2 Weeks in California Itinerary

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California is one of the US’s most famous states, if not the most famous. That’s why tons of songs seem to write an ode to this place, such as Tupac’s California Love, Katy Perry’s California Girls, and Hotel California by the Eagles, among many others.

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This state is located in the western region of the USA. The Mexican state of Baja borders it to the south, Oregon to the north and Arizona and Nevada to the East. It is the most populous US state and the third-largest state by area.

Even though the California roll didn’t originate in California, this state is famous for many other things, including The Golden Gate, Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, wine, ancient Redwood trees, Silicone Valley, music festivals, Disneyland, and so much more.

This list of travel itineraries for 2 weeks in California will help you plan the places you want to see, food to eat, accommodations to book, and things to know before you book your trip.

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BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR CALIFORNIA

4 images - top left is the coast line of California. Top right is the tall Sequoia trees. Bottom right are the seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Bottom left is the golden hour of California - a photo of palm trees in front skyscrapers in San Diego - 2 Weeks in California Itinerary

Starting to think California is the place for your next trip, but haven’t quite decided yet? Well, here are some travel tips to help you decide on when to go, how much it could cost, and other things to know:

When is the best time to travel to California

The best time to visit California is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months, offering moderate temperatures and smaller crowds.

Peak tourist season occurs in summer (June to August), with warm weather ideal for beach activities but expect higher prices and crowded attractions.

Winter (December to February) brings rain and cooler temperatures, especially in northern California, making it the off-season except for ski destinations.

Are 2 weeks enough for California

14 days in California can be plenty of time, but it’s still a big state that you will not be able to cover everything.

However, with great planning and knowing what activities you want to do, you can easily create an itinerary that is suitable for you.

Try to see 3-4 only to avoid rushing from one place to another and arrange them in a way that you won’t be spending too much time in a car, train, or airport. Such a point A is about an hour’s drive from point B, then point B is an hour away from point C.

How to get around

For visitors to California, renting a car is the most convenient and flexible way to explore, offering access to both cities and remote areas. It’s especially ideal for road trips along scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway.

However, in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, traffic can be heavy, and parking is expensive. Public transportation and ridesharing services are more affordable and practical in urban areas.

For longer distances, consider internal flights or the Amtrak train service for a blend of convenience and scenic views.

Language and currency

The main language in California is English, which is used for all official communication and is widely spoken throughout the state. Tourists should primarily rely on English for navigation and interaction.

However, California has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and Spanish is commonly spoken, especially in urban areas and communities with a high percentage of Hispanic residents.

The main currency in California is the US Dollar (USD). While other major currencies are not commonly accepted for everyday transactions, major credit cards are widely accepted and preferred over cash, especially in urban areas, restaurants, hotels, and stores.

It’s advisable to use credit cards for convenience and security or to exchange their currency for USD upon arrival. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals in USD if needed.

Visa

Since California is part of the US, it implements the same visa rules. This means that if you have a passport from Canada, Chile, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and most countries in Europe can enter and travel to the US and stay for up to 6 months.

Other nationalities must apply for a tourist visa in advance through the US Embassy or Consulate near you.

Cost of 2 weeks in California

California is one of the most expensive states in the US. Accommodation is what will cost you the most. You can plan the food to be affordable if you don’t mind getting food from grocery stores and street stands.

Transportation can be a hit-and-miss. The buses are well-priced, but the car rental can be expensive during peak season, although affordable during shoulder season. There are free walking tours that you can book where the fees are based on tips – a great way to explore the cities.

  • Affordable: Budget travellers might spend $1,400-$2,000, staying in hostels, eating at budget eateries, and using public transportation.

  • Mid-Range: For a comfortable trip, expect to pay $3,000-$5,000, including stays in mid-range hotels, dining out, car rental, and some paid attractions.

  • Luxury: A luxury experience could cost $10,000-$20,000+, featuring top-end accommodations, fine dining, private tours, and exclusive experiences.

Travel arrangement tips

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN CALIFORNIA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN CALIFORNIA ITINERARY

I curated these 2 weeks in California itineraries depending on the people’s preferences. Still, you can modify this to your heart’s content, add or remove locations as you please, or even stay in a place longer. These only serve as guides on what you can do in each area.

Aside from that, you can also rearrange the locations; for instance, in the first itinerary option, if you want to start in San Francisco instead of Los Angeles, it’s fine, as they also have an international airport there.

You can travel via public transport or car rental as there are tons of public vehicles and car rental shops here.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in the USA or 2 weeks in the East Coast only or 2 weeks in the West Coast only

Itinerary #1: First Timer (Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco)

This first itinerary is perfect for those who want to see all of the iconic landmarks in California. You’ll surely enjoy these locations, whether on a solo trip with your friends, kids, or other loved ones.

Some of the must-see places here are Hollywood, Universal Studios, Paramount Studio, Disneyland, and The Golden Gate Bridge.

You can also shop to your heart’s content here because Los Angeles has enormous shopping malls, including Glendale Galleria, Hollywood Highland, Beverly Center, and more.

Los Angeles and Anaheim for 6 days

Los Angeles is the most populous state in the state of California. It has a warm and dry climate, with a culturally diverse population. It is well-known for The Holywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Universal Studios, among many other landmarks.

Aside from that, the Los Angeles International Airport accommodates not only tons of domestic flights but also has a lot of international routes, including Asian countries. Hence, this is the perfect starting point for your trip.

On the other hand, Anaheim is the second largest city in Orange County. It is famous for the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, as well as home to two major league sports teams, the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League and the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball.

So if you’re interested in watching these games in person, you could also do so here.

2 images both are the pine trees that can be found in California

Fresno for 4 days (Sequoia National Park)

For those staying for 14 days in California, I highly recommend visiting Fresno for at least 4 days. It is a major city in San Joaquin Valley in California and is known for being a sophisticated city with stunning gardens and parks.

Some must-visit attractions are Forestiere Underground, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Shenzhen Japanese Garden, Fresno Art Museum, and more.  But more importantly, this is the place you want to use as your base if you plan to visit the famous Sequoia National Park and Yosemite.

The distance between Los Angeles and Fresno is 2.18.6 miles. If you’re coming from Los Angeles, the most recommended option is to ride a bus, which lasts 4 hours and 15 minutes.

For those who prefer privacy and schedule flexibility, you can also rent a car. Driving has a travel duration of more than 3 hours.

San Francisco for 4 days

San Francisco is Northern California’s financial, commercial, and cultural centre. It is the thirteenth most significant city in the US and is well-known for The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Full House, cable cars, and San Francisco Giants. Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Exploratorium are also must-visit locations.

The distance between Fresno and San Francisco is 191.9 miles. If you’re coming from Fresno, I highly recommend riding the train to reach your destination. It has a travel time of more than 4 hours. Other options include riding a bus, driving, or flying.

This is the perfect place to end your trip because, just like in LAX, San Francisco International Airport also has numerous flights to countries worldwide. And once you leave this place, you’ll think you left your heart in San Francisco.

Itinerary #2: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip (San Francisco, Big Sur, Los Angeles, San Diego)

If you have 2 weeks in California, you must not miss the famous hiking trail along the Pacific Coast Highway.

This second itinerary is suitable for those who love road trips because the places you’ll visit can only be reached by car, and we’ll also go to places abundant with white sand and beaches, so it is also perfect for those who love surfing and other beach sports.

You can modify the arrangement of your starting point and start at San Diego instead, inching towards San Francisco by the end of your trip.

San Francisco for 3 days

San Francisco is a city built on 43 hills, so it’s filled with incredible scenery. It’s also brimming with historical sites and Michelin-starred restaurants. One of the places I will highlight is the Mission district, as it is a transit hub for the Chicano and Latino community.

It has a hipster vibe filled with quaint cafes, fantastic street art, independent ships, and more.

Other tourist spots include Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Twin Peaks. This is a perfect starting point as the San Francisco International Airport has numerous flights worldwide.

Aside from that, there are many car rental shops for those interested in this mode of transport, and you can purchase all your travel necessities here.

2 images - on the left is the golden gate bridge. on the right is the glacier lake of Yosemite

Big Sur for 3 days

The second location in California for the two weeks is Big Sur. It is a rugged and mountainous section of the central coast of California. It is, in fact, one of the most scenic roads in the world.

Some iconic landmarks here are Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Bixby Creek Beach, among others. Big Sur is perfect for adventurous people and nature lovers, as there are many things to do here.

Some of the activities they offer include hiking, biking, and camping. The mode of transportation from San Francisco to Big Sur is via driving.

Not only because it is a remote area but also because you would need to take advantage of the fantastic scenery and have schedule flexibility. This is undoubtedly going to be an epic road trip.

Santa Barbara and Malibu for 3 days

Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California. Also known as the American Riviera, it is a haven for foodies, beach bums, and those who love to shop.

Some must-visit places include Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, and more.

Exploring via private car gives you the choice to make plenty of stops along the way. Some stops from Big Sur to Santa Barbara are Estrella Warbird Museum, Eberle Winery, Charles Paddock Zoo, Sanat Maria Museum of Flight, and more.

Travel time without stopovers is more than 4 hours, as the distance between Big Sur and Santa Barbara is 262.5 miles.

Now, let’s talk about Malibu. This beach city in Santa Monica is famous for surfing and celebrity sightings. It is a mix of a rustic small town and a high-end getaway, so it appeals to notable people who want a low-key vacation. It is also surrounded by white sand and crystalline beaches.

Los Angeles for 4 days

Also known as The City of Angels, this city is famous for its beaches, themed ice cream shops, and restaurants reminiscent of Coney Island.

Aside from that, it is also well-known for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Santa Monica Pier, which has been featured in numerous movies and TV series. Other must-visit places here are The Griffith Observatory, The Broad, The Grove, and more.

The distance between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles is 94.7 miles. The cheapest mode of transportation to reach your destination is by riding the train, depending on the route.

It has a travel time of more than 2 hours. Other options include driving, which takes almost 2 hours, riding the bus, or flying, but flying is way more expensive than the alternatives.

2 images - on the left is the USS Midway Carrier. On the right is the tall Sequoia trees

San Diego for 2 days

San Diego has a more laid-back vibe than Los Angeles, but there are still many places to visit and things to try out here. It is a city in Southern California located adjacent to the Mexico-United States border.

It is known as the birthplace of California and is well-known for its beaches, parks, and year-round awesome weather. It’s so close to Mexico, it’s the best area to get authentic Mexican dishes.

Some places to visit in San Diego are the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and more.

There are 4 ways to get to San Diego if you’re coming from Los Angeles, and the most recommended option is to ride a bus, which has a travel time of almost 3 hours.

The cheapest option is by train, which can cost as low as $5, depending on the bus line, date, and other factors. Other options include driving and flying.

It is excellent to finish the trip here because you can still fly out in LAX since it’s not too far from San Diego.

Itinerary #3: Hiking Trails (Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite National Parks)

This third itinerary is for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as you’ll see many natural wonders here. You’ll get to rock climb, camp, stargaze, and more. Some locations here offer 4 x4 rides, horseback riding, fishing, and ranger programs.

It might be best to rent a vehicle for this itinerary. Public transport is still viable. In fact, it might be more affordable but will be slower and time-consuming. You can fly in and out of the country via LAX, but a more efficient option would be to arrive via LAX and depart via SFO.

Joshua Tree National Park for 3 days

The first destination for our 14-day California itinerary is Joshua Tree. It is a national park with various plants and animals and where two distinct desert ecosystems, Colorado and The Mojave, coexist. Aside from the immense biodiversity.

There are many things to do here, such as stargazing, 4 x 4, hiking, rock climbing, camping, wildflower viewing, biking, and birdwatching. They even offer ranger programs.

It is the perfect starting point for your trip because it’s near LA, meaning it’s near LAX airport. With that being said, LA could be your base while visiting Joshua Tree, but San Bernardino is closer and more affordable.

2 images - on the left is the coastline of the Big Sur. On the right in the Joshua Tree

Death Valley for 4 days

The next stop is Death Valley, the hottest, lowest, and driest national park, basically a desert. In this place, you can get to experience both weather extremes. It is scorched during the summer, but winter brings towering peaks frosted with winter snow.

Rare rainstorms produce wildflowers and oases harbouring various fish types. Some things to do here include camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, and more. They even have the Dark Sky Festival, an annual stargazing event and check out its unique landscapes.

Joshua Tree to Death Valley is 317 miles away, which is a 6-hour drive. This is the only transportation option unless you want to fly and drive for a few hours.

This is also way more expensive. You may use Fresno as a base when you go to Death Valley because it is also near the other locations I will mention.

Sequoia National Park for 3 days

Sequoia is another National Park but is vastly different from Joshua Tree as it is not a desert. Instead, it is filled with canyons, rugged foothills, mountains, and vast caverns.

The world’s largest trees, which have an average age of a millennium, can also be found here, hence the place’s name. They offer camping or lodging options here for those who want to stay overnight or stay here for a couple of days.

Like in Joshua Tree, the mode of transportation from there to Sequoia National Park is by driving and has a travel time of more than 6 hours. You can either stay here or use Fresno as a base.

Yosemite for 4 days

If you have 2 weeks in California, Yosemite should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Yosemite is famous for its waterfalls, valleys, glacier points, lakes, and rivers.

This is an adrenaline junkie and nature lover’s haven, as there are just so many things to do here. They have activities for every season.

During the winter, you can cross-ski and snowshoe here, while the summer season would be perfect for water activities, including boating, rafting, fishing, and swimming.

The only way to reach Yosemite from Sequoia National Park is by driving. Yosemite has 4 different entrances, and the nearest to Sequoia National Park is the south entrance, which is 144 miles away and an average 3-hour drive.

This is the perfect place to end your trip because aside from the diverse sceneries, they also have the most selection of activities you can do. I recommend leaving via San Francisco International Airport when returning because it’s nearer.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN CALIFORNIA (per city)

3 images of food - on the right is the california sushi roll. in the middle is avocado on toast with egg. on the right are tacos and burrito - 2 Weeks in California Itinerary

While I already mentioned activities to do in each city, here’s a compilation to see everything easier and tips on where and how to book your spot for tickets:

Big Sur

Fresno

Los Angeles

San Diego

San Francisco

LOCAL CALIFORNIAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

I love the food scene in California, it’s a true melting pot when it comes to various dishes from many corners of the world. You’ll definitely find something you want to try out or in case you’re missing some food from home. Here’s a list of food and drinks to try:

  • California Roll – A twist on traditional sushi, incorporating avocado, cucumber, and crab meat.
  • Fish Tacos – Fresh fish served in soft tortillas, a Southern California favourite.
  • In-N-Out Burger – A must-try fast-food burger chain exclusive to the West Coast.
  • Cioppino – A seafood stew originating from San Francisco, featuring crab, clams, and shrimp.
  • Avocado Toast – A simple yet iconic Californian breakfast or brunch option.
  • Sourdough Bread – Especially famous in San Francisco, often served as a base for various dishes.
  • Tri-tip BBQ – A cut of beef that is often grilled or smoked, popular in Central California.
  • Mexican Cuisine – Authentic dishes from tacos to enchiladas, reflecting California’s strong Mexican cultural influences.
  • Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, originating in Beverly Hills.
  • It’s-It Ice Cream Sandwich – A classic San Francisco treat, available in various flavours.
  • Ghirardelli Chocolate – Indulge in rich chocolates and desserts from this historic San Francisco chocolatier.
  • California Wine – Sample wines from renowned regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
  • Craft Beers – Explore the diverse range of craft beers from local breweries across the state.
  • Fresh Smoothies – Made with California-grown fruits, a healthy and refreshing choice.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CALIFORNIA

And finally, to wrap up this 2 weeks in California itinerary guide, here’s a list of places I recommend you book during your visit; whether you’re on a budget, looking for a place to relax, or a luxurious experience:

Big Sur

Fresno

San Diego

Los Angeles

San Francisco

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN CALIFORNIA

California, which is also known as “The Golden State”, offers something for everyone. As evidenced by the stark difference between the vibes of the two weeks’ worth of itineraries that I have created, there are plenty of options for those who enjoy sightseeing and learning about different cultures, as well as for those with an adventurous streak.

Additionally, there are opportunities for beach lovers, those seeking high-end luxury experiences, and families with children who may enjoy visiting kid-friendly spots like amusement parks and gardens.

Whatever your preference, you will find something to do, a place to visit, and something new to try in California.

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A 2-week California itinerary includes exploring San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Los Angeles' Hollywood, and San Diego's beaches. Enjoy wine tasting in Napa Valley, hiking in Yosemite, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive. via @twoweektraveller