2-Week Pacific Coast USA Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Pacific Coast USA itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaPacific Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar
14 Day California Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Los Angeles
The Pacific Coast route from San Francisco to Los Angeles unfolds through strategic overnight stays, maximizing time at coastal highlights and attractions.
- Days 1-2
San Francisco & Pacific Coast
Start in San Francisco and head south on Highway 1 to Monterey. Skip morning travel since Golden Gate Bridge traffic is heaviest from 7-9am. The coastal drive takes 4-5 hours with stops, including the elephant seal colony near Santa Cruz. Wait until afternoon when the fog usually lifts for better coastal photos.
- Days 3-4
Monterey & Big Sur
Start early on the 17-Mile Drive to get lower entrance fees before 9am. Get to the Monterey Bay Aquarium right when it opens at 10am to beat the crowds. When driving Big Sur, only use marked pullouts. The Highway 1 patrol strictly enforces parking rules with steep $400+ fines.
- Days 5-6
Los Angeles
Time your LA arrival after 2pm to avoid traffic jams. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame before 10am before it gets hot and crowded. Book Universal Studios tickets online to save money and skip long lines.
- Days 7-8
Desert Gateway
Save on Palm Springs cable car rides by going after 4pm. Pack plenty of water for Joshua Tree National Park. You'll need at least 1 gallon per person since there's no water inside the park. Plan your photos about 1-2 hours before sunset for the best lighting.
- Days 9-10
Death Valley & Eastern Sierra
Summer temperatures in Death Valley often hit 110°F. Visit Badwater Basin early, before 10am. Take it slow on the partly unpaved road to Bodie Ghost Town. Regular cars can handle it, but carefully.
- Days 11-12
Lake Tahoe & Gold Country
Get to Lake Tahoe beaches early. They fill up by 11am in summer, but you can try less crowded spots like Secret Cove. Check out Sacramento's historic district with free tours at 10am and 2pm.
- Days 13-14
Yosemite & Wine Country
Skip parking hassles in Yosemite Valley by taking the free shuttle. Most lots are full by 9am in peak season. Book your Napa Valley wine tastings ahead. They usually cost between $40-75 per person.
- Days 1-3
San Francisco
Begin your Western USA adventure in San Francisco. Get settled at the Marriott Marquis downtown on day one. Buy a 3-day Muni pass for $24 at the airport for cable cars and buses. Start your first full day at Fisherman's Wharf before 9 AM to avoid crowds. One traveler notes: "The morning fog creates magical photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, but it usually clears by 11 AM." Take the cable car to Union Square for shopping and finish your day watching sunset from Twin Peaks. On day three, you can take an optional trip to Monterey and Carmel. The 17-Mile Drive takes about 2.5 hours each way. Skip the busy Cannery Row and spend your time exploring the prettier streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Day 4
Yosemite
Drive 4 hours east to Yosemite National Park. Get there before 9 AM in summer to find parking. Pack layers since valley temperatures can change dramatically from morning to afternoon. A picnic lunch is included so you won't waste time at busy park restaurants.
- Days 5-7
Las Vegas & Grand Canyon
After a 7-hour drive across the Mojave Desert, you'll arrive in Vegas. Stay at the Sahara Hotel on the quieter north Strip. Plan 4.5 hours each way for your Grand Canyon day trip. Book the helicopter tour early since spots fill up fast. One traveler suggests: "The Death Valley optional tour is worth it in winter months only. In summer, stick to morning activities by the pool and evening shows on the Strip."
- Day 8
Palm Springs to LA
Stop in Palm Springs during your 4-hour desert drive. Visit the wind farm center but book your tour ahead. Plan to reach LA after 7 PM to miss the worst traffic, which can add 1-2 hours to your trip.
- Days 9-10
Los Angeles
Take the morning city tour to see Hollywood's main spots. A past visitor recommends: "Skip the Walk of Fame crowds and head to Griffith Observatory instead – better Hollywood Sign photos and less tourist chaos." Consider exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach instead of the San Diego day trip, which takes 6+ hours of travel time.
- Day 11
Departure
Book an afternoon flight from LAX to avoid morning traffic. Allow 45-60 minutes to reach the airport from your Harbor hotel.
13 Day on the John Muir Trail Itinerary, incl. Florence Lake and Yosemite
Hiking enthusiasts traverse 117 miles of the John Muir Trail's most spectacular sections over 13 days. The trip opens with a Fresno hotel stay, followed by 11 nights camping in pristine wilderness. Daily treks span 4.5-13 miles, with two resupply points along the route.
- Day 1
Fresno
Check into the Wyndham Garden Hotel near Fresno Airport. Pack check and orientation meeting at 6 PM. Get dinner at the hotel to rest up for tomorrow's early start.
- Day 2
Trail Start
Leave at 7 AM for a 3-hour shuttle to the trailhead. Start with an easy 4.5-mile hike gaining 920 feet in elevation. Take the boat shuttle into John Muir Wilderness. A perfect first day to adjust to the altitude.
- Days 3-4
Selden Pass Region
Your first big climb takes you up Selden Pass (10,880 feet). The 9-mile trek includes almost 3,300 feet of climbing. Start early before it gets hot. Day 4 is mostly downhill into Mono Creek drainage where you'll get fresh supplies.
- Days 5-6
Silver Pass Section
Climb to Silver Pass (10,880 feet) for amazing views of Silver Divide. Set up camp near Chief Lake. The next day is an 11-mile walk through subalpine valleys to Duck Creek. Bring warm layers since nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer.
- Days 7-8
Red's Meadow Area
Head downhill to Red's Meadow where you can shower and stock up at the campground store. The next day visit Devil's Postpile National Monument before climbing to Shadow Creek. The volcanic rock formations make great photos.
- Days 9-10
Yosemite Approach
This stretch has some of the best views on the trail. Walk past Thousand Island Lakes with the Ritter Range towering above. Day 10 takes you over Donahue Pass (11,050 feet) before dropping into Yosemite. Plan to cross passes before noon to avoid afternoon storms.
- Days 11-12
Cathedral Lakes to Half Dome
After Tuolumne Meadows climb up to Cathedral Lakes. The sunset light on Cathedral Peak is spectacular. Next day camp at Sunrise Creek looking up at Half Dome.
- Day 13
Descent to Valley
The final 7 miles go down past Nevada and Vernal Falls. Bring trekking poles for the slippery stone steps. You'll get back to Fresno around 4 PM.
