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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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1 Week Solo Trip to California Itinerary

Exploring California's Gems: A Solo Adventure

Embark on a week-long journey through the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities of California. Your adventure begins in the iconic city of San Francisco, where you can walk across the mesmerizing Golden Gate Bridge, explore the historical Alcatraz Island, and indulge in the culinary delights at Fisherman's Wharf. After soaking in the urban vibe, head towards the serenity of Yosemite National Park. Here, immerse yourself in the splendor of majestic waterfalls, towering sequoias, and the tranquil Yosemite Valley.

Next, your itinerary takes you to the bustling city of Los Angeles. Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, relax on the sunny beaches of Santa Monica, and experience the glamor of Beverly Hills. Whether it's catching a show at the Dolby Theatre or exploring the arts at The Getty Center, LA's diversity has something for every traveler. Conclude your journey in the laid-back city of San Diego. Known for its perfect weather, San Diego offers a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter, spend a day with the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, or unwind at the stunning beaches of La Jolla.

This solo trip through California promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. From the urban excitement of its cities to the tranquil beauty of its natural parks, California is a destination that truly has it all.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    San Francisco

    Famed for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant cultural scene, and steep rolling hills, San Francisco offers a diverse mix of historical attractions, technological hubs like Silicon Valley, and rich culinary experiences.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Yosemite National Park

    A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas. It's a paradise for nature lovers, offering unparalleled hiking, climbing, and photography opportunities.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Los Angeles

    Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, offering a glimpse into the American entertainment industry alongside beautiful beaches, museums, and a dynamic food scene.
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  • With its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches, and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, San Diego offers a wide variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests from around the world.
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Restaurants

  • Opaque

    Dine in complete darkness, served by visually impaired waiters, offering a unique sensory experience.
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    The Magic Castle

    The Magic Castle

    An exclusive private clubhouse for magicians and magic enthusiasts, also operates as a restaurant where guests can enjoy live magic shows.
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    The Bubble Room

    The Bubble Room

    Filled with toys from the 1930s to 1950s and staff dressed in scout uniforms, offering a nostalgic dining experience.
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  • Madonna Inn

    Each room and dining area in this inn is uniquely decorated, providing a distinctive dining and staying experience.
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    Clifton's Republic

    Clifton's Republic

    A historic multi-level dining experience in downtown LA, decorated with California redwoods, taxidermy, and a meteorite.
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    The Pirate's Dinner Adventure

    The Pirate's Dinner Adventure

    A dinner theater featuring a pirate show on a replica Spanish galleon anchored in a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon.
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    Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

    Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

    Offers a tropical and exotic dining experience with its faux rainstorms and Tiki decor.
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    El Celler de Can Roca

    El Celler de Can Roca

    A mind-blowing culinary experience in a beautifully unconventional setting, known for its avant-garde cuisine.
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Queen Mary

    The Queen Mary

    A historic ocean liner turned hotel, offering unique staterooms, art deco design, and paranormal tours.
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    Hicksville Trailer Palace

    Hicksville Trailer Palace

    A quirky trailer park hotel featuring themed trailers, such as a tiki-themed trailer and a 70s love den, in Joshua Tree.
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    The Madonna Inn

    The Madonna Inn

    Known for its 110 uniquely themed rooms and pink dining room, this hotel offers a truly unconventional stay in San Luis Obispo.
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    Hotel Vertigo

    Hotel Vertigo

    Named after the Alfred Hitchcock movie that was partially filmed there, its unique design pays homage to the film's dizzying effects.
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    The McCloud Railroad Caboose

    The McCloud Railroad Caboose

    Stay in an actual converted railroad caboose, offering a nostalgic and cozy experience in McCloud.
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    Dog Bark Park Inn

    Dog Bark Park Inn

    A beagle-shaped bed and breakfast for dog lovers, offering a whimsical stay in Cottonwood, Idaho (a unique option close to California for those traveling further).
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    LANA DEL REY NIGHT

    LANA DEL REY NIGHT

    An evening of captivating melancholy inspired by the works of LDR. Lana music/visuals curated by your hostess-healer DJ queen Lovely Iris.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
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    LIKE ROSES

    LIKE ROSES

    The event will take place at Temblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
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    DEJA VU: OLIVIA RODRIGO Party

    DEJA VU: OLIVIA RODRIGO Party

    The event will take place at Temblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
    Picture for DEJA VU: OLIVIA RODRIGO Party
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    SELENA vs SHAKIRA PARTY

    SELENA vs SHAKIRA PARTY

    Festive DJ dance party featuring music & videos from both Latina superstars.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Jul 2024
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    THE CURE vs THE SMITHS vs DEPECHE MODE DJ Night

    THE CURE vs THE SMITHS vs DEPECHE MODE DJ Night

    Come sing, dance and mope to the sights and sounds of The Cure, The Smiths, and Depeche Mode at this special DJ night.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Jul 2024
    Picture for THE CURE vs THE SMITHS vs DEPECHE MODE DJ Night
  • Event Icon

    DEAR YOU: EMO NIGHT

    DEAR YOU: EMO NIGHT

    The event will take place at Temblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Jul 2024
    Picture for DEAR YOU: EMO NIGHT
  • Event Icon

    John R. Miller

    John R. Miller

    The event will take place at Temblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield.
    Map IconTemblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield (20.65 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Aug 2024
    Picture for John R. Miller

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    I am from California and have done extensive solo traveling by car across the state. San Francisco is a great place to start. Be aware that Yosemite is known for being the "Di...

    First solo trip to california in March for 10 days: advice (27/M)

    I am from California and have done extensive solo traveling by car across the state. San Francisco is a great place to start. Be aware that Yosemite is known for being the "Di...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    I am a 22 year old male currently planning my first ever solo trip to Southern California, and was hoping to get some advice on my itinerary from people that have been to that...

    Solo Trip to Southern California - Advice Needed

    I am a 22 year old male currently planning my first ever solo trip to Southern California, and was hoping to get some advice on my itinerary from people that have been to that...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi, Am 23/M, I consider going to California during 10 days this summer. I think about landing in SF, visiting the city ; then going to the Yosemite Park ; then going to visit ...

    10 days trip in California

    Hi, Am 23/M, I consider going to California during 10 days this summer. I think about landing in SF, visiting the city ; then going to the Yosemite Park ; then going to visit ...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm travelling around California for 13 full days (not including days flying in and out) and i enlisted the help of ChatGPT to help me plan. ... My Expenses for 17 months of S...

    Itinerary, plan and for 13 days in California

    I'm travelling around California for 13 full days (not including days flying in and out) and i enlisted the help of ChatGPT to help me plan. ... My Expenses for 17 months of S...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    +1 for walking around SF and particularly around the hill districts. Starting at a popular landmark near the water (Fishermans Wharf, Palace of the Fine Arts, Oracle Stadium) ...

    Solo trip to California (SD --> LA --> SF)

    +1 for walking around SF and particularly around the hill districts. Starting at a popular landmark near the water (Fishermans Wharf, Palace of the Fine Arts, Oracle Stadium) ...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    This is going to be my first solo trip ever and I have not much insight regarding solo travel apart from shared Airbnb rooms or hostels. I plan on to travelling to Yosemite, G...

    Solo California Travel

    This is going to be my first solo trip ever and I have not much insight regarding solo travel apart from shared Airbnb rooms or hostels. I plan on to travelling to Yosemite, G...

    /r/solotravel

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin' - Single Version

    The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin' - Single Version

    An iconic song that captures the essence of the California spirit and its endless summer allure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    A classic rock song that paints a picture of the California lifestyle with compelling storytelling and guitar solos.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    A soft, acoustic melody that encapsulates the dreamy journey to California in search of a new life.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster
  • Music Icon

    2Pac - California Love - Original Version

    2Pac - California Love - Original Version

    A hip-hop anthem celebrating the vibrancy and dynamism of California, especially Los Angeles.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for 2Pac - California Love - Original Version
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    Scott McKenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers In Your Hair)

    Scott McKenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers In Your Hair)

    A song that epitomizes the 1960s counterculture movement and the city of San Francisco.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Scott McKenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers In Your Hair)
  • Music Icon

    2Pac - California Love - Original Version

    2Pac - California Love - Original Version

    Captures the longing for the Golden State and its promise of new beginnings.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California

    Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California

    Tells the story of a girl's journey through life's hardships, with California as the backdrop.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California
  • Music Icon

    The Rivieras - California Sun

    The Rivieras - California Sun

    A lively and upbeat rock song that reflects the fun and excitement of California's sunny skies.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Rivieras - California Sun
  • Music Icon

    The Decemberists - Los Angeles, I'm Yours

    The Decemberists - Los Angeles, I'm Yours

    A love letter to the city of Los Angeles, highlighting its beauty and flaws with heartfelt lyrics.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Decemberists - Los Angeles, I'm Yours
  • Music Icon

    The Beach Boys - Surfin' USA - Live

    The Beach Boys - Surfin' USA - Live

    Encapsulates the surfing culture of California and its beach lifestyle, making it a perfect road trip tune.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Beach Boys - Surfin' USA - Live