2 Week Road Trip, Advice?

Question

In August this year me and a big enough group of friends (7-10 people) are doing a road trip around California. We really dont know what to expect going into it, but we do have some sort of plan laid out . We have the locations we want to go mapped out, and a rough time schedule, but wanted to get your guys' opinion on if its feasible, potential alternative routes or things that we should change/look out for! Only real limiting factors are that we are flying out of LAX and the time span (14/15 days). We are open to booking ahead or just crashing in cheap motels/ airbnbs along the way!

Currently its looking like Fly into San Francisco, stay one night, rent car in the morning and start the Roadtrip proper ( not too concerned about seeing San Fran).

Then for the real stops .

1. Up to Lake Tahoe - 2 Nights

2. Down to Yosemite - 2 Nights

3. Through to Mammoth Lakes - 1 Night

4. Down to Vegas. - 2 Nights

5. Over to Palm Springs. - 1 Night

6. Over to San Diego. - 2 Nights

7. Up the coast to LA, ( potential overnight somewhere)

8. Finish with 2/3 nights in LA ( meeting another friend group here)

Im aware its quite optimistic, and includes a fair bit of driving, but we think itll be doable. We are open to skipping one or two stops (e.g mammoth lakes, palm springs) but still want a fairly packed itinerary. Let me know what y'all think and if you have any recommendations to make it better!

Answer

Your proposed two-week California road trip is ambitious but definitely doable with good planning. Covering diverse destinations like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego, and Los Angeles will give you a mix of mountain, desert, and coastal experiences. Since you have a large group (7-10 people), keep in mind vehicle logistics, accommodation availability, and driving stamina for longer stretches.

Here’s a detailed breakdown and some advice for each leg of your trip:

San Francisco Arrival: One night is fine if you’re not prioritizing city sightseeing. Consider staying near the airport or a central area to minimize morning traffic when picking up your rental car.
Lake Tahoe (2 Nights): Great choice for outdoor activities and lake views. Keep in mind August can be busy, so book lodging early. Consider Tahoe City or South Lake Tahoe depending on whether you want quieter or more lively areas.
Yosemite (2 Nights): Two nights gives you a good taste of the park. Make sure to secure lodging inside or near the park well in advance, as spots fill quickly. Be aware of park traffic—arriving early or late in the day can reduce congestion.
Mammoth Lakes (1 Night): Short stop, mainly for rest before heading to Vegas. If time is tight, this is an area you could skip and drive straight from Yosemite to Vegas, especially if you want to reduce multiple hotel changes.
Las Vegas (2 Nights): Two nights allows for some exploration and downtime after long mountain drives. Consider hotel deals on the Strip or nearby off-Strip options for larger groups.
Palm Springs (1 Night): A brief desert stop is doable, but keep in mind you may spend more time on the road than exploring. If you prefer more time in San Diego or LA, consider skipping this.
San Diego (2 Nights): Plenty of time for beaches, Old Town, Balboa Park, and Gaslamp Quarter. Plan the itinerary to focus on what the group enjoys most; 2 nights is ideal for a mid-trip recharge.
Coastal Drive to LA: Consider stopping in Carlsbad or Laguna Beach for an overnight if you want to break up the drive from San Diego to LA. Otherwise, the 2-3 hours drive can be done in a single stretch.
Los Angeles (2-3 Nights): Enough time to meet friends and explore neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Hollywood, or Griffith Observatory. Traffic can be heavy, so plan sightseeing with proximity in mind.

General tips and alternatives:

With 7-10 people, a single large van or two smaller SUVs is ideal. Be prepared for luggage and comfort needs.
Book key accommodations (Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Vegas) in advance, especially for a large group.
Consider skipping Mammoth Lakes or Palm Springs if you want a slightly more relaxed pace, or combine shorter stops with longer drives for a smoother rhythm.
Pack snacks, water, and some entertainment for long drives, particularly through mountain or desert stretches.
Flexible plans are key—California traffic, especially near LA and SF, can disrupt strict schedules.

Overall, your plan is feasible but will involve a fair amount of driving and tight transitions. Prioritize the stops most meaningful to the group, book the high-demand hotels early, and allow for some flexibility to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.

2 Week Road Trip, Advice?

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