California's National Parks Grand Slam

Overview

The Golden State stretches more than 800 miles along the Pacific Coast, from sunny, palm-lined beaches in the south to the rocky and remote “Lost Coast” of the north. Marine life, coastal towns, and sandy sunsets characterize California’s unparalleled coast, but that’s not all this state has to offer.

Traveling inland highlights some of the state’s highest mountains — the granite faces of the Sierras and the volcanic peaks of the Cascades. Sequoias and redwoods tower over the forest floor, dating back thousands of years and setting records with their enormity.

Get a lay of the land by exploring California’s national parks, seashores, and marine sanctuaries on this California National Parks Grand Slam. Learn from local naturalists familiar with the state’s rich biodiversity and various landscapes. California’s history and geologic past are fascinating stories begging to be told, and this trip is your ticket to hearing them.

Travel through California’s bays, beaches, and mountains by kayak, foot, and horseback. Of course, a journey through this state wouldn’t be complete without a Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip between the sparkling ocean and rugged coastal peaks.

Stay in hip, elegant hotels in charming coastal towns and rustic mountain lodges set in forested alpine settings. Your experience throughout this Grand Slam will be as diverse as the state itself.

Join us for an unforgettable trip to California’s most scenic — and wild — corners.

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Santa Barbara, CA / Channel Islands

Pick up your rental car in Los Angeles and you're off to Santa Barbara. A combination of resort, college, and surf town, the “American Riviera” boasts beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown, interesting history, superb restaurants, and Mediterranean-like weather. Spend a day with a naturalist guide kayaking through Channel Island National Park, home to whales, dolphins, elephant seals, and marine life ranging from sea stars and anemones to blue whales.

Day 3: Pacific Coast Highway to Carmel

Today you’ll leave lush, quaint Santa Barbara for the charm of Steinbeck Country – Carmel. Your very scenic drives follows the beautiful California Coast, with the Coast Mountain Range to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Day 4: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary / Pinnacles National Park

Spend the day exploring Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, with sea kayaking in the morning and a self-guided afternoon hike in Pinnacles National Park.

Day 5: Point Reyes National Seashore

Continue along the coast, from charming small-town California through San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge and on to Point Reyes National Seashore.

Day 6: Point Reyes National Seashore

This multi-sport day will have you exploring the 71,000-acre Point Reyes peninsula, jutting ten miles out into the Pacific Ocean. From sea kayaking the sanctuary in the morning to hiking the penisula in the afternoon, you'll have a naturalist guide to lead you throughout the day.

Days 7-8: Lost Coast to Redwood National Park

Enjoy leisurely explorations on your drive along the Pacific Coast through Mendocino and past Lost Coast to Orick. We give you lots of suggestions for ways to make the day fun and special. Spend two nights at a cabin lodge in a forest setting. Spend a day with a naturalist guide, hiking and exploring in Redwood National Park, home to the tallest trees in the world! On the other side of the forest, lie little-known, uncrowded beaches, where you can scout for gray whales, porpoises, and harbor seals.

Days 9-11: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Drive inland to lesser-known but amazing Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lodge for two nights at a great full-service resort that is perfectly located near the park. The park is home to Lassen Peak, one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. The park boasts a beautiful combination of grassy meadows, mountain lakes, smoking fumaroles, and volcanoes, in addition to 150 miles of trails. Enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, paddle boarding, hiking... you name it, we'll plan it!

Days 12-14: Yosemite National Park

Today’s drive is long, but the reward is more than worth it. Migrate from Northern California and Lassen’s volcanic peaks to the beautiful Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. The park has a number of special areas: the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias contains the largest stand of giant sequoias in Yosemite. Wawona is home to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Glacier Point offers gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley. The Tioga Road boasts a 39-mile scenic drive. Tuolumne Meadows is a sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. And Hetch Hetchy is Yosemite Valley's lesser-visited beautiful sister. Don't worry - we'll help you pick the best areas based on your interests!

Days 15-17: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Next you'll head south through Yosemite, through the towns of Oakhurst and Fresno, and on to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Enjoy two days of privately guided hiking and exploring in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These unspoiled treasures feature some of the most striking scenery in the world, and with nearby Yosemite National Park always in the spotlight, these parks just don’t get the attention they deserve. Explorations of these parks typically include stops in the aptly-named Giant Forest, which is full of beautiful sequoias (including the park’s famous General Sherman Tree) as well as the viewpoint at Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and Auto Log.

Days 18-19: Santa Monica

Head back for a final day of exploration (or relaxation!) on the Pacific Coast. Chill on the beach, take a surf lesson, do some beach yoga or take a culinary tour in the charming town of Santa Monica.