3-Day California Tour Packages
How about hitting both California cities and nature in just three days? In Los Angeles, you'll cruise up to Santa Barbara's Spanish missions and Solvang's Danish streets. Highway 1 allows you to watch elephant seals at San Simeon, or head east to see Yosemite's El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls. Some routes stay coastal, taking you under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco for Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and Chinatown.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day California tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Excursion
California's natural treasures span 7 iconic destinations. Beginning at Santa Monica Pier, passing through Danish-inspired Solvang, then to Yosemite's El Capitan and Half Dome. Rolling through Sequoia National Park's ancient giants, with comfortable stays at Anaheim Majestic Garden. Suitable for ages 3+, costs approx. $210 per day.
3 Days in Yosemite National Park, incl. San Francisco and Tuolumne Meadows
Yosemite's natural wonders await, from 300-foot Sequoias to Tuolumne Meadows' alpine terrain. Marvel at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, and El Capitan, with camping at modern sites. Rated 4.7/5 by 15+ reviews for approx. $270 per day.
- Day 1
San Francisco to Yosemite Valley
Leave at 8 AM from the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early since morning traffic on the Bay Bridge can be unpredictable. The 4-hour drive through California's gold country leads to your first stop at a Giant Sequoia grove. As one traveler noted: "Being able to hug those huge sequoia trees was a life-changing moment - they're over 2,000 years old and stretch 300 feet into the sky!" Head to Tunnel View in the afternoon. Try to get there before 4 PM for the best photo lighting. Remember to pack layers even in summer. Valley temperatures can change by 30°F between morning and afternoon. Your first night includes dinner at the campsite prepared by your guide. You can relax in the hot tub or visit the nearby mountain pub.
- Day 2
Exploring Tuolumne Meadows
Get an early 7 AM start to avoid crowds and afternoon heat for high-country hiking. Take the Lembert Dome trail for great 360° views of Tuolumne Meadows. If you want more of a challenge try Mt. Hoffman. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support since granite trails can be slippery. After hiking you can cool off in Tenaya Lake but expect cold alpine water.
- Day 3
Yosemite Valley & Return to San Francisco
The final day is flexible based on what your group wants to do. Most people spend time in Yosemite Valley. You can rent bikes for $30 per half-day to see more or spend time relaxing by the Merced River. If you like photography go to Valley View before 10 AM when the morning light hits El Capitan perfectly. The drive back to San Francisco takes about 4 hours with arrival around 9 PM.
Yosemite Escape Lodging - 3 Days
Yosemite's grandeur unfolds over three days. The route winds from San Francisco through gold country to 300-foot Sequoias. Two nights in comfortable lodge, with hikes through Tuolumne Meadows and along Merced River. Optional bike rentals in Yosemite Valley.
