3-Day California Tour Packages
How about hitting both California cities and nature in just three days? In Los Angeles, you'll cruise up to Santa Barbara's Spanish missions and Solvang's Danish streets. Highway 1 allows you to watch elephant seals at San Simeon, or head east to see Yosemite's El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls. Some routes stay coastal, taking you under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco for Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day California tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
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).
- 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.
USA - California Express - 3 days
California's finest sights unfold over 3 days, from Los Angeles through Santa Barbara's Spanish Mission and Carmel. Venture into San Francisco's Chinatown and cruise past Alcatraz, before visiting Yosemite's 730-meter waterfalls. Winter tours feature Monterey's Cannery Row instead of Yosemite.
3 Days in Yosemite National Park, incl. San Francisco and Tuolumne Meadows
Yosemite's natural wonders await, from 300-foot Sequoias to Tuolumne Meadows' alpine terrain. Marvel at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, and El Capitan, with camping at modern sites. Rated 4.7/5 by 15+ reviews for approx. $270 per day.
- Day 1
San Francisco to Yosemite Valley
Leave at 8 AM from the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early since morning traffic on the Bay Bridge can be unpredictable. The 4-hour drive through California's gold country leads to your first stop at a Giant Sequoia grove. As one traveler noted: "Being able to hug those huge sequoia trees was a life-changing moment - they're over 2,000 years old and stretch 300 feet into the sky!" Head to Tunnel View in the afternoon. Try to get there before 4 PM for the best photo lighting. Remember to pack layers even in summer. Valley temperatures can change by 30°F between morning and afternoon. Your first night includes dinner at the campsite prepared by your guide. You can relax in the hot tub or visit the nearby mountain pub.
- Day 2
Exploring Tuolumne Meadows
Get an early 7 AM start to avoid crowds and afternoon heat for high-country hiking. Take the Lembert Dome trail for great 360° views of Tuolumne Meadows. If you want more of a challenge try Mt. Hoffman. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support since granite trails can be slippery. After hiking you can cool off in Tenaya Lake but expect cold alpine water.
- Day 3
Yosemite Valley & Return to San Francisco
The final day is flexible based on what your group wants to do. Most people spend time in Yosemite Valley. You can rent bikes for $30 per half-day to see more or spend time relaxing by the Merced River. If you like photography go to Valley View before 10 AM when the morning light hits El Capitan perfectly. The drive back to San Francisco takes about 4 hours with arrival around 9 PM.
