20 days in California Itinerary

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

Pack the 11th (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. There's still lots to do: take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, admire the landmark architecture of Walt Disney Concert Hall, find something for the whole family at Pacific Park, and shop like a local with The Grove.

For other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Los Angeles road trip planning website.

Geneva, Switzerland to Los Angeles is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 9 hours. Traveling from Geneva in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Los Angeles, with lows of 22°C. On the 12th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly to Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park takes its name from the Joshua tree, a twisted, spiky tree with bayonet-shaped leaves at the top that's one of the few plant species hardy enough to thrive in the extreme climate of the Mojave Desert.

On the 12th (Wed), take a memorable drive along Geology Tour Road.

To see traveler tips, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Joshua Tree National Park online journey builder.

Traveling by car from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Los Angeles in July, things will get somewhat warmer in Joshua Tree National Park: highs are around 46°C and lows about 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to drive to Santa Barbara.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.

On the 14th (Fri), make a trip to Chaucer's Bookstore and then sample some tasty brews at 246 Wine & Brew Tours. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara, then learn about winemaking at Four Brix Winery, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat.

To see ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Santa Barbara vacation planner.

Getting from Joshua Tree National Park to Santa Barbara by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Joshua Tree National Park in July, you will find days in Santa Barbara are cooler (28°C), and nights are a bit cooler (18°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can go by car to Monterey.

Monterey is a city in the U.S. state of California, on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sun): appreciate the extensive heritage of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, take a memorable drive along 17-Mile Drive, then admire the majestic nature at Point Lobos, and finally take an in-depth tour of Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe. On the 17th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Monterey Bay Aquarium, then stop by AiX, and then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Monterey online journey maker.

Getting from Santa Barbara to Monterey by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Santa Barbara in July, things will get little chillier in Monterey: highs are around 24°C and lows about 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Big Sur.

A sparsely populated area with stunning views, Big Sur attracts artists and tourists traveling California’s scenic Highway 1.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Tue): snap pictures at Bixby Bridge, admire the natural beauty at Hawthorne Gallery, then trek along Partington Cove, then take in the dramatic scenery at McWay Falls, and finally kick back and relax at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip website.

Drive from Monterey to Big Sur in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Big Sur sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to San Francisco.

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

San Francisco is known for sightseeing, nature, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Alcatraz Island, stop by Fisherman's Wharf, and walk around Golden Gate Park.

For traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read San Francisco trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Big Sur to San Francisco by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In July in San Francisco, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 16°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.

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.

Yosemite National Park is known for nature, sightseeing, and trails. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the striking landscape at Glacier Point, trek along Mariposa Grove, explore and take pictures at Tioga Pass, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Half Dome.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Yosemite National Park online trip builder.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. Traveling from San Francisco in July, you will find days in Yosemite National Park are a bit warmer (33°C), and nights are slightly colder (9°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to travel to Los Angeles.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Thu): admire the natural beauty at Will Rogers Memorial Park, browse the different shops at Two Rodeo Drive, take a memorable drive along Mulholland Drive, then examine the collection at The Getty Center, then explore the world behind art at Norton Simon Museum, and finally look and learn at Griffith Observatory. On the 28th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: find something for the whole family at Disneyland Park.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Los Angeles trip maker website.

Explore your travel options from Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles with the Route module. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, Los Angeles is a bit warmer at night with lows of 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.