Trip Idea
Northern California Road Trip Adventure
San Francisco → Big Sur → Shaver Lake → Sonora → South Lake Tahoe → Petaluma
Route
San Francisco → Big Sur → Shaver Lake → Sonora → South Lake Tahoe → Petaluma
Duration
6 nights
Best time
May–June or September–October
From
from ~$2,000/person · est.
This trip covers San Francisco → Big Sur → Shaver Lake → Sonora → South Lake Tahoe → Petaluma over 6 nights and is best from May–June or September–October. Open it in Tripmojo to customise the days, stays and activities and plan it together with everyone travelling.
About this trip
Places to visit
Itinerary
San Francisco
1 nightStart your journey in the vibrant heart of the Bay Area before heading out into the wild.
Big Sur
1 nightDrive the legendary Highway 1 through dramatic cliffside vistas and pristine coastal scenery.
Shaver Lake
1 nightRetreat into the serene mountain air and massive ancient forests of the Sierra Nevada.
Sonora
1 nightDiscover the granite peaks and alpine wonders of California's most famous national park.
South Lake Tahoe
1 nightEnjoy outdoor recreation and crisp mountain lake views in this high-altitude paradise.
Petaluma
1 nightUnwind in the rolling hills of wine country and explore unique natural geological wonders.
Good to know
- ☀️Best TimeSpring and Fall for mild weather and smaller crowds.
- 🚗Getting AroundA rental car is essential for exploring the coastal and mountain regions.
- 💵CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Frequently asked questions
How many days is this San Francisco itinerary?
This itinerary runs 6 nights across 6 stops — San Francisco → Big Sur → Shaver Lake → Sonora → South Lake Tahoe → Petaluma. You can shorten or extend it in the Tripmojo app.
When is the best time for this trip?
The best time for this San Francisco is May–June or September–October.
How much does this trip cost?
A rough budget is $2,000–$3,500/person, excluding international flights. The exact cost depends on the season, hotels and activities you choose.
What places does this itinerary include?
Highlights include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Yosemite National Park, Tioga Pass, Robert Mondavi Winery, Old Faithful Geyser of California, plus the stops and activities in the day-by-day plan above.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. Open it in the Tripmojo app to change the days, hotels, activities and pace, add flights and stays, and plan it together with everyone on the trip.
Compiled from Tripmojo’s curated trip data and reviewed by our editorial team before publishing.
Plan your next trip together
Tripmojo turns ideas like these into a shared itinerary - flights, stays and plans in one place, synced with everyone you travel with.
Get the app - free