California Dream: the best itineraries for a road trip in California

road trip californie

What tour to take in California? Discover the best itineraries for an 8- to 15-day trip to California.

Hollywood, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Death Valley, heavenly beaches and pleasant year-round weather… There’s no doubt that California is a region of the United States that has a lot to offer! From natural parks to iconic cities, it’s a superb destination with much to offer travelers. Dreaming of a trip to California lasting 15 days or less?

Whether you’re visiting California as a family, a couple, with friends or on your own, the Golden State is best discovered on a road trip through its famous cities. Its relaxed atmosphere is sure to win you over! Experience the California Dream with Authentik USA and discover the best itineraries proposed by these specialists for a trip to this fascinating state in the American West.

Visit California and its national parks in 15 days by car

Road trip californie

California road trip

  • 🧍For whom: nature and culture enthusiasts
  • ⌚Number of days: 15 days
  • 👍Best period: April to October
  • 💙We like: the varied landscapes of the different parks

Take off for California’s must-see places with this 15-day loop tour. Start by discovering the charming city of San Francisco and its various neighborhoods. After this city exploration, it’s time for your California road trip! Reach the magnificent Yosemite Park. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it offers breathtaking panoramas. Hiking and climbing enthusiasts will be delighted to spend a few days here.

After that, you’ll stop off at Mammoth Lakes, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its many lakes surrounded by mountains. Then it’s on to Death Valley. It’s the hottest place in the country, but also boasts some magnificent scenery: desert, colorful rocks and salt marshes.

Back to civilization, and not just anywhere: Los Angeles! Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills and Venice Beach, all part of the city’s collective imagination. Then head north to discover the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.

You’ll then drive along the California coast, one of the most beautiful parts of the region. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop and explore the surrounding sights. Finally, you’ll stop in the fishing town of Monterey before returning to the starting point of your itinerary, San Francisco.

A 15-day trip in California, a loop along the coast in a motorhome

alifornie en boucle en longeant la côte en camping-car

alifornia loop along the coast in a camper van

  • 🧍For whom: theme park fans
  • ⌚Number of days: 15 days
  • 👍Best period: May to September
  • 💙We love: visiting the world’s first Disneyland

Want to visit cities and natural sites while mixing in some fun experiences? Then this 15-day trip to California in a motorhome should be just what you’re looking for. First, discover San Francisco and its iconic landmarks: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcazar Prison, Fisherman’s Wharf…

Then hit the road to find yourself in unspoilt nature at Yosemite and Sequoia parks. The former offers spectacular mountain scenery and panoramic views. The latter is home to giant sequoia trees. You’ll feel so small next to them! Don’t miss General Sherman, the star of the park, over 2,200 years old and gargantuan in size.

After that, it’s off to the first theme park ever conceived: the very first Disneyland. A great place to visit with the whole family (but not necessarily!). If you like, you can also take advantage of the Disney California Adventure Parc, located right next door, which offers other attractions and has a California theme.

Then head south to the charming city of San Diego. Thanks to its proximity to Mexico, the city has a strong Hispanic influence. Stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park or visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most famous zoos, before sampling some Mexican food.

Then return to Los Angeles to explore the iconic landmarks of the City of Angels. You’ll also have the choice of visiting a movie studio: Universal Studios (and its many themed attractions), Warner Bros Studios and Paramount Studios. Then it’s back to San Francisco along California’s stunning Pacific coast, with a stopover in Monterey.

California loop road trip in a motorhome

Road trip en boucle en Californie en camping-car

California loop road trip in a motorhome

  • 🧍For whom: nature lovers
  • ⌚Number of days: 10 days
  • 👍Best period: May to September
  • 💙We like: feeling very small in front of the giant Californian redwoods

Opt for a motorhome road trip to make the most of California as a family or as a couple! You’ll arrive in Los Angeles, where you’ll pick up your motorhome and head north. First stop: Sequoia National Park, with its famous giant sequoia trees. Then on to Yosemite National Park and its breathtaking vistas. Cliffs, glacier, forest, waterfalls… It’s a paradise for hikers and anyone in search of wild places.

Then you’ll reach beautiful San Francisco. The emblematic city of Silicon Valley, San Francisco can be visited on foot or aboard its legendary tramway. Discover the North Beach district, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies, typical houses of the city, before taking a gourmet break in Chinatown, America’s oldest Chinatown.

Continue your California tour by taking the scenic route between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific coast, stopping off in Monterey. In this picturesque city, don’t miss Fisherman’s Wharf, an old fisherman’s wharf, and the city’s aquarium, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world.

Before heading back to Los Angeles, make one last stop in Santa Barbara. Stroll its pretty streets and soak up the sun on the beaches for which the area is famous.

A week’s coastal holiday in California by car

le long de la côte en Californie

along the California coast

  • 🧍For whom: those in a hurry
  • ⌚Number of days: 8 days
  • 👍Best period: April to October
  • 💙We love: cruising along the Pacific coast

If you’re pressed for time and can’t afford a 15-day trip to California, here’s a one-week itinerary that will take you through the essentials of this sunny state. You’ll enjoy its coastline and the unique atmosphere of its cities.

When you arrive in San Francisco, you’ll have the chance to explore this city with an atmosphere so distinct from other American cities. Pay a visit to the sea lions at Pier 39, a lively place where you’ll find numerous stores, restaurants and museums. Or take a cruise across the bay to admire the Golden Gate Bridge from a different perspective, and get up close to Alcatraz prison.

Then take to the road along the Pacific coast, stopping first in Monterey. This fishing town will seduce you with its authenticity and its many ocean-related activities. Then continue down the California coast. Along the way, you’ll come across charming small towns, surfers, superb beaches and even immense dunes. And don’t forget to take Highway 1, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, with its panoramic views of the coastline.

You’ll then arrive in Santa Barbara for a truly Californian experience. Stroll its streets for a shopping spree and head for the end of Stearns Wharf, a pier that can be seen in many Hollywood productions.

Finally, it’s time to discover Los Angeles, the last stop on this California tour. Look out for the stars of your favorite stars on the Walk of Fame, climb up to Griffith Park for a wonderful view of the city and the Hollywood sign, and don’t miss a trip to Venice Beach, a place with a unique atmosphere.

With its year-round sunshine, mythical cities, superb national parks and magnificent coastline, how can you resist the call of California? Take a road trip to California for 15 days or less, and you’ll come back satisfied!

Tell us, which route will you choose?