5-6 Days trip

Question

Hi I'm planning to go to California with family 5-6 days. Not confirmed. However this is my 1st trip to Cali. Want to visit the must places like Golden Gate, Yosemite Falls, Silicon Valley and the Tall trees. would like to get suggestion on the best route to take. I'm flying from Dallas, TX. so looking to see the best route to cover these places.

Thanks in Advance

Answer

For a 5-6 day first-time trip to California covering San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Yosemite, and the giant trees, you can plan a route that balances driving time with sightseeing. Flying into San Francisco from Dallas makes sense as your starting point.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco (SFO or Oakland).
Check into a hotel near downtown or Fisherman’s Wharf for convenience.
Explore nearby attractions if time allows: Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, Pier 39, or a short cable car ride.

Day 2 – San Francisco sightseeing

Golden Gate Bridge – walk or bike across.
Alcatraz Island tour (book tickets in advance).
Explore neighborhoods: Chinatown, North Beach, or Mission District.
Optional evening activity: sunset from Twin Peaks or Marina District.

Day 3 – Silicon Valley / San Jose / Palo Alto

Drive south from San Francisco to Silicon Valley (about 1 hour).
Visit Stanford University campus, Apple Park Visitor Center, and Googleplex area.
Optional: Tech museums like The Tech Interactive in San Jose.
Stay overnight in the San Jose or Palo Alto area.

Day 4 – Drive to Yosemite National Park

Start early for the drive to Yosemite (about 4-5 hours from San Jose area).
Enter via Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock Entrance.
Check into Yosemite Valley Lodge or nearby accommodation.
Afternoon/evening: short walks to Lower Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Fall for photography and orientation.

Day 5 – Yosemite National Park

Visit Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point (if accessible), and Tunnel View for iconic photography spots.
Optional easy hikes: Mirror Lake, Cook’s Meadow Loop, or Bridalveil Fall.
Evening: relax at lodge or do a short nature walk.

Day 6 – Giant Trees & Return

Morning: drive to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (allow 2-3 hours for walking and exploration).
Begin return drive toward San Francisco if flying out, or consider an overnight stop en route depending on flight schedule.

Additional Tips:

Book Yosemite accommodation well in advance; summer fills up fast.
Consider renting a car at SFO with GPS for flexibility.
Pack layers as San Francisco can be cool, and Yosemite can be warm during the day but chilly in the mornings/evenings.
Prioritize sights if pressed for time; iconic spots like Golden Gate, Yosemite Falls, and Mariposa Grove should not be missed.

This route maximizes time in each area without overly long drives and allows for a balance of sightseeing, easy hikes, and iconic experiences for a first-time California visitor.

5-6 Days trip

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