📍
United States
CALIFORNIA ODYSSEY: REDWOOD GIANTS TO DESERT VALLEY DEPTHS
Tallest trees piercing misty canyons, granite cathedrals framing waterfalls, Death Valley depths contrasting alpine summits. California contains worlds.
≈ 33
Days
3465
Km
26
Stops
Set out to meet coastal redwoods, mist-drowned giants, then cross Lassen and its volcanic landscapes toward Lake Tahoe's blue. Taste Napa, follow Big Sur, climb Yosemite, then descend into Death Valley: California changes worlds without warning, and each stage reinvents the journey.
- Redwoods: tallest trees, fog cathedrals
- Yosemite: granite icons, waterfall thunder
- Big Sur: coastal drama, cliff highway
- Death Valley: lowest depths, desert extremes
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Redwood National Park - Where Earth's Tallest Living Giants Touch the Sky: Stand humbled beneath trees that were ancient when Rome was young. These coastal redwoods soar over 350 feet, creating cathedral-like groves where filtered sunlight streams through canopies that have witnessed millennia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting some of the most magnificent forests remaining on Earth.
2
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Drive Through a Living Tunnel of Green: Navigate the legendary Howland Hill Road as it winds through primeval old-growth forest so dense the canopy forms a continuous emerald ceiling. Some trees here sprouted before the pyramids were built.
3
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Where Roosevelt Elk Roam Free: Encounter herds of majestic elk grazing in meadows surrounded by towering redwoods. Fern Canyon, with its 50-foot walls draped in seven species of ferns, served as a filming location for Jurassic Park.
Activities
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Avenue of the Giants - 31 Miles of Jaw-Dropping Wonder: This legendary scenic drive threads through the largest remaining contiguous old-growth redwood forest in the world. Multiple pullouts invite you to step out and crane your neck skyward in disbelief.
Next stop
Distance:
240 km
Travel time:
3h
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Redding - California's Sunniest Secret with 300+ Days of Brilliance: This underrated gateway to Northern California's wilderness basks in more sunny days than almost anywhere in the state. The striking Sundial Bridge, a gleaming white cable-stayed span designed by Santiago Calatrava, serves as the world's largest working sundial.
2
Shasta Dam - The Second-Largest Concrete Dam in America: Rising 602 feet above the Sacramento River, this engineering marvel created the spectacular Shasta Lake with its 365 miles of shoreline. Free tours descend into the dam's interior.
Activities
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McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park - 'The Eighth Wonder of the World': President Theodore Roosevelt's famous description still holds true. Watch 100 million gallons of crystal-clear water cascade 129 feet daily, emerging from underground springs that keep the falls flowing year-round.
Next stop
Distance:
75 km
Travel time:
1h
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Lassen Volcanic National Park - The Only Place on Earth with All Four Volcano Types: Walk through a geothermal wonderland where the earth bubbles, hisses, and steams beneath your feet. This living laboratory showcases plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and composite volcanoes all within park boundaries.
2
Bumpass Hell - Three Miles into the Largest Hydrothermal Area in the Cascades: Follow the boardwalk trail past roaring fumaroles, bubbling mudpots, and scalding pools painted in otherworldly hues of orange, yellow, and turquoise. The trail honors Kendall Bumpass, who lost a leg when he broke through thin crust into boiling water.
3
Sulphur Works - Drive-Up Geothermal Theater: Steam vents and bubbling mud pools mere feet from the road offer the easiest access to the park's volcanic activity. The sulfurous smell announces your arrival before you see the first wisp of steam.
Activities
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Lassen Peak Summit Trail - Climb an Active Volcano: This 5-mile round-trip hike ascends 2,000 feet to the 10,457-foot summit, offering 360-degree views of the volcanic landscape. Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, creating the devastated area still visible today.
Next stop
Distance:
280 km
Travel time:
3h20
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Lake Tahoe - America's Most Stunning Alpine Lake: Straddling California and Nevada at 6,225 feet elevation, this cobalt-blue jewel holds enough water to cover all of California 14 inches deep. The lake's legendary clarity allows visibility to depths of 70 feet, revealing a world of sapphire and emerald.
2
Emerald Bay State Park - The Crown Jewel of Tahoe's Shoreline: This pristine bay, accessible only by boat or trail, cradles tiny Fannette Island, Tahoe's only island. The Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm castle, built in 1929, represents one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.
3
Sand Harbor - Where Sierra Granite Meets Crystal Waters: Massive boulders emerge from impossibly clear water in compositions that seem designed by nature's finest artist. The summer Shakespeare festival stages performances against this breathtaking natural backdrop.
Activities
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Tahoe Rim Trail - 165 Miles Circling Paradise: This long-distance trail offers everything from easy day hikes to multi-week expeditions, with panoramic lake views from forested ridges and wildflower meadows.
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Winter Sports Capital of California: World-class ski resorts including Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley, host of the 1960 Winter Olympics) offer some of the finest powder in North America, with season lengths rivaling Colorado.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h20
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Sacramento - America's Farm-to-Fork Capital: California's capital city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, surrounded by the most productive agricultural region on Earth. The historic Old Sacramento Waterfront district preserves Gold Rush-era architecture along wooden boardwalks.
2
California State Capitol - Where the Golden State Governs: This stunning neoclassical building, completed in 1874, anchors a 40-acre park filled with memorials, gardens, and trees from around the world. Free tours reveal legislative chambers adorned with California history.
3
Crocker Art Museum - The West's Oldest Public Art Museum: Founded in 1885, this institution houses one of the finest collections of California art, European master drawings, and international ceramics, all within a striking contemporary expansion adjoining the original Victorian Italianate gallery.
Activities
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Old Sacramento Historic District - Step Back to the Gold Rush: Wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and restored 1850s buildings create an immersive journey to California's most transformative era. The California State Railroad Museum houses the largest collection of railroad locomotives and cars in North America.
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Sacramento Mural Trail - Urban Art Gallery Without Walls: Over 600 murals transform the city into an open-air museum, with new works constantly appearing on buildings throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h15
6
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Sonoma County - Where Wine Meets Wild Coast: This diverse region spans everything from redwood forests to Pacific beaches, with over 425 wineries producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The county contains more parkland than Yosemite.
2
Healdsburg Plaza - The Quintessential Wine Country Town Square: This charming plaza anchors a walkable downtown of tasting rooms, boutiques, and galleries, consistently ranked among America's most desirable small towns.
3
Sonoma Coast State Park - 17 Miles of Dramatic Pacific Shoreline: Rocky headlands, hidden coves, and powerful surf create a wild counterpoint to inland vineyards. Gray whales migrate past from December through April.
Activities
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Safari West - African Wildlife in Wine Country: This 400-acre preserve provides home to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and hundreds of exotic species just miles from Sonoma's vineyards, offering safari tent accommodations for overnight adventure.
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California Carnivores - World's Largest Collection of Meat-Eating Plants: This unique nursery showcases thousands of carnivorous species from around the globe, a fascinating detour into nature's most unusual adaptations.
Next stop
Distance:
115 km
Travel time:
1h30
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Napa Valley - The World's Most Famous Wine Address: This 30-mile valley produces wines that have triumphed over French competitors in blind tastings, forever changing global perceptions of California viticulture. Over 400 wineries, 95% family-owned, dot the landscape from valley floor to mountain slopes.
2
Silverado Trail - The Quieter Path Through Wine Country: This scenic alternative to Highway 29 winds past historic estates and boutique producers, offering a more intimate wine country experience away from the crowds.
3
Oxbow Public Market - Napa's Culinary Heart: This indoor marketplace showcases the region's artisanal food producers, from oyster bars to olive oil specialists, chocolatiers to charcuterie masters, all celebrating Northern California's bounty.
Activities
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Hot Air Balloon Over the Vineyards - Drift Above a Patchwork of Vines: Morning launches float silently over mist-shrouded valleys as the sun illuminates thousands of acres of perfectly aligned grapevines stretching to distant mountain ridges.
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Napa Valley Wine Train - Vintage Rails Through Vintage Vines: This restored 1915 Pullman dining car travels 36 miles through the heart of wine country, offering multi-course meals paired with local wines as the landscape glides past mahogany-framed windows.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
San Francisco - The City by the Bay: Few cities can match San Francisco's combination of stunning natural setting, architectural beauty, and cultural richness. Forty-three hills provide endless viewpoints over a metropolis surrounded on three sides by water.
2
Golden Gate Bridge - The World's Most Photographed Bridge: This Art Deco masterpiece stretches 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate strait, its International Orange towers rising 746 feet above swirling currents. Walk or cycle across for views of the Pacific, bay, and city skyline.
3
Alcatraz Island - America's Most Notorious Prison: This island fortress housed the country's most dangerous criminals from 1934 to 1963, including Al Capone and the Birdman. The audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, brings chilling history to life.
4
Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39 - Where Sea Lions Rule: Hundreds of California sea lions have claimed the marina's floating docks since 1989, creating one of the city's most beloved (and loudest) attractions. Fresh Dungeness crab awaits at the waterfront.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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Cable Cars - The Only Mobile National Historic Landmark: These manually-operated icons have climbed San Francisco's impossible hills since 1873. The Powell-Hyde line delivers passengers to stunning bay views at Lombard Street's famous hairpin turns.
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Golden Gate Park - 1,017 Acres of Urban Wonder: Larger than Central Park, this masterpiece of landscape design houses the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and botanical treasures from every continent.
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The Painted Ladies - Victorian Perfection at Alamo Square: These pastel-hued 'Seven Sisters' row houses, with the downtown skyline rising behind them, create perhaps San Francisco's most iconic photograph.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
30min
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Oakland - San Francisco's Cooler, Edgier Sibling: This diverse city across the bay has emerged as a cultural powerhouse, with thriving arts scenes, innovative cuisine, and proud communities that celebrate authenticity over pretension.
2
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) - The State's Story Under One Roof: This unique institution weaves together California's art, history, and natural sciences through immersive galleries and rotating exhibitions exploring the Golden State's identity.
3
Lake Merritt - America's First Official Wildlife Refuge: This tidal lagoon in the heart of downtown Oakland, designated in 1870, provides sanctuary for migrating birds while offering residents jogging paths, gardens, and waterfront relaxation.
Activities
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Children's Fairyland - Where Storybooks Come to Life: This beloved theme park, opened in 1950, inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland. Whimsical sets bring fairy tales and nursery rhymes to three-dimensional life for young visitors.
Next stop
Distance:
225 km
Travel time:
2h50
10
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Santa Cruz - California's Original Surf City: This laid-back university town at the northern tip of Monterey Bay has shaped surf culture since the sport arrived on the mainland in 1885. The world-famous break at Steamer Lane draws elite surfers while beginners learn on gentler waves at Cowell's Beach.
2
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - California's Last Remaining Seaside Amusement Park: This 1907 landmark operates two National Historic Landmarks: the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel. Free admission lets visitors soak up the vintage atmosphere without riding.
3
Natural Bridges State Beach - Where Monarchs Meet the Sea: This coastal park features a dramatic natural stone arch emerging from the surf, and from October through February, eucalyptus groves shelter thousands of migrating monarch butterflies.
Activities
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Mystery Spot - Where Gravity Gets Confused: This roadside attraction has baffled visitors since 1939 with optical illusions and seemingly impossible physical phenomena in a small patch of redwood forest. Kitsch or science experiment? You decide.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h15
11
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Carmel-by-the-Sea - A Storybook Village on the Pacific: This enchanting town has no street addresses, no streetlights, no chain stores, and no high heels allowed on sidewalks without a permit. Fairy-tale cottages with names instead of numbers line streets designed for wandering.
2
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo - California's Most Beautiful Mission: Founded in 1770 by Father Junípero Serra, this graceful stone church with its distinctive bell tower served as headquarters for the California mission chain. Serra is buried at the altar.
3
Carmel Beach - White Sand Without the Crowds: This pristine crescent of powdery white sand, backed by Monterey cypress, consistently ranks among California's most beautiful beaches. Dogs run free and bonfires glow at sunset.
Activities
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - The Crown Jewel of the State Park System: Often called 'the greatest meeting of land and water in the world,' this reserve protects 550 acres of headlands, coves, and meadows where sea lions bark and sea otters float in kelp beds.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
1h
12
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Big Sur - Where Mountains Plunge Into the Pacific: This 90-mile stretch of coastline along Highway 1 presents some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth-sheer cliffs dropping 1,000 feet to crashing surf, with redwood canyons carved into the Santa Lucia Mountains.
2
Bixby Creek Bridge - The Most Photographed Bridge in California: This 714-foot concrete arch, completed in 1932, spans a deep canyon 260 feet above the creek. Its graceful curve against the rugged coastline has become the defining image of Big Sur.
3
Pfeiffer Beach - Purple Sand and Keyhole Rocks: This hidden beach, down an unmarked road, features purple-tinged sand (from manganese garnet) and a natural arch through which sunset light streams during certain times of year.
4
McWay Falls - The Waterfall That Pours Onto the Beach: This 80-foot cascade in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly onto a pristine cove, creating one of only two tideland falls on the Pacific coast.
Activities
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Hike Among Coastal Redwoods: The Big Sur River carves through ancient redwood groves, with swimming holes and hiking trails that climb to panoramic ridgetop views.
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Pinnacles National Park - Scramble Through Talus Caves: Just inland from Big Sur, this park protects the remains of an ancient volcano, with soaring rock spires, technical climbing routes, and boulder caves housing the largest colony of Townsend's big-eared bats in California.
Next stop
Distance:
145 km
Travel time:
2h
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Yosemite National Park - America's Cathedral of Stone and Water: Sheer granite walls rise 3,000 feet from the valley floor as waterfalls plunge from heights that dwarf skyscrapers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired the conservation movement and continues to humble millions of annual visitors.
2
El Capitan - The World's Most Famous Big Wall: This 3,000-foot vertical granite monolith draws elite climbers from around the globe attempting multi-day ascents of routes like The Nose. Even from the valley floor, watching climbers as tiny specks on the face is mesmerizing.
3
Half Dome - Yosemite's Iconic Sentinel: This distinctive granite dome, cleaved as if by a giant's axe, rises 4,737 feet above the valley floor. The cables route to the summit remains one of America's most sought-after hiking achievements.
4
Yosemite Falls - North America's Tallest Waterfall: Water plunges 2,425 feet in three tiers, creating a spectacle visible from throughout Yosemite Valley. Peak flow occurs in May and June when snowmelt transforms the falls into a thundering curtain of white.
Activities
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Tunnel View - The Most Photographed Vista in America: This overlook presents El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in a single sweeping panorama that has graced countless postcards, calendars, and desktop backgrounds.
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Glacier Point - Stand 3,214 Feet Above the Valley: This dramatic overlook provides bird's-eye views of Yosemite's greatest hits, with Half Dome at eye level and the High Sierra stretching to the horizon.
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Mariposa Grove - Walk Among Giant Sequoias: Over 500 mature giant sequoias populate this ancient forest, including the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant with its 96-foot circumference.
Next stop
Distance:
320 km
Travel time:
4h
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Mammoth Mountain - California's Legendary Ski Destination: This volcanic peak rises to 11,053 feet, receiving an average 400 inches of annual snowfall that fuels one of America's longest ski seasons, often extending into June or July.
2
Devils Postpile National Monument - Nature's Perfect Geometry: These 60-foot columns of basalt, formed by cooling lava 100,000 years ago, display hexagonal symmetry so precise it appears engineered. The nearby 101-foot Rainbow Falls completes the geological wonderland.
3
Mammoth Lakes Basin - Alpine Paradise at 9,000 Feet: Five crystal lakes fill glacier-carved bowls beneath towering Sierra peaks, offering swimming, fishing, and hiking amid some of California's most pristine mountain scenery.
Activities
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Mammoth Mountain Gondola - Rise Above the Sierra: Even in summer, the gondola whisks visitors to 11,053 feet for 360-degree views spanning from the White Mountains to Yosemite's high country.
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Hot Creek Geological Site - Geothermal Springs Meet Trout Stream: Hot springs bubble up through a creek renowned for fly fishing, creating swirling patterns where cold and hot water mix against a backdrop of jagged peaks.
Next stop
Distance:
260 km
Travel time:
3h20
15
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Death Valley National Park - The Hottest, Driest, Lowest Place in North America: This vast desert wilderness holds the world record for highest reliably recorded air temperature (134°F). Yet within its 3.4 million acres, life persists in remarkable adaptations, and landscapes of surreal beauty unfold.
2
Badwater Basin - Stand at 282 Feet Below Sea Level: Hexagonal salt flats stretch toward distant mountains at the lowest point in North America. The basin supports a unique ecosystem including the endemic Badwater snail.
3
Zabriskie Point - Sunrise Over Martian Badlands: These eroded mudstone formations glow gold and amber as first light strikes their contours, creating one of the most photographed desert scenes on Earth.
4
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Saharan Splendor in California: These undulating dunes near Stovepipe Wells rise up to 100 feet, their pristine surfaces erased and redrawn by desert winds. Dawn and dusk light transforms them into sculptural masterpieces.
Activities
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Artist's Palette - A Mountain Painted in Minerals: This hillside showcases nature's full palette through oxidized metals creating stripes of pink, green, purple, and gold across barren slopes.
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Racetrack Playa - The Mystery of the Sailing Stones: Rocks weighing hundreds of pounds leave long tracks across this remote dry lakebed, moved by a rare combination of ice, wind, and water only recently explained by science.
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance:
430 km
Travel time:
5h
16
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
San Luis Obispo - The Happiest City in America: Nestled between rolling hills and the Pacific, this university town consistently ranks among the nation's happiest and healthiest communities. The Thursday night farmers market transforms downtown into California's best street fair.
2
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - The Birthplace of California's Red-Tile Roofs: Founded in 1772, this mission pioneered the clay tile roofing that became synonymous with California architecture after wooden roofs proved vulnerable to fire arrows.
3
Bubblegum Alley - 70 Feet of Sticky Art: This narrow downtown passage has accumulated chewed gum on its walls since the 1950s, creating a colorful (and slightly gross) folk art installation that's become a must-see oddity.
4
Paso Robles Wine Country - California's Fastest-Growing Wine Region: Just 30 minutes north, over 200 wineries grow 40 grape varieties in this diverse appellation, from powerful Cabernet Sauvignon to distinctive Rhône-style blends.
Activities
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Hearst Castle - The Mountaintop Palace of a Media Baron: William Randolph Hearst's 165-room estate perches above the Pacific at San Simeon, filled with European antiquities and art masterpieces. Multiple tours explore different areas of this California State Park.
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Montana de Oro State Park - California's Hidden Coastal Gem: Seven miles of wild coastline, tide pools teeming with life, and bluffs carpeted in golden poppies create one of the state's most underrated natural areas.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h20
17
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Santa Barbara - The American Riviera: Red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, and swaying palms create a Mediterranean atmosphere along this sun-drenched coast. Oprah Winfrey, among many celebrities, chose to call it home.
2
Mission Santa Barbara - Queen of the Missions: Founded in 1786, this beautifully preserved mission features a striking twin-tower facade and remains an active Franciscan community. The surrounding rose garden and cemetery tell centuries of California history.
3
Stearns Wharf - The Oldest Working Wharf on the West Coast: Built in 1872, this wooden pier extends into the Santa Barbara Channel, offering shops, restaurants, and sweeping views of the city's palm-lined waterfront and the Channel Islands beyond.
4
Santa Barbara County Courthouse - The Most Beautiful Public Building in America: This 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron fixtures, and an observation tower with 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and ocean.
Activities
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Lotusland - 37 Acres of Botanical Fantasy: This private estate, open by reservation only, showcases the eccentric plant collection of opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, including surreal gardens of euphorbias, cycads, and cacti.
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Solvang - A Danish Village in California: This charming town 30 minutes north features authentic Danish architecture, bakeries selling æbleskiver, and windmills transported straight from Scandinavia. Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911.
Next stop
Distance:
150 km
Travel time:
2h
18
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Los Angeles - The Entertainment Capital of the World: This sprawling metropolis of 4 million (13 million in the metro area) has shaped global culture through film, television, music, and art. From celebrity-studded Beverly Hills to artsy Silver Lake, each neighborhood has its own distinct identity.
2
Hollywood Walk of Fame - 2,700 Stars and Counting: This sidewalk tribute stretching 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard has honored entertainment icons since 1960. The handprints and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre add another layer of celebrity worship.
3
Griffith Observatory - Where LA Meets the Cosmos: This Art Deco landmark on the slopes of Mount Hollywood offers free admission, planetarium shows, and the most iconic view of the Hollywood Sign. The observatory has appeared in countless films from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land.
4
The Getty Center - A Hilltop Temple to Art: This billion-dollar campus designed by Richard Meier houses masterpieces spanning antiquity to the present, all with sweeping views from the Santa Monica Mountains to downtown. Admission is free; only parking costs.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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Santa Monica Pier - Where Route 66 Meets the Pacific: This iconic pier marks the official end of the Mother Road, featuring a solar-powered Ferris wheel, historic carousel, and views stretching to Malibu.
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The Last Bookstore - A Cathedral of Literature: This downtown maze of tunnels, archways, and flying books occupies a former bank building, creating one of the world's most photographed independent bookstores.
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The Broad - Contemporary Art for Everyone: This striking honeycomb-clad museum houses over 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art, including Yayoi Kusama's famous Infinity Mirrored Room. Free tickets.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h15
19
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Disneyland Resort - Where Dreams Come True Since 1955: Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom continues to enchant visitors with its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and impeccable showmanship. The adjacent Disney California Adventure celebrates the Golden State's landmarks and culture.
2
Disneyland Park - The Happiest Place on Earth: Eight themed lands transport guests from Main Street USA to the jungles of Adventureland, the futuristic Tomorrowland, and the fairytale castles of Fantasyland. Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean set the standard for immersive themed entertainment.
3
Disney California Adventure - California, Imagined by Disney: This sister park celebrates the state's culture through attractions like Cars Land, a life-size recreation of the Pixar film's desert town, and the Incredicoaster whipping along the Paradise Bay waterfront.
Activities
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Downtown Disney District - Entertainment Without a Ticket: This outdoor promenade connecting the parks and hotels offers shopping, dining, and entertainment accessible to all visitors without theme park admission.
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
55min
20
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Laguna Beach - Where Art Colony Meets Surf Colony: This Orange County gem has nurtured artists since the early 1900s, with over 100 galleries showcasing works from impressionism to cutting-edge contemporary. World-class waves break just steps away.
2
Laguna Beach Public Art - Open-Air Museum: The city maintains an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures and murals, from abstract installations on downtown corners to the famous 'Greeter' sculpture welcoming visitors since 1970.
3
Crystal Cove State Park - 3.2 Miles of Pristine Coastline: This protected stretch preserves undeveloped beachfront between Newport and Laguna, with the charming Historic District of 1930s beach cottages tucked into the bluffs.
4
Thousand Steps Beach - Worth Every Step: Despite the exaggerated name (it's actually about 230 steps), this steep descent rewards beachgoers with tide pools, sea caves, and some of the finest sand in Orange County.
Activities
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Pageant of the Masters - Living Art Like Nowhere Else: Each summer, this unique festival presents 'living pictures' - real people recreating famous artworks in elaborate tableaux that must be seen to be believed.
Next stop
Distance:
170 km
Travel time:
2h10
21
Day
10 photos
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1
Palm Springs - Midcentury Modern Paradise in the Desert: This Sonoran Desert oasis has attracted Hollywood celebrities since the 1930s, its clean-lined architecture and year-round sunshine creating an aesthetic preserved in over 800 documented modernist buildings.
2
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - 10 Minutes from Desert Floor to Alpine Forest: The world's largest rotating tramcars climb nearly 6,000 vertical feet to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where temperatures drop 40 degrees and pine forests replace palms.
3
Palm Springs Art Museum - World-Class in the Desert: This respected institution houses significant collections of modern and contemporary art, Native American artifacts, and glass sculpture, with a satellite architecture museum downtown.
Activities
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Midcentury Modern Architecture Tours - The World's Finest Concentration: Preservation groups offer tours of homes designed by legends like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler, many still privately owned but viewable from the street.
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Joshua Tree National Park - Where Two Deserts Collide: Just an hour away, this otherworldly landscape of twisted Joshua trees and jumbled boulder piles spans both the Mojave and Colorado deserts, offering world-class rock climbing and surreal photography opportunities.
Next stop
Distance:
90 km
Travel time:
1h15
22
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Temecula Valley Wine Country - Southern California's Napa: Nearly 50 wineries grow over 30 varietals in this warm-climate region, producing distinctive wines that have earned national recognition. Rolling hills dotted with oaks create a surprisingly Tuscan atmosphere.
2
Old Town Temecula - The Real Old West: This six-block historic district preserves 1880s wooden storefronts where cowboys once hitched their horses. Today, antique shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms fill the authentic buildings.
3
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival - Rise Above the Vines: This annual June event sends dozens of colorful hot air balloons floating over wine country, combining morning flights with wine tastings and live entertainment.
Activities
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Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flights - Float Over Wine Country at Dawn: Year-round morning launches drift over patchwork vineyards as mist rises from the valleys, followed by traditional champagne toasts upon landing.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h15
23
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - California's Largest State Park: Over 640,000 acres of Colorado Desert wilderness spread across mountains, palm oases, and badlands. In wet years, spring wildflower super blooms carpet the desert floor in impossible colors.
2
Galleta Meadows - Sky Art in the Desert: Over 130 enormous metal sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda populate this private estate, free and open to the public. Giant serpents, dinosaurs, and fantastical creatures emerge from the desert landscape.
3
Borrego Springs - An International Dark Sky Community: With minimal light pollution, this small town earned official designation for its pristine night skies, making it one of the best stargazing destinations in Southern California.
Activities
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Slot Canyon Hikes - Walk Between Narrow Walls of Stone: Several easily accessible slot canyons offer otherworldly experiences navigating between towering walls of sedimentary rock carved by flash floods over millennia.
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Palm Canyon Trail - Oasis in the Desert: This 3-mile hike descends into a grove of native California fan palms, the state's only indigenous palm species, creating a green haven amid surrounding desert.
Next stop
Distance:
90 km
Travel time:
1h10
24
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Julian - A Gold Rush Town Famous for Apples: This entire mountain town is a California Historical Landmark, its 1870s gold mining heritage preserved in wooden storefronts and false-front buildings. Unexpectedly, the high altitude creates perfect apple-growing conditions.
2
Julian Pioneer Museum - Gold Rush to Apple Orchards: This small museum traces the town's evolution from mining camp to apple capital, displaying gold mining equipment alongside Victorian-era artifacts.
3
Apple Orchards and Cider Mills - Taste Julian's Famous Fruit: Numerous u-pick orchards and farm stands offer the chance to select your own apples from dozens of heirloom varieties, while cider mills press the fresh juice.
Activities
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Julian Apple Pie - The Town's Claim to Fame: Multiple bakeries compete for the title of best apple pie, each guarding their recipes jealously. Warm slices with cinnamon ice cream fuel heated debates about which reigns supreme.
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Eagle and High Peak Mine Tour - Descend into Julian's Golden Past: This 1,000-foot tunnel tour reveals the hard-rock mining techniques that drew prospectors to these mountains, with gold veins still visible in the walls.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h10
25
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
San Diego - America's Finest City: Year-round perfect weather, 70 miles of beaches, and a relaxed vibe distinguish California's second-largest city. From world-class attractions to legendary surf breaks, San Diego delivers coastal California at its best.
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San Diego Zoo - One of the World's Great Zoos: This 100-acre facility in Balboa Park houses over 12,000 animals representing 650 species, many in innovative open-air habitats that have set the standard for modern zoos.
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Balboa Park - The Smithsonian of the West: This 1,200-acre urban cultural park houses 17 museums, performing arts venues, and the zoo within stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
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USS Midway Museum - Walk the Deck of a Floating City: This decommissioned aircraft carrier served from 1945 to 1992, and now hosts docent-led tours through living quarters, engine rooms, and a flight deck lined with historic aircraft.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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La Jolla Cove - Sea Lions, Seals, and Snorkeling: This small beach flanked by sandstone cliffs offers some of Southern California's clearest water, with sea lions lounging on nearby rocks and garibaldi (California's state fish) flashing orange in the shallows.
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Coronado Beach - Where the Beach Meets the Grand Dame: The iconic Hotel del Coronado has anchored this beach since 1888, its distinctive red turrets rising above some of the finest sand in California.
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Cabrillo National Monument - Where European Exploration Began: This point at the tip of Point Loma marks where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to set foot on the West Coast in 1542, with tide pools and panoramic views as bonuses.
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26
Day
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Discover
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Monterey - Where Marine Science Meets Maritime History: This storied port where John Steinbeck set Cannery Row now houses world-class marine research alongside historic adobes from California's Spanish and Mexican periods.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium - One of the World's Great Aquariums: Built inside a former sardine cannery, this institution pioneered living kelp forest exhibits and showcases the extraordinary biodiversity of Monterey Bay's submarine canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon.
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Cannery Row - From Steinbeck's Pages to Tourist Paradise: The sardine canneries immortalized in literature have transformed into shops, restaurants, and galleries, but the waterfront location and historic buildings retain authentic character.
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17-Mile Drive - The Most Scenic Private Road in America: This legendary route winds through Del Monte Forest past the gnarled Lone Cypress, pristine beaches, and legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links with Pacific views at every turn.
Activities
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Whale Watching in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - Giants of the Deep: This underwater canyon creates upwelling that supports year-round whale populations, from gray whales migrating past to resident humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.
Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.
Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 26 and 40 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in United States?
Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.