2-Week California Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week California tour itineraries

Compiled by

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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• 13 Day California Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and San Diego

  The 13-day California circuit connects 12 cities from San Francisco to San Diego. Travelers enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma, walks through Yosemite's Mariposa Grove sequoias, and scenic drives along 17-Mile Drive in Carmel. Package includes daily breakfasts and 3 dinners, with premium hotels throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    San Francisco & Wine Country

    Arrive in San Francisco by early afternoon to settle in before the evening meetup. Spend your first full day exploring city highlights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Japanese Tea Garden. "The Japanese Tea Garden was a peaceful escape - arrive early before the crowds and bring a light jacket for the morning fog." On day 3 take a wine tasting trip to Sonoma Valley. The drive across the Golden Gate takes about an hour. Leave mid-morning to skip rush hour traffic and stop in Sausalito for lunch overlooking the bay before heading back to the city.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Yosemite National Park & Sequoias

    The 4-hour drive to Yosemite winds through the Sierra Nevadas. Take the Valley Floor Tram tour when you arrive to get oriented, then use remaining daylight for short hikes. Visit Mariposa Grove early the next morning to see giant sequoias before it gets too hot. Pack different layers since mountain temperatures change a lot throughout the day.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Monterey & Big Sur Coast

    Stay in Monterey for two nights to explore the area. Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, giving yourself 3-4 hours for photo stops. The next day drive the stunning Big Sur coast to Hearst Castle. "The coastal drive was breathtaking but plan extra time for fog delays and photo stops."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Los Angeles

    Stop in the Danish town of Solvang and Santa Barbara's mission on your way to LA. Spend your first afternoon seeing Hollywood sites. For day 9 you can choose between the Getty Center's art collections or Santa Monica's beach scene. Since LA is so spread out, plan activities by neighborhood to avoid too much time in traffic.

    
  • Days 10-13

    San Diego

    Take the Pacific Surfliner train from LA to San Diego. The 3-hour ride occasionally runs late but offers beautiful ocean views. You'll have three full days to explore at your own pace from La Jolla's coves to the historic Gaslamp Quarter. A previous visitor suggested: "Don't miss the early morning at Balboa Park before the crowds arrive, then head to Liberty Public Market for lunch."

    

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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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