The Ultimate California Adventure
California is such a beautiful state and everyone deserves to experience all the beauty the state has to offer. Last month, my sister and I set out to practically see the entire state of California on a 16 day road trip.
I know what you may be thinking… that seems impossible. When my sister was researching and planning the trip, I had the same thought.
I’m about to list out our entire itinerary full of exploring National Parks, major cities, and other cool things along the way. Looking for the perfect California road-trip itinerary? Look no further! Follow along and plan your own road trip through California!
16 Day California Road-Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles (LAX) at 9 a.m. and start the adventure with a drive to Joshua Tree National Park. (April 7)
Day 2: Enjoy the sunrise in Joshua Tree NP, followed by a drive to explore Death Valley National Park. (April 8)
Day 3: Begin the day with a mesmerizing sunrise in Death Valley NP, then continue the adventure to Mariposa, CA. Along the way, consider stopping at Red Rock Canyon State Park, Bakersfield for lunch, and Fresno for another stretch/snack break. (April 9)
Day 4: Embark on your drive to Yosemite National Park and explore Yosemite Valley for the remainder of the day. (April 10)
Day 5: Immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Yosemite Valley. (April 11)
Day 6: Drive to Redding, CA, and make a stop in Sacramento for a delicious lunch and a chance to explore the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. (April 12)
Day 7: Drive to Redwood National and State Parks and explore the breath-taking ancient redwood trees. End the day in the charming town of Eureka, CA. (April 13)
Day 8: Continue the journey to San Francisco, CA. (April 14)
Day 9: Fully explore San Francisco, CA with an all-day tour. (April 15)
Day 10: Head to Pinnacles National Park, spending the day there. In the evening, drive to Santa Barbara, CA to spend the night there. (April 16)
Day 11: Travel to Ventura, CA and catch the ferry to Channel Islands National Park. Explore the beautiful Santa Cruz Island. (April 17)
All of the California national parks have been explored, but the trip does not end there.
Day 12: Journey further south to San Diego, CA to enjoy the San Diego Zoo and an MLB game. (April 18)
Day 13: Drive to Anaheim, CA for a great day at the magical world of Disneyland. (April 19)
Day 14: Continue the road-trip to Los Angeles, CA and spend the day exploring Hollywood with a tour of famous attractions. (April 20)
Day 15: Enjoy a fun day at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. (April 21)
Day 16: Conclude the adventure by flying back home from LAX. (April 22)
Embark on the Ultimate California Road Trip
Experience the best of California’s iconic cities and national parks with this comprehensive road-trip itinerary. Lots and lots of driving, but fully worth it!
Travel Tips for your California road-trip:
- Buy a National Park annual pass before your trip – well worth the investment if you are visiting multiple parks.
- Compare prices and reviews of rental car services and Turo to secure the best vehicle for your road trip.
- Download your trip routes on Google maps to ensure smooth navigation while in areas with limited or no cell service.
Check out all of the other National Parks and fun places we’ve been too!