11 day itinerary
California
Personalized with:CoastRedwoodsNational parksStart flying Columbus, OH to Burbank, CA
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 . Buckle up, because this is going to be a fantastic journey!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in , CA. Pick up your rental car and get ready for your adventure!
- Afternoon: Head to . Hike up to for stunning views of the Hollywood sign and the city.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in . 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 and its gardens.
- Afternoon: Stroll along 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
- Morning: Depart Santa Barbara and head to (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the charming town of Solvang on the way for some Danish pastries!
- Afternoon: Explore downtown , visit the famous , and check out the local shops.
- Evening: Have dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant. Overnight in .
Day 4: to Big Sur
- Morning: Drive along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) to Big Sur (about 1.5 hours). Stop at in San Simeon if time allows.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Big Sur and visit in . 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 .
- Afternoon: Explore and take a scenic drive along , stopping at .
- Evening: Head to 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 and 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 (book tickets in advance!). Explore the historic prison and enjoy the views of the city.
- Afternoon: Walk across the and visit the 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
- Morning: Depart for (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 !
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation near the park. Enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.
Day 9: Explore
- All Day: Spend the day exploring . Hike the and visit the . 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: to
- Morning: Depart for (about 5-6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Afternoon: Arrive at . Spend some time at the beach or take a scenic boat ride on the lake.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight in .
Day 11: to
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a morning hike or some last-minute lake activities.
- Afternoon: Start your drive back to (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 .
- 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! 🌲🌊🏞️