My favorite way to see California is by driving through it. Even thought I was born and raised here, it still doesn’t cease to impress me with its diverse landscape, where you can find desert, ocean, and mountains within a few hours of each other. The classic Highway 1 road trip itinerary is one option for those who have less time, though to get a better understanding of California, it’s important to venture away from the coast. Here’s a 10-day California road trip itinerary that will take you from the mountains to the desert, ending up in a coastal destination so you can see the beach after all.
First, let’s discuss some logistics to make sure you make the most of your road trip through the Golden State.
Best time to plan your California road trip itinerary
September to early October is an ideal time to go. During this time, California is experiencing late summer weather in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the national parks are less crowded. Summer weather can be cold, especially since San Francisco tends to be extra foggy during the summer months, and Los Angeles experiences June Gloom, where days can be chilly and overcast.
California has a Mediterranean climate, which gives the state dry summers and rainy winters. Right before the rainy season starts in mid to late October, it’s important to take advantage of the ideal seasonal weather around the state. May is also a good time to plan a California trip, but depending on the severity of the rainy season, roads to national parks like Yosemite can still be closed. Late summer to early autumn is going to be your best bet.
The best California road trip route
I recommend starting in San Francisco for your 10 days in California road trip, just because it’s a smaller, more manageable city than Los Angeles. You will not have to deal with the headache of Los Angeles traffic (though San Francisco does have its fair share of backups). You can also ditch your car and use public transportation to easily zip around the city. It will be a nice break before spending the next week and a half on the road. Ending your road trip in Los Angeles is nice because this city has plenty of pretty beaches and an easy-going Southern California way of life that you can embrace before heading back home.
San Francisco
2 days
This is the ideal city to get your bearings in, spoil yourself at all the good San Francisco restaurants, and visit the diverse neighborhoods that each feel like entering a different world. You can get in plenty of steps in this walkable city, where you can quickly log in your daily 10,000 before you know it.
What to see:
Start in the center of it all, in Union Square, where you will be surrounded by department store giants like Macy’s (head to the upper floors for aerial views of the square). Afterward, explore nearby historical neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach. On the second day, hop on a ferry and cross the bay to Sausalito, a small seaside city that boasts a stunning view of SF and the bay.
Where to eat:
Treat yourself to a dim sum brunch at Dragon Beaux (or hot pot in the evenings) in the Outer Richmond, get your fill of carbs at Tartine Bakery in the Mission, and eat your way through the Ferry Building restaurants, with a view of the Bay Bridge in the background. For dinner, try Foreign Cinema, if you want to get fancy.
Where to stay:
For mid-range options, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman’s Wharf or the Marriott Courtyard San Francisco Union Square are solid choices.
Travel tip: take BART back to airport to pick up your rental car right before you hit the road. Having a car in San Francisco for the few days you’re visiting is usually a bigger headache than it’s worth with parking. Local public transportation and ride-sharing services will get you everywhere you need to go.
The beautiful city of San Francisco should definitely be on your 10-day California road trip itinerary.
Driving time from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe is around 3.5 hours. If time permits, stop in Sacramento for lunch!
Lake Tahoe
2 Days
Head to the Bay Area’s favorite mountain getaway, where in the winter it’s popular for winter sports and the summer for outdoor activities around the lake. Note there are two sides of Tahoe: the North Shore is quieter, more spread out, and nature-oriented, while the South Shore has a more touristy vibe with a lively nightlife with the bars, casinos and resorts of Stateline and South Tahoe. The distance between the two locations is around an hour, so it’s important to choose which area best suits your needs.
What to see:
Plan a day hike in either Emerald Bay State Park or neighboring D.L. Bliss State Park in the southwestern corner of the lake. If you prefer a more sedentary activity, float down the Truckee River, which flows out of the northwestern corner of the lake. Take the second day easy, and visit the Alpine Village at Squaw Valley, where there are shops, restaurants, and free summer concerts. During the summer, visit King’s Beach in North Tahoe, a family-friend stretch of sand, where you can rent SUPs or kayaks to bob on the lake for a few hours.
Where to eat:
Artemis Lakefront Café is a great place to grab Mediterranean food with a lake view on the South Shore. There are two Artemis cafes, so make sure to choose the one at Ski Run Marina for a memorable view. Fire Sign Café is a reliable choice on the North Shore in Tahoe City for brunch.
Where to stay:
For the South Shore the boutique hotel Basecamp South is a lively spot to call home for a few days. On the North Shore the Best Western Plus Truckee has a reasonable price and includes breakfast. There are also vacation rentals in popular areas like Incline Village and Kings Beach as well in North Tahoe.
Travel tip: double check park closures, since some close in September, but it depends on the weather. Also, make sure not to overdue it, since the 6,255 foot elevation can affect some people, especially during physical activity.
Driving time from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is around 2.5 hours to the entrance of the park. If time permits, stop at Mono Lake, a saline body of water, which is known for its columns of limestone growing out of the water.
Yosemite National Park
2 Days
It’s hard to plan a California road trip and miss this iconic national park. The trick to having a successful trip to Yosemite is meticulous planning and more planning. The best time to visit is May or September when there are less crowds and the weather isn’t too hot. The difference between these two times is that during May the waterfalls will be in full flow as the snow melts, but in September there isn’t as much water after a dry summer, but the scenery is still stunning.
What to see:
On your way into the park turn onto CA Highway 41, and follow the sign that is marked Bridalvail Fall. Right before you reach the Wawona Tunnel, pull off into the parking lot and you’ll be rewarded with the classic Yosemite Tunnel View that Ansel Adams made famous and includes El Capitan, Bridevail Fall, and Half Dome. Once in the valley, start at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, to get your bearings. Explore the valley, whether you go on the walking paths of Tuolumme Meadows (open from late May or early June to November, depending on the season), the easy Yosemite Falls 1-mile loop trail, or the more strenuous Glacier Point hike, there’s activity levels for everyone.
Where to eat:
The food in the valley itself is not particularly noteworthy, but there’s the historic Ahwahnee (Majestic Yosemite Hotel) for brunch with a view, where reservations are recommended. For a more casual meal there’s Degnan’s Kitchen for reliable sandwiches and pizza.
Where to stay:
If you have limited time in Yosemite, it’s highly recommended you stay inside the valley, since it takes about an hour or more to get from the entrance to the valley if you stay outside. For luxury digs the Majestic Yosemite Hotel in the valley is a popular choice. If you prefer more rustic accommodations, the Half Dome Village is worth checking out for their heated tent cabins.
Travel tip: There are multiple park entrances depending on where you’re coming from. If you are driving from Tahoe, you will most likely enter from Highway 120 through the town of Lee Vining. Make sure to always double check road closures the day before, since things can change quickly.
Entrance fee: $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass as of June 11, 2019
Driving time from Yosemite to Death Valley is around 4 hours.
Death Valley
1 Day
If there’s ever an example of California’s contrasting landscapes, the drive from the high altitude Sierra Nevada mountain range to the bone dry desert landscape of Death Valley is it. It’s best to avoid going during the summer when the temperatures can easily reach 110 degrees and over.
What to see:
Stop by the Furnace Creek area which includes the park’s visitor center, restaurants, and gas stations. Visit Zabriskie Point, one of the most popular lookout points in the park, where you can hike from the Badlands Loop or just drive up and soak in the view. Experience the Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level, where you can view the mysterious salt flat from the parking lot. The Racetrack with the magical moving rocks is also worth a mention (though it’s highly recommended to not go with a regular rental car due to the rough road).
Where to eat:
Timbisha Village Frybread Tacos and Shave Ice for veggie and meat taco options. For a sit down meal the Panamint Springs Resort Restaurant has solid burgers and fries, as well as massive salads.
Where to stay:
There are limited accommodations in the park and not all places are open year-round. That being said The Oasis at Death Valley is home to two of the best hotels in the area: The Inn at Death Valley and Ranch at Death Valley. The Inn is more luxury travel, while the Ranch boasts a more casual setting.
Travel tip: Do not underestimate the dry dessert heat and be prepared with plenty of water (at least a gallon per person/per day). Make sure to fill up on gas before entering the park, since it’s expensive and limited to areas like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs.
Entrance fee: $30 for a 7-day vehicle pass as of June 11, 2019
Driving time from Death Valley to Los Angeles is around 4.5 hours.
Los Angeles
3 Days
There is no better destination to wrap up your California road trip at than the city of Los Angeles. Give yourself at least 3 days, which will barely scratch the surface of this complex and sprawling city. The city is roughly divided up into West, Central, Downtown, East, South, and The Valley. If you want to experience beach life, the Westside (Santa Monica, Venice) is where you should go, but also keep in mind that there is a lot more to the city than these beach neighborhoods.
What to see:
To really understand how big the city is, head to the Griffith Observatory in East LA. For some serious relaxation, spend a day relaxing at the Wii Spa in Koreatown, where a mere $25 will get you a day pass to all the bathes and saunas. On the last day, drive down the coast to Malibu and spend the day beach-hopping at local gems like Point Dume, El Matador, and Zuma. Immerse yourself in everything Hollywood, by taking a tour at a movie studio or if you have the energy (and money) head to Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park, which boasts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Where to stay:
Ideally, if you’re planning to visit all around Los Angeles, the central part of the city is a good spot to call home. A home base in the greater Hollywood area for example will give you easier access to the west and east parts of the LA, instead of staying on the Westside and having to drive all the way across town to sights on the Eastside or vice versa. Some solid central options include the Trylon Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you really want to be beachside, The Gateway Hotel, is a mid-range hotel less than two miles from the beach and Santa Monica Pier, with free parking.
Where to eat:
Eat a Turkish-inspired brunch at Kismet, grab a sandwich (and a baked good) at Gjusta in Venice or steaming bowls of ramen in Japantown (there are also branches in West Hollywood and Sawtelle) at the ever-popular Daikokuya.
Travel tip: Plan your LA itinerary around neighborhoods that are close to each other to minimize driving across town. This means meals too. LA is a big city and driving from Santa Monica to Downtown in weekday rush hour traffic is not for the faint of heart.
There you have it. A California road trip itinerary that takes you from the coast, through the mountains and desert and back to the ocean. Of course you can mix and match the schedule so it fits your personal time frame. You can extend your stay in places like Yosemite or San Francisco, if you have more time or you can add on activities like hiking in Joshua Tree if you want to experience one more of the state’s stunning national parks or stop by Palm Springs if you want to experience this luxurious desert town where many an Angeleno escapes to on the weekend.
If you want to be extremely ambitious (as in another 6+ hours), you can combine this trip with a drive up Highway 1 after coming to Los Angeles. You can also stay in Los Angeles longer and explore all the different neighborhoods, and continue to eat your way through the city. It’s completely up to you.
What’s on your California road trip itinerary?
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Sources: Death Valley photo
