The Best 1-Week California Road Trip Itinerary: Coast, Cities & National Parks
There’s no shortage of ways to explore California, but if you’re trying to see a lot in just one week, it can feel overwhelming. Do you head north to the redwoods? Spend all your time on the coast? Prioritize Yosemite? For this trip, we’re aiming for variety and pace. This itinerary is made for people who want to see California’s greatest hits without spending hours researching or weeks on the road.
I lived in California for several years and have done versions of this trip myself, and yes—it’s fast. You’ll be moving almost every day and there’s not a lot of time to linger. But if you’re trying to make the most of limited vacation time, it works.
Day 1: San Francisco
Start in San Francisco. You’ll want to book a hotel that’s centrally located (we recommend staying near Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf). Spend your day seeing the highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Chinatown, and a ride on the cable cars.
If you’re flying in, use Aviasales or Kiwi.com to compare flight deals. Consider arriving a night early so you’re not wasting a full travel day.
Day 2: Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey & Carmel
Pick up your rental car (we use Trip.com for the best car rental options). Head south along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz before landing in Monterey.
Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, or 17-Mile Drive. Stay overnight in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea—it’s compact, walkable, and full of charm.
Day 3: Big Sur and San Luis Obispo
This is one of the most scenic drives in the US. You’ll wind through Big Sur, with plenty of pull-offs for photos. Key stops: Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and McWay Falls.
Grab a snack or meal at Big Sur Bakery or Nepenthe.
Continue on to San Luis Obispo, a lively university town with a relaxed vibe and a walkable downtown. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long day of driving. If you’re staying the night, make dinner reservations at Thomas Hill Organics, a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Day 4: Santa Barbara and Arrival in Los Angeles
Drive through Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara, making a few scenic stops. Santa Barbara is a great lunch break—walk along State Street or the pier. Brophy Brothers is a local favorite for seafood on the harbor!
By late afternoon, arrive in Los Angeles. Choose your neighborhood wisely (West Hollywood or Santa Monica are great bases). If you have time, squeeze in a sunset at Griffith Observatory.
Day 5: Explore Los Angeles
It’s a huge city, so prioritize. Some picks: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Getty Center, Venice Beach, or a studio tour. If you’re traveling with kids, Universal Studios is a solid choice.
Dinner? We recommend Jon & Vinny’s for Italian or Guelaguetza for their legendary molé–something more casual and local.
Day 6: Drive to Yosemite via the Central Valley
Leave early. The drive takes about 5–6 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll cut through California’s agricultural belt before climbing into the Sierra Nevada.
Once in Yosemite, check into a lodge or hotel near the park entrance. Try to make it to Tunnel View before sunset for that classic first look at El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
Day 7: Yosemite National Park
Spend the full day exploring Yosemite. For non-hikers, there are plenty of short walks and viewpoints: Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and the Yosemite Valley Loop.
If you’re up for a bit more walking, Mirror Lake or the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is worth it. Just know that parking fills up early—get there by 8am if possible.
After your Yosemite visit, either spend one more night nearby or drive back to San Francisco (about 4 hours) to fly home.
Travel Resources
Flights & Car Rentals
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Aviasales: Find the cheapest flights to and around California.
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Kiwi.com: Great for bundling flights and rental cars.
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Trip.com: Reliable for booking cars and hotels across the US.
Lodging Options
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Book hotels in San Francisco, Carmel, Los Angeles, and near Yosemite via Trip.com or Kiwi.com for competitive prices.
Packing Suggestions
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Weather varies by region. Bring layers for coastal chill, sun protection for hikes, and comfortable shoes for walking-heavy days.