11 day itinerary for California

Itinerary

California is a treasure trove of stunning coastlines, majestic redwoods, and breathtaking national parks. Let’s craft an 11-day itinerary that will take you on an unforgettable adventure, starting from Burbank. Buckle up, because this is going to be a fantastic journey!

## Day 1: Arrival in Burbank

• Morning: Arrive in Burbank, CA. Pick up your rental car and get ready for your adventure!
• Afternoon: Head to Griffith Park. Hike up to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the Hollywood sign and the city.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in Burbank. Try out some classic California cuisine!

## Day 2: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

• Morning: Drive to Santa Barbara (about 1.5 hours). Explore the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission and its gardens.
• Afternoon: Stroll along Stearns Wharf and grab lunch at one of the seafood restaurants.
• Evening: Relax on the beach and watch the sunset. Overnight in Santa Barbara.

## Day 3: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

• Morning: Depart Santa Barbara and head to San Luis Obispo (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the charming town of Solvang on the way for some Danish pastries!
• Afternoon: Explore downtown San Luis Obispo, visit the famous Bubblegum Alley, and check out the local shops.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant. Overnight in San Luis Obispo.

## Day 4: San Luis Obispo to Big Sur

• Morning: Drive along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) to Big Sur (about 1.5 hours). Stop at Hearst Castle in San Simeon if time allows.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Big Sur and visit McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Take in the breathtaking views!
• Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant with ocean views. Overnight in Big Sur.

## Day 5: Big Sur to Monterey/Carmel

• Morning: Continue your drive along the coast to Monterey (about 30 minutes). Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
• Afternoon: Explore Cannery Row and take a scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive, stopping at Pebble Beach.
• Evening: Head to Carmel-by-the-Sea for dinner and a stroll through this charming town. Overnight in Monterey/Carmel.

## Day 6: Monterey to San Francisco

• Morning: Depart for San Francisco (about 2 hours). Stop at Santa Cruz on the way to check out the boardwalk.
• Afternoon: Arrive in San Francisco. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see the sea lions.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the North Beach area (Little Italy). Overnight in San Francisco.

## Day 7: Explore San Francisco

• Morning: Visit Alcatraz Island (book tickets in advance!). Explore the historic prison and enjoy the views of the city.
• Afternoon: Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the Presidio for some beautiful views and trails.
• Evening: Dinner in the Mission District, known for its vibrant food scene. Overnight in San Francisco.

## Day 8: San Francisco to Redwood National Park

• Morning: Depart for Redwood National Park (about 5-6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through Northern California.
• Afternoon: Arrive at the park and take a leisurely hike among the towering redwoods. Don’t miss the Tall Trees Grove!
• Evening: Settle into your accommodation near the park. Enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.

## Day 9: Explore Redwood National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring Redwood National Park. Hike the Fern Canyon Trail and visit the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
• Evening: Have a picnic dinner in the park or head back to your accommodation for a cozy meal. Overnight near the park.

## Day 10: Redwood National Park to Lake Tahoe

• Morning: Depart for Lake Tahoe (about 5-6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Tahoe. Spend some time at the beach or take a scenic boat ride on the lake.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight in Lake Tahoe.

## Day 11: Lake Tahoe to Burbank

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a morning hike or some last-minute lake activities.
• Afternoon: Start your drive back to Burbank (about 7-8 hours). Take breaks along the way to stretch and enjoy the scenery.
• Evening: Return your rental car and catch your flight back to Columbus, OH.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and road conditions, especially along the coast and in the national parks.
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
• Don’t forget your camera! California’s landscapes are incredibly photogenic.

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip! California is full of wonders, and you’re going to have an amazing time exploring the coast, redwoods, and national parks. Safe travels! 🌲🌊🏞️