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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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10 Days Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

10 Days Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco

Start your road trip in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fisherman's Wharf, and take a ride on a cable car. Enjoy the city's diverse neighborhoods and indulge in delicious cuisine.

Day 2: Napa Valley

Drive to Napa Valley, renowned for its vineyards and wineries. Take a leisurely wine tasting tour, explore picturesque vineyards, and savor gourmet food and wine pairings. Relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 3-4: Lake Tahoe

Head to Lake Tahoe, a stunning destination with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. Spend two days enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, boating, skiing, or simply relaxing on the beach. Take in the beauty of this natural playground.

Day 5-6: Yosemite National Park

Visit Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its majestic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Hike along scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Don't miss capturing the iconic views.

Day 7: Monterey

Make your way to Monterey, a charming coastal town. Visit Cannery Row, enjoy the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and stroll along beautiful beaches. Indulge in fresh seafood and soak in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Day 8: Santa Cruz

Continue down the coast to Santa Cruz, a laid-back beach town. Experience its vibrant surf culture, relax on the picturesque beaches, and explore the lively downtown area. Enjoy the amusement rides and entertainment options on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Day 9: Big Sur

Drive through the scenic Big Sur coastal stretch along Highway 1. Marvel at the rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and panoramic ocean views. Stop at viewpoints, hike in the stunning landscapes, and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Big Sur.

Day 10: Sausalito & Muir Woods National Monument

Head to Sausalito, a waterfront town with stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. Enjoy waterfront dining, explore the charming streets, and take a scenic ferry ride to San Francisco. Visit the enchanting Muir Woods National Monument to experience the serene redwood forest before concluding your trip.

Embark on this 10-day road trip through Northern California and create unforgettable memories exploring the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and natural wonders of the region.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    San Francisco

    San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, diverse neighborhoods, and beautiful waterfront. It offers a mix of cultural attractions, world-class dining, and stunning views, making it a must-visit destination.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Napa Valley

    Napa Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. It is a paradise for wine lovers, offering the opportunity to explore beautiful vineyards, taste exquisite wines, and indulge in gourmet dining experiences.
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  • Lake Tahoe is a breathtaking destination with crystal-clear blue waters and stunning mountain scenery. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, boating, and fishing. Whether you visit in winter or summer, Lake Tahoe is a natural playground for adventure enthusiasts.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. It offers incredible hiking trails, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to connect with nature in one of the most iconic national parks in the United States.
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  • Monterey is a charming coastal town famous for its beautiful beaches, historic Cannery Row, and world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. It offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions, with opportunities for whale watching, exploring the stunning coastline, and indulging in fresh seafood.
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  • Santa Cruz is a laid-back beach town known for its surfing culture, picturesque coastline, and vibrant boardwalk. It offers a mix of beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a lively downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Santa Cruz embodies the quintessential California beach experience.
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  • Big Sur is a breathtaking coastal stretch along California's Highway 1, renowned for its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and dramatic ocean views. It offers a serene and scenic escape, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and simply taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the coastline.
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  • Sausalito is a charming waterfront town located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It offers picturesque views of the city skyline, a vibrant arts scene, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore its charming streets, enjoy waterfront dining, and even take a scenic ferry ride to San Francisco.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Muir Woods National Monument

    Muir Woods National Monument is a serene redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It offers an enchanting experience amidst towering ancient redwood trees, providing a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature. The park features well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the redwood forest.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Sonoma Coast State Park

    Sonoma Coast State Park is a scenic coastal park known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and stunning ocean views. It offers a peaceful and picturesque escape from the bustling city life, with opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. The park's natural beauty and tranquility make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Restaurants

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    The French Laundry

    The French Laundry

    A world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa Valley, known for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and impeccable service.
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    The Bigfoot Lodge

    The Bigfoot Lodge

    A quirky lodge-themed restaurant in San Francisco, featuring a rustic ambiance, creative cocktails, and comfort food with a twist.
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    The Aloha Cafe

    The Aloha Cafe

    A Hawaiian-inspired cafe in Santa Cruz, offering a unique blend of island flavors and dishes such as poke bowls, loco moco, and spam musubi.
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    Namaste Madras Cafe

    Namaste Madras Cafe

    A vegetarian South Indian restaurant in Fremont, known for its authentic flavors, dosas, and wide variety of chutneys and curries.
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    The Sur House

    The Sur House

    A stunning cliffside restaurant in Big Sur, offering panoramic Pacific Ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.
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    The Moss Beach Distillery

    The Moss Beach Distillery

    A historic restaurant in Moss Beach, known for its ghostly tales, stunning oceanfront location, and delicious cuisine.
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    The Buckeye Roadhouse

    The Buckeye Roadhouse

    A rustic American roadhouse in Mill Valley, serving up classic comfort food with a gourmet twist and a cozy ambiance.
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    The Bio Uranus

    The Bio Uranus

    A unique concept restaurant in San Francisco that combines the theme of space exploration with sustainable, futuristic cuisine.
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Stay Recommendations

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    The Madonna Inn

    The Madonna Inn

    A whimsical and eccentric hotel in San Luis Obispo, known for its uniquely themed rooms, vibrant decor, and standout features like a rock waterfall shower.
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    Autocamp Russian River

    Autocamp Russian River

    A luxurious camping experience in Guerneville, featuring stylish Airstream trailers and luxurious tents with modern amenities and access to outdoor activities.
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    The Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast

    The Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast

    A historic and eclectic bed and breakfast in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, known for its bohemian charm, colorful rooms, and artistic vibe.
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    The Floating Bed and Breakfast

    The Floating Bed and Breakfast

    A unique floating B&B in Sausalito, offering cozy accommodations on a floating houseboat with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and easy access to the city.
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    The Cypress Tree Motel

    The Cypress Tree Motel

    A retro-style motel in Sonoma County, featuring individually themed rooms inspired by different decades and a charming courtyard with a sparkling pool.
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    Treebones Resort

    Treebones Resort

    An eco-friendly resort in Big Sur, offering unique accommodation options like yurts and treehouses with stunning ocean views and access to sustainable amenities.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Styx & Foreigner with John Waite - Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour

    Styx & Foreigner with John Waite - Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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  • Event Icon

    SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

    SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Aug 2024
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  • Event Icon

    LOSERVILLE 2024: Limp Bizkit,BONES,N8NOFACE,Corey Feldman,Riff Raff

    LOSERVILLE 2024: Limp Bizkit,BONES,N8NOFACE,Corey Feldman,Riff Raff

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Aug 2024
    Picture for LOSERVILLE 2024: Limp Bizkit,BONES,N8NOFACE,Corey Feldman,Riff Raff
  • Event Icon

    Lainey Wilson: Country's Cool Again Tour

    Lainey Wilson: Country's Cool Again Tour

    There is a delivery delay until August 24, 2024, tickets will not be available until after this date.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Aug 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024

    Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Sep 2024
    Picture for Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024
  • Event Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top: The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour

    Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top: The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Sep 2024
    Picture for Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ Top: The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour
  • Event Icon

    2024 Season Tickets

    2024 Season Tickets

    The event will take place at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord.
    Map IconToyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord (16.88 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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Travel Gems from Reddit


Music for Your Journey