California is the most dreamt State in the US, ideal for wonderful road trips to discover amazing natural parks, sunny beaches and some of the most famous cities in the world.
California has it all. One could spend weeks to wander around the Golden State. First-time visitors should not miss the main cities (Los Angeles and San Francisco), a couple of National Parks and the incredible Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re planning to travel during the other months (May to October), it’s better to complete a loop starting and ending in Los Angeles (or San Francisco). We’ve got you covered, check out our ad-hoc itinerary:
California Road Trip: 11-Day Itinerary
Here is our recommended 10-day road trip itinerary, perfect for every season but especially during the coldest months (November to April), when the Tioga Road is closed.
Day 1
Los Angeles
Famous and iconic, there are many reasons to visit the City of Angels. From the stars of Hollywood to the sunny beaches of Venice and Santa Monica, from the mundanity of Beverly Hills to one of the most renowned theme park in the world.
We recommend spending at least two days in Los Angeles. Three days will be necessary if you want to include a theme park as well.
Los Angeles is a huge city and the points of interests you’re going to visit will be spread out across various areas. Therefore, we recommend to rent a car from day one.
Here is the map of the first day:
Hollywood Boulevard
Two things immediately come to mind if we think of Los Angeles: the Hollywood sign and the stars on the famous Hall of Fame with celebrities’ hands and footprints, as well as their signature.
The Hall of Fame is located right on Hollywood Boulevard, an important intersection between Gower Street and La Brea Avenue.
The main attractions include the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the Academy Awards, the Hollywood & Highland shopping centre, ideal for viewing the Hollywood sign from afar, and the TCL Chinese Theatre, one of the oldest cinema in Los Angeles.
How to Get to Hollywood Boulevard
- By car – There are various parking places in the nearby. A convenient one is right in the Hollywood & Highland. You can check here for more information on all the available spots in the area.
- By public transport – There are two Subway stations in the nearby: Hollywood/Vine (on the Walk of Fame East End) and Hollywood/Highland (at the shopping centre), both served by the Metro Red Line.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign that stands at the top of Mount Lee is one of the most notorious images of California. Let’s see how to take then perfect picture!
There are various places to spot the sign, even though from far away. These include the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood & Highland Centre and Hollywood Reservoir.
North Beachwood Drive is a 3 km (1.6 miles) road showing a remarkable view on the sign starting from the intersection with Scenic Avenue, on the direction to the Hollywood hills. This may look familiar since it was featured in many movies.
How to Get to the Hollywood Sign
If you’re ok in spotting the sign from far away, that’s fine. But for a complete experience, we recommend to get closer to the sign to take fantastic pictures and to do a short hike on the Hollywood hills that you’ll never forget.
To get closer to the sign, you should follow specific instructions. Nothing too hard, but it’s important that you bear in mind the following.
You need to reach Lake Hollywood Park.
Don’t get there with your car. This is really important because there are minimal parking options and the police is constantly monitoring the area to write tickets for all those parking in the area.
That’s because it’s a residential area. You can easily take an Uber to get there and most people rely on this option.
You start having a decent view from Lake Hollywood Park. From here, it starts the trail, taking around 30 minutes for going there and coming back.
Here is the map of the trail.
Start in Lake Hollywood Park (A) and walk all over Mulholland Highway. Don’t be intimidated when it becomes a dirt road that doesn’t seem to lead anywhere and reach a blue gate.
On its left, there’s a passage (B), leading to the Mount Lee Drive, the perfect place to have the sign right in front of you.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory dominates the city and offers magnificent views over the urban area and the Hollywood Sign.
An interesting and short hiking trail, Mount Hollywood Hiking Trail, starts from the Observatory’s parking and leads to wonderful panoramic terraces.
It would be reductive to talk about the view only, as this place has a lot to offer inside too. Entering the Griffith Observatory means embarking on a journey to space discovery.
The Observatory is closed on Mondays and the entrance is free.
Once entered, the most interesting things to see include the following:
- W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda: A beautiful Rotunda placed in the middle shows a huge Foucault pendulum, one of the largest in the world. The ceiling and the top of the walls are decorated and celebrate the progress of science.
- Wilder Hall of the Eye: This part is focused on the progress of tools used to observe the sky, such as the telescope, and the impact these had on the society.
- Ahmanson Hall of the Sky: Here the subject is the Sun and its interaction with the planet Earth. There’s also a section to observe in real time the movements of the Sun.
- South Gallery: This room shows ten iconic images about astronomy.
How to Get to the Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory has a pay parking, but that’s not very big and tends to get full quickly.
Pay parking can be found along West Observatory Road and Western Canyon Road too, slightly away from the Observatory.
A free solution is available on North Vermont Canyon Road. That’s a 20-minute walk uphill to the Observatory.
Urban Light
Urban Light is a splendid creation of the artist Chris Burden. It’s an installation composed by 202 streetlights restored from the beginning of the 20th century, which looks really cool especially if visited at night.
Urban Light is located right in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA and parking can be easily found in the nearby.
Day 2
Los Angeles
Other great attractions are on the list of any Los Angeles’ visitor.
These include trendy neighbourhoods and some of the most famous beaches in the world.
Here is the map of the second day:
Angel Wings Wall
If you’d like to take a picture with the famous angel wings in the City of Angels you should head to 7767 Melrose Avenue.
In the West Hollywood area, the whole Melrose Avenue is scattered with wonderful street art and it’s worth having a walk. Parking can be found in any of the streets nearby.
Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
The area bounded by Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard and North Crescent Drive forms the commercial neighbourhood of Beverly Hills and is known as “Golden Triangle”.
Popular movies and TV shows have made Beverly Hills renowned in the world.
On these streets, there are luxurious shops, restaurants and art galleries. The most illustrious artery is Rodeo Drive. Iconic, full of boutiques, high fashion brands as well as world-class jewellers.
Take same time to walk along the Walk of Style, the part of the Rodeo Drive that shows the names of people symbol of style and elegance carved on the ground.
Head to Beverly Gardens Park for the perfect picture, a nice green area with the iconic sign of Beverly Hills.
How to Get to the Beverly Hills
There are various parking options around Beverly Hills. We recommend the parking facility at 461 N Bedford Dr, where the first two hours are free.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is another area with a strong personality and a distinctive feature.
Beaches, murals and canals define this lively, well-known neighbourhood where the main streets are often crowded and people enjoy their lives mainly outdoor.
Start by walking along the Venice Ocean Front Walk, the pedestrian coastal avenue popular with both tourists and locals. Many bars, restaurants and shops are located here.
The most famous beach is Muscle Beach, close to Skate Park. There are good chances to find celebrities working out here, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Another nice walk is on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. An internal avenue, edged by beautiful palms, ideal for shopping among its both new and old buildings.
Finally, the Venice Canal Historic District is the lovely residential area designed with canals by Abbot Kinney in 1905 and it’s the reason why this place is called Venice.
How to Get to Venice Beach
Pay parking is available between Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Electric Avenue, or between Venice Boulevard and Santa Clara Avenue.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica evokes leisure, the beach, the pier and images related to the world of cinema.
Start with the pier, one of those classic attractions that any proper California tour should include. The pier is featured by the legendary sign “Route 66, end of the trail”, representing the end of mother road starting in Chicago.
Wander around Pacific Park, the amusement park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The only one of its kind in the American West Coast to be located on a pier. Its most representative point, the Ferris Wheel, is the icon of Santa Monica, and it lights up every night.
Have a walk along the splendid Santa Monica State Beach, a 5 km (3 miles) golden sand coastline accessible from dawn to sunset.
Ocean Avenue is a long and well-kept street parallel to the beach with restaurants, hotels, shops, trees and areas to walk and admire the coast.
Palisades Park can be reached via a staircase or an elevated bridge. From here, you can enjoy another great view of Santa Monica Bay and the sunset over the ocean.
It’s also worth it to spend some time in Downtown Santa Monica. There are three main streets: 3rd St. Promenade, a pedestrian avenue with shops and restaurants. The most famous place to shop is Santa Monica Place, a three-story outdoor mall.
Not far is Main Street, with other shops and restaurants, the Center for the Arts and the City Hall.
Within walking distance is also Montana Avenue, with other interesting boutiques.
How to Get to Santa Monica
Parking is available on the pier, open 24/7 with a cost of $3 per hour or $15 for the whole day in summer and $12 in winter.
If You Have More Time
This 2-day itinerary covers the essential that every first-time visitor should do in Los Angeles.
If you want to spend more time in the city, there are other fantastic activities, such as a theme park:
- Universal Studios Hollywood, if you love cinema and are looking for adrenalin experiences.
- Disneyland, completely focused on the Disney world, perfect if you’re travelling with children.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Los Angeles consists of a large area so it’s essential to choose the hotel/Airbnb based on your needs and plans.
The most convenient areas are those on the coast (such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach) and those around West Hollywood. By staying there, you’ll have to drive no more than 30 minutes to reach any destination.
- Hotels in Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- Airbnb in Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- Hotels in West Hollywood
- Airbnb in West Hollywood
Day 3
Death Valley
The next stop of the itinerary is Death Valley National Park.
Death Valley is one of the most incredible and suggestive American National Parks.
Located four hours’ drive away from Los Angeles, the park is indeed one of the wonders of nature, with its arid and desert-like landscape, its ancient lakes, now dried up, and its spectacular mountains of unusual conformations.
The park is one of the largest National Parks in the United States.
One thing to note is that it’s the warmest place in the United States; usually the temperature is around 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. The record, measured in July 1913, is 56 degrees Celsius or 133 degrees Fahrenheit).
The best time to visit is probably from October to May, when the temperatures are not so high. If you’re planning to do this itinerary during the summer, bear in mind that your visit to various points of interest might be limited to quick stops to take pictures.
Coming from Los Angeles, the trip starts from the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre, the main information point of the entire park, with also options for accommodation, shops, and a gas station.
Remember that there’s an entrance fee to pay when entering a US National Park!
You can easily pay at the Visitor Centre. Fees are $15 per person or $30 per vehicle
Alternatively, the annual pass will cost $80 and grants access to any National Park for one year (see here for more information).
Here is the map with the best things to visit on your first day at Death Valley.
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point is just 7 km (4.5 miles) from Furnace Creek Visitor Centre. A comfortable parking is located on site.
This is one of the most emblematic places in the South West. The geological peculiarity of the panorama it’s what makes this point stands out.
Climb the top of the hill where the belvedere appears and observe the greatness of this place.
Dante’s View
Dante’s View is a great vantage point located 32 km (20 miles) from Zabriskie Point.
Head there to get a quick and fascinating glimpse of the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Day 4
Death Valley
On the second day at Death Valley the highlights to see are as shown in the map below.
Mesquite Flat Dunes
Mesquite Flat Dunes is one of the first spots coming from the west along Highway 190.
These are 40 square km (25 square miles) of undulating sand dunes and are the most famous of the whole park.
When the heat is not excessive, try to reach the top of the highest dune (over 3 km or 1.9 miles both ways). It’s a wonderful experience.
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin is the lowest point of North America, located 61 km (38 miles) from Mesquite Flat Dunes.
A depression of 86 meters below sea level is what now remains of a large prehistoric salty lake, now completely drained.
At the end of Badwater Road, you will find a scenery of surreal beauty: the Badwater Salt Flats, a landscape almost lunar, where you live a unique atmosphere and a mysterious silence.
The parking lot is very close to the observation point, but you can also venture along the ground.
Artist’s Palette
There are some mountains in Death Valley so special that it seems that nature itself has started to paint. The result is Artist’s Palette, a truly unusual show of colourful rocks.
To reach the site, follow the Artist Drive, a wonderful scenic road. The duration of the loop is about 25 minutes and halfway is the observation point.
Park your car and venture to the top of these painted rocks.
Where to Stay in Death Valley
Like any other US National Park, there are two options: inside the park or outside the park.
Staying Inside Death Valley
The solution of sleeping inside the park is very suggestive and it’s the way to live an authentic experience, admire the stars and contemplate the nature (although the heat during the summer can be really suffocating!).
It’s necessary to book in advance and be prepared to spend more than the accommodations located outside the park.
Recommended options are:
- The Inn at Death Valley: wonderful hotel very closed to Zabriskie Point.
- The Ranch at Death Valley: less expensive but good quality.
Staying Outside Death Valley
Sleeping outside the park offers more and less expensive options. Most are located at least an hour away from the Visitor Centre.
A recommended option is Panamint Springs Resort.
Drive to Santa Barbara
Let’s say goodbye to the awesome Death Valley to approach the third milestone of this road trip: the stunning Californian Coast.
The next stop is Santa Barbara, which is around 5 hours away from Death Valley. You can either drive all the way to Santa Barbara or stop somewhere halfway if you prefer.
Day 5
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of the most fascinating destinations along the coast of California, with its beautiful beaches, palm trees, and ancient Hispanic-style buildings.
This is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Big Sur. You can spend the whole day chilling in one of its immense beaches. But what else can you do in one day in Santa Barbara?
Here is our list.
County Courthouse
Designed in the Spanish-Colonial style and completed in 1929, the still-functioning Courthouse is an iconic Santa Barbara landmark.
Located in Downtown Santa Barbara (1100 Anacapa St.), this building stands out for its sophisticated architecture, its murals, and its elegant furniture.
Go for a guided tour, it’s free! On the tour, docents provide an overview of the building’s architecture, share entertaining stories from its history and point out the most fascinating details.
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is open daily, including free drop-in tours, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and weekends 10 am to 4:30 pm. Tours start in the Mural Room on the second floor every day at 2 pm, and also at 10:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Moreover, don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the clock tower to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Santa Barbara.
Waterfront and State Street
Santa Barbara’s beautiful palm-fringed waterfront is ideal for an afternoon stroll. One of its piers, Stearns Wharf, is the oldest wooden pier in the entire state of California.
Here, in addition to a beautiful view of the ocean, you will find various restaurants and shops, among which the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. It’s usually crowded, and you will probably have to queue for a while if you want to get a taste of their crab.
In the evening, go for a walk on State Street, the liveliest street of the city, full of clubs, shops, and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
Day 6
Big Sur
Big Sur is one of the most famous scenic roads in the world, an impressive stretch of coastline and cliffs that rise above a rushing blue sea.
Big Sur runs through the Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, a twisting 1000 km (621 miles) road running through almost the entire coast of California, from Luis Obispo County (south of Los Angeles) to Mendocino County.
The road trip along Highway 1 offers plenty of pullover places from where you can admire the beauty of nature, spot wild animals, from endangered condors to migrating whales, and see famous scenic landmark such as Bixby Creek Bridge.
From Santa Barbara, the Pacific Coast Highway begins to show off its most majestic and impressive stretch of coastline, rising 500 to 1000 meters above the Pacific Ocean.
You will want to stop every 100 metres to watch the sea roaring. Here is our list of the most beautiful things to see!
Morro Bay
After 2 hours’ drive from Santa Barbara, Morro Bay will be the first stop, defined as the coastal city with the most characteristic panorama in San Luis Obispo County.
Stop to admire the iconic Morro Rock and stretch your legs by the sea! Morro Rock is the symbol of Morro Bay that stands on 200 meters (656 feet) high.
It’s possible to get closer to the base of the Rock, but climbing to the top is not allowed.
McWay Falls
McWay Falls Trail is one of the most photographed spots along Big Sur.
From Morro Bay, drive on the Pacific Coast Highway for an hour and 45 minutes and reach Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Leave the car in the pay parking.
Next to the parking lot begins a short trail of just over 1 km (0.6 miles) that will lead to the spectacular cliff from which to spot the McWay Falls, falling directly into the ocean.
If you are lucky enough, in the spring months you could also spot some whales!
Partington Cove
Partington Cove Trail is less beaten than McWay Falls Trail, but equally fascinating.
It’s a rather short, albeit slightly steep, trail that from Highway 1 leads down to a scenic beach. At a certain point, the trail is divided in two paths. They lead to scenic points so make sure to do both!
Partington Cove is only at a 3 minutes’ drive from the McWay Falls.
Pfeiffer Beach
Drive 35 more kilometres (22 miles) and get to Pfeiffer Beach, which deserves a special mention not only for its romantic atmosphere, but also because of its unusual purple sand!
The purple colour is due to the surrounding manganese hills. From the beach, contemplate the impressive rock arch against which the thundering waves break.
If you get there by the sunset, enjoy a greatly unique atmosphere! You can also finally put your photographic talent into practice, trying to capture one of the most beautiful sunsets.
If you are looking for the perfect place for a lunch break or a drink, Nepenthe (15 minutes from Pfeiffer Beach, direction Partington Cove) is one of the best choices.
From the restaurant, enjoy truly amazing views on the surrounding landscape.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Last but not least, the super famous Bixby Creek Bridge, known simply as Bixby Bridge, a bridge built in 1932 that reveals remarkable scenic views.
Just park along the road and enjoy the panorama.
Drive to Monterey
Reach Monterey Bay in around 30 minutes. We recommend to stay here overnight as it’s the perfect place to start exploring the second part of the Californian Coast and it offers plenty of options for restaurants and bars.
Where to Stay in Monterey
Day 7
Monterey Peninsula
Thanks to its location, the Monterey Peninsula is one of the most beaten stopping points of Californian road trips. This is in fact a fascinating area, made of rocks, cypresses and cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Here’s the daily itinerary:
Monterey
The town of Monterey is well known for its historical importance: in the past, it was the capital of California and the ancient glories are still present in the form of historic buildings that can be found all over the city. Follow the Path of History, a path that connects the historical sites of the city.
Don’t miss a stroll on the Fisherman’s Wharf, the famous pier, and a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row), one of the best aquariums of the West Coast, with an impressive variety of marine species.
17-Mile Road
Another reason why it’s worth it to stop in Monterey is to visit its surroundings.
One of the best experiences is probably the road trip along one of the most scenic roads in the United States: the 17-Mile Drive.
The road passes through dramatic coastal cliffs, white beaches and iconic golf courses, leading to some very enchanting locations, including Pebble Beach and its romantic views on the ocean, the Lone Cypress Tree and finally Pacific Grove, a suggestive town characterized by many historic buildings and a beautiful coastline.
Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $10.50 per vehicle (motorcycles are not permitted).
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Driving the 17-Mile Road, will bring to the fairy-tale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea (3.9 km or 2.4 miles from Pebble Beach).
Nestled on the gentle cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, this unique village is famous for its neat streets, chic shops, and fairy-tale-like cottages.
It’s quite a small town easily admirable on foot. During your walk, numerous cafes, art galleries, shops, and authentic restaurants will attract you.
Point Lobos
Point Lobos is a State Park located south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The park offers unique views of the Pacific Ocean with large forests, beautiful trails and small coves.
The park is open every day of the year from 8 am to 5 pm. There is a pay parking inside the park but bear in mind that the capacity is limited to 150 cars only. If you can’t find a spot there, you will have to drive back and park along the road, as many others will do.
Hiking is one of the most satisfying activities that can be done in the park. Some of the best trails are:
- Sea Lion Point Trail leads to a coastal area of the park where you can spot a variety of sea lions.
- Bird Island Trail, along which you can admire two beautiful snow-white sand beaches. These are China Cove (particularly renowned for the emerald colour of the water) and Gibson Beach. Both beaches are freely accessible and swimming is allowed. Be careful though, the waters of the Pacific Ocean are said to be particularly cold even in late summer!
- Pelican Point, from which you can observe from afar the so-called Bird Island, which, during the summer, hosts a large colony of birds ready to make their nest.
Drive to Yosemite National Park
The next stop will be another majestic US National Park, Yosemite.
The trip will take around four hours if you decide to stay inside the park or around three hours if you opt to stay in a town outside.
Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Same as Death Valley, there are options inside and outside the park.
Staying Inside Yosemite
Staying inside Yosemite can be a great idea, as long as you book well in advance and are willing to spend a fairly high amount. The hotels to consider are as follows:
- Majestic Yosemite Hotel: also known as “The Ahwahnee”, it’s the flagship of the park, located right in the heart of the valley.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: perfect for groups and families, closed to the Yosemite Falls Trail.
Staying Outside Yosemite
Sleeping outside the park offers more and less expensive options.
Coming from the Monterey Peninsula, the best towns to stay are El Portal (30 minutes away) and Mariposa (one hour away).
Day 8
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most fascinating natural parks in the United States.
Here mountains, waterfalls, granite monoliths and dizzying peaks form a breath-taking landscape. The park is, since 1864, a protected natural area of the United States.
It’s part of Yosemite Valley, a valley that was created thanks to the erosion of the glaciers of the Merced River and the detachment of granite blocks, which produced the fascinating monoliths that populate this beautiful natural area today.
Yosemite Park is immense and in one day, you can only experience one major trail and one minor trail, in addition to the viewpoints. In a 10-day California trip, we designed only a day for Yosemite, but if you have more time or want to explore further there are plenty of things to do for two or three days too.
Winter is a great time to visit Yosemite, but bear in mind the following:
- Tioga Road is closed. This will not affect your visit as this itinerary is structured as to avoid taking this road.
- Glacier Point Road is closed. Unfortunately, one of the best viewpoints of the park is closed on winter.
- Snow chains are compulsory and must be carried on the car. No need to wrap them around the tires unless you’re facing adverse weather conditions.
If you’re staying in Mariposa, you can easily rent the chains for the day at Stage Stop Mini Mart and return them back at the end of your visit.
So, what are the must-see of this fantastic park? Here is our list:
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a must-stop for any first-time visit to Yosemite Valley. It will be your fist stop in the park, just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41.
No hiking is required; you simply park at one of the lots and make your way to the vista.
Yosemite Waterfalls
You can admire several spectacular waterfalls at Yosemite Park.
Some of them, like the Bridal Veil Falls or the Lower Yosemite Falls, are reachable with an easy walk of only 15 to 30 minutes. Others, such as the Upper Falls, require a longer and challenging walk.
El Capitan
There are in total 8 granite monoliths in Yosemite Park and El Capitan is the symbol, being one of the highest granite monoliths in the world (1,100 meters or 3,600 feet).
To see El Capitan, just drive along El Portal Road, the road that leads from the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite Valley.
Half Dome
Half Dome is an immense granite peak, almost 270 meters (886 feet) high which, when viewed from the profile, appears as if cut in half.
The cut wall is the chimera of many climbers. The trail to the top of Half Dome is one of the most difficult routes of Yosemite National Park.
Best Hiking Trails
The best daily hiking trails that we recommend are:
Upper Yosemite Falls
- Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 823 meters (2,700 feet)
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
The trail that will take you to the top of the Upper Falls and is one of the oldest in the entire park, one of the most loved by hikers who want to visit Yosemite.
The view from the top is unforgettable!
Mirror Lake Trail
- Distance: 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 30 meters (100 feet)
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
In around 30 min, you will reach Mirror Lake, where the Half Dome is reflected on the water surface.
You can also circumnavigate the lake, but this will take a couple of hours more.
Lower Yosemite Falls
- Distance: 1.6 km (1.0 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 15 meters (50 feet)
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
The Lower Yosemite Falls are the lowest rung of the waterfall, located at a height of 98 meters (320 feet).
The trail that leads to the Lower Falls is an easy and short circular path and it’s mostly flat.
Drive to San Francisco
The last stop of this itinerary will be San Francisco, one of the most important city in the US and in the world.
The journey from Yosemite to San Francisco will take around four hours, so if you’re tired of the intense hikes, you can stop halfway.
Unlike Los Angeles, driving isn’t the best option in San Francisco and we recommend to drop off the car as soon as you arrive. Most of the attractions can be easily reached on foot or with public transport.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
The most convenient areas are those around Fisherman’s Wharf and the residential neighbour of Nob Hill. These are safe areas and every major attraction are at walking distance.
- Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf
- Airbnb in Fisherman’s Wharf
- Hotels around Nob Hill
- Airbnb around Nob Hill
Day 9
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the liveliest cities in the United States for its variety of attractions and things to see.
It’s one of the most fascinating cities in the world, a stop you cannot miss if you are planning a trip to California.
Attracting more than 20 million visitors every year, few places in the world are as eccentric as San Francisco, located on its famous Bay, an authentic jewel.
We recommend spending at least two days in San Francisco. These will cover the highlights, but three days will be necessary to include a visit to other nearby neighbourhoods.
The itinerary of the first day includes the two main symbols of the city: Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge.
Alcatraz
San Francisco Bay is home to Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous prison that closed in 1963. You can take a tour of about an hour on the island, accompanied by an audio guide.
Bear in mind that this is a very popular attraction so it’s better to book your ticket at least one month prior to your visit.
The prison of Alcatraz is the most famous Penitentiary in the United States. Many of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, have served their sentences here. Most of them died because of various failed escape attempts.
The prison is located on an island known as “The Rock”, off the Bay of San Francisco. The location itself is what made Alcatraz one of the most difficult prisons to escape from.
The island was initially used as a lighthouse station and was only later converted into a prison (first military and since 1934 as a maximum-security detention centre).
The island was indeed so inhospitable that basic items such as clothing, food, and drinking water had to be transported daily from the city of San Francisco. For this reason, managing costs started to increase over and over, to the extent that some argued that it would have been cheaper to let inmates stay in a luxury hotel than in Alcatraz!
In 1963, the prison was officially closed because of the high managing costs.
How to Plan Your Visit to Alcatraz
You can either do a cruise around the island or visit the penitentiary.
If you are interested in the latter option, you can do it exclusively through the ferries of Alcatraz Cruises departing from Pier 33.
In addition to transportation to the island, Alcatraz Cruises offer audio guides that you can take advantage of if you want to hear some history during your visit inside the penitentiary.
For more info, visit their website.
Due to high demand, it’s recommended to book at least one month in advance.
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is one of the iconic symbols of United States and the most notorious attraction of San Francisco.
The best view is from Battery Spencer, on the north end. To get there take a bus from San Francisco (various locations and lines are available, see this website for more information) and get off at Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point.
If you decide to take an Uber, bear in mind that there will be an additional fee of $8.70 for the bridge toll. If you’d like to cross the bridge on foot, this might be a great idea to enjoy the atmosphere on the bay and it will take around an hour, each way.
This is a good strategic point to take pictures to the bridge, but the best view is on Battery Spencer. From the Vista Point, cross the road and walk about 15 minutes uphill until the view on the bridge and the bay area opens in front of you.
On the south end, nice pictures can be taken from Fort Point National Historic Site.
These two vista points allow you to see the bridge from two different perspectives; if yet, two perspectives are not enough, another great site to see the bridge is Baker Beach, where you can enjoy the sunset by the sea.
Day 10
San Francisco
On the second day, let’s explore the city and its characteristics corners.
Here is the map.
Cable Cars
Together with Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars are the most famous feature of San Francisco.
These have been designed at the end of the 19th century to create a system that would adapt to the particular conformity of the city’s territory and allow its citizens to move safely among the peculiar streets of San Francisco.
What’s interesting is that Cable Cars work without using an engine.
The price of a single journey is $7 and the service operates every day from 6 am to midnight, approximately every 10 minutes.
We recommend starting at the stop Powell St & Market St (red line Powell/Hyde) and getting off at Lombard Street, from which you’ll have a wonderful view on a part of San Francisco and on the Bay.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is a unique street and it’s perhaps one of the most photographed streets in the world, thanks to its famous hairpin bends.
Lombard Street is a long street of almost 5 km (3 miles) that from Pioneer Park goes all the way to Lincoln Blvd in the Great Presidio Park.
However, it’s only the well-known portion of it located in Russian Hill, between Hyde St and Leavenworth St, that you want to visit.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Fisherman’s Wharf is probably one of San Francisco’s most boisterous areas.
It’s a docking point for fishing boats as well as sea lions, but above all it’s an area full of shops, clubs, and restaurants.
The most visited area is Pier 39, where you can find the most extravagant shops, listen to street musicians, or watch magic shows.
The pier is also famous for its great concentration of sunbathing sea lions!
North Beach
North Beach district is a nerve-racking area also known as “Little Italy”.
The Italian vocation of the district, testified by several Italian restaurants, is due to the reconstruction that took place after the earthquake of 1906, which brought many Italians to move to this area. Among them, a name you might recognise is Joe Di Maggio who lived in these streets with Marilyn Monroe.
Another period of great importance for North Beach was the years between the ’50s and ’60s, when the neighbourhood became home of The Beat Generation artists, including Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and Neal Cassady.
Don’t miss City Lights Bookstore, that used to be somewhat the operating centre of The Beat Generation. At the corner between the bookstore and the Vesuvius Cafe is Jack Kerouac Alley, an alley entirely covered with murals dedicated to the great writer.
Coit Tower
Built in 1934, Coit Tower is a 64 meters (210 feet) high tower surrounded by a nearly 5-acre park, Pioneer Park.
From this Art-Deco tower you can enjoy 360-degree views of the entire city, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Located on the top of a hill, the tower is visible in the San Francisco skyline, making it one of the main attractions and among the most visited places in the city.
To reach the tower, you can take a beautiful panoramic walk uphill, along the east side of the Hill, using the stairs of Filbert Street and passing the Grace Marchant Garden, or using the stairs of Greenwich Street. Both paths offer amazing views of the elegant private gardens.
Coit Tower’s opening times are:
- from 10 am to 6 pm from April to October
- from 10 am to 5 pm from November to March
Cost of tickets is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors over 62 years and for teens between 12-17 years and $2 for children between 5-11 years. Children under 5 years don’t pay.
China Town
Have a stroll along Grant Avenue until the famous Dragon Gate opens in front of you.
Many Asian shops and restaurant are located here and create a folkloristic atmosphere.
Union Square
The Dragon Gate is only 5 minutes away from Union Square, the shopping district of San Francisco and iconic landmark of the city.
Have a walk around the square, Macy’s and the various other shopping centres.
Best Time to Visit California
California is a year-round destination and a visit is perfect in every season.
This itinerary applies for every month, but especially during the winter, which is the perfect time to visit Death Valley. Temperatures never go below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) for all the stops of this trip, except for the highest points in Yosemite.
Tioga Road is the highway that links Yosemite directly to Death Valley in around four hours. This road is closed during the winter. Therefore, this itinerary applies perfectly for the coldest months.
When Tioga Road is open (May to October), it’s better to change the itinerary to make it a loop starting and ending in Los Angeles (or San Francisco).
If you’re planning to travel during the warmest months, check out our specific itinerary:
California Road Trip: 11-Day Itinerary
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