment. I would fly again even though everything was an upcharge. Flight was on time with little disturbance

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.

Super cool and laid back, three lovely ladies. Couldn’t ask for better service.

Over an hour delay in departure but I was notified beforehand. Another delay on tarmac upon arrival at LGA. We ended up departing the plane almost 2 hours later than expected

I fly Frontier because it’s affordable. I understand that the seats are tight and not the most comfortable…but that’s part of it. The problem with this flight was that there was a group of travelers directly behind me at the back of the plane who were ridiculously loud and obnoxious the entire flight. I’m pretty sure they were drunk and I could periodically smell an odd odor that I believe was one of them using a smokeless vape pen. The stewards had to remind them to keep quiet during the pre-flight instruction, but that was it. They never said another thing to them for the rest of the flight. It was a miserable.

I checked a bag because it was $5 less than carry on. They managed to lose my bag on a 2.5 hr direct flight! Frontier has no airport staff at baggage claim to help. As soon as I got home around 11 pm I tried to use their online system to file the claim for lost bag - system wouldn't take the # on my baggage claim ticket - said it was not the correct number. Also said that I had not checked a bag, which wasn't true - even my online boarding pass showed that I had checked a bag. Wasted about an hour on that process with no luck. Tried again in the morning - same thing. So tried online chat with Frontier bot - waited 35-40" twice to be connected to a baggage agent and it never happened. Eventually drove to PDX after work and waited 2 hrs for the Frontier ticket agents to arrive prior to the next Frontier flight out of PDX and FINALLY got some help from one of them, to take me to lost luggage area where I was able to retrive my bag. Probably took 4-5 hrs. of my time and endless frustration to get my bag. This was my first -- and LAST -- experience flying Frontier Airlines. Check-in was also extremely difficult and time consuming. The flight itself (and staff) were fine but everything else about the experience was a total disaster! The fact that Frontier literally has NO WAY to connect to a human voice for customer service (in this case for lost luggage) is the WORST!!!!!

Frontier is a crappy airline nothing about it is honest

I didn't get to do this flight l, hard to review

Not good 😐 Over priced baggage fees Small hard seats No wifi or entertainment options 😕

Didn't like anything!! Horrible flight. Small seating area and hard seats. Butt was sore after 2 hour flight to Seattle No entertainment or free refreshments No wifi or USB charging receptacles to charge phone entoute like other airliners Luggage rates were 3 times as much as competitors. Difficult to navigate online luggue process to pre pay before flight Overall bad experience WILL NEVER RIDE OR RECOMMEND FRONTIER TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS!!! THIS IS A SHAME!! MOST MESERIBLE FLIGHT OF MY LIFE!! AND I THOUGHT SPIRIT WAS 👎 YOU GOT THEM BEAD HANDS DOWN!!

Flight was a little late taking off. Seats are too upright, no ports to charge devices, no wifi, no entertainment

Six hour delay. Poor customer service. No voucher. Bad communication. Missed important appointments.

Our flight was delayed an hour, then when we got to board our flight finally, we were waiting in our seats for take off for 45 minutes before it was communicated that there was a maintenance issue therefore we waited on the plane for over an hour while that was resolved. We did not get to Phoenix until almost 3 hours after we were originally supposed to. This was the first and last time I will be flying Frontier.

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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: April 19, 2024 . 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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 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.

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 recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

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!

There are 114 comments on this post

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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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Anaheim : World-class family attractions and theme parks like Disneyland help make Anaheim a popular California vacation package destination.

Top Things to Do

To help you plan your California vacation package, check out these top attractions and experiences that capture the best of the Golden State:

Iconic Sights : From the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island in San Francisco to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Park in Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier , California delivers on bucket-list attractions.
Nature : Embrace the great outdoors at Joshua Tree National Park and Yosemite National Park . Big Sur and Lake Tahoe also lure nature lovers.
Culture : Quench your thirst for knowledge at California Academy of Sciences and be inspired by the artworks at Getty Center in Brentwood . Or go on a Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus .
Family-Friendly : There’s nonstop fun for the whole gang at LEGOLAND® CaliforniaResort in Carlsbad , Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park and Madame Tussauds Hollywood .
Food & Drink : Treat your taste buds to a San Francisco Food Tour or add a Napa Valley & Sonoma - Wine Country Tour from San Francisco to your California vacation package.

For more options to fuel your California dreaming, read our guide on What to Do in California .

How to Find Cheap California Package Deals

Browse our incredible offers on Cheap Hotels in California to find your perfect stay. You can filter your search results by the cheapest option, amenities, guest rating and more. Then, add your flights and any activities that catch your eye. With deals like that, you’ll have more money to spend on Disneyland Resort Tickets or amazing experiences like a San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour .

California Essential Information

Prepare for your california vacation with our essential travel info, california hotel deals.

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

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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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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?

➤ 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.

➤ 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!

➤ 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 .

➤ 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.

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!

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?

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!

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

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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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9 Top Tips for Planning a Trip to California on a Budget

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 6th February 2022 - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories USA , Travel

If you’re trying to plan a trip to California (and are hoping to do California on a budget), you need to know these budgeting tips so you’re not caught out when you get there. Don’t plan your California travel budget until after you’ve factored these finance tips in!

The first time I visited California, I spent around two to three weeks in the cities San Francisco , Los Angeles and Palo Alto. These are some of the most expensive cities in America.

I had a loose travel budget in mind before I went and I knew it was going to cost a pretty penny if I wanted to do everything on my bucket list.

Although I was willing to be flexible with my budget to make the most of the experience (it’s a long way to fly!), I still wanted to keep costs as low as possible.

The trip ended up costing more than I envisaged and I definitely could’ve saved money with better planning and better knowledge. It’s so easy to go way over budget in a place like California and I wish I had known the below things in advance.

These are my top finance tips to bear in mind when planning a California vacation on a budget. I hope they may help you adjust your California road trip budget!

9 Tips for California on a Budget

Book flights in advance

If like me, you live in Europe, then the largest cost for a trip to California is going to be the flight. Or so I thought.

We were planning to visit California in September and after a bit of date jiggling, we managed to get tickets for £275.

Tickets from London to California for £275!

This wasn’t via any special service either – we found these tickets on Skyscanner .

This price didn’t include baggage though so once we had added that it was around £350. Still much cheaper than I had envisaged for an 11+ hour flight.

But if you want to maximise your chances of getting cheap flights, sign up to mailing lists from Jack’s Flight Club and TravelScoop . They send out daily bulletins outlining the cheapest flights available at the moment.

Factor in tax AND tip for all food and services

This is the biggie.

I was shocked to find that both a meal tax and a large service tip are expected when you eat out in California.

That means that the price shown is often very different from the final price owed.

In California, we were usually taxed around 9% on meals out and then asked to pay a tip of 15-25% in addition to that.

Let’s say you have a meal for $20, then you’re actually looking at spending around $26.80 for your meal instead.

As this happens at every establishment you eat at, the cost of eating out can quickly stack up.

The service tip is even expected when you’re buying something in, say, Starbucks, where your interaction with the staff has been minimal.

As someone from the UK, this surprised me quite a bit.

We also have a service charge here that is typically added to the bill for a meal but it is usually fixed at 12.5% and is almost always discretionary.

There’s also no expectation that you add service when you go to a takeaway coffee shop like Starbucks.

It’s just a very different way of tipping so it’s worth knowing about if you’ve never been to the USA before!

Massive portion of French fries in LA - California on a Budget

Remember portion sizes are huge…

Portion sizes in America are often huge compared to Europe so always consider sharing. When we first got to California, my friends and I often wasted a lot of food unintentionally because we had underestimated the portion sizes.

Now I’m the kind of person who hates to waste food. But even I was defeated by some of the meals we ordered.

Fast food, for example, I found to be quite cheap compared to the same type of food in London and the portions to be way bigger.

If in doubt, ask the waiter for a size reference or check out pictures in online reviews.

There were lots of instances where we could’ve just ordered one portion, shared between all of us, and had a very cheap meal!

Don’t bother looking on Airbnb

According to Condé Nast, both San Francisco and LA are considered two of the most expensive cities for Airbnbs in the world.

My own findings certainly corroborated this when I discovered that the average price of an Airbnb for my time in San Francisco was $300 per night .

What’s more, it is illegal to rent out a property that isn’t your primary residence in LA .

So skip Airbnb and head straight to Booking.com for the best deals on accommodation in California.

Book accommodation early (and factor in tax again! )

Definitely book your accommodation in advance. I didn’t book my accommodation in LA until the day before we flew there and we ended up paying £50 per person, per night for a dingy hotel in downtown LA with shared bathrooms and sketchy WiFi.

And this was the cheapest thing we could find!

The average cost of a double hotel room in California is said to be $185 .

And that probably doesn’t include the city tax so the actual cost could be a lot higher. Before booking, make sure you check all of these costs and see whether they are included in the price displayed or not.

You don’t want to get caught out upon arrival at your accommodation!

Make sure you have CASH for petrol

If you’re renting a car and going to be needing petrol, bear in mind that there are often different prices depending on whether you are paying with cash or credit.

The difference can be 10 cents per gallon or more so you definitely want to be carrying enough cash for your petrol bill if you’re driving around California.

The reason there’s such a big price difference is that gas station owners find their profits squeezed too hard by the credit card companies they use and therefore those paying with credit need to pay more.

Buy attraction tickets in advance

If you want to go to Alcatraz, BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE, otherwise you have to buy a package deal which is much more expensive.

A normal Alcatraz night tour ticket is $56, the package I got was $150. So it can be three times the price if you don’t plan ahead!

These packaged tour tickets may include entrance to other attractions or include transportation costs such as bus passes. Whilst these can be useful, if it’s an unexpected cost or you didn’t need that bus tour ticket then it’s a massive waste of money.

By the way, the official place to buy Alcatraz tickets is here . There are lots of other resale websites but I’d recommend getting your tickets straight from this website.

RELATED: Tips To Know Before Visiting Alcatraz

Look for bundle deals for major attractions

Following on from the above, if you are going to major attractions such as Universal Studios , you can get cheaper bundle tickets from websites like GetYourGuide .

Take advantage of free things that often get thrown on top of these. For example, my Alcatraz ticket included a big bus pass for three days. This was the only option available.

Whilst I would never have thought to buy a big bus pass (they seemed really touristy!), since it was included with my ticket, I used these buses to get around the city.

They’re not normal buses, they are tour buses so they are likely to go between lots of top attractions on your California bucket list.

As interesting as San Francisco’s history is, I didn’t need to re-listen to it every time I boarded a Big Bus bus.

But it saved me a lot on transport fees around the city and I got to go to some places that I wouldn’t have added to my itinerary myself, for example, Sausalito, which is a little out of the city.

Get a Monzo card

Online banks like Revolut and Monzo are all the rage right and most young people will have one or the other. I actually own three of these types of cards, one from Revolut , Monzo and Transferwise .

These are absolutely essential for travel to any destination as you will save so much money on handling fees and exchange rates.

What’s great about these cards is that you don’t even need to convert the currency on the card before you spend it – it will convert it automatically.

Plus, these cards come with accompanying apps that break down your spending into different categories so you can see if you’re sticking to your budget.

They also have really easy functions to transfer money to friends you have saved as contacts and you can set up shared tabs for your trip to split costs.

Have you ever been to California? Do you have any budgeting tips of your own to share?

If you liked this post, check out these other posts about US travel: 50 Things to Do in San Francisco 25 Things to Do at Night in San Francisco 14 Things You Didn’t Know About San Francisco Things To Know Before Visiting Alcatraz 12 Things to Know Before Visiting Warner Bros Studio LA Magical Things to Do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter LA

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Travel Around California

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 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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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, 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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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!

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California Road Trips Costs

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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

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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.

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.

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)

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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.

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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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!

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….

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.

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Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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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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Flights to California

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!

One way flights

*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 24hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Some fares listed may include one or more connections that are Basic Economy, which class is subject to additional terms and conditions . Modifying this information may result in a different fare. To find the most updated fare, please visit aa.com. Additional baggage fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.

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Round trip flights, popular california destinations.

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Hotels, rental cars and vacation packages

Hotels in California

Search for a comfortable hotel today wherever your trip takes you.

California rental cars

Book your rental car before you arrive in California.

California vacation packages

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Check out the California Responsible Travel Code for tips to make the most out of your trip to the Golden State.

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

california coast road trip | deb and Dave

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 .

california road trip 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

California Road Trip: 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

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe Cedar Crest Cottages

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.

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.

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11 Tips for Traveling on a Budget in California

Remember these tips for traveling on a budget when you plan a family vacation and you won’t have to fall back on your #TravelGoals.

June 26, 2021

Some think that budget-friendly and travel are two different things—not if you know how to travel cheap . Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank trying to plan the ultimate summer vacation. Most people end up saving for months, only to spend it all in one week. On the contrary, traveling can be extraordinary without having to cost a fortune.

We love a good bargain just like any other person, and we’re here to make sure that you don’t overspend and compromise on fun the next time you’re on the road . Remember these tips for traveling on a budget when you plan a family vacation and you won’t have to fall back on your #TravelGoals.

How To Travel on a Budget Without Sacrificing Anything

1. Make Your Plans After Peak Tourist Season

Should we state the obvious? Yes, because oftentimes, this is the part where people splurge the most. Airline tickets skyrocket and airline companies profit greatly, especially when families travel during the holidays. The key is to plan beforehand, and by that, we mean way before. Do your research to find out which season is the best time to visit the destination of your choice, and see whether tickets are cheaper before or after the peak tourist season (most of the time it’s after). And if you’re traveling to the City of Angels or Palm Springs , the weather will never be an issue because it’s always sunny in SoCal.

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2. Travel Light

What’s the point of packing eight different outfits for a one-week vacation? Go ahead, we’ll wait. The answer is there’s absolutely no point. If you want to travel on a budget , you have to start with saving space instead of cramming your outfits in a suitcase. The airline will probably charge you an additional fee if you have checked baggage, so do your best to stick to just a carry-on. And if you’re road tripping , you won’t have to worry about packing on the last day of your vacation. Oh, and one more thing—you’ll always have room for souvenirs.

3. Opt For A Reasonably Priced Airbnb Instead of a Hotel Room

We don’t mind staying at an eco-friendly or desert hotel when traveling, but we’re also aware that they can get pretty pricey. Every traveler’s bible has a verse on booking Airbnbs instead of hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group. This comes with several advantages besides the cost, and one of them is taking part in Airbnb experiences . Alternatively, you can always rent a cabin if you’re going somewhere remote—just make sure it doesn’t cost you too much and is close to the places you want to visit.

4. Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Angelenos can’t imagine life without a car, and San Franciscans can’t imagine life without the BART. We can argue all day about the advantages and disadvantages of public transportation, but let’s face it—if you want to budget properly for a trip , you may as well embrace it. Do your research on the pricing systems and routes of trains, buses, and metros. You’ll end up saving time and money instead of spending half of your time pumping gas in your car and looking for a parking spot. If anything, you’ll get to see new places along the way when using public transportation.

5. Try New Food, But Don’t Eat Your Cash Away

Did you really travel if you didn’t try local food? Pics or it didn’t happen. French-dip sandwiches and California burritos are iconic foods you must try in the Golden State . And while we wouldn’t mind eating away at all the best spots in San Diego or vegan restaurants in the Bay Area , we also have to think economically. People usually forget this part when they budget for a vacation , and it ends up costing them a fortune. We’re by no means saying you should refrain from dining at restaurants. However, instead of slurping Michelin-starred ramen , opt for making dinner at your Airbnb one night.

6. Make Use of Free Museum Days

Free art galleries and museum days are one of the best things that happened to travelers and you can’t convince us otherwise. Whether it’s archeology, history, or maritime museums, you'll find something that suits every mood. Look up the ones you want to visit and see which days offer free admission. The same applies to art galleries. Any tip for traveling on a budget involves taking advantage of free things, so don’t hesitate to put that to good use.

7. Check Out Local State and National Parks

If you’re going on a road trip on a budget but don’t want to miss out on visiting awesome places, you’ll be pleased to know that state and national parks cost little to nothing. These underrated places pack so many adventures for people of every interest . All you have to do is pick the ones close to you and drive on the highway until you reach your destination. With 300 state and nine national parks, you’ll be spoiled for choice in California.

8. Visit Touristy Places, But Avoid Tourist Traps

Sure, you’d love to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs, they’re pretty awesome. But, do you really need to buy a $20 mug from the gift shop there? There are plenty of tourist attractions to visit and fun free things to do while vacationing in Palm Springs , Orange County , or San Francisco . So don’t worry about visiting all the fun places you see on Instagram, but don’t fall for the tourist traps when you’re there either.

9. Explore Small Towns

Are you vacationing around Yosemite ? Consider venturing out to the nearby small towns . Planning a solo getaway to Death Valley ? You’d love to visit the interesting places in and around the national park . Most of the time, these underrated areas offer the most exciting adventures and they often go unnoticed. Believe it or not, by the end of your trip, checking out these towns will be the highlight of your vacation.

10. Purchase Souvenirs from Small Businesses

That souvenir shop looks hella cute on Melrose Avenue, but chances are they’re overpriced. So while you’re exploring small towns nearby, why not purchase gifts from small businesses there? Shop for eco-friendly presents that everyone will love and purchase the perfect souvenir for your personality type . And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the best tip for traveling on a budget .

11. Ask Locals For Insight

Sometimes, you end up listening to the wrong people and find yourself relying on your credit card too much on your trip. The locals probably think you’re loaded due to all the money you’re spending, but in reality, this whole trip is just getting too expensive. What do you do? Ditch the travel itinerary that’s costing you too much and ask the locals where the cool kids are going these days without splurging. You’ll probably get to visit the most spectacular places and not spend a single dime. They’re most likely uncrowded too!

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The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: May 7, 2024 big sur california carmel central coast half moon bay highway 1 Los Angeles monterey orange county pismo beach road trip san francisco santa barbara santa cruz santa monica solvang

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a California coast road trip?! Taking a drive down the PCH?! You’re in the right place! I’ve got loads of info for you!

A road trip down the California Coast on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is an unforgettable way to see so much of what the state has to offer.

From waterfalls and castles (yes, really), to spectacular beaches and theme parks, there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do on the California Coast.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a few weeks to travel, you can fill your time with a wide array of California experiences. Let’s get this Pacific Coast Highway road trip under way!

Being one of the most scenic drives in the world (and rightfully so), I advise you to take your sweet time to really savor all the charming beauty of this west coast road trip down California.

And before we go into it, if you’ve got even more time in California and you’d like to visit a few spots off the coast, check out my latest post: 45 (Extremely) Beautiful Places in California (opens in new tab, don’t worry!) << lots more itinerary inspiration for your California road trip!

Recommended Route down the California Coast

Stop 1: San Francisco, California
Stop 2: Half Moon Bay
Stop 3: Santa Cruz
Stop 4: Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stop 5: Big Sur
Stop 6: San Simeon
Stop 7: San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
Stop 8: Solvang
Stop 9: Santa Barbara
Stop 10: Ventura → Channel Islands
Stop 11: Malibu
Stop 12: Los Angeles/Santa Monica
Stop 13: Anaheim
Stop 14: Orange County
Stop 15: San Diego

ALL 75 of my favorite PCH stops RIGHT over here ! There’s tons of ideas in this California coast road trip itinerary, but those are my absolute favorites.

Note that the number of stops you’ll be able to make highly depends on how much time you have allotted for this California road trip.

Suggested One-Week Itinerary: If you have a week or so for this drive down the California Coast, I recommend a day in SF (depending on whether you’ve been or not), a day in Carmel/Monterey, a day in Big Sur , stopping at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, dune-bashing (if that’s your thing) in Pismo Beach, a day in Santa Barbara, stopping in Malibu en route of LA, checking out the main sights of LA/Santa Monica , then some beach time in Orange County .

Yes , it’ll be pretty jam-packed , but highly doable if you plan your drives correctly. You can really spend an infinite amount of time on the California Coast, so it’s hard to say exactly how long this road trip will take. It highly depends on your interest, how much time you wanna spend in the cities, and how much driving per day you wanna do.

Note that you can drive directly from San Francisco to LA in roughly 6 hours, but this route (via Highway 101 and Highway 5) will take you inland, meaning you’ll miss out on so much of the Central Coast.

If you’re planning to drive round trip, I highly recommend that you drive South down the coast via Highway 1 – the Pacific Coast Highway , and then venture back up North via Highway 5 and Highway 101.

You can drive either way (from SF to LA/San Diego -or- LA/San Diego to SF), but I prefer driving South, starting in the SF Bay Area and making my way down to LA/SD. Pssst: the views are better this way as the car will be closer to the water. 😉

Renting a Car: Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this California coast road trip itinerary!

I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Note that many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up/drop off locations – just something to keep in mind (it may be worth the extra 6 hour drive back to your original starting point to avoid this pesky fee).

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

WHERE TO GET THE BEST FLIGHT DEALS TO CALIFORNIA:

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco (or LA), you’ll of course need to get yourself there. Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare. The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas of the US with shorter flight times. A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

If you’ll be following this itinerary and heading south (without driving the direct 6+ hours back to San Francisco ), you’ll want to book two one-way tickets. 1) HOME → SFO, 2) LAX→ HOME. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets.

Totally your call, but I suggest flying round trip from the same airport so you can avoid one-way drop off rental car fees.

When to Drive Down the California Coast

Keep in mind that the summer months (June, July, and August) are usually rather foggy in San Francisco and down the California coast. Because of this, some mornings will be pretty damp and misty. For best weather and best chance of sunshine, plan for a road trip in either late September or October.

If summer is your only option, you may get lucky with clear skies, but don’t count on it. However, with this in mind, the fog usually clears up by mid-morning/afternoon. Normal summer temps are in the low-60’s to mid-70’s, so bring a jacket and reconsider that convertible! “May Grey, June Gloom” is a real thing out here.

*All drive times are approximations. Traffic can be heavy at some points along the drive, and you’ll likely be getting out of your car occasionally to take photos along the way.

Stumped on what to pack for a California road trip itinerary? Check out this ultimate road trip essentials packing guide (opens in new tab)!

What to Pack for your Pacific coast highway road trip (rotate sideways on Mobile)

Now let’s get this California coast road trip planning on it’s way!

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary:

1) start in san francisco.

Ahhh, SF, my favorite city; although technically I’m biased because I chose to move to the city by the bay from NYC a few years ago. 😉

A few San Francisco must do’s include either walking or driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf (and stuffing your face with an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli’s), getting spooked at Alcatraz Island (go on the night tour!), relaxing with some coffee in Union Square, walking down twisty Lombard Street, and riding a cable car.

Get some great views at either Twin Peaks or the top of Coit Tower, check out the Painted Ladies, commonly known as the “Full House” houses, and nosh on some sourdough bread, fresh pasta in North Beach, and a burrito in the Mission District.

Other things to do in San Francisco include taking a panoramic night tour of city , cruise around the bay in a catamaran (champagne included!), see the Golden Gate Bridge from above on a seaplane tour , and taking a day trip to Napa Valley (not to be missed on any PCH road trip !)

Visiting San Francisco for the first time? Read THIS and THIS . 🙂 And make sure to check out this perfect 3-day SF itinerary !

Beware, parking is not the greatest (and garages are expensive), and public transportation is somewhat lacking. I’ve lived here for 4 years now and still don’t love touring the city via car.

I recommend playing tourist and taking a full tour of the city instead of trying to do everything on your own. Or rent bikes , electric bikes (!!!), or even a really fun (and kind of cheesy) goCar if you’d prefer to fly solo. Uber is always a good suggestion, and with my discount code (jessicak148), you can get a few bucks off your first ride!

2) Half Moon Bay (45 minutes from SF)

Your first official stop on your California coast road trip (unless you wanna make a few stops in Pacifica /Pescadero – I’ve got a whole road trip guide from San Francisco to Santa Cruz here )! Say goodbye to the city and venture on over to Half Moon Bay, a cozy little seaside village right on the coast.

You could easily plan a full day’s worth of activities here, but I suggest spending either a morning or afternoon, unless you want to take the plunge and stay at the ever-so-beautiful Ritz Carlton .

A few must do’s: go for a stroll on one of the many beaches that dot this area of the coastline (my favorites: Poplar, Mavericks, and Miramar), wander around Half Moon Bay Main Street, walk the coastal trail, and indulge in a lobster roll from Sam’s Chowder House.

3) Santa Cruz (1 hour from Half Moon Bay)

Drive a bit further on Highway 1 and you’ll reach Santa Cruz, where I suggest stopping for a few hours . Walk on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ride the Giant Dipper and/or the Ferris Wheel right on the beach, and stop for a snack or two (churros and funnel cake are my favorites). You can also head to Shark Fin Cove if you’re looking for a unique beach!

Also, don’t miss the Mystery Spot, which I won’t give away for obvious reasons, and make sure you try Marianne’s before heading out (the absolute BEST ice cream in the area).

4) Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea (45 minutes from Santa Cruz)

Next up on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip – Monterey and Carmel! California is just full of sweet little seaside towns, and this area, despite being rather touristy, is definitely one to stop at.

Monterey and Carmel are only a few miles apart, and I highly suggest spending the night in either of these towns (Monterey being the more affordable option) while on your California coast road trip.

Looking for the best road trips in California? Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a full 2 weeks to explore, look no further - this huge post covers over 15 of the best California road trips!

A few recommended activities and bites: bundle up on a whale watching tour , indulge in clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s wharf, walk around Cannery Row, and spend a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (included in the San Francisco CityPASS if you’ve gotten it previously).

Don’t miss a walk around the charming little town of Carmel, cruising around the area in a Sea Car , watching the sunset at Carmel Beach Park, and stopping at the viewpoints along the 17 Mile Drive.

On our most recent visit, I couldn’t stop raving about the food, with my favorites being the Monterey Crepe Company, Red’s Donuts, and The Poke Lab. I really should make an-depth guide to Monterey soon!

5) Big Sur (50 minutes from Monterey)

Next up: Big Sur , famous for a reason and many people’s favorite stop on this California coast road trip itinerary. Most people are surprised at how little “civilization” is around here – no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks.

It’s more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the coast.

With this being said, plan to drive down the coast and consider setting up camp/hotel in another location, unless you want to fork over some big bucks for a luxury hotel. I recommend everyone spend a bit of time in Big Sur on a California coast road trip (at least half a day)– it’s too remarkable to miss!

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

You’ll be stopping on the side of the highway so many times you’ll lose count – the coast line is just that spectacular! It’s known for its winding turns, seaside cliffs, and breathtaking views of the often misty coastline.

A few must-do’s here in Big Sur : see McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, wiggle your toes in purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach (yes, parts of it really are purple, I was surprised too…), marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge, and check out all the views from Point Lobos. OH, and if you’re visiting between February and April, definitely find the hidden blooms at Calla Lily Valley !

6) San Simeon (2 – 4 hours drive, depending on how many stops you make in Big Sur)

Did you think you’d be stopping at a castle on your California coast road trip? When I first learned about Hearst Castle, I was mesmerized. Being a historic landmark on the coast, tours do fill up in advance, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time .

California Coast Road Trip Itinerary! Everything you could ever wonder! Super informative post! Re-pinning for later - hope to get to California this summer!

First time visiting? Sign up for the Grand Rooms Tour – and that’s exactly what you’ll see – plenty of spectacularly ornate rooms, plus lots of time to explore the absolutely stunning grounds.

Non-negotiable on any California Coast road trip, in my opinion. Be sure to look out for the zebra on the side of the highway as you enter/leave. Bizarre, opulent, and oddly satisfying.

And while you’re in the area, make sure to stop at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a popular spot to observe elephant seals with its own boardwalk and viewing areas.

The best times to visit the rookery are in late January, late April, and late October, but visits are encouraged year round. Have you seen an elephant seal use their large, inflatable noses to make noise? It’s pretty wild!

7) San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach/Morro Bay/Paso Robles (45 minutes from San Simeon)

So there’s kinda a lot to do in this little area – so best to pick and choose your favorites (if not, you can easily spend a whole week here!).

In SLO (what locals refer to as San Luis Obispo), sip pink drinks at the Madonna Inn , stuff your face with bbq are Firestone Grill, blow bubbles at the Bubble Gum Wall in downtown, and grab donuts at SLO Donut Company (SloDoCo). All my favorites, and I can’t image an afternoon not doing any of these.

Looking to stretch your legs? Opt for the Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park, a 3.4 mile round trip relatively flat path with (better-than-okay) ocean views.

Thought Napa/Sonoma were the only wine countries in California? Winos – you’re in luck. This part of your California coast road trip (in Paso Robles ) features over 100 wineries, and deciding which to visit is the hardest part!

The DAOU Vineyards gets constant praise, and with it’s wonderful wine, olive oil, and views, it’s hard to beat!

Want someone else to take you around? Probably a good idea if you’ll be drinking lots of wine! Hop on a full-day hop-on, hop-off wine tasting tour (yes, they exist!) and you can choose your own itinerary in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Or take the easy way out and let someone else decide for you on this Ultimate Wine Experience in San Luis Obispo (foodie lunch and 3-5 wineries included!).

You need to include a dune buggy ride on Pismo Beach on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip ! One of the most epic things to do in this area! More info on that here . Nowhere else in California can you drive a vehicle on a public beach!

Before getting to SLO, you may as well make a pit stop in Moro Bay. If the weather cooperates (always a gamble over here), you’ll be rewarded with views of the giant monolith. Be sure to walk around the nearby beach to find sand dollars, and grab a cinnamon bun from one of the local bakeries.

If you’re thinking of stopping here for the night (or have had too much to drink…), consider staying at no other than the wildly famous Madonna Inn (we LOVED our quirky stay here !). But be sure to save your breakfast appetite for SLO’s legendary Big Sky Café. Oh, and there’s always beach time as well if the weather cooperates.

8) Solvang (1 hour from San Luis Obispo)

A bit in-land, but well worth the few miles off the highway. This cute little area will feel as if you’ve been transplanted to a Danish village, with authentic Dutch bakeries and international cuisine. Worth a quick pit stop, for the pastries alone (try the aebleskiver – pancake puffs). 🙂

Stroll the village to spot Danish icons including the Little Mermaid Fountain, a handful of historic windmills, the giant red clog, and Round Tower. There’s also two historic churches to check out, Old Mission Santa Ines and Bethania Lutheran.

Looking for something a bit more active? See the unique architecture of the only Danish city in The West via segway tour ! They are so much fun and an easy way to get around!

9) Santa Barbara (45 minutes from Solvang)

An absolute must-stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip ! Here in Santa Barbara – dubbed the American Riviera – you’ll find widespread beaches and a truly relaxed atmosphere.

Downtown you’ll find Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs, which accurately reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage.

And the food! Oh, the food here! Consider joining a historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour to get a true feel for what the locals love here (hint hint: includes Northern Italian dishes, gourmet cheese, local wine and handcrafted chocolates… yum).

Rather take a beer tour? Sign up for the Self-Guided Santa Barbara Lagoon Loop Craft Beer Trail (yes, it’s a thing down here).

Don’t miss Old Mission Santa Barbara, a historic church known for its beauty, a panoramic view of the city from the Clock Tower observation deck of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Public Market.

Save some time for Stearn’s Wharf and then beach it up, you deserve it! If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m all about that ice cream – satisfy your sweet tooth at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (worth the wait and then some).

And whatever you do, don’t leave Santa Barbara without taking a surf lesson (<– reserve your spot now, as they can fill up pretty quickly during the warmer months).

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara:

Inn by the Harbor (romantic and Mediterranean two blocks from the waterfront)

Recommended Tours in Santa Barbara:

El Paseo Wine and Photo Tour
Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Santa Barbara Funk Zone: Food and Photo Tour

10) Ventura for Channel Islands National Park (40 minutes from Santa Barbara)

Usually not very common on a ‘traditional’ California coast road trip, but I couldn’t leave this destination off the list. In Ventura, be sure to check out Mission San Buenaventura, Olivas Adoble, and Oxnard Beach Part.

This vibrant town is the unexpected spot to make your way to Channel Islands National Park, located just off the coast via ferry, plane, or private boat.

Take a break from the crazy urban life and go for a hike on the Channel Islands, literally! The park is comprised of 5 islands and their surrounding mile of ocean, so it’s best to decide beforehand where and what to go/do.

Head to Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island for some of the best views of the National Park, and/or you can snorkel/dive/kayak in Landing Cove (Anacapa Island) or at Scorpion Anchorage (Santa Cruz Island). If you’re on Santa Cruz Island, be sure to check out Cavern Point, which provides a spectacular view after a short hike. You can even go whale watching around here!

FYI – there is NO transportation available on the islands – you have to either walk, kayak, or cruise around via private boat. Bicycles are not allowed. Plan a day trip here from Ventura to get your nature fix.

Recommended Channel Islands Tours

Channel Islands Full-Day Private Sailing Trip

11) Malibu (50 minutes from Ventura)

Just the name “Malibu” sounds exotic and beachy to me. Here on your California coast road trip you’ll find wide stretches of beaches, celebrity homes, and The Getty Villa (which is said to be absolutely stunning).

But Malibu is more than just that, including stunning canyons, horse ranches, waterfront restaurants, acres of land, and lots and lots of hiking trails. You can also take a private surf lesson if you missed out in Santa Barbara!

A few spots not to miss: Paradise Cove (the only restaurant you can actually drink on the beach), Geoffrey’s Malibu for a wonderful lunch view (get some fresh seafood here!), Point Dume Beach (you’ll always see dolphins!), Malibu Pier, a tour of celebrity homes , and wide and sandy Zuma Beach, known for its excellent surf.

Don’t leave without some gelato from Grom Gelateria, the absolute best of the best! And if you’re a sucker for fantastic views like me, don’t miss out on a Malibu scenic airplane tour ! Your pictures will be epic, I promise!

12) Los Angeles/ Santa Monica (50 minutes from Malibu)

I highly suggest you spend at least 2-3 days here as there is just SO much to do . You’ll want to divide your time between Downtown LA (DTLA) and Santa Monica/Venice Beach, with possible other stops to make as well.

Heading to Southern California soon? Make sure to check out these hot spots in LA, Santa Monica, and Venice, including the best food, murals, and museums! LA and Santa Monica are full of character and are super trendy!

After checking out all the necessary tourist hot spots , you’ll have more time to envelope yourself in the “true” feeling of Los Angeles. Promise me you won’t miss a Warner Brothers Hollywood Studio Tour !

In DTLA , I highly suggest the Broad Museum (FREE, but usually a long wait time), getting an egg sandwich at Eggslut, The Last Bookstore, macaroons at Bouttega Louie, and culture and snacks in Little Tokyo.

Don’t feel like walking? Take a segway tour of DTLA ! Don’t feel like figuring out public transportation? A hop-on, hop-off bus of the LA area is always the way to go!

In Santa Monica and Venice , be sure to check out the Santa Monica Boardwalk (ride the ferris wheel and/or the coaster during sunset), Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice Canals, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

In addition, you can’t miss the Urban Lights exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)! You’ll find pretty cool murals all around the area as well if that’s your type of thing (it most definitely is mine)!

Hike in the Hollywood Hills , take an airplane tour of Santa Monica and the coastline , go on a tour of some movie stars’ homes ,

Read More about Los Angeles/Santa Monica:

The Ultimate SoCal Guide: 25 “Very LA” Things to do in Los Angeles, California
The Perfect Way to Spend A Day (or Two) in LA
The Cool Girl’s Guide to LA: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

Where to Stay in Los Angeles/Santa Monica

The Orlando Hotel (middle of West Hollywood and lots of great Mexican nearby!)
HI Hostel (perfect for solo travelers, and around the block from the beach)

13) Anaheim for Disneyland (45 minutes from LA)

Disney lovers will enjoy this spot for sure, but just for the record, Disneyland is not as large and/or “wow!!!!” as Disney World. I had a Disney-fanatic-friend visit Disneyland a few months back and she was not impressed to say the least.

Save this stop if you’ve never been to the location in Florida, or if you can’t stand not to check it out for yourself. Regardless, you’ll have a grand ol’ time on the rollercoasters and indulging in all things Mickey.

A few parks to check out (click to buy tickets): Universal Studios Hollywood , Disneyland Park , Adventure City, and Disney California Adventure Park.

I highly recommend getting these theme park tickets in advance to by-pass any super-long lines and spend more time in the parks. You’ll save yourself lots of time, that’s for sure!

Universal Studios Hollywood 1-Day Ticket with Options
Anaheim: Disneyland Resort 1-Day Entrance Ticket

14) Orange County: Huntington Beach/Newport Beach/Laguna Beach (35 minutes from Anaheim)

This stretch of coast is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and should not be missed if your itinerary has you driving down to San Diego (or even as an extra stop from the LA/Ahaheim area).

Here you’ll find manicured beach towns, a hell of a lot of beautiful people, and even more beautiful stretches of sand with mesmerizing sunsets.

The beaches are plentiful, but my favorites include Huntington Beach , Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, all within a few miles of each other. We recently spent a bit of time in San Clemente , and fell in love with the town! Don’t miss gelato at Gelato Paradiso and the views from Heisler Park and Dana Point.

You won’t want to skip “The OC” on your California coast road trip – I can promise you that!

Read More about Orange County/Southern California

My Birthday in Sunny Southern California
4 Days in Huntington Beach: Everything You Need to Know
The Complete Guide to San Clemente

Want to extend your PCH road trip?!

15 Best Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco - all the popular spots plus a few others!

1) GO FURTHER SOUTH! You could choose to venture even further south to San Diego, as there’s lots and lots to do! Watch this space for updates and more information on California, including best things to do in San Diego as well!

2) START UP NORTH! Interested in starting this Pacific Coast Highway road trip a bit north of San Francisco? Check out the drive from San Francisco to Mendocino , highly recommended in my opinion if you’ve got a few more days to explore! A weekend in Mendocino is the perfect way to start your trip! And if you’re looking for some redwoods, you’ll find lots around here !

3) HEAD ALL THE WAY TO SEATTLE! Yes, it’s possible! If you have ample extra time, say another week (or more), check all these stops on a San Francisco to Seattle road trip ! Crater Lake and donuts, anyone?!

Have you ever take a California coast road trip?! Is taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway on your bucket list?!

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July 30, 2020 at 5:32 pm

Totally agree! I added Santa Barbara last minute to my road trip and you are so right – you don’t want to miss out on this city. The weather was as close to perfect as you can get. It really makes you want to spend as much time outside as possible.

If you are looking for bike rentals I would suggest Cal Coast Adventures as they offer tons of biking options. Beach cruisers to mountain bikes – they really have it all!

Another bucket list item I was able to check off was learning to surf with Santa Barbara Surf School. The instructors were so knowledgeable about ocean life and safety and I stood up on my first wave.

It was an experience I’ll never forget. Can’t wait to make my way back to Santa Barbara!

October 20, 2020 at 8:22 am

I wanted to thank you for all your great advice and suggestions. My husband and I decided to take a spontaneous 4-day weekend road trip down the PCH. We flew in to San Francisco from Minneapolis and, thanks to your posts, were able to experience some amazing sights. We flew in later in the day, so we stayed in Pacifica for the night. We were right on the beach and saw our first California sunset there! I rolled my eyes at your Taco Bell suggestion (in a another post), but we decided to try it (as my husband is a Mt. Dew lover!). What a fun experience … a Mt. Dew margarita, a Grande Burrito and an awesome ocean view!!

The next day we started our journey down 1 and made it from Half Moon Bay down to Santa Barbara and then back up to San Francisco. We had a fabulous experience, thanks to both beautifully sunny, warm October weather and your insight and suggestions (on this post and several others). We packed in a lot, but it was a trip of a lifetime and made more special with your help!

November 15, 2020 at 7:04 pm

Hi Alison – so glad you had such a special trip! I absolutely LOVE the PCH and California in general so I'm so happy my posts were helpful! Hope you get back to CA sooner than later! And yes – we love that Mountain Dew marg, haha!

December 22, 2020 at 12:11 am

Great itinerary and very nice hotel recommendations. I really enjoyed reading this. On stop #10, Ventura, consider stopping by the Hollywood Beach Salon – Spa – Boutique for some relaxation overlooking the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor!

January 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm

I also want to golf at Pebble

January 19, 2021 at 10:23 am

That would be such an experience! It's on my husband's bucket list for sure!

January 22, 2021 at 7:15 am

Hi, I live in Westminster near Anaheim and am going to visit my daughter in Monterey from 2/5-2/7. This is a short trip. I am thinking take the fastest route there and on the way back make short stops at some of the places you recommended. I will have my 3 kids with me in their 20s and possibly my Australian Shepherd. I was wondering what you recommend? The trip back has to be done in one day. I'm a little nervous about driving to since I tend to get lost lol. Thank you

January 22, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Hi Mary! I recommend stopping in Paso Robles, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo. These 3 spots are all so different from each other and aren't too far apart. Morro Bay is on the coast (look out for adorable sea otters), Paso has delicious wines (just make sure they aren't take out only right now), and SLO is a fun town to walk around (don't miss the bubble gum wall!).

Also, I'd opt to take the 101 (and NOT highway 1) driving down from Monterey to Paso since the drive from Monterey through Big Sur to Cambria is literally on the side of a cliff and takes forever.

Have fun!!!

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At the Top of the Golden Gate Bridge, Governor Newsom Announces Tourism Spending Hit an All-Time High in California

Published: May 05, 2024

California remains the #1 state for tourism

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : New data released today shows that California continues to have the largest market share of tourism in the nation, with travel spending in the state reaching an all-time record high of $150.4 billion last year.

SAN FRANCISCO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta today announced that travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion last year, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019. This comes after the state retained its title as the world’s 5th largest economy and had a population increase , both of which are directly tied to California’s nation-leading tourism and entertainment industries.

VIDEO: Gov. Newsom makes announcement at the top of the Golden Gate Bridge

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID : “From our world-renowned coastline, to the world’s tallest trees, to our iconic cities and theme parks, California is the nation’s coming attraction. Visitors from all over the world are coming here to experience the wonder of the Golden State, boosting our economy and creating good-paying jobs for years to come.”

BY THE NUMBERS : The Economic Impact of Travel in California, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates and released by Visit California, detailed spending that is 3.8% higher than 2019 and 5.6% higher than 2022. Spending exceeded 2019 levels in a majority of counties.

WHAT VISIT CALIFORNIA CEO BETETA SAID : “California tourism is back where it belongs – setting records and providing for the workers, business owners and all Californians who depend on the travel industry as a cornerstone of our state’s economy. The industry has once again proved its ability to recover from any challenge, whether it be economic or environmental. California continues to be the largest, most diverse and most resilient tourism economy in the United States.”

WHAT THIS MEANS : California has the largest market share of tourism in the nation. The new travel-spending record generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue by visitors in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000.

California remains the 5th largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. California’s per capita GDP is the second largest among large economies.

In addition to visiting the state, more people are moving to California. Earlier this week, Governor Newsom announced the state’s population is increasing for the first time since the pandemic.

The Golden State, which has the most equitable tax system in the entire country , is #1 in the nation for new business starts , #1 for access to venture capital funding , and the #1 state for tourism spending , manufacturing , high-tech , and agriculture .

Report: California tourism numbers top pre-pandemic levels, Bay Area numbers lag a bit behind

San francisco tourism groups say more needs to be done to bring tourism levels up to where they were before covid, by alyssa goard • published may 6, 2024 • updated on may 6, 2024 at 1:38 am.

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a video of himself standing atop San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to highlight a new tourism report.

"So, I'm up here on the Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to America's greatness, a testament to California's greatness, the beauty, the magnificence of the San Francisco Bay," Newsom said. "What a perfect place to announce our record-breaking tourism numbers."

Downtown First Thursdays offers new hope to struggling SF merchants, residents

Scientists planning for future protection, adaptation of California coastline

Newsom was celebrating the new numbers from Visit California's "Economic Impact of Travel in California 2014-2023" report, which indicated that in 2023, travel spending in California reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion, a 5.6% increase from 2022.

Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.

The report also notes that California travel spending numbers have finally risen above pre-pandemic levels, with the 2023 spending level 3.8% than the 2019 spending level.

But San Franciso travel organizations acknowledge: many of these statewide gains have been driven by a surge of tourism spending in Southern California.

The report indicates that while travel spending is rising in both the Bay Area and in San Francisco County, neither has surpassed 2019 travel spending levels yet.

"While it is true that California is recovering and has had a wonderful, stellar year, that in Northern California, specifically in San Francisco, we still have some rebuilding to do for our visitor economy," said Scott Beck, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel.

Beck noted that travel to San Francisco from Asia has not yet returned to the levels seen prior to the pandemic.

"We have a really, really high dependence on international travel from Asia in San Francisco, it’s a very big part and an important part of our visitor mix and that is still lagging," Beck said.

Beck attributed this lag in travel to Asia to something called "lift,' meaning the volume of air travel service into the region. In particular, Beck noted that flights between the U.S. and China were halted during the pandemic. Flights between the two countries have been increasing again , but the travel numbers are not as high as they were before the pandemic.

Beck said there will be another easing of flight restrictions in June and that he expects flights between China and San Francisco to increase in the coming years.

Scott Gentner, CEO of Pier 39, explained that the breakdown of tourists visiting the city shifted during the pandemic and in the years following. Prior to COVID, Gentner said that Pier 39 got about a third of its visitors from California, a third from around the U.S., and a third from outside the country. During the start of the pandemic, international travel went away, Gentner explained.

As COVID restrictions eased in 2022 and 2023, Gentner said Pier 39 saw a resurgence of domestic visitors which has since plateaued. Last year, Gentner said the Pier began seeing more visitors from Europe and this year more visitors from Asia have been traveling in.

"There are definitely tourists here, there are definitely tourists spending," Gentner said, adding the caveat that where the tourists are spending their dollars around the city can vary.

At Pier 39, which is seeing a boost in interest recently thanks to a surge in sea lion population, sales have been doing well, with 2023 sales on par with 2019 sales, according to Gentner.

"We have a record number of sea lions, it's something we didn’t know was coming and it's certainly bringing a more local crowd to Pier 39 and rediscovering some of the great things we have to offer," Gentner said.

At nearby Fisherman's Wharf, the executive director of the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District, Randall Scott, said that the pedestrian count there is down 18-20 percent from pre-pandemic levels.

"We’re on the way to making it back to where we were," Scott said, noting that hotel rates and occupancy rates are still down compared to 2019 in the area.

"We’re doing OK, compared to the rest of the city -- I would argue that our numbers are very good -- but compared to the rest of California, we’re still significantly down from where they were in 2019," Scott continued.

To help close the gap, Scott would like to see investment at the state and federal levels to help showcase the area and promote the message that San Francisco is a safe and exciting place to travel to.

Scott had one message in particular for California's governor:

"Governor Newsom: thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing tourism back to California. Southern California posted those numbers, please bring back and help us bring back the tourist industry to San Francisco," he said.

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2023 Travel Spending in California Fully Recovered from Pandemic

As California Tourism Month begins, Visit California’s annual economic impact report shows travel spending surpassed $150 billion in 2023, setting record for the first time since 2019

2023 Travel Spending in California Fully Recovered from Pandemic Print
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SACRAMENTO (May 5, 2024) – California’s tourism economy generated $150.4 billion in travel spending last year, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019 and overcoming the devastating impacts of the pandemic, according to economic impact research Visit California released today.

The Economic Impact of Travel in California, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates, detailed spending that is 3.8% higher than 2019 and 5.6% higher than 2022. Spending exceeded 2019 levels in 34 out of 58 counties. Three of California’s four international gateways – San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties – exceeded 2019 travel spending levels, while San Francisco was 97.2% recovered. “California tourism is back where it belongs – setting records and providing for the workers, business owners and all Californians who depend on the travel industry as a cornerstone of our state’s economy,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. “The industry has once again proved its ability to recover from any challenge, whether it be economic or environmental. California continues to be the largest, most diverse and most resilient tourism economy in the United States.” The report was released today at the start of California Tourism Month, the state designation adopted by the Legislature in 2016 to recognize the contributions of the United States’ top tourism economy to Californians’ financial livelihoods and personal well-being. View the full economic report. The $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue generated by visitors in 2023 marked a 3% increase over 2019. Tax revenue generated by travel in 2023 saved every California household $966. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000. That’s 98% of 2019 levels, before the pandemic shut down businesses and put more than 500,000 travel and hospitality workers out of work in a matter of days. International visitors spent $24.3 billion in California in 2023, a 38% increase over 2022 and 15% below the $28.6 billion peak in 2018. Travelers from China and other parts of Asia have been slow to return after the pandemic, hindering full recovery from the international sector. Visit California has reopened offices in 13 international markets, and to accelerate the momentum of international visitation growth, California this week is proudly hosting IPW, the leading international inbound travel industry trade show, in Los Angeles starting May 4. News of travel spending’s recovery comes as Visit California launched The Ultimate Playground in March, its first new global brand platform in more than a decade. Grounded in research from the National Institute for Play that says traveling is a proven benefit to one’s physical and mental well-being, the new brand asserts that California’s playful lifestyle, paired with its abundance of experiences, create the ultimate playground. The first commercial under the brand platform can be found here . Take a short quiz to find your play style and get ideas to explore it in California. ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA: Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to VisitCalifornia.com . For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.VisitCalifornia.com . CONTACT: Dan Smith (916) 802-6708 [email protected]

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

A long-exposure photo shows the aurora borealis over Portland, Maine, on May 10.

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

The northern lights can be seen from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on May 10.

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle."

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

The northern lights glow in the night sky in Brandenburg, Germany, on May 10.

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

Bill Nye the Science Guy speaks to CNN on Friday, May 10.

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

An infrared satellite image taken around 10:30 p.m. ET.

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour.

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

Aurora seen in Atlanta around 10:15 p.m. ET.

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LA Times Today: Three friends drove from California to Mexico for a surfing trip. Then they disappeared

Watch l.a. times today at 7 p.m. on spectrum news 1 on channel 1 or live stream on the spectrum news app. palos verdes peninsula and orange county viewers can watch on cox systems on channel 99..

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Memorial Day: Best and worst times for San Diegans to travel and other tips

Thousands of beach-goers at La Jolla Shores.

For Southern California travelers, San Diego will be the second most popular destination, just behind Las Vegas, so expect plenty of crowds over the holiday weekend

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Southern Californians’ love of travel will be in full force over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, with forecasts predicting a record-setting number of people getting away by plane, car, train and cruise ships.

The Auto Club of Southern California’s forecast, released Monday, expects 3.5 million people to travel over the holiday period, which translates to a 4.7 percent increase over 2023 and 150,000 more travelers compared to 2019, a year before the pandemic. It marks the second year in a row that the record has been broken for Memorial Day travel.

Even as experts are predicting a coming slowdown in the pace of travel overall, the Auto Club says it’s pleased to see continued enthusiasm for domestic getaways for the holiday weekend.

“It’s remarkable,” said spokesperson Marie Montgomery. “It kind of shows how people are really prioritizing spending more time with family and friends and travel is a great way to do that. There certainly are some more economic concerns in the mix so time will tell if this pans out. But given what our partner, S&P Global Market Intelligence, is projecting, they believe it’s another positive year for travel. They’re taking into account leading economic indicators such as employment, household net worth, stock prices, and the housing market.”

More people traveling by car than ever

Freeway traffic as seen from the SR 78 overpass looking southbound and northbound.

The majority of people traveling between Thursday, May 23, and Monday, May 27, will do so by automobile despite still high gasoline prices. The Auto Club of Southern California predicts 2.9 million people will be driving to their destinations, while 371,000 will be flying, and the remainder — 237,000 — will be taking the train, bus or boarding a ship for a cruise.

Similarly, 38.4 million of the 43.8 million expected to travel nationally will be doing so by car, according to AAA’s forecast. Both in Southern California and nationally, that’s a new record, and represents about a 4 percent increase over the same period a year earlier.

While gasoline prices have been dipping slightly in recent weeks, they still are topping out at more than $5 a gallon and are well ahead of last year’s price of $4.83 a gallon. As of Monday, a gallon of regular gasoline averaged $5.27, about five cents less than a week earlier, according to the Auto Club.

For those driving to their holiday destinations, the Auto Club recommends that motorists inspect their vehicle tires, battery, and fluid levels. Also, pack food, water, a first-aid kit, and mobile phone charger in case your car breaks down. Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 378,000 stranded drivers at the roadside, including more than 95,000 in California.

Best and worst times to drive

Bumper to bumper traffic builds on I-805 and I-5 South as Mexico-bound cars line up.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, has taken the guesswork out of how to time your travel. It’s advising that if possible, you should try to avoid the afternoons and evenings of Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, when freeways will be most congested.

In Southern California, the busiest stretch of freeway is expected to be Interstate 5 North from Los Angeles to Bakersfield on the afternoon and evening of May 23, when the normal travel time of 90 minutes will surge by 84 percent to nearly three hours.

More optimal times to hit the highways, INRIX says, are before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m on Thursday and Friday; before 1 p.m. on Sunday; and after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Most popular getaway destinations

Panoramic View of Las Vegas Nevada at night.

San Diego, as it often is, will be the second most popular destination for Southern Californians getting away for the holiday weekend.

Las Vegas retains its position as No. 1 but in a change from last year, when Santa Barbara, Grand Canyon and Palm Springs filled out the top three remaining spots, this year, Grand Canyon remains in the top five but Hawaii and Seattle/Alaska cruises are identified as the fourth and fifth most popular destinations.

“We had the downturn in Hawaii travel after the fires and all of Hawaii was affected by that,” Montgomery said. “Now there seems to be some pent up demand for Hawaii now that it is all reopened, so that’s a popular destination. And cruises are doing very well but the vast majority of people will be driving, and in Southern California we’re fortunate to have so many great locations 50 miles or less to choose from.”

Tips if you’re headed to the beach

A big help transportation-wise for those wanting to hang out in Pacific Beach is an on-demand shuttle called the Beach Bug . While it debuted last year, this will be the first Memorial Day that it will be available. For most riders, it costs $2.50, which covers all-day access.

Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Like the popular FRED shuttle that has long operated downtown, the Beach Bug responds to requests made on a smartphone app called Ride Circuit.

Also be wary of a new regulation enacted this year that prohibits private companies from staging picnics , corporate events, large parties, bonfires or similar organized activities on any city beach.

While the city had weighed a formal permitting process, it ultimately opted for an outright ban. However, there are specific locations in the city where luxury-style picnics will be permitted — Fanuel Park, Sunset Point, Ventura Cove, Playa I and Vacation Isle West on Mission Bay, the Arbor and Botanical Lawn East and West in Balboa Park, and shoreline parks Ellen Browning South, Saratoga, South Palisades and Sunset Cliff-South Cuvier.

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How much is a typical tip at a bar.

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I do the same. 20%.

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