California Itineraries Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day 1: San Francisco
(or reverse it if you're going SoCal to NorCal)

If you're only going to try one thing in San Francisco before you hit the road, make it something that stretches your legs, gets you outside and has a great view - trap on a helmet and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Biking not your bag? Then opt for the must-see attraction of San Francisco, Alcatraz, or take a walking tour of one of San Francisco's great neighborhoods.

Hang out and enjoy a night in San Francisco (we recommend a walk and dinner around the Mission or North Beach) or start your journey south and spend the night in Carmel or Monterey.

Interested in checking out what's north? Take an extra day and tour the Napa and Sonoma wine country.

Day 2: Monterey and Carmel

Take a walk around the shops or the beach and check out the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium before hitting the road. See sharks, jellyfish, and super adorable otters and saunter along the popular tourist shops at Cannery Row. Or if you spend the night, have dinner at Café Rustica in Carmel Valley or the Fishwife in Pacific Grove.

If you're interested purely in speed, the I-5 is the fastest way all points south, but it is certainly not the prettiest (unless you are into 500 miles of farms and freeway). For the more authentic NorCal to SoCal adventure, follow the more leisurely (and windy) path along Highway 1. The road itself is an attraction with dramatic cliffside drops and spectacularly sweeping coastline views. Slow down for the twists and turns and roll down the window for the crisp smell of pine trees mingled with the salty ocean spray. Driving along youll take in the gorgeous ocean views along Big Sur, have ample beach stop opportunities, and, not to mention, a chance for a fantastic side trip to Hearst Castle.

Highway 1 meets back up with 101, in San Luis Obispo (San Loo-iss Oh-bisp-o not San Lewee as it's often mistakenly called), which makes a nice stopping point for the night or you may press on to Santa Barbara to get a head start on your Los Angeles tours.

Day 3: Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo to LA

If you decide to stop in SLO (if not skip to the next paragraph!), make sure to check out the uber-kitchy Madonna Inn (it's pricey but unique), try a famous tri-tip dinner at McClintock's, or wander through the popular-but-gross bubblegum alley.

If you're in San Luis Obispo you have quite a drive ahead, so have some breakfast at coffee and cake at Linnaea's or the 2+2+2 (bacon, eggs and pancakes) at the Del Monte Cafe and hit the road for Los Angeles. You'll see rolling hills turn into strawberry fields, grapevines, and then back to mountains before you pop out just north of Santa Barbara. If you choose this option, you can pat yourself on the back by getting to see yet even more of California's famous coastline during the daylight. Nab some lunch at a taqueria in Santa Barbara off of State Street and continue on 101. (Insider Tip: Watch your speed on 101 outside of Buellton & Goleta between Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, highway patrol officers are prolific and generally unsympathetic).

If you decide to push on past San Luis on 101, you'll arrive in Santa Barbara after 2 hours or so, ready for your night's rest. But before you set off to snooze, simply wander down State Street for laidback-but-lively bars and restaurants and some great shopping. Take a walk down to pier for amazing ocean views. If you've got more time on your hands, head a bit south to Montecito for star home sightings (Oprah, Rob Lowe, Christopher Lloyd). For a full day adventure head to the neighboring Santa Ynez wine region for tastings, a region made popular by the movie Sideways.

Take your time getting down the coast stopping at some of the most famous California surf spots, Rincon, and 'C' Street, to name a few. If you are playing the Beach Boys, you will absolutely feel your California dream come alive.

Right off of Ventura Boulevard in Ventura, is a great place to get a late afternoon, evening meal. While it might not be the only California burger institution you're sure to see along your drive - the In-N-Out Burger in Ventura lives up to all the burger heaven standards. We agree that they are the tastiest burgers around and don't forget to check out their secret menu (extra pickles and ketchup and mustard instead of sauce please!).

Day 4: Los Angeles

Check out Scott's great Los Angeles suggested itinerary, you can spend a whole week in LA and barely scratch the surface of this sprawling wonder.

But if you're looking at just one or two days in Los Angeles consider stretching your legs on a walking tour of downtown or Hollywood. Or maybe get the adrenaline flowing at some of the great theme parks in Southern California. Or check out LA from the air and see the freeway traffic you're not stuck in.

Day 5: Palm Springs

If you like kitsch and the desert, you can't miss Palm Springs. Retro motels, 50s antiques and Joshua Tree National Park are all just a couple of hours outside of Los Angeles. Take a day trip over or spend the night. If you're headed for a hike in the park you can't go wrong with breakfast first at the Crossroads Café in Joshua Tree.

In Palm Springs you can also visit the famous San Andreas fault.

Day 6: San Diego

Now is a great time to hit the water you've been admiring on so much of your drive - take in a surf lesson or go kayaking in San Diego and La Jolla. If you prefer to stay dry take a trolley tour of charming San Diego or check out Balboa Park.

Old Town has some great restaurants and nightlife. If you're ready to hit the clubs, pick up a VIP Nightclub Package for an unforgettable night on the town.

Still want to push south? Take a day trip into Mexico.

Can't Get Enough Cali

The above suggestions are just a small slice of the things to do in California. If you need more inspiration browse our complete list of California tours and activities, or our suggested itineraries for San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Is the open road still calling your name? Extend your California road trip with a visit to Yosemite National Park, keep on truckin' to Lake Tahoe or dash across the border from LA to Las Vegas.