10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary

Experience one lifetime of an adventure in this epic 10 Day California Road Trip

The wits and charm of the Californian state burst with sunshine and a new sense of adventure. It’s one of the most visited states in the United States, and there are plenty of reasons to justify why.

California is definitely one of my favorite places in America, and I can just go on for thousand words on why you need to visit this place. It has got everything you need – right from good weather, fantastic theme parks, astounding landscapes, iconic national parks, and incredible hiking trails – there’s so much to do and experience in California.

With this in mind, I wanted to put an amazing 10 day California road trip itinerary. It’s a surreal experience for those, willing to dare take on an adventurous journey across the coastal and inland areas. The itinerary curated comprises great stopovers, fantastic views, and a great opportunity to indulge in Californian activities and experiences.

So if you’re planning a 10 day trip to California, then this guide + itinerary will help you kick off a great American journey from your bucket list.

Overview of the 10 Day California Road Trip

The schedule designed for the 10 day California itinerary starts and ends in Los Angeles. As you drive through Highway 1, you will come across some of the important highlights of California.

Alongside the coastal landmarks, we also take a detour to travel the inland region of the state to see the mighty Yosemite National Park. With two full days of excursion planned, you can explore the park’s famous hiking trails and landscapes.

Moreover, you can completely customize this itinerary as per your travel preference and style. Feel free to include, exclude or add more days and destinations in the plan – as you finalize your travel to California.

Road Trip Layout for 10 Day California Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles – Santa Margarita
Day 2: Santa Margarita – Santa Cruz
Day 3: Santa Cruz – San Francisco
Day 4: San Francisco
Day 5: San Francisco – Yosemite National Park
Day 6: Yosemite National Park
Day 7: Yosemite National Park
Day 8: Yosemite National Park – Hermosa Beach
Day 9: Hermosa Beach
Day 10: Hermosa – Los Angeles

Highlights of the 10 days California Road Trip –

• Explore Santa Monica Pier and Beach.
• Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & other coastal towns.
• Full-Day city tour of San Francisco.
• Visit San Francisco’s best wineries.
• Exploration of Yosemite National Park.
• Relax at Hermosa Beach.

During your 10 day trip in California, you will frequently from one place to another, meaning you’ll need to block/reserve hotels or campsites well in advance. But this also means that you get to visit a new place every day.

Detailed 10 Day California Road Trip

Day 1: Los Angeles – Santa Margarita

Arrive in Los Angeles and then drive to Santa Monica.

For locals living in LA, Santa Monica is their go-to beach spot. Its proximity from Los Angeles’ main center, makes Santa Monica a perfect base for travelers to relax, unwind and loosen out. Being one of the most famous beach-front resorts in California, Santa Monica offers endless water-sport activities, family entertainment, and a relaxed vibe to enjoy the nightlife.

So before you kick off this California road trip itinerary, here are some of the best things you could do in Santa Monica –

Visit the Santa Monica Pier and Beach – With a shoreline of 3 ½ miles, Santa Monica State Beach boasts excellent beach-walking trails, soft sands, and a bevy of other attractions. As you walk along the shoreline, you’ll soon spot the famous Original Muscle Beach (featured in films and movies) which was inspired by a 1930 era beach park. But, perhaps, what will catch your attention – is the famous Santa Monica Pier.

The pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S, stretching from Colorado Boulevard to the end of Route 66. Not only you’ll encounter some of the best scenic views, but also viewpoints to capture amazing photos.

Recommended: Want to explore Los Angeles in your Californian vacation? Read this guide on – 10 Day Itinerary Los Angeles.

Explore the Third Street Promenade – A popular shopping destination, known to lure visitors to buy anything & everything. The open-air mall houses some of the biggest known brands like H&M, Urban Outfitters, and boutiques like Bookseller Inc., and Puzzle Zoo. You’ll also find exciting happening restaurants & cafes to grab lunch here. If you rather prefer cooking your own meal, then head to the farmers market which happens between 8 a.m to 1 p.m.

What’s more? Take up a Santa Monica biking tour or fulfill your inner child’s adventure at Pacific Park.

In the evening, drive north to reach Santa Margarita to stay overnight.

Day 2: Santa Margarita – Santa Cruz

Explore best sights along Highway 1.

Today is all about having a scenic drive-through experience of Highway 1 from Santa Margarita to Santa Cruz.

Approx. distance: 172 miles (115 km)
Approx. traveling time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Stops: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Monterey, and Caramel

As you scan the incredible scenery whilst journeying through the coastal route of California, you will stop at three different stops along the way –

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Loved by locals and tourists, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the popular stops along the California road trip. The park is a complete feast for the eyes, boasting excellent hiking opportunities and easy-to-moderate trails for everyone. In total, there are seven trails leading you to mini waterfalls, redwood-clad forests, and curved coves.

The shortest to complete is the Waterfall Overlook Trail. It leads visitors to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s best highlight – McWay Falls. The area is loaded with all sorts of geological features, making it a must-visit spot inside the park.

Venture deep into the forests, discover more waterfalls and please your eyes with the scenic beauty of this amazing Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Caramel – Your second stopover point will be Caramel – a small beach city, well-known for amazing coastline views. Explore the beach walkways, from where you can spot dolphins swimming (if lucky), then head to Point Lobos – renowned for bird and whale-watching. Later, make a short visit to Garrapata State Park – one of the hidden gems of Caramel – to soak in enchanting views of the ocean and rising cliffs.

Monterey – This will be your final stop of the day. The town itself looks very small, but it’s packed with attractions and other experiences. First, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn more about marine life and underwater treasures. Then, make a stop at the 17-Mile Drive to spend some leisure time at the bay. If lucky, you can easily spot seals and pelicans basking on the rocky cliffs. Finally, end your day by strolling around the town to shop for groceries or other commodities.

Overnight at Santa Cruz.

Recommended: Planning to explore California’s amazing National Parks? Check out this California itinerary for 7 days from G Adventuers.

Day 3: Santa Cruz – San Francisco

Highlights of San Francisco.

The city of San Francisco never fails to amaze you with its charming beauty! Be it anything – counter-culture roots, friendly neighborhoods, beaches, parks, eclectic music scenes, and gastronomical delights, visiting San Francisco is a definitive experience.

Approx. distance: 79 miles (127 km)
Approx. traveling time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Stops: Half Moon Bay

For me, San Francisco is all about exploring the outdoors and greeting locals. You meet so many people out there, who come from different nations and backgrounds, that it’s delightful to have friends in such lively cities.

Before you head out to the main city, stop by Half Moon Bay. It’s a cute little town, where many locals from the Bay Area come for a short weekend getaway. Moreover, you’ll be spoiled with the choices that Half Moon Bay presents within its circle. Visit its main attractions such as Pidgeon Point Lighthouse, Pumpkin Patches, and Harley Farms Goat Dairy.

Alternatively, you can relax at Half Moon Bay’s beaches before heading out to San Francisco.

Best things to do in San Francisco –

City tour of San Francisco – The best way to let San Francisco introduce you, is to hop on a guided city tour. Discover the best sights of San Francisco in the comfort of a double-decker bus, and spot landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alamo Square, Union Square South, Ferry Building, Washington Square, Lombard Street Corner, Haight Ashbury, and Pier 39.

Explore the Waterfront and Alcatraz Prison – In this tour, check out San Francisco’s prominent landmarks that feature excellent coastline views along with Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the market areas near the waterfront and drool over fresh produces that includes crab and clam chowder in bread bowls. Later, delve into the history of the city by exploring the Barbary Coast. Post your waterfront tour, board a ferry to cruise Alcatraz Island. Learn some interesting insights and deep history as you tour the cell houses of Alcatraz.

Visit Haight-Ashbury – Tour the vibrant neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury, which was once known for the hippie movement in the 60s. The place is renowned for great music, culture, and bustling cafes. Moreover, trying out local food in this lovely neighborhood is a must.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise – There’s no better way to end your first day in San Francisco by hopping on a sunset cruise. As you sail along the city’s breath-taking waterfront, watch the Golden Gate Bridge soaring high in all its glory. It’s a dreamy moment for tourists to witness this magnificent bridge once in their lifetime. Later, sail past San Francisco’s other highlights such as Aquatic Park, Maritime National Park, and vessels at Hyde Street Pier.

Finally, end your trip spotting sea lions basking at Pier 39 and Pier 43.

Overnight at San Francisco.

Recommended: Our most popular guide – 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco.

Day 4: San Francisco

Wine Country Tour of California.

It’s time to break the cycle and leave the city’s bustling vibe to enrich a quieter experience of California. This full-day guided tour of Muir Woods Redwood is a perfect excursion to get introduced to the Californian wine regions.

Explore Muir Woods Redwoods – Before you visit the wineries of Sonoma and Napa valleys, start off your tour by exploring the Muir Woods National Monument. It’s a great place to relax, as you walk through the giant sequoia trees of Muir.

Post your exploration, head to Glen Ellen for your first wine tasting tour. The Sonoma Valley has a rich reputation in both history and delivering the best chardonnays across the country. It houses beautiful rustic farms, scenic vineyards, and idyllic small towns. As you experience your wine tasting session, indulge & learn more about its craft and behind-the-process. Afterward, enjoy a freshly cooked lunch in Sonoma Plaza.

Take a break, explore the vineyards and then continue your way to tour wineries in Napa and Schellville region. Go for a second round to taste highly produced wines cultivated from grapes and other specialties.

This marks the end of your trip. You will also get some leisure time in the evening to roam around San Francisco at your own pace.

What’s more? If you’re not done with San Francisco yet, then head to visit two of the city’s popular indoor attractions – the California Academy of Sciences and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can either do one of these activities or do both (if time permits).

Day 5: San Francisco – Yosemite National Park

Arrive at Yosemite National Park.

As you leave the bustling city of San Francisco behind, it’s time to go scenic towards the inland area of this California road trip itinerary. Surrounded by the mighty Yosemite National Park, the region is filled with abundant activities made for all age groups. Right from hiking, trekking, and camping within Yosemite – there is always something to discover when you spend a few days.

Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the third-oldest national park. Millions of travelers visit the Yosemite Valley to soak the nature-based aura and adventurous spirit of the park. It’s truly delightful to find yourselves far from the chaos of city life, to experience and enjoy what Yosemite has to offer.

Approx. distance: 179 miles (288 km)
Approx. traveling time: 3 hrs 25 mins
Stops: Central Valley

Before heading out to Yosemite, stop at the Central Valley for a break and explore the morning markets organized by sellers from different regions. Get yourself re-energized and continue your path towards the valley.

Most of your day is paced leisurely, as we want you to get familiarized with the beautiful Yosemite Valley. Even if you aren’t backpacking, you are ought to stumble across the valley one way or another.

Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s stunning attractions, including Tunnel View Outlook and some majestic waterfalls – Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Yosemite Falls. Even, the world’s greatest monolith, El Capitan, is based in this park.

Spend your day exploring the above-mentioned viewpoints and waterfalls, and further stroll the park’s surroundings to capture amazing photos of Yosemite.

Overnight at Yosemite National Park.

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Exploring Mariposa Grove, May Lake, and Mount Hoffman.

Visit the Mariposa Grove – Head to Mariposa Grove to witness an expansive collection of giant sequoia trees. Mariposa being the highlight amongst all is one of the most visited places in Yosemite. The difference between other groves and Mariposa is that the latter houses more than 500 large sequoia trees (which are 1,000 years old).

Along with Mariposa, other attractions like Fallen Monarch and the Grizzly Giant have gained visitors’ attention. Moreover, there’s California Tunnel Tree – where you can see a tunnel being carved from the middle of its trunk.

The best way to appreciate the groves is to embark on scenic trails. This may range depending on the level (easy to moderate), but can be suitable for anyone with normal fitness. I recommend taking up the Big Trees Loop Trail, which is an easy hike, with 30-45 minutes of exploration between the sequoia trees.

Post your exploration, relax and rejuvenate with a nice lunch.

May Lake and Mount Hoffman Excursion – The second portion of your day involves hiking to May Lake and Mount Hoffman. These are moderate-based trails, with strenuous paths and uphill stretches. Make sure, you are equipped with sturdy hiking boots and other gear.

Nestled at the base of granite cliffs, sits the picturesque May Lake. In addition to its scenery, Mount Hoffman compliments well as its stunning backdrop. It’s best seen, often during a sunrise or sunset. However, a visit during the entire day is anytime rewarding. The best part about visiting May Lake is that it’s not heavily crowded. Unlike Mirror Lake, you will find few visitors coming down the trail but not many.

If you’re up for a challenge, then continue past May Lake to hike Mount Hoffman. Because of its centric geographical location, Mount Hoffman provides 360-degree views of Yosemite’s stunning landscape. Spend some time, and later in the evening head back to your hotel/campsite for dinner.

Travel Q – Is Yosemite National Park open in the winter?
Yosemite National Park is a year-round destination. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, in winter due to heavy snowfall, some roads are closed (usually from November through May or June). Due to road blockades, vehicles are not permitted to travel via certain regions. You can find more details later in the section below.

Overnight at Yosemite.

Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Walk the Mist Trail.

Pump your adrenaline senses, as you explore more of Yosemite’s incredible hikes and scenic trails. Today is all about exploring the Mist Trail, which houses two of the park’s unique sights – Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

In order to get to the top, you first need to climb 600-step granite steps, that take you close enough to the waterfalls. From here, the hike is predominantly uphill and will require a moderate fitness level to complete the stretch till Vernal Fall. Its 2½-mile roundtrip will be approx. take you 3 hours to complete.

For an advanced hike, continue farther upward to complete the entire stretch up till Nevada Fall. With an elevation of 1,000 feet, the roundtrip will be approx. take five to six hours. As challenging as the trail is, the vantage points on the top seems to account for every drop of sweat.

Note: The hike to reach Nevada Fall is strenuous and quite difficult. It is only meant for those who are pro-hikers, or rather with excellent fitness levels. You can skip the portion, and alternatively take up the John Muir Trail which is relatively easy.

Many travelers find the Mist Trail to be the best they have ever taken. It’s often recommended by locals and guides when you visit Yosemite. However, be prepared with good hiking gear as you take on this path. Bring along a poncho, or extra pair of clothes in case you get drenched near the falls.

Overnight at Yosemite.

Day 8: Yosemite National Park – Hermosa Beach

Shimmering beaches of Hermosa.

It’s time to bid farewell to Yosemite National Park, as we journey the vast rolling hills of Central Valley to reach Hermosa. After a brief exploration of Yosemite and its dense forests, it will be refreshing to see Californian beaches in action during the golden hour.

Approx. distance: 291 miles (468 km)
Approx. traveling time: 4 hrs 58 mins
Stops: None

Hermosa Beach is an introduction to what a laid-back and surfer lifestyle looks like. Out of all the beachfront towns in Los Angeles, Hermosa Beach is the least formal. It’s truly a perfect place to relax your senses, get away from stress-busting life, and discover plenty of beach-driven activities.

That’s not all, as Hermosa Beach houses the priciest real estate in the Californian state. Down by the shoreline, cafes, and restaurants line up to deliver the best seafood lunch, whilst the enthusiasts will surely go for a volleyball game.

Free time at Hermosa Beach – Take full advantage of your leisure time exploring Hermosa Beach. Walk the vast shoreline, capture sunsets, and go out for a nice meal at your preferred restaurant.

Overnight at Hermosa Beach.

Day 9: Hermosa Beach

Explore Hermosa Beach.

It’s time to slay the Californian way, as you explore plenty of activities at Hermosa. Either walk, bike, or surf to discover the golden beach, or simply relax soaking in some sunshine.

Things to do in Hermosa Beach –

Bike along the strand – One of the popular activities that visitors like to take, is to bike along the strand that runs parallel to the beach. The Strand is a straight cement path, surrounded by pricy real estate properties and swanky houses. The climate is always perfect here, as you’ll often stumble across joggers, skaters, dog walkers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Biking along the strand not only provides sweeping views of the coastline but also the kind of activities people are engaged with. Moreover, it’s certainly a great place to fantasize about your future summer home near the strand.

Go surfing – Californian beaches are a paradisal site for surf-lovers. Hermosa Beach especially is a perfect place to start out surfing if you’re just an entry-level beginner. You can enroll yourself in a private class or a surf camp with Aqua Surf and Wavehuggers to learn basic skills. No matter how bad you’re at surfing, it’s fun to try out surfing in California.

Overnight at Hermosa Beach.

Day 10: Hermosa Beach – Los Angeles

Departure from Los Angeles.

Head back to Los Angeles to catch your flight back home. If you got some time in the morning, you can probably go out and explore Los Angeles city. Additionally, you can extend this itinerary to spend a couple of days more in LA and other counterparts such as – Disneyland Park, Universal Studios Hollywood, Long Beach, and Solana Beach.

This marks the end of your 10 Days in California.

Planning Tips for 10 Day California Road Trip

Planning a California trip itinerary requires thorough research, especially when you’re doing everything on your own. Although it’s fun, and traveling individually gives you maximum flexibility – but there are some essential things to consider prior to your travel.

Below are some of my tips & suggestions, which can help you give an idea of what to expect when in California. This is simply a high overview of important things, but I’ll ensure to link you through additional resources & guides.

When Should You Take a California Road Trip

Due to its climate and moderate temperatures, California becomes a year-round destination. However, there are certain things that you should be aware of while planning a road trip to California.

Usually, in places like Yosemite National Park, certain roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. The main road, leading you inside the park i.e. the Tioga Road is closed during winter (November to May or June). Moreover, certain areas within the park are restricted as well.

If this happens to you on tour, you might have to change your plans or consider a detour to get inside Yosemite Park. In such circumstances, the best alternative is to reach Lake Tahoe for winter-recreational activities. You can even head out far east, all the way to Las Vegas depending on your duration.

Having said that, the best time of year to drive California coast is late spring (April) or in the fall (September to October). This is the period when California brims with bustling tourists & exciting outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in California

California is home to a serious range of accommodation, catering to all types of travelers. Be it budget, or luxury – California will have the right property for you to stay in.

When it comes down to road trips, the only advice I could give you – is to book hotels well-in-advance.

If you don’t, it’s really difficult to find an appropriate place suiting all your needs.

The reason why I say this is because you’ll be traveling to multiple locations within the California state. Having a confirmed reservation at each of these stopovers is essential, without having to worry about staying somewhere far.

If you’re a couple taking this 10 day California road trip – then expect to spend $65 – $150 per night for a decent property. This price bracket is best suited for budget travelers, but obviously, you can spend more if you wish to.

Our partnership with Tripadvisor helps you to select the right hotel at the right price. When you search for a particular hotel on Tripadvisor, you can filter down the category/price/amenities and of course location. You’ll even get to see a comparison of rates offered by different online operators such as Booking.com, Hotel.com, etc.

It’s best to check rates from all these sites, compare and then book (whichever you find cheaper). Tripadvisor usually has the best deals ongoing, with a great last-minute cancellation process. Do check out their listings for California and Yosemite if you want to get started right away.

How to Get Around California

I would probably call this section the most important one, as you need to fix your transport to get around the state. Now, since this is a road trip, you’ll obviously need to rent a car. Visitors usually prefer Rentalcars when it comes to road trips in the US. They have the widest of options available, with competitive prices and promotional offers.

The other option is to book an RV or a campervan. Booking either of these will sort your accommodation by itself. Rv’s or campervans allow you to stay in campgrounds or designated areas for a night. It’s widely popular when it comes to taking road trips, especially in California.

If this sounds like a fun option to you, then I recommend checking out RVshare. They have a wide collection of RVs available from major suppliers in the US, helping you to select the right one for your road trip.

If you want to know more about driving in the US, then check out this amazing article – tips for driving in the USA.

Get a California Guuidebook

If you still need some clarity on planning a perfect California road trip itinerary, then I recommend getting a copy of Lonely Planet’s California Guidebook.

What to Pack for This 10 Day California Road Trip

Before you plan out your California packing list, you’ll need to consider important things, including the weather, what kind of activities you might be doing, and for how long you’ll stay in the state. Keeping these little things in mind will help you understand the number of clothes you may want to pack.

For your 10 days in California, I advise you to carry the following items –

Essential Items –

T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Fleece top/sweater
Outlet adapter
First-aid kit (bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, and Aspirin)
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket

Essential Items (warm weather) –

Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses

Recommended: For a more detailed version, check out this – ‘The Complete California Packing List‘.

Explore Classic Guides & Itineraries

Liked our epic California road trip? Then, you might be interested in reading our other popular guides –

Alaska – 10 Day Alaska Itinerary: Kenai & Denali Road Trip

Alaska – 9 Day Alaska Itinerary: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

Canada – Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains

Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary

Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone