From snow-capped mountains to scenic highways along the rugged coastline, to Magnificent National parks, such as Yosemite, Death Valley, Kings Canyon and Sequoia, California is a wonderful destination with so much to discover.

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Take the Pacific Coastal Highway from San Francisco in the North to San Diego in the south, its a journey of discovery like no other. California has fabulous beaches, wonderful towns , mountain ranges and even Disney! Take a trip you’ll never forget, California Dreaming.

Taste of California Fly Drive

California's coast is the road trip destination of dreams. Picture yourself winding along the coastal road with the Pacific to one side of you and mountains to the other, stopping to take in the epic landscapes which surround you. This suggested self-drive itinerary takes you 630 odd miles from San Francisco in northern California to San Diego which is located less than 20 miles from the border with Mexico.

Suggested route & duration

11 nights San Francisco to San Diego

• San Francisco: 2 nights

• Monterey: 1 night

• Carmel: 1 night

• Santa Barbara: 2 nights

• Los Angeles: 2 nights

• Laguna Beach : 1 night

• San Diego: 2 nights

San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge is known as the city by the Bay. Take a tour from Fishermans Wharf , across the bay, to the famous former prison island of Alcatraz. Get a great view of the city from the water too. Take a historic cable car along the Russian Hill section of Lombard Street, a steep winding road that features eight switchbacks; the terminals and turning points of the cable cars; and catch a glimpse of the sea lions who live on the decks of Pier 39’s K-dock.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront and try some local cuisine, Dungeness crab or clam chowder.

Union Square, the cultural heart of the city is where you will find hotels, shops, restaurants and art galleries. It’s a great place for a spot of people watching.

China town is well worth a visit to soak up the authentic atmosphere and smells.

Drive down the coast along Pacific Coast Highway 1.
2 hours South of San Franscisco are quaint seaside towns such as Monterey and Carmel.

Monterey is home to the world famous aquarium and historic Cannery Row. It is a beautiful place to visit and perfect for  a stroll along the ocean.

Carmel is home to a more bohemian, artistic community and a very slow pace of life in this charming town. Ocean Avenue the main centre of Carmel has many interesting art galleries, quaint shops and it also leads to a pristine white sandy beach.

As you drive along the coast you come to the magnificent 17 mile drive along the Big Sur. The road twists along the cliffs and hillsides which drop down to the Ocean.

Santa Barbara  has a real Hispanic feel. This former mission has a collection of quaint neighbourhoods as well as a beach culture in The Mesa, where you can relax or surf the waves on the Mesa Lane or Thousand Steps beaches.
The Waterfront provides a number of restaurants and bars and Lower State Street is where to head for the nightlife at Stearns Wharf.

Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood, with its iconic hillside sign, and also Venice Beach and Santa Monica Boardwalk. It is made up of many neighbourhoods. Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Universal City and Long Beach are actually cities in their own right.
Go visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, and the Chinese Theatre where you will see the hand and footprints of Hollywood stars from the 1920s
Between Beverly Hills and Hollywood is the chic West Hollywood, home to the Sunset Strip , Santa Monica Boulevard and the West Hollywood Design District.
Walk on the famous Rodeo Drive and window shop in the high-end stores or eat in the city’s upscale restaurants and bars.
Along the coast between LA and SAN DIEGO you will find upmarket beach towns such as Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

 San Diego has a strong maritime history and hot nightlife too!

Take a walk around the historic Gaslamp Quarter for its restaurants, nightclubs and bars; vibrant Little Italy’s shops and cafés; and the stunning waterfront.
Balboa Park is home to the Air & Space Museum or visit the world famous San Diego Zoo where the endangered giant panda can be seen.
Discover the charming Old Town with its rich Hispanic heritage or head for the more arty vibe at La Jolla, a beach area 15 minutes from downtown San Diego
Take a harbour cruise in San Diego under the Colorado Bay Bridge.
South of San Diego is Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon popular with locals to roller-skate along the waterside or ride the giant rollercoaster.

As this is a tailor made quote, we encourage you to contact us for your personalised quote