Headed on a California Coast road trip and need some help putting together your California road trip itinerary? In this post, I’m sharing one of my favorite California road trip itineraries, including seven must-see California destinations that are all so different! Plus, I’ve got you covered with tons of recommendations for each of these road trip places in California and lots of travel tips to help you prepare for your upcoming road trip in California.
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Ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary
If you haven’t been to California yet, what are you doing with your life (hehe)? Jokes aside, California is truly unlike anywhere I’ve ever been and is one of the best US vacation destinations (in my opinion) that you need to experience at least once in your life (or many times because it’s just that amazing).
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to California a handful of times throughout my life, and I feel like I have still barely scratched the surface! Our best friends have a second house in California wine country, so I’ve certainly done my fair share of wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa. However, there are still so many places I’m dying to explore, like Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Joshua Tree. My California travel bucket list honestly feels endless!
Now that I’ve convinced you to embark on a California road trip (hehe) let’s talk through some road trip ideas in California. In this post, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate California road trip itinerary that begins in Southern California, takes you along the coast to some of the best beach towns in California, and ends in Northern California. Sounds like fun, right? Let’s hit the road!
Planning in a hurry? Check out these quick links!
Travel resources:
- Skyscanner (find the best rates on airplane tickets)
- Discover Cars (compare rental car prices and save $$$)
- Booking.com (find the best deals on accommodations)
- San Diego >> San Diego hop-on-hop-off trolley tour
- Paso Robles >> All-inclusive full-day wine-tasting tour
- Napa >> Small group wine-tasting tour
- Sonoma >> Guided wine country tour on electric trike
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, so I can keep traveling! We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Things to know before you go
California road trip tips
- Plan your route wisely. Before hitting the road, take the time to plan your route. California is vast, and there are countless attractions to visit along the way. Consider the destinations you want to explore, the scenic routes you’d like to take, and the duration of your trip. I highly recommend using an online mapping tool, like Roadtrippers (use code BTR5QTP for $5 off), to map out your itinerary and estimate driving times between each stop.
- Drive responsibly. Safety should always be a top priority during your California road trip. Observe traffic laws (cell phones are only permitted in a hands-free manner), wear your seatbelt at all times, and avoid distracted driving. Be mindful of wildlife crossings, especially when driving through national parks or rural areas. Additionally, be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially when traveling through mountainous regions or along the coast.
- Book accommodations in advance. To avoid last-minute stress, book accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons. Whether you prefer staying in hotels, Airbnb’s, campgrounds, or vacation rentals, make reservations ahead of time to secure your preferred lodging options. Keep in mind that popular destinations like San Francisco and Los Angeles can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Click here to book your hotels now.
- Allow for flexibility. While planning a California road trip itinerary, it is essential to be open to spontaneity. Unexpected delays, road closures, or last-minute changes to your itinerary are all part of the adventure. You also never know what unexpected experiences you’ll encounter along the way, whether stumbling upon a hidden beach, discovering a local roadside diner, or taking a spontaneous hike, some of the best memories are often made when you least expect them.
- Always take the scenic route. One of the best parts of a California road trip is the opportunity to drive along some of the most breathtaking scenic routes in the country. From the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada, be sure to embrace the journey and take in the stunning vistas along the way. Be sure to plan plenty of stops at scenic viewpoints, roadside attractions, and charming towns to truly soak in the beauty and charm of California.
- Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Packing the right essentials can make or break your California road trip experience. Be sure to pack plenty of water, road trip snacks, and sunscreen, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit, a roadside emergency kit, and a map or GPS device if you lose cell service in remote areas.
- Capture memories. Even though I try my best to stay unplugged and embrace every moment when I travel, I also like to document my journey along the way so I can relive the experience for years to come. Don’t forget to bring your phone or camera on all your adventures (you never know what you’ll run into), and I also like to pack a tripod just in case there is no one around to take photos for you.
Need some additional help packing for your road trip? Check out this related read >> Road trip ready: Best New England Fall road trip essentails
California road trip itinerary 10 days
- Days 1-3 (3 nights): San Diego (take a day trip to La Jolla one day)
- Day 4 (1 night): Laguna Beach
- Day 5 (1 night): Santa Barbara
- Days 6-7 (2 nights): Paso Robles
- Days 8-10 (2 nights): Napa
California road trip destinations
First stop >> San Diego
DAY 1: Fly into San Diego Airport (SAN)
- Pick up rental car and check into Hotel Indigo in Gaslamp Quarter
- Freshen up and head to Old Town for the afternoon/evening
- Grab coffee at Flor and Seed and spend some time exploring & shopping
- Grab a margarita and watch live music at Fiesta de Reyes
- Enjoy happy hour at Casa de Freds & order the chingaderas (trust me)
- Have dinner at Cafe Coyote (book reservation in advance here)
- Call it a night early so you’re refreshed for a busy day tomorrow!
Check out this tour >> Old Town food & drink walking tour – Tequila, tacos, & tombstones. Sample some of the area’s finest Mexican dishes and tequila cocktails while learning about Old Town’s history and rumored ghost sightings.
A few more best hotels in San Diego
- Luxury: Pendry San Diego (prime location + lots of amenities)
- Mid-range: Kimpton Alma San Diego (rooftop bar + wine hour)
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express (complimentary breakfast + good location)
- Grab coffee at Copa Vida (only a short walk from hotel)
- Walk to Seaport Village (only a 20 minute walk from hotel)
- Spend the morning shopping and exploring Seaport Village
- Grab a beer at Mike Hess Brewing (the views are beautiful)
- Have lunch right downstairs at San Diego Burger Co
- Grab a coffee from Spill the Beans before heading out
- Start walk back to hotel and stop at Half Door Brewing Co for a drink
- Freshen up and head to Little Italy San Diego for the afternoon/evening
- Spend some time exploring & grab a drink & charcuterie at Nolita Hall
- Have dinner at Buon Appetito and order the linguine allo scoglio
- Grab a nightcap at False Idol and head back to hotel
ALTERNATE ITINERARY: Instead of visiting Seaport Village (it’s pretty touristy), spend the morning/afternoon exploring the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
- Head to La Jolla and grab breakfast at Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
- Walk through La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market (open on Sundays)
- Rent e-bikes from San Diego Electric Bike and ride EVERYWHERE!
- Enjoy tacos and beers at Don Bravo Grill & Cantina
- Stop at Ellen Browning Scripps Park to walk around & see the seals
- Drop off bikes and grab drinks at Cove House
- Head back to hotel, shower, and Uber to Gaslamp Quarter
- Have dinner at Lionfish (modern coastal cuisine)
- Enjoy a nightcap at Prohibition Lounge speakeasy & head back to hotel
Check out this tour >> Cali dreaming electric bike tour of La Jolla & Pacific Beach. Take a guided tour through some of San Diego’s most picturesque spots, including La Jolla Cove, Windansea Beach, and more!
A few more best things to do in San Diego
- San Diego zoo (top family-friendly attraction in San Diego)
- San Diego trolley tour (includes 11 stops + unlimited hop-on-hop-off)
- USS Midway Museum (skip the line + over 60 exhibits to explore)
- San Diego whale watching tour (prime season mid-December to March)
- Sunset sailing experience (beautiful views + wine)
- Petco Park tour (see exclusive areas + learn about San Diego Padres)
Pin it for later!
Second stop >> Laguna Beach
- Grab coffee from Cafe de l’Opera and walk (or drive) to Balboa Park
- Spend an hour or two exploring Balboa Park and head back to hotel
- Check out of hotel and drive over to Coronado for lunch
- Have lunch and a beer at Coronado Brewing Company
- Walk around Coronado and grab coffee at Coronado Coffee Company
- Take I-5 to exit 70 and take the Pacific Coast Highway to Laguna Beach
- Check into Capri Laguna on the Beach
- Freshen up and walk to Rooftop Lounge for drinks
- Uber (or walk) to The Cliff Restaurant for dinner + sunset + live music
- Have a nightcap at Marine Room Tavern and Uber back to hotel
Travel tip >> If you have extra time, I recommend staying one more night in Laguna Beach to explore the area. Here are some other things to do in Laguna Beach:
- Crystal Cove State Park (largest beach in area + hiking trails)
- Heisler Park (stunning views + oceanfront park)
- 1000 Steps Beach (sunsets + sea caves + dog-friendly)
- Take a surf lesson (includes surfboard and wetsuit)
Additional hotels in Laguna Beach
- Luxury: Surf & Sand Resort (prime location + private beach access)
- Mid-range: Sonder Woods Cove (close to shops, restaurants, + beach)
- Budget: Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites (good location + close to beach)
Third stop >> Santa Barbara
Day 5: Take Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara
- Grab coffee at Laguna Coffee Company and start drive to Santa Barbara
- Grab pics of the Oppenheim Group building in Newport Beach on the way!
- Check into Mason Beach Inn (3 star hotel + great location + affordable)
- Rent bikes from hotel and grab lunch at Broad Street Oyster Company
- Soak up the sun at West Beach and explore Santa Barbara Harbor
- Head back to hotel to freshen up and Uber (or walk) to The Funk Zone
- Explore the area and grab a glass of wine at Pali Wine Co
- Head to The Lark for dinner and then Pearl Social for drinks + live music
- Enjoy your night (don’t stay out too late) and Uber (or walk) back to hotel
Travel tip >> If you have extra time, I recommend staying one more night in Santa Barbara to explore the area. Here are some other things to do in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour (narrated guided tour + landmarks)
- Electric Bike tour (coastal views + learn city’s history)
- East Beach (more laid-back + less crowded/touristy)
- State Street Promenade Market (every Thursday from 3-8pm)
Additional hotels in Santa Barbara
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara (ocean views + close to golf course)
- Mid-range: Kimpton Canary Hotel (great location + on-site restaurant)
- Budget: Harbor House Inn ( 1 block from beach + bikes available)
Fourth stop >> Paso Robles
DAY 6: Take Pacific Coast Highway to Paso Robles
- Grab coffee at Santa Barbara Roasting Co and start drive to Paso Robles
- Stop in San Luis Obispo and spend the morning exploring
- Have lunch at The Creamery Marketplace (I loved Quesadilla Gorilla)
- Grab another coffee at Scout Coffee (bc why not?)
- Start drive to Paso Robles and check into VRBO
- Enjoy a wine tasting at Paso Market Walk and grab some groceries
- Freshen up and walk to Downtown Paso Robles for dinner & drinks
- Have a cocktail at Eleven Twenty-Two (coolest speakeasy)
- Have dinner at Pappy McGregor’s and order the steak & shrooms (trust me)
- Enjoy live music at Iron Oaks Winery and head back to VRBO
Other Paso Robles restaurants to check out:
- Della’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Cocktails (rustic dishes + craft cocktails)
- Finca Paso Robles (casual Mexican restaurant + cute patio)
- Hatch Rotisseries & Bar (wood-fired comfort food + casual dining)
- Thomas Hill Organics (farm-to-table + organic cuisine)
A few more best places to stay in Paso Robles
- Luxury: Allegretto Vineyard Resort (on vineyard + full-service spa)
- Mid-range: The SummerWood Inn (boutique hotel + wine hour)
- Budget: Paso Robles Inn (affordable + great location downtown)
DAY 7: Wine tasting Paso Robles
- Grab coffee and breakfast at Paso Market Walk
- Uber to Rava Wines for your first tasting of the day
- Order the champagne tasting and a charcuterie board
- Check out Vineryard Walk before leaving and Uber to Tin City
- Spend the afternoon exploring Tin City and popping into tasting rooms
- Grab a late lunch at BarrelHouse Brewing Co
- Enjoy one last tasting at La Perdignus (their patio is amazing)
- Grab stuff to make dinner at Etto and Uber home
- Enjoy your Italian feast at home and get some beauty sleep!
ALTERNATE ITINERARY >> Instead of going to Rava Wines, go on a vineyard tour and tasting at Hoyt Family Vineyards.
Other things to do in Paso Robles
- Hop-on-hop-off wine tasting tour (create your own itinerary)
- Paso Robles sidecar wine tour (unique wine tasting experience)
- Paso Robles hot springs (Franklin hot springs + River Oaks hot springs spa)
- Attend a Paso Robles festival (click here for annual events in Paso Robles)
Last stop >> Napa & Sonoma
DAY 8: Stop in Carmel-By-The-Sea and start the drive to Napa
- Grab coffee at Paso Market Walk and head to Carmel-By-The-Sea
- Have a wine tasting and brunch at Folktale Winery in their wine garden
- Pee a million times before the three-hour drive to Napa
- Check into Archer Hotel Napa and get ready for the night
- Head upstairs for a glass of wine at Sky & Vine Rooftop bar
- Have dinner at Morimoto (don’t forget to make a reservation here)
- Enjoy after dinner drinks at The ArBaretum Cocktail Lounge
- Head back to hotel for a full day of wine tasting tomorrow!
Other hotels in Napa to check out
- Luxury: Andaz Napa (close to attractions + on-site restaurant)
- Mid-range: The R Inn Napa (great location + lots of amenities)
- Budget: Napa Winery Inn (close to many wineries)
DAY 9: Wine tasting in Napa
- Wake up early and Uber to Yountville (about 20 mins)
- Get dropped off at Bouchon Bakery for coffee and breakfast
- Walk over to Priest Ranch Winery for a bacon and wine tasting
- Uber to Calistoga to Schramsberg Vineyards
- Enjoy the Cave Tour with tastings (reserve in advance here)
- Uber to Castello di Amorosa for their cheese & charcuterie wine pairing
- Uber back to Napa and get dropped off at Oxbow Public Market
- Spend some time exploring and grab dinner at Gott’s Roadside
- Grab a frose at Bar Lucia and head back to hotel
ALTERNATE ITINERARY: If you don’t want to Uber 30 minutes to Schramsberg, spend some time exploring Yountville and head to Chandon for the afternoon.
A few more best wineries in Napa & Sonoma to check out
- Ferrari Carano (beautiful estate + brunch available on Sundays)
- Domaine Carneros (stunning views + try the bubbles & bites tasting)
- Stags’ Leap (best outdoor wine tasting)
- Paradise Ridge (perfect place for a wine tasting + sunset)
- Matanzas Creek (spectacular lavender fields)
LAST DAY: Wine tasting in Sonoma & fly home
- Check out of hotel and pack up belongings in car
- Grab coffee and breakfast at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co
- Drive to St Francis Winery for a pedal trolley vineyard tasting
- Head to VJB Cellars for lunch + wine tasting (4-min drive)
- Pop over to B.R. Cohn for your last tasting of the trip
- Make sure to pop into their market for souvenirs before leaving
- Start drive to San Francisco International Airport (make sure someone is sober enough to drive) and drop off rental car
- Fly home!
ALTERNATE ITINERARY: If you don’t want to drive around to different wineries, drive to Downtown Sonoma for this tour >> Sonoma Valley Open Air Wine Trolley Tour. Ride in a replica of a historic San Francisco cable car to three different family-owned wineries while learning some history about California Wine Country.
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