Like a top-10 playlist, this epic road trip hits the all-time greats of the Golden State (and some fascinating in-between spots), ultimately stopping in glitzy Las Vegas, Nevada.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
12ā15 DAYS
1600 miles / 2575km
GREAT FORā¦
BEST TIME TO GO
June to September for sunny days and snow-free mountain roads.
ESSENTIAL PHOTO
Waterfalls and iconic peaks from Tunnel View in Yosemite Valley.
California is a big place, so seeing its most famous places all in one trip could mean resigning yourself to driving dead-boring multi-lane freeways for hours on end. But you donāt have to do that. Instead, this epic drive takes scenic state highways and local back roads to connect the dots, with a minimum of mind-numbing empty miles between San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Top of Chapter
TRIP HIGHLIGHT
1 San Francisco
In two action-packed days, explore Golden Gate Park(www.golden-gate-park.com;Stanyan St to Great Hwy;
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5, 7, 18, 21, 28, 29, 33, 44,
N), spy on sea lions lolling around Pier 39(www.pier39.com;Beach St & the Embarcadero, Pier 39;
;
15, 37, 49, F) at Fishermanās Wharf and saunter (click here) through the streets of busy Chinatown to the Italian sidewalk cafes of North Beach. Feast on an overstuffed burrito in the Mission District after wandering its mural-splashed alleys. Queue up at Powell and Market Sts for a ride on a bell-clanging cable car (fare $7) and then cruise to the infamous prison island of Alcatraz(
Alcatraz Cruises 415-981-7625;www.nps.gov/alcatraz;day tours adult/child/family $33/21/100, night tours adult/child $40/24;
call center 8am-7pm, ferries depart Pier 33 half-hourly 8:45am-3:50pm, night tours 5:55pm & 6:30pm;
) out in the bay. Book Alcatraz tickets online at least two weeks ahead. At the foot of Market St, indulge your inner epicure at the Ferry Building(
