7-Day West Coast USA Tour Packages

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

Compiled by

MelissaWest Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar

• 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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• 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, incl. Los Angeles and San Francisco

  The West Coast's finest sights fill 7 days: LA's Hilton, Las Vegas's Luxor, Death Valley's Zabriskie Point, Yosemite's El Capitan, and San Francisco's attractions, with premium accommodations throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Los Angeles

    Plan to arrive in the afternoon to avoid LA's morning traffic jams. The airport can be busy and confusing so your best bet is booking an Uber or arranging a shuttle to your hotel. You can spend your first evening getting over any jet lag and exploring nearby Manhattan Beach which is just 15 minutes away.

    
  • Day 2

    Los Angeles to Las Vegas (4.5 hours)

    Get an early start to avoid traffic on I-15 through the Mojave Desert. The drive typically takes about 4.5 hours. Make a stop at Eddie World Yermo for snacks and their popular fresh date shakes. Once you reach Vegas head to the Welcome Sign for photos before it gets too hot. Pick a hotel on the Strip - the Luxor is well-located for seeing the main sights.

    
  • Day 3

    Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes via Death Valley

    This is a long day but worth it. Leave Vegas before sunrise since Death Valley can hit 120°F by noon. Visit Zabriskie Point first and bring plenty of water and sun protection. The drive to Mammoth Lakes takes you from 282 feet below sea level to over 7,800 feet so take it easy if you start feeling the altitude.

    
  • Day 4

    Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite and Modesto

    Remember that Tioga Pass into Yosemite usually closes October through May. If you're traveling then you'll need to stay in Fresno instead. In summer get to Yosemite early via Tioga Pass since parking near spots like El Capitan fills up by 9am. One visitor shared: "We reached Tunnel View just after sunrise and had the iconic vista almost entirely to ourselves."

    
  • Days 5-6

    San Francisco

    You'll want two full days to see San Francisco properly. Start at Fisherman's Wharf in the morning while the fog is lifting for great Alcatraz photos. Take the Powell-Hyde cable car ($8 one way) instead of the busier Powell-Mason line. Skip the tourist restaurants on Grant Avenue - try the local favorite Hang Ah Tea Room on Pagoda Place for authentic dim sum.

    
  • Day 7

    San Francisco Departure

    Most flights leave from SFO which is about 30 minutes south of downtown without traffic. Allow extra time during rush hour (7-9am). The BART train runs straight from downtown to SFO and often beats driving during busy times.

    

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