How to Visit All Nine California National Parks in 13 Days- Travel Itinerary
Let’s be real, California is a LARGE state! In fact, it’s the third largest state in the United States. So how in the world do you see all of the national parks in California in one trip? Well, if you have two weeks to travel, then this itinerary is for you! Below, I’m going to break down the day by day itinerary, offer suggestions of where to go in each national park, and at the bottom you’ll find a printable PDF itinerary. First, I want to answer a few commonly asked questions:
What time of year should I visit California?
If you’re looking to do all of these national parks in one trip, it’s best to travel in early summer or early fall. You want to make sure you’re hitting those southern parks before it gets too stifling but also getting to the northern parks after things have reopened for the season. The last thing you want to do is get up to Yosemite National Park and find that the roads are still closed from snow. Traveling in late May or early October will also help with booking your lodging since there will be more options available. That being said, make sure you book this trip early! Hotels around these national parks sell out fast - especially if you’re looking to stay in the park at places like Yosemite or Sequoia.
What should I pack for a trip to California?
Because you’ll be traveling from Southern California all the way up to the northern border, the weather could vary a lot so it’s all about the layers! Bring warm weather clothes for places like Joshua Tree and Death Valley but also pack layers and a rain jacket for Redwoods and Lassen because the weather could be very different depending on the day.
How much should I budget for a two-week trip to California?
For this trip, I would budget at least $5,000-$6,000 for 1-4 people in the lodging that is listed in this itinerary. When I added up the cost of the car rental (with a one-way drop fee since you’ll be flying into Los Angeles and out of San Francisco), 12 nights lodging in double queen rooms, and the Channel Islands activities it came to roughly $4,800. That is not including food, gas, park fees, and any other activities you may be interested in doing. The lodging listed below are mostly 2-3-star hotels so you could absolutely save money by camping or taking your RV. If you are camping, I would suggest booking your campgrounds at least a year in advance since these sites sell out very fast. There are definitely ways to travel more affordably but this is a rough estimate of an average two-week trip in 3-4 star hotels.
Should I travel from Southern California to Northern California or vice versa?
This itinerary works in both directions. If you are traveling in the spring/early summer I would suggest going from south to north to travel from the warmer destinations to the cooler ones before the summer temperatures get to warm. If you are traveling in the late summer/fall I would suggest flipping the itinerary and traveling from Northern California to Southern California for the same reasons. Start with the cooler temperature destinations and work your way to the hotter places.
What kind of vehicle should I rent for my road trip?
While this is absolutely a personal preference and budget, I typically suggest a standard or mid-size SUV. They are sturdy enough for any rough roads but also comfortable to travel in and not too large. Some people may prefer to go the convertible or jeep route since this itinerary will take you along the classic Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re planning on more off-the-beaten-path adventures in the park, you might want an all-wheel drive SUV. Keep an eye on the weather depending on the time of year you’re going as well. If you are traveling in the winter or even shoulder seasons, you may need the all-wheel drive option.
Why is this itinerary 13 days and not 14?
I did this for two reasons. 1. I want people to have a buffer day so that if they decide they want to add an activity one day they have the extra time. Maybe you get to a destination you didn’t expect to love and want more time to explore! And 2. If you only have two weeks of vacation time, this gives you a day when you get back to unpack and unwind before heading back to work. This itinerary is totally customizable to you and you can extend the trip however you would like. Scroll to the bottom for a printable PDF Itinerary.
California National Parks 13-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly into Los Angeles
Today your journey begins! Fly into LAX airport and pick up your rental car. From here, head west to Santa Monica until you reach the famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Spend the rest of the day driving along the coast up to Ventura (1.5 hours). Along the way you can stop at the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, and more. Once you arrive in Ventura, the evening is yours to enjoy this quaint downtown full of amazing shops and restaurants. A few of my favorite restaurants in Ventura are Rumfish y Vino, Finney’s Crafthouse, or The Saloon right on Main Street. Close out your evening checking into your hotel and enjoy your night.
Where to stay in Ventura
Ventura is full of hotels in all price ranges. I really like Pierpoint Inn and Cliff House Inn on the Ocean because they offers ocean views but some other great 3-star hotels include Clocktower Inn, Amanzi Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Day 2 - Channel Islands National Park
This morning, head to Island Packers and take the beautiful 2-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island. Stay on the lookout for dolphins and other sea life along the way. Island Packers offers tours to all five of the Channel Islands as well as a Whale and Wildlife Cruise. I think that the best way to experience Channel Islands National Park is on the Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour with Channel Island Adventure Company. With this tour you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring this unique underwater habitat. Scorpion Anchorage offers more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park and is the best way to explore these bright blue waters.
Another great way to experience Santa Cruz is to hike to Potato Harbor. This 4.5 mile hike will take you to an overlook that looks like something you’d only find in the Mediterranean. Just be sure to keep track of time so that you don’t miss your ferry ride back! And if you’re looking for off-the-beaten path things to do around Santa Cruz, check out this blog.
Day 3 - Joshua Tree National Park
This morning, make the drive across Southern California to Joshua Tree National Park (3.5 hours). Once you arrive, take the scenic drive through the park to Keys View for panoramic vistas at sunset.
Where to stay by Joshua Tree National park
If you are camping, Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of my favorites! Because this park is quite a ways into the desert, a lot of people opt to rent a VRBO or AirBnB around here as there are so many fabulous and unique options. If you’re looking for hotels, Twentynine Palms is going to be your closest town to stay in. Here, there is a Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and the Oasis Inn & Suites. And if you’re wanting to venture out further, the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs are a few other options.
Day 4 - Joshua Tree National Park
Today, spend the full day exploring Joshua Tree National Park. Head back into the park from the north entrance and make your first stop at Skull Rock. Enjoy views from the road or get out and stretch your legs on the 1.7-mile nature trail. Continue any of the scenic drives through the park. Some of my favorite hikes in the area are Barker Dam (1.1-loop) which, when filled with water is a stunning sight surrounded by the arid desert. Hidden Valley (1-mile loop) and the Discovery Trail (0.7-miles) are a couple of other easy nature trails full of beautiful Joshua Trees. If you’re looking for something longer, check out Fourtynine Palms Oasis. This 3-mile out-and-back hike is considered moderate and leads to, well, an oasis surrounded by forty-nine palms! Just be sure to bring lots of water for this one and be sure to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes - I saw two.
Day 5 - Death Valley National Park
This morning, head north to Death Valley National Park (4.5 hours). In my opinion, Death Valley is one of the most underrated national parks, I think the name scares people off. It is definitely a land of extremes with the lowest point in the United States (Badwater Basin) and towering mountains. The steady drought and record summer heat can make this a brutal visit if you come in the height of summer. But it’s so much more than a dry, hot wasteland! There are towering peaks that can be covered in winter snow and occasional rainstorms bring fields of wildflowers.
In the afternoon, check out Badwater Basin where you can walk out onto the salt flats and Desolation Canyon. This 3.6-mile out-and-back hike will take you through canyons on the edge of the Black Mountains. Also, be sure to take the Artists Drive Scenic Loop to Artists Palette full of colorful mountains.
Where to stay around Death Valley National Park
The best place to stay around Death Valley is at the Inn at Death Valley which is located right inside of the park. There is not a lot in this area and the closest options outside of the park are going to be in Pahrump, Nevada or Lone Pine, California, both of which are over an hour away.
Day 6 - Sequoia National Park
Today, make your way up to Sequoia National Park (5.5 hours). Once you arrive in the park, take the scenic drive into Giant Forest and take the ½-mile trail to the General Sherman Tree - the world’s largest tree! Afterward, continue on the Congress Trail. This 2-mile paved loop will take you among the largest sequoia trees in the world. In the evening, make your way to your lodging and relax for the evening.
Where to stay by Sequoia National Park
Just like Death Valley, there are not a lot of places to stay and the nearest towns are quite a ways away. Your best bet is to stay inside the park at Wuksachi Lodge or the more rustic Cedar Grove Lodge or John Muir Lodge. These do sell out VERY fast so be sure to book well in advance. Otherwise, the nearest town of Three Rivers has a Comfort Inn & Suites.
Day 7 - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
This morning, explore Grant Grove and take the Grant Tree Trail to the second-largest tree in the world, the General Grant Tree. End at Panoramic Point with wide open vistas of the Sequoia Wilderness. If the road is open, hike up Moro Rock. This 1.5-mile hike climbs 300 feet in just a 1/4 mile and has steep drop offs but is worth the views of the park.
In the afternoon, enter the north entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. Stop at Cedar Grove full of towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and Kings River. North Dome and Grand Sentinel stand above the canyon floor. Enjoy all of the scenic sites along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway as you drive back to your lodging.
Day 8 - Yosemite National Park
This morning, head to Yosemite National Park (3.5 hours). Begin your epic park adventure by stopping at Tunnel View for your first magnificent glimpse at the Yosemite Valley. Next, head to the Valley Visitor Center and Yosemite Museum. Get incredible views of the valley from Merced River, El Capitan Meadow, and Sentinel Bridge. There are so many incredible hikes in this park but if you’re looking for waterfall views, check out Yosemite Falls, or Vernal and Nevada Falls.
In the afternoon, drive up to Glacier Point which is a scenic 30-mile drive ending at an incredible viewpoint of the Yosemite Valley. Make sure to stop along the way at Washburn Point for views of Vernal and Nevada Falls.
Where to stay at Yosemite National Park
There are several incredible campgrounds within Yosemite National Park but as with the other parks, they fill up very quickly. The most popular place to stay is in the valley. If you’re looking for more solitude, check out White Wolf Campground. Within the park, there are few hotel options. The Ahwahnee is a 4-star luxurious hotel located in the valley as well as the 3-star Yosemite Valley Lodge. Wawona Hotel and Curry Village are a couple of other rustic options. Outside of the park, there are a few options on the way to the town of Mariposa as well.
Day 9 - Yosemite National Park
This morning, explore Mariposa Grove for more epic views of giant Sequoia trees. Big Trees Loop is an easy introduction trail at 0.3-miles. If you’re looking for something longer, check out the Grizzly Giant 2-mile loop trail. In the afternoon, make your way to Tuolumne Meadows, a large, open subalpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. One great hike over here is the 3.5-mile out-and-back hike to Tenaya Lake. There are endless amounts of trails and scenic areas in Yosemite; anywhere you go, you’ll have an amazing time here.
Day 10 - Pinnacles National Park
Today, head west back toward the coast to Pinnacles National Park (3.5 hours). Explore one of California’s hidden gems and check out the woodlands, canyons, and unique geological features here. This is the smallest national park in California but worth the visit. Head to the iconic Bear Gulch Reservoir (1-mile trail) and enjoy lunch surrounded by the beautiful giant rocks.
In the late afternoon, head to San Francisco (2 hours) and enjoy your evening.
Where to stay by Pinnacles National Park
In this particular itinerary, I suggest heading to San Francisco to break up the drive to the next national park, but there are closer places to stay if you’re wanting to relax after a day in Pinnacles National Park. Located 30 miles from the park is the quaint town of Salinas which has your standard hotel chains to choose from. If you’re willing to drive a little bit out of your way, I cannot recommend Monterey enough! Or, as I mentioned, heading up to San Francisco is the best way to break up your drive and visit an amazing city.
Day 11 - Lassen Volcanic National Park
This morning, take the scenic drive up to Lassen Volcanic National Park from San Francisco (4 hours). Enjoy views along the way of Mendocino National Forest and Plumas National Forest. Take in the steep, rugged terrain in the Southwest Area of the park and if you’re interested hike to either Kings Creek Falls (2.3-miles) or Mill Creek Falls (3.8-miles).
In the afternoon, take the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway which winds around the east side of Lassen Peak and connects the northwest and southwest entrances of the park. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the way and it’s a great way to experience this park in one day.
Continue to Redding (1 hour) and enjoy your evening.
Where to stay by Lassen Volcanic National Park
Much like Pinnacles National Park, there are not any towns near Lassen. The closest hotels are Millz Manor at Fall River Millz or Best Western Rose Quartz Inn. I suggest heading to the town of Redding which is an hour away for many more options.
Day 12 - Redwoods National and State Park
Finish your national park adventures at Redwoods National and State Park (3 hours). Enjoy a full day of driving through this incredible park. There are two areas to this park, the wooded, green trails and the rugged coastline. Make stops at the Grove of the Titans, Trillium Falls, and Fern Canyon Loop and then drive the 10-mile Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway through the heart of the redwood trees. Explore this park at your leisure as you take in the world’s largest trees.
Head to the coast and enjoy your evening.
Where to stay by Redwoods National and State Park
Being along the coast, there are so many wonderful options of places to stay near the park. The closest is the Holiday Inn Express in Klamath, but head south to McKinleyville and there are plenty to choose from. A few that I would suggest are the Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn, Blue Lake Casino and Hotel, and the Hotel Arcata.
Day 13 - Fly out of San Francisco Airport
Today, drive back to San Francisco Airport (5 hours), return your car and enjoy your journey home. As I mentioned, this itinerary is totally customizable and if you’re looking to extend this to a 14-day trip, spend the day exploring the San Fransisco area. Between Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and Muir Woods, there is so much to see and do here.
One of my favorite things about California is the it’s wide variety in landscape. It blows my mind that the lowest and highest points in the continental United States are located in the same state, only 5 hours apart (Death Valley and Mount Whitney). From the desert landscapes of Joshua Tree, to the island views on the Channel Islands, to the biggest AND tallest tress in the world, California has it all!
