Postcards of CaliforniaSelf Drive, USA

The ultimate California roadtrip – hit the iconic coastal route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, stop off at legendary beach resorts of Malibu and Santa Barbara, take in the scenic coastline and the Pacific as you travel along Highway 1, and get back to nature in Yosemite National Park.

HIGHLIGHTS

Get closer to the stars at Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the world’s most famous sidewalk

Experience the magic of Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth

Go behind the scenes of the world’s largest working movie studio, Universal Studios Hollywood

Witness beautiful waterfront views in Southern California’s seaside communities

Explore Santa Barbara, the American Riviera

Experience California’s Central Coast splendour on Highway 1

Marvel at 17-Mile Drive’s the Lone Cypress

Explore the mysteries of Alcatraz Island

Walk along the railings of San Francisco’s world-famous Golden Gate Bridge

Sample California’s tastiest wines in Sonoma/Napa Valley

Glimpse the largest monoliths of exposed granite in Yosemite National Park

ITINERARY

LOS ANGELES – ARRIVAL

Day 1: Arrive in beautiful Los Angeles, pick up your rental car and begin to explore the city. There’s so much to see from the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and numerous world-class museums.

LOS ANGELES – PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – MALIBU – SANTA BARBARA – CENTRAL COAST

Day 2: Start the day with a drive through Santa Monica and the famous beaches of Malibu. Continue up the coast to Santa Barbara, a beautiful seaside community with its famous mission and palm-lined walkways. The harbour and wharf areas are great to explore on foot or rent a bike and see even more. Further north, the classic beach towns of California’s Central Coast beg to be explored. Overnight in the heart of California’s Central Coast.

Driving Distance: 184 MI / 296 KM

CENTRAL COAST – HIGHWAY 1 – MONTEREY/CARMEL

Day 3: Continue north, and near San Luis Obispo join Highway 1 which is renowned as one of the most scenic roadways in the US. Enjoy more stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Pacific with a drive on the 17-Mile Scenic Drive, which passes through the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. Experience the quaint village of Carmel and the charming seaside town of Monterey.

Driving Distance: 267 MI / 430 KMp>

MONTEREY/CARMEL – YOSEMITE

Day 4: Start your day early and continue across California’s agricultural Central Valley before ascending into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Join highway 49 and travel south through California Gold country following in the footsteps of the thousands of gold seekers during the gold rush of 1949. Today this area’s streams and creeks are still considered some of the best for gold panning enthusiasts. Continue to Yosemite National Park.

Driving Distance: 188 MI / 303 KM

YOSEMITE

Day 5: A full day to explore. Yosemite National Park embraces some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and affords a wonderful collection of waterfalls, meadows and forests, including groves of giant sequoias. Marvel at the sheer granite domes and cliffs that soar thousands of feet up from the valley floor. The massive glacial-shaped rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome are the most famous landmarks of the park and keep a majestic watch over the valley.

YOSEMITE – SAN FRANCISCO

Day 6: Today depart Yosemite and head for the city on the bay. This scenic drive will take you into the heart of San Francisco your base for the next 2 days.

Driving Distance: 167 MI / 269 KM

SAN FRANCISCO

Day 7: A full day at leisure to explore the City by the Bay. We strongly recommend time in Fisherman’s Wharf and a relaxing way to spend the afternoon is taking a ferry to Sausalito for a unique perspective on the skyline.

SAN FRANCISCO – DEPARTURE

Day 8: Return your car at the airport before your departure flight.

Postcards of California is located in Self Drive, USA. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 25/05/2023