7-Day West Coast USA Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day West Coast USA itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaWest Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar

• California National Park Discovery

  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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  • Las Vegas USA

    109 mi

  • Death Valley National Park USA

    134 mi

  • Bakersfield USA

    81 mi

  • Sequoia National Park USA

    100 mi

  • Yosemite National Park USA

    160 mi

  • San Francisco USA

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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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