Morning: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and drive to San Jose.

San Jose Highlights:

Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden or History Park San Jose for a blend of culture and history.

Visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum or stroll through the Municipal Rose Garden.

For families, try Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

Evening: Enjoy downtown San Jose’s dining scene. 

 Scenic Stops: Consider detours to Palo Alto (Stanford University), Half Moon Bay, or Berkeley for coffee and views.

San Francisco Arrival:

Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge.

Explore Golden Gate Park’s gardens and museums.

Evening: Ride a cable car or dine at Fisherman’s Wharf. 

 Must-Sees:

Alcatraz Island tour.

Visit Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy), and Lombard Street.

Explore the Exploratorium or California Academy of Sciences for interactive fun.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views from Twin Peaks or the Palace of Fine Arts 

 Deeper Exploration:

Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace for artisanal food.

Stroll along Pier 39 to see sea lions and enjoy street performances.

Discover the Mission District’s murals and food scene.

Optional: Take a ferry to Sausalito or visit the Walt Disney Family Museum 

 Santa Rosa:

Visit Safari West for an African wildlife experience.

Explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum (Peanuts creator) and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County for family fun.

Sonoma County:

Enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards or relax at Howarth Park.

Evening: Dine in downtown Santa Rosa. 

 Morning: Scenic drive to Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Highlights:

Wine tastings at renowned wineries.

Stroll Yountville’s gourmet shops or visit Oxbow Public Market.

Relax at a vineyard spa or enjoy a hot air balloon ride (optional).

Evening: Dinner at a Michelin-starred or acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant. 

 Morning: Depart Napa for Sacramento.

Sacramento Highlights:

Explore Old Sacramento’s Gold Rush history and the California State Railroad Museum.

Walk along the riverfront or try gold panning.

Discover the Crocker Art Museum or Capitol Park.

Evening: Enjoy Sacramento’s farm-to-fork dining scene. 

 Drive: Scenic route through the Sierra foothills.

Lake Tahoe Activities:

Check into your accommodation.

Enjoy lakeside relaxation, paddleboarding, or a short hike.

Evening: Sunset at the lake or a casual dinner in Tahoe City or South Lake Tahoe. 

 North Shore:

Visit Kings Beach for swimming or sunbathing.

Explore Tahoe City’s shops and museums.

South Shore:

Hike Emerald Bay State Park or take a boat tour.

Try local dining and, if in winter, enjoy skiing or snowboarding.

Evening: Attend a lakeside concert or festival if available. 

 Morning: Depart Lake Tahoe for Berkeley.

Berkeley Highlights:

Stroll through the UC Berkeley campus and visit the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Explore the Gourmet Ghetto for artisanal eats.

Relax at Tilden Regional Park or visit the Berkeley Marina.

Evening: Return to San Francisco or continue your journey.