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 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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• 3 Days in Yosemite National Park, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite Valley

  The natural wonders of California unfold from San Francisco, passing the Golden Gate Bridge and Central Valley's agricultural belt. Visit Yosemite's highlights including 300-foot Giant Sequoias, Tunnel View vista, and El Capitan Meadow, with guided hikes and optional biking in Yosemite Valley. Costs approx. $320 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Francisco to Yosemite

    Leave San Francisco's Hilton hotel by 7:15 AM to avoid Bay Bridge traffic. The 4-hour drive east takes you through California's Central Valley. Get breakfast before leaving since food stops are limited until you reach the park. Around noon you'll reach the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Take the 2.5-mile round-trip hike to see these massive trees. The trail drops 400 feet so bring water and good shoes. The climb back up can be challenging but afternoon temperatures are perfect for hiking. Head to Tunnel View in late afternoon for the best lighting to photograph Half Dome and El Capitan. Check into your accommodation afterward. Remember to pack warm layers since nights get cold even in summer.

    
  • Day 2

    Yosemite High Country

    Start your day at sunrise (about 5:30 AM in summer) to explore the high country before afternoon storms appear. Bring lots of water and sunscreen. At 8,000-10,000 feet elevation the sun is intense. The May Lake trail is a good morning activity. It's a moderate 2.4-mile round trip with beautiful High Sierra views. Ask rangers about trail conditions since snow can last through June. Visit Cathedral Beach at twilight to see El Capitan. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Watching climbers' headlamps dotting El Cap as night falls was magical. Bring binoculars if you want to spot them during daylight hours."

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite Valley

    Use the free shuttle to get around the valley floor. Start with the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (3 miles round-trip) in the morning. Wear shoes with good grip since the granite steps get wet from the waterfall. In the afternoon rent bikes to explore the valley ($30/day) or join other visitors at El Capitan Meadow to watch climbers. Get to the meadow before 4 PM to find parking. Start your drive back to San Francisco by 5 PM to arrive around 9 PM. Book a late dinner since most restaurants near the Hilton close at 10 PM.

    

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