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.

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 the 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.

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 one night in Carmel or Monterey.

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 in Big Sur.

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. Cayucos has an easy-going vibe, miles of white sand beach and iconic public fishing pier. Stroll along the waterfront Pacific Avenue for dramatic sunset view and keep an eye out for the gorgeous murals that adorn some of the town's historic buildings. Fish and seafood dining options are plentiful here and make for the perfect fresh, coastal meal. 

Stay one night in Cayucos.

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.

Travel back towards the ocean today and work up a thirst and an appetite hiking, biking, surfing or golfing. Then discover how Santa Maria blends its historic ranching and farming traditions with an ever-growing reputation as one of California’s top wine regions. Foodies will love trying Santa Maria–style barbecue accompanied by one (or more!) of the area’s premium wines. 

Stay one night in Santa Maria.

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.

Just north of Los Angeles, Ventura retains the big city buzz but with a laid-back beachside vibe. Aptly named Surfers Point is the best place to catch a wave, or try body-boarding or just lounging on the sand at San Buenaventura State Beach or Harbor Cove Beach. Take a boat trip to the five-island archipelago of the Channel Islands National Park and get a close-up view of both the marine-life and wildlife.

Stay one night in Ventura.

Discover the different neighbourhoods associated with the LA lifestyle, including hip and trendy West Hollywood (or WeHo if you’re in the know!), glamorous Beverly Hills and the beach cities of Santa Monica, Venice and Marina Del Ray. Stroll along the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and visit Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. Head into the Hollywood Hills to get a closer glimpse of the sign, or take a tour of the movie stars homes. You can ‘ride the movies’ at Universal Studios, or visit the original Disneyland in Anaheim and its newer neighbour Disney’s California Adventure.

Stay three nights in Los Angeles.