10 Day California Tour Packages

California Itineraries for 10 days

Compiled by

MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar

• 8 Day Northern California Itinerary, incl. Monterey and San Francisco

  The California coast beckons over 8 days covering 425 miles from Monterey to San Francisco. Wander Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, cruise 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, discover Yosemite's Half Dome, and taste wines in Napa Valley. Premium stays include Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf.

  

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  • Day 1

    Monterey

    Start your trip in Monterey with an evening walk along Cannery Row. Plan to be there for sunset to take in the views. A recent visitor shared: "The path along Cannery Row is perfect for watching sea otters play in the kelp beds—bring binoculars if you have them."

    
  • Day 2

    Monterey & Carmel

    Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the crowds. In the afternoon take the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel. Plan for 3-4 hours with stops. Start at the Pacific Grove gate for the best route and stop at Bird Rock viewpoint in the late afternoon when harbor seals are most active.

    
  • Day 3

    Monterey to Modesto

    Drive inland to the Central Valley (about 3 hours). Visit an olive oil producer for tastings and lunch. Wear good walking shoes for touring the groves. Take an afternoon tour of an almond orchard to learn about California farming. A visitor noted: "The farmer explaining how they use bees for pollination was fascinating. I'll never look at almonds the same way."

    
  • Day 4

    Yosemite National Park

    Leave Modesto by 7 AM to make the most of Yosemite. Your first stop should be Tunnel View for that classic park vista. Pack layers since morning temperatures can be 20°F cooler than afternoon. Visit Bridalveil Fall in the morning for the best photos and Valley View in the afternoon when it's less crowded.

    
  • Day 5

    Sacramento

    Start in Old Sacramento to see the wooden sidewalks and Gold Rush-era buildings. Get to the Railroad Museum at 10 AM to avoid lines for the train simulator. Visit the Crocker Art Museum after 2 PM when it's quieter. One visitor said: "The docent's stories about early California artists really brought the local history to life."

    
  • Day 6

    Lake Tahoe Day Trip

    It's about 2 hours to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento. Take a morning yacht cruise when the water is calmer and better for photos. Bring a windbreaker since mornings can be cold on the lake. Later, ride the Heavenly Gondola for great views. Buy tickets online to save time and money.

    
  • Day 7

    Napa Valley & San Francisco

    Start with morning wine tasting in Napa Valley. Allow 90 minutes per winery. Book a driver or tour since you'll be sampling wines. Drive to San Francisco after 3 PM to avoid Bay Bridge traffic. Spend your evening at Fisherman's Wharf or watching sunset at Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views.

    
  • Day 8

    San Francisco Departure

    If you have an afternoon flight, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace when it opens at 7 AM. Wait until about 10 AM for the fog to clear if you want final photos of the bay.

    

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• Coastal California & Yosemite

  A 10-day California odyssey winds through 10 cities, from San Francisco's Chinatown to San Diego's Coronado Island. Marvel at Yosemite's waterfalls, Big Sur's coastline, and Los Angeles' TCL Chinese Theatre, with expert-guided tours throughout.

  

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  • San Francisco USA

    160 mi

  • Yosemite National Park USA

    153 mi

  • Monterey USA

    3 mi

  • Carmel USA

    121 mi

  • Pismo Beach USA

    47 mi

  • Solvang USA

    27 mi

  • Santa Barbara USA

    132 mi

  • San Juan Capistrano USA

    61 mi

  • San Diego USA

    111 mi

  • Los Angeles USA

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• 9 Day California Itinerary, incl. Death Valley and Yosemite

  The diverse landscapes of California unfold over 9 days. Marvel at Sequoia's Giant Forest, conquer Yosemite's Mist Trail, wander San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, and cruise Highway 1 past McWay Falls to Los Angeles.

  

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  • Day 1

    Las Vegas to Death Valley

    Leave Las Vegas early to avoid the worst of the desert heat. The 3-hour drive shows off incredible changes in landscape. Get to Badwater Basin early when it's about 20°F cooler to see North America's lowest point at -282 feet. One traveler put it well: "Death Valley's vastness is humbling. Bring more water than you think you need and don't count on cell service." Plan to end your day in Bakersfield as a jumping-off point for the Sierras.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Sequoia National Park

    It's just 90 minutes to reach these incredible giant trees. Take the Congress Trail for the best experience seeing massive sequoias. Start at the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing, in the early morning for fewer crowds and better light for photos. On your second day try the Buena Vista Peak trail. It's a moderate 2-mile round trip with amazing views of the Sierras. The elevation means big temperature swings up to 30°F between morning and afternoon so pack plenty of layers.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Yosemite National Park

    The 3.5-hour drive to Yosemite takes you through California's farming valleys. Your first stop should be Tunnel View to see the classic vista of El Capitan and Half Dome. Plan to hit the Mist Trail by 8AM the next day before it gets busy and hot. The trail to Vernal Falls is 3 miles round-trip and gets wet from the waterfall spray. Good shoes with grip and a rain jacket are must-haves. If you want something easier the Valley Loop Trail gives you similar views without climbing.

    
  • Day 6

    San Francisco

    The drive from Yosemite takes about 6 hours through the Central Valley. Once in San Francisco head to Haight-Ashbury for lunch at the popular Ike's Love & Sandwiches. Baker Beach offers great afternoon shots of the Golden Gate Bridge. Want to see Fisherman's Wharf? Visit after 7PM when most tour groups have left.

    
  • Day 7

    Monterey

    Start with a morning cable car ride in San Francisco before driving 2.5 hours down the coast to Monterey. The aquarium is worth seeing but costs $50 for adults. Visit early or late to avoid school groups. A recent visitor advised: "Skip the tourist traps on Cannery Row and head to Old Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood and better prices."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Pacific Coast to Los Angeles

    Start with the scenic 17-Mile Drive in Monterey ($11.25 per car) before heading to Santa Maria. The next day make the final 4-hour drive to Los Angeles. Book your flight after 2PM since morning traffic can add an hour to your airport trip.

    

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