The Ultimate 2-Week California Road Trip Itinerary From a Local
Last Updated on January 1, 2025
Many people come to California just to visit lively cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. While those cities are beautiful, they are far from the full picture of California. There’s so much beauty in this state that people never get the chance to see, and you can get a taste for all of it with this once-in-a-lifetime California road trip itinerary. Â
Whether you’re a local or a new traveler to our beautiful state, this road trip is an absolute must!
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California Road Trip Itinerary
One of the Hwy 1 viewpoints in Big Sur
What to prepare
There’s a little bit of everything in this California road trip itinerary: bustling cities, calm lakes, vast wilderness, infinite beaches, and much more. You can do pretty much the whole trip with a regular car, as the roads are good here. However, a 4×4 might be needed for a few places with unpaved access roads, like the Crowley Lake Columns.
Depending on the time of year you go, you’ll want to bring comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes for hiking or exploring. Bring extra layers during winter (and even summer along the coast).
This California road trip itinerary takes around two weeks, but you can adjust it by taking your time, adding more stops, or skipping some depending on your schedule.
Here’s a small map to give you an idea of our route!
Day 1-2: Death Valley National Park
Badwater Basin
Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth, literally. It holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on the planet: 56.7°C (134.1°F) in 1913. Its climate and weather create some of the most surreal views in the world. You won’t find anywhere more stunningly bizarre than Death Valley. Learn more about it in my itinerary!
It’s best to visit Death Valley in the spring when wildflowers bloom, making the desert even more beautiful. Winter is also a wonderful time to visit. If you’re lucky, you might witness the rare phenomenon of Badwater Basin turning into a mirror-like lake after the winter rains. Considering the weather, it’s best to avoid the summer months for this trip.
Where to go in Death Valley
1. Badwater Basin: A massive expanse of sand and saltwater, the Badwater Basin is a surreal white space surrounded by Death Valley’s mountains. Hiking here is like walking in the bottom of the ocean.
2. Zabriskie Point: Death Valley is known for its dry lands and uniquely colored hills, and Zabriskie Point gives one of the best views of these terrains. The rugged terrain and gorgeous colors make this point a must-visit spot for all visitors.
3. Artist’s Palette: This is one of the prettiest places in the park and… arguably in the whole world. Its hills have shades of pink, green, yellow, and purple, created by the oxidation of minerals in the rocks. To truly appreciate the colors, it’s best to visit during blue hour (an hour before sunrise or hour after sunset) or on a cloudy day. Check the last slide of my carousel for the directions to the best viewpoint:
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4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: These dunes provide a gorgeous array of tall sand hills, peppered with the surreal, swirly mesquite trees they’re named after.Â
5. Devil’s Golf Course: Despite the name, you wouldn’t really want to play golf at the Devil’s Golf Course. This field of salt rocks near Badwater Basin has a spiky and alien-like surface that’s fascinating to see up close.
Where to stay in Death Valley
Check out these places if you’re planning on staying in Death Valley:
Make sure to check my detailed blog post about things to do in Death Valley National Park.
Day 3-4: Mammoth Lakes
Crowley Lake Columns near Mammoth Lakes
Northeast of Death Valley, just along the state line, you’ll find the snow-capped mountains and lush forests of Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Lakes is known for its unreal natural landscape, with towering mountains lined with pines and junipers. There are also natural hot springs dotted along the landscape, as well as waterfalls and, of course, gorgeous lakes.
I’ve talked about this area in my travel guide to the Eastern Sierra, so you can check out a little more from the area here!Â
Where to go in Mammoth Lakes
- Hot Creek Geological Site: Hot Creek’s bubbling geysers are beautiful and unique all year round. You can find the best views of Hot Creek at the Brees Lookout.
Hot Creek Geological Site
2. Mammoth Mountain: Mammoth Mountain has a lot of snow during the winter–and a lot of resort activities, too.Â
3. Convict Lake: Convict Lake is named after an epic showdown between convicts and authorities. Nowadays, the lake is much more quiet, and more well-known for its crystal clear waters and calming fishing atmosphere.
4. Crowley Lake Columns: The Crowley Lake Stone Columns are a more challenging adventure spot compared to the rest of the Eastern Sierra. If you’re visiting during late fall to early spring, the waters will be just low enough to take a four-wheel drive down to visit these surreal columns.Â
5. Mono Lake: Mono Lake is as clear and beautiful as the other lakes in Mammoth, but what makes it unique is the stone tufa towers rising from the waters.
6. Devil’s Postpile National Monument: These long hexagonal poles were once shaped by volcanic lava piled together by glaciers, giving it the symmetric shape it is famous for today.
7. Rainbow Falls: Rainbow Falls is best visited during the midday, when there’s more light and more colorful sparks, though it’s beautiful any time with daylight.
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes
Check out these places if you’re planning on staying in Mammoth Lakes:
Day 5-6: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls
I think Yosemite doesn’t need much introduction, even to newcomers in California. It’s one of the most visited national parks in the country, showing off a spectacular range of views. I’ve talked about Yosemite before in a few other posts. Needless to say, it’s an absolute must-visit on your California road trip itinerary bucket list.
Where to go in Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Valley: Being the main hub of Yosemite, you can get to just about anywhere through Yosemite Valley. Expect a lot of nice walkways, beautiful views of Yosemite Falls, and a few rivers running along the valleyway.
2. Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in the park and a major landmark for the entire expanse. You can check it out from the Yosemite Falls Picnic Area or climb up to the top through its strenuous hiking trail.
3. Bridalveil Fall: You’ll likely pass by Bridalveil Fall on your way to Yosemite Valley. It’s worth stopping to take a look! This delicate waterfall gets its name from its light flow (like a veil) during the dryer seasons.
4. Tunnel View: One of the best places in the park for a photo shoot! Tunnel View has an amazing shot of the nearby rock structures along with the beautiful evergreens down in between.
5. Glacier Point: A gorgeous viewpoint with panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding high country. Several popular trails start here, including the stunning Taft Point Trail. Glacier Point Road is usually only open from May to October.
6. Taft Point: One of the tallest points in Yosemite. This spot gives unbeatable views of the entire park and is just a 2-3 mile hike up.Â
Sunset at Taft Point
Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Check out these places if you’re planning on staying in Yosemite:
Day 7-8: Lake Tahoe
Exploring Lake Tahoe on a clear kayak
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on the border between California and Nevada. Known for its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, it is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the United States. For more detailed information, check out my guide on Lake Tahoe here!
Where to go in Lake Tahoe
- Emerald Bay: This serene bay in the southwest part of Lake Tahoe has some of the most dramatic views of the lake, alongside the little Fannette Island at the center of the bay.Â
2. Vikingsholm: Within the Emerald Bay area is a small summerhouse converted into a Viking stronghold, first built in the 1920s. It’s a unique piece of architecture and history with a great view of the Emerald Bay from up north.
3. Eagle Falls Trail: If you want a taste of Lake Tahoe’s breathtaking wilderness, this short 0.6-mile trail will satisfy all your cravings. The path goes through rocky terrain and towering evergreens before finally reaching the rambling Eagle Falls and its glassy lake.
4. Zephyr Cove Beach: A cozy cove in the southeast of Lake Tahoe with a thriving community of boat riders and skiers. You’ll also find a lively picnic area and fishing scene around here.
5. Sand Harbor: Probably the most popular beach in Lake Tahoe, the clear emerald waters here are great for nature walks and kayaking. You can also explore the nearby Incline Village to rent kayaks or boats here.
6. Heavenly Gondola Ride: The Heavenly Mountain Resort provides a spectacular gondola ride heading up the Sierra-Nevada Mountain Range. You can find gorgeous views of the whole lake from up here, and in winter, it’s also a great place for skiing.
Lake Tahoe
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
I have a whole dedicated guide about where to stay in Lake Tahoe. Check it out here!
Day 9-10: San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge from the Golden Gate Overlook
Here’s a change of scenery–the sunny city of San Francisco is an icon of California, known for its iconic landmarks, steep hills, and unique charm. The most famous among these is the Golden Gate Bridge, but you’ll find plenty of things to do in this city during your visit. It’s an urban highlight on this California road trip itinerary.
Where to go in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge: This symbol of human engineering comes with its own exhibitions and walking tours. My favorite viewpoint is the Golden Gate Overlook.
2. Golden Gate Park: Just south of the Golden Gate Bridge is the thousand-acre Golden Gate Park, a beautiful space with picturesque gardens like the Japanese Tea Garden, colorful flower displays in the Conservatory of Flowers, and the peaceful Stow Lake.
3. Painted Ladies: The Painted Ladies is a nickname for the beautiful line of Victorian houses along Steiner Street, painted in pretty pastel. The gentle slopes and colors make them all the more beautiful in the bustling metropolitan.
4. Lombard Street: Although this curving street was once designed to counter the steeper slopes of San Francisco, it’s now a major attraction for visitors in the city. Just be careful while driving down on it!
5. Palace of Fine Arts: Another out-of-time space in the city comes with the Palace of Fine Arts, a Greco-Roman-styled building situated near the Golden Gate Bridge.Â
6. A helicopter flight: I also recommend taking a helicopter flight to view all of San Francisco from above. The city skyline is absolutely unmatched in all of America, and it’s not an experience you’ll ever forget on your California road trip bucket list.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Check out these places if you’re planning on staying in San Francisco:
Day 11-12: Big Sur
Bixby Bridge
Big Sur is arguably one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Its breathtaking coastal road overlooks the Pacific from tall cliff sides and beaches, with dramatic scenery that California is most well known for.
Where to go in Big Sur
- Bixby Creek Bridge: Bixby is an iconic landmark on the Big Sur highway. This majestic bridge stands 260 feet above the cliffs along the coast, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and ocean.
2. McWay Falls: This picturesque waterfall often pours directly back into the ocean or the sandy beach below, situated along the rocky cliffs of Big Sur.
3. Pfeiffer Beach: Some portions of this beach glows purple during sunset. The rugged cliffside surroundings give it an everlasting road trip charm. It’s also home to the Instagrammable Keyhole Arch, an archway that looks like a perfect doorway into the ocean.
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: This massive state park has beautiful views of the Pacific as well as calming hikes past streams and gorges.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Check out these places if you’re planning on staying near Big Sur:
Keyhole Arch
After this, drive back to Los Angeles. As of early 2025, the southern part of Big Sur is closed, so you’ll need to return to Hwy 101 or I-5 through the northern exit. The estimated reopening is summer 2025. Wherever you go, check Caltrans District 5 website for updates.
Day 13-14: Los Angeles
If this is your first visit to California, spend the last two days (or the first two) exploring Los Angeles. It’s the entertainment capital of the world, home to Hollywood and many incredible attractions. It’s also known for its beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and a wide range of stunning views.
View of Los Angeles from the Getty Center
Where to Go in Los Angeles
- Griffith Observatory: A hilltop observatory with incredible views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and the night sky. It’s perfect for catching a sunset.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: A must if you love theme parks or interested in learning more about the film industry. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a highlight!
- Santa Monica Pier: The iconic spot that you saw many times in the movies.
- Getty Center: A world-class art museum with impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city.
- Venice Canals: A peaceful and unique neighborhood where you can stroll along picturesque canals lined with charming homes and gardens.
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Known for its diverse art collections and the iconic Urban Light installation, perfect for photos.
- Rodeo Drive: The heart of Beverly Hills’ luxury shopping district, ideal for window-shopping and people-watching.
- The Broad: A contemporary art museum in downtown LA, featuring works by world-renowned artists. Admission is free but requires reservations.
- Hollywood Sign Hike: Hike the trails at Griffith Park to get behind the iconic sign and enjoy gorgeous city views.
- Malibu Beaches: Check out the famous Malibu beaches like El Matador, known for its stunning rock formations and quiet beauty.
Venice Canals, California
