Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks in California • The Blonde Abroad

Updated: September 2023

It’s time to fall in love with the Golden State. Maybe I am partial, but I think my home state is one of the most incredible places in the world. With endless natural beauty and a one-of-a-kind culture, California has something for everyone.

Just follow your heart along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Ready for the ultimate road trip? Check out my road trip itinerary for 2 weeks in California.

If you don’t have two weeks, be sure to check out my 3-Day California Coast Road Trip or the 10-Day California Coast Road Trip Itinerary!

California Itinerary Overview

California can be traveled by train, plane, and automobile—but I personally think the best way is by road trip! You can start your California road trip in either direction and spend as little or as much time in a destination as you like. This would be a pretty rushed itinerary, but it hits all of my favorite highlights along the California coast!

Days 1-2: San Diego
Day 3: Joshua Tree
Day 4: Palm Springs
Day 5: Orange County
Day 6-7: Los Angeles
Day 8: Santa Barbara
Day 9: Big Sur
Day 10: Monterey
Day 11-12: San Francisco
Day 13-14: Winelands

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Days One & Two: San Diego

Fly into San Diego International Airport

With beautiful beaches, 100+ days of sunshine a year, a world-famous zoo, and an incredible craft beer scene, San Diego is the perfect city to start your Californian adventure.

Give it at least two days, and it’ll knock your flip-flops off!

Where to Stay: The Coolest Airbnbs in San Diego
What to Eat in San Diego: The Best Restaurants in San Diego and The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in San Diego
What to Do in San Diego: Hit the Beach, Brewery Tours, Surfing, Skydiving, Coffee Shops, Shopping, Go out in Gaslamp

Day Three: Joshua Tree

Drive 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Diego to Joshua Tree

Nestled among a range of eclectic towns and overlooking the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree National Park has a rugged desert beauty that is unforgettable.

Bring your camera and a good pair of shoes, and devote at least one day to exploring.

Where to Stay: The Coolest Airbnbs in Joshua Tree or Casa Blanca (if you’re traveling as a group)!
What to Eat: Crossroads Cafe
What to Do: Go Hiking, Watch the Sunset, Go Antiquing, Rock Climbing, Explore Pioneertown, Go to the Spa, and Listen to Live Music at Pappy + Harriet’s

Day Four: Palm Springs

Drive 50 minutes from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs

A dream destination for a girlfriends’ getaway or a spa escape, Palm Springs is one desert resort city that is always at the top of my must-visit list anytime I am stateside.

Check out some of my favorite hangouts, like Riviera Palm Springs and ARRIVE.

Where to Stay: ARRIVE, Riviera Palm Springs, The Saguaro, ACE Hotel
What to Eat: Cheeky’s (brunch), The Tropicale (happy hour), Le Vallauris (dinner)
What to Do: Shopping, Explore Downtown, Go to the Spa, Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Day Five: Orange County

Drive an hour and a half from Palm Springs to Orange County

With world-class galleries, coves, and beaches, Laguna Beach is one of the sparkling jewels of Orange County. Two other essential coastal cities, Newport and Huntington Beach are great for long summer days. Walk the piers, lounge at the beach, and then head over to try one of their great restaurants.

A visit to Orange County is not complete without a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! I grew up going to Disneyland and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a great place to spend the day with friends and family for endless fun.

Where to Stay: Pasea Hotel, Balboa Bay Resort
What to Eat: Bear Flag Fish Co., True Food Kitchen, Ola Mexican Kitchen, Sea Salt Woodfire Grill, Bluegold
What to Do: Have a Beach Picnic, Take a Surf Lesson, Visit Disneyland, Go Shopping, Go Out in Newport Beach, Visit Anaheim Packing District

Day Six & Seven: Los Angeles

Drive 1 hour from Orange County to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the world’s great cities, and you’ll want at least two days to see the different sides. Of course, first-time visitors have to check out quintessential spots like Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Venice Beach.

Once you’ve seen the city, head to the stunning sunny coastline. Explore El Matador State Beach, El Porto Beach (a surfer hot spot), and Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve.

Where to Stay: Hotel Erwin, Mondrian, Petit Ermitage, The London, The Malibu Five vacation rental
Where to Eat: Blue Plate Taco (Mexican), Catch (upscale), Lemonade (casual lunch), Cafe Gratitude (vegan), Urth Caffé (breakfast or lunch), Gjelina (upscale dinner), Nobu Malibu (iconic oceanfront)
What to Do: Bike Along the Santa Monica Pier, Visit Venice Beach, Shop on Montana Street, Go to Universal Studios, Hike to the Hollywood Sign, Visit the Grove, Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Movie Night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Visit LACMA, Order a Double-Double Animal Style at In-n-Out!

Day Eight: Santa Barbara

Drive 2 hours from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara—for the scenic route take Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) all the way up the coast!

A top pick on the American Riviera, Santa Barbara has great stops for foodies, awesome shopping, and sun-drenched beaches. What more could you ask for?

Where to Stay: Bacara Resort and Spa, Four Seasons, The Hotel Californian, Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito
What to Eat: Finch and Fork (brunch), State and Fig (lunch), Los Agaves (dinner)
What to Do: Stroll a Farmers Market, Shop State Street, Hit the Beach

Day Nine: Big Sur

Drive 5 hours from Santa Barbara to Big Sur

For a primo glamping experience, this is where you want to be. Pullover, grab a tent, and forget about the world in one of the most picturesque locations in the US. You’ll find gems all the way up and down Hwy 1.

While you’re in Big Sur, be sure to check out the Esalen Institute. A blend of Western tech and Eastern science, you’ll find workshops ranging from yoga to healing arts.

Where to Stay: Treebones Resort, Ripplewood Resort, Ventana Big Sur, Glamping or Camping
What to Eat: Nepenthe, Big Sur Euro, Sierra Mar
What to Do: Go Hiking, Stop at Henry Miller Memorial Library

Day Ten: Monterey

Drive one hour from Big Sur to Monterey

Explore the rugged coastline, and then go over to Cannery Row to wander through the turn-of-the-century canneries while you explore the modern shops and seafood restaurants.

And don’t miss the Monterey Aquarium for some selfies with jellyfish! Ranked among the world’s best aquariums on the planet, this place is magical and educational.

Where to Stay: Casa Palmero, The Lodge, Bernardus Lodge and Spa, L’Auberge Carmel, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
What to Eat: Acme Coffee Roasting Co., Restaurant 1833, Cindy’s Waterfront, Jennini Kitchen and Wine Bar
What to Do: Walk Along the Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Shopping, Path of History

Days Eleven & Twelve: San Francisco

Drive 2 hours from Monterey to San Francisco

Honestly, you could spend two weeks exploring the iconic sights of San Francisco. With endless Michelin-starred restaurants, fascinating spots like Alcatraz Island, the picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge, and trendy ‘hoods, like The Mission and The Marina, San Francisco is one of California’s greatest cities.

Be sure to get around to my favorite places, Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown.

Where to Stay: Hotel Diva, Airbnb
What to Eat: Red Door Cafe (brunch), Swan Oyster Depot (seafood), Nob Hill Cafe (Italian)
What to Do: Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Street Art Tour, Alcatraz, Pier 39, Chinatown

California makes some of the best vino in the world!

Days Thirteen & Fourteen: California Winelands

Explore the vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County, and taste your way through this foodie paradise.

You can go on a DIY tour, hop on the Napa Wine Train, or check out the Wine Country Shuttle Tour. For a breathtaking view, you have to see the sights from one of the amazing hot-air balloon tours.