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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Bodie State Historic Park and Yosemite Falls. Get some cultural insight at Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite Museum Gallery. Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic natural features at Glacier Point, get great views at Tunnel View, see a world frozen in time at Bodie, and admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Yosemite National Park trip planner .

Toronto, Canada to Yosemite National Park is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Toronto to Yosemite National Park due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Toronto in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Yosemite National Park, with lows of 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can go by car 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. Step off the beaten path and head to Point Lobos and Pfeiffer State Beach. Shop till you drop at Ocean Avenue and Carmel Art Association. Change things up with a short trip to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur (about 1h 05 min away). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at Carmel River State Beach, browse the fresh offerings at Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market, take an in-depth tour of Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe, and explore the activities along Monterey Bay.

For ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read Carmel trip itinerary maker site .

Traveling by car from Yosemite National Park to Carmel takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of car, flight, and shuttle. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, expect nights in Carmel to be somewhat warmer, around 15°C, while days are little chillier, around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can drive to San Francisco.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Alcatraz Island and SS Jeremiah O'Brien. Get some cultural insight at Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. There's lots more to do: make a trip to Ferry Building Marketplace, get to know the fascinating history of Filbert Steps, contemplate the long history of City Lights Booksellers, and snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, use the San Francisco route planner.

Drive from Carmel to San Francisco in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in San Francisco can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Fort Bragg.

Fort Bragg is a coastal city along State Route 1 in Mendocino County, California. On the 25th (Thu), stroll through Noyo Headlands Park, shop like a local with Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery, then take in the exciting artwork at Highlight Gallery, then stop by Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Ananse Village.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Fort Bragg vacation planner .

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Fort Bragg takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Traveling from San Francisco in July, expect nights in Fort Bragg to be about the same, around 16°C, while days are warmer, around 41°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can drive to San Simeon.

When you arrive in tiny San Simeon, which lies halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can see why William Randolph Hearst chose this coastal locale for his famous hilltop castle.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): step into the grandiose world of Hearst Castle, then take in the exciting artwork at Ephraim Pottery West Gallery, then view the masterpieces at artifacts gallery, and finally stroll through Moonstone Beach.

For photos, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our San Simeon online vacation planner .

Traveling by car from Fort Bragg to San Simeon takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, and flight; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in San Simeon are 40°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sat): take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, then wander the streets of Montana Avenue, then get a taste of the local shopping with Third Street Promenade, and finally see the interesting displays at The Getty Center. Here are some ideas for day two: browse the different shops at The Grove, wander the streets of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then enjoy the sand and surf at Venice Beach and Boardwalk, then stop by Amoeba Music, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Los Angeles itinerary planner .

Traveling by car from San Simeon to Los Angeles takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from San Simeon in July, expect nights in Los Angeles to be somewhat warmer, around 22°C, while days are little chillier, around 33°C. On the 29th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.