57 days in California Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips California route planner
Start: Kansas City
Fly
1
San Jose
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Oakland
— 3 nights
Drive
3
San Francisco
— 6 nights
Drive
4
St. Helena
— 5 nights
Drive
5
Sacramento
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Tahoe City
— 4 nights
Fly
7
Palm Springs
— 4 nights
Drive
8
Big Bear Lake
— 3 nights
Drive
9
Anaheim
— 4 nights
Drive
10
Long Beach
— 2 nights
Drive
11
Los Angeles
— 5 nights
Drive
12
Beverly Hills
— 2 nights
Drive
13
Malibu
— 4 nights
Drive
14
Santa Barbara
— 3 nights
Fly
15
San Diego
— 6 nights
Fly
End: Kansas City
Sat, Nov 12 - Sat, Jan 7
Edit
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
View full calendar
San Jose — 2 nights
©
Capital of Silicon Valley
The metropolitan center of Silicon Valley, San Jose considers itself a global city.You'll find plenty of places to visit near San Jose: Monterey (Monterey Bay Food Tours, Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, &more), Elkhorn Slough Safari (in Moss Landing) and Point Lobos (in Carmel). The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard.
To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, go to the San Jose road trip planner.
Kansas City to San Jose is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Pacific Standard Time (PST) is minus 2 hours. In November, daytime highs in San Jose are 67°F, while nighttime lows are 47°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can go by car to Oakland.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Nov 12 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Oakland — 3 nights
©
Get out of town with these interesting Oakland side-trips: Ace It Bike Tours (in Windsor), Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens (in Fulton) and Petaluma Seed Bank (in Petaluma).
To see ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Oakland trip planning app.
You can drive from San Jose to Oakland in an hour. Other options are to take a subway; or take a train. November in Oakland sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can drive to San Francisco.
more
To see ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Oakland trip planning app.
You can drive from San Jose to Oakland in an hour. Other options are to take a subway; or take a train. November in Oakland sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can drive to San Francisco.
Side Trips
Berkeley, Ace It Bike Tours, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, Petaluma Seed Bank
Find places to stay Nov 14 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
San Francisco — 6 nights
©
City by the Bay
San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.Step out of San Francisco to go to Santa Rosa and see Wine Tours & Tastings, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Golden Gate Bridge, admire the masterpieces at Legion of Honor, examine the collection at Exploratorium, and stroll through Alcatraz Island.
For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the San Francisco day trip planner.
San Francisco is just a stone's throw from Oakland. November in San Francisco sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 51°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to drive to St. Helena.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Nov 17 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
St. Helena — 5 nights
©
The Heart Of Napa Valley
The city of St.Explore St. Helena's surroundings by going to Jack London State Historic Park (in Glen Ellen), Gracianna Winery (in Healdsburg) and Sonoma Plaza (in Sonoma). Dedicate the 24th (Thu) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. And it doesn't end there: do a tasting at Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards, admire the verdant scenery at Swanson Vineyards Salon, and admire the majestic nature at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
For photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the St. Helena day trip planning site.
You can drive from San Francisco to St. Helena in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of subway and bus; or take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from San Francisco in November since evenings lows in St. Helena dip to 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) so you can drive to Sacramento.
Side Trips
Calistoga, Cosentino Winery, Swanson Vineyards Salon, Jack London State Historic Park, Gracianna Winery
Find places to stay Nov 23 — 28:
Highlights from your trip
Sacramento — 3 nights
©
River City
The capital city of America's most economically significant state, Sacramento is an important stop for any politico.Change things up with these side-trips from Sacramento: Auburn Old Town Gallery (in Auburn), West Coast Falconry (in Marysville) and Empire Mine State Historic Park (in Grass Valley). There's much more to do: examine the collection at California State Railroad Museum, admire the engineering at Nimbus Dam and Fish Hatchery, learn about winemaking at Klinker Brick Winery, and contemplate the long history of Historic Bob Hope Theatre.
To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Sacramento driving holiday planning tool.
You can drive from St. Helena to Sacramento in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Sacramento can reach 65°F, while at night they dip to 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) so you can drive to Tahoe City.
Side Trips
Auburn Old Town Gallery, West Coast Falconry, Historic Bob Hope Theatre, Nimbus Dam and Fish Hatchery, Klinker Brick Winery
Find places to stay Nov 28 — Dec 1:
Highlights from your trip
Tahoe City — 4 nights
©
Tahoe City is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California. Venture out of the city with trips to Truckee (Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner Golf Course, &more). The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Emerald Bay State Park, take an in-depth tour of Gatekeeper's Museum, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Granite Chief, and wander the streets of Historic Downtown Truckee.
To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Tahoe City trip itinerary builder site.
Getting from Sacramento to Tahoe City by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Sacramento in December, expect nights in Tahoe City to be colder, around 15°F, while days are slightly colder, around 41°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Palm Springs.
more
To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Tahoe City trip itinerary builder site.
Getting from Sacramento to Tahoe City by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Sacramento in December, expect nights in Tahoe City to be colder, around 15°F, while days are slightly colder, around 41°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Palm Springs.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 1 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Palm Springs — 4 nights
©
You'll find plenty of places to visit near Palm Springs: California Overland Desert Excursions (in Borrego Springs) and Joshua Tree National Park (Wall Street Mill, Ryan Mountain, &more).
For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Palm Springs travel route planning site.
Fly from Tahoe City to Palm Springs in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect warmer temperatures when traveling from Tahoe City in December; daily highs in Palm Springs reach 70°F and lows reach 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Big Bear Lake.
more
For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Palm Springs travel route planning site.
Fly from Tahoe City to Palm Springs in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect warmer temperatures when traveling from Tahoe City in December; daily highs in Palm Springs reach 70°F and lows reach 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Big Bear Lake.
Side Trips
Joshua Tree National Park, Off-Road Tours, California Overland Desert Excursions, Museum of Ancient Wonders
Find places to stay Dec 5 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Big Bear Lake — 3 nights
©
Big Bear Lake is a small city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains along the south shore of Big Bear Lake, and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. Change things up with these side-trips from Big Bear Lake: The California Route 66 Museum (in Victorville), Greenspot Farms (in Mentone) and Redlands (Ritual Brewing Company & Escape Craft Brewery). There's still lots to do: make a trip to Bear Valley Christian Faith Center, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and get great views at Butler Peak.
For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Big Bear Lake attractions planning site.
Getting from Palm Springs to Big Bear Lake by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Palm Springs in December; daily highs in Big Bear Lake reach 46°F and lows reach 21°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Anaheim.
more
For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Big Bear Lake attractions planning site.
Getting from Palm Springs to Big Bear Lake by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Palm Springs in December; daily highs in Big Bear Lake reach 46°F and lows reach 21°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Anaheim.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 9 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
Anaheim — 4 nights
©
Heart of Orange County
Anaheim's major attractions are its world-famous Disney entertainment complex, sports teams, and convention center.Venture out of the city with trips to Salt Oasis (in Rancho Cucamonga), Zipline (in Wrightwood) and Riverside National Cemetery (in Riverside). Pack the 13th (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Disneyland Park. Have a day of magic on the 14th (Wed) at Disney California Adventure Park. There's still lots to do: test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, let the kids burn off some steam at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, discover the magic at Downtown Disney District, and admire the masterpieces at Huntington Beach Art Center.
For ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Anaheim trip maker site.
Traveling by car from Big Bear Lake to Anaheim takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December, Anaheim is warmer than Big Bear Lake - with highs of 71°F and lows of 47°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) so you can go by car to Long Beach.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 12 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Long Beach — 2 nights
©
Aquatic Capital of America
Long Beach has long been overshadowed by its bigger and more famous neighbor known as the City of Angels.On the 17th (Sat), take a leisurely stroll along Manhattan Beach Pier, then take in the waterfront at Hermosa Beach Pier, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Wayfarers Chapel. On the next day, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Aquarium of the Pacific, then kick back and relax at Manhattan Beach, and then squeeze the most out of the city with Manhattan Beach Food Tour.
To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Long Beach day trip website.
Traveling by car from Anaheim to Long Beach takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and tram. In December, daytime highs in Long Beach are 70°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can drive to Los Angeles.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 16 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Los Angeles — 5 nights
©
City of Angels
Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.Step out of Los Angeles to go to Arcadia and see Santa Anita Race Park, which is approximately 32 minutes away. Pack the 19th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at The Getty Center, contemplate the long history of Angels Flight Railway, immerse yourself in nature at Topanga State Park, and admire the striking features of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
For more things to do, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Los Angeles travel website.
Los Angeles is just a short distance from Long Beach. In December, daytime highs in Los Angeles are 69°F, while nighttime lows are 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Beverly Hills.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 18 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
Beverly Hills — 2 nights
©
Beverly Hills is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, surrounded by the cities of Los Angeles and West Hollywood. On the 24th (Sat), go for a walk through Historic Lily pond, hunt for treasures at Santa Monica Farmers Market, then don't miss a visit to Santa Monica Pier, then kick back and relax at Santa Monica State Beach, and finally look for gifts at Bergamot Station. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Sun): have fun and explore at Museum of Flying, buy something for everyone on your list at Two Rodeo Drive, then wander the streets of Montana Avenue, and finally stroll around Palisades Park.
To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read Beverly Hills trip planner.
Beverly Hills is very close to Los Angeles. In December, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Malibu.
more
To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read Beverly Hills trip planner.
Beverly Hills is very close to Los Angeles. In December, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Malibu.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Malibu — 4 nights
©
Malibu is a beach city in Los Angeles County, California, situated 30mi west of Downtown Los Angeles. Venture out of the city with trips to Camarillo (The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology & Explore Wines Tour), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (in Simi Valley) and Underwood Family Farm-Somis (in Somis). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum, stroll around Malibu Bluffs Park, explore the stunning scenery at Solstice Canyon, and admire the majestic nature at Point Dume State Beach and Preserve.
Plan my Malibu trip by asking Klarna Trips to come up with tips and suggestions.
Drive from Beverly Hills to Malibu in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of tram and bus. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in December, and nighttime lows around 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Santa Barbara.
more
Plan my Malibu trip by asking Klarna Trips to come up with tips and suggestions.
Drive from Beverly Hills to Malibu in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of tram and bus. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in December, and nighttime lows around 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Santa Barbara.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 25 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Santa Barbara — 3 nights
©
The American Riviera
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.Get out of town with these interesting Santa Barbara side-trips: Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat (in Ventura) and Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (in Ojai). And it doesn't end there: indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, meet the residents at Santa Barbara Zoo, contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, and make a trip to Chaucer's Bookstore.
To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Santa Barbara journey builder.
Traveling by car from Malibu to Santa Barbara takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Malibu in December, plan for a bit cooler nights in Santa Barbara, with lows around 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) to allow time to fly to San Diego.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 29 — Jan 1:
Highlights from your trip
San Diego — 6 nights
©
America's Finest City
Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.Go for a jaunt from San Diego to Encinitas to see Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens about 32 minutes away. Spend the 7th (Sat) exploring the fascinating underwater world at SeaWorld San Diego. The adventure continues: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at San Diego Zoo, contemplate the long history of Cabrillo National Monument, kick back and relax at Mission Beach Park, and let little ones run wild at Balboa Park.
Before you visit San Diego, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.
Getting from Santa Barbara to San Diego by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Traveling from Santa Barbara in January, San Diego is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to fly back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 1 — 7:
California travel guide
The Golden State
The country's most populous state, California includes landscapes that range from the forested northern coast to harsh southern deserts. Sandwiched right in the middle of the state is a fertile valley, home to farms, vineyards, and orchards. California's cities offer diverse attractions, from amusement parks and upscale shops to award-winning restaurants and innovative art galleries. Outside the state's big urban centers, places to visit include some of the nation's most rugged national parks, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, and ski resorts. More than just a surfing destination famous for its beaches and winding coastal roads, California also boasts one of the world's largest economies, bolstered by the booming tech industries.
Napa Valley travel guide
Thanks to a Mediterranean climate and idyllic location in Northern California, Napa Valley is one of the top wine producing regions in the world. This, coupled with the area's breathtaking scenery, abundance of quaint B&Bs, and exquisite local gastronomy, makes Napa Valley one of the country's most popular spots for peaceful weekends and romantic getaways. While wine tasting and vineyard tours are the traditional things to do, the region offers a variety of other attractions, including hot air balloon rides, spa treatments, and trips aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Lake Tahoe (California) travel guide
Lake of the Sky
Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe draws visitors from both states and beyond to its shores. With an average of 300 sunny days annually, it's no surprise that the lake is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The blue-green waters beckon travelers for swimming, boating, windsurfing, or kayaking. The lake also has a number of walking trails for those who don't want to get wet. In the colder months, skiers take to the surrounding mountains. The south shore is the most developed side of the lake, with more things to do, while the west and north shores are generally more tranquil.
