30 days in California Itinerary
Created using Inspirock California itinerary maker
Start: London
Fly
1
Los Angeles
Drive
2
Palm Springs
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Joshua Tree National Park
— 1 day
Drive
4
San Diego
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Dana Point
Drive
6
Laguna Beach
— 1 night
Drive
7
Santa Monica
— 1 night
Drive
8
Malibu
— 1 day
Drive
9
Santa Barbara
— 1 night
Drive
10
Morro Bay
— 1 night
Drive
11
Big Sur
— 2 nights
Drive
12
Carmel
— 1 day
Drive
13
Capitola
— 1 night
Taxi
14
Santa Cruz
— 4 nights
Drive
15
San Francisco
— 6 nights
Drive
16
Yosemite National Park
— 1 night
Drive
17
Fresno
— 1 night
Drive
18
Big Bear Region
— 1 night
Drive
19
Los Angeles
— 3 nights
Fly
End: London
Sun, Jan 1 - Mon, Jan 30
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City of Angels
Start off your visit on the 1st (Sun): shop like a local with The Grove.
To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Los Angeles road trip planning tool.
London, UK to Los Angeles is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. You'll gain 8 hours traveling from London to Los Angeles due to the time zone difference. When traveling from London in January, plan for much hotter days and somewhat warmer nights in Los Angeles: temperatures range from 24°C by day to 11°C at night. On the 1st (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Palm Springs.
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To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Los Angeles road trip planning tool.
London, UK to Los Angeles is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. You'll gain 8 hours traveling from London to Los Angeles due to the time zone difference. When traveling from London in January, plan for much hotter days and somewhat warmer nights in Los Angeles: temperatures range from 24°C by day to 11°C at night. On the 1st (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Palm Springs.
Highlights from your trip
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Palm Springs — 2 nights
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To see maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Palm Springs trip builder tool.
You can drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 10°C. You'll set off for Joshua Tree National Park on the 3rd (Tue).
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You can drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 10°C. You'll set off for Joshua Tree National Park on the 3rd (Tue).
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See timeline
Joshua Tree National Park — 1 day
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On the 3rd (Tue), trek along Arch Rock Nature Trail and then hike along Ryan Mountain.
To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Joshua Tree National Park day trip planning app.
Drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, Joshua Tree National Park is slightly colder than Palm Springs - with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to go by car to San Diego.
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To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Joshua Tree National Park day trip planning app.
Drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, Joshua Tree National Park is slightly colder than Palm Springs - with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to go by car to San Diego.
Highlights from your trip
San Diego — 2 nights
America's Finest City
On the 4th (Wed), stroll through Moonlight State Beach and then kick back and relax at Mission Bay Park. Here are some ideas for day two: see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.
To see reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our San Diego online vacation planner.
Traveling by car from Joshua Tree National Park to San Diego takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in San Diego when traveling from Joshua Tree National Park in January, with lows around 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Dana Point.
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To see reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our San Diego online vacation planner.
Traveling by car from Joshua Tree National Park to San Diego takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in San Diego when traveling from Joshua Tree National Park in January, with lows around 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Dana Point.
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Highlights from your trip
For photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Dana Point trip itinerary planning tool.
Drive from San Diego to Dana Point in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In January in Dana Point, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 11°C at night. On the 5th (Thu), you're off to Laguna Beach.
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Drive from San Diego to Dana Point in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In January in Dana Point, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 11°C at night. On the 5th (Thu), you're off to Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach — 1 night
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Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): stroll through Corona Del Mar State Beach and then enjoy the sand and surf at 1,000 Steps Beach.
To see photos, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Laguna Beach online attractions planner.
Laguna Beach is very close to Dana Point. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in January, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can go by car to Santa Monica.
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To see photos, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Laguna Beach online attractions planner.
Laguna Beach is very close to Dana Point. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in January, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can go by car to Santa Monica.
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Highlights from your trip
Santa Monica — 1 night
Fortunate People in a Fortunate Land
To find reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Santa Monica road trip planning website.
Traveling by car from Laguna Beach to Santa Monica takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, train, and tram; or do a combination of bus and tram. In January in Santa Monica, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 11°C at night. On the 7th (Sat), you'll travel to Malibu.
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Traveling by car from Laguna Beach to Santa Monica takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, train, and tram; or do a combination of bus and tram. In January in Santa Monica, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 11°C at night. On the 7th (Sat), you'll travel to Malibu.
Malibu — 1 day
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On the 7th (Sat), enjoy the sand and surf at Westward Beach and then immerse yourself in nature at Point Mugu State Park.
For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Malibu trip planner.
Malibu is just a stone's throw from Santa Monica. In January in Malibu, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 11°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can go by car to Santa Barbara.
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For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Malibu trip planner.
Malibu is just a stone's throw from Santa Monica. In January in Malibu, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 11°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can go by car to Santa Barbara.
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Santa Barbara — 1 night
The American Riviera
On the 8th (Sun), kick back and relax at Carpinteria State Beach and then explore and take pictures at Santa Barbara Scenic Drive.
To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara trip itinerary planning tool.
You can drive from Malibu to Santa Barbara in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Malibu in January, plan for little chillier nights in Santa Barbara, with lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to drive to Morro Bay.
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To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara trip itinerary planning tool.
You can drive from Malibu to Santa Barbara in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Malibu in January, plan for little chillier nights in Santa Barbara, with lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to drive to Morro Bay.
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Morro Bay — 1 night
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On the 9th (Mon), take a peaceful walk through Elfin Forest Preserve and then kick back and relax at Moonstone Beach.
Make your Morro Bay itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.
You can drive from Santa Barbara to Morro Bay in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can go by car to Big Sur.
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Make your Morro Bay itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.
You can drive from Santa Barbara to Morro Bay in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can go by car to Big Sur.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Big Sur — 2 nights
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Big Country of the South
On the 10th (Tue), enjoy the sea views from Point Sur State Historic Park and then admire the sheer force of McWay Falls.
To find reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Big Sur trip maker site.
Traveling by car from Morro Bay to Big Sur takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or take a bus. Traveling from Morro Bay in January, you will find days in Big Sur are little chillier (19°C), and nights are about the same (7°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Carmel.
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To find reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Big Sur trip maker site.
Traveling by car from Morro Bay to Big Sur takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or take a bus. Traveling from Morro Bay in January, you will find days in Big Sur are little chillier (19°C), and nights are about the same (7°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Carmel.
Highlights from your trip
Carmel — 1 day
Kick off your visit on the 11th (Wed): enjoy the sea views from Point Pinos Lighthouse and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.
To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Carmel trip builder website.
Traveling by car from Big Sur to Carmel takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January in Carmel, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can drive to Capitola.
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To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Carmel trip builder website.
Traveling by car from Big Sur to Carmel takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January in Carmel, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can drive to Capitola.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Capitola — 1 night
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Start off your visit on the 12th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Capitola Beach and then stroll through Manresa State Beach.
To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Capitola travel itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from Carmel to Capitola takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. January in Capitola sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can drive to Santa Cruz.
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To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Capitola travel itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from Carmel to Capitola takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. January in Capitola sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can drive to Santa Cruz.
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Santa Cruz — 4 nights
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Explore hidden gems such as Mavericks and Bean Hollow State Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Wilder Ranch State Park and The Links at Spanish Bay. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Santa Cruz: Pescadero State Beach (in Half Moon Bay) and Arcangeli Grocery Company (in Pescadero). There's still lots to do: experience rural life at Swanton Berry Farm.
For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read Santa Cruz trip builder app.
Santa Cruz is just a stone's throw from Capitola. In January, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can drive to San Francisco.
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For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read Santa Cruz trip builder app.
Santa Cruz is just a stone's throw from Capitola. In January, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can drive to San Francisco.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
San Francisco — 6 nights
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City by the Bay
Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach and Miramar Beach for some beach relaxation. Discover out-of-the-way places like Bodega Head and Salt Point State Park. Change things up with these side-trips from San Francisco: V. Sattui Winery (in St. Helena), Muir Woods National Monument (in Mill Valley) and Armstrong Redwood State Reserve (in Guerneville). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Fitzgerald J V Marine Reserve and explore the activities along San Francisco Bay.
To find reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the San Francisco trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Santa Cruz to San Francisco takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. January in San Francisco sees daily highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.
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To find reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the San Francisco trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Santa Cruz to San Francisco takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. January in San Francisco sees daily highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Yosemite National Park — 1 night
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On the 23rd (Mon), take in the dramatic natural features at Lembert Dome and then don't miss a visit to Olmsted Point. On the 24th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and then trek along May Lake Trailhead.
For photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Yosemite National Park road trip site.
You can drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from San Francisco in January, plan for slightly colder days in Yosemite National Park, with highs around 7°C, while nights are colder with lows around -12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to travel to Fresno.
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For photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Yosemite National Park road trip site.
You can drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from San Francisco in January, plan for slightly colder days in Yosemite National Park, with highs around 7°C, while nights are colder with lows around -12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to travel to Fresno.
Highlights from your trip
Fresno — 1 night
To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Fresno trip website.
You can drive from Yosemite National Park to Fresno in 3 hours. Another option is to drive. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in January, you will find days in Fresno are a bit warmer (17°C), and nights are much warmer (5°C). You'll set off for Big Bear Region on the 25th (Wed).
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You can drive from Yosemite National Park to Fresno in 3 hours. Another option is to drive. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in January, you will find days in Fresno are a bit warmer (17°C), and nights are much warmer (5°C). You'll set off for Big Bear Region on the 25th (Wed).
Big Bear Region — 1 night
To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Big Bear Region trip itinerary maker app.
Getting from Fresno to Big Bear Region by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of flight and car; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. In January, Big Bear Region is a bit cooler than Fresno - with highs of 9°C and lows of -7°C. You will leave for Los Angeles on the 26th (Thu).
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Getting from Fresno to Big Bear Region by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of flight and car; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. In January, Big Bear Region is a bit cooler than Fresno - with highs of 9°C and lows of -7°C. You will leave for Los Angeles on the 26th (Thu).
Los Angeles — 3 nights
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City of Angels
You'll discover tucked-away gems like The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Enjoy Los Angeles some more: look for gifts at LA Farmers' Market, pause for some photo ops at Guitar Center, browse the different shops at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, and explore the fascinating underground world of Bronson Caves.
For reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Los Angeles trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Big Bear Region to Los Angeles takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of car and flight. In January, Los Angeles is much warmer than Big Bear Region - with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. On the 29th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.
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For reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Los Angeles trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Big Bear Region to Los Angeles takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of car and flight. In January, Los Angeles is much warmer than Big Bear Region - with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. On the 29th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.
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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.
