3-Day West Coast USA Tour Packages
Three days on the US West Coast means Santa Barbara's Spanish mission, Solvang Danish village, 17-Mile Drive coastal views, and Carmel where Clint Eastwood was mayor. Imagine a Golden Gate cruise under the bridge past Alcatraz, or Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge trails, Shi Shi Beach, and Hoh Rainforest. The West Coast shows you amazing sights, all with a friendly welcome.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day West Coast USA tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaWest Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar
3 Days in California, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite
A scenic 3-day West Coast route covers 5 major cities across 1,200 miles. The path leads from Los Angeles through Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission, along 17-Mile Drive to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, reaching Yosemite's El Capitan and Bridal-Veil Falls. Hotel stays and professional guided tours included.
- Day 1
Los Angeles to San Francisco Coast
Leave LA before 8 AM to avoid heavy traffic. Drive 2 hours north to Santa Barbara and visit State Street Promenade downtown. The streets are car-free and feature beautiful Spanish Colonial buildings. Visit Santa Barbara Mission in the morning when the lighting makes the pink-and-cream facade look its best. Head to Solvang after lunch to experience California's Danish village. Park near Mission Drive to easily reach the best bakeries. Stop for authentic aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls) at one of the local shops. Drive Route 1 or 17-Mile Drive to San Francisco, stopping at scenic coastal spots along the way. If you're visiting in summer you can explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's downtown area. The streets don't have numbers and parking is easy to find after 4 PM.
- Day 2
San Francisco
Start your day at Fisherman's Wharf around 9 AM before it gets busy. Take a bay cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Sit on the right side of the boat when leaving the pier for the best photo opportunities. For lunch at Pier 39 skip the tourist spots and walk to the back of the pier where you'll find better seafood at better prices. Take an afternoon city tour to see Union Square and Chinatown. If you want great photos of the city lights from the Bay Bridge plan to be there around sunset. Summer visitors stay overnight in Modesto while winter travelers stay in Monterey.
- Day 3
(Summer) Yosemite National Park / (Winter) Monterey and Hearst Castle
Summer option: Drive about 3 hours from Modesto to Yosemite. Use the western entrance for your first impressive view of El Capitan. Take the easy 1-mile round trip walk from the Visitor Center to Lower Yosemite Falls. The path is paved but wear good shoes since the waterfall spray can make it slippery. Winter option: Start early at Monterey's Cannery Row before crowds arrive. Drive 3 hours to Hearst Castle. First-time visitors should take the Ground Floor Tour for the best introduction to the mansion. The final drive to LA takes about 4 hours so you'll arrive in the evening.
3 Day California Itinerary, incl. Yosemite and Sequoia
The California coast comes alive during three days visiting 7 destinations from Santa Monica's famous pier through Danish-inspired Solvang. Views include Yosemite's El Capitan and Sequoia's ancient forests. Selected hotels and continental breakfast throughout.
- Day 1
Los Angeles to Bakersfield
Start your trip early from LA to avoid morning traffic. Visit Santa Monica Pier before 9 AM when crowds are thin and the lighting is perfect for photos. Drive north for 2 hours to Solvang, a charming Danish town where you can stop for lunch. Try the traditional aebleskiver at one of the local bakeries. It's another 2.5 hours to Bakersfield through California's farmland. Get gas in Solvang since prices are usually higher near Bakersfield.
- Day 2
Yosemite National Park
Leave by 6 AM for the 4-hour drive to Yosemite. Getting to the park before 11 AM helps you avoid long entrance lines, particularly in summer. Visit the park's famous sites including Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction since the waterfall mist can make even paved paths slippery. Plan to leave by 4 PM for the 2.5-hour drive to Fresno so you're not on mountain roads after dark.
- Day 3
Sequoia National Park to Los Angeles
Drive from Fresno to Sequoia National Park (1.5 hours). Take motion sickness medicine before starting if you need it since the park road climbs steeply. Visit the Giant Forest to see some of the world's largest trees. "The General Sherman Tree is mind-blowing, but don't skip the Congress Trail - it's less crowded and just as impressive," according to one visitor. Start your 4-hour return trip to LA before 2 PM to miss rush hour traffic.
3 Days in Yosemite National Park, incl. San Francisco and Tuolumne Meadows
A nature-focused 3-day escape covers 3 key destinations: San Francisco, Yosemite Valley, and Tuolumne. Highlights include Giant Sequoia groves, Tunnel View vistas, and High Country exploration. Total costs around $800 includes 2 nights camping, 5 meals, and eco-friendly transport.
- Day 1
San Francisco to Yosemite Valley
Leave the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco at 8 AM. Pack your own breakfast for the 4-hour drive through California's Central Valley and Gold Country. You'll stop at a Giant Sequoia grove around 12:30 PM for lunch. Remember to bring cash since the first lunch isn't included. One traveler said: "Being able to hug those huge sequoia trees was life-changing - some are over 2,000 years old!" Stop at Tunnel View for the classic Yosemite photo opportunity. By 5:30 PM you'll arrive at your campsite which has modern facilities. New to camping? No problem - guides will help set up your tent. In the evening relax in the hot tub or grab a drink at the mountain pub. Pack warm clothes since nighttime temperatures can drop quickly.
- Day 2
High Country Exploration
Head out at 7 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. You'll spend the day in Tuolumne Meadows exploring high-altitude trails. Choose between a moderate hike up Lembert Dome or challenge yourself with Mount Hoffman. The 8,600-foot elevation can make hiking more difficult so take your time and stay hydrated. Want to cool off? Take a swim in Tenaya Lake but be ready for cold alpine water. Pack food and snacks since there aren't many services in this area.
- Day 3
Yosemite Valley & Return to San Francisco
Your last day offers flexibility in Yosemite Valley. Wake up early to see Half Dome in the morning light. You can rent bikes to explore the valley or take an easy walk by the Merced River. One guest noted: "Annie helped us choose the perfect hikes for our ability level - the Valley offers everything from flat walks to challenging trails." The drive back to San Francisco takes about 4 hours with arrival around 9 PM. Summer weekends often have extra traffic so plan accordingly.
