11 day itinerary
San Francisco
Personalized with:Start in san francisco, drive to big surSequoia NP, king NP, yosemite, lassen, rRedwoods
Itinerary
An 11-day adventure through and the stunning natural wonders of California sounds like a dream! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances city exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most iconic national parks. Buckle up, because this is going to be an unforgettable journey!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to for a leisurely lunch. Don’t miss the 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 the historic cable cars for a quintessential experience.
Day 2: Explore
- Morning: Visit . Book your tickets in advance to explore the infamous prison and enjoy the audio tour.
- Afternoon: Head to the for lunch and check out the vibrant murals. Grab a famous Mission burrito!
- Evening: Explore the district, known for its hippie culture. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery and maybe catch some live music.
Day 3: &
- Morning: Spend the morning in . Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Drive across the to the . Enjoy stunning views and maybe a short hike.
- Evening: Return to the city and have dinner in the North Beach area, known for its Italian cuisine.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Depart and start your drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Stop at for breakfast.
- Afternoon: Continue your drive, stopping at for lunch and a stroll on the boardwalk.
- Evening: Arrive in . Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner with a view at Nepenthe or another local spot.
Day 5: Exploration
- Morning: Visit for a hike. Don’t miss the iconic !
- Afternoon: Explore the coastline, stopping at various viewpoints like and .
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Depart and head towards . Stop for breakfast in a charming town like San Luis Obispo.
- Afternoon: Arrive at . Visit the and see the , the largest tree on Earth!
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation in or near the park and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Day 7: Sequoia to
- Morning: Explore more of , perhaps hiking to Moro Rock for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Drive to . Visit and see more giant sequoias.
- Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner in the park or dine at a nearby lodge.
Day 8: Kings Canyon to
- Morning: Depart Kings Canyon and head to . Stop for breakfast in a quaint town along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Yosemite. Visit the iconic , see and , and take a short hike to .
- Evening: Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at the historic if you can!
Day 9: Full Day in Yosemite
- Morning: Spend the day exploring Yosemite. Consider a hike to for breathtaking views or a more leisurely walk in the valley.
- Afternoon: Visit to see the giant sequoias.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax after a day of adventure.
Day 10: Yosemite to
- Morning: Depart Yosemite and head towards . Stop for breakfast in a charming town.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lassen. Explore the geothermal features, including and .
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening in the park.
Day 11: Lassen to Redwoods and Departure
- Morning: Depart Lassen and head towards the Redwoods. Stop for breakfast along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the majestic . Take a scenic drive and hike among the towering trees.
- Evening: Depending on your flight schedule, you can either head back to or stay in the area for one last night under the redwoods.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and road conditions, especially in the national parks.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Yosemite and .
- Pack layers, as temperatures can vary greatly in the parks.
This itinerary offers a mix of urban exploration and stunning natural beauty, ensuring you get the most out of your 11 days in California. Enjoy your adventure! 🌲🌊🏞️