20 day itinerary
California
Personalized with:Traveling to start January 10, hoping tdInclude national parksInclude san diegoN driving days over 5 houts
Itinerary
California is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and incredible experiences. With 20 days to explore, you can really dive into the beauty of the Golden State. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes national parks, , and keeps your driving days under 5 hours. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in (January 10)
- Morning: Arrive in . Settle into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore . Check out the Walk of Fame and .
- Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant in West Hollywood. Maybe try some tacos!
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit for stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
- Afternoon: Head to the to enjoy art and beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Stroll through and grab dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Day 3: to (2 hours)
- Morning: Depart for . Arrive and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit , explore the gardens, and check out a museum or two.
- Evening: Dinner in the , known for its vibrant nightlife.
Day 4:
- Morning: Spend the day at , one of the best in the world!
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the zoo or relax at a nearby café.
- Evening: Head to for sunset and dinner with ocean views.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit for stunning views and a bit of history.
- Afternoon: Explore the beaches of . Rent a bike or just relax on the sand.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 6: to (3 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Joshua Tree. Arrive and set up camp or check into a nearby hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the park. Hike the .
- Evening: Stargazing in the park—it's a designated Dark Sky Park!
Day 7:
- Morning: Hike to and see the unique rock formations.
- Afternoon: Visit for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a campfire or dinner in town.
Day 8: Joshua Tree to (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Death Valley. Arrive and check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit and the Visitor Center.
- Evening: Explore , the lowest point in North America, and catch the sunset.
Day 9:
- Morning: Visit for sunrise.
- Afternoon: Explore and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, then relax under the stars.
Day 10: Death Valley to (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for . Arrive and check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the and see the .
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in the park or nearby.
Day 11:
- Morning: Hike the Congress Trail to see more giant sequoias.
- Afternoon: Visit Moro Rock for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 12: Sequoia to (1 hour)
- Morning: Short drive to Kings Canyon. Explore the area.
- Afternoon: Hike the for stunning views.
- Evening: Camp or stay in a lodge nearby.
Day 13: Kings Canyon to (3 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Yosemite. Arrive and check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit and see iconic sites like and .
- Evening: Dinner in the park or nearby.
Day 14:
- Morning: Hike to Yosemite Falls or take a leisurely stroll around the valley.
- Afternoon: Explore Glacier Point for incredible views.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Day 15: Yosemite to San Francisco (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for San Francisco. Arrive and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Don’t forget to see the sea lions!
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant with a view of the bay.
Day 16: San Francisco
- Morning: Walk across the .
- Afternoon: Explore and visit the .
- Evening: Dinner in Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest in North America.
Day 17: San Francisco to (2.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for . Arrive and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Stroll along and enjoy dinner.
Day 18: to (1 hour)
- Morning: Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to .
- Afternoon: Stop at and hike in .
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a restaurant with ocean views.
Day 19: to Santa Barbara (4 hours)
- Morning: Depart for Santa Barbara. Arrive and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the beautiful courthouse.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 20: Santa Barbara to (2 hours)
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping.
- Afternoon: Depart for . Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit or the .
- Evening: Departure from .
And there you have it! A fabulous 20-day itinerary that takes you through some of California's most stunning national parks and vibrant cities. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌞🌲🌊