Ultimate California
Pacific Coast icons, desert highways and the great parks of the American West
From the rolling fog beneath the Golden Gate Bridge to the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley, this unforgettable self-drive captures the very essence of California and the American Southwest. Begin with three nights in San Francisco before tracing the legendary Pacific Coast Highway through Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Barbara, where dramatic cliffs meet the endless Pacific Ocean. Continue through the golden beaches and vibrant neighbourhoods of Los Angeles and San Diego, before turning inland to Palm Springs — a stylish desert oasis framed by mountains and endless blue skies.
As the journey unfolds, the landscapes grow ever more spectacular. Travel through Joshua Tree country into Arizona, where Route 66 nostalgia, the red rock beauty of Sedona and the immense scale of the Grand Canyon await. Experience the bright lights of Las Vegas, the stark extremes of Death Valley and the granite giants of Yosemite National Park before a final alpine pause at Lake Tahoe. Your adventure ends in Napa Valley, where rolling vineyards and world-class wines provide a relaxed and indulgent finale to one of the most diverse and rewarding road trips in North America.
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!
23 night self drive holiday from £2,799pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Iconic California Coastline – San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast Highway
Vibrant Cities & Beach Life – Los Angeles and San Diego’s sun-soaked energy and culture
Desert & Southwest Wonders – Palm Springs, Route 66, Sedona and the Grand Canyon
Epic National Parks & Wine Country – Death Valley, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley
Your itinerary
Days 1–3: San Francisco, California
Cable cars, coastal views & Golden Gate magic
Arrive into San Francisco and begin your journey in one of America’s most iconic and atmospheric cities. Spend three nights discovering highlights such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and Chinatown, and ride the historic cable cars as they climb the city’s famously steep streets. Walk or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge for sweeping views across the bay, or head up to Twin Peaks for a spectacular panorama of the skyline. With its blend of Victorian charm, oceanfront scenery and world-class dining, San Francisco offers the perfect, unhurried start to your adventure.
3 Nights in
San Francisco, CA
Arrive &
Explore
Day 4: Monterey & Carmel
From city streets to rugged Pacific shores
Leave the city behind and follow the Pacific coastline south to Monterey Bay, where ocean views and marine life set the tone for the journey ahead. Visit Cannery Row and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, then continue to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming coastal village known for its white-sand beach, art galleries and relaxed elegance. The famous 17-Mile Drive offers breathtaking coastal scenery along the way.
1 Night in
Monterey, CA
125 miles
Day 5: Big sur & Cambria
Big Sur’s legendary cliffs & ocean panoramas
Today’s drive along Highway 1 is one of the most spectacular in the world. Wind your way through Big Sur, where towering cliffs plunge into the Pacific and every curve reveals a new unforgettable view. Pass iconic sights such as Bixby Bridge before continuing to the laid-back coastal town of Cambria, known for Moonstone Beach and its relaxed, artistic feel.
1 Night in
Cambria, CA
115 miles
Day 6: Santa Barbara, California
Spanish elegance and the Riviera of the West
Continue along the scenic Pacific Coast towards Santa Barbara, often referred to as the “American Riviera.” With its Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful beaches, this elegant coastal city offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
1 Night in
Santa Barbara, CA
140 miles
Days 7 – 9: Los Angeles, California
Hollywood glamour & beach life
Cruise down through Malibu into Los Angeles for three nights in the City of Angels. Explore Santa Monica Pier, stroll along Venice Beach and browse the boutiques of Beverly Hills. Walk Hollywood Boulevard and take in sweeping views of the city and the famous Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory. LA offers a dynamic mix of beach lifestyle, entertainment history and vibrant neighbourhoods.
3 Nights in
Los Angeles, CA
95 miles
Days 10 – 11: San Diego, CA
Sunshine, surf & Southern California cool
Head south to San Diego, where golden beaches and a relaxed atmosphere create one of California’s most enjoyable stops. Discover Balboa Park’s gardens and museums, wander the historic Gaslamp Quarter or simply unwind along the Pacific shoreline as waves roll gently onto the sand.
2 Nights in
San Diego, CA
120 miles
Days 12 – 13: Palm Springs, CA
Desert luxury beneath endless blue skies
Turn inland to Palm Springs, a stylish desert retreat known for its mid-century modern architecture, palm-lined streets and year-round sunshine. Spend two nights relaxing poolside, exploring the surrounding desert landscapes or visiting nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where surreal rock formations and iconic Joshua trees create a truly otherworldly setting.
2 Nights in
Palm Springs, CA
145 miles
Day 14: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Across desert highways to a little piece of London
Travel through wide-open desert landscapes into Arizona, arriving at Lake Havasu City on the banks of the Colorado River. Visit the famous London Bridge, relocated here from England, and soak up the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere of this unique desert destination.
1 Night in
Lake Havasu City, AZ
220 miles
Day 15: Sedona, Arizona
Into Arizona’s red rock wonderland
Drive northeast into the heart of Arizona’s most striking scenery. Sedona’s towering red rock formations glow in shades of crimson and gold, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southwest. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and unforgettable desert views.
1 Night in
Sedona, AZ
235 miles
Day 16: grand canyon national park
Stand on the edge of a natural masterpiece
Continue north to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, where vast viewpoints reveal one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Watch as the colours shift with the changing light, creating an unforgettable experience from sunrise to sunset.
1 Night at
Grand Canyon NP, AZ
115 miles
Days 17 – 18: Las Vegas, Nevada
Bright lights, bold experiences & desert energy
Travel west via the Hoover Dam to Las Vegas. Spend two nights enjoying the iconic Strip, with its dazzling hotels, world-class entertainment and incredible dining. Whether you’re exploring the casinos or relaxing poolside, Las Vegas delivers a unique and unforgettable experience.
2 Nights in
Las Vegas, NV
285 miles
Day 19: Death Valley National Park, California
Otherworldly landscapes and starlit skies
Leave the neon behind and enter the dramatic wilderness of Death Valley. Explore salt flats, sand dunes and colourful rock formations in this vast and otherworldly landscape — a place of extremes and unforgettable scenery.
1 Night in
Death Valley, CA
150 miles
Days 20 – 21: Yosemite National Park, California
Granite giants, waterfalls & timeless wilderness
Travel north into the Sierra Nevada and arrive in Yosemite National Park, one of America’s most spectacular natural environments. Spend two nights exploring Yosemite Valley, where sheer granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls and ancient giant sequoias create unforgettable scenes at every turn.
2 Nights at
Yosemite NP, CA
300 miles
Day 22: Lake Tahoe, california
Alpine lakes & mountain serenity
Continue through California’s historic Gold Country to Lake Tahoe, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by forested mountains. With its crystal-clear waters and scenic shoreline, Tahoe offers a refreshing change of pace and scenery.
1 Night at
Lake Tahoe, CA
200 miles
Day 23: Napa valley, california
A perfect finale in California’s wine country
Your final day takes you west into Napa Valley, where rolling vineyards and elegant wineries create a relaxed and indulgent end to your journey. Enjoy a scenic drive through the valley, perhaps along the Silverado Trail, and raise a glass to an unforgettable adventure. Tomorrow, enjoy a short drive back to San Francisco Airport, return your car and board your flight home — the perfect closing chapter to your Ultimate California road trip.
1 Night at
Lake Tahoe, CA
160 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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