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California Peaks & Pacific Loop

This 10-day loop takes you from the tech hub of SF through the high Sierras and back along the world's most famous coastline.

10days
23stops
DAY01

San Francisco → South Lake Tahoe

Overnight in South Lake Tahoe
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 12:30
    Ikeda's Auburn
  5. 16:00
    South Lake Tahoe· overnight
Tahoe Eats
  • Base Camp Pizza · Great vibes and even better Thai Chicken Curry pizza.
Road Budget
Gas & Snacks
$70
DAY02

Emerald Bay → Sand Harbor

Overnight in Sand Harbor
  1. 08:30
    Emerald Bay· start
  3. 13:00
    Sand Harbor· overnight
Local Favorites
  • Fire Sign Cafe · Best breakfast on the West Shore. Get the home fries.
Daily Spend
Park Entry
$15
DAY03

Mono Lake South Tufa → Yosemite Valley

Overnight in Yosemite Valley
  1. 11:00
    Mono Lake South Tufa· start
  3. 14:00
    Tuolumne Meadows
  5. 17:00
    Yosemite Valley· overnight
Campsite · Yosemite Valley
Campsite details not verified yet
Roadside Gems
  • Whoa Nellie Deli · Fish tacos at a gas station? Trust me, they're legendary.
Park Fees
Yosemite Entry
$35
DAY04

Mist Trail → El Capitan Meadow

Overnight in El Capitan Meadow
  1. 08:00
    Mist Trail· start
  3. 15:00
    El Capitan Meadow· overnight
Valley Dining
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room · Fancy vibes in a historic lodge. Great for a splurge.
Daily Budget
Food & Drinks
$80
DAY05

Mariposa Grove → Glacier Point

Overnight in Glacier Point
  1. 10:00
    Mariposa Grove· start
  3. 17:00
    Glacier Point· overnight
Picnic Supplies
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Solid sandwiches and coffee for a picnic at the point.
Daily Spend
Snacks
$30
DAY06

General Grant Tree → Hume Lake

Overnight in Hume Lake
  1. 14:30
    General Grant Tree· start
  3. 16:30
    Hume Lake· overnight
Lodge Eats
  • Grant Grove Restaurant · Classic lodge food with a view of the forest.
Fuel
Gas
$50
DAY07

General Sherman Tree → Moro Rock

Overnight in Moro Rock
  1. 09:00
    General Sherman Tree· start
  3. 13:00
    Moro Rock· overnight
Park Dining
  • Wuksachi Lodge · The best dining option inside Sequoia. Try the trout.
Extras
Souvenirs
$40
DAY08

Monterey Bay Aquarium → Old Fisherman's Wharf

Overnight in Old Fisherman's Wharf
  1. 15:00
    Monterey Bay Aquarium· start
  3. 18:30
    Old Fisherman's Wharf· overnight
Seafood Stops
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · The clam chowder here is the gold standard.
Entry Fees
Aquarium Tickets
$60
DAY09

Bixby Creek Bridge → Pfeiffer Beach

Overnight in Pfeiffer Beach
  1. 10:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge· start
  3. 13:00
    McWay Falls
  5. 15:30
    Pfeiffer Beach· overnight
Cliffside Dining
  • Nepenthe · The view is better than the food, but the food is still good.
Daily Spend
Parking Fees
$20
DAY10

Carmel-by-the-Sea → San Francisco

  1. 09:30
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· start
  3. 13:30
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  5. 18:00
    San Francisco
Final Bites
  • La Bicyclette · European bistro vibes in Carmel. The wood-fired pizza is ace.
  • Penny Ice Creamery · Toasted marshmallow fluff on top? Yes, please.
Trip Wrap-up
Final Gas Fill
$50
Heads Up
  • Book Yosemite entry in advance
  • Pack layers for mountain weather
  • Check Highway 1 road closures