8 days in California Itinerary

Created using Inspirock California journey builder
Make it your trip
Fly
1
San Francisco
— 4 nights
Drive
2
Big Sur
— 1 night
Drive
3
Yosemite National Park
— 2 nights
Drive to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fly to Philadelphia

S M T W T F S
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San Francisco — 4 nights

City by the Bay

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.
Get outdoors at Alcatraz Island and Point Reyes Safaris. Venture out of the city with trips to Mill Valley (Muir Woods National Monument & Mount Tamalpais State Park). There's still lots to do: snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge, contemplate the long history of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, and visit The Embarcadero.

To see reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the San Francisco trip planner.

Philadelphia to San Francisco is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Philadelphia to San Francisco due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Philadelphia in April, expect a bit warmer with lows of 51°F in San Francisco. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Big Sur.
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Parks · Nature · Historic Sites · Wildlife
Side Trips

Big Sur — 1 night

Big Country of the South

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 30th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Pfeiffer State Beach, stroll through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, take in the dramatic scenery at McWay Falls, then hike along Partington Cove, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Hawthorne Gallery.

To find photos, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Big Sur trip maker.

Drive from San Francisco to Big Sur in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 64°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.
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Parks · Outdoors · Beaches · Nature

Yosemite National Park — 2 nights

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.
On the 1st (Mon), take in the dramatic scenery at Yosemite Falls, then admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, and then don't miss a visit to Half Dome.

To find ratings, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Yosemite National Park online journey builder.

Explore your travel options from Big Sur to Yosemite National Park with the Route module. Traveling from Big Sur in April, expect nights in Yosemite National Park to be colder, around 28°F, while days are little chillier, around 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.
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Parks · Nature

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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