For the past few years, we’ve explored more of Arizona and Nevada than California. It was time to revisit some of California’s classic destinations and road-trip from Yosemite to Pinnacles, and Big Sur, the king of the scenic coastal views.
Last updated: February 21, 2025
4-Day California Road Trip Itinerary: Yosemite, Pinnacles, Big Sur
The time was perfect. While snow abandoned most of Central and Northern California, the sun was only testing a newly reclaimed territory. So scorching hot days in the Golden State were yet to come. For now, though, the weather felt astonishingly pleasant to start our 4-day California road trip.
The weather forecast that I go to for “consultations” before every trip predicted a few overcast days. Drizzle was also expected during the last day of our road trip across Central California. But since we were planning to spend at least 4 hours in the car while driving back to sunny Los Angeles, no rain could stop our road-trip adventure.
California Road Trip for Locals
And so, on one particularly sunny Thursday morning, off we went. Our 4-day California road trip started and ended in Los Angeles, which made planning easier. No need to look for affordable airfares and all other “exciting” stuff you need to know before getting to your first destination.
The greatest advantage was time. We used each and every day of this 4-day California road trip to explore new trails in Yosemite National Park, finally visit Pinnacles National Park, and see more than just panoramic views in Big Sur. No time wasted on getting to an airport before your flight, waiting, flying, renting a car… The list can go on and on.
A lot of driving was expected, especially on the first day. For your reference, the drive time from Los Angeles to Yosemite was about 5 hours.
Without further ado, here is our detailed 4-day California road trip itinerary across Yosemite, Pinnacles, and Big Sur.
THE COMPLETE 4-DAY CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: YOSEMITE, PINNACLED, BIG SUR
CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP DAY 1: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Drive time from Los Angeles to Yosemite: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular parks in California. Thousands of nature lovers flock to the area to see its famous granite mountains, waterfalls, and picturesque meadows.
We had had the pleasure of feasting our eyes on the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley, surrounded by iconic mountains and chasing several waterfalls a few years prior to this trip. While we still intended to see some of the classics of Yosemite, this section of our California road trip included slightly easier hikes, places suitable for families with kids.
Stop 1: Bridalveil Fall
Even a small kid can successfully conquer a short, 0.5-mile trail to Bridalveil Fall. The first waterfall you are likely to see in Yosemite, the site plunges 620 feet. Its abundant splashes disperse in different directions.
A rather large pool at the bottom of the waterfall protected by massive boulders doesn’t stand in the way of the untamed sprays that generously drop on the hikers. At least those that get too close to Bridalveil Fall.
The signature waterfall towers over a large parking lot nearby and is an essential part of the classic Yosemite’s views. So even if you decide to skip the hike, you can still see the waterfall from many other places in the park.
The most predictable part of any California road trip is that your adventures can be very unpredictable. The first misfortune awaited us at the Bridalveil Fall’s parking lot. It was closed. And so was the trail to the waterfall. While the temporary trail closure didn’t bother many other California roadtrippers that had paved a side trail, we opted for enjoying the roaring waterfall from a distance.
Stop 2: Tunnel View
Those distant Bridalveil Fall’s views were incredible indeed. The waterfall cascading down a sheer granite cliff looked even more dramatic from the iconic Tunnel View.
A prime photography spot, the overlook opens incredible vistas of the entire Yosemite Valley area and such California’s classics as Half Dome and El Capitan.
Stop 3: Yosemite Valley View
If you’ve been pleased with the Tunnel View, try to see the area from a slightly different angle. The Yosemite Valley View showcases the Yosemite Valley, including roaring Bridalveil Fall, from the ground level.
The majestic Merced River separates the viewing platform from the tranquil valley surrounded by the granite rock formations. This lower location gives more room for exploration. In winter, visitors can even have a snowball fight here.
Stop 4: Taft Point
If you long for the impeccable views of Yosemite Valley with a twist, look no further than Taft Point. Sitting just one mile from a parking lot, it allows you to befriend your fear of heights, edge up to the cliff, and peer into the astounding valley below.
Stop 5: Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge is a perfect stop to take a break from all the exploration you intend to do during the first day of your California road trip. Several picnic tables near the river bank indicate that maybe it’s time to devour your lunch before walking across the bridge.
A wide meadow with the towering California’s giants in the background meets roadtrippers on the other side of the swinging structure.
As the trail leaves the Swinging Bridge and the picturesque meadow, it runs past several cabins and Yosemite Cedar Lodge. Eventually, the well-trodden path merges with the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The highest waterfall in the park is just a stone’s throw away from here.
Stop 6: Yosemite Valley Chapel
A small wooden structure with its pointed tower, Yosemite Valley Chapel is hard to consider a regular church. Erected in 1879, the chapel is the oldest standing structure in the park. The establishment still serves as a place for worship and wedding ceremonies, and its dramatic surroundings entice even for those that have never stepped inside a church.
Stop 7: Sentinel Bridge
The views from the Sentinel Bridge are a sight to behold. Half Dome rises above a green meadow so close to the bridge that you feel like you can run toward it. Swift currents of the Merced River fill the air with their melodic sounds. It seems that not only roadtrippers and hikers, but the entire world has stopped to admire the natural splendor of one of California’s finest national parks.
Stop 8: Glacier Point
Glacier Point is a must-do stop in Yosemite. The overlook with its own parking lot displays the Yosemite Valley and Half Dome in their full glory. The views of Yosemite Falls finally join this jaw-dropping duo.
Glacier Point was at the top of our California road trip itinerary. But luck wasn’t on our side. Glacier Point Road was closed. An alternative overlook that could be accessed via strenuous hikes along the Four Mile, Panorama, and Pohono Trails simply didn’t have room on this road trip itinerary.
Stop 9: Cook’s Meadow Loop
The 1-mile Cook’s Meadow Loop got a break when the famous photographer Ansel Adams took some of his iconic photos here. Snaking through the heart of Yosemite, the virtually flat path showcases Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Road, and Royal Arches.
Stop 10: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
If you haven’t hiked to Yosemite’s roaring giant from the Swinging Bridge yet, it’s time to do it now. No road trip to Yosemite can be complete without feasting your eyes on this stunning landmark of California.
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is short. It’s only a 1-mile loop. There is practically no elevation gain. But the views. Oh, they are worth all the effort.
Where to Stay near Yosemite National Park
Finish the first day of your road trip across Central California in Oakhurst. Known as a gateway to Yosemite National Park, the place sits mere 15 miles from the park. The town offers a wide range of accommodation. For a budget-friendly option, check out Yosemite Sierra Inn. The place offers some basic rooms. But the staff is welcoming and friendly.
CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP DAY 2: PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
Drive time from Oakhurst to Pinnacles: 3 hours
The smallest and newest national park in California, Pinnacles National Park had never made it on our road trip itinerary until now. Famous for its peculiar rock formations rising above Central California’s ground, the place boasts a series of astonishing hiking trails you can’t find anywhere else.
Another characteristic that sets Pinnacles apart is an abundance of endangered California condors. The massive, black birds glide above the park, inspiring to make at least a quick stop here during your road trip across California.
We spent the whole day in this mountainous kingdom, home to towering rocky pillars and a couple of talus caves.
Stop 1: Bear Gulch Cave Trail and Bear Gulch Reservoir
I must confess, the Bear Gulch Cave Trail was the place that inspired us to add Pinnacles National Park to our 4-day Central California road trip itinerary.
The 1.5-mile, round-trip trail runs along the edge of the cliff. The old-growth trees spread their massive canopies, shading the hikers from the left. On the right, the signature pinnacles come into view.
The highlight of the hike is Bear Gulch Cave. The dark cavern is home to Townsend’s big-eared bats. To protect wildlife, the cave gets closed from mid-May through mid-July when the bats hibernate.
Bear Gulch Reservoir is located a short walk uphill from Bear Gulch Cave. Completed in 1935, a dam that created the reservoir is one of the landmarks and resting points in the park.
Stop 2: Condor Gulch Overlook
If the main reason for a detour to Pinnacles National Park (it surely prolongs your road trip for a few hours) is to view California condors, head uphill along a 2-mile, round-trip trail to the Condor Gulch Overlook. The area is arguably the best place to watch the largest birds in North America.
Where to Stay
Since we expected a busy third day of our California road trip, we decided to stay in Salinas, one of the closest places to our playground for the following day. The city sits roughly 37 miles northwest of East Pinnacles.
We stayed at Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas. While our room was pretty much what you can expect from a budget hotel, checking in took time.
The hotel had implemented some peculiar rules that we were not aware about while booking our room on a third party website. It took a phone call to a manager to give us a green light to finally get into our room. So, most likely we will skip this hotel when going on another road trip across Central California. Overall, it was neither a bad, not particularly delightful experience.
CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP DAY 3: BIG SUR
Drive time from Salinas to Big Sur: 35 minutes
The 90-mile Big Sur area is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The region stretches from Carmel-by-the-Sea in Northern California to San Simeon in Central California. Along the way, you find some of the most gorgeous coastal views and panoramic state parks.
Stop 1: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve enhances the California Coast with such remarkable places and hikes as the Cypress Grove Trail, the Sand Hill Trail, and Sea Lion Point. The latter offers incredible opportunities to observe sea lions basking in the sun. Our favorite hike was the 0.8-mile Bird Island Trail with secluded China Cove below.
Stop 2: Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park, located just 4.6 miles south of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, gets often overlooked by California roadtrippers. With no official signs pointing visitors in the right direction, many travelers simply continue to drive past it. Their loss!
The park is intersected with several scenic hiking trails. The most popular of them are the Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trail and the Garrapata Trail or the Calla Lily Valley Trail.
Stop 3: Bixby Creek Bridge
The Bixby Creek Bridge is a symbol of Big Sur. No road trip along the California coast can be complete without gazing at the 280-foot-high structure. A number of roadside overlooks cluster on both sides of the bridge, allowing for impeccable views and plenty of vantage points.
Stop 4: McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The 80-foot drop in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most coveted destinations you come across during this California road trip.
McWay Falls is indeed a remarkable sight. The waterfall plunges from a sheer cliff on an empty beach. The water doesn’t linger here, but rushes to meet the whooshing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Standing under the pulsating jet of water, however, is impossible. The beach is considered a highly hazardous area. It’s closed to all visitors, without any exceptions.
READ MORE: Big Sur Drive: The Best of the Central Coast of California
California Road Trip Day 3: Where to Stay
San Simeon, a southern gateway to Big Sur, is a perfect destination to finish the third day of this California road trip. The historic town boasts a number of lodgings for different budgets. Pacific Coast Roadhouse works wonderfully for California roadtrippers traveling on a budget.
CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP DAY 4: SAN SIMEON
Drive time from San Simeon to Los Angeles: 4 hours
If you are not in a rush to head back to Los Angeles yet, spend a few hours exploring natural and manmade wonders of San Simeon.
The quintessential village is world-famous for its historic Hearst Castle. Built in 1919, the mansion hosted some of the most opulent parties in California at that time. Big Hollywood celebrities spent their weekends here, enjoying the extravaganza and world-biggest private zoo. Sadly only zebras that roam near the castle-museum remind of the former glory of the castle today.
If you still have time for some wildlife watching, head to the Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery. Located about 5 miles north of San Simeon, it’s the only easily accessible elephant seal rookery in the world.
4-Day California Road Trip Itinerary: Map
The Best Time to Go on a 4-Day Central California Road Trip
The route for this road trip works for all seasons. Yet keep in mind that while the California Coast normally doesn’t get snow, Yosemite and Pinnacles National Parks enjoy the snowy blanket in the winter.
TIP: In some areas, the snow can be quite deep. Consequently, some roads leading to the parks and within the parks are closed for the season. So make sure to always check the weather conditions before going on a road trip across Central California.
Read Next
- BEST CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIPS: 3 of the Best Cross-State California Road Trips
- CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: 3-Day Road Trip across Central and Northern California
- SOUTHERN CA: The Best Things to Do in Wrightwood, California, in Winter
- BIG SUR TRIP: The 7 Most Photographed Places in Big Sur, CA
