12 days in California Itinerary
Created using Inspirock California visit planner
Start from...
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San Jose
— 2 nights
Drive
2
San Francisco
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Yosemite National Park
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Los Angeles
— 3 nights
Drive
5
San Diego
— 2 nights
End at...
Mon, May 1 - Fri, May 12
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San Jose — 2 nights
©
Capital of Silicon Valley
The metropolitan center of Silicon Valley, San Jose considers itself a global city.Get out of town with these interesting San Jose side-trips: Monterey (Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, &more), Point Lobos (in Carmel) and Elkhorn Slough Safari (in Moss Landing). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Asilomar State Beach and take a peaceful walk through Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.
To find reviews, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our San Jose holiday planning app.
If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are San Francisco International Airport, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and Metropolitan Oakland International Airport. In May, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) so you can go by car to San Francisco.
Side Trips
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San Francisco — 2 nights
©
City by the Bay
San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.On the 4th (Thu), contemplate the long history of Alcatraz Island, take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, and then make a trip to Golden Gate Bridge. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 5th (Fri): take in nature's colorful creations at Japanese Tea Garden, then see the interesting displays at de Young Museum, then walk around Golden Gate Park, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Lombard Street.
To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, use the San Francisco trip builder site.
Getting from San Jose to San Francisco by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus; or take a subway. While traveling from San Jose, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in San Francisco, ranging from highs of 24°C to lows of 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Yosemite National Park.
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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 6th (Sat), contemplate the waterfront views at Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail, take in the dramatic scenery at Bridalveil Fall, then get great views at Yosemite, Tunnel View, and finally trek along Mariposa Grove. Keep things going the next day: explore the striking landscape at Glacier Point, take in the dramatic natural features at Sentinel Dome, take in the dramatic scenery at Vernal Fall, then look for all kinds of wild species at Nature Center at Happy Isles, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Yosemite Falls.
To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Yosemite National Park online tour itinerary planner.
You can drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in 4 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in May, expect a bit cooler with lows of 1°C in Yosemite National Park. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) so you can travel to Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles — 3 nights
©
City of Angels
Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.Explore Los Angeles' surroundings by going to Anaheim (Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park). And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the sand and surf at Santa Monica Bay, admire the striking features of Walt Disney Concert Hall, and get to know the fascinating history of Hollywood Walk of Fame.
For ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Los Angeles online day trip planner.
Getting from Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles by car takes about 6 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and flight. While traveling from Yosemite National Park, expect a bit warmer days and much warmer nights in Los Angeles, ranging from highs of 28°C to lows of 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) early enough to go by car to San Diego.
Side Trips
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San Diego — 2 nights
©
America's Finest City
Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.On the 11th (Thu), get to know the resident critters at San Diego Zoo and then stroll around Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. On the 12th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at USS Midway Museum and then let little ones run wild at Balboa Park.
To find where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the San Diego online trip planner.
Getting from Los Angeles to San Diego by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. May in San Diego sees daily highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C at night.
Find places to stay May 10 — 12:
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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.
