2-Week California Tour Packages

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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week California tour itineraries

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MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar

13 Day on the John Muir Trail Itinerary, incl. Yosemite and Sierra Nevada
A 13-day wilderness trek spans 117 miles from Florence Lake to Yosemite Valley. The route passes Devil's Postpile Monument, Thousand Island Lakes, and Half Dome's iconic face. First night at Wyndham Garden Fresno, followed by wilderness camping, costs around $5,000.
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- Day 1
  Fresno
  Check in at the Wyndham Garden Hotel near Fresno Airport after 4 PM. Pack carefully for high altitudes where temperatures can vary by 40° between day and night. Gear check and orientation starts at 6 PM. Save time by eating dinner at the hotel so you can get some rest.
- Days 2-3
  Florence Lake to Selden Pass
  Take a 3-hour shuttle to Florence Lake where your journey begins with a gentle 4.5-mile warm-up hike. Your first big test comes on Day 3 with Selden Pass at 10,880 ft. The climb to Sallie Keyes Lakes requires steady pacing. Take regular breaks and drink plenty of water. Your campsite near the subalpine lakes will see temperatures drop below freezing after dark.
- Days 4-5
  Mono Creek to Silver Pass
  Head down to Mono Creek for your first resupply stop. The next day you'll climb Silver Pass gaining over 3,000 feet across 8 miles. Get an early start since afternoon storms are common. Chief Lake offers a protected camping spot away from strong winds.
- Days 6-7
  Virginia Lake to Red's Meadow
  These two days are long but worth it. Virginia Lake has great swimming spots to cool off tired legs in the crisp snowmelt. Red's Meadow provides hot showers and a store where you should stock up on electrolyte packets for the upcoming sections.
- Days 8-9
  Shadow Creek to Thousand Island Lakes
  You'll pass through unique volcanic terrain near Devil's Postpile before reaching the Ritter Range known for its stunning views. Set up camp early at Thousand Island Lakes (9,833 feet) to watch the sunset on Banner Peak. Pack plenty of layers for the typical 30-40 degree temperature changes.
- Days 10-11
  Tuolumne Meadows to Cathedral Lakes
  Cross your highest point at Donahue Pass (11,050 ft) before entering Yosemite. Tuolumne Meadows offers easier hiking but watch for afternoon storms. Camp at Cathedral Lakes for spectacular views of Cathedral Peak's granite spires.
- Days 12-13
  Half Dome to Yosemite Valley
  The final stretch drops 4,227 feet to the valley floor past Nevada and Vernal Falls. Use trekking poles on the often-slippery stone steps. Take time to photograph both waterfalls. A shuttle returns you to Fresno around 4 PM.
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14 Days in California, incl. San Francisco and Los Angeles
A 14-day California odyssey connects 12 cities from San Francisco to Death Valley. The route encompasses 6 national parks, Historic Highway 1, and Napa Valley wineries, spanning 1,500 miles with carefully curated hotel stays throughout the Golden State.
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- Days 1-2
  San Francisco & Coastal Drive
  Arrive in San Francisco by 2 PM to avoid Golden Gate Bridge traffic. Start your Highway 1 drive south by 8 AM the next day before fog rolls in. The drive to Monterey takes about 3 hours with stops. Visit the elephant seal colony at Año Nuevo State Park but remember to book permits ahead during peak season.
- Days 3-4
  Monterey & Big Sur
  Take the 17-Mile Drive first thing before tour buses arrive. You'll need to pay a $35 entry fee. Book whale watching trips in the morning when the sea is calmer. Plan 6-7 hours for the Big Sur drive. Fill your tank in Monterey since gas stations are scarce and expensive along the route.
- Days 5-6
  Los Angeles Area
  Drive from Morro Bay to LA in about 4 hours. Try to arrive after 2 PM to skip the worst traffic. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Save 20% on Universal Studios tickets by booking online.
- Days 7-8
  Desert Adventures
  Bring extra layers for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway since temperatures drop 30°F at the top. Start Joshua Tree hikes early and pack 1 gallon of water per person. Check out the Hidden Valley Trail for the best introduction to the park.
- Days 9-10
  Eastern Sierra
  Watch your engine temperature on the steep Death Valley to Lone Pine drive. Visit South Tufa area at Mono Lake for the best limestone formation photos. Take an AWD vehicle for the 13-mile unpaved road to Bodie Ghost Town.
- Days 11-12
  Northern California
  Secure a parking spot at Lake Tahoe's East Shore Trail before 9 AM. Try the Bumpass Hell Trail at Lassen Volcanic for amazing geothermal features. Stay on the boardwalks since the ground gets extremely hot.
- Days 13-14
  Yosemite & Wine Country
  Get to Yosemite before 8 AM to avoid long entrance lines. Stop at Tunnel View for classic valley photos. The drive to San Francisco through Napa takes 4 hours. Plan wine tasting stops before wineries close at 5 PM.
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14 Days in California, incl. Los Angeles and San Francisco
A comprehensive 14-day tour spans 8 major California destinations. Two-night stays in key locations like Yosemite and San Francisco, with single nights in Lake Tahoe and Morro Bay. Includes 13 nights' accommodation, rental car, and flights from around $3,200.
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- Days 1-2
  Los Angeles to Joshua Tree
  Start in LA and pick up your rental car early to avoid downtown traffic. Drive 2.5 hours to Palm Springs which serves as an ideal base for Joshua Tree National Park. Visit the park early on day 2 ($35/vehicle) before it gets too hot. The 1.3-mile Hidden Valley trail offers classic Joshua Tree scenery. Use the west entrance near Palm Springs to avoid longer lines at the south entrance.
- Days 3-4
  Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
  Drive 6 hours north to Sequoia. Stay in Three Rivers for easy park access. Get to the General Sherman Tree parking lot before 9 AM for good parking and fewer people. The Congress Trail shows off the best sequoias without steep climbs. Bring plenty of layers since temperature swings of 20°F between valley and peaks are common.
- Days 5-6
  Yosemite National Park
  Drive in through the South Gate for your first look at Yosemite Valley. Book accommodations well in advance for in-park stays or pick El Portal nearby. Use the Valley Loop shuttle instead of dealing with parking. The 2.2-mile Tunnel View to Artist Point trail gives you picture-perfect valley views especially at sunset. Bring water and good shoes for the wet stairs near Vernal Falls.
- Days 7-8
  Lake Tahoe
  The 4-hour drive from Yosemite takes you through beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain passes. South Lake Tahoe offers the best mix of lake activities and restaurants. Take the Heavenly Gondola for great views without hiking. Summer lake temperatures average 65°F so consider renting a wetsuit for swimming.
- Days 9-10
  San Francisco
  It's a 3.5-hour drive to San Francisco. Avoid driving into the city during morning rush hour. Stay in Fisherman's Wharf for easy walking to main attractions. Get your Golden Gate Bridge photos at Battery Spencer overlook before 10 AM to avoid fog and crowds.
- Days 11-12
  Pacific Coast Highway to Morro Bay
  Take your time driving Highway 1 south. Stop at Bixby Bridge before 11 AM when it's less busy. The 17-Mile Drive costs $10.75 but rewards you with beautiful coastal scenery. Spend the night in Morro Bay for a peaceful coastal experience away from busier Santa Barbara.
- Days 13-14
  Los Angeles
  Head back to LA (4 hours from Morro Bay). Visit Griffith Observatory in early evening for sunset views of the city and Hollywood Sign. Check out Venice Beach boardwalk in the morning before the crowds show up.
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