18 day itinerary
California
Personalized with:National parks
Itinerary
California is a treasure trove of stunning national parks, and with 18 days, you can explore a fantastic mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that will take you through some of the best national parks in California. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
- Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the iconic . Don’t miss the !
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at and take a stroll along to see the sea lions.
Day 2: San Francisco to
- Morning: Drive to (about 4 hours). Stop for lunch in Mariposa.
- Afternoon: Enter Yosemite and visit the . Check out and .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation in or near the park. Enjoy a campfire if you’re camping!
Day 3:
- All Day: Hike the to Vernal and . It’s a challenging hike but oh-so-rewarding! Pack a picnic lunch.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the sunset at .
Day 4:
- Morning: Explore the . Don’t miss the !
- Afternoon: Visit the and learn about the park’s photography history.
- Evening: Head back to your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 5: Yosemite to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the , the largest tree on Earth!
- Evening: Explore the and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 6:
- All Day: Hike the Congress Trail and enjoy the beauty of the giant sequoias.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and share stories around the campfire.
Day 7: Sequoia to
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes).
- Afternoon: Explore the scenic drive along the . Stop at .
- Evening: Settle in for the night at a lodge or campsite.
Day 8:
- All Day: Hike the for stunning views of the canyon.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation.
Day 9: Kings Canyon to
- Morning: Drive to (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Stop at to get oriented. Explore , the lowest point in North America.
- Evening: Watch the sunset at . It’s breathtaking!
Day 10:
- All Day: Explore the park! Visit for panoramic views and hike to see the colorful rock formations.
- Evening: Stargazing in Death Valley is a must! The night sky is incredible.
Day 11: Death Valley to
- Morning: Drive to (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and hike the .
- Evening: Settle in for the night at a nearby hotel or campsite.
Day 12:
- All Day: Explore more of Joshua Tree! Hike to and enjoy rock climbing or bouldering if you’re up for it.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset at for a stunning view of the Coachella Valley.
Day 13: Joshua Tree to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit and explore its gardens and museums.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the and take a stroll along the waterfront.
Day 14: to
- Morning: Take a ferry from Ventura to (check ferry schedules).
- Afternoon: Explore . Hike to the for stunning ocean views.
- Evening: Return to Ventura and stay overnight.
Day 15: Channel Islands to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit and hike to for a great view of the Hollywood sign.
- Evening: Explore and have dinner at a local eatery.
Day 16: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 6 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and hike the .
- Evening: Stay overnight in a nearby town like Inverness.
Day 17: Point Reyes to San Francisco
- Morning: Explore more of Point Reyes, perhaps visit for some fresh oysters.
- Afternoon: Drive back to San Francisco (about 1.5 hours).
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city.
Day 18: Departure from San Francisco
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit the or take a walk along the .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! An 18-day adventure through California’s stunning national parks and vibrant cities. Each day is packed with exploration, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🌊🏞️