California Loop
Monterey β Big Sur β Yosemite β Sequoia β San Francisco
Big SurβYosemite ValleyβSequoia National ParkβSan Francisco
7 daysSummerModerateMid-range4 segments9 stops
A 7-day illustrated journey through California's most iconic landscapes β from the rugged Big Sur coastline to the granite domes of Yosemite, the ancient giant sequoias, and the golden hills of San Francisco.
βοΈ SummerModerateMid-Range7 days
4 segments 9 landmarks 13h 15mπ 982 km
4 STOPS Β· 9 HIGHLIGHTS
Day-by-Day Plan
1 / 7
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
Day 1StayMonterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
MealsBreakfast: Alta Bakery, Lunch: Fish Hopper, Dinner: Passionfish
β swipe between days β
Route Segments
1
Monterey β Big Sur
π 45mπ 42 km
2
Big Sur β Yosemite Valley
π 4h 30mπ 320 km
3
Yosemite Valley β Sequoia National Park
π 3h 15mπ 230 km
4
Sequoia National Park β San Francisco
π 4h 45mπ 390 km
landmarks
πΊοΈ
Plan This Trip
Affiliate links β we may earn a commissionπ Monterey Bay Aquarium
π Bixby Creek Bridge
π Big Sur
π Half Dome
π Yosemite Falls
π General Sherman Tree
π§‘
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Affiliate links β we may earn a commission
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California Loop
Monterey β Big Sur β Yosemite β Sequoia β San Francisco
Segments4
Landmarks9
Distance982 km
Duration13h 15m
Day-by-Day Plan
1
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row stroll
- 17-Mile Drive
- Carmel Beach sunset
Stay
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Meals
Breakfast: Alta Bakery, Lunch: Fish Hopper, Dinner: Passionfish
2
Big Sur Coastline
- Bixby Creek Bridge photo stop
- Point Lobos State Reserve
- McWay Falls overlook
- Pfeiffer Beach purple sand
Stay
Big Sur River Inn
Meals
Breakfast: Big Sur Bakery, Lunch: Nepenthe, Dinner: Deetjen's
3
Drive to Yosemite
- Scenic drive through Central Valley
- Tunnel View at sunset
- El Capitan Meadow
Stay
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Big Sur, Lunch: road stop, Dinner: The Ahwahnee Dining Room
4
Yosemite Valley
- Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
- Half Dome Village
- Glacier Point
- Yosemite Falls
Stay
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Degnan's Kitchen, Lunch: picnic at Glacier Point, Dinner: Base Camp Eatery
5
Sequoia National Park
- General Sherman Tree
- Moro Rock climb
- Crescent Meadow
- Tunnel Log
Stay
Wuksachi Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Yosemite, Lunch: Lodgepole CafΓ©, Dinner: The Peaks Restaurant
6
Drive to San Francisco
- Scenic Central Valley drive
- Golden Gate Bridge welcome center
- Fisherman's Wharf evening
Stay
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Meals
Breakfast: Sequoia, Lunch: road stop, Dinner: Scoma's
7
San Francisco Highlights
- Alcatraz Island tour
- Twin Peaks panorama
- Mission District murals
- Ferry Building Marketplace
Stay
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Meals
Breakfast: Tartine Bakery, Lunch: Ferry Building, Dinner: State Bird Provisions
Route Segments
| # | From | To | Transport | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monterey | Big Sur | car | 45m | 42 km |
| 2 | Big Sur | Yosemite Valley | car | 4h 30m | 320 km |
| 3 | Yosemite Valley | Sequoia National Park | car | 3h 15m | 230 km |
| 4 | Sequoia National Park | San Francisco | car | 4h 45m | 390 km |