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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.
- Must-Visit - Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, Venice Canals Walkway
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.
- Eateries - Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe, Wetzel's Pretzels, Bubb Gump Shrimp Co., Maria Sol
- Attractions - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Playland Arcade, Santa Monica Beach
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
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
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.
- Reservations - Required, from May to September (link)
- Car Fee - $35
- Motorcycle Fee - $30
- Must-visit - Ansel Adams Gallery, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Tunnel View
- Driving Distance - 167 miles, 3 hours 4 minutes
- Google Maps
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.
- Must-Visit - Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum, Visitor Centers, Camp Sites
- Driving Distance - 382 miles, 6 hours 27 minutes
- Google Maps
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