7 days in California Itinerary
Created using Inspirock California tour planner
Start: San Jose
Drive
1
Big Sur
Drive
2
Cambria
— 1 night
Drive
3
Solvang
— 1 day
Drive
4
Santa Barbara
— 1 night
Drive
5
Los Angeles
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Coalinga
— 1 night
Drive
End: San Jose
Fri, Dec 23 - Thu, Dec 29
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Big Country of the South
Your day by day itinerary now includes Elephant Seal Vista Point, Point Lobos and McWay Falls. On the 23rd (Fri), immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, stroll through Pfeiffer State Beach, then admire the sheer force of McWay Falls, and finally identify plant and animal life at Elephant Seal Vista Point.
To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Big Sur planner.
San Jose to Big Sur is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can drive to Cambria.
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To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Big Sur planner.
San Jose to Big Sur is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can drive to Cambria.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Cambria — 1 night

To find reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Cambria online trip builder.
Traveling by car from Big Sur to Cambria takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Big Sur in December, plan for slightly colder nights in Cambria, with lows around 33°F. You'll have a few hours on the 24th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling to Solvang.
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Traveling by car from Big Sur to Cambria takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Big Sur in December, plan for slightly colder nights in Cambria, with lows around 33°F. You'll have a few hours on the 24th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling to Solvang.
Solvang — 1 day
Your list of things to see and do now includes Sunny Fields Park, Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, Visitor Center, and other attractions. Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): examine the collection at The Book Loft, stop by Jule Hus, browse for treasures at Solvang Antiques, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Bethania Lutheran Church, then stroll around Hans Christian Andersen Park, and finally make a trip to Visitor Center.
For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Solvang tour itinerary maker.
Traveling by car from Cambria to Solvang takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Solvang, expect temperatures between 66°F during the day and 37°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can drive to Santa Barbara.
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For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Solvang tour itinerary maker.
Traveling by car from Cambria to Solvang takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Solvang, expect temperatures between 66°F during the day and 37°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can drive to Santa Barbara.
Highlights from your trip
Santa Barbara — 1 night

The American Riviera
On the 25th (Sun), steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara.
To see reviews, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara road trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Solvang to Santa Barbara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Santa Barbara can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Los Angeles.
more
To see reviews, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara road trip planning app.
Traveling by car from Solvang to Santa Barbara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Santa Barbara can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Los Angeles.
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
Los Angeles — 3 nights

City of Angels
You've added Point Fermin Lighthouse, Playa Del Rey Beach, Redondo Beach, and other attractions to your itinerary. The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Santa Monica Pier, don't miss a visit to Hollywood Walk of Fame, and stroll through Venice Beach and Boardwalk.
To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Los Angeles tour builder app.
You can drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Los Angeles when traveling from Santa Barbara in December, with lows around 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Coalinga.
more
To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Los Angeles tour builder app.
You can drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Los Angeles when traveling from Santa Barbara in December, with lows around 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Coalinga.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Coalinga — 1 night

For maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Coalinga trip itinerary maker.
Traveling by car from Los Angeles to Coalinga takes 3.5 hours. Traveling from Los Angeles in December, things will get slightly colder in Coalinga: highs are around 58°F and lows about 35°F. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.
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Traveling by car from Los Angeles to Coalinga takes 3.5 hours. Traveling from Los Angeles in December, things will get slightly colder in Coalinga: highs are around 58°F and lows about 35°F. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.
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.
San Luis Obispo County travel guide
The Central Coast
Separated from major metropolitan areas, coastal San Luis Obispo County has preserved its rural character. It includes many small communities with a strong agricultural heritage, and preserves a sense of old California. Many visitors on holiday come here to browse the excellent farmers' markets or tour world-class vineyards. The county offers plentiful outdoor vacation ideas, with beaches, rolling hills, and the Santa Lucia mountain range nearby. You can also take side trips to the area's larger towns, with their historical downtown districts, shopping destinations, and museums.