Road trip planned itinerary

Question

Have booked flights to San Francisco from London. Dates 1-18 May. Itinerary is as below. Before I start booking hotels how does it sound, bearing in mind visited California before but not at this time of year:

3 nights San Francisco

2 nights oakhurst to visit Yosemite

1 night Three Rivers to visit sequoia and kings canyon

2 nights Palm springs

3 nights San Diego

3 nights Anaheim

1 night somewhere near Hearst castle

2 nights Monterey Carmel area

Any ideas welcome

Answer

Your planned California road trip itinerary from May 1–18 covers many highlights and looks well-paced overall. May is generally a good time for this route: spring weather is warming up, wildflowers may be in bloom in some areas, and most mountain roads, including Tioga Pass in Yosemite, are typically open.

Here’s a breakdown of your itinerary with some observations and suggestions:

San Francisco – 3 nights: Plenty of time to explore the city, Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and nearby Marin or Sausalito. Weather may still be cool and breezy, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Oakhurst (Yosemite) – 2 nights: Good choice for accessing Yosemite’s south entrance. Two nights allow a full day in Yosemite Valley. In May, waterfalls are typically at their peak from snowmelt.
Three Rivers (Sequoia/Kings Canyon) – 1 night: One night is tight but doable. Consider entering Sequoia NP early to maximize time with the giant trees and general scenic views. If possible, an early start from Oakhurst can give you more time in the parks.
Palm Springs – 2 nights: Good balance. Spring temperatures are very pleasant compared to summer, and you’ll have time to enjoy pools, mid-century architecture, and surrounding desert drives or hikes.
San Diego – 3 nights: Plenty of time to explore Balboa Park, La Jolla, beaches, Old Town, and possibly a day trip to Coronado or Torrey Pines. Three nights is ideal to avoid rushing.
Anaheim – 3 nights: Sufficient time if you plan on visiting Disneyland/California Adventure and relaxing. May can be busy with spring break or early summer visitors, so book tickets in advance.
Near Hearst Castle – 1 night: One night is sufficient, though driving from Anaheim may take a full day. Ensure you allow time for the scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive, perhaps stopping at Pismo Beach or Morro Bay.
Monterey/Carmel area – 2 nights: Enough to enjoy the coastline, 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Carmel village, and perhaps Big Sur if desired. Weather is mild but may be foggy along the coast in mornings.

General advice:

Check for road closures along mountain passes (Yosemite, Sequoia) and coastal routes (Pacific Coast Highway) before booking.
Book accommodations as early as possible, especially in popular tourist towns like Monterey, San Francisco, and Anaheim.
Consider whether 1 night near Hearst Castle is feasible given driving distances—breaking up the drive may be less stressful.
Spring weather can vary: pack layers for cool mornings/evenings and occasional rain, especially in northern CA.
If time allows, consider slight adjustments to reduce very long driving days (e.g., splitting the Anaheim to Hearst Castle drive over two days).

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but doable for a first-time May visit. The mix of city, national parks, desert, and coastal areas gives a comprehensive California experience. Just be mindful of driving times and road conditions in mountainous or coastal areas.

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