7 days California road trip itinerary

On Apr 18, 2023

Day 1: Los Angeles

Start your road trip in the morning by picking up your rental car and setting out for Los Angeles.
Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs along Hollywood Boulevard and features the stars of some of the biggest names in entertainment history.
Stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre, a famous movie palace known for its hand and footprint ceremonies.
Drive down the Sunset Strip, a famous stretch of Sunset Boulevard known for its music scene, clubs, and bars.
End the day by visiting the Santa Monica Pier, a historic pier that features an amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants.
Stay overnight in Los Angeles.

Day 2: Venice Beach and Malibu

Start the day by driving to Venice Beach, a famous beach and entertainment destination known for its Muscle Beach outdoor gym and street performers.
Walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a lively promenade with street vendors, artists, and musicians.
In the afternoon, drive up the coast to Malibu, a scenic beach city known for its beautiful beaches and surf spots.
Visit the Malibu Pier, a historic wooden pier that offers great views of the ocean and beach.
End the day by watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from one of Malibu’s many beach parks.
Stay overnight in Malibu.

Day 3: Santa Barbara

Drive north to Santa Barbara, a charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, beautiful beaches, and scenic mountains.
Take a stroll along State Street, the city’s main shopping and dining area.
Visit the Santa Barbara Mission, a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786 and known for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
In the afternoon, relax on one of Santa Barbara’s many beaches, such as East Beach or Butterfly Beach.
Stay overnight in Santa Barbara.

Day 4: Monterey and Cannery Row

Drive up the coast to Monterey, a historic fishing town known for its beautiful coastline and aquarium.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world, which features a wide variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
Take a walk along Cannery Row, a former sardine canning center turned into a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the ocean.
Stay overnight in Monterey.

Day 5: Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Drive along the scenic coastal highway of Big Sur, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.
Stop at various overlooks and beaches along the way, such as Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pflegerhorn State Park, to take in the breathtaking views.
Spend the night in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beautiful coastal village known for its fine dining, shopping, and scenic beaches.

Day 6: San Francisco

Drive north to San Francisco, a city famous for its steep hills, historic landmarks, and cultural diversity.
Visit popular attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, a iconic suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the Bay Area.
Take a stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic neighborhood that features seafood restaurants, street performers, and scenic views of the Bay.
Visit Alcatraz Island, a former prison turned into a museum that offers tours and exhibits about its history as a maximum-security prison.
End the day by exploring Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with a variety of gardens.

Day 7: San Francisco

Start the day by visiting the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, an art museum with a collection that spans from ancient to contemporary art.
Walk through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, known for its counterculture history and bohemian vibe.
Visit the Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses that are some of the most photographed homes in the city.
Take a tour of the famous Anchor Steam Brewery, a local brewery that offers tours and tastings of its handcrafted beers.
End your road trip by shopping and dining in the Union Square neighborhood, a popular shopping and dining destination with a variety of high-end stores and restaurants.
Return your rental car and fly back home, or plan to extend your trip if you have more time.