The 'Classic' California Road Trip!!

The Classic 14‑Night California Road Trip. Cities, Parks and The Open Road!

Night 1–3: San Francisco

Fly into San Francisco, but avoid picking up your hire car until you’re ready to leave. San Francisco is expensive to park and you can get around the city without it.

Enjoy this fabulous city with a pre-booked trip to Alcatraz, head over the Golden Gate Bridge once the fog has lifted. Discover the food scene in the city and be sure not to miss Pier 39, with it’s waterfront restaurants and playful Sea Lions! 

Night 4 & 5: Highway 1 Coastal Stretch

Pick up your rental car and start to feel the freedom of the open road as you leave San Francisco and head south through Half Moon Bay and onto Santa Cruz for lunch, before enjoying the views of Monterey Bay, take in 17 mile drive, which includes Carmel and the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and arrive in Monterey as you first night stopover

Day 5 starts with the iconic section of Highway 1 section that includes cliffs, bridges, and ocean views a plenty, you’ll want to stop and get the camera out on a regular basis, so take your time as you meander down the coast! Maybe take in Hearst Castle before arriving in San Luis Obispo in the evening.

When we did this trip, we stayed at the Madonna Inn, check out the website here Madonna Inn | Iconic Hotel, Dining & Events in SLO and of course, we can include it in your itinerary!

Night 6–8: Yosemite National Park

3.5hrs from the coast lies Yosemite National Park, spend the morning making your way in-land, and enjoy the next 3 days exploring the park, from the sunset of Glacier Point to the Valley floor this place is unreal, and the photos look like they have been superimposed!

Gaze up at the climbers on El Capitan, whilst enjoying the trails to beautiful waterfalls. We had a guided tour when we visited, it was great to get a rangers perspective and they knew the best places to see wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for bears!

We also did a horse riding experience at Horseback Riding Tours | Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures – you can do a 1 hour trek for beginners or longer if you want to venture further into the park, it is highly recommended!

Whilst staying inside the park is convenient, it is often more expensive. We recommend a compromise - Yosemite National Park Lodging - Tenaya at Yosemite was really close to the park, with fire pits and swimming pool, it made for comfortable lodging for the time we spent in Yosemite.

Night 9: Sequoia National Park

Take the western exit of the park and in less than 3 hours you arrive in Sequoia National Park a beautiful contrast to Yosemite, explore the park in the late afternoon, and watch the sunset over the giant rocks and forest

Night 10–11: Los Angeles

Drive 4 hours into Los Angeles, we can give you many recommendations of places to stay, it really depends on your plans.  Apartment Style Hotel in Hollywood CA | Magic Castle Hotel®  in Hollywood offers parking and is a short walk from the sights an sounds of Hollywood Boulevard, yet truly peaceful.

Start out on foot with the star-studded Hollywood, search out your favourite entertainer on the Walk of Fame, make a visit to the Chinese Theatre home of the biggest film premieres and the Dolby Theatre home of the Oscars, before taking one of the many tour buses that take you up into the hills and seek out the multi-million dollar mansions of the rich and famous

If you’re ready for some retail therapy, head to Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills and walk in the footsteps of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, this up-market part of LA will have your jaw dropping at the cars, the clothes and the prices!

Head out to the Pacific Ocean and find your way to one of the many well-known beaches, from Malibu to Huntington, Long Beach to Laguna Beach our particular favourite is Santa Monica. It not only signals the end of Route 66 but also has fantastic restaurants, the famous pier with its choice of funfair rides, and the Ice Cream, oh the Ice Cream!

Night 12 & 13: San Diego

A 2 hour drive south of Los Angeles you’ll find San Diego, a friendly sun drenched city. Choose between the beach and the city for your lodging, but ensure you visit both as well as Coronado Island & La Jolla.

Travelling with children or animal lovers, a visit to the world famous Zoo in Balboa park is also a must. 2 nights is just a taster, you’ll want to come back, just like we have many times!

Night 14: Santa Barbara

Time to head north, to pick up the return flight, either from LAX or San Francisco, stay over in Santa Barbara, maybe enjoy some wine tasting and reflecting on the most wonderful trip, whilst staring at the Pacific

The following morning make your way to the airport to pick up the return flight to London.

Please use this itinerary as a guide. We truly love creating bespoke road trips and enjoy nothing more than discussing all options with you before pulling it all together in your own personalised itinerary! 

It’s so easy to get started, simply give us a call, click on the enquiry button or book a consultation to design your dream trip!