11 days trip Big Sur, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe

Question

Hi everyone,

We would like to request some help to plan our trip to California in August.

After a few days in San Diego for work, we have around 11 days to travel before reaching San Francisco. We have the following itinerary in mind, and we would like to ask if this sounds good and reasonable, plus ask for any additional recommendation.

In general we like nature more than cities, and we usually try to have a good balance between driving hours and not driving hours... if possible...

Potential itinerary:

Day 1. Drive from San Diego to LA (2.5 hours). We may stop in the way (e.g. Laguna Beach?) or not. Night LA/Santa Monica.

Day 2. Night LA/Santa Monica.

Day 3. (drive 3 hours, enjoying somewhere in the way, Santa Barbara?) . Night at San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay.

Day 4. Big Sur the whole day (this includes... 3 hours driving?). Night at Carmel by the sea/Monterey.

Day 5. Monterrey peninsula + some beach or something missing in Big Sur? Night at Carmel by the sea/Monterey.

Day 6. Drive to Yosemite (4.5 hours drive), Mariposa Grove, Night at Yosemite Valley.

Day 7. Day in Yosemite, Night at Yosemite Valley.

Day 8. Day in Yosemite, leave in the evening and sleep just outside Yosemite.

Day 9. Drive to Lake Tahoe (4 hours). Night in lake Tahoe.

Day 10. Lake Tahoe. Night in lake Tahoe.

Day 11. Morning lake tahoe, then drive to SF (4 hours). night in SF.

->Then couple of days in SF.

Alternative: Give an extra night to Lake Tahoe by removing one of the nights at Monterey area or one in LA.

Alternative 2: We have considered removing Lake Tahoe to reduce driving hours... but we have been told it is very nice and we think we may enjoy this different landscape after the days on the beach... what do you think?

Thanks a lot in advance for any opinion and advice!!

Answer

Your 11-day California itinerary covers some of the state’s most scenic destinations and is generally reasonable, but there are a few adjustments and tips that can help balance driving time and sightseeing while maximizing your nature experience.

Itinerary Overview and Suggestions:

Day 1: San Diego → LA (~2.5 hours) Stopping at Laguna Beach is a good idea if you want a quick beach break. Consider leaving early to have more time in Santa Monica or Venice Beach upon arrival. Traffic around LA can be heavy, so plan accordingly.
Day 2: LA/Santa Monica This day is good for exploring the beach, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, or a short hike in Griffith Park. It’s a relaxed day after driving in from San Diego.
Day 3: LA → San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay (~3 hours drive + stops) Stopping in Santa Barbara for brunch or a stroll on the beach is perfect. Morro Bay is small but charming; consider visiting the Morro Rock and local waterfront.
Day 4: San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay → Big Sur (~3 hours drive) Driving Big Sur can take longer than expected due to scenic stops (Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach). Start early to maximize daylight and avoid rushing. Night in Carmel/Monterey is convenient for exploring the peninsula the next day.
Day 5: Monterey Peninsula Consider visiting Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and coastal drives along 17-Mile Drive. If any Big Sur spots were missed the previous day, this is a good buffer day.
Day 6: Monterey → Yosemite (~4.5 hours drive) Mariposa Grove (giant sequoias) is on the way, but plan for early entry as parking can fill quickly. Evening in Yosemite Valley.
Days 7–8: Yosemite Two full days allow hikes like Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or easy Valley Loop. Consider leaving in the evening on Day 8 and staying outside the park to reduce morning traffic and give flexibility for your next drive.
Day 9: Yosemite → Lake Tahoe (~4 hours drive) A morning departure is recommended. Lake Tahoe offers stunning scenery and cooler temperatures after your Yosemite visit.
Day 10: Lake Tahoe Options include easy hikes, beach time, or short scenic drives around Emerald Bay. For families or less strenuous activity, consider a boat ride or a gondola ride at Heavenly Mountain Resort.
Day 11: Lake Tahoe → San Francisco (~4 hours drive) A morning start lets you enjoy a relaxed drive and arrive in SF in the afternoon. Consider stopping at scenic spots along Hwy 80 or the Sierras if time allows.

Alternative Adjustments:

Extra night in Lake Tahoe: Removing one night in Monterey or LA is feasible. This allows more time for hikes, lake activities, or simply relaxing in the alpine scenery.
Removing Lake Tahoe: You save ~8 hours of driving overall. While Tahoe is beautiful, your itinerary is already packed; skipping it reduces the intensity of travel and gives more time in Yosemite and Big Sur.

Tips and Considerations:

Book Yosemite accommodations as early as possible; mid-August is peak season.
Big Sur has limited services; plan fuel, food, and rest stops accordingly.
Consider leaving early each day to maximize sightseeing and avoid traffic in LA and SF Bay Area.
Check for road closures in Big Sur; landslides sometimes restrict access to certain areas.
Keep flexibility in your plan; some scenic stops may take longer than anticipated due to parking or crowding.

Overall, your itinerary is feasible and offers a great mix of coastal, forest, and alpine landscapes. Balancing your nights between Monterey and Lake Tahoe depends on whether you prioritize beaches or mountain scenery at the end of your trip. If you enjoy varied landscapes, keeping Lake Tahoe is highly recommended.