Pacific Coast Highway
From San Francisco to San Diego, discover coastal beauty, redwood forests and golden beaches on America’s most scenic highway.
Experience the ultimate West Coast adventure on this spectacular 13-night Pacific Coast Highway self-drive holiday. Starting in the captivating city of San Francisco, you’ll journey through misty redwood forests, towering mountain passes and sun-kissed beaches — every mile revealing a new side of California’s beauty. Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Alcatraz, and soak up the lively atmosphere at Pier 39 before heading inland to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park, where granite peaks and cascading waterfalls await.
Returning to the Pacific, the road leads you through charming coastal towns like Monterey, Carmel and Cambria, the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, and the elegance of Santa Barbara. Continue south through Malibu and Santa Monica before finishing your adventure in laid-back San Diego — the perfect finale of oceanfront dining, vibrant culture and year-round sunshine.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
13 night self drive holiday from £2,199pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Explore waterfalls and cliffs in Yosemite National Park
Visit charming seaside towns like Monterey and Carmel
Discover Big Sur’s dramatic ocean-view drive
Experience Hollywood glamour in Los Angeles & unwind on sun-drenched beaches in San Diego
Your itinerary
DAYs 1-3: ARRIVE & EXPLORE SAN FRANCISCO
Golden Gate vistas, cable cars and a city brimming with energy and style
Begin your California adventure in vibrant San Francisco, a city bursting with personality. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and the lively Pier 39, where sea lions bask in the sunshine and street performers fill the air with energy. Take a ferry to infamous Alcatraz Island, ride a historic cable car up the steep hills, and capture breathtaking views from the Golden Gate Bridge. In the evenings, explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods—Chinatown, North Beach and Haight-Ashbury—each with its own distinctive flavour and story to tell.
3 Nights in
San Francisco, CA
Arrive &
Explore
DAYs 4-5: yosemite national park
Towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls and giant sequoias in a natural wonderland
Collect your car and head east through the Sierra Nevada mountains to spectacular Yosemite National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage treasure is known for its towering granite monoliths, thunderous waterfalls and serene meadows. Spend a full day exploring highlights such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, or take a scenic hike through Mariposa Grove to stand among ancient Giant Sequoias. Whether you choose a gentle valley walk or a high-altitude viewpoint drive, Yosemite’s epic landscapes and shifting light will leave you utterly spellbound.
2 Nights at
Yosemite NP, CA
200 miles
Days 6–7: Monterey & Carmel
Ocean breezes, coastal charm and picture-perfect seaside towns filled with character
Ocean breezes, coastal charm and picture-perfect seaside towns filled with character
Return west to the ocean and the charming Monterey Peninsula. Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to playful sea otters and dazzling jellyfish, then wander along Cannery Row’s historic waterfront. Drive the legendary 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress for sweeping Pacific views. Just down the road, Carmel-by-the-Sea enchants visitors with storybook cottages, boutique shops and art galleries. Whether you dine on freshly caught seafood overlooking the bay or stroll Carmel Beach at sunset, this stretch of California coast is pure magic.
2 Nights in
Monterey, CA
200 miles
Day 8: Cambria & Big Sur
Twisting coastal roads, crashing surf and the unforgettable drama of Big Sur
Today’s drive along Highway 1 is one of the most spectacular in the world. Hug the cliffs as you wind through Big Sur, where mist rises off the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests tumble down to the sea. Stop at Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Falls and McWay Cove for breathtaking photos before reaching Cambria, a welcoming seaside village of boutiques and cafés. Nearby, explore the opulent Hearst Castle—William Randolph Hearst’s legendary hilltop estate filled with art and sweeping ocean views.
1 night in
Cambria, CA
105 miles
Day 9: Solvang & Santa Barbara
European charm, coastal elegance and the relaxed glamour of California’s Riviera
Depart Cambria and journey south along rolling coastal hills to the storybook town of Solvang, where half-timbered buildings and windmills bring a touch of Denmark to California. Stop for pastries or a stroll before continuing to Santa Barbara, a coastal gem framed by mountains and sea. Discover its Spanish-inspired architecture, browse boutique shops along State Street, and unwind on the palm-lined waterfront. With ocean breezes, golden sands and Mediterranean flair, Santa Barbara captures the very essence of laid-back California sophistication.
1 Night in
Santa Barbara, CA
145 miles
Days 10–11: Santa Monica & Los Angeles
Movie magic, iconic landmarks and endless sunshine in the City of Angels
Cruise past Malibu’s ocean-view mansions as you enter Los Angeles, where palm trees line wide boulevards and creativity fills the air. Stroll the famous Santa Monica Pier, symbolically marking the end of Route 66, then venture into the heart of Hollywood to see the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Visit the Griffith Observatory for sweeping skyline views or shop in style along Rodeo Drive. Whether it’s beach sunsets, theme parks or celebrity spotting, LA delivers excitement around every corner.
2 Nights in
Santa Monica, CA
85 miles
Days 12–13: San Diego
Golden beaches, coastal culture and year-round sunshine at California’s southern tip
Your final stop brings you to sunny San Diego, a city known for its perfect climate and inviting coastal lifestyle. Relax on soft Pacific beaches, explore the lively Gaslamp Quarter, or wander through the Spanish-style courtyards of Balboa Park. Don’t miss the world-famous San Diego Zoo or a sunset cruise in the harbour. From fresh seafood dinners overlooking the ocean to beachside strolls beneath pastel skies, San Diego is the ideal finale to your Pacific Coast adventure before you catch your overnight flight home.
2 Nights in
San Diego, CA
135 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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