There’s much more to California than its beautiful coastline. On this itinerary, you’ll head inland to experience the breathtaking scenery of some of the best national parks in the country and stay in park lodging (where possible). Visit the sheer granite cliffs of Yosemite, gaze in amazement towering trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, experience one of the hottest desert environments on earth at Death Valley National Park and see the distinctive trees and rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park.
All of our road trips are fully customisable and can be tailor-made to suit your own individual requirements. Please let your Discover North America travel specialist know if you would like to start in a different destination, use specific hotel accommodation or simply want to add an excursion or two. Do you have more or less than 15 days for your road trip? No problem, we can add extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required.
As we can offer you such a extensive choice of flights & car rental and prices vary per departure date, we don’t include these elements as standard within the headline fare displayed on our website, unless stated otherwise in the `What’s Included’ section. When requesting your initial quote, your Discover North America Travel Specialist will take the time to understand your own individual requirements with regards to international flights and car rental and will tailor the quote specifically to your needs.
Find out more about the process we follow here.
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Start your California adventure in San Francisco, in northern California. Known for its year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colourful Victorian houses, this city is also famed for its steep streets - the most famous being Lombard Street. Located in the upscale Russian Hill neighbourhood, Lombard Street is the famous crooked road that’s goes one way (down) past gorgeous Victorian mansions. During your 3 days here, see major sights such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
On Day 4, drive East into majestic Yosemite National Park where you'll stay for the next 3-nights. The Park enthrals visitors with its diverse terrain, abundant wildlife, and incomparable scenery. 750,000 acres of soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows make Yosemite one of the world’s natural wonders. Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall, cascades 2,425 feet to the Valley floor far below. Light dances across the sheer granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome, a natural performance unlike any in the world. A shuttle system, a web of paved walking paths and trails, and plentiful dining and accommodation options make a trip to the Valley effortlessly easy.
On Day 7, head South to Kings Canyon National Park. Here you'll find deep valleys, skyscraping trees, and distinctive rock outcroppings, Located next to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon Park is composed of two distinct areas - Grant Grove (home to the General Grant tree, also known as "the Nation's Christmas Tree") and Cedar Grove. Kings Canyon is also home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world.
Take the short drive to Sequoia National Park which is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. In Sequoia you'll see some of the largest and oldest living organisms on earth in parkland filled with trees, mountains, caves and beautiful views. Drive your car through “Tunnel Log,” a fallen sequoia on Crescent Meadow Road. Stop for a quiet picnic amid colourful wildflowers and walk along the Big Trees Trail, an interpretive 0.6-mile paved loop through a sequoia grove. Look for General Sherman, the largest known sequoia in the United States.
It goes without saying that Death Valley National Park is not for the faint of heart, this is a land of extremes. However, in a way, the entire park itself is a hidden gem. Its extreme conditions (it's the hottest, driest, and lowest park in America) also means extreme beauty. From its Wild West history to its natural features to the little-known and somber stories of those imprisoned in internment camps during WWII, Death Valley is well worth the adventure.
The drive from Death Valley to Joshua Tree is so worth it. Not only do you get to experience the sparse desert landscape of the Sonoran and Mohave deserts, but there is some crazy geology, cool trees that aren’t really trees, sand dunes, California’s mining history and whacky art installations.
Upon arrival at the park, climb through the park’s famous rock formations and make sure to get some photos of the park's namesake tree as the sun lights up this desolate landscape.
Your tour ends when you return your rental car to the agreed drop-off point. Alternatively, speak with your Discover North America Travel Specialist about possible trip extensions.