Day 1 - San Francisco:
Start the trip with two days in San Francisco. Take the ferry cruise to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison. Return to the city and walk to Chinatown. After exploring continue to walk to Union Square and explore the chic stores and surroundings. Take one of San Francisco's famous cable cars North and explore the popular Fisherman's Wharf and get a bite to eat at one of its many seafood restaurants.
Day 2 - San Francisco:
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands area and visit the magnificent trees and solitude of Muir Woods National Monument. Then drive to beautiful Muir Beach and Outlook. Head south and visit one of the many outlooks on the north or south side of the world famous Golden Gate Bridge for amazing photo opportuities. If time permits take a walk across the iconic bridge. Make sure to stop and see the Greek and Roman inspired structures at the Palace of Fine Arts. Head south to explore Golden Gate Park and see their large Japanese Tea Garden. Before the sun sets stop at the iconic Painted Ladies multicolored Victorian homes.
Day 3 - San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, 188 miles:
Enjoy the popular vacation haven at Lake Tahoe, California's largest lake and one of the clearest blue water lakes in the country. Hike along the shoreline at one of Lake Tahoe's many state parks, visit the resort town of South Lake Tahoe or just hang out at one of Lake Tahoe's many beaches. If visiting in early spring you may still have a chance to hit the slopes for skiing. Summer allows hiking to surrounding mountains including scenic Mount Tallac or smaller crystal clear smaller lakes like Lake Aloha.
Day 4 - Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park, 202 miles:
One of the jewels of the National Park system is Yosemite Valley, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Visit some of the most amazing waterfalls including Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls- one of the highest falls in North America. Make sure to enjoy the sights of iconic Half Dome and rock climbers' haven El Capitan. Take the drive to get the perfect shot at Tunnel View viewpoint to see a perfect panorama of the park and on to Glacier Point for more amazing views of the valley.
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
A second day in Yosemite allows further exploration of the world renown park by taking one of its longer hikes. Hikes includes trips to Vernal and Nevada Falls, a strenous hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, the 4 Mile Trail from the valley floor up to Glacier Point and Clouds Rest Trail that takes travelers to one of the parks most awe-inspiring panorama views. If you're not up for a long hike you can also drive the Tioga Road East through the Sierra Nevadas to Tuolumne Meadows or drive South to Wawona and the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove.
Day 6 - Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, 187 miles:
Continuing through the Sierra Nevada mountains to jointly managed and adjacent Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. On day one explore the giant sequoias in Kings Canyon National Park at Grants Grove and see one of the largest sequoias in the world, the General Grant Tree. Also take the Big Stump Trail to see remnants of fallen trees before conservationist like John Muir fought for protection of these great trees. Travel East into majestic Kings Canyon and walk one of its many trails.
Day 7 - Sequoia National Park
Day Two is Sequoia National Park, home of the largest trees by volume in the world. Take the Congress Trail to see impressive examples of giant sequoias named after past presidents before seeing the General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing on Earth. Continue through many of the park's several trails and groves. For a change of scenery hike to the top of granite dome Moro Rock or take a tour of Crystal Caves.
Day 8 - Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks to Pinnacles National Park, 197 miles:
Day Two is Sequoia National Park, home of the largest trees by volume in the world. Take the Congress Trail to see impressive examples of giant sequoias named after past presidents before seeing the General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing on Earth. Continue through many of the park's several trails and groves. For a change of scenery hike to the top of granite dome Moro Rock or take a tour of Crystal Caves.
Day 9 - Pinnacles National Park to Big Sur and Pacific Coast Highway, 80 miles:
The trip concludes with a drive through the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and its most famed area, Big Sur. Stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and see one of the most photographed features on the highway, McWay Falls. Visit Pfeiffer Beach and see Keyhole Rock. Drive across Bixby Bridge and visit one of the many other state parks in the area and take a hike through the surrounding cliffs.
Day 10 - Return to San Francisco, 147 miles
Lake Tahoe
Kings Canyon NP
Sequoia National Park
Pinnacles NP
Big Sur