9 Days • 8 Nights
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- California's legendary Highway 1
- San Francisco and the Golden Gate
- The cliffs and coves of Big Sur
- Sea otters, elephant seals and whales
- Los Angeles glamour and beaches
- Laid-back, sunny San Diego
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at San Francisco airport and transferred to your hotel. Explore Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
A day exploring San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and the hilly neighbourhoods, before hitting the road tomorrow.
You collect your car and drive south down the coast, perhaps via Santa Cruz, to Monterey, exploring its aquarium and cypress-lined 17-Mile Drive.
You drive the most dramatic stretch of Highway 1 through Big Sur, past cliffs, coves and the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, to the laid-back town of San Luis Obispo.
Continuing south past the Danish village of Solvang and its wine country, you reach elegant, Spanish-flavoured Santa Barbara, the 'American Riviera'.
A morning in Santa Barbara before driving to Los Angeles, arriving for Hollywood glamour and beach life.
A day exploring LA, Hollywood, the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, and the museums or theme parks of your choice.
You drive south along the coast to San Diego, California's laid-back southern city, exploring its beaches, Balboa Park and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
A final morning in sunny San Diego before returning your car and transferring to the airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a coastal seafood lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Self-drive car hire or private transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle for the full route and a detailed Highway 1 road book
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- One-way car hire drop-off fee (advised at booking)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: California is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Sales tax is added at the register
- Best time to visit: California is a year-round destination; spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and busy on the coast and in the parks (and very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and skiing in the Sierra
- Driving & distances: California is large, and a self-drive is the classic way to explore; Americans drive on the right, roads are excellent, and we arrange car hire and detailed routes, though city parking can be costly
- National parks: Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and others are highlights; some Sierra roads and passes close in winter, and popular parks may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange
- Deserts & heat: Death Valley and the desert parks are extremely hot in summer; we plan desert visits for cooler months or early in the day, and you should always carry plenty of water
- Wine country: Napa and Sonoma are world-class; if tasting, plan a designated driver or a guided tour, as US drink-driving limits are strict and strictly enforced
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; the legal drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a one-way car hire fee?
Because you collect the car in San Francisco and drop it in San Diego, there is usually a one-way drop-off fee, which we advise on and include in your quote. It saves backtracking and lets you enjoy the whole coast.
When can we see whales along the coast?
Gray whales migrate along the California coast roughly December to April, and blue and humpback whales are often seen off Monterey in summer. Sea otters and elephant seals can be seen year-round; we advise on timing and viewing spots.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a wine-country lunch. California's dining is world-class, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with our recommendations.
Is this a self-drive holiday?
Most California itineraries are designed as self-drives, the classic and flexible way to explore the coast, parks and cities, with a comfortable car and detailed route notes. We can also arrange private driver-guides or rail where it suits.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit California?
Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and lively on the coast (but very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and Sierra skiing. We advise on timing for your chosen route, especially for the parks and deserts.
Are the national parks easy to visit?
Yes, though popular parks like Yosemite may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange, and some Sierra roads close in winter. We plan your park visits and any permits so everything runs smoothly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, coast, parks and wine country, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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