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14 Days
Adventurous
Epic California Road Trip
Two weeks exploring the length of the Golden State
📍 San Francisco → San Diego · 💰 $2,800–$4,500 per person
Overview
California is tailor-made for road trips. This 14-day route takes you from the Redwood forests of the north all the way to the Mexican border — covering national parks, iconic highways, wine country, deserts, and every major city in between.
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Duration
14 Days
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Estimated Cost
$2,800–$4,500 per person
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Starting City
San Francisco → San Diego
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Fly into San Francisco
- Pick up rental car at SFO
- Explore the Embarcadero & Ferry Building
- Overnight in San Francisco
2
Day 2: San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz (book ahead)
- Chinatown & North Beach dinner
3
Day 3: Napa Valley
- Drive 1 hour to Napa Valley
- Wine tasting at 2–3 estates
- Overnight in Napa or Sonoma
4
Day 4: Sonoma & Coast
- Morning wine tasting in Sonoma
- Afternoon: Drive to the Sonoma Coast
- Overnight near Bodega Bay
5
Day 5: Redwood National Park
- Drive north to Avenue of the Giants
- Hike among old-growth redwoods
- Overnight in Eureka or Arcata
6
Day 6: Drive South — Big Sur
- Long drive south on Highway 1
- Stop at Point Reyes National Seashore
- Overnight in Big Sur area
7
Day 7: Big Sur & Monterey
- McWay Falls & Pfeiffer Beach
- Drive to Monterey
- Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
8
Day 8: Central Coast
- Hearst Castle tour
- Paso Robles wine tasting
- Overnight in San Luis Obispo
9
Day 9: Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Mission & beaches
- Funk Zone wine bars
- Overnight in Santa Barbara
10
Day 10: Los Angeles
- Arrive in LA
- Venice Beach & Santa Monica
- Overnight in Hollywood or West Hollywood
11
Day 11: Los Angeles
- Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign
- Getty Center
- Dinner in Koreatown
12
Day 12: Joshua Tree
- Drive east to Joshua Tree National Park
- Hike and explore the surreal landscape
- Overnight near the park
13
Day 13: Palm Springs
- Aerial Tramway
- Mid-century architecture walk
- Overnight in Palm Springs
14
Day 14: San Diego & Departure
- Drive to San Diego
- Balboa Park & Old Town
- Fly home from SAN