California Classics

San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Monterey Bay

Trip Details

Itinerary

Days 1-2: San Francisco

Welcome to California! Get the lay of the City by the Bay on a private guided half-day bike tour, then consult your custom OBP Journey Guidebook for other ideas, like Fisherman’s Wharf, hiking in Golden Gate Park, or a trolley tour.  

Days 3-6: Yosemite National Park

Pick up your rental car and make your way to beautiful and historic Yosemite National Park. Get off on the right foot on a privately guided hike with a naturalist guide. You’ll learn so much, and this will set you up perfectly for further explorations on your own. Don’t miss El Cap, Half Dome, Ansel Adams Gallery, Tuolumne Meadows, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and giant sequoias. 

Days 7-9: Carmel-by-the-Sea

This storybook city on the beach has it all: scenery, trails, historic sites, galleries, restaurants—and the nearby fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium. A highlight for this portion of the trip will surely be a morning of privately guided tide-pooling with a marine biologist and behind-the-scenes aquarium visit. Other great experiences could include coastal hiking and sea kayaking in the wildlife-rich kelp beds off Cannery Row.  

Day 10: San Francisco for departures home

You’ll leave with a list of things to do and places to see on your next visit back.  

Start Planning My Trip

Lodging

You May Also Be Interested In...

Recent Posts

Hiking Utah - Exploring Utah's National Parks

Posted on 09/22/2023

The landscapes of Utah’s Mighty Five are the closest you’ll get to walking on another planet. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks are geologic playgrounds for exploring new lands. Nestled within 350 miles of each other, these wonders are an absolute must for a truly out-of-this-world experience. To be sure you […]

Read More

6 Romantic Destinations to Visit With Your Loved One

Posted on 08/24/2023

It can be hard to find time to truly connect with your significant other in daily life. There are work demands, errands, and duties, leaving little time to appreciate each other.  That’s where a romantic vacation saves the day.  As a company that was founded, and is now run by a couple, Off the Beaten […]

Read More

3 Jaw-Dropping Latin American Destinations to Travel to in 2023

Posted on 08/17/2023

It can be overwhelming to pick a spot on the map and commit to a multi-day or multi-week adventure. You know you want to explore, to connect and to recharge, but where to do it?  A jaw-dropping adventure to Latin America may be just the ticket. Comprised of 33 different countries, Latin America checks all […]

Read More

5 Can't-Miss National Parks and Their Fascinating History

Posted on 07/17/2023

There is a euphoric sense of peace when you enter a national park. It may be that these protected lands become a sweet escape from the hustle of everyday life. Or maybe it’s the wildlife, like bison, bears, or crocodiles that leave you in awe at just how marvelous it is that these creatures live […]

Read More
Sign Up For Travel Notes!

Stay in the know and feed your spirit of adventure. Get travel inspiration sent straight to your inbox!

Proud Partner of National Parks Conservation Association