This is the ULTIMATE TWO-WEEK CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP.  I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and have spent years exploring all the corners of the Golden State.  I've distilled a lifetime of California adventures into this epic 14-day itinerary that will showcase the best California has to offer,  Grab your copy today!

The Ultimate California Road Trip

So you're planning a California Road Trip and you want to see the best the Golden State has to offer?  Great, this itinerary has it all, hand picked by a born and bred Californian to include all the best places to visit during a two week Cali roadie. 

Book your flight to California using this website to secure the best air fare.

I suggest RENTING YOUR CAR with Discover Rental cars for some of the most affordable and reliable car rentals. 

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I suggest flying into San Diego if you're traveling domestically in the USA, but if you need to fly into Los Angeles that's fine, just grab your rental car and travel south to San Diego, or do the Los Angeles section here first, then drive to San Diego, then back to Santa Barbara.  

BOOK YOUR AIRFARE HERE

Restaurants Buena Forchetta Italian cuisine in Bankers Hill.

The Fish Market: Seafood with a bay view.

Hodad's: Famous for their burgers in Ocean Beach.

Huntington Beach Activities: Surf at Huntington City Beach.

Finish you drive up to Los Angeles and stay in a hotel or accomodation of your choosing. 

Los Angeles, California, offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors to explore. Begin your journey by taking a stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can find the stars of your favorite celebrities. Experience the magic of the entertainment industry with a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood or take a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studio. For a taste of culture and art, head to the Getty Center or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Don't miss the chance to relax and soak up the sun on Venice Beach or explore the trendy boutiques and eateries of Santa Monica. Discover the vibrant culinary scene in neighborhoods like Koreatown and Little Tokyo, and end your day with a sunset hike at Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city skyline. With its endless possibilities, Los Angeles promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

For dinner, the best Restaurant is Gjelina: a trendy restaurant on Abbot Kinney Blvd

Griffith Park:Activities:Hike to the Griffith Observatory.

Restaurants:The Morrison: Gastropub near Griffith Park.

Danish Town Activities: Explore the charming streets of Solvang.

Morning: Golden Gate Park: Begin your day with a visit to Golden Gate Park, one of San Francisco's most beloved attractions. Explore the park's gardens, museums, and landmarks, such as the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and Conservatory of Flowers.

Enjoy the rest of your evening in San Francisco. 

Option 2: Head InlandSierra Nevada Mountains (395):

Ghost Towns: Activities:Explore Bodie State Historic Park.

Inyo Kern (Bristlecone Pines):Activities: Hike the Methuselah Trail to see the ancient Bristlecone Pines.

The beginning of this trip is going to change depending on where you are coming from.  If you're traveling internationally, you'll probably be flying into Los Angeles International Airport,  known as LAX,  which is located in southern Los Angeles, about 2 1/2 hours north of San Diego.  

If you're traveling domestically,  I'd suggest flying into San Diego International Airport and beginning your California road trip in California's southernmost city.

If you fly into LA,  you can choose to do the Los Angeles section upon arrival, then drive down to San Diego, or arrive in LA, and drive to SD immediately.  It's totally up to you. 

San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" and has a long history, first settled by numerous Native American tribes, San Diego County still is home to the largest number of Native American Tribes and Reservations in the United States.

It was then settled by the Spanish, and was home to the first mission in the California Mission system, by Father Junipero Serra.  A great place to get a taste of this Spanish heritage is by visiting Old Town. 

San Diego, California, boasts a rich history rooted in its native Kumeyaay inhabitants, who lived off the land for thousands of years. In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sailed into its harbor, marking the area's European discovery. Spanish colonization began in the late 18th century, with the establishment of the Presidio and Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, San Diego became part of Mexican Alta California until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ceding the region to the United States. The subsequent Gold Rush era and the arrival of the transcontinental railroad led to rapid growth. Today, San Diego is a vibrant metropolitan city, celebrated for its diverse culture, thriving economy, and stunning coastal landscapes, embodying a blend of its indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American heritage.

Option 1: Stay on Coast Lost Coast:Activities: Explore the remote beaches of the Lost Coast.

Option 2: Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Visit Old Town San Diego for a historical experience.

San Diego, CA, USA

Day 6 - Santa Barbara & Solvang (Wine Country)

Day 8 - Big Sur to Carmel by the Sea  & Monterey

Monterey:Monterey Bay Aquarium: Explore one of the world's most renowned aquariums, featuring captivating exhibits showcasing marine life from the Monterey Bay and beyond.

Take a small group wine tour with a professional sommelier as your guide.

After checking out downtown La Jolla and the La Cove/ La Jolla Shores area keep driving up the coast to Torrey Pines.

Discover the extraordinary in the land of the long white cloud. Introducing my New Zealand Odyssey—an unparalleled journey that seamlessly blends nature's majesty, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Picture yourself exploring ancient Maori traditions under a starlit sky, venturing into the heart of the Southern Alps, and kayaking through pristine fjords. Immerse yourself in a world where innovation meets nature's wonders. In this guide, I’ve curated the perfect itinerary after years of living in and exploring all over New Zealand.  Don't just visit New Zealand; experience it like never before with us. Your adventure awaits. Think different, travel different.


New Zealand - 21 Day Itinerary

The Ultimate 14-Day Italy Travel Itinerary Guide

This incredible itinerary takes you through the highlights of Italy, from the ancient ruins of Rome, the unrivaled art collection of the Vatican, the rolling hills, hot springs and world-class cuisine of Tuscany, the leaning tower of Pisa, the vibrant city of Florence, the beaches and beauty of the Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, and the floating city of Venice (all in two perfectly planned weeks).

So what are you waiting for?  Grab your copy today!

Italy

Cinque Terre, SP, Italy

Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Pienza, Province of Siena, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Genoa, Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

Riomaggiore, SP, Italy

Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy

Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Vernazza, SP, Italy

Vatican City

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

14 Perfect Days in Italy

The ultimate two-week Thailand Itinerary.  From bustling Bangkok to cultural Chiang Mai and the chilled out Southern Islands.  Paradise is calling… let’s go!

Thailand

Two Weeks in Thailand | Travel Itinerary

A detailed 14-day Costa Rica Travel itinerary, sharing all my favorite places, experiences, and knowledge from 7 different trips to Costa Rica.

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Iceland has to be one of the most surreal travel destinations on earth, but what should you do when you visit to make the most of your time in this beautiful yet expensive destination? 

In this guide, I'll share all my favorite places, restaurants, hidden hot springs, and travel experiences from the "Land of Fire and Ice."

Iceland

Iceland | A Journey of Fire & Ice

San Diego

Los Angeles International Airport

Old Town

Balboa Park

San Diego Zoo

La Jolla Cove

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Old Town Mexican Cafe

Buona Forchetta - South Park

The Fish Market - San Diego

Hodad's Ocean Beach

Kono's Cafe

Museum of Us

Black's Beach

Corvette Diner

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station

Mission Beach Boardwalk

The Getty Villa

Reel Inn Malibu

Moonshadows Malibu

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe

Point Dume Natural Preserve

Adamson House Museum

El Matador State Beach

Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782

Rincon Point

Bath Street Inn

The Funk Zone

Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786

Butterfly Beach

Cold Spring Tavern

The Lark Santa Barbara

La Super-Rica Taqueria

Solvang

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Olsen's Danish Village Bakery

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott

Hitching Post 2

Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez

Gaviota Hot Springs

Morro Bay

Hearst Castle Visitor Center

Elephant Seal Vista Point

Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach

Bixby Creek Bridge

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Kirk Creek Campground

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Gaslamp Quarter

Petco Park

Phil's BBQ

Pacific Beach

Puesto La Jolla

San Mateo Canyon Wilderness

Trestles Beach

Ellie's Table at The Egan House

Surfin' Chicken Grill

Mission San Juan Capistrano, Landmark, Chapel, Museum and Gardens

Huntington Beach Pier

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Pacific City

Slapfish

Freehand Los Angeles

The Delphi Downtown LA

Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows

Venice Boardwalk

Menotti's Coffee Stop

Eggslut

Gjelina

Salt & Straw

Santa Monica Pier

Venice Canals

Cha Cha Chicken

Chez Jay

Silver Lake

Intelligentsia Coffee Silver Lake Coffeebar

Sunset Junction

Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles Zoo

Runyon Canyon Park

The Morrison

Home Restaurant

Forage

Pine and Crane Silverlake

Solstice Canyon

Malibu Beach

Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

The Harbor Restaurant

Red Viking Restaurant

Solvang Restaurant

McWay Falls

Big Sur River Inn

Nepenthe

Sierra Mar

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz Island

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel

Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

Cow Hollow Motor Inn

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Mission District

Ferry Building

Embarcadero

Golden Gate Park

Haight-Ashbury

Barbary Coast

Tadich Grill

San Francisco International Airport

Boudin Bakery Cafe

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

Mammoth Lakes

Mono Lake

June Lake

Erick Schat's Bakery

Bodie State Historic Park

Calico

Methuselah Trail

Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay State Park

Gar Woods Grill & Pier

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Avenue of the Giants

The Lighthouse Grill

The Lost Whale Inn Oceanfront B&B

Patricks Point

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Manzanita Lake

Glass Beach

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

King Range National Conservation Area

The Ultimate California Road Trip

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