5-Day Authenteco Travel California Adventure Itinerary
California's infamous Pacific Coast Highway is a playground for children and adults alike. From the 300 foot tall redwoods to the sandy beaches, secret coves, and endless parks for hiking and camping.
It might seem as though lots of fun and gorgeous views are the only option… and you’re probably right!
If you choose to take a trip to California, get ready for stunning state parks, waterfalls, and quirky Route 1 stops! Most importantly, get ready to do this the green way.
When we travel to faraway destinations, the activities we participate in usually have the greatest effect on the local environment, culture, and population. You'll eat at restaurants that source their food locally, drink organically grown wines, and check out some secret off-the-beaten-path locations. It's so hard to avoid the crowds these days-but rest assured this California itinerary will make you feel like a local.
By traveling in California with us, you're contributing to sustainable tourism! You'll explore the quaint towns of the rugged coast south of San Francisco, dive into the bottom of Silicon Valley, and wrap up in Yosemite National Park. And you'll do this all while staying away from all the tourists!
*** It is important to remember that we customize every itinerary based on our extensive travel surveys, the weather, availability, trip reason, etc. This itinerary should be a general guide to what a 5- day Authenteco Travel vacation in California COULD look like! For all trip inquiries, submit your trip request here, and we would love to help you plan your perfect vacation!
Founder & CEO, Shelby, enjoying her first visit to Yosemite National Park
California Day 1
You will arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO) today and once you grab your bags, it’s time to make your way to the Car Rental where you will pick up your wheels for the next few days.
Now that you've got your sick whip it's time to head towards your first destination, Carmel by the Sea. Enjoy the night time city views as you depart San Francisco and take Route 1 2 hours south through Santa Cruz, and Monterey to the quaint town of Carmel by the Sea- a place where ‘experiences’ is the the main goal.
The unique community of Carmel by the Sea is like a diamond: multifaceted and rare. Lying on a gently rising slope above a magnificent white beach, the village is carefully tucked away, off Highway One between the famous Pebble Beach and stunning beauty of Point Lobos State Reserve. It's a small beach town that feels more like a fairytale neighborhood .
While you could spend your entire weekend getting lost in their art galleries, tasting rooms, and great outdoors- we've got you here just for the night… in a very quaint lodge that you will just love.
Shelby exploring the California coast
California Day 2
We promise that 2-hour drive last night from San Fran to Carmel by the sea will be 100% worth it today!
You're going to explore the infamous Big Sur region today; California's rugged coast along State Highway 1 which is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway in the South or the Cabrillo highway between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco further north.
You'll wake up to the quaint fairytale cottage town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and go out for breakfast in one of our top recommended places (on your Google Maps).
When you book with us, you’re rarely left to your own devices (because you booked a stress-free vacation!). We have your route around Big Sur planned out today, including all the top things that aren’t to be missed, the best places to eat, where to take the best photos, and so much more!
Tonight you will check into one of the most stunning places! A private glamping setup, but we’re keeping where a secret. Let’s just say… you won’t be disappointed with this!
California Day 3
Begin your morning waking up in your gorgeous glamping site!
You'll have everything you need to camp in luxury on this beautiful 50-acre property nestled in Morgan Hill, California. After making a tasty farm-fresh breakfast, you have lots of options for this morning depending on you you're feeling. You can drop into a crossfit class at 9 am, do yoga at the local winery with a tasting after, or go check out the Morgan Hill Farmer's Market (we highly recommend this option). If you're feeling even more adventurous- we recommend hitting one of the beaches on your google map, trekking over to San Jose to explore more, or renting a road bike and enjoying a ride! There are so many options in this laid back California community- you can't possibly go wrong.
Follow your google maps for all our best suggestions, routes to take, and extra activities.
California Day 4
We know you had a super relaxing day yesterday and are rejuvenated for a little bit of a road trip! You don't have to check out until 12 pm today but we recommend getting an early start if able!
You've got a 3-hour drive ahead of you to get to your next accommodation right outside Yosemite National Park. Check-in isn't until 4 pm, so use today to go explore Yosemite National Park!
What you can't miss in Yosemite:
Yosemite Valley
Cook's Meadow (in the valley)
El Capitan Meadow
Tunnel View
Glacier Point
Sunset at Taft Point & Sentinel Point
After you've filled up on adventure and gotten a taste of the park, head back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening spa treatment, dinner, and smores! Get ready for an early morning tomorrow so you can explore Yosemite Valley and whatever you might have missed today!
California Day 5
You've already spent a half-day in the park already, but there is so much more to see! Get a super early start this AM so you can explore even more before your flight home. Pack up and ask the front desk to hold onto your bags. Then grab a quick breakfast, or grab breakfast on the go so you can make it to the park by sunrise! Don’t worry, we’ll let you know the best time to wake up and get to the valley for sunrise based on what time of year you’re traveling.
First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
With so much overtourism ravaging the popular park, we have a super special list of things to do today with plenty of places that are away from the crowds. Follow your google maps for our best recommendations.
You’ll be heading home late this evening, so make sure you enjoy your day and fill up on the last of the fresh Californian produce before catching your flight.
Want to set off on an unforgettable trip to California like this but don't know where to start? Submit a trip request, and we’d love to help you!
For more information about what destinations we’re sending travelers to, check out our destinations page!
Want to check out more of our itineraries? Check out the itineraries below!
