California Highway 1 Road Trip

Sample Itinerary of California Highway 1 Road Trip

Days 1-5
On Day 1 you will arrive in San Francisco, California where you will pick up your hired car and check into your hotel the Grand Hyatt Regency. The Grand Hyatt Regency is in an ideal location in San Francisco: the heart of Union Square. Your California holiday consists of 4 nights in San Francisco and throughout your stay there are plenty if things to do and see. In Union Square you will find the iconic Dewey Monument, amazing food and sports TV at Bartlett Hall, and fantastic shopping at the Westfield San Francisco Center. From Unions Square you can also jump on a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf where you will be treated to stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Whilst in Fisherman’s Wharf take the time to rent a bike and ride up and over the Golden Gate Bridge, for some stunning panoramic views, to the town of Sausalito where you can catch the ferry back across the Bay. Another great thing to do in San Francisco on your California Self Drive Holiday is catching a boat to Alcatraz Island from Fisherman’s Wharf - Alcatraz Island is an iconic historic site that is as fascinating as it is eery. If you fancy venturing out of the city, then why not drive out to Muir Woods National Monument – a forest of some of the oldest Redwood Trees in California.

Days 5-7
On Day 5 it’s time to carry on your California Self Drive Road Trip Holiday to Monterey where you will check into Casa Munras for 2 nights. Monterey is most famous for the iconic Big Sur coastline – just off the Pacific Coast Highway. This is one of the most scenic drives in California, so you’ll want to take your time and admire the views along the way. Whilst in Monterey you’ll want to visit the World-Renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Monterey is a charming and quaint town along California’s Pacific Coast Highway that is full of lovely restaurants, boutique shops and stunning views. If the season calls for it, you will also be able to go whale watching and/or spend some time at Monterey’s picturesque beaches.

Days 7-8
On Day 7 it is time to continue your drive to Pismo Beach where you will stay for 1 night at the Beachfront Sea Venture Resort. After a busy week this is your time to really relax – your hotel is literally beachfront on one of California’s most beautiful beaches - Pismo Beach. You could also try your luck at Surfing on Pismo Beach and catch a wave with the California locals or go wine tasting in San Luis Obispo County – just a short distance from your hotel.

Days 8-10
After waking up to the stunning Pismo Beach, it’s time to continue your California road trip on day 8 to Santa Barbara where you will stay for 2 nights in the Brisas Del Mar Inn – this Mediterranean-style hotel features a fountain, free bike rentals, an expanded continental breakfast every morning, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. There are so many things to do and see in Santa Barbara: hiking to Inspiration Point for fantastic views out over Santa Barbara, a visit to Stearns Wharf where you will find the freshest seafood around (in the early hours of the morning you can even buy it straight off the boats of the Santa Barbara fishermen!), and some lovely beaches right by your hotel.

Days 10-13
Your final 3 nights of your California Self Drive Road Trip Holiday will be spent in Los Angeles staying at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Located in downtown Los Angeles, you will be right at the centre of all the LA action. Whilst in Los Angeles there are plenty of things to do and see both in and outside of the city: if you fancy a walk about, then within walking distance to your hotel is the iconic Museum of Contemporary Art and Walt Disney Concert Hall…and if the Walt Disney Concert Hall isn’t enough, then by driving just outside the city of LA you could visit Disneyland California! Los Angeles is home to many other theme parks including Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood is an extra-special theme park as it is also home to the Universal Studios film and TV sets which you can tour when visiting the park! Whilst in Los Angeles you could also take a walk down Rodeo Drive and go celebrity spotting, make the short drive out to Santa Monica Pier and ride on the iconic Pacific Wheel, sample food from one of the iconic LA food trucks, and stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk for some epic people-watching and sea views. Before departing back home, you will return your car to LAX airport… if you have the time, stop for some of California’s iconic fast food (In-N-Out Burger) on the way.

All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.