2-Week California Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week California tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar

• 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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• America's Western Wonders - Days 1 - 12 Los Angeles

  

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  • Los Angeles USA

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• Coastal California, Napa & the Central Valley with San Francisco Extension

  

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  • Marina del Rey USA

    77 mi

  • Santa Barbara USA

    25 mi

  • Santa Ynez USA

    45 mi

  • Channel Islands National Park USA

    45 mi

  • Solvang USA

    77 mi

  • Paso Robles USA

    24 mi

  • San Luis Obispo USA

    267 mi
  • Show 3 more

  • San Diego USA

    380 mi

  • Monterey USA

    3 mi

  • Carmel USA

    138 mi

  • Santa Maria USA

    252 mi

  • Napa USA

    9 mi

  • Sonoma USA

    29 mi

  • Sausalito USA

    6 mi

  • San Francisco USA

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