Los Angeles To San Francisco Road Trip

Arrive in Los Angeles after your transatlantic flight and transfer independently to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the local area and this amazing city. However, to make sure you are feeling refreshed from the flight and ready for your California adventure, we would recommend a few additional nights in Los Angeles prior to the start of the Classic West self drive tour.

This morning, set out east for the start of this amazing self drive tour. Travel through the Mojave Desert for Laughlin, Nevada, an oasis bordered by rugged desert and the Colorado River. From outdoor adventure on the Colorado River to indoor entertainment indulgences, Laughlin offers a wide variety of activities before arriving at your hotel for the night.

Set out east today for Kingman where you will join Route 66 and travel along the longest stretch that remains of this historic route to Seligman. Continue north to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.

We suggest rising early to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon; this once in a lifetime opportunity should not be missed. Later today, travel east through the Painted Desert for an unforgettable encounter with Arizona nature. Continue through the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation before arriving at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where sandstone pinnacles, arches and mesas of rich red and orange rise out of the barren, sandy landscape.

Venture east through Black Mesa, a complex of huge mesas that cover hundreds of square miles in the Navajo and Hopi Nations in Arizona, on your way to Lake Powell. This vast, blue man-made lake is surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls and is considered a virtual playground for visitors.

This morning, set out west for Kanab where the exhilarating scent of sage and cedar fills the clear southwest air, then head north to Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park. Famous for its unique geology, Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres where the power of wind, water and geologic mayhem has etched the pink cliffs and shaped the colourful limestone rock into thousands of spires called "hoodoos".

Spend the morning exploring more of Bryce Canyon before heading west to Zion National Park. In Zion, Utah's oldest national park known for its incredible canyons and spectacular views, you can follow the paths of ancient native people and gaze at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into the bright blue sky. Consider challenging your courage in a slot canyon. Later today, continue west to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that needs no introduction.

Enjoy a full day Las Vegas style. Walk the famous Strip lined with mega-resorts and flashing neon lights, place a bet at one of the many casinos, dine at world-class restaurants, catch the latest must-see show, shop designer boutiques, ride a roller coaster, lay by the pool... the list goes on. With so much to do, 24 hours in a day hardly seems like enough.

Today's journey west takes you to the lowest elevation in North America, Death Valley National Park. Here, the Mojave is at its most magnificent with geological history on full display in this rugged, severe, sublime section of California. Enhance your desert experience with a stop at Zabriskie Point offering spectacular views of the wildly eroded and vibrantly coloured badlands.

This morning, travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road, the highest drivable pass in California, leads you into Yosemite National Park. Delve into the depths of the park with a walk to a waterfall, each as distinct as the granite cliffs they dive over, or learn about the wonders of the park during a ranger-guided stroll. Explore a giant sequoia grove and meet the most massive trees on earth, or spend an evening under the stars. With approximately 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is also a great place to hike.

Leave the wonder of Yosemite behind as you journey north via Bridgeport and Devil's Gate Pass en route to Lake Tahoe. Here, where California and Nevada meet, you can discover this pristine jewel of nature surrounded on all sides by the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There are many opportunities to explore the lake, rent a speedboat from the Marina or simply stroll along the shore and dip your toes in the cool mountain water.

Today's journey west takes you through Gold Rush-era attractions, California's State Capitol, Sacramento, and on to San Francisco. Considered one the greatest cities in the world, San Francisco offers one-of-a-kind sights and something to suit your every need. After arriving at your hotel we would suggest hoping on board a cable car and heading towards the Fisherman's Wharf area for a relaxing evening meal.

With 49 square miles of amazing sights, scenes and destinations, there's always plenty to do in San Francisco. Spend a full day exploring the beloved City by the Bay's neighbourhoods including: Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero/Financial District, and Golden Gate Park. To experience something truly unique, walk along the railings of the Golden Gate Bridge or take a ride on an iconic Cable Car.

This morning, as you leave San Francisco, enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Pacific Coast along Highway 1. Explore the town of Monterey and the Old Fisherman's Wharf in downtown taking in all the sights and sounds. Continue your journey and arrive in the quaint area of Carmel enjoying a drive along the famous 17 mile drive from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

As you continue your journey south along California's Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy the twisting, cliff hugging views as you drive through Big Sur; possibly stop along the way at Pfeiffer Beach or the local area. Follow the road further south and pass Oak studded hills and majestic Hearst Castle as you arrive in Morrow Bay. A short drive inland is the heart of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo, allow yourself time to explore before your overnight stay in a quaint coastal town.

Today, travelling further south through the beautiful California coastline, you will pass the likes of Santa Barbara and Malibu before arriving in the seaside resort of Santa Monica; why not spend some time stretching your legs on the world famous pier or taking a walk along the endless beach, however allow yourself some time this evening to explore the glamour of the City of Angels; Los Angeles. Spend the evening exploring the likes of Hollywood and Beverly Hills and indulge in a fantastic meal to mark the last night of your incredible journey.

Today marks the end of your Classic West Self Drive. Return your rental car at Los Angeles airport and catch your return flight home or should you wish to continue with your adventure, we are able to assist in extending your stay in the Los Angeles area and beyond.