Enjoy the sun on your face and the wind in your hair on this 8 day California self drive itinerary starting in San Francisco.
Experience the thrill of the Cable Car and the eeriness of Alcatraz before you travel down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway via California's famous wine country and the incredible Yosemite National Park. View El Capitan and the Half Dome from Tunnel View offering that picture postcard photo opportunity before you venture further into the Park to explore prior to experiencing quaint seaside towns, such as Monterey and Pismo Beach. Finally, end your Pacific coast drive in the 'City of Angels, Los Angeles.

Trip Highlights
- Ride a Cable Car in San Francisco
- Take a bay cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
- Explore Yosemite National Park
- Drive the amazing Pacific Coast Highway
- Quaint coastal towns
- Stop at the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica
- Relax on the Beaches of Los Angeles
- Spot stars in Beverly Hills
Start your Journey
San Francisco Arrival
Arrive in the City by the Bay - San Francisco. There is much to see on your first evening or simply relax after your flight with a meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants.
San Francisco
A full day to explore San Francisco. Use the excellent public transportation or take a guided tour in order to get a taste of some of the highlights such as Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square and the Civic Center. If the weather is good, take a cruise under the bridges and around Alcatraz or just enjoy sitting at a café and watching the people go by in the Italian district of North Beach.
San Francisco - Yosemite
Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park passing through some of the most beautiful Californian Countryside before arriving at one of the worlds premier National Parks
Yosemite National Park
A full day to explore. Yosemite National Park embraces some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and affords a wonderful collection of waterfalls, meadows and forests, including groves of giant sequoias. Marvel at the sheer granite domes and cliffs that soar thousands of feet up from the valley floor. The massive glacial-shaped rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome are the most famous landmarks of the park and keep a majestic watch over the valley.
Yosemite - Monterey
Journey from Yosemite heading west towards the Pacific coast and your overnight stay in Monterey. Join Highway 1, which is renowned as one of the most scenic roadways in the US, just north of this quaint seaside resort to give you a taste of your upcoming Pacific Coast journey over the next couple of days.
Monterey - Pismo Beach
Enjoy more stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific with a drive on the 17-Mile Scenic Drive, which passes through the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. Continue your stunning drive along with Pacific coast arriving in Pismo Beach for your overnight stay.
Pismo Beach - Los Angeles
Continue south, along Highway 1 which is renowned as one of the most scenic roadways in the US. Experience the quaint coastal villages and scenic views. In the late afternoon, arrive in Los Angeles. Drive through Santa Monica and experience the famous beaches of Malibu before experiencing the City of Angels during the evening.
Los Angeles departure
Depart Los Angeles for journey home, or alternatively why not extend your stay and and enjoy a few days exploring this fantastic city. Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Disney and Universal Studios are all here and waiting to be experienced.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
Dream Carefree
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Travel Carefree
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Includes
- International Flights
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Car Hire
- Room Only
- Holiday prices are in £'s per person based on twin occupancy
Excludes
- Car insurance (including any applicable one way drop off fees or insurance)
- Meals or excursions unless specified
- Park entrance fees
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