{"id":3114,"date":"2020-01-03T16:33:47","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T16:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=3114"},"modified":"2026-02-19T17:18:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:18:24","slug":"california-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-yosemite-and-the-big-sur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/california-road-trip-from-san-francisco-to-yosemite-and-the-big-sur\/","title":{"rendered":"California Road Trip: From San Francisco to Yosemite and the Big Sur"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2018Driving down the 101, California here we come\u2019: fans of the teen drama The OC will know this Phantom Planet song all too well, and no Californian road trip would be complete without humming along to this tune on loop as you take in the magnitude of sights that await you on the West Coast. Hiring a car in the States is somewhat of a necessity, but it bestows on you the freedom to explore so much more than you would by simply staying in one major city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From San Francisco to Yosemite Drive, here\u2019s Secret Escape\u2019s ideal Northern California road trip itinerary, so buckle up and let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Credit: Unsplash\/Joonyeop Baek<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 1-3: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start your adventure in Golden Gate City; flying into San Francisco or Oakland airport puts you fairly equidistant from the centre of the city. Rent a car and discover everything this city has to offer. If you want to take in the sights of the city for a few days (and we suggest you do), read our guide to San Francisco<\/a> and discover the hidden gems tucked between the famous tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman\u2019s Wharf and Pier 39.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vineyards in Napa Valley. Credit: Pixabay\/David Mark<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 4: Boutique Wineries in Napa Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a few days in bustling San Francisco, you\u2019ll likely feel ready to head out of the city towards greener pastures. Napa Valley, the home of Californian wine, is only an hour and a half drive away, yet it feels like a whole world away. Picture sweeping postcard landscapes, quaint streets, and hot air balloon rides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay for a few nights in one of the beautiful guesthouses in Napa or the surrounding towns, such as Calistoga. Park up, as you won\u2019t need the car for a few days (excellent news for those drinking) and take the local shuttle bus to any of the wine tastings offered in the multitude of wineries available to you. We highly recommend Chateau Montelena and Castello di Amorosa for the views, plus Robert Mondavi for its modernist architecture and delectable vintage wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Robert Mondavi winery, Napa Valley. Credit: Ella Davis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 5-7: Yosemite National Park and Glacier Point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve had your swill of the good stuff,  head south to Yosemite National Park. After a four- to five-hour drive, you\u2019ll be rewarded with cascading hills and open roads lined with the tallest fir, pine and sequoia trees \u2013 one of the most beautiful driving experiences of your life. For those who have the time, you could easily set up camp here for a week or more and enjoy some astounding (and at times challenging) hikes. If you\u2019re travelling during peak season, April to October, make sure to reserve a spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who are more pressed for time, the park is vehicle-friendly, and you can drive to the top of Glacier Point for the most breathtaking views of the valley below. Be sure to wrap up warm; the air is a little brisk at this altitude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park. Credit: Ella Davis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By night, the wonders of nature don\u2019t cease, and after the most glorious of sunsets, you\u2019ll find yourself under a blanket of stars (which are best enjoyed from an outdoor hot tub \u2013 a luxury, maybe, but worth it!). Finish the night with a S\u2019more cooked on an open fire, and you\u2019ll be forgiven for thinking you just experienced something close to heavenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunset outside Yosemite National Park. Credit: Ella Davis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 8: Whale Watching in Monterey Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a four-hour scenic coastal drive, you\u2019ll find yourself in the gorgeous, quaint seaside city of Monterey. Monterey Bay, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, is well known as one of the best marine sanctuary sites in the world. The waterfront is lined with cute tourist shops, art galleries and amazing seafood eateries to satisfy the hungry traveller.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whale jumping in Monterey. Credit: Unsplash\/Ilse Orsel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By day, you could take a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and spot sea lions and otters from the external balcony. Perfect for little ones, the aquarium is just as mesmerising to its grown-up visitors \u2013 the jellyfish exhibit is somewhat trippy! No trip to Monterey Bay is complete without whale watching, wake up early and hop on board one of the many boats that leave the pier every day to be wowed with Humpbacks, grey whales, dolphins and possibly orcas, depending on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Credit: Ella Davis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 9-10: The Big Sur and Carmel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just a short drive from Monterey is the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The main road is lined with designer and boutique shops, which all lead down to the glorious white stretch of sand on the beach (one of California\u2019s finest). Stay at one of the town\u2019s romantic inns for the night, and the following afternoon, go for a beachside picnic and bask in the crashing sound of the Pacific waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Carmel Beach. Credit: Unsplash\/Emily Karakis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Carmel, you can begin one of the most epic drives along Highway 1, more commonly known as the \u201cBig Sur\u201d. You\u2019ll drive along Bixby Bridge, or the \u2018Big Little Lies\u2019 bridge, featured throughout the iconic TV show. This dramatic stretch of road winds endlessly along the west coast, providing you with the most breathtaking natural vistas. Roll down the windows, open the sunroof and feel the warm Californian air sweep in as you witness some of the most magnificent scenery this gorgeous state has to offer. The Big Sur winds for roughly 90 miles, so this road trip only has to end when you decide you\u2019ve seen enough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Big Sur. Credit: Pixabay\/charlesmiller<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Experience an Iconic American Road Trip with Secret Escapes\u2019 Deals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From San Francisco to Yosemite Drive to Big Sur, this Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip offers a wealth of experiences, sights, and memories to be made. Whether you\u2019re staying at a boutique hotel<\/a> or glamping<\/a> under the stars, make the most of our outrageous deals to have the trip of your dreams at a fraction of the cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist<\/a> magazine, or get in touch<\/a> for more information on our outrageously bookable deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t