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10-Day Road Trip from San Mateo to South Orange Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 28

Exploring San Mateo and Silicon Valley

Morning

Start your day with a thrilling experience at iFLY San Francisco Bay: First Time Flyer Experience. This indoor skydiving adventure is perfect for first-time flyers and offers an exhilarating way to kick off your trip. The experience is designed to simulate the free-fall aspect of skydiving without the need for a parachute or jumping out of an airplane. Afterward, grab a coffee and breakfast at Philz Coffee, known for its unique blends and cozy atmosphere.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, embark on From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley. This private tour will take you through the heart of Silicon Valley, where you can visit iconic tech campuses like Google and Apple. Learn about the history and innovations that have shaped the tech industry while enjoying personalized insights from your guide. For lunch, stop by The Counter in Palo Alto for a custom-built burger experience.

Evening

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening stroll along Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo. Enjoy scenic views of the bay and perhaps catch a stunning sunset. For dinner, head to All Spice, a highly-rated restaurant offering an eclectic menu that blends Indian flavors with Californian cuisine.

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San Francisco Highlights Tour

Morning

Begin your second day with a drive to San Francisco (approximately 30 minutes). Start your exploration with San Francisco: USA eSIM Roaming (Optional with Canada), ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip. Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture some breathtaking photos. Enjoy breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square, famous for its delicious omelets and French toast.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take a walk around Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Explore attractions like Ghirardelli Square and enjoy some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery Cafe. Afterward, visit Alcatraz Island by taking one of the ferry tours available; this historical site offers an intriguing glimpse into America's most infamous prison.

Evening

As evening approaches, head back towards downtown San Francisco for dinner at The Slanted Door, renowned for its modern Vietnamese cuisine set against stunning waterfront views. After dinner, consider taking a night tour of Chinatown or simply enjoy some nightlife in North Beach.

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Nature Escapade at Yosemite National Park

Morning

Depart early from San Mateo (around 4 hours drive) to reach Yosemite National Park by mid-morning. Begin your adventure with a visit to Yosemite Valley Visitor Center where you can gather information about trails and park highlights. Start exploring with an easy hike to Bridalveil Fall; this short trail offers spectacular views of one of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls.

Afternoon

After lunch at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, continue exploring Yosemite by hiking up to Glacier Point if you're up for it; this spot provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley including Half Dome and El Capitan. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk around Mirror Lake which reflects stunning images of surrounding cliffs.

Evening

Wrap up your day by checking into one of Yosemite's lodges or campgrounds such as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly known as The Ahwahnee). Enjoy dinner at their dining room which offers gourmet meals amidst rustic elegance before settling down under starry skies.

Bedtime

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Exploring Sequoia National Park

Morning

Start your day early with a drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, head straight to the Giant Forest Museum to get an overview of the park's history and its giant sequoias. Begin your exploration with a walk along the Big Trees Trail, which offers an easy loop around some of the park's most impressive trees.

Afternoon

After lunch at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant, continue your adventure by visiting the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume. Take some time to marvel at this natural wonder and snap plenty of photos. Next, embark on a hike up Moro Rock for panoramic views of the park; it's a steep climb but well worth the effort.

Evening

In the evening, check into Wuksachi Lodge or another nearby accommodation. Enjoy dinner at The Peaks Restaurant, known for its delicious cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding forest. After dinner, consider joining a ranger-led stargazing program if available, as Sequoia National Park is renowned for its dark skies.

Bedtime

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Adventures in Death Valley

Morning

Depart early from Sequoia National Park and drive to Death Valley National Park (approximately 5 hours). Start your exploration at Furnace Creek Visitor Center to gather maps and information about the park. Begin with a visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, where you can walk out onto the salt flats.

Afternoon

From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley offers an intriguing look into one of America's most unique landscapes. Afterward, head over to Artist's Palette for a scenic drive through colorful hills created by mineral deposits. Stop for lunch at The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room, which offers great food and stunning desert views.

Evening

San Francisco: US/ North Americas eSIM Roaming Mobile Data ensures you stay connected as you explore remote areas of Death Valley. As evening approaches, visit Dante's View for breathtaking sunset vistas over the valley floor below. Check into The Inn at Death Valley or another nearby accommodation for dinner and rest.

Bedtime

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Relaxation at Zion National Park Resort

Morning

iFLY San Francisco Bay: First Time Flyer Experience kicks off your day with an adrenaline rush before departing from Death Valley towards Zion National Park (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, check into Zion Lodge or another resort within or near the park.

Afternoon

From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley provides insights into local history while you enjoy lunch at Zion Lodge Red Rock Grill. Spend your afternoon exploring some of Zion's famous trails such as Emerald Pools or Riverside Walk; both offer stunning scenery without being too strenuous.

Evening

San Francisco: USA eSIM Roaming (Optional with Canada) keeps you connected as you unwind in one of Zion's luxurious resorts like Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens or Cable Mountain Lodge. Enjoy dinner at Blu Pig in nearby Springdale before relaxing under starry skies.

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Exploring the Grand Canyon

Morning

Start your day early with a drive from Zion National Park to the Grand Canyon (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, head to the South Rim Visitor Center to gather maps and information about the park. Begin your exploration with a walk along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and is accessible for all fitness levels.

Afternoon

After lunch at El Tovar Dining Room, continue your adventure by visiting some of the park's most iconic viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. Consider taking a guided tour like From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley for an in-depth understanding of the canyon's geology and history.

Evening

In the evening, check into one of the lodges within the park such as El Tovar Hotel or Bright Angel Lodge. Enjoy dinner at Arizona Room, known for its delicious cuisine and stunning views of the canyon. After dinner, consider joining a ranger-led stargazing program if available, as Grand Canyon National Park is renowned for its dark skies.

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Monument Valley Adventure

Morning

San Francisco: USA eSIM Roaming (Optional with Canada) ensures you stay connected as you depart early from Grand Canyon towards Monument Valley (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, head to the visitor center to gather maps and information about the park. Begin your exploration with a scenic drive along Monument Valley Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of iconic sandstone formations.

Afternoon

From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley provides insights into local history while you enjoy lunch at The View Restaurant, which offers great food and stunning desert views. Spend your afternoon exploring some of Monument Valley's famous landmarks such as The Mittens, Merrick Butte, and John Ford's Point.

Evening

San Francisco: US/ North Americas eSIM Roaming Mobile Data keeps you connected as you unwind in one of Monument Valley's luxurious resorts like The View Hotel or Goulding's Lodge. Enjoy dinner at Goulding's Stagecoach Dining Room before relaxing under starry skies.

Bedtime

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Discovering Santa Fe

Morning

iFLY San Francisco Bay: First Time Flyer Experience kicks off your day with an adrenaline rush before departing from Monument Valley towards Santa Fe (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, check into one of Santa Fe's charming hotels such as La Fonda on the Plaza or Inn of the Governors.

Afternoon

From San Francisco: Private Tour to Silicon Valley provides insights into local history while you enjoy lunch at The Shed, known for its delicious New Mexican cuisine. Spend your afternoon exploring some of Santa Fe's famous attractions such as The Plaza, Loretto Chapel, and Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Evening

San Francisco: USA eSIM Roaming (Optional with Canada) keeps you connected as you unwind in one of Santa Fe's luxurious resorts like Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado or Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. Enjoy dinner at Geronimo before relaxing under starry skies.

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Final Stretch to South Orange

Morning

Depart early from Santa Fe and embark on the final leg of your journey towards South Orange, New Jersey (approximately 8 hours drive). As you drive through the scenic landscapes, take a break for breakfast at Blue Plate Diner in Albuquerque, known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. Continue your drive while enjoying the changing scenery as you move from the Southwest to the Northeast.

Afternoon

Arrive in South Orange by mid-afternoon and check into your accommodation. After settling in, head out to explore some local attractions. Visit the South Mountain Reservation, a beautiful park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding area. For lunch, stop by Papillon 25, a highly-rated restaurant offering French-American cuisine.

Evening

In the evening, take a short drive to nearby New York City (approximately 30 minutes) for a special experience. Enjoy a Broadway show with NYC: The Lion King Broadway Tickets, one of the most popular musicals in NYC. After the show, have dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant, known for its family-style servings and vibrant atmosphere. Return to South Orange for a restful night.

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