3-Day California Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day California tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day California Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite

  This California odyssey spans 7 cities, from Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission to San Francisco's Chinatown. Wander Solvang's Danish village, sail under Golden Gate Bridge, and visit Yosemite's El Capitan or Monterey's Cannery Row depending on season.

  

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  • Day 1

    Los Angeles to San Francisco

    Your journey begins with an early pickup at 6:30 AM from Farmers Market Starbucks or 7:00 AM from Culver City. The first stop is Santa Barbara a 2-hour drive north along the coast. You'll visit the Spanish Mission and walk through the State Street Promenade. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the car-free downtown and bring a light jacket since ocean breezes can be cool even on sunny days. Next is Solvang just 45 minutes away. This slice of Denmark in California offers authentic bakeries and shops. You should try the aebleskiver traditional pancake balls at one of the local cafes. The journey continues along Highway 1 or the 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea before reaching San Francisco in the evening. The final leg takes about 2.5 hours.

    
  • Day 2

    San Francisco Exploration

    Start your day at Fisherman's Wharf for a bay cruise. The 1-hour boat ride takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. Sit on the right side of the boat to get the best bridge photos. After lunch at Pier 39 you can watch the sea lions and spend time exploring Chinatown and Nob Hill. Summer visitors will head to Modesto for the night about 1.5 hours away while winter guests stay in San Francisco.

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite or Coastal Route (Seasonal)

    Summer (April-October): Travel to Yosemite National Park which is 3 hours from Modesto. Take the moderate hike from the Visitor Center to Yosemite Falls. Start early to beat the afternoon heat and bring plenty of water. Get your best shots of El Capitan before noon when the lighting is perfect. Winter (November-March): Spend time in Monterey exploring Cannery Row and visiting Carmel's art galleries. The coastal drive back to LA takes 6-7 hours with stops. You'll arrive in Los Angeles between 8-9 PM so plan your departure flight for the next day.

    

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• 3 Days in California, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite

  Remarkable 3-day tour through California's diverse landscapes hits 6 iconic locations. Starting from Los Angeles through Danish-inspired Solvang, along the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, and into San Francisco for a Golden Gate Bay cruise. Concludes with Yosemite's spectacular Half Dome and El Capitan (summer) or Hearst Castle's 165 rooms (winter).

  

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  • Day 1

    Los Angeles to Carmel

    Leave LA by 7:30 AM to avoid morning traffic. Drive 2.5 hours to Santa Barbara where you can explore the Spanish Mission. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. "The itinerary was balanced covering all major spots with decent breaks in between," one traveler shared. Head to Solvang (45 minutes away) for lunch surrounded by Danish architecture. Try Olsen's Bakery for Danish pastries but go early before they sell out. Continue to the 17-Mile Drive, which looks best in afternoon light. End your day in Carmel. Look for parking on Ocean Avenue's side streets since the main road fills up quickly.

    
  • Day 2

    San Francisco Exploration

    Start at Pier 39 by 8:30 AM for a bay cruise with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. After lunch at Fisherman's Wharf you'll see Chinatown and Nob Hill. Pack layers since temperatures can swing 20°F between neighborhoods. The Bay Bridge looks beautiful at night but bring a jacket for the evening fog.

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite National Park (Summer) / Hearst Castle (Winter)

    Summer Route: Drive 4 hours from Modesto to Yosemite Valley. From May to October get an early start to see El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls. Get there before 9 AM to avoid long entrance lines. Winter Route (November-April): Visit Monterey's Cannery Row and Hearst Castle instead. Book morning castle tours for the best photo lighting. Plan for a 6-hour drive back to Los Angeles. Important seasonal note: "I wasn't the only one who didn't understand we weren't going to Yosemite because it was winter... verify the seasonal route when booking." Winter changes typically start in November but weather can affect timing.

    

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• 3 Days in California Coast, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite

  A captivating California tour showcases Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission, San Francisco's Chinatown, and Yosemite's El Capitan. Overnight stays at SpringHill Suites Oakland and Modesto Hotel.

  

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  • Day 1

    Los Angeles to Carmel

    Leave LA early at 6:30 AM from Farmers Market Starbucks and drive north to Santa Barbara. Visit the Spanish Mission and walk State Street Promenade to browse local shops and restaurants in a car-free setting. Remember to wear shoes with good grip since the mission steps can get slippery from morning fog. Next, stop in the Danish town of Solvang for lunch. Your afternoon drive takes you along scenic Route 1 or 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Plan some photo stops along the coast during the perfect late afternoon light.

    
  • Day 2

    San Francisco Exploration

    Start at Fisherman's Wharf with a morning bay cruise. The early timing helps you avoid afternoon winds and rough water while you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island. Have a quick lunch at Pier 39 before touring city highlights like Chinatown and Nob Hill. One visitor noted: "The evening view of the city from the Bay Bridge was spectacular—bring a light jacket as SF gets chilly after sunset, even in summer."

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite or Monterey (Seasonal)

    Summer (April-October): Take a 4-hour drive east through the Central Valley to Yosemite National Park. Bring snacks and water for the journey. Once there, check out El Capitan and walk the easy trail from the Visitor Center to Yosemite Falls. Pack extra layers since morning temperatures can be 20°F cooler than afternoon peaks. Winter (November-March): Skip Yosemite and spend more time in Monterey at Cannery Row. Walk the historic waterfront and drive south on Route 1 for stunning coastal views. This winter option gives you a more relaxed pace with less driving.

    

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