15 days in California Itinerary

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Get some cultural insight at Yosemite Museum Gallery and Ansel Adams Gallery. Escape the urban bustle at Glacier Point and Panorama Trail. Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic natural features at Half Dome, admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, look for all kinds of wild species at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, and take some stellar pictures from Yosemite, Tunnel View.

For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Yosemite National Park trip planning app.

Denver to Yosemite National Park is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Denver to Yosemite National Park due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Denver in July, Yosemite National Park is a bit cooler at night with lows of 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can travel to Truckee.

Truckee is an incorporated town in Nevada County, California, United States. Start off your visit on the 15th (Wed): kick back and relax at Sand Harbor, then explore the activities along Lake Tahoe, then immerse yourself in nature at Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum, and finally wander the streets of Historic Downtown Truckee.

To see maps, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Truckee online day trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Yosemite National Park to Truckee. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, expect little chillier with lows of 40°F in Truckee. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can go by car to South Lake Tahoe.

High in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the shore of one of America’s most scenic lakes, South Lake Tahoe captures the spirit of the outdoors and serves as a hub for tourism activities surrounding the lake.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Pope Beach, steep yourself in history at Tallac Historic Site, then admire the landmark architecture of Vikingsholm, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Emerald Bay State Park. On the 17th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, get a taste of the local shopping with Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery, then kick back and relax at Kiva Beach, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Baldwin Beach.

For traveler tips, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, go to the South Lake Tahoe online visit planner.

Drive from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Truckee in July, South Lake Tahoe is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) so you can go by car to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Baker Beach and China Beach. Museum-lovers will appreciate Exploratorium and SS Jeremiah O'Brien. The adventure continues: head off the coast to Alcatraz Island, take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, kick back and relax at Marshall’s Beach, and take a stroll through Union Square.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our San Francisco online trip builder.

Getting from South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. Traveling from South Lake Tahoe in July, you will find days in San Francisco are slightly colder (73°F), and nights are somewhat warmer (57°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, often simply called Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Kick off your visit on the 21st (Tue): take a memorable drive along 17-Mile Drive, get to know the fascinating history of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, then immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, and finally stroll through Carmel River State Beach.

Find out how to plan Carmel trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Carmel takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. July in Carmel sees daily highs of 69°F and lows of 55°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel to Los Angeles.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.

Get in touch with nature at Santa Monica State Beach and Venice Beach and Boardwalk. Visit Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Walk of Fame for their historical value. Change things up with these side-trips from Los Angeles: Santa Monica (Santa Monica Farmers Market & Third Street Promenade). Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at The Getty Center, take a stroll through Abbot Kinney Boulevard, view the masterpieces at Hammer Museum, and look and learn at Griffith Observatory.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Los Angeles trip builder site.

Traveling by flight from Carmel to Los Angeles takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Carmel in July; daily highs in Los Angeles reach 83°F and lows reach 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) to allow time to drive to San Diego.

Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.

On the 25th (Sat), pause for some serene contemplation at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, see the interesting displays at USS Midway Museum, then take in the exciting artwork at Spanish Village Art Center, and finally learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at San Diego Zoo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at La Jolla Cove, shop like a local with Gaslamp Quarter, then browse the exhibits of Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, and finally explore the different monuments and memorials at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery.

Take the guesswork out of planning a San Diego vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Los Angeles to San Diego takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. While traveling from Los Angeles, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in San Diego, ranging from highs of 77°F to lows of 68°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.