Ultimate 9-Day California Road Trip Itinerary: San Francisco, Yosemite & Sonoma Wine Country

Planning your dream California road trip itinerary and not sure where to start? You’re in the right place!

California is one of the most iconic road trip destinations in the U.S.—a place where you can stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, hike past roaring waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, and end the day sipping wine as the sun sets over rolling vineyard hills in Sonoma County.

When Tim and I were invited to our friends’ wedding in Petaluma in June, we decided to turn the trip into something unforgettable—the ultimate California road trip adventure!

With a few insider tips from our friends who live in San Francisco, we mapped out a 9-day route from the coast to the mountains and back again.

From Golden Gate Bridge views to epic Yosemite hikes and wedding celebrations under twinkling string lights, this itinerary was the perfect mix of city energy, outdoor adventure, and laid-back wine country charm—and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Whether you’re planning your own California road trip itinerary, adding this route to a longer West Coast road trip itinerary, or pairing it with time in Southern California or Oregon, this guide covers everything you need: where to stay, what to see, and insider tips to make the most of your journey.

Now, let’s hit the road! 🚗

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick look at our 9-day California road trip route:

📍 San Francisco → Yosemite National Park → Petaluma → back to San Francisco

This loop is perfect for first-timers—it covers some of Northern California’s most iconic highlights, as well as the Sierra Nevada, without spending all day behind the wheel.

The approximate driving distances are as follows:

🚗 San Francisco → Yosemite Valley: ~4 hours
🚗 Yosemite Valley → Petaluma: ~3.5 hours
🚗 Petaluma → San Francisco International Airport (SFO): ~1 hour

🗺️ Explore the interactive map below to visualize the route and key stops along the way.

A Broad Recommendation: Download offline Google Maps before hitting the road—cell service is almost nonexistent in Yosemite National Park. Also, gas up before entering the park or any long stretches of Highway 120.

Our 9-day California road trip itinerary included three days exploring San Francisco, three days hiking our way through Yosemite National Park, and three days celebrating our friends’ wedding in Petaluma.

Each stop offered something totally different:

• ✨ San Francisco for iconic landmarks and coastal charm,
• 🏞️ Yosemite National Park for bucket-list hikes and epic viewpoints, and
• 🍷 Petaluma for local brews, wine country flavors, and small-town hospitality.

Here’s a quick overview of how we spent 9 days exploring Northern California and the Sierra Nevada:

If you have extra time, you can easily extend this route into a 2-week California road trip by adding Highway 1, Napa Valley, Los Angeles, or Southern California beaches.

Keep reading for my best planning tips, including when to visit, how to get around, and what to pack!

Planning a California road trip can feel overwhelming—there’s just so much to see, and it’s easy to want to do it all!

From coastal highways and redwood forests to national parks and wine country, California’s diversity is what makes it such an incredible place to explore.

The key is choosing how much time you have and focusing on a few regions that really speak to you.

For us, this 9-day California road trip struck the perfect balance: three days in the city, three in the mountains, and three soaking up wine country charm.

Here are a few essential tips to help you plan your own unforgettable California road trip:

When planning your California road trip itinerary, your starting point will depend on which part of the state you want to explore—and how much time you have.

Most travelers begin in one of three major cities:

• ✈️ San Francisco (SFO): Best for exploring Northern California highlights like Yosemite, Napa, and the Pacific Coast Highway north.
• 🌆 Los Angeles (LAX): Ideal if you want to drive Highway 1 north toward Big Sur and San Francisco (note that the section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is currently closed due to landslides, but it’s set to reopen in March 2026).
• 🌴 San Diego (SAN): Perfect for a Pacific Coast drive, heading north through SoCal beaches and coastal towns.

For our 9-day itinerary, starting and ending in San Francisco made the most sense. It allowed us to create a scenic, manageable loop from the coast to the mountains and back through wine country.

A Broad Recommendation: Have more time? Consider a one-way road trip between San Diego and San Francisco—or even continue north into Oregon or Washington for a full West Coast adventure!

California is a year-round destination, but for fewer crowds and still-great weather, I recommend planning your California road trip between mid-May and early October.

• ☀️ Summer (June–August): Long days, sunny skies, and ideal weather—but also peak season for Yosemite (arrive early for parking!).
• 🍂 Fall (September–October): Grape harvest in wine country, crisp mornings in Yosemite, and fewer tourists overall.
• 🌸 Spring (April–May): Wildflowers, waterfalls at their peak, and comfortable temps in Yosemite.
• ❄️ Winter (November–March): Great deals and cozy vibes in San Francisco and Petaluma, though some higher-elevation areas of Yosemite may be snowy or closed.

We visited in late June, and it was perfect—clear skies in San Francisco, roaring waterfalls in Yosemite, and sunny afternoons in Petaluma.

Driving is hands down the best way to experience California—it gives you the freedom to chase spontaneous viewpoints, stop at roadside farm stands, and take those scenic detours you’ll remember long after the trip.

For this itinerary, a rental car is essential. Public transportation works well within major cities like San Francisco, but it won’t get you to Yosemite’s trailheads, remote overlooks, or wineries tucked into Sonoma’s backroads.

We rented with Fox Rent A Car via Expedia, and it worked out perfectly for our 9-day trip. Car rental prices can spike during the summer and holidays, so it’s worth booking early for the best rates and availability.

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re heading into Yosemite, a higher-clearance vehicle (SUV) is nice to have, though not required. Some trailhead parking lots can be bumpy and dusty.

We spent roughly $700 on our 9-day car rental, around $200 per night on hotels, and about $50–$70 per day on meals, coffee, and activities.

Of course, prices vary by season, but budgeting around $300–$350 per day (for two people) is a comfortable estimate for a mid-range California road trip.

With a little planning, it’s easy to balance splurges (like a waterfront dinner in San Francisco or wine tasting in Petaluma) with budget-friendly options such as picnics in Yosemite or local farmers’ markets.

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re looking to save, visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall), book hotels early, and use apps like Rakuten or Hotels.com for cashback and rewards on stays.

Before hitting the road, here are a few must-haves for your California road trip adventure:

• Reusable water bottles: We each carried at least 3 liters a day for Yosemite hikes.
• A small cooler or insulated lunch bag: Perfect for picnics and keeping food and drinks cold between stops.
• Layers: Even in summer, mornings in San Francisco can be chilly and Yosemite evenings can cool off fast.
• Portable charger or power bank: You’ll use your phone constantly for photos, GPS, and playlists.
• National Park Pass: The America the Beautiful Pass is worth it if you’re visiting multiple parks.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF: That California sun is no joke!
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots: You’ll cover a lot of ground—from city sidewalks to park trails.
• Reusable tote or grocery bag: Handy for farmers’ markets and eco-friendly shopping.
• Travel snacks: We packed trail mix, fruit, and energy bars for long drives and hikes.

👉 Check out my complete hiking packing list here for everything I bring on hiking adventures + some extras that always come in handy!

Here’s the exact 9-day California road trip itinerary we followed, starting in San Francisco, exploring Yosemite National Park, and ending with a wedding weekend in Petaluma.

Our California road trip itinerary began in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities on the West Coast—right up there with Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington.

Famous for its steep hills, colorful neighborhoods, and sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, San Francisco is the perfect starting point for a Northern California road trip. It’s a city that blends culture, coastline, and a little chaos in the best way possible.

With just three days, we focused on a mix of iconic landmarks and local favorites—the best way to experience the city like both a first-time visitor and a local.

• Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Pick up rental car
• Lunch at WenChang Dumpling Restaurant
• Hike the Lands End Trail & visit Sutro Baths
• Dinner at Boudin Bakery (hello, clam chowder bread bowl!)
• Free wine at The Andrews Hotel
• Optional: Sunset at Sutro Baths or Ocean Beach

After a morning flight into SFO, we started our day with dumplings in the Richmond District and a breezy hike along the Lands End Trail—my favorite spot for Golden Gate Bridge views away from the crowds.

We ended the day with warm chowder and sourdough at Boudin Bakery, followed by a cozy evening glass of wine back at our hotel.

• Breakfast at hotel
• People watch at Union Square
• Ride the Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf
• Lunch + Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista
• Pit stop at Ghirardelli Square
• Browse the Fort Mason Farmers’ Market
• Stroll through the Marina District
• Admire the Palace of Fine Arts
• Golden Gate views from Crissy Field
• Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant
• See the infamous Sea Lions at Pier 39
• Wander through Chinatown + stop at the Kobe Mural
• Gelato at Amorino Gelato (the same place we tried in Nice, France!)

Our second day was all about San Francisco’s classic sights.

We rode the city’s historic cable car down to the waterfront, sipped world-famous Irish coffees at The Buena Vista, and spent the afternoon exploring the Marina District and Crissy Field—where the Golden Gate views never disappoint.

After a seafood dinner at Scoma’s, we visited the infamous Pier 39 to see the city’s most entertaining residents—the adorable sea lions that flop around the docks here, then wandered Chinatown, ending the night with a sweet gelato treat.

• Breakfast at hotel
• Photos of the Painted Ladies from Alamo Square
• Ride in a Waymo (this was a first for us!)
• Brunch at The New Spot on Polk
• Browse Russian Hill Bookstore
• Coffee at Saint Frank Coffee
• Drive to Yosemite National Park (4 hours)

We spent our final morning exploring San Francisco’s quieter side.

After admiring the famous Painted Ladies, we grabbed brunch at The New Spot on Polk with our local friends, browsed Russian Hill Bookstore, and fueled up with coffee from Saint Frank before hitting the road toward Yosemite National Park.

San Francisco is definitely one of those cities that never gets old—whether it’s your first visit or your fifth!

The combination of iconic views, historic charm, and coastal trails makes it the perfect start to any California road trip itinerary.

🏨 Where to Stay: We stayed at The Andrews Hotel, a cozy boutique hotel near Union Square that offers free evening wine for guests—such a fun perk after a day of exploring! The location is super central, perfect for hopping on a cable car or walking to dinner.

👉 Read my full 3-day San Francisco itinerary for restaurant picks, trail tips, and travel advice.

After three exciting days in the city, we traded San Francisco’s skyline for granite cliffs, giant waterfalls, and forest air in Yosemite National Park—one of the most breathtaking stops on any California road trip itinerary.

It’s hard to describe Yosemite without using words like epic or jaw-dropping—and honestly, they all apply. Between the thunderous waterfalls, iconic viewpoints, and unforgettable hiking trails, it’s a true bucket-list destination.

We spent three full days here, which was the perfect amount of time to hike, explore, and still have some quieter moments to just soak it all in.

• Park at Yosemite Valley Trailhead Lot
• Full-day hike: Mist Trail → Panorama Trail → Four Mile Trail (including Glacier Point)
• Dinner at Taqueria @ Meadow Grill
• Optional: Sunset at Sentinel Bridge

We kicked off our Yosemite adventure with one of the most epic hikes in the park—a full-day combo route linking the Mist Trail, Panorama Trail, and Four Mile Trail.

This loop packs in roaring waterfalls (in June), sweeping views of Half Dome, and the iconic overlook from Glacier Point.

After nearly 16 miles on our feet, tacos at Taqueria @ Meadow Grill tasted like heaven!

If you still have energy, stay for sunset at Sentinel Bridge—the reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River is postcard-perfect.

• Scenic overlooks & pull-offs along Big Oak Flat Road
• Short hike: Bridalveil Fall Trail
• Picnic lunch at Swinging Bridge
• Explore Yosemite Village: Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite Museum, & Yosemite Cemetery
• Optional: Mirror Lake Trail
• Short walk: Lower Yosemite Falls Viewpoint
• Dinner at Degnan’s Kitchen
• Sunset at Valley View

After the long hike on day 4, we opted for a slower pace—chasing waterfalls and soaking in Yosemite Valley.

Bridalveil Fall was flowing beautifully, and our riverside picnic at Swinging Bridge was one of the most relaxing moments of our trip.

We spent the afternoon exploring Yosemite Village, checking out the art and history exhibits, and watching the light change across the valley.

If you only catch one sunset in Yosemite, make it Valley View—the reflection of El Capitan in the river is unreal.

• Morning hike: Taft Point Trail
• Picnic lunch between hikes
• Afternoon hike: Sentinel Dome Trail
• Optional: McGurk Meadow Trail or Mono Meadow Trail
• Early dinner at the Village Grill
• Evening walk: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (we saw a bear here! 🐻)
• Final sunset at Tunnel View

We wrapped up our Yosemite visit with two shorter trails that offered some of the best views in the park—Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.

From dramatic cliffs to 360° panoramas of Yosemite Valley, it was the perfect finale to our national park adventure!

On our final evening, we revisited Lower Yosemite Falls and had a surprise bear sighting (from a safe distance!).

Then, we watched the sunset glow over Tunnel View—an unforgettable goodbye to one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Yosemite was easily the highlight of our 9-day California road trip—a reminder of how awe-inspiring nature can be.

🏨 Where to Stay: We stayed at Yosemite Westgate Lodge, a budget-friendly option about 1 hour from the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Lodging inside Yosemite books up fast, so reserve early! If the park lodges are full, nearby El Portal and Groveland have good options just outside the gates.

👉 Read my full 3-day Yosemite itinerary for first-time visitors for detailed trail tips, packing lists, and hiking recommendations.

After three days of hiking boots and mountain air, we swapped national park views for vineyard sunsets, local breweries, and wedding celebrations in Petaluma—the perfect ending to our California road trip itinerary!

Nestled in Sonoma County, this charming town is known for its craft beer, farm-to-table food, and wine country vibes without the Napa crowds.

For us, it was extra special, since we were here to celebrate our friends’ wedding at a stunning vineyard estate.

Even if you’re not attending a wedding, Petaluma makes a great stop for a Northern California weekend getaway or wine country road trip.

• Breakfast & coffee at Mountain Sage Coffee
• Drive from Yosemite to Petaluma (3.5 hours)
• Afternoon beers & lunch at Lagunitas Brewing Company
• Evening welcome drinks at The Block Petaluma

After a scenic drive through rolling hills and golden countryside, we arrived in Petaluma and kicked off the weekend at Lagunitas Brewing Company—a local favorite with great vibes and even better beer.

That evening, we joined friends for welcome drinks at The Block, a lively outdoor beer garden and food truck park downtown.

• Brunch at Brewster’s Beer Garden
• Wedding at Olympia’s Valley Estate (a gorgeous vineyard venue)

We started our second day in Petaluma with bottomless mimosas and California sunshine at Brewster’s Beer Garden, followed by one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve ever attended. 

Olympia’s Valley Estate is straight out of a fairytale, and it was so much fun celebrating the newlyweds and dancing the night away with old friends!

👉 Though we didn’t have time to do any ourselves, you may be interested in some of these Sonoma County wine tours for your visit to Petaluma!

If you have more time, this 9-day itinerary can easily be expanded into a 2-week California road trip (or longer!).

One of my favorite things about California is how seamlessly its landscapes shift—from rugged coastlines and towering redwood forests to vineyard valleys and sun-soaked beaches.

Here are some of the best California road trip extensions (and nearby add-ons) to inspire your next adventure:

For many travelers, driving along the California Coast is the ultimate bucket-list experience—and for good reason.

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles (and beyond).

Highlights include:

• Half Moon Bay: the perfect first coastal stop after leaving San Francisco.
• Santa Cruz: surfer vibes, boardwalks, and oceanfront cafes.
• Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: home to 17-Mile Drive, sea otters, and lots of coastal charm.
• Big Sur: iconic views at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.
• Morro Bay: laid-back coastal town with great seafood and kayaking.

Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are perfect for a California wine country weekend.

Spend your days sipping Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at world-class vineyards or enjoying farm-to-table dining in towns like Healdsburg, Calistoga, and Glen Ellen.

For something more laid-back, Sonoma County (especially Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa) offers a charming, less-crowded alternative to Napa—without sacrificing world-class wine.

If you’re craving more nature and small-town charm, head north into Mendocino, the Redwoods, and onward to Oregon.

Here’s a suggested route:

• Mendocino Coast: cliffs, lighthouses, and redwood forests.
• Redwood National & State Parks: walk among the tallest trees on Earth.
• Southern Oregon Coast: quiet beaches and rugged sea stacks near Coos Bay.
• Willamette Valley Wine Country: home to Dundee Hills, one of my favorite wine regions in the U.S.
• Portland, Oregon: quirky cafes, street art, and one of the best food scenes.

👉 Read on to learn how to explore Western Oregon in one week!

Prefer sunshine and surf? Drive south from San Francisco or Los Angeles to soak up that classic SoCal energy.

Can’t miss stops include:

• Los Angeles: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Hollywood.
• Malibu: ocean views, coastal drives, and fresh seafood.
• Westlake Village: peaceful retreat between L.A. and wine country.
• San Diego: tacos, tide pools, and laid-back surf culture.

This region is ideal for year-round travel and makes a great pairing with Northern California if you’re planning a full California road trip itinerary from San Francisco to San Diego.

If you’re up for a bigger adventure, extend your trip beyond California:

• Pacific Northwest: combine your California route with stops in Portland, Seattle, or the Olympic Peninsula.
• Seattle to Austin: follow Candace’s cross-country route through Berkeley, Riverside, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
• Utah Mighty Five Itinerary: continue east for an epic national parks road trip through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Whether you add a few coastal towns, a weekend in wine country, or a detour into Oregon, California makes the perfect jumping-off point for countless West Coast adventures.

A Broad Takeaway: No matter where your California road trip takes you next, every turn brings something new and another reason to fall in love with the Golden State.

Before you hit the road, here are a few of my tried-and-true travel tips to help make your California road trip itinerary as smooth (and fun!) as possible.

Whether you’re exploring the coast, heading inland to Yosemite, or wine tasting in Sonoma, a little planning goes a long way.

Hotels in popular destinations like Yosemite National Park and San Francisco book up months in advance, especially in summer.

Reserve park entry permits, accommodations, and rental cars early to avoid high prices and limited options.

A Broad Recommendation: If you plan to visit Yosemite between mid-June and August, you’ll need a timed-entry reservation. Check out my 3-Day Yosemite Itinerary for details on how that system works!

California weather can change dramatically depending on where you are.

Expect cool, breezy mornings in San Francisco, warm sunshine in Yosemite Valley, and mild evenings in Petaluma and wine country.

Layers are key—pack a mix of lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, a cozy jacket, and a hat or beanie for those early morning hikes or sunset views.

Food options inside Yosemite National Park are limited and often pricey, so plan ahead.

We picked up groceries, snacks, and picnic essentials in Groveland before heading into the park—perfect for trail lunches and quick meals between hikes.

A soft-sided cooler (like this RTIC one) comes in handy for storing sandwiches, fruit, and drinks during long driving days.

Cell service drops frequently once you leave the major cities, especially in Yosemite and along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Download Google Maps offline or use apps like AllTrails for hiking routes. This will save you from missing turns—or viewpoints!—when you’re out of range.

Gas stations are few and far between in some parts of the state, especially near national parks and remote coastal stretches.

Fill up when you can, keep a reusable water bottle handy, and plan rest stops around scenic overlooks whenever possible.

California’s natural beauty is part of what makes it such an incredible road trip destination—so please, do your part to protect it.

Stay on marked trails, pack out your trash, and keep your distance from wildlife (even if it’s a cute bear like the one we saw on our Lower Yosemite Fall hike 🐻).

When exploring small towns and wine country, shop and dine local whenever you can—those small businesses make every stop more special.

Some of the best moments happen when you’re not rushing from one stop to the next.

Leave room for spontaneity—whether that’s an unplanned detour along Highway 1, a roadside farmers’ market, or an extra glass of wine at sunset in Petaluma.

A Broad Takeaway: A California road trip is about balance—the thrill of new adventures, the peace of coastal sunsets, and everything in between. With a flexible mindset, a solid plan, and a good playlist, you’ll be ready for the road trip of a lifetime.

Still have a few questions while planning your own California road trip itinerary?

Below are some common questions, based on our own 9-day adventure from San Francisco to Yosemite to Petaluma (and beyond!).

I recommend at least 7–10 days to experience California’s highlights.

Our 9-day itinerary covered San Francisco, Yosemite, and Sonoma wine country—perfect for a first-time trip without feeling rushed.

If you have extra time, consider extending to 2 weeks to include Highway 1, Big Sur, or Southern California.

The best time to visit is May through October, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the waterfalls are flowing in Yosemite.

We went in late June, which meant perfect hiking temps and long summer days for exploring San Francisco and wine country.

If it’s your first California road trip, I’d start with the San Francisco → Yosemite → Petaluma loop—it’s more manageable and offers incredible variety.

Save Highway 1 for your next California coast road trip—it deserves at least 3–5 days on its own so you can fully enjoy Big Sur, Monterey, and the coastal views.

Yes—having a rental car is essential for this itinerary.

Public transit works well within San Francisco, but you’ll need your own wheels for Yosemite, Petaluma, and any stops in between.

We rented through Fox Rent A Car via Expedia for around $700 for 9 days, which worked perfectly for us.

For our 9-day trip, we spent approximately:

• $700 on a car rental
• $200/night on hotels
• $50–$70/day on meals and activities

Prices vary by season and location, but budgeting around $300–$350 per day, per couple is a safe estimate for a comfortable, mid-range trip.

Yes—if you’re visiting between mid-June and August, you’ll need a timed-entry reservation to drive into the park.

You can reserve your spot at Recreation.gov. I explain exactly how the system works in my 3-Day Yosemite Itinerary for First-Time Visitors.

We loved staying at Hotel Petaluma, a historic boutique hotel right downtown—within walking distance of breweries, restaurants, and the riverfront.

If you want to splurge, check out Healdsburg or Sonoma for vineyard stays and spa retreats.

A Broad Takeaway: Whether you’re hiking under Yosemite’s granite cliffs, sipping Chardonnay in Sonoma, or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, a California road trip is pure magic—equal parts adventure and relaxation.

Our 9-day California road trip was everything we hoped for—a perfect blend of adventure, celebration, and those little serendipitous moments that make travel so special.

From walking the coastal cliffs of San Francisco to hiking Yosemite’s iconic trails and ending with vineyard sunsets and wedding celebrations in Petaluma, this itinerary truly captured the spirit of Northern California and the Sierra Nevada.

Each destination offered something unique:

• ✨ San Francisco dazzled us with culture, cuisine, and those can’t-miss Golden Gate views.
• 🏞 Yosemite National Park reminded us of nature’s power and beauty (and gave us one unforgettable bear encounter!).
• 🍷 Petaluma wrapped it all up with laughter, love, and local flavor.

Whether you’re planning your first Northern California road trip, adding on Highway 1, or heading further south into Los Angeles, Malibu, or San Diego, you really can’t go wrong.

California has a way of staying with you—the smell of the ocean, the sound of the wind through the redwoods, and the glow of a Yosemite sunset.

So, grab your travel buddy, pack your layers, and hit the road. You never know what magic you’ll find along the way!

💬 Have you done a California road trip? I’d love to hear your favorite stops (or which ones are still on your bucket list!) in the comments below.

Looking for more epic road trip ideas? Check out these next:

• How to Explore Western Oregon in One Week
• West Coast Road Trip From Seattle to Austin
• Utah Mighty Five Itinerary: How to Visit All 5 Utah National Parks in One Trip
• How To Plan an Unforgettable 10-Day Iceland Road Trip

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads