Day 1 - Fly from the UK to San Francisco

Known as the ‘City by the Bay’, San Francisco is a compact city and easy to get around on foot, by cable car or street car line. Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown and Union Square as well as the fantastic shopping and nightlife. Take a bike tour of Golden Gate Park and cycle across the iconic bridge before returning to the city by boat from Sausalito – a great way to get a different perspective on this city. Head out to Haight-Ashbury, the 1960s hippie hang-out, where you will still find unique and interesting cafes and stores. 

Stay three nights in San Francisco

Day 4 - Collect a car and drive to Santa Cruz, approx. 75 miles

At its heart, Santa Cruz is a surf town. This is where the sport was originally introduced in California, and top surfers know that the place to be is Steamer Lane. But it’s not all about surfing, you can enjoy the beach and the waves with a kayak tour or on a stand-up paddleboard, or sit back on the sand and watch tide roll in. Head to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a yesteryear style esplanade lined with classic roller coasters, arcade games and a historic carousel, or check-out downtown Santa Cruz, where you can browse the shops for vintage and chic gifts, and dine in one of the relaxed restaurants where the focus is on organic, local ingredients.

Stay one night in Santa Cruz.

Day 5 - Drive to Carmel/Monterey, approx. 45 miles

Discover this part of the coast from Monterey’s Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and world class aquarium to Carmel’s unique galleries, historic mission and small sandy coves. Enjoy fine California cuisine and local wines the town. Take a half-day whale watching trip, a walking foodie tour or a guided electric bike tour along Pebble Beach’s scenic 17 Mile Drive. 

Stay two nights in Carmel or Monterey.

Day 7 - Drive to Big Sur, approx. 75 miles

Head south down Highway 1 and enjoy the stunning Big Sur coastline, if you are lucky you may spot whales spouting, sea otters, and pelicans. Take a stroll or a hike through old-growth redwoods along the Big Sur River, including the second-largest redwood in Big Sur, ‘Grandmother Pfeiffer’ or try one of several self-guided hikes at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Enjoy the beautiful long sandy beach at Garrapata State Park and Beach.

Stay one night along the Big Sur.

Day 8 - Drive to Morro Bay, approx. 50 miles

Continue your journey down the Pacific Coast Highway, perhaps stopping at Hearst Castle, a unique complex perched on the coastal hills, or to see the elephant seals basking on the beach at Piedras Blancas. Morro Bay is a charming Central Coast town, known for its scenic waterfront and the iconic Morro Rock rising from the harbour. Enjoy fresh seafood, stroll along the Embarcadero, and watch sea otters play in the bay, browse the galleries and shops. The area offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring nearby beaches and nature preserves. 

Stay two nights in Morro Bay.

Day 10 - Drive to Bakersfield, approx. 135 miles

Head away from the coast today for a glimpse of California’s Central Valley, known for its bountiful produce, quality wine, craft breweries and country music. In the 1950's and 60's Bakersfield became an unlikely birthplace for a new sound – The Bakersfield Sound and is recognised as ‘The Country Music Capital of the West Coast’ and ‘Nashville West’. A short drive from the city puts you in the Southern Sierra Nevada where one can experience top-rated white-water rafting, fly-fishing and hiking.

Stay one night in Bakersfield.

Day 11 - Drive to Solvang, approx. 155 miles

Located in the heart of the Santa Barbara wine country, the picturesque Danish hamlet of Solvang offers some incredible bakeries as well as numerous downtown wine tasting rooms, and some interesting boutique shopping. Park your car and stroll the downtown or use the horse-drawn Solvang Trolley for a full tour of the town. In the surrounding hillsides you will find ATV and jeep tours, horse-riding and cycling tours. 

Stay one night in Solvang.

Day 12 - Drive to Santa Barbara, approx. 35 miles

Known for its Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and year-round sunshine, Santa Barbara is a great place to relax and unwind. Yet there is still plenty to do – you can explore the vibrant downtown area, visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission, dating back to 1786, take the Urban Wine Trail, a downtown walking trail of some of the best of the areas wineries, or head out on boat trip or wildlife watching cruise to the Channel Islands National Park and see how thousands of years of isolation have formed these remote islands and unique wildlife habitats.

Stay one night in Santa Barbara.

Day 13 - Drive to Huntington Beach, approx. 130 miles 

Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City USA," boasts a laid-back beach vibe and a rich surfing culture. Whether you’re new to the sport or a pro, the surf conditions here make it hard to resist getting out on the waves. The 10 miles of Pacific beach also make it ideal for soaking up the California sunshine, or you can try your hand at paddle boarding, kayaking, biking or skateboarding. Take a stroll out over the waves on the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, explore the shops, check out the local bars and brews, and dine in one of the many outdoor restaurants. 

Stay two nights in Huntington Beach.

Day 15 - Return your car to Los Angeles Airport in time to check-in for your flight.