California Route: 10 Best Places to See, Big Sur to Yosemite
Explore California's most iconic destinations across 3,789 km, from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and Yosemite National Park's granite cliffs to Death Valley's desert landscapes, Napa Valley's wineries, and the coastal beauty of Big Sur and Catalina Island.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Big Sur
- End
- Death Valley National Park
- Stops
- 12
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Big Sur — A large, rocky stretch of California's coastline located between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, spanning approximately 70 miles along Highway One.
- Catalina Island — A charming island located approximately 22 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles, with two main population centers: Two Harbors and Avalon.
- Lake Tahoe — A freshwater lake straddling California and Nevada, a top year-round destination and winter sports center after hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks — Home to Earth's largest trees by volume and dramatic granite canyons, showcasing ancient giant sequoias and stunning alpine wilderness.
- Napa Valley — One of the world's best wine regions.
- Death Valley
- Los Angeles
- Yosemite National Park
- San Francisco
- Sequoia National Park — Established in 1890, located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. Home to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United…
- Kings Canyon National Park — Located next door to Sequoia National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Boasts the deepest canyon in America.
- Death Valley National Park
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Big Sur stretches around 70 miles along California's famous Highway One, making it ideal for road trips with towering redwoods and breathtaking beaches along the route.
- Tip
- Catalina Island is located approximately 22 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles and can be reached by private boat, ferries, helicopters or small planes.
- Transport
- Once on Catalina Island, transportation is limited to bicycles, taxis and golf carts, so plan accordingly.
- Timing
- Lake Tahoe is a top destination year-round: winter offers sports after the 1960 Winter Olympics venue, while summer brings hiking, boat trips, swimming and BBQs.
- Tip
- Both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have 14 campgrounds available for visitors interested in camping.
- Where to stay
- Napa Valley offers varied accommodations including charming bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, chain hotels, and campgrounds for budget-conscious visitors.
- Tip
- Napa Valley features world-class spas and activities including hot air balloon rides and guided bike wine tours.
- Tip
- San Diego's most popular attraction is America's premier zoo in Balboa Park, which also features flowering gardens and Spanish architecture.
- Tip
- Death Valley offers outdoor activities, historic sites and nature viewing including Zabriskie Point, Scotty's Castle, and ghost town ruins.
- Tip
- Yosemite National Park has 800 miles of trails for hiking and scenic driving routes to view granite cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Transport
- San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge can be crossed by driving, biking, or walking to view and photograph stunning vistas.
- Tip
- Visit San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia, along with Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island attractions.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in California - Travel Video