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.
Fascinating West, Ending in San Francisco (13 destinations)
California's highlights shine across 7 days and 8 cities, from Hollywood's Walk of Fame to San Francisco's Chinatown. The journey features Solvang's Danish village, Sequoia's General Sherman tree, and Yosemite's Half Dome, with evenings in vibrant urban districts like North Beach.
California 20 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
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Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Fascinating West, Ending in San Francisco (13 destinations)
California National Park Discovery
California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping
From S. Francisco to Los Angeles (from San Francisco to Long Beach)
7-Day Desert Wonders Journey: Joshua Tree and Death Valley
Best of California's National Parks
Joshua Tree & Anza Borrego Multisport Tour
Valley of Fire and Death Valley
