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California, the Golden State, home to long coasts, high mountains, and desert ecosystems, is a wondrous destination for more than the obvious reasons.

The home of Hollywood and the entertainment of the capital of the US, California is a must-visit destination. Enjoy this five-day road trip through magical California.

Day 1: Los Angeles

The second-largest city in the US and its undisputed entertainment capital. Its weather and lifestyle have made the city the glamour destination for those who wish to travel to the US, and even for Americans wishing for an escape from wherever they hail from. With Hollywood, glorious entertainment bastions, and foodie destinations on every corner, it is hard to be bored in LA.

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

This bustling wharf that stretches out from Santa Monica Beach is an iconic landmark in LA that contributes to the aesthetic of LA. Here travelers can find rides, eateries, and an abundance of activities. Or, they can just chill out at the beach below.

Sushi Gen

LA is full of wonderful Asian cuisine but for travelers who enjoy sushi, there are few better places outside of Tokyo than Sushi Gen. This is a highly recommended location for excellent Japanese Cuisine.

  • Address - 422 E 2nd St Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012-4209
  • Contact - (213)617-0552
  • Cost - $$-$$$
  • Must-Try - Salmon Collar Dinner
  • Menu

Related: 5-Day Bucket-List Road Trip Circuit: Explore Quebec

Day 2: Up Route 1 To San Francisco

This day is all about the journey. There are faster ways to get to San Francisco from LA, but few are as scenic as the drive-up route one. Travelers should take their time during this leg of journey and make stops at Pismo Beach and Big Sur to enjoy the beautiful sights.

  • Driving Distance - 443 miles, 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Google Maps

Scenic Stop: Pismo Beach

With stunning ocean views and a 1,200-ft pier, Pismo Beach and an ideal local to stop and stretch your legs. Travelers could also walk along Dinosaur Caves Park as an alternative break location.

Scenic Stop: Big Sur

Sharp cliffs dive into the sea and endure a constant barrage of ocean waves. This is one of the most impressive ocean vistas in California and is worth the short break to explore.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

Offering a fine Peruvian dining experience, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana attempts to globalize the treasures of Peruvian cuisine. Travelers to San Francisco are highly recommended to visit and enjoy their delicious cuisine.

  • Address - Pier 1 1/2 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
  • Contact - (415)397-8880
  • Cost - $$$$
  • Must-Try - The Arroz con Mariscos
  • Social Media

RT Rotisserie

Popular for quick bites and smaller dishes, RT Rotisseries offers a variety of American-style dishes. It is friendly to its vegetarian visitors as well offers a variety of delicious options for them to dig into.

  • Address - 101 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94102-5911
  • Contact - (415)355-9085
  • Cost - $$-$$$
  • Must-Try - Rotisserie Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower
  • Menu

Related: 5-Day Bucket-List Road Trip Circuit: Explore Scenic Maine

Day 3: Yosemite National Park

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is famous for its sequoia trees, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan’s granite cliffs, and Half Dome. There are plenty of lodging and dining options in the park, so it is easy for travelers to stay comfortable during their visit.

Top Five Hikes - Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is home to many hikes. The majority of them can be quite challenging but here are five that are well suited for a day trip to the park.

  • Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail - (Hard) 9.7 km () 3 hours 27 minutes, map
  • Upper Yosemite Falls Trail - (Hard) 12.2 km () 4 hours 41 minutes, map
  • Lower Yosemite Falls Trail - (Moderate) 1.9 km () 27 minutes, map
  • Vernal Falls - (Hard) 6.4 km () 2 hours 12 minutes, map
  • Glacial Point Trail - (Easy) 1 km () 19 minutes, map

Day 4: Joshua Tree National Park

Located at the convergence of the Mojave and the Colorado deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is home to a diverse ecosystem with several unique plants and animals. Travelers should make to start their journey early, so they will have ample time to enjoy this stunning location.

Top Five Hikes - Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is full of hikes and due to the relative flatness of the terrain, the majority are not overly difficult. These five hikes are ideal afternoon hikes for Joshua Tree National Park.

  • Ryan Mountain - (Moderate) 4.7 km () 1 hour 40 minutes, map
  • Arch Rock Trail - (Easy) 2.3 km () 32 minutes, map
  • Barker Dam - (Easy) 1.8 km () 25 minutes, map
  • Hidden Valley - (Easy) 1.6 km (1 mile) 26 minutes, map
  • Lost Palms Oasis - (Moderate) 12.1 km () 3 hours 12 minutes, map

Day 5: Back To LA

It’s a short trip back to LA from Joshua Tree National Park, so travelers can enjoy the park a bit before they head back to LA. Travelers can choose how they want to manage their time. If they want to spend more time in LA then they can make the trip back to the city before making the end of this road trip.

  • Driving Distance - 137 miles, 2 hours 21 minutes
  • Google Maps
  • Total Driving Distance - 1,170 miles
  • Total Driving Time - 20 hr 40 min
  • Route Map