20 days in California Itinerary

Created using Inspirock California vacation planner
Make it your trip
Fly
1
Los Angeles
— 5 nights
Drive
2
Santa Clarita
— 1 day
Drive
3
Bakersfield
— 1 night
Drive
4
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
— 1 day
Drive
5
Fresno
— 1 night
Drive
6
Yosemite National Park
— 2 nights
Drive
7
San Francisco
— 3 nights
Drive
8
Half Moon Bay
Drive
9
San Jose
Drive
10
Santa Cruz
— 1 night
Drive
11
Monterey
— 1 day
Taxi
12
Carmel
— 1 night
Drive
13
Big Sur
Drive
14
Cambria
Drive
15
Morro Bay
Drive
16
San Luis Obispo
Drive
17
Pismo Beach
— 1 night
Drive
18
Solvang
Drive
19
Santa Barbara
— 1 night
Drive
20
Malibu
— 1 day
Drive
21
Santa Monica
— 2 nights
Fly

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Los Angeles — 5 nights

City of Angels

Attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Walt Disney Concert Hall make great kid-friendly stops. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Venice Beach and Boardwalk, get to know the fascinating history of Venice Canals Walkway, get from place to place with Union Station, and don't miss a visit to Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Los Angeles trip itinerary planner.

Ljubljana, Slovenia to Los Angeles is an approximately 23-hour flight. You can also fly. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -9 hour difference. Traveling from Ljubljana in July, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 22°C in Los Angeles. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Santa Clarita.
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Theme Parks · Shopping · Historic Sites · Parks

Santa Clarita — 1 day

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sat): find something for the whole family at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

To find other places to visit, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Santa Clarita trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Los Angeles to Santa Clarita in an hour. Another option is to take a train. July in Santa Clarita sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 24°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to drive to Bakersfield.
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Theme Parks
Highlights from your trip

Bakersfield — 1 night

To find photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Bakersfield online trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield by car takes about 1.5 hours. When traveling from Santa Clarita in July, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Bakersfield: temperatures range from 44°C by day to 27°C at night. You will leave for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park on the 16th (Sun).
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Parks · Nature · Outdoors · Museums

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park — 1 day

A Land of Giants

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sun): take in the dramatic natural features at Moro Rock Trail, cruise along Generals Hwy, then make a trip to General Sherman Tree, and finally delve into the lush surroundings at Giant Forest.

To find reviews, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park trip planner.

Traveling by car from Bakersfield to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park takes 4 hours. Traveling from Bakersfield in July, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is slightly colder at night with lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Fresno.
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Nature · Parks · Outdoors · Trails

Fresno — 1 night

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Mon): learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, contemplate the long history of Forestiere Underground Gardens, and then don't miss a visit to Old Town Clovis.

For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Fresno trip maker app.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to Fresno. In July, daily temperatures in Fresno can reach 44°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to travel to Yosemite National Park.
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Parks · Zoos & Aquariums · Historic Sites
Side Trip

Yosemite National Park — 2 nights

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Mon): take in the dramatic natural features at Glacier Point.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Yosemite National Park road trip website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Fresno to Yosemite National Park. When traveling from Fresno in July, plan for a bit cooler days and colder nights in Yosemite National Park: temperatures range from 33°C by day to 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can travel to San Francisco.
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Parks · Nature · Wildlife

San Francisco — 3 nights

City by the Bay

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge. Escape the urban bustle at Basically Free Bike Rentals and Lands End. And it doesn't end there: take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, catch a live event at Oracle Park, buy something for everyone on your list at Ferry Building Marketplace, and visit North Beach.

For maps, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the San Francisco trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco. When traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, plan for little chillier days in San Francisco, with highs around 26°C, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Half Moon Bay.
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Parks · Historic Sites · Nature · Neighborhoods

Half Moon Bay

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Half Moon Bay State Beach.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Half Moon Bay trip planner.

You can drive from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay in an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of subway and taxi. When traveling from San Francisco in July, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Half Moon Bay: temperatures range from 19°C by day to 14°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to drive to San Jose.
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Beaches · Parks · Outdoors
Highlights from your trip

San Jose

Capital of Silicon Valley

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): admire the verdant scenery at Silicon Valley, then take in the architecture and design of Stanford University, and then delve into the mystery of Winchester Mystery House.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our San Jose online attractions planner.

Drive from Half Moon Bay to San Jose in an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Half Moon Bay in July: highs in San Jose hover around 32°C, while lows dip to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) early enough to drive to Santa Cruz.
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Nature · Parks · Historic Sites
Side Trips

Santa Cruz — 1 night

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): get in on the family fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and then take in the waterfront at Santa Cruz Wharf.

To see where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Cruz tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Santa Cruz takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from San Jose in July, plan for slightly colder days in Santa Cruz, with highs around 26°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can go by car to Monterey.
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Theme Parks

Monterey — 1 day

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): see some familiar sights at Monterey Movie Tours, walk around Dennis the Menace Park, take in the waterfront at Old Fisherman's Wharf, get to know the fascinating history of Cannery Row, then enjoy the sand and surf at Asilomar State Beach, and finally take a memorable drive along 17-Mile Drive.

For more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Monterey online attractions planner.

You can drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Monterey sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Carmel.
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Tours · Parks · Outdoors · Beaches
Side Trip

Carmel — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): buy something for everyone on your list at Carmel Plaza, immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, and then kick back and relax at Carmel River State Beach.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Carmel trip itinerary maker app.

Carmel is just a stone's throw from Monterey. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. On the 24th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Big Sur.
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Parks · Nature · Beaches · Outdoors

Big Sur

Big Country of the South

On the 24th (Mon), take in the views from Bixby Bridge, kick back and relax at Pfeiffer State Beach, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Partington Cove, then take in the dramatic scenery at McWay Falls, and finally immerse yourself in nature at Limekiln State Park.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Big Sur online journey planner.

Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. On the 24th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Cambria.
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Parks · Nature · Outdoors · Beaches

Cambria

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Mon): take a memorable drive along Moonstone Beach Dr, enjoy the sand and surf at Moonstone Beach, then contemplate the long history of Nitt Witt Ridge, then admire the majestic nature at Leffingwell Landing, and finally kick back and relax at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.

For other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Cambria trip itinerary planning website.

Getting from Big Sur to Cambria by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Big Sur in July, you will find days in Cambria are much warmer (40°C), and nights are about the same (15°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to drive to Morro Bay.
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Parks · Outdoors · Beaches · Nature
Side Trip

Morro Bay

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Mon): take in the dramatic natural features at Morro Rock and then don't miss a visit to Bubblegum Alley.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Morro Bay tour planner.

Morro Bay is very close to Cambria. When traveling from Cambria in July, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Morro Bay: temperatures range from 31°C by day to 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to drive to San Luis Obispo.
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Neighborhoods · Nature · Parks
Side Trip

San Luis Obispo

Start off your visit on the 24th (Mon): catch a live performance at Sunset Drive-In Theatre.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read our San Luis Obispo trip itinerary planner.

San Luis Obispo is just a stone's throw from Morro Bay. July in San Luis Obispo sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Pismo Beach.
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Nightlife
Highlights from your trip

Pismo Beach — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 25th (Tue): walk around Margo Dodd Park, walk around Dinosaur Caves Park, kick back and relax at Pismo State Beach, take a leisurely stroll along Pismo Pier, then buy something for everyone on your list at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, and finally experience rural life at Rutiz Family Farms.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Pismo Beach trip site.

Pismo Beach is just a stone's throw from San Luis Obispo. July in Pismo Beach sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Solvang.
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Parks · Beaches · Shopping · Outdoors
Side Trips

Solvang

Start off your visit on the 25th (Tue): get a taste of the local shopping with Ostrich Land, then walk around Hans Christian Andersen Park, then take a memorable ride with Solvang Trolley & Carriage, and finally admire the majestic nature at Gaviota State Park.

To see traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Solvang online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Pismo Beach to Solvang takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Pismo Beach in July: highs in Solvang hover around 36°C, while lows dip to 14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) so you can go by car to Santa Barbara.
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Parks · Nature · Tours · Shopping
Side Trips

Santa Barbara — 1 night

The American Riviera

On the 25th (Tue), steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara, take a leisurely stroll along Stearns Wharf, and then take a stroll through State Street Underpass.

For photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Santa Barbara road trip site.

Traveling by car from Solvang to Santa Barbara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Solvang in July, you will find days in Santa Barbara are a bit cooler (28°C), and nights are a bit warmer (18°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Malibu.
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Historic Sites · Shopping · Neighborhoods · Scenic Drive

Malibu — 1 day

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Wed): tour the pleasant surroundings at Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at El Matador State Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Zuma Beach, then admire the majestic nature at Point Dume State Beach and Preserve, then enjoy the sand and surf at Surfrider Beach, and finally make a trip to Malibu Pier.

For more things to do, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Malibu online journey builder.

Drive from Santa Barbara to Malibu in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July in Malibu, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 21°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Santa Monica.
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Parks · Beaches · Outdoors · Nature

Santa Monica — 2 nights

Fortunate People in a Fortunate Land

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Thu): hunt for treasures at Santa Monica Farmers Market, get outside with Santa Monica Beach Bicycle Rentals, tour the pleasant surroundings at 26-Mile Bike Path, then walk around Palisades Park, then shop like a local with Third Street Promenade, and finally browse the different shops at Santa Monica Place.

To see maps, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Santa Monica trip builder tool.

Santa Monica is just a short distance from Malibu. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in July, and nighttime lows around 21°C. On the 28th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.
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Parks · Outdoors · Shopping · Trails

California travel guide

4.2
Specialty Museums · Wineries & Vineyards · Beaches
The Golden State
The country's most populous state, California includes landscapes that range from the forested northern coast to harsh southern deserts. Sandwiched right in the middle of the state is a fertile valley, home to farms, vineyards, and orchards. California's cities offer diverse attractions, from amusement parks and upscale shops to award-winning restaurants and innovative art galleries. Outside the state's big urban centers, places to visit include some of the nation's most rugged national parks, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, and ski resorts. More than just a surfing destination famous for its beaches and winding coastal roads, California also boasts one of the world's largest economies, bolstered by the booming tech industries.
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