California Road Trip from San Francisco: Big Sur to Yosemite (7 Days)
If you want to explore California beyond just San Francisco or Yosemite, this 7–8 day California Road Trip might be just right for you. Starting and ending in San Francisco, our road trip mixed big cities, peaceful redwood forests, scenic coastlines, and even a visit to the world of Snoopy and Silicon Valley.
This route includes some very famous spots — like Big Sur and Yosemite — but also some unusual, lesser-known places. If you’re looking for something a little different, this California loop might give you some fun ideas!
Overview of Our California Road Trip
This 8-day road trip starts and ends in San Francisco, creating a perfect loop through Northern California’s most diverse attractions.
You’ll cover about 1,200 miles total, but don’t worry – most of the driving is incredibly scenic and becomes part of the experience!
Your Journey at a Glance
Days 1-2: San Francisco City Exploration
Start your adventure exploring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, riding cable cars, and discovering neighborhoods like Chinatown and Japantown. You’ll experience both famous attractions and local favorites that most tourists miss.
Day 3: Sonoma County – The Peanuts Trail
Take a unique detour to Santa Rosa to follow the Peanuts comic strip trail. Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum and find Snoopy statues around town – this is something you won’t find in other California travel guides!
Day 4: Big Sur Coastal Drive
Drive one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. Stop at the famous Bixby Bridge, see waterfalls dropping onto beaches, and explore charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey.
Day 5: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Enter the land of giants! Stand next to the world’s largest trees and learn about these ancient forests that have been growing for thousands of years.
Day 6: Yosemite National Park
Experience California’s most famous national park with its dramatic granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and pristine wilderness that has inspired visitors for generations.
Day 7: Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Discover where the modern world was invented! Visit Apple Park, drive by Google and Meta headquarters, and see Stanford University where many tech leaders studied.
Day 8: Final San Francisco Moments
End your trip with last-minute city experiences and great views of the San Francisco skyline before heading home.
Planning Essentials
Best Time to Visit
I traveled at the end of November, and the timing worked out really well!
Northern California’s climate varies dramatically depending on where you are – San Francisco can be foggy and cool while the Central Valley is sunny and warm, and the mountains have completely different weather.
During my late November trip, the weather was comfortable and not too cold in most places. San Francisco, Big Sur, and the Sonoma County areas had pleasant temperatures perfect for walking around and sightseeing. However, Yosemite National Park was already covered in snow, which created absolutely beautiful winter scenery but required warm clothing and careful driving.
Spring (March-May) offers mild weather and fewer crowds, though you might hit some rain.
Summer (June-August) is peak season with the best weather but also the biggest crowds and highest prices.
Fall (September-November) is excellent – warm days, clear skies, and smaller crowds, but be prepared for snow in the higher elevation parks by late November.
Winter can be tricky for the mountain portions with snow and possible road closures, but the coastal areas stay mild and beautiful year-round.
Day-by-Day Itinerary with Highlights
Day 1: Exploring San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Let’s start with the obvious stuff that you absolutely can’t skip. I began my first morning at the Golden Gate Bridge because, honestly, how can you not? I drove to Crissy Field for the classic angle, but here’s a local tip: the view from Battery Spencer on the Marin side is even more dramatic if you don’t mind a short hike.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf gets a bad rap for being touristy, but I actually loved it. Yes, it’s crowded, but watching the sea lions at Pier 39 never gets old, and the street performers are genuinely entertaining. Plus, you’re already there, so grab some Dungeness crab from one of the vendors.
Cable car ride
The cable car ride is another must-do that lives up to the hype. I rode the Powell-Hyde line because it goes over Russian Hill and gives you those postcard views. Pro tip: if the lines are crazy long, try boarding at a stop that’s not Powell Street or Fisherman’s Wharf.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
If you enjoy the cable car experience, make sure to visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. This small but fascinating museum is perfect for families and shows you the actual mechanics behind the cable car system.
You can see the massive underground machinery that moves all the cable cars throughout the city, plus there are historic trolleys on display.
I watched kids and adults alike get excited learning about how the cables work and seeing the old equipment up close. It’s one of those hidden gems that makes you appreciate the engineering behind San Francisco’s iconic transportation system.
China Town
China Town was more fascinating than I expected. It’s not just about the touristy shops on Grant Avenue – venture into the side streets and you’ll find authentic markets, temples, and some of the best dim sum outside of Asia.
Boudin Bakery
I had the amazing clam chowder at Boudin Bakery – their sourdough bread bowls are legendary for a reason. Get there early to avoid the lunch rush, and definitely try the free bakery tour if you have time.
Day 2: Downtown and Neighborhoods of San Francisco
My second day took me through San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods, and each one felt like a different city entirely.
Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower
Now for the stuff that made me feel like I discovered something special. Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower offer some of the best views in the city, and you’ll work for them. The climb up the steep streets is worth it, though, especially when you reach the wild parrots that actually live up there year-round.
Near Telegraph Hill, you’ll find Levi’s Plaza, where you can see the headquarters of the famous jeans company if you’re interested in iconic American brands. It’s a nice bonus stop that doesn’t require extra climbing!
Here’s my strong recommendation: even if you’re exhausted after climbing Telegraph Hill, definitely pay the small fee to go up Coit Tower itself. I almost skipped it because I was tired, but the 360-degree views from the top of the tower are absolutely spectacular – you can see the entire city, bay, and bridges spread out below you. It’s one of the best panoramic views in San Francisco, and you’ll regret not doing it if you skip it.
Waymo Autonomous Taxi Experience
Here’s something unique – I tried the Waymo autonomous taxi service, and as someone who worked in the automotive industry in Japan, I was incredibly curious about this technology. The booking process was super easy – you just select where you want to be picked up and where you want to go, just like any ride-sharing app.
When the Waymo car arrived, it actually welcomed us with a voice message! The car won’t start moving until everyone buckles their seatbelts – a nice safety feature. I’ll admit I felt a bit scared at first because there’s no human driver, but honestly, Waymo’s driving was much better than mine. The lane changes were smooth and perfectly timed, and it stopped accurately whenever pedestrians were crossing the street.
We saw Waymo cars everywhere throughout San Francisco, which shows how established this service has become. Our ride was only about 10 minutes and cost around $15, which felt like a good deal for experiencing the future of transportation. The whole system was incredibly well-designed and worked flawlessly – I was genuinely impressed by how advanced and reliable this technology is. For anyone interested in automotive innovation, this is a must-try experience you can only get in a few cities worldwide.
Japan Town
Japan Town was a delightful cultural immersion that felt like stepping into Japan itself. Walking through the area, I saw Japanese signposts everywhere and shops filled with authentic Japanese goods – everything from traditional tea sets to the latest snacks and manga. If you’ve been to Japan or miss Japanese culture, this neighborhood will definitely bring back memories.
The Peace Pagoda is beautiful and serves as the centerpiece of the area. I found some incredible ramen that rivaled anything I’ve had in Japan, and the shops here are genuinely authentic rather than touristy imitations.
Here’s something that completely surprised me: I discovered ANDERSEN Bakery in Japantown! This bakery is actually famous throughout Japan, so finding it in San Francisco was like discovering a piece of home (if you know Japanese bakeries). Their pastries and bread are exactly what you’d find in Japan – it was such an unexpected treat and made me feel connected to Japanese culture in the middle of California.
Day 3: Sonoma County – Following the Peanuts Trail
This day was probably the most unique part of my entire trip, and I bet most travel blogs don’t mention it. Here’s the backstory: Snoopy is incredibly popular in Japan! You can find Snoopy goods everywhere – in convenience stores, department stores, cafes, and even themed restaurants. As a huge Snoopy fan myself, I absolutely had to visit the birthplace of Peanuts in California. I’ll admit I had to convince my husband to add this destination to our itinerary, but I’m so glad I did!
Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, lived in Santa Rosa for decades, and the area is filled with tributes to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang.
Sonoma County Airport
My first stop was Sonoma County Airport, which might sound weird, but hear me out. This small airport has the most charming Snoopy displays I’ve ever seen. There’s a Snoopy as a World War I flying ace statue, and the whole place celebrates the connection between Schulz and aviation.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa was the highlight of my day. Even if you’re only casually familiar with Peanuts, this museum will make you appreciate the artistry and cultural impact of the comic strip. The recreated studio where Schulz worked is particularly moving.
Snoopy’s Home Ice (Redwood Empire Ice Arena)
Right next to the museum is Snoopy’s Home Ice, a beautiful ice skating rink that feels like a cozy lodge from a cartoon. Even if you’re not skating, you can go inside to enjoy the Snoopy-themed decor, Peanuts statues, and the Warm Puppy Café, which serves food and drinks with cute Peanuts designs. It’s free to enter and a great photo spot!
Peanut Gallery Plaza at Kaiser Permanente
Around Santa Rosa, I went on a statue hunt. There are Peanuts character statues scattered throughout the downtown area and even at the Peanut Gallery Plaza. It became like a treasure hunt.
Day 4: Big Sur Coastal Drive – California’s Most Scenic Route
f I had to pick the single most beautiful day of my trip, this would be it.
The drive along Highway 1 through Big Sur is absolutely spectacular – every turn reveals another jaw-dropping vista of rugged coastline meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge is probably the most photographed bridge in California, and for good reason. The graceful arch spanning the dramatic canyon is absolutely iconic. There’s a small parking area on the south side that fills up quickly, so arrive early. (Parking space is limited.)
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most iconic spots in Big Sur. We walked the short trail to the overlook of McWay Falls, where a waterfall drops directly onto the beach — it looked like something from a dream.
From a different viewing point near the coast, we also saw the famous Keyhole Rock — a large sea arch with a hole through the center where sunlight shines dramatically during sunset at certain times of year. Even though we didn’t catch the sunset glow, the rock formation itself was beautiful and worth seeing.
Grimes Point Scenic Overlook & Hurricane Point
These spots had some of the most breathtaking ocean views along the whole drive. You can pull over and take in the cliffs, crashing waves, and long horizon.
Carmel Mission Basilica
The Carmel Mission Basilica is a beautiful piece of California history. Founded in 1771, it’s one of the most important historical sites in the state and offers peaceful gardens perfect for reflection.
It’s a nice quiet stop to break up the drive.
Pebble Beach Golf Club
The 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is famous for its golf courses, but the coastal scenery is the real star.
We stopped at the Pebble Beach Golf Links for a bit, and even if you’re not a golfer, it’s worth seeing. The course is incredibly clean and gorgeous – it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
There’s a pro shop where you can buy original Pebble Beach merchandise, and my husband picked up a cool t-shirt as a souvenir. It’s a nice way to experience this legendary course even if you’re not playing.
Seal Rock Overlook
I also stopped at Seal Rock Overlook and watched dozens of sea lions and harbor seals lounging on the rocks while pelicans and other seabirds soared overhead. This rock is far from the overlook. Bring binoculars or a telephoto camera to watch the sea lions land.
Tip: Fill up before entering Big Sur — gas stations are rare and very expensive in the area!
Day 5: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
We spent this day surrounded by giant trees. I’ve seen photos of Sequoias before, but standing next to them is an entirely different feeling.
Our favorite part: Driving through the winding roads among tall trees. We didn’t do long hikes, but even the roadside views and short trails were enough to be amazed.
Elevation heads up: You’ll go from sea level to over 6,000 feet, so the temperature and air will feel different. I definitely needed a jacket even though it was warm in the valleys.
Sequoia National Park
The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest living tree by volume, and standing next to it is a humbling experience. The short walk from the parking area is paved and accessible, but the sheer scale of these ancient giants doesn’t really hit you until you’re standing at the base looking up.
We also had a fun time driving through the Tunnel Log along Crescent Meadow Road – it’s such a unique experience to actually drive your car through a massive fallen sequoia tree! While it feels a bit touristy, it’s definitely a memorable photo opportunity and something you can’t do anywhere else.
Hume Lake — A Hidden Gem
One of our favorite surprises was Hume Lake, a quiet, reflective lake tucked in the mountains. When we visited, there was no one else there, and the surface of the water was like a mirror. The peaceful atmosphere and surrounding forest made it feel like a secret hideaway. If you’re looking for a break from driving or a perfect picnic spot, this is a great place to pause and enjoy nature.
Grant Grove in Kings Canyon has more giant sequoias, including the General Grant Tree, known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.”
The views from Panoramic Point are incredible – you can see the Sierra Nevada stretching to the horizon. It’s a short drive from Grant Grove and worth the detour for the scenery alone.
Day 6: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite was the day I’d been most looking forward to, and it absolutely delivered. The dramatic granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and pristine wilderness make it clear why this park has inspired artists, photographers, and adventurers for generations.
Tunnel View
I started at Tunnel View for the classic Yosemite photo – the sweeping vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame. This viewpoint is right off the main road and gives you the full impact of the valley’s scale.
Vernal Fall
I did tackle the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, and what an adventure that was! I won’t lie – this hike is not easy, especially the final section where you climb steep granite stairs that seem to go on forever.
As someone who’s afraid of heights, the last part was particularly challenging for me, but I’m so glad I pushed through and made it to the top.
The waterfall was absolutely beautiful and completely worth every difficult step. If you’re up for a moderate to challenging hike, this is one of Yosemite’s most rewarding trails.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is North America’s tallest waterfall, and even from the valley floor, it’s impressive.
El Capitan
El Capitan draws rock climbers from around the world
Day 7: Silicon Valley Tech Tour – Innovation Capital of the World
After days of natural wonders, I shifted gears completely to explore the modern marvels of Silicon Valley. This region has shaped how we live, work, and communicate, and seeing where it all happens was fascinating.
Apple Park Visitor Center
Apple Park visitor center has a beautiful visitor center that showcases Apple’s design philosophy and latest products.
Google Visitor Experience
We visited the Google Visitor Experience and really enjoyed the exhibitions they had there – it was interesting to learn more about Google’s history and innovations.
Meta (Facebook) headquarters
Just visited the gate, but it was fun to see in real life.
Stanford University
Stanford University is a peaceful campus with lovely architecture and palm trees. We just looked around and enjoyed the academic atmosphere.
The HP Garage-Birthplace of Silicon Valley
I made a quick stop at what’s considered the HP Garage-“Birthplace of Silicon Valley” – the garage where Hewlett-Packard was founded. It’s just a suburban garage now, but there’s a small plaque marking this humble beginning of the tech revolution.
The transformation of this area from fruit orchards to the global center of innovation is really remarkable. Driving around, you can still see remnants of the agricultural past mixed with ultra-modern office complexes.
Day 8: Final San Francisco Moments
We stopped at Treasure Island on the way to the airport. It’s quiet, and you get a beautiful view of the San Francisco skyline across the bay — a nice final memory before flying home.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island offers some of the best views of the San Francisco skyline, especially if you time it right for sunrise or sunset. It’s easily accessible by car and gives you a different perspective on the city you’ve been exploring.
I spent my final hour walking around neighborhoods. Very beautiful place!
Final Thoughts
This California road trip was full of variety — from busy cities to peaceful forests, nostalgic statues to high-tech campuses. It was perfect for travelers who enjoy mixing famous sights with personal favorites, or for return visitors who want something a little different.
If you’re looking for a road trip that includes iconic views, fun surprises, and a touch of nostalgia, I hope this itinerary gives you some inspiration.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited any of these places — or if you’re planning your own California loop!
