10-Day California Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day California tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar

• 8 Day Northern California Itinerary, incl. Monterey and San Francisco

  The California coast beckons over 8 days covering 425 miles from Monterey to San Francisco. Wander Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, cruise 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, discover Yosemite's Half Dome, and taste wines in Napa Valley. Premium stays include Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf.

  

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  • Day 1

    Monterey

    Start your trip in Monterey with an evening walk along Cannery Row. Plan to be there for sunset to take in the views. A recent visitor shared: "The path along Cannery Row is perfect for watching sea otters play in the kelp beds—bring binoculars if you have them."

    
  • Day 2

    Monterey & Carmel

    Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the crowds. In the afternoon take the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel. Plan for 3-4 hours with stops. Start at the Pacific Grove gate for the best route and stop at Bird Rock viewpoint in the late afternoon when harbor seals are most active.

    
  • Day 3

    Monterey to Modesto

    Drive inland to the Central Valley (about 3 hours). Visit an olive oil producer for tastings and lunch. Wear good walking shoes for touring the groves. Take an afternoon tour of an almond orchard to learn about California farming. A visitor noted: "The farmer explaining how they use bees for pollination was fascinating. I'll never look at almonds the same way."

    
  • Day 4

    Yosemite National Park

    Leave Modesto by 7 AM to make the most of Yosemite. Your first stop should be Tunnel View for that classic park vista. Pack layers since morning temperatures can be 20°F cooler than afternoon. Visit Bridalveil Fall in the morning for the best photos and Valley View in the afternoon when it's less crowded.

    
  • Day 5

    Sacramento

    Start in Old Sacramento to see the wooden sidewalks and Gold Rush-era buildings. Get to the Railroad Museum at 10 AM to avoid lines for the train simulator. Visit the Crocker Art Museum after 2 PM when it's quieter. One visitor said: "The docent's stories about early California artists really brought the local history to life."

    
  • Day 6

    Lake Tahoe Day Trip

    It's about 2 hours to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento. Take a morning yacht cruise when the water is calmer and better for photos. Bring a windbreaker since mornings can be cold on the lake. Later, ride the Heavenly Gondola for great views. Buy tickets online to save time and money.

    
  • Day 7

    Napa Valley & San Francisco

    Start with morning wine tasting in Napa Valley. Allow 90 minutes per winery. Book a driver or tour since you'll be sampling wines. Drive to San Francisco after 3 PM to avoid Bay Bridge traffic. Spend your evening at Fisherman's Wharf or watching sunset at Crissy Field with Golden Gate Bridge views.

  • Day 8

    San Francisco Departure

    If you have an afternoon flight, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace when it opens at 7 AM. Wait until about 10 AM for the fog to clear if you want final photos of the bay.

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• 10 Days in California, incl. San Francisco and Los Angeles

  A 10-day California odyssey winds through 10 cities, from San Francisco's Chinatown to San Diego's Coronado Island. Marvel at Yosemite's waterfalls, Big Sur's coastline, and Los Angeles' TCL Chinese Theatre, with expert-guided tours throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Francisco

    Get to Fisherman's Wharf around 8am before the crowds arrive. Book Alcatraz tickets 2-3 months ahead as they sell out quickly. Visit Pier 39 for views of both bridges. Money-saving tip: Take the F-line historic streetcar instead of cable cars. It costs $3 instead of $8 and has shorter lines.

    
  • Day 3

    Yosemite National Park

    The 4-hour drive from SF takes you through the western gate, offering great views of El Capitan. Get there before 9am during summer to avoid long entrance lines. Visit Bridalveil Fall in spring when the water flow is strongest. Yosemite Falls might be dry by late summer.

    
  • Day 4

    Monterey

    Start early to see the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias before driving 4 hours to Monterey. For whale watching from April to November, book either the 5:30pm sunset cruise or the 1:30pm trip if fog is likely.

    
  • Day 5

    Coastal Drive

    Take the 17-Mile Drive first thing ($11.25 per car). Get to the Lone Cypress before 10am to avoid crowds. In Carmel, look for parking on Ocean Avenue. The Big Sur drive takes 2-3 hours with stops. Check road conditions because landslides can close Highway 1.

    
  • Day 6

    Santa Barbara

    Visit Solvang in the morning before the Danish bakeries get busy. Head to Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf for sunset. Plan your drive to LA carefully as traffic gets heavy after 3pm.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Los Angeles & San Diego

    Do Hollywood sightseeing early. Santa Monica Pier is quieter before 11am or after 4pm. For the drive to San Diego, leave LA before 2pm or after 7pm to avoid rush hour.

    
  • Days 9-10

    San Diego & Return

    Start at the San Diego Zoo at 9am when animals are most active. When returning to LA, leave by 1pm if you have a 5pm LAX flight.

    

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• 9 Day Northern California Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Yosemite

  The ultimate 9-day California expedition covers 7 destinations, from San Francisco to Monterey. Highlights include wine tasting in Sonoma, Yosemite Valley Floor Tram tour, and stargazing at Sequoia National Park. Features stays at the luxurious Tenaya Lodge and historic Wuksachi Lodge, approx. $540 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    San Francisco

    Start in San Francisco. Get there early on day 1 to check out Fisherman's Wharf and try the fresh clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. "Watching the morning fog roll over the Golden Gate Bridge while walking along the waterfront was magical," one traveler said. On day 2 take a guided city tour to see Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Gardens and the historic Presidio. Book an afternoon Bay cruise to avoid the morning fog.

    
  • Day 3

    San Francisco to Sonoma Valley

    Drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge to wine country. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Sonoma. Spend your afternoon at a family-owned winery doing tastings and cave tours. From there it's 2.5 hours to Sacramento where you can explore the capital's growing craft beer scene in the evening.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Yosemite National Park

    Drive east through the Sierra Nevadas to Yosemite (4 hours from Sacramento). Stay at Tenaya Lodge. As one guest noted: "The lodge's location just outside the park gave us easy access while avoiding in-park crowds." Take the Valley Floor tram tour to see El Capitan and Half Dome. On day 5 go hiking but get to the trailheads before 8am to avoid crowds and heat.

    
  • Day 6

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    Drive south to these connected parks (3 hours from Yosemite). Visit the General Sherman Tree early since parking fills up by 10am. "Bring a headlamp for the evening ranger-led stargazing program - the dark skies here are incredible without city light pollution," one traveler recommended.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Monterey & Carmel

    Head to the coast (5 hours). Take the famous 17-Mile Drive with stops at Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress. Visit Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. A visitor tip: "Walk the coastal trail in the morning to spot sea otters - they're most active at dawn." Spend day 8 exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea's art galleries and unique fairy-tale cottages.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to San Francisco

    The coastal drive back takes 2.5 hours. Schedule a late afternoon flight so you have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Book flights after 2pm to avoid rush hour traffic to SFO.

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