It's time to fall in love with the Golden State. California is one of the most amazing places in the world. With endless natural beauty and a unique culture, California has something for everyone. Just follow your heart along the Pacific Coast Highway!
Ready for the trip? Check out my road trip itinerary for 2 weeks in California.
California itinerary overview
California can be traveled by train, plane and car, but personally I think the best way is to travel by car!
You can start your California trip in any direction and spend as much time as you like in one destination. This would be a pretty rushed itinerary, but it hits all my favorite highlights along the California coast!
- Days 1-2: San Diego
- Day 3: Joshua Tree
- Day 4: Palm Springs
- Day 5: Orange County
- Day 6-7: Los Angeles
- Day 8: Santa Barbara
- Day 9: Big Sur
- Day 10: Monterey
- Day 11-12: San Francisco
- Day 13-14: Wineries
See More information:
- The 10 Best Campgrounds in California
- 3-Day California Pacific Coast Trip
- Best time to visit California
Days one and two: San Diego
Fly to San Diego International Airport
With beautiful beaches, over 100 days of sunshine a year, a world-famous zoo and an incredible craft beer scene, San Diego is the perfect city to start your California adventure.
Give him at least two days, and he'll run out of flip flops (lol)!
- Where to stay: The best hotels to stay in San Diego
- What to eat in San Diego: Common Cafe (coffee + pastries), The Mission (breakfast), Crack Shack (casual), Ironside (seafood), Buona Forchetta (Italian), Addison Del Mar (5 stars)
- Things to do in San Diego: Go to the beach, brewery tours, surfing, skydiving, coffee shops, shopping, hang out on Gaslamp
See More information:
7 reasons to visit San Diego – USA
Third day: Joshua Tree
Drive 2 hours 45 minutes from San Diego to Joshua Tree
With a variety of eclectic towns and overlooking the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park has rugged desert beauty that is unforgettable.
Bring your camera and a good pair of shoes and dedicate at least a day to exploring.
- Where to stay: Coyote's House
- What to eat: Crossroads Cafe
- What to do: Go hiking, watch the sunset, antique, rock climbing, explore Pioneertown, go to the spa, listen to live music at Pappy + Harriet's
See More information:
Fourth day: Palm Springs
Drive 50 minutes from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs
A dream destination for a girlfriends getaway or a spa getaway, Palm Springs is a desert resort town that is always at the top of my must-visit list whenever I am in the United States.
Check out some of my favorite places like Riviera Palm Springs and ARRIVE.
- Where to stay: CHEGUE, Riviera Palm Springs, The Saguaro, ACE Hotel
- What to eat: Cheeky's (brunch), The Tropicale (happy hour), Le Vallauris (dinner)
- What to do: Shopping, exploring downtown, going to the spa, taking the Palm Springs aerial tram
See More information:
When to Travel to Southern California
Day Five: Orange County
Drive an hour and a half from Palm Springs to Orange County
With world-class galleries, coves and beaches, Laguna Beach is one of Orange County's sparkling gems. Two other essential coastal towns, Newport and Huntington Beach are great for long summer days. Stroll along the piers, relax on the beach and then head out to try one of the great restaurants.
A visit to Orange County is not complete without a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! I grew up going to Disneyland and it will always have a special place in my heart. It's a great place to spend the day with friends and family for endless fun.
- Where to stay: Pasea Hotel, Balboa Bay Resort
- What to eat: Bear Flag Fish Co., True Food Kitchen, Ola Mexican Kitchen, Sea Salt Woodfire Grill, Bluegold
- What to do: Have a beach picnic, take a surfing lesson, visit Disneyland, shop, hang out in Newport Beach, visit the Anaheim Packing District
Day Six and Seven: Los Angeles
Drive 1 hour from Orange County to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the great cities in the world, and you'll want at least two days to see the different sides. Of course, first-time visitors need to check out quintessential spots like Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Venice Beach.
After exploring the city, head to the stunning, sunny coast. Explore El Matador State Beach, El Porto Beach (a surfing spot) and Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve.
- Where to stay: Hotel Erwin, Mondrian, Petit Ermitage, London
- Where to eat: Blue Plate Taco (Mexican), Catch (Deluxe), Lemonade (Casual Lunch), Cafe Gratitude (Vegan), Urth Caffé (Breakfast or Lunch), Gjelina (Sophisticated Dining)
- What to do: Bike along the Santa Monica Pier, visit Venice Beach, shop on Montana Street, go to Universal Studios, walk to the Hollywood sign, visit the Grove, concert at Hollywood Bowl, movie night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, visit LACMA, order a double -Double Animal Style at In-n-Out!
See More information:
10 things to do in Los Angeles
What to know about Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the donut capital
The 7 Best Beaches in Los Angeles
Where to eat well and cheaply in Los Angeles
Eighth day: Santa Barbara
Drive 2 hours from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara – for the scenic route, take the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) to the coast!
One of the top options on the American Riviera, Santa Barbara has great stops for foodies, amazing shopping and sunny beaches. What more could you ask for?
- Where to stay: Bacara Resort and Spa, Four Seasons, The Hotel Californian
- What to eat: Finch and Fork (brunch), State and Fig (lunch), Los Agaves (dinner)
- What to do: Stroll through a Farmers Market, shop on State Street, hit the beach
See More information:
6 attractions in Santa Barbara – California
Ninth day: Big Sur
Drive 5 hours from Santa Barbara to Big Sur
For a prime glamping experience, this is where you want to be. Pullover, grab a tent and forget about the world in one of the most picturesque locations in the USA. You'll find gems all the way up and down Hwy 1.
While in Big Sur, be sure to check out the Esalen Institute. A blend of Western technology and Eastern science, you'll find workshops ranging from yoga to healing arts.
- Where to stay: Treebones Resort, Ripplewood Resort, Ventana Big Sur, Glamping or Camping
- What to eat: Nepenthe, Big Sur Euro, Sierra Mar
- What to do: Take walks, stop at the Henry Miller Memorial Library
See More information:
The 10 Best Campgrounds in California
3-Day California Pacific Coast Trip
Day 10: Monterey
Drive an hour from Big Sur to Monterey
Explore the rugged coastline, then head to Cannery Row to stroll through turn-of-the-century canners while exploring the trendy shops and seafood restaurants.
And don't miss the Monterey Aquarium for some jellyfish selfies! Ranked among the best aquariums in the world on the planet, this place is magical and educational.
- Where to stay: Casa Palmero, The Lodge, Bernardus Lodge and Spa, L'Auberge Carmel, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
- What to eat: Acme Coffee Roasting Co., Restaurante 1833, Cindy's Waterfront, Jennini Kitchen and Wine Bar
- What to do: Walk along the beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Shopping, Path of History
Days Eleven and Twelve: San Francisco
Drive 2 hours from Monterey to San Francisco
Honestly, you could spend two weeks exploring San Francisco's iconic sights. With countless Michelin-starred restaurants, fascinating sites like Alcatraz Island, the picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge and trendy neighborhoods like The Mission and The Marina, San Francisco is one of California's biggest cities.
Be sure to check out my favorite spots, Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown.
- Where to stay: Hotel Diva, Airbnb
- What to eat: Red Door Cafe (brunch), Swan Oyster Depot (seafood), Nob Hill Cafe (Italian)
- What to do: Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Street Art Tour, Alcatraz, Pier 39, Chinatown
See More information:
Days 13 and 14: California Winelands
Explore the vineyards of napa valley and Sonoma County and experience this foodie paradise.
You can take a DIY tour, take the Napa Wine Train or check out the Wine Country Shuttle Tour. For a breathtaking view, you have to see the sights from one of the amazing hot air balloon rides.
- Where to stay: Napa River Inn, Meritage Resort
- What to eat: Lambs (churrascaria), Cole's Chop House, The French Laundry
- What to do: Wine tasting, hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, bike tour
plan your trip
Want to use this itinerary for your trip, and add some of your own stops? I love using Roadtrippers to plan my stops – figuring out how long I'm driving between them and finding popular spots and stops along the way.
Have you visited California before? What places did you explore? Let me know in the comments below!
Read too:
The 10 Best Campgrounds in California
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