Dllu (CC BY-SA 4.0)Aquarium of the Bay · Explore PIER 39 · Palace of Fine Arts · Yosemite Valley Visitor Center & Museum · Glacier Point Views · Griffith Observatory
Reviewed by Shobhit Shrivastava · Founder
10-day United States trip — San Francisco to Yosemite National Park to Yosemite to Los Angeles. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
This trip delivers a dynamic blend of California's urban energy and natural grandeur, from San Francisco's fog-kissed hills to Yosemite's towering waterfalls and Los Angeles' sprawling beaches. Choosing this route over just San Francisco and Napa Valley means gaining Yosemite's distinct high-country wilderness and Southern California's varied coastal and entertainment scenes. That alternative route would miss the grand scale of Yosemite Valley and the distinct beach culture of Southern California. This itinerary is built for families seeking landmarks, varied landscapes and diverse food experiences across the state.
San Francisco
Day 1 · Waterfront & Culinary Delights
Day 1 · Unique Dessert & Snack Spots
Day 2 · Iconic San Francisco Landmarks & Views
Day 3 · A Hands-On Wildlife & Science Museum
Day 3 · Coastal Walks & Ocean Views
Day 2 · Historic Neighborhoods & Cable Car Rides
Yosemite National Park
Day 4 · Iconic Yosemite Valley Viewpoints
Day 4 · Majestic Waterfalls of Yosemite
Day 4 · Interactive Nature Discovery for Young Explorers
Yosemite
Day 5 · High-Altitude Hiking & Adventure
Los Angeles
Day 7 · Hollywood & Entertainment Landmarks
Day 7 · An Exciting Theme Park Adventure
Day 8 · Coastal California Vibe
Day 9 · Urban Exploration & Historic Markets
Day 9 · An Animal Encounter or Aquarium Experience
Day 10 · An Interactive Science or Natural History Museum
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Coastal cities maintain a comfortable, mild climate throughout the year, though you should always carry a light jacket for breezy evenings. Yosemite swings from freezing winters to hot, dry summers, so check local trail access and pack layers to accommodate the sharp shifts between dawn and midday.
San Francisco
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 °C (59 °F) | 7 °C (45 °F) (cold) | 6 | 7:24 AM – 5:14 PM |
| Feb | 17 °C (63 °F) | 8 °C (46 °F) (cold) | 5 | 6:59 AM – 5:48 PM |
| Mar | 18 °C (64 °F) | 8 °C (47 °F) (cold) | 7 | 7:20 AM – 7:16 PM |
| Apr | 19 °C (67 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 3 | 6:34 AM – 7:45 PM |
| May | 20 °C (68 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 1 | 5:59 AM – 8:12 PM |
| Jun | 22 °C (72 °F) | 12 °C (53 °F) | 0 | 5:47 AM – 8:33 PM |
| Jul | 22 °C (71 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 0 | 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Aug | 22 °C (72 °F) | 13 °C (56 °F) | 0 | 6:25 AM – 8:01 PM |
| Sep | 24 °C (75 °F) | 13 °C (56 °F) | 0 | 6:51 AM – 7:17 PM |
| Oct | 23 °C (73 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 2 | 7:18 AM – 6:31 PM |
| Nov | 19 °C (65 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 4 | 6:50 AM – 4:57 PM |
| Dec | 15 °C (60 °F) | 7 °C (45 °F) (cold) | 8 | 7:18 AM – 4:51 PM |
Los Angeles
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23 °C (73 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 4 | 6:58 AM – 5:06 PM |
| Feb | 23 °C (74 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 3 | 6:37 AM – 5:36 PM |
| Mar | 24 °C (75 °F) | 10 °C (51 °F) | 5 | 7:03 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Apr | 26 °C (78 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 1 | 6:22 AM – 7:24 PM |
| May | 25 °C (78 °F) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 1 | 5:51 AM – 7:47 PM |
| Jun | 28 °C (83 °F) | 16 °C (62 °F) | 0 | 5:41 AM – 8:05 PM |
| Jul | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 18 °C (65 °F) | 1 | 5:53 AM – 8:04 PM |
| Aug | 31 °C (89 °F) (hot) | 18 °C (65 °F) | 0 | 6:14 AM – 7:39 PM |
| Sep | 31 °C (88 °F) (hot) | 18 °C (64 °F) | 0 | 6:36 AM – 6:59 PM |
| Oct | 29 °C (85 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 1 | 6:58 AM – 6:18 PM |
| Nov | 26 °C (78 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 2 | 6:25 AM – 4:48 PM |
| Dec | 22 °C (72 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 4 | 6:51 AM – 4:44 PM |
San Diego
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21 °C (70 °F) | 9 °C (49 °F) | 4 | 6:51 AM – 5:05 PM |
| Feb | 21 °C (70 °F) | 10 °C (49 °F) | 4 | 6:31 AM – 5:34 PM |
| Mar | 21 °C (71 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | 6 | 6:58 AM – 6:56 PM |
| Apr | 23 °C (73 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 3 | 6:19 AM – 7:18 PM |
| May | 23 °C (73 °F) | 15 °C (58 °F) | 3 | 5:49 AM – 7:40 PM |
| Jun | 24 °C (76 °F) | 17 °C (62 °F) | 0 | 5:40 AM – 7:57 PM |
| Jul | 26 °C (79 °F) | 19 °C (65 °F) | 1 | 5:51 AM – 7:57 PM |
| Aug | 27 °C (81 °F) | 19 °C (67 °F) | 0 | 6:12 AM – 7:33 PM |
| Sep | 28 °C (82 °F) | 19 °C (65 °F) | 1 | 6:32 AM – 6:54 PM |
| Oct | 27 °C (80 °F) | 16 °C (60 °F) | 2 | 6:53 AM – 6:15 PM |
| Nov | 24 °C (75 °F) | 11 °C (53 °F) | 3 | 6:19 AM – 4:47 PM |
| Dec | 21 °C (70 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 5 | 6:43 AM – 4:44 PM |
Yosemite
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 °C (45 °F) (cold) | −3 °C (26 °F) (cold) | 11 | 7:52 AM – 5:45 PM |
| Feb | 10 °C (49 °F) | −2 °C (29 °F) (cold) | 11 | 7:28 AM – 6:18 PM |
| Mar | 15 °C (59 °F) | 2 °C (36 °F) (cold) | 11 | 7:50 AM – 7:46 PM |
| Apr | 20 °C (69 °F) | 7 °C (44 °F) (cold) | 11 | 7:04 AM – 8:14 PM |
| May | 25 °C (77 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 11 | 6:30 AM – 8:41 PM |
| Jun | 29 °C (84 °F) | 17 °C (62 °F) | 12 | 6:18 AM – 9:01 PM |
| Jul | 30 °C (86 °F) (hot) | 19 °C (66 °F) | 12 | 6:30 AM – 8:59 PM |
| Aug | 30 °C (85 °F) (hot) | 18 °C (65 °F) | 11 | 6:55 AM – 8:31 PM |
| Sep | 28 °C (82 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 7 | 7:21 AM – 7:46 PM |
| Oct | 22 °C (72 °F) | 9 °C (47 °F) | 9 | 7:47 AM – 7:01 PM |
| Nov | 14 °C (58 °F) | 2 °C (35 °F) (cold) | 8 | 7:18 AM – 5:28 PM |
| Dec | 10 °C (50 °F) | 0 °C (32 °F) (cold) | 9 | 7:46 AM – 5:22 PM |
Bill Abbott (CC BY-SA 2.0)Arrive at SFO, clear customs and immigration, then transfer to your hotel in the Fisherman's Wharf/North Beach area. Options include BART train (connect from SFO station to Embarcadero or Powell St, then transfer to F-line streetcar or taxi) for approximately 45-60 minutes and $10-15, or a taxi/rideshare directly for about 30-45 minutes and $45-60.
Tobias Kleinlercher / Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)Savor a classic San Francisco clam chowder served in a crusty sourdough bread bowl at a local eatery near Fisherman's Wharf.
Kelly Sue DeConnick (CC BY-SA 2.0)Enjoy a hearty bowl of Cioppino, San Francisco's signature seafood stew, in the charming North Beach neighborhood, known for its Italian-American heritage.
Enjoy a fresh Californian-American meal with Bay views at a casual eatery along the Embarcadero, conveniently located after your Alcatraz return.
Photo by Change C.C on PexelsSavor authentic Chinese cuisine, such as dim sum or Cantonese specialties, in the vibrant historic heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the oldest and most established Chinese communities in North America.
Staying at Fisherman's Wharf / North Beach since Day 1
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal Californian cuisine from one of the many artisan vendors inside the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, a hub for local food culture.
Swift Benjamin from Campbell, ca, United States (CC BY 2.0)Savor an authentic Mission Burrito, a San Francisco specialty, at a local taqueria in the vibrant Mission District, known for its rich Latin American culture and street art.
Staying at Fisherman's Wharf / North Beach since Day 1
Pick up some quick and easy Californian snacks or sandwiches for a convenient meal on the road as you begin your journey to Yosemite.
arrives 1:55 PM
3 hrs 55 min door to door · 314 km
Enjoy a warm and hearty Campfire Chili, a classic American mountain dish perfect after a day of travel and initial park exploration.
arrives 11:00 AM
0 min door to door · 0 km
Head back down to Yosemite Valley for a relaxed lunch, enjoying classic American casual fare at one of the eateries.
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along quieter paths in Yosemite Valley, keeping an eye out for mule deer, various bird species, and if lucky, a black bear (from a safe and respectful distance). Learn about the park's diverse ecosystem.
Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring American comfort food, perfect for refueling after a day of exploring Yosemite's natural wonders.
arrives 2:20 PM
6 hrs 20 min door to door · 545 km
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with classic American comfort food before departing from Yosemite.
kallerna (CC BY-SA 4.0)Indulge in an authentic Korean BBQ experience, grilling marinated meats like galbi or bulgogi at your table, a communal eating experience that defines Koreatown.
Public domainEnjoy a convenient and casual American lunch right within the theme park to maximize your time for rides and shows.
Staying at Hollywood since Day 6
Savor fresh, local Californian-American cuisine at a lively restaurant near Santa Monica Pier, offering diverse options for the whole family.
Enjoy hearty American comfort food in the trendy West Hollywood area, known for its vibrant dining scene and diverse culinary offerings.
Staying at Hollywood since Day 6
Enjoy a casual American meal in the vibrant Los Feliz neighborhood, known for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic eateries.
Manuel Serrano (Public domain)Indulge in authentic Los Angeles street tacos, such as Al Pastor or Carnitas, from a local taqueria in the heart of Boyle Heights, a neighborhood rich with Mexican culinary tradition.
Staying at Hollywood since Day 6
manda_wong (CC BY 2.0)Savor authentic Salvadoran pupusas, thick corn tortillas filled with savory ingredients, served with curtido (cabbage slaw) and salsa roja in a vibrant local neighborhood.
Enjoy a last taste of Los Angeles with a local coffee and pick up some last-minute souvenirs near your hotel.
Return to your hotel to check out and collect any stored luggage before heading to the airport.
monkeytime | brachiator (CC BY-SA 2.0)Travel to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your flight home. Please allow ample time for transit, check-in, and security procedures.
Google MapsStaying at Hollywood since Day 6
Same destination, your dates, group, and pace. Generated free in about 2 minutes.
Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
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San Francisco
Day 3 · dinner
Day 1 · lunch
Day 1 · dinner
Yosemite
Los Angeles
Day 6 · dinner
San Diego
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San Diego
San Francisco
Yosemite Valley
High-quality prints of the park's iconic scenes directly capture the unique beauty of the destination by local artists or photographers.
Los Angeles
El Portal
Seed packets of wildflowers native to the Sierra Nevada allow you to grow a piece of Yosemite's natural beauty and biodiversity at home.
Yosemite
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Jan 1
February
Apr 10 – 15
July
Dec 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 4 travelers · 1 room · 10 days
USD 6,741Flights from your city not included.
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Yosemite National Park | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Yosemite | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Los Angeles | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
California's major cities and popular areas are generally expensive; your $100/night accommodation budget for a family of four will be particularly challenging, as mid-range hotels often start at $150-250/night. While casual sit-down meals can cost $15-25 per person, substantial savings come from utilizing grocery stores like Safeway or Ralphs for deli meals and picnic supplies, typically $8-12 per person. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.
Parking in San Francisco and popular beach areas in LA/SD can be exorbitant, often $30-60/day. Utilize hotel parking if included, or use apps like SpotHero or Parkopedia to find cheaper garages and lots, especially for overnight stays in city centers.
To stretch your $90/day food budget for four people, prioritize breakfast at your accommodation, pack lunches from grocery stores (Safeway, Ralphs, Vons), and choose casual eateries or food trucks for dinner. Aim for one sit-down meal per day, keeping it under $50 for the family.
Consider a half-day surf lesson in Southern California (e.g., Santa Monica or La Jolla) for approximately $70-100 per person. This is a memorable family experience aligned with your 'beach' focus and budget.
Yosemite National Park requires an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. During peak season (late spring through fall), check the NPS website for any required vehicle reservation systems or timed entry passes to ensure access.
Before you go
Hotel in San Francisco
Nights 1–3 · Fisherman's Wharf / North Beach · about USD 540 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Yosemite National Park
Night 4 · Yosemite Valley · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Yosemite
Night 5 · Yosemite Valley · about USD 180 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Los Angeles
Nights 6–9 · Hollywood · about USD 720 · Comfortable hotel range
Alcatraz Island Tour tickets
Day 2 · Book 3 months ahead · This tour sells out extremely quickly, often within minutes of tickets being released for peak dates. Book directly via Alcatraz Cruises.
Yosemite National Park entry reservation
Day 4 · Book 2 months ahead · During peak season (typically spring/summer), Yosemite National Park often implements a peak-hours or full-day reservation system for vehicle entry. Check the official NPS website for current requirements.
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
Day 7 · Book 4 weeks ahead · Date-specific tickets are required. Consider booking an Express Pass further in advance if visiting during peak season or weekends to minimize wait times.
Aquarium of the Bay timed entry ticket
Day 1 · Book 7 days ahead · Especially for weekend visits or specific entry times to avoid longer queues.
Exploratorium timed entry ticket
Day 3 · Book 7 days ahead · Timed entry is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot, especially on weekends or holidays.
Griffith Observatory Planetarium Show tickets
Day 6 · Book 7 days ahead · General admission to the observatory building is free, but tickets for planetarium shows are separate and can be purchased online in advance or on-site, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended to secure a show time.
At Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, avoid anyone on the sidewalk trying to interest you in shell games or friendship bracelets, as these are common diversions for pickpockets.
The Lands End Trail in San Francisco features beautiful coastal views but can be foggy and cool, even in summer; stay on marked paths to avoid unstable cliff edges.
When visiting Yosemite Valley, use the park shuttle system to move between the visitor center and trailheads to avoid losing your parking spot at crowded viewpoints.
In Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is best visited early on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest pedestrian congestion and aggressive costumed street performers.
Grand Central Market in Los Angeles is a bustling food hall where individual vendors operate their own payment systems; some smaller stalls may prefer cards or mobile pay over cash.
When using the LA Metro to reach the Natural History Museum, board at the Expo Park/USC station, which puts you steps away from the museum entrance.
The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles is located in a historic bank building; it is busiest on weekends, so aim for a weekday afternoon to browse the stacks comfortably.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get USD cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for United States
Reserve Alcatraz tour tickets
Yosemite National Park entry reservation
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Transit card: Clipper · San Francisco
Transit card: TAP · Los Angeles
Pen for arrival forms
National Park Annual Pass
San Francisco takes the first three full days, allowing ample time for its major sights before the journey south. Yosemite follows with two intense days, front-loaded for energy while the family is still fresh for hiking and scenic drives. The longest stretch in Los Angeles anchors the trip's back half, with four full days dedicated to its sprawling neighborhoods and coastal zones.
Each transit day is strategically placed, breaking up the intensity and allowing for a change of scenery without rushing. This comfortable pace balances experiences with necessary travel. This trip prioritizes California's most famous urban and natural landmarks, offering a broad survey of San Francisco, Yosemite's valley and high country, and Los Angeles' diverse districts from Hollywood to the coast.
You will not visit the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, with its unique twisted trees and boulder formations. There is also no time for the quiet, ancient redwood groves of Northern California, like those found in Muir Woods, north of San Francisco. This itinerary is the right cut if you want the greatest hits; the wrong one if you are seeking a deeper dive into one specific region or a longer hiking trip.
To extend your natural exploration, add two nights for Sequoia National Park between Yosemite and Los Angeles. You could walk among the giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest by volume. This adds another dimension to California's diverse landscapes.
| Visa & entry | Most foreign visitors to the United States require a visa or an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of US/EU/UK/Australia/New Zealand typically qualify for visa-free entry via ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Indian citizens generally require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. All travelers must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay. Check official travel.state.gov guidelines for specific nationality requirements. |
|---|---|
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies. Text-to-911 available in many areas. |
Major cities like Chicago or Los Angeles have specific pockets of high crime that shift block by block; stick to busy, well-lit commercial areas after dark. If you encounter a road emergency, call 911 to reach police, fire, or ambulance services. In national parks, stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering wildlife in rugged terrain.
| Tipping: restaurants | 18–20% (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | 15–20% |
| Tipping: hotels | $2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping |
| Cards | Universally accepted |
| Contactless | Common but not universal |
| Cash | Cash accepted but cards preferred everywhere |
| Payment tip | Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available. |
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $26 for 7 to 30 days | Airalo app |
| T-Mobile physical SIM | $30 to $50 for 30 days | Any T-Mobile retail store |
Roaming charges are very high. Buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM immediately.
Tipping is standard and expected; add 18% to 22% for table service at restaurants, and 15% to 20% for ride-shares or taxis. In formal or high-end restaurants, speak quietly to maintain the surrounding atmosphere. Many public places strictly enforce non-smoking laws, including designated distances from building entrances.
About USD 6,741 for 4 travelers · 1 room · 10 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program can apply for an ESTA before departure. Others must secure a B-1 or B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy. Check your country's specific requirements on the official State Department website.
The United States is generally safe, but maintain basic vigilance in urban areas. Avoid walking alone at night in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin in San Francisco or certain parts of Southeast San Diego. Dial 911 for all emergencies.
Distances are vast, so flying is the fastest way to move between major regions. If you prefer to drive, prepare for long hours on the road. For shorter hops, such as between Los Angeles and San Diego, trains and buses offer reliable service.
Tipping is standard in restaurants and bars. A range of 18 to 22 percent of the pre-tax bill is considered customary for good service. It is a significant part of the income for service workers.
Bring layers, as temperatures fluctuate sharply between the coast and the mountains. You will want a light jacket for breezy evenings in San Francisco and sturdy hiking boots for the trails in Yosemite. Always carry a refillable water bottle.
Ride-share apps are widely available at all major airports in California. Taxis are common in San Francisco, though expensive. In Los Angeles, you often need to book a taxi in advance because street hailing is rare.
Spring and fall offer the most moderate weather across the state. Summer months are ideal for visiting Yosemite, as high-elevation roads are fully open. Winter is mild in Southern California but brings heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Public transit is useful within the core of San Francisco, but limited in Los Angeles and San Diego. Most travelers find that renting a car provides the freedom needed to reach attractions across different regions. Use a mapping app to track bus and train routes in real time.
Download this San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Yosemite, United States itinerary — day-by-day plan, maps, budget, and more.
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