Coastal California in Depth

Day 1 UK to San Francisco

Today depart the UK on a direct flight to San Francisco. On arrival collect your hire car and drive to your downtown hotel where you will stay for the next three nights. Multi-coloured Victorian homes, bustling wharves home to resident sea lions and world-class museums and galleries, make up the ultimate Californian city of San Francisco. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or start exploring this fabulous city as you wish. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square Hotel (or similar)

Days 2 - 3 San Francisco

Over the next two days you are free to explore San Francisco as you wish. Although San Francisco is hilly, it is a great walking city. There is also very good public transport in place such as cable cars and light rail, helping you to get around without using your hire car. As a city of diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods there is plenty to see and do in San Francisco. Take the ferry to Alcatraz to visit the infamous prison, watch the seals basking in the sunlight at Pier 33 and stop for a bite to eat at one of Fisherman Wharf’s crab shacks. Lombard Street, ‘the world’s most crooked street’ is definitely worth a visit, as well as the ‘Painted Ladies’ – the city’s iconic pastel-coloured Victorian style homes and Coit Tower for stunning views over San Francisco. Wine lovers can drive to Napa Valley to visit some of California’s best wineries, or sports fans may choose to watch the baseball at AT&T Park. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 San Francisco to Carmel via Santa Cruz & Capitola – 120 miles

Leaving San Francisco drive south towards Carmel stopping at the beach towns of Santa Cruz and Capitola if you wish. Santa Cruz is the quintessential Californian beach town and is known as the birthplace of mainland surfing. We’d recommend visiting the famous Beach Boardwalk which houses the famous 95-year-old wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster. From Santa Cruz take a short drive to Capitola, a quaint seaside village which is best known for its colourful houses overlooking the bay. Take a stroll along the picturesque beach before continuing your journey south to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel is one of California’s most beautiful seaside hideaways and picture postcard villages boasting turquoise waters and pristine beaches, native Cypress trees and a lovely community vibe. Enjoy your first evening exploring the town. (N)

Accommodation in Carmel: Vendange Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 5 Carmel & Monterey

Today using Carmel as a base, enjoy a drive along the famous 17 Mile Drive which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes mansions, golf courses and scenic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock. End your drive in the lovely town of Monterey which is best known for its marine life and beautiful coastal position. Take a walk along Cannery Row, the town’s waterfront boulevard, and visit Fisherman’s Wharf to spot sea lion, seal and dolphin in the bay. Monterey is also famous for its excellent aquarium. Return to Carmel in the afternoon where you can wander through the village-like centre and enjoy exploring the fairytale cottages and small galleries. You may also wish to spend some time relaxing on Carmel’s beautiful beach or take a hike through Mission Trail Park. (N)

Accommodation in Carmel: Vendange Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 6 Carmel to Morro Bay via San Simeon – 146 miles

Today’s route following Highway 1 through the Big Sur is arguably one of the finest coastal drives in the world. Hugging the cliff-edge, head towards San Simeon with the Pacific Ocean on one side and forests of giant redwood on the other. En route there are many viewpoints to stop at for awe-inspiring views of the coast including China Lookout, Soberanes Point and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Spend the morning exploring the lovely seaside town of San Simeon including the opulent Hearst Castle which was built in the first half of the 20th century for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. This hilltop complex is open for tours where you can discover the opulent pool area, 127 acres of terraced gardens and fountains as well as the sumptuous rooms and grand libraries. In the afternoon, hope back in the car and continue the journey south to Morro Bay which will be your base for the next three nights. (N)

Accommodation in Morro Bay: Beach Bungalows Inn & Suites Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Morro Bay & San Luis Obispo

Today enjoy a day exploring Morro Bay and the close-by town of San Luis Obispo. Morro Bay is best known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound that is located at the end of the town’s beach. The famous rock sits within Morro Bay State Park which is home to numerous walking trails, a saltwater marsh which houses many species of birds and picturesque lagoons. Morro Bay is also a great place for water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and even surfing. In the afternoon you may wish to make the short journey to San Luis Obispo which is framed by canyons, mountains and golf courses. Here you may visit one of the many art galleries, Farmer’s Market or surrounding wineries. (N)

Accommodation in Morro Bay: Beach Bungalows Inn & Suites Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Pismo Beach

Using Morro Bay as your base today, take a short 30-minute drive to the classic seaside town of Pismo Beach. Its long sandy beaches, entertainment pier and laid-back atmosphere are what gives this beautiful bay its unique Californian charm. Highlights include the Pismo Reserve which is home to a 900-acre nature reserve open for hiking, Pismo State Beach which is 17 miles long and boats a fine sandy bay as well as dunes, and the Pier Plaza which offers gourmet street food trucks and bars. We would recommend staying in Pismo Beach for sunset where you can watch the sky come alive with colours as the sun slowly dips behind the sea. Drive back for your last evening in Morro Bay. (N)

Accommodation in Morro Bay: Beach Bungalows Inn & Suites Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Morro Bay to Santa Barbara via Solvang – 113 miles

Depart Morro Bay this morning and continue your coastal California journey south the Santa Barbara. En route you may wish to stop at Solvang. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is best known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, visit one of the town’s various museums or sample some local wines at a vineyard. Continue with a short drive to Santa Barbara, a historic coastal town famous for its beautiful beach, mountainous backdrop, verdant vineyards and swaying palms. Santa Barbara has an excellent food and drink scene, spend the evening exploring the various bars and restaurants the city has to offer. (N)

Accommodation in Santa Barbara: Harbor View Inn (or similar)

Day 10 Santa Barbara

Today is at leisure to explore Santa Barbara. Inspired by the Mediterranean, much of Santa Barbara’s style is derived from Spanish-revival architecture, where you will find red-tile roofs, whitewashed buildings and lots of natural wood. The city is also home to many outdoor areas including beautiful beaches such as Arroyo Burro and Haskell’s beach, and parks and gardens including the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Franceschi park and Lotusland which showcases rare species in a series of themed gardens. The region is also known for its winemaking so why not take a drive out to the Santa Barbara Wine Country and visit some of the area’s best wineries for tastings and cellar tours. (N)

Accommodation in Santa Barbara: Harbor View Inn (or similar)

Day 11 Santa Barbara to Los Angeles – 95 miles

This morning you will continue your journey towards Los Angeles. As America’s second largest city in the US, LA is a multicultural and sprawling metropolis which is synonymous with old Hollywood glamour and show business. Spend your final two nights in LA in a centrally located Downtown hotel. If you’d prefer to stay somewhere else such as Hollywood or Santa Monica, our Sales Consultants would be happy to talk through the many options. (N)

Accommodation in Santa Barbara: Harbor View Inn (or similar)

Days 12 - 13 Los Angeles

Over the next two days you are at leisure to explore Los Angeles. You may wish to take an early morning gentle hike in Griffith Park to the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city. Witness the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign, discover world-class galleries at the Getty Centre, or maybe you’d prefer to visit one of the city’s theme parks including Disneyland and Universal Studios. Beach lovers should spend an afternoon in vibrant Santa Monica or neighbouring eccentric Venice Beach with its street performers, art murals and Muscle Beach bodybuilders. Sports enthusiasts may be lucky enough to catch a Dodgers or Lakers game, and foodies will be in heaven in LA with world-class food trucks and excellent restaurants at hand. (N)

Accommodation in Los Angeles: The Garland (or similar)

Day 14 Los Angeles to the UK

Today drive to LAX to drop of your hire car and board your return flight to the UK. (N)

Self-Drive: Coastal California in Depth

14 days from £2450 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2450 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Coastal California in Depth

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