20 days in California Itinerary
Created using Inspirock California trip itinerary maker
Start: Zurich
Fly
1
San Francisco
— 4 nights
Drive
2
Big Sur
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Pismo Beach
— 1 night
Drive
4
Los Angeles
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Yosemite National Park
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Calistoga
— 2 nights
Drive
7
San Francisco
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Zurich
Tue, Jul 26 - Sun, Aug 14
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San Francisco — 4 nights
©
City by the Bay
Discover out-of-the-way places like San Francisco Botanical Garden and Baker Beach. Get some historical perspective at Cliff House and Sutro Baths. And it doesn't end there: take in nature's colorful creations at Japanese Tea Garden, admire the majestic nature at Angel Island State Park, cast your line with a fishing tour, and stop by The Embarcadero.
To see reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our San Francisco trip maker.
Zurich, Switzerland to San Francisco is an approximately 14-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 9 hours traveling from Zurich to San Francisco. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Zurich in July: highs in San Francisco hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 16°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can go by car to Big Sur.
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To see reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our San Francisco trip maker.
Zurich, Switzerland to San Francisco is an approximately 14-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 9 hours traveling from Zurich to San Francisco. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Zurich in July: highs in San Francisco hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 16°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can go by car to Big Sur.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
Big Sur — 2 nights
©
Big Country of the South
On the 31st (Sun), enjoy the sea views from Point Sur State Historic Park, immerse yourself in nature at Andrew Molera State Park, and then kick back and relax at Pfeiffer State Beach. On your second day here, kick back and relax at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, take in the exciting artwork at Coast Gallery Big Sur, and then trek along Partington Cove.
To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Big Sur visit planner.
Traveling by car from San Francisco to Big Sur takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July in Big Sur, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Pismo Beach.
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To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Big Sur visit planner.
Traveling by car from San Francisco to Big Sur takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July in Big Sur, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Pismo Beach.
Highlights from your trip
Pismo Beach — 1 night
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On the 2nd (Tue), take a tour by water with Pismo Beach Dive Shop, then stroll through Eldwaylen Ocean Park, and then get outside with BoltAbout.
To see ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Pismo Beach trip planning website.
You can drive from Big Sur to Pismo Beach in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. While traveling from Big Sur, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Pismo Beach, ranging from highs of 30°C to lows of 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Los Angeles.
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To see ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Pismo Beach trip planning website.
You can drive from Big Sur to Pismo Beach in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. While traveling from Big Sur, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Pismo Beach, ranging from highs of 30°C to lows of 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Los Angeles.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
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Los Angeles — 3 nights
©
City of Angels
Explore hidden gems such as The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and LA Farmers' Market. Head to Citadel Outlets and Universal CityWalk Hollywoodfor some retail therapy. There's lots more to do: take in the pleasant sights at 26-Mile Bike Path, see a show at Walt Disney Concert Hall, appreciate the extensive heritage of Venice Canals Walkway, and make a trip to Santa Monica Pier.
To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Los Angeles day trip site.
You can drive from Pismo Beach to Los Angeles in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a train. Traveling from Pismo Beach in August, expect a bit warmer with lows of 22°C in Los Angeles. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.
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To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Los Angeles day trip site.
You can drive from Pismo Beach to Los Angeles in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a train. Traveling from Pismo Beach in August, expect a bit warmer with lows of 22°C in Los Angeles. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Yosemite National Park — 3 nights
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You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Glacier Point and Vernal Fall. Visit Wawona Hotel, National Historic Landmark and Pioneer Yosemite History Center for their historical value. And it doesn't end there: take some stellar pictures from Yosemite, Tunnel View, hike along Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, take in the dramatic natural features at North Dome, and take in the dramatic scenery at Chilnualna Falls.
To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Yosemite National Park journey builder.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park. Traveling from Los Angeles in August, plan for colder nights in Yosemite National Park, with lows around 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can travel to Calistoga.
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To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Yosemite National Park journey builder.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park. Traveling from Los Angeles in August, plan for colder nights in Yosemite National Park, with lows around 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can travel to Calistoga.
Highlights from your trip
Calistoga — 2 nights
©
On the 10th (Wed), immerse yourself in nature at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, explore the activities along Howarth Park, and then take in the exciting artwork at Valley of the Moon Pottery & North Eagle Gallery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Thu): look for all kinds of wild species at Bothe-Napa State Park, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and then hike along Oat Hill Mine Trail.
To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Calistoga travel route planner.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Yosemite National Park to Calistoga. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in August, plan for a bit warmer nights in Calistoga, with lows around 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to go by car to San Francisco.
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To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Calistoga travel route planner.
Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Yosemite National Park to Calistoga. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in August, plan for a bit warmer nights in Calistoga, with lows around 14°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to go by car to San Francisco.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
San Francisco — 2 nights
©
City by the Bay
Kick off your visit on the 12th (Fri): enjoy the sea views from Fort Point, take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, then don't miss a visit to Coit Tower, and finally step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: browse the different shops at Ferry Building Marketplace, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then contemplate the waterfront views at San Francisco Bay.
For ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our San Francisco planner.
You can drive from Calistoga to San Francisco in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Traveling from Calistoga in August, expect nights in San Francisco to be about the same, around 17°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.
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For ratings, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our San Francisco planner.
You can drive from Calistoga to San Francisco in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Traveling from Calistoga in August, expect nights in San Francisco to be about the same, around 17°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.
Highlights from your trip
California travel guide
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.
Napa Valley travel guide
Thanks to a Mediterranean climate and idyllic location in Northern California, Napa Valley is one of the top wine producing regions in the world. This, coupled with the area's breathtaking scenery, abundance of quaint B&Bs, and exquisite local gastronomy, makes Napa Valley one of the country's most popular spots for peaceful weekends and romantic getaways. While wine tasting and vineyard tours are the traditional things to do, the region offers a variety of other attractions, including hot air balloon rides, spa treatments, and trips aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.
