15 days in California Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Mon): take in the dramatic natural features at Zabriskie Point and then contemplate the long history of Harmony Borax Works. On your second day here, don't miss a visit to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, take some stellar pictures from Dante's View, take a memorable drive along Artist's Drive, then explore the activities along Badwater Basin, and finally take in the dramatic natural features at Devil's Golf Course.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Death Valley National Park trip maker site.

Dusseldorf, Germany to Death Valley National Park is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Dusseldorf to Death Valley National Park, you'll gain 9 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect much hotter weather when traveling from Dusseldorf in July: highs in Death Valley National Park hover around 45°C, while lows dip to 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Santa Barbara.

On the 19th (Wed), admire the landmark architecture of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, get reinvigorated at Salt Cave, then contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, then cruise along State Street Underpass, and finally take a leisurely stroll along Stearns Wharf. Here are some ideas for day two: meet the residents at Santa Barbara Zoo and then indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Santa Barbara itinerary planning website.

Traveling by flight from Death Valley National Park to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Death Valley National Park in July, plan for cooler days in Santa Barbara, with highs around 28°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) so you can travel to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Fri): walk around Slick Rock Recreation Area, then make a trip to General Sherman Tree, and then hike along General Grant Tree Trail. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Kings Canyon National Park, then take a peaceful walk through Giant Forest, and then explore the striking landscape at Moro Rock Trail.

To find reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Santa Barbara to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park with the Route module. Expect warmer weather when traveling from Santa Barbara in July: highs in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park hover around 43°C, while lows dip to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to travel to Yosemite National Park.

Take a break from the city and head to Yosemite Falls and Mariposa Grove. Discover out-of-the-way places like Half Dome and Vernal Fall. The adventure continues: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Bridalveil Fall, look for all kinds of wild species at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, admire all the interesting features of Tioga Pass, and get great views at Yosemite, Tunnel View.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Yosemite National Park day trip planning app.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in July: highs in Yosemite National Park hover around 33°C, while lows dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) early enough to travel to Healdsburg.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Wed): indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink and then identify plant and animal life at Armstrong Redwood State Reserve. Here are some ideas for day two: learn about winemaking at Dry Creek Vineyard, then do a tasting at Gracianna Winery, then learn about winemaking at Gary Farrell Winery, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Healdsburg travel itinerary planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Yosemite National Park to Healdsburg. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Healdsburg when traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, with lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Carmel.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Carmel River State Beach and Pfeiffer State Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Monterey Bay. Change things up with these side-trips from Carmel: Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & McWay Falls).

For reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Carmel trip planning website.

Getting from Healdsburg to Carmel by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and shuttle; or take a bus. Traveling from Healdsburg in July, you will find days in Carmel are little chillier (24°C), and nights are about the same (15°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.