11 day itinerary
San Francisco
Personalized with:See national parksPacific coast driveInclude redwoods NP, yosemite, sequoia, Include lassen park
Itinerary
An 11-day adventure in and around , with a focus on national parks and the stunning Pacific Coast Drive, sounds like a fantastic journey! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, nature, and some of the best sights California has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to for lunch. Try some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!
- Evening: Stroll along , watch the sea lions, and enjoy the sunset views over the bay. Consider a ride on a cable car for that classic experience.
Day 2: Explore
- Morning: Visit . Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
- Afternoon: Explore the for some vibrant street art and grab lunch at one of the local taquerias.
- Evening: Head to the . Walk or bike across for stunning views, then enjoy dinner in the nearby .
Day 3: to
- Morning: Drive to Point Reyes (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the .
- Afternoon: Hike the for breathtaking coastal views and maybe spot some tule elk!
- Evening: Return to for dinner or stay overnight in Point Reyes if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Depart early for (about 5-6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 101.
- Afternoon: Arrive and explore the . Don’t forget to take a picture with the towering redwoods!
- Evening: Settle into a cozy lodge or campsite in the park. Enjoy a campfire if you’re camping!
Day 5:
- All Day: Spend the day hiking in the park. Consider the , where you’ll walk through a lush canyon with walls covered in ferns. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the redwoods. Stargazing here is phenomenal!
Day 6: Redwood National Park to
- Morning: Depart for (about 3-4 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive.
- Afternoon: Arrive and explore the area to see the geothermal features.
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation nearby. Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a short hike if time allows.
Day 7:
- All Day: Spend the day hiking! The is a must-see for its geothermal features. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax.
Day 8: Lassen to
- Morning: Depart for (about 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive and head to . Visit iconic spots like and .
- Evening: Check into your accommodation. Enjoy dinner at the historic or a nearby lodge.
Day 9:
- All Day: Explore Yosemite! Hike to Yosemite Falls or take the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Don’t forget your camera!
- Evening: Enjoy a ranger-led program if available, or relax under the stars.
Day 10: Yosemite to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2-3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the to see the , the largest tree on Earth!
- Evening: Stay overnight in the park or nearby. Enjoy the peacefulness of the forest.
Day 11: Sequoia to
- Morning: Take a final morning hike in Sequoia, perhaps to for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Begin your drive back to (about 4-5 hours).
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the city. Consider a nice restaurant in the Mission or North Beach.
Bonus Tips:
- Packing: Bring layers! The weather can change quickly, especially in the parks.
- Reservations: Make sure to book accommodations in advance, especially in national parks.
- Park Pass: Consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
This itinerary gives you a wonderful mix of city life and breathtaking nature, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, exploring, and soaking in the beauty of California. Enjoy your adventure! 🌲🚗🌊