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. Head out to Haight-Ashbury, the 1960s hippie hang-out, where you will still find unique and interesting cafes and stores. As well as the popular sights and fantastic shopping and dining options, why not take a trip across the bay to Sausalito and get a great view of the city skyline. The wine country is also close by, and there are tasting tours you can take from the city to discover some of the delights of the region.

Stay three nights in San Francisco

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 in 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.Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, located three miles south of Carmel, offers hiking trails and areas for enjoying the unique natural beauty of the rugged coastline and is a popular site for nature photographers and artists.

 Stay two nights in Carmel or Monterey

There are plenty of photo-opportunities en-route and places to pull over and admire the view. Stop at Hearst Castle, a unique complex perched on the coastal hills, and see the elephant seals basking on the beach at Piedras Blancas.

At Pismo Beach you can enjoy the laid-back bars and restaurants, as well as the beach. Kayak, paddle-board or learn to surf. Alternatively visit San Luis Obispo, with its historic mission, world famous Thursday night Farmers Market and museums and galleries.

Stay one night in Pismo Beach 

 In Santa Barbara, experience the great restaurants, galleries and shops, as well as the historic Santa Barbara Mission, dating back to 1786. Santa Barbara also has a beautiful wide sandy beach – great for relaxing and people watching! Tour some of the nearby countryside dotted with vineyards, or take the Urban Wine Trail – a downtown walking trail of some of the best of the areas wineries. Take a 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 two nights in Santa Barbara

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

San Diego is almost the furthest south you can go in California before reaching the border with Mexico. End your road-trip soaking up some of the Southern California sunshine on one of the bay or Pacific coast beaches, try your hand at surfing, paddle-boarding, kite-boarding or jet-skiing, or just sit in a beachside bar and enjoy the vibe! Alternatively enjoy the history and unique shopping in Old Town San Diego, the nightlife in the Gaslamp district of downtown or one of the world class attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Stay three nights in San Diego