Awesome 3 Days California Trip

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Awesome 3 Days California Trip: Yo you Bay Area folks or those visiting from out of state listen up! If you’re down for sick 3 day road trip through Cali I got you covered.

This itinerary is hella tight hitting up some of the dopiest spots in the Golden State. Whether you’re local or tourist this plan is guaranteed to show you bomb ass time. Let’s get this party started!

Travel Checklist for Your 3 Day California trip

1. Set Your Travel Dates

  • Choose Your Dates: Decide when you want to travel. Consider the weather and local events.
  • Check for Holidays: Avoid major holidays to skip crowds and high prices.

2. Create Your Itinerary

  • Select Destinations: Pick the cities or attractions you want to visit. Popular spots include Los Angeles San Francisco & Yosemite.
  • Plan Activities: Research activities and experiences at each location. Make list of must see attractions.

3. Book Your Accommodations

  • Choose Hotels: Look for hotels . that  fit your budget and preferences. Consider location amenities & reviews.
  • Make Reservations: Book your accommodations in advance to secure the best rates.

4. Arrange Transportation

  • Rent Car: If you’re planning to drive reserve rental car. California trip is best explored by car.
  • Check Public Transport: Research public transportation options if youre staying in city like San Francisco.

5. Pack Smart

  • Clothing: Pack layers as California trip weather can vary significantly. Include comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Essentials: Don’t forget chargers toiletries & any medications you need.
  • Swim Gear: If you’re visiting the beach pack swimwear and sunscreen.

6. Prepare Your Documents

  • ID and Travel Documents: Bring your drivers license or passport & any necessary travel documents.
  • Insurance: Consider travel insurance for peace of mind.

7. Research Dining Options

  • Make Reservations: For popular restaurants consider making reservations in advance.
  • Local Cuisine: Look up local specialties to try like clam chowder in San Francisco or tacos in Los Angeles.

8. Plan for Activities

  • Book Tours: If you want guided tours like Alcatraz or Yosemitebook them ahead of time.
  • Check Event Calendars: Look for local events or festivals happening during your visit.

9. Prepare for the Weather

  • Check the Forecast: Look up the weather in your chosen destinations before packing.
  • Pack Accordingly: Bring an umbrella or jacket if rain is expected.

10. Stay Connected

  • Mobile Plan: Ensure your mobile plan covers California trip or consider getting local SIM card.
  • Download Apps: Install useful travel apps for navigation dining & local attractions.

11. Budget Your Trip

  • Set Budget: Determine how much you want to spend on accommodations food activities & transportation.
  • Track Expenses: Use an app or simple spreadsheet to keep track of your spending.

12. Safety Precautions

  • Emergency Contacts: Keep list of emergency contacts and local emergency numbers.
  • Health Precautions: Bring small first aid kit and any necessary health items.

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Day 1: Explore the Bay Areas Finest

Start Your Day at the Golden Gate Bridge

First stop the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This red beauty is must see for any visitor. Park at the Vista Point on the north side of the bridge for some killer views and photo ops. Don’t forget to bring jacket cause it can get chilly up there. Address: Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco CA 94129 Phone: 415921 5858

Cruise Through Fisherman’s Wharf

Next head to Fisherman’s Wharf classic SF spot. Grab some clam chowder in sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery or Pier 39. Walk off those carbs by exploring the shops and street performers. If you’re feeling adventurous book tour to Alcatraz or bay cruise.Address: Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco CA 94133 Phone: 415673 3000

Lunch at the Ferry Building Marketplace

For lunch hit up the Ferry Building Marketplace. This place is foodies paradise with tons of specialty food shops restaurants & farmers market on Saturdays. Grab bite at one of the many eateries or pick up some gourmet goodies to take home.Address: Ferry Building San Francisco CA 94111 Phone: 415983 8030

Afternoon in Golden Gate Park

Spend your afternoon exploring Golden Gate Park. This urban oasis is huge so pick few spots to visit. Check out the Japanese Garden the de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences. Don’t miss the bison paddock where you can see real life bison roaming around.Address: Golden Gate Park San Francisco CA 94122 Phone: 415831 2700

Dinner in the Mission District

For dinner head to the Mission District lively neighborhood known for its awesome Mexican food. Grab some killer tacos at La Taqueria or Mission Beach Cafe. If you’re feeling fancy try Delfina for some top notch Italian.Address: Mission District San Francisco CA 94110

Day 2: Hit the Road to Santa Barbara

Start Your Day in Carmel by the Sea

Rise and shine its road trip time! Head down the coast to Carmel by the Sea charming little town with European vibe. Stroll through the quaint streets pop into the art galleries & grab coffee at one of the cute cafes. Address: Carmel by the Sea CA 93921 Phone: 831620 2000

Lunch in Solvang

Next drive to Solvang Danish themed town . that s straight up adorable. Grab some Danish pastries at one of the many bakeries or hearty lunch at one of the restaurants. Don’t forget to check out the windmills and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.Address: Solvang CA 93463 Phone: 805688 6144

Arrive in Santa Barbara

Finish your drive in Santa Barbara beautiful city known as the American Riviera. Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Address: Santa Barbara CA 93101 Phone: 805965 3021

Dinner and Drinks in Santa Barbara

For dinner head to State Street the main drag in downtown Santa Barbara. There are tons of great restaurants and bars to choose from. Try Opal Restaurant & Bar for some upscale California cuisine or The Lark for more casual vibe. Cap off your night with nightcap at one of the many bars or clubs.Address: State Street Santa Barbara CA 93101

Day 3: Explore the Central Coast

Start Your Day at Stearns Wharf

Begin your day at Stearns Wharf historic pier in Santa Barbara. Grab breakfast at one of the restaurants or shops and take in the views of the harbor and the mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous book whale watching tour or kayak rental.Address: Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara CA 93101 Phone: 805966 4700

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission

Next head to the Santa Barbara Mission beautiful Spanish colonial style church . that  dates back to the 18th century. Take tour of the mission and the gardens & learn about the history of the area.Address: Santa Barbara Mission 2201 Laguna St Santa Barbara CA 93105 Phone: 805682 4713

Lunch in Morro Bay

After your morning in Santa Barbara drive up the coast to Morro Bay charming fishing town known for its iconic rock formation. Grab lunch at one of the seafood restaurants on the Embarcadero like The Galley or Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe.Address: Morro Bay CA 93442 Phone: 805772 6707

Explore Hearst Castle

End your day with visit to Hearst Castle grand estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Take tour of the castle and the gardens & learn about the history of this fascinating place.Address: Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Rd San Simeon CA 93452 Phone: 800444 4445

Dinner in San Luis Obispo

For your final dinner head to San Luis Obispo lively college town with great food scene. Try Novo Restaurant & Lounge for some farm to table California cuisine or Firestone Grill for some killer BBQ.Address: San Luis Obispo CA 93401 Phone: 805781 7120

Where to Stay

San Francisco

  • Hotel Zetta San Francisco
  • Address: 55 5th St San Francisco CA 94103
  • Phone: 415543 8555
  • Hotel Vitale
  • Address: 8 Mission St San Francisco CA 94105
  • Phone: 415278 3700

Santa Barbara

  • The Wayfarer Santa Barbara
  • Address: 12 E Montecito St Santa Barbara CA 93101
  • Phone: 805845 1000
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
  • Address: 202 W Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara CA 93101
  • Phone: 805965 4577

San Luis Obispo

  • The Kinney SLO
  • Address: 1800 Monterey St San Luis Obispo CA 93401
  • Phone: 805544 8600
  • Madonna Inn
  • Address: 100 Madonna Rd San Luis Obispo CA 93405
  • Phone: 805543 3000

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Where to Eat

San Francisco

  • Boudin Bakery
  • Address: 160 Jefferson St San Francisco CA 94133
  • Phone: 415351 5561
  • Delfina
  • Address: 3621 18th St San Francisco CA 94110
  • Phone: 415552 4055

Santa Barbara

  • Opal Restaurant & Bar
  • Address: 1325 State St Santa Barbara CA 93101
  • Phone: 805966 9676
  • The Lark
  • Address: 131 Anacapa St Santa Barbara CA 93101
  • Phone: 805284 0370

Morro Bay

  • The Galley
  • Address: 833 Embarcadero Morro Bay CA 93442
  • Phone: 805772 2123
  • Dorns Original Breakers Cafe
  • Address: 701 Embarcadero Morro Bay CA 93442
  • Phone: 805772 4415

San Luis Obispo

  • Novo Restaurant & Lounge
  • Address: 726 Higuera St San Luis Obispo CA 93401
  • Phone: 805543 3986
  • Firestone Grill
  • Address: 1001 Higuera St San Luis Obispo CA 93401
  • Phone: 805783 1001

There you have it fam! hella tight 3 day road trip through some of the dopest spots in Cali. From the Bay Area to the Central Coast this itinerary is guaranteed to show you good time. Whether you’re local or tourist. this plan is sure to leave you with some killer memories. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the Golden State!

 

 

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