2 Week California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Coast to Yosemite

2 Week California Road Trip

In 2021, international travel was still either not allowed or very difficult, so it seemed like a great year to plan a 2 week California road trip! In 2020, I had finally seen the Grand Canyon on a Western USA road trip with my cousin and loved all the stops we made!

For this trip I set my sights on two California places I had been wanting to visit: Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway! Our 2 week California road trip started in Los Angeles, then up to Yosemite, over to Napa Valley, San Francisco, down the Pacific Coast Highway and flying out of Los Angeles.

Both my friend and I had spent 3 days in Los Angeles already and didn’t need to add it to the itinerary. Though I had also been to San Francisco, my friend had not, so we chose to add a couple days there.

You can easily tailor this itinerary to meet your preferences and I review other destinations to consider as well! For example, we didn’t do Joshua Tree, but it could be a great and doable addition.

I hope our itinerary helps, as you create an amazing 2 week California road trip!

California is not Budget Friendly

I found a crazy good flight deal from Orlando to Los Angeles so my friend and I booked our less than $150 round trip ticket! This was the only amazing deal we found.

Camper Mini Van Rental

Though neither of us are major camping types, we decided to book a van that would allow us to camp some of the nights. If you are a camper, this might be a great option.

Turns out the tent we rented with the van was missing poles so we ended up sleeping in the van. Maybe that was safer, but it certainly wasn’t the same. We did end up getting a refund for the tent, but it wasn’t much extra to begin with.

Gas Prices

The other thing worth noting is California gas prices. They are outrageous. Paying for gas will put a sizable dent in the budget. We were driving a mini van and it cost a small fortune to fill it up! And it can only be worse now.

Food

Food isn’t cheap either, but you can save some money with some grocery trips. Depending on your budget, you may do more grocery shopping and less eating out than we did.

Hotels

We stayed in as cheap but decent hotels as possible. I pre-booked the L.A. and San Francisco hotels before flying over as those require some research and allows time to find a decent deal. However, outside of camping, accommodations are not cheap.

This is generally true of USA travel overall. So it may not surprise you, but 2 weeks of road tripping California is not easy on the budget, regardless of how you go about it.

Tour Options | The Road Trip Alternative

If you’re not interested in driving all of it, there are plenty of tour options! For Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco makes a good base. You can also add Napa Valley to your list from there!

While I think road tripping offers more freedom, if you decide in your research that tours are easier and perhaps even more cost effective, below are some good ones to consider!

I spent 2 days in San Francisco on this road trip, though it was my second time there! You can easily make it a base and add at least two days in your itinerary for exploring the city. By booking tours, you will get to have dinners in San Francisco, where the food scene is varied and good!

Self Drive Considerations

If you are intimidated to drive in California, I’d recommend avoiding the big cities. It’s very easy to navigate and drive outside the cities, but Los Angeles and San Francisco are doable, though I understand the intimidation factor.

If nothing else, consider driving the Pacific Coast Highway. The views are beautiful and the drive is easy. However, it’s worth noting there is ZERO cell service on parts of the PCH. From San Francisco to Big Sur is about three hours one way, so you can easily do that portion in a day round trip. Of course, if you’re still feeling unsure, there is a tour option from San Francisco.

Best Time of Year for a 2 Week California Road Trip

If you’ve been around here much, you know I love the shoulder seasons! May, September and October can be great months for travel in the Northern Hemisphere in general. However, each time period will have pros and cons.

Let’s review each season to see which is better for your 2 week California road trip.

Winter | December – February

Winter can offer a quieter, more peaceful experience, especially for Yosemite and the coastal route. However, you should be prepared for chilly conditions, especially in the mountains and some coastal areas, and be mindful of potential road closures, especially in Yosemite National Park.

Pros:
- Fewer crowds in Yosemite and along the PCH (except around holidays).
- Snow-covered Yosemite offers stunning winter scenery, ideal for winter sports if you enjoy skiing or snowshoeing.
- Mild coastal temperatures make the PCH drive comfortable and scenic.
Cons:
- Cold temperatures in Yosemite (snow and icy roads possible) and higher elevations along the PCH.
- Potential road closures in Yosemite due to snow and icy conditions, especially in higher elevations like Tioga Pass.
- The PCH can be foggy in winter, reducing visibility and making the drive slower.

Spring | March – May

Spring is a fantastic time for this road trip, as the weather is generally mild, and you can enjoy wildflowers, lush green landscapes, and a more relaxed pace before summer crowds. Yosemite is especially beautiful in spring, with waterfalls at their peak.

I’m a big fan of shoulder months, so I’d consider late April and May to be a great time to visit! No one is on Spring Break and the weather is warming up!

Pros:
- Mild, pleasant weather for most of the trip—comfortable in LA, Yosemite, and San Francisco.
- Yosemite waterfalls are at their fullest after winter rains, creating spectacular views.
- Fewer tourists than in summer, especially in Yosemite and along the PCH. Just be mindful of Spring Break dates as that time will be more crowded.
- Wildflowers along the coast and in central California, including Big Sur and the PCH.
Cons:
- Unpredictable rain in March and April, especially in Yosemite and the PCH (be prepared for wet conditions).
- Cool mornings and evenings, especially in the mountains and on the coast.
- Some areas along the PCH may still have occasional landslides or road closures from winter rains.

Summer | June – August

Summer is peak travel season, especially in Yosemite and along the PCH, so expect bigger crowds, especially in popular spots like Big Sur and Yosemite Valley. The weather will be warm, but it can get quite hot in the inland areas, so plan accordingly.

Pros:
- Warm, sunny weather throughout California—ideal for coastal drives and outdoor activities.
- Long days (extended daylight) for scenic drives and more time for stops.
- All major roads are open, including Tioga Pass in Yosemite, which is usually closed in winter.
- Best for beach weather along the coast, with clear skies and warm temperatures.
Cons:
- Crowded national parks like Yosemite and highly popular coastal areas like Big Sur and Malibu.
- Hot inland temperatures (up to 100°F or more in places like Fresno or Merced) can make the drive uncomfortable.
- Fire risk is high, especially in Yosemite and inland areas, which may affect air quality and visibility.

Fall | September – November

Fall is arguably the best season for a California road trip along this route and is the time I chose. The weather is still mild, and you get the benefit of fewer crowds while avoiding the heat of summer. The fall foliage in Yosemite and the vineyards near San Francisco are also stunning.

One major con is there were fires that caused us to change up our plans. We originally planned to visit Sequoia National Forest, but we were forced to skip it due to fires.

While fires are more of a risk from May to October, they can occur any time! So while we did encounter them early October, I wouldn’t make them the deciding factor for your 2 week California road trip.

Pros:
- Mild weather—comfortable conditions for the entire trip (cooler than summer, but not too cold).
- Fewer crowds in Yosemite and along the PCH compared to summer, making it easier to find parking and enjoy peaceful views.
- Fall foliage in Yosemite and the wine regions near San Francisco (Napa and Sonoma) is at its peak.
- Ideal PCH conditions—clear skies and comfortable coastal temperatures.
Cons:
- Fire risk continues, particularly in Yosemite and inland areas.
- Cool mornings and evenings in higher elevations or along the coast.
- Some areas along the PCH may still face post-summer landslides or road repairs.

Week 1 | 2 Week California Road Trip

Los Angeles | Day One

We landed in L.A. and stayed somewhat near the airport and the place where we would be picking up the van. The day we arrived, the van agency was closed, which is why we didn’t get the van straightaway.

The area we stayed wasn’t necessarily nice, but after checking in, we ubered to Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach. I had learned about this area my previous time in L.A. but never quite made it there. So we enjoyed some of the shops and stopped for lunch.

Eventually we walked to Venice Beach and along the boardwalk toward Santa Monica. If you don’t want to walk the whole time, there are scooters or bikes to rent.

Airport Layover Tip: If you are ever at LAX and need a place to spend some time that’s relatively close to the airport, this is a good spot. Just make sure you consider traffic to ensure you get to your flight on time!

If you want to spend more of your 2 week California road trip here, I’ve spent 3 days in Los Angeles on another trip, so be sure to check out that post.

Change of Plans | Day Two

The original plan of our California road trip was to stop in the Sequoia National Forest. Wildfires prevented that from happening, so instead we decided to just head straight for Yosemite.

After getting the van, we stopped at a grocery for some snacks and water. Eventually we stopped for lunch at an IN-N-OUT Burger, because when in Rome. Finally, we ended up settling for the night in Fresno, which is about three and half hours from Los Angeles and only an hour and twenty minutes from Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park | Day Three

Finally made it to the Yosemite Area to start the three days in Yosemite part of our road trip. started with Wawona and the Mariposa Grove. I had lofty dreams of major hikes in Yosemite, but in my assumptive dreams Yosemite was at sea level. These simple hikes were a reality check this Florida girl needed.

My dreams of major hikes slowly dissipated. The elevation played a major role as I felt so heavy walking to see the Giant Sequoias. However, talking to the Park Ranger probably provided the greatest dose of reality. He wasn’t negative, but his tone and body language strongly indicated that I not take the hikes lightly.

Back to the Grove, this area is beautiful! The trees are impressive and certainly worth a visit, especially if the National Forests were off limits like they were for us! This ended up being a great taste of California forests.

Yosemite | Day Four

While I had given up the lofty goal of completing major hikes, we still headed for a famous hike. We started the hike on the Mist Trail and made it to the Vernal Falls Bridge. Food was left in the car and we weren’t sure how serious the “don’t leave food in the car due to bears” signs were, so we decided to turn around. We didn’t want to have to explain a bear breaking into the van to the rental company.

The AllTrails app states this hike, (Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop) is hard. I can confirm that is accurate based on just the tiny part I hiked. Again, being far from sea level was very apparent. Still, the hike to the bridge was beautiful. We saw a bear high up in a tree. Enjoyed the scenery and the friendly hikers.

Half Dome Hike

The lofty goal I had was to hike to half dome! While I could have probably completed it, a little training at elevation could go a long way!

If you do want to hike Half Dome, you will need a permit when the cables are up! There is no hiking up the Half Dome during the colder months. Since reality set in for me, and my friend wasn’t into the idea anyway, I never ended up applying for the permit so I can’t speak to the ease.

If this is high on your list, I’d definitely suggest planning to visit during less busy times. Backpackers apply with their wilderness permit, so that is another option to increase your likelihood of getting the permit.

The hike starts at the same place I started, Mist Trail & John Muir Trail Trailhead. However, you would want to start super early in the morning to ensure you make it back before nightfall.

I was prepared with food and headlamps for that early start, but again, it wasn’t meant to be on this trip. However, if you’re up for a challenging hike, this one is beautiful and worth considering!

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome

Once back to the car, we decided to drive to the area with Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. This area is so beautiful and definitely started off easier than the previous hike.

We started by going to Taft Point. The hike was relatively flat and took you through a forest with beautiful Fall colors! Once to Taft Point, the views are stellar! The area was fairly crowded and since this is an easier hike, it makes sense.

As we headed back we came to the crossroads of either heading back the way we started or loop around the other direction to Sentinel Dome. We chose the path we hadn’t experienced yet and that path was much, much more difficult! Very beautiful, but so much harder!

This hike overall was beautiful, with beautiful views and enchanted forests.

So if you have both on your agenda, but aren’t looking for difficult, head back to the starting area after Taft Point. The hike to Sentinel Dome from the starting area is much easier and quicker!

Parking and Bathrooms

It’s worth noting there is no parking lot for this hike. We ended up parking quite a ways up the street. This made no difference initially, but we really felt it at the end of the day! If you want a good spot, get here early!

The one bathroom here will inevitably have a line. It’s not the nicest bathroom either! If you’re in the park during the busy months, consider having your own toilet paper as well, just in case.

Yosemite | Day Five

Tioga Road

Today we drove on the northern road called Tioga Road all the way to Lee Vining, stopped there for some coffee and drove back. This drive was absolutely stunning!

Some highlights along this road include: Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tioga Pass. It was a perfect day to follow up the more challenging hikes we did the day before.

This National Park is breathtaking and this drive did not disappoint. It was also considerably less crowded in this part of the park, when we visited.

It’s worth noting this road is often closed during the Winter months, so keep that in mind when planning your visit!

Overall, Yosemite was a major motivator for this 2 week California road trip and this was definitely a highlight!

Lee Vining

The drive didn’t take long, even with stops for photos! When we made it to Lee Vining, we decided to stop for coffee as we had a packed lunch. After looking on google maps, we ended up at Latte Da Cafe. The coffee and pastry was delicious!

The coffee shop is connected to a little hotel and there was a beautiful garden area to sit and enjoy the coffee.

After coffee, we drove toward the lake. There was no reason other than it looked massive on the map and we were close. It was a essentially a desert by the lake and though it’s surprisingly close to the mountains of Yosemite, it was vastly different!

We enjoyed taking some photos and admiring the area around Mono Basin National Scenic Area. The dry desert with a lake or mountains in the background offered a very different feel to Yosemite.

Overall, we weren’t in Lee Vining very long. However, if you want to explore this area more, checkout the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center and Mono Lake County Park.

Where to Stay for Yosemite National Park

There are plenty of areas you can stay either in or near to Yosemite National Park. Since you are on a road trip of California, you just need to consider your budget, how much time you have for Yosemite overall and what are the main things you want to see and do.

Yosemite Valley

The main area in Yosemite offering various types of accommodations is Yosemite Valley! There are campgrounds and hotels all of which should be booked well in advance.

While this area is beautiful, you will still need to drive to various hikes and viewpoints! Of course, your driving time will be lower than if you stayed outside the park.

For campgrounds, you need to apply from recreation.gov site. Just note that some campgrounds will be closed at various times of year and there are restrictions on when you can book.

Curry Village offers a variety of room types. I checked for the end of March and an unheated canvas tent was costing $180 per night. As with the campgrounds, I’d suggest utilizing their website.

*Prices are estimates and subject to change. They will also depend on when you book.

My friend and I stayed outside Yosemite. The campsites inside the park were only available by lottery the day before.

I didn’t want to wait, so we booked a campsite at Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. However, I don’t see campsites available anymore. Regardless, if you want a budget friendly option, they are worth checking out.

It’s about an hour from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. This worked fine as we spent all the daylight hours inside the park.

While it could be inconvenient depending on your Yosemite itinerary, it can save some money and you also have a lot more options outside the park.

Drive times for the below are to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

*Prices are estimates and subject to change. They will also depend on when you book.

57 Minutes | $55+ | Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

53 Minutes | $350+ | Under Canvas Yosemite | Glamping

50 Minutes | $110 | Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes | RV Campground

59Minutes | $200+ | Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Outside Yosemite | East

East of Yosemite are places like Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes. Overall, the east side serves well if you plan to focus on anything along Tioga Road.

Lee Vining

I did visit Lee Vining on my last day in Yosemite. It’s a small town just outside the park after Tioga Pass. It’s a perfect location for anything along Tioga Road, but to get to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center you have to cross Tioga Road and then head down. While I wouldn’t say that is a deal breaker in the warmer months, it’s impossible in the winter when Tioga is closed!

So the below options on the East side of Yosemite are really only to be considered during warmer months, when Tioga Road is open.

Lee Vining to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center will take about two hours! However, to the East entrance of Yosemite, it’s only twenty minutes!

Mammoth Lakes

I didn’t visit this area, but it looks beautiful! It’s further from the east entrance than Lee Vining as it takes about 50 minutes. Additionally, to get to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center you are looking at 2.5 hours!

While this road is closed in the winter, it’s a beautiful drive when it’s open!

Considerations When Deciding on Yosemite Accommodations.

If your budget is flexible, then you may have a difficult time deciding where to stay. You could easily split your time in a couple accommodation options.

West of Yosemite

Stay on the west side of Yosemite for easier access to Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Valley, Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. It’s also easy access to Tioga Road.

Overall, if Yosemite is your main priority, I think you’re better off staying inside Yosemite or West.

East of Yosemite

Stay on the east side of Yosemite for easier access to anything along Tioga Road. However, just remember this road is closed during colder months, so take that into consideration when planning.

If you plan to visit Lake Tahoe, this side of Yosemite offers a straight shot on the 395.

Napa Valley | Day Six

We made our way to Napa Valley, approximately three and half hours away from where we were staying by Yosemite. We’re not really into drinking wine, but when in Rome. If you are really into wine, you probably already know to book ahead of time.

We found a spot at V. Sattui Winery that was reasonable and easy to get a reservation. We enjoyed the grounds, the wine tasting experience and the cheese and baguette from their store.

After the wine tasting, we walked around the downtown area of St. Helena which was incredibly charming. Yountville is another cute area, which we only saw after dark, but I recommend checking out if you’re in the area.

Another Option | Lake Tahoe

If you don’t want to do Napa Valley and are willing to trade out San Francisco or it’s surrounding areas, consider heading to Lake Tahoe.

With this 2 week California road trip itinerary, I didn’t have time for Lake Tahoe. However, if you skip Napa, Point Reyes, and/or San Francisco, you will have time for Lake Tahoe!

It’s about four hours from Yosemite and just over three hours from San Francisco.

Point Reyes | Day Seven

On day seven of our 2 week California road trip, we headed over to the coast to the Point Reyes National Seashore. The views were amazing! It’s possible we saw whales way out in the distance, but being so far we just had to take the Rangers word for it.

On the way, we passed through Point Reyes Station and decided to make a stop on our way back. It’s a cute little town that capitalizes on the tourists coming through but still with its small town charm and quirks.

Eventually we made our way over the Golden Gate Bridge. After checking into our San Francisco hotel, we walked toward the Golden Gate Bridge and took in the sunset at Golden Gate Beach.

Week 2 | 2 Week California Road Trip

When we drove the Pacific Coast Highway, there were no closures! However, there is currently a closure in the Big Sur area. The map will reroute you as needed as you can see above.

The closure shouldn’t impact the itinerary much, but it will require more back tracking, so keep that in mind. If you want to drive this stretch, and I do recommend it for the views, then postpone your trip to ensure the road is open.

San Francisco | Day Eight

After breakfast, we walked to see the seals at Pier 39, but stopped to see the famous Lombard Street on the way. Of course, we had to scale some big hills to get there!

After watching the seals for a while, we made our way to the Ferry Building Terminal to try Humphry Slocombe ice cream and peruse some of the shops.

From here, we rented some scooters to see the The Painted Ladies, before heading to Mission District for food and thrifting.

There is plenty more to do in San Francisco but we did fit in quite a lot at a relaxed pace. If you’re looking to spend two days in San Francisco, I have a post dedicated to an ultimate itinerary.

Pacific Coast Highway | Day Nine

We started the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway of our 2 week California road trip making stops along the way for photos. The drive is so beautiful!

Our firs stop was Here Comes the Sun Coffee House. It’s an unassuming coffee shop right on the Pacific Coast Highway, with a beautiful sea breeze. A perfect start to the drive!

We took some photos along the way, with a longer stop at Davenport Pier and Shark Fin Cove.

Once we checked into our Monterey hotel, we headed to the California coast for the sunset, which did not disappoint!

California Road Trip Pacific Coast Highway

Monterey and Carmel | Day Ten

This day started at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The hikes were easy and the scenery was beautiful. From here we stopped in Carmel-By-The-Sea for a couple hours. Carmel is very cute, but we didn’t feel the need or interest to stay long.

It was highly recommended we visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium which proved to be worth the hype. After the afternoon here, we chased the sunset yet again, but headed further south. Do not neglect the sunsets, because they are worth it!

Big Sur and Seals | Day Eleven

This stretch of the drive of our California road trip was breathtaking and several unplanned stops were made.

Big Sur was a planned stop and so beautiful. This is a state park and does require a fee. We really only looked, took some photos and left so it felt like a hefty fee for what we did. However, I’m in support of these places being maintained and the more a place is visited the more likely it is to be abused. So we paid the money and enjoyed the scenery!

Continuing our drive South, we made some unplanned stops, including to see the seals just passed Piedras Blancas Light Station. My friend loved the seals in San Francisco and watching them on the beach was equally enjoyable. There was a volunteer ranger there and she was great about answering questions. I recommend planning a stop here!

We booked a camp site in Morro Bay and once we saw where we would be staying, we headed to the beach for the sunset. Morro Bay has a rock (Morro Rock) on it’s beach adding to the beauty of this part of PCH.

Paso Robles

In this area, if you head inland you will encounter Paso Robles. We did not visit, but it might be worth it for you! Sensorio looks very cool or if you’re into wine head to Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

When I was researching places to camp, Big Sur was booked. If your heart is set on camping in Big Sur, be sure to book well in advance. Also expect to pay between $50 to $60 to camp at Big Sur, while average prices tend to be closer to $35.

Carmel is very close to Big Sur and would make a great base for both Big Sur and Monterey area. They have plenty of options to choose from as well!

Of course, if you’re willing to spend more, there are some great accommodations in the Big Sur area!

*Prices are estimates and subject to change. They will also depend on when you book.

Luxury | $1,500+ | Post Ranch Inn

Glamping | $300+ | Treebones Resort

$300+ | Lucia Lodge

Solvang and Santa Barbara | Day Twelve

Continuing our way towards Los Angeles, we stopped at Solvang, a Danish style town. It feels so random, but it’s so cute!

Eventually we made it to Santa Barbara where we had lunch at East Beach Tacos, a place my younger sister recommended. It was delicious and worth checking out if you’re in the mood for tacos!

After exploring Santa Barbara, we headed to Ojai. While Ojai is a cute little posh-hippie style town, there wasn’t much to do since we arrived late afternoon. However, we did visit Bart’s Books for a bit, which I recommend if you’re in the area.

After a stroll around downtown Ojai, we drove a little further before calling it a night.

Malibu | Day Thirteen

Our final full day started at Malibu. We enjoyed the shops and eventually grabbed lunch at the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe.

We had to bring the van back by a certain time, so we had to head out after lunch.

After dropping the van off, we Ubered to our hotel where we just relaxed until our flight the next morning.

If you are looking for something to do, my favorite thing I’ve done in L.A. was the Griffith Observatory. It’s a great place to explore, the Hollywood sign is close and the sunset views are beautiful! One drawback is it’s a bit out of the way, especially if you stay near the airport.

Car vs Campervan

My friend and I chose a mini van campervan, to save some money on accommodations. While we did stay at campgrounds for about four or five nights, I’m not sure it was worth it overall.

If you plan to really commit to camping, it would be worth it. If not, you may want to get a more gas friendly vehicle.

It’s also surprising how much some of the campgrounds cost. Of course, accommodations with beds cost more, but it still surprised me!

Lastly, we were limited on when we could pick up and drop off the campervan, but with a typical car rental you won’t have that issue.

Regardless of which you choose for your 2 week California road trip, it’s not the most budget friendly state, but it’s absolutely beautiful!

Go for a Car Rental if:
- You plan to stay in hotels or Airbnb accommodations.
- You want a more fuel-efficient vehicle and lower overall rental costs.
- You want more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off times and location.
- You’re not intending to camp every night and prefer the comfort of regular accommodation.
Go for a Campervan if:
- You want to maximize your time in nature and camp in national parks or scenic areas.
- You like the idea of combining transportation and accommodation in one.
- You’re okay with a higher rental cost and gas expenses in exchange for more self-sufficiency and adventure.
- You have a more flexible schedule and are comfortable with the trade-offs of campervan life (e.g., less maneuverability, campground costs).

Additional Stops to Consider

If you have more time, here are some adjustments you can make to your itinerary.

Consider adding in San Diego! Whether you fly into San Diego or San Francisco, you can easily add this coastal Southern California city! From Malibu to San Diego is about 2.5 hours. Of course, it’s a road trip, so you may want to make stops along the way.

Another addition to your road trip could be Joshua Tree. From Los Angeles or San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park is about two to three hours. Explore this national park and consider adding in some time for Palm Springs as well!

Sequoia National Park is another option! I had hoped to visit the Sequoia National Forest, but due to fires, we had to skip it.