7-Day West Coast USA Tour Packages

Ever wanted to spend a full week discovering California's wild contrasts? Routes typically wind from Vegas through Death Valley's bizarre salt flats before hitting Yosemite's massive sequoias. You'll grab a couple nights in San Francisco - just enough time to bike over the Golden Gate, wander through Haight-Ashbury and find those neighborhoods tourists usually miss. The Pacific's waiting for you.

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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day West Coast USA tour itineraries

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MelissaWest Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar

6 Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Tuolumne Grove
San Francisco bookends this 6-day Yosemite adventure. Highlights include Tuolumne Grove's sequoias, Sentinel Dome via Four Mile Trail, and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Package includes 5 breakfasts, expert guides, and lodge accommodation.
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- Day 1
  San Francisco
  Start your trip in San Francisco with an evening meetup. The morning is free to explore Haight Street's vintage shops or take a bay cruise. Book your accommodation near Fisherman's Wharf for easy access to both downtown and the next day's departure point.
- Day 2
  San Francisco to Tuolumne Grove
  Leave early for the 4-hour drive to Yosemite. Your first hike is at Tuolumne Grove where you'll see two dozen giant sequoias. "The downhill hike to the grove is deceptively easy - save energy for the uphill return, especially at altitude," notes a recent visitor. Make sure to bring water and wear shoes with good grip for the 400-foot elevation change.
- Day 3
  Mist Trail
  Get an early start on Yosemite's signature hike. The Mist Trail lives up to its name so pack rain gear and wear water-resistant boots. The 7-mile round trip to Vernal and Nevada Falls gains 2,000 feet in elevation. A previous hiker shares: "The Mist Trail is strenuous but rewards you with incredible waterfall views. Take lots of breaks on the stone steps."
- Day 4
  Four Mile Trail and Sentinel Dome
  Start the Four Mile Trail by 7 AM to beat the heat. The trail climbs 3,200 feet over 4.8 miles one way. From Sentinel Dome you'll get amazing views of Half Dome and El Capitan. Bring trekking poles to help with the steep descent.
- Day 5
  Yosemite Valley Exploration
  The morning is yours to explore. You can rent bikes to see more of the valley ($30/day at Yosemite Valley Lodge) or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. In the afternoon take a cultural walk from the Ahwahnee Hotel through meadows and past pioneer ruins to learn about Native American history.
- Day 6
  Return to San Francisco
  Head back to San Francisco after breakfast. The 4-hour drive includes a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Plan to arrive by early afternoon for the best photo lighting. The tour ends at Fisherman's Wharf around 3 PM.
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7 Days in California National Parks, incl. Death Valley and Yosemite
Natural wonders span 1,200 miles and 3 national parks over 7 days. From Death Valley's Badwater Basin to Yosemite's Half Dome, the Western USA unfolds while guests enjoy comfortable hotels and two included lunches.
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- Day 1
  Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park
  Leave Las Vegas by 8 AM for the 3-hour drive to Death Valley. Pack extra water and solid sun protection. Visit Badwater Basin in mid-morning before the worst heat kicks in. It's North America's lowest point at -282 feet. A recent visitor shared: "Death Valley's vastness is mind-blowing, but the heat is no joke – we went through 3 water bottles each just walking to Zabriskie Point." Drive 3 hours to Bakersfield for overnight stay.
- Days 2-3
  Sequoia National Park
  Drive 90 minutes to Sequoia National Park to see the world's largest trees. The General Sherman Tree trail is paved but steep. A good strategy is starting at the top and walking down to the tree, then taking the free shuttle back up. Take the quieter Congress Trail for a 2-mile loop among giant sequoias. On Day 3, explore Grant Grove and take on Buena Vista Peak. The 2-mile round trip offers great Sierra views. Start early to avoid summer afternoon thunderstorms.
- Days 4-5
  Yosemite National Park
  The 3.5-hour drive to Yosemite involves mountain roads. If you get carsick, grab a seat up front. Your first stop should be Tunnel View to see El Capitan and Half Dome. Day 5 is perfect for the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. One visitor puts it well: "The Mist Trail is intense but worth every step. Bring a waterproof jacket – you'll get soaked from the waterfall spray on the stone steps." Set aside 4-5 hours for the full hike and pack a lunch to eat at the top.
- Day 6
  Yosemite to San Francisco
  Start early for the 6-hour drive to San Francisco. The Central Valley stretch gets pretty boring so load up on podcasts or music beforehand. Once you reach San Francisco, head to Battery Spencer for the best Golden Gate Bridge photos. Stop for lunch in Haight-Ashbury. You can spend the evening at Fisherman's Wharf but pack some warm clothes. San Francisco gets surprisingly cold at night even in summer.
- Day 7
  San Francisco
  The tour ends mid-morning. If you're staying longer, look for hotels in North Beach. You'll be close to both tourist spots and local favorites. Want to ride the cable cars? Go before 9 AM to beat the crowds.
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7 Days in California National Parks, incl. Yosemite and Sequoia
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- Day 1
  Las Vegas
  Begin your national parks adventure in Las Vegas. Plan to arrive in the morning so you can get settled before the 5 PM welcome meeting. Book a morning flight if possible. The meeting spot is usually near the Strip. Keep in mind that Vegas traffic is often heavy, so give yourself about 45 minutes to get from the airport during busy times.
- Day 2
  Las Vegas to Sequoia National Park (via Mojave Desert)
  Get ready for a 6-7 hour drive through the Mojave Desert. The route takes you from open desert plains to the impressive Sierra Nevada mountains. Bring layers since desert temperatures change quickly. Take breaks in Barstow or Bakersfield. You won't find many services between these stops.
- Day 3
  Sequoia National Park
  Focus on the Giant Forest today. Get to the General Sherman Tree before 9 AM to avoid crowds and parking hassles. The trail is short but steep. In summer, using the park shuttle makes things easier. Bring plenty of water and food since park dining options are limited. The trails can get slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good traction.
- Days 4-5
  Yosemite National Park
  Plan for a 5-hour drive from Sequoia to Yosemite. Your first afternoon includes guided walks through the valley. Join the evening stargazing program but bring warm clothes. The next day, start early at Glacier Point for amazing views of Half Dome. The road is usually open from May to November. The Mist Trail can be challenging. Walking poles are helpful, especially on the stone steps.
- Day 6
  Yosemite to San Francisco
  Start your 4-hour drive to San Francisco by mid-morning. A recent visitor shared: "The Golden Gate Bridge walk can be very windy. Bring a windbreaker and allow 45 minutes for the crossing each way." A sunset catamaran cruise shows off the city from the water ($45). Book early in summer.
- Day 7
  San Francisco
  Your trip ends in San Francisco. If you're staying longer, look for hotels in North Beach or Hayes Valley. These areas offer good access to local spots and public transport. The BART train takes about 30 minutes from downtown to the airport.
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