7-Day California Tour Packages
Ready to tackle California's highlights in a week? Southern California with LA, San Diego, beaches, or Northern California with San Francisco, wine country, and those massive redwoods. Try a coastal drive hitting Big Sur and all its beauty, Monterey, and Carmel. Move quickly and see a lot - you’ll never regret it.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day California tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
6 Days in Baja California, incl. La Paz and Cabo San Lucas
This 6-day trip covers La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, where cultural spots and beaches line Baja California. From September to May, snorkel alongside sea lions at UNESCO-listed Espíritu Santo Island, see the famous Mushroom rock at Playa Balandra, and boat under The Arch at Land's End.
- Day 1
La Paz Arrival
Plan to arrive in La Paz in the afternoon to skip rush hour traffic. The airport is just 20 minutes from most hotels. Take an evening walk along the malecón, the waterfront promenade that stretches 3.5 miles. This walk will help you get your bearings and spot good local restaurants for dinner.
- Day 2
La Paz City & Beaches
Start your morning at Playa Balandra before the crowds arrive around 11 AM. Take a quick 10-minute walk to see the famous mushroom rock but bring water shoes since the sand gets very hot. For lunch, head to Playa El Tecolote where local beach restaurants serve great fish tacos for about $3-4 each.
- Day 3
Espíritu Santo Island
Take a boat trip to Espíritu Santo Island, about 45 minutes from La Paz marina. If you're visiting between September and May, you can swim with sea lions. Bring a light jacket for the cool morning boat ride. Important: Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed to protect the marine life.
- Day 4
La Paz to Los Cabos
The drive from La Paz to Cabo takes roughly 2.5 hours, but plan for 4-5 hours if you want to explore along the way. Stop in Todos Santos to browse art galleries and boutiques. Take a glass-bottom boat to The Arch in early afternoon for the best photos. As one visitor shared: "The boat ride to The Arch was smoother than expected, and the clarity of the water through the glass bottom was incredible – we could see tropical fish swimming right beneath us."
- Day 5
Los Cabos Free Day
Stay in the Corridor area between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo for good beach access. Médano Beach is one of the few safe swimming spots in Cabo San Lucas. Visit the fish market in San José del Cabo early morning to watch the local fishermen bring in their catch.
- Day 6
Departure
From Cabo San Lucas to San José del Cabo Airport (SJD), you'll need at least 45 minutes for the drive. Allow 2-3 hours for airport procedures. Security lines are usually shorter for morning flights. Some visitors prefer staying in San José del Cabo their last night to be closer to the airport.
7 Days in Kings Canyon National Park, incl. Rae Lakes Loop and John Muir Trail
A challenging 40+ mile backpacking adventure through Kings Canyon National Park spans 7 days. The route leads from Road's End past Mist Falls through Paradise Valley to the Lakes District, culminating in an ascent of Glen Pass at 11,978 feet before following Bubbs Creek down.
- Day 1
Fresno to Kings Canyon (7.5 miles)
Drive 2.5 hours from Fresno to Roads End in Kings Canyon. The trail follows the South Fork Kings River and climbs 2,300 feet past Mist Falls. Pack extra water for the exposed sections before Paradise Valley. These spots get very hot in summer. Set up your first camp along the Kings River where you can see Goat and Kid Peaks.
- Days 2-3
Woods Creek to Rae Lakes (13 miles)
These two days are demanding with a total climb of 4,750 feet toward the Lakes District. You'll meet the John Muir Trail near Castle Domes. Fill your water here before the final climb. Camp near Dollar Lake on day 2 to adjust to the altitude (about 10,000 feet). On day 3, you'll reach Rae Lakes basin, where you'll see granite peaks mirrored in clear alpine waters.
- Day 4
Rae Lakes Layover Day
Take this day to rest and explore. You can do an optional hike to Sixty Lakes Basin (7.5 miles round trip) for great views. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which often appear above treeline. Bring warm layers. The temperature can drop below freezing at night, even in August.
- Day 5
Glen Pass Crossing (5.3 miles)
Begin before dawn for the tough climb over Glen Pass (11,978 feet). The trail gets steep and exposed. Bring trekking poles. One hiker shared: "The switchbacks seem endless, but the panoramic views of Rae Lakes behind you make every step worthwhile." Camp at Charlotte Lake at 10,370 feet after descending.
- Day 6
Bubbs Creek Descent (7.5 miles)
Walk beneath Kearsarge Pinnacles and Charlotte Dome. The trail drops 3,590 feet. Take your time to protect your knees. Your last camp in the wooded meadow offers nice shelter after several nights at high altitude.
- Day 7
Return to Roads End (7.1 miles)
Finish the loop walking down along Bubbs Creek. Start early to beat the afternoon heat. You'll see Glacier Monument before reaching Roads End. Take time to cool your feet in the river before driving back to Fresno.
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
From San Francisco to Yosemite, this 6-day California adventure showcases natural wonders. The trail winds through Tuolumne Grove sequoias, conquers Mist Trail's waterfalls, and scales Four Mile Trail to Sentinel Dome. Native American history comes alive at Ahwahnee Hotel before the final Golden Gate Bridge walk.
California 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Baja Beach Bliss & Cultural Insights: La Paz & Cabo 6D/5N
John Muir Trail: Rae Lakes Loop
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Fascinating West, Ending in San Francisco
California National Park Discovery
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
Best of California's National Parks
7-Day Desert Wonders Journey: Joshua Tree and Death Valley
Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Death Valley 2027 - 7 days
Los Angeles, Yosemite, and Giant Sequoia
