California Coastal Cruising
Take the scenic route from San Fran to San Diego
This is the California road trip you've always dreamed of! Stay in San Francisco, Monterey, Ventura, and L.A. (and San Diego on the 8-night option!), and feel free to make tons of stops along the way! Take scenic Route 1 down the glistening coast and pass redwood forests, Big Sur, Carmel, La Jolla, Santa Barbara, Malibu, and more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into San Francisco (SFO), out of Los Angeles (LAX)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up SFO and drop off LAX
- 2 nights in San Francisco at the Park Central, or similar
- 1 night in Monterey at the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, or similar
- 1 night in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, or similar
- 2 nights in Los Angeles at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and driving directions
Choose the 8-night option to include 2 nights in sunny San Diego!
Great Ways to Explore
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Experience breathtaking natural beauty at Big Sur, just south of Monterey.
- Enjoy fun in the sun at Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles.
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Take an iconic cable car through San Francisco, and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge!
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Feast on authentic Mexican food in San Diego.
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From redwood forests, to bright blue beaches, to vibrant cities, California has it all.
Get ready for 75 and sunny! California's glistening coastline boasts miles of jaw-dropping beaches, palm-lined streets, and colorful cities straight out of a movie. This Pacific Coast road trip starts in San Francisco, and wraps up in L.A, stopping in Monterey and Ventura in-between! With your very own rental car, you'll have the freedom to roam far and wide. Stop off the beaten path, or visit a nearby city you've always wanted to check out. So, put your sunglasses on and put the windows down. You're in for the adventure of a lifetime!
Start in "San Fran," where you can take a special drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the sea lions hanging out on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf, stroll through the funky streets of Haight-Ashbury, and take a ride on a cable car! Drive down curvy Lombard Street, check out Chinatown, or pay a visit to Alcatraz via ferry. Looking to explore outside the city? Head up to Muir Woods and stand in front of colossal Redwood trees!
Next, you'll be on your way to magical Monterey! Along the way, feel free to make stops in Santa Cruz, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, or Half Moon Bay. Known for its aquarium and seaside charm, Monterey is a playground of dining, shopping, and coastal beauty. Be sure to check out Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and nearby Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Your next stop is Ventura, a village near Santa Barbara and Los Padres National Forest. After a night exploring Ventura, you'll set out for "La La Land!" Soak up L.A's vibrant spirit and check off your Hollywood bucket list. Strut down the Walk-of-Fame, take pictures in front of the Hollywood Sign, and consider a visit to Griffith Observatory. Treat yourself to a studio tour, or bring out your inner "Pretty Woman" on Rodeo Drive. You'll definitely want to check out Santa Monica Pier for some seaside fun in the sun!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into San Francisco (SFO), out of Los Angeles (LAX)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up SFO and drop off LAX
- 2 nights in San Francisco at the Park Central, or similar
- 1 night in Monterey at the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, or similar
- 1 night in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, or similar
- 2 nights in Los Angeles at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and driving directions
Choose the 8-night option to include 2 nights in sunny San Diego!
-
Experience breathtaking natural beauty at Big Sur, just south of Monterey.
- Enjoy fun in the sun at Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles.
-
Take an iconic cable car through San Francisco, and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge!
-
Feast on authentic Mexican food in San Diego.
-
From redwood forests, to bright blue beaches, to vibrant cities, California has it all.
Get ready for 75 and sunny! California's glistening coastline boasts miles of jaw-dropping beaches, palm-lined streets, and colorful cities straight out of a movie. This Pacific Coast road trip starts in San Francisco, and wraps up in L.A, stopping in Monterey and Ventura in-between! With your very own rental car, you'll have the freedom to roam far and wide. Stop off the beaten path, or visit a nearby city you've always wanted to check out. So, put your sunglasses on and put the windows down. You're in for the adventure of a lifetime!
Start in "San Fran," where you can take a special drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the sea lions hanging out on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf, stroll through the funky streets of Haight-Ashbury, and take a ride on a cable car! Drive down curvy Lombard Street, check out Chinatown, or pay a visit to Alcatraz via ferry. Looking to explore outside the city? Head up to Muir Woods and stand in front of colossal Redwood trees!
Next, you'll be on your way to magical Monterey! Along the way, feel free to make stops in Santa Cruz, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, or Half Moon Bay. Known for its aquarium and seaside charm, Monterey is a playground of dining, shopping, and coastal beauty. Be sure to check out Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and nearby Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Your next stop is Ventura, a village near Santa Barbara and Los Padres National Forest. After a night exploring Ventura, you'll set out for "La La Land!" Soak up L.A's vibrant spirit and check off your Hollywood bucket list. Strut down the Walk-of-Fame, take pictures in front of the Hollywood Sign, and consider a visit to Griffith Observatory. Treat yourself to a studio tour, or bring out your inner "Pretty Woman" on Rodeo Drive. You'll definitely want to check out Santa Monica Pier for some seaside fun in the sun!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to San Francisco!
There's nothing like landing in San Fran! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and check-in to your first accommodation.Â
Once you get settled, head out and explore the city! You may want to get dinner in Chinatown, or immerse yourself in the funky spirit of Haight-Ashbury.
Check-in - The Park Central San Francisco
Stay at The Park Central San Francisco for comfort and relaxation! Rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer. Dine on locally-sourced California cuisine at the Maso restaurant, or have a cocktail at the lounge bar. You’re just feet from the Market St. Kearney cable car station, and a short walk from Union Square and the Yerba Buena Gardens. Explore San Francisco in luxurious comfort with stunning views!
Day 2. San Francisco
Rise and shine! Enjoy a full day exploring San Francisco and its surroundings. Consider a drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to Alcatraz Island, or a ferry ride to the charming seaside haven of Sausalito. Why not ride a cable car, or drive down Lombard Street? Be sure to hang out near Fisherman's Wharf, known for its buzzing restaurants and resident sea lions!
Day 3. San Francisco - Monterey
Wave goodbye to San Francisco and take a 2-hour drive south to magical Monterey. Along the way, you'll pass Half Moon Bay, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Whether you opt for seaside fun or an enchanted forest, these all make great stops on your way to Monterey.
Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and get settled. Spend the rest of the day exploring! Consider visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll through shops on Cannery Row, and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant near Old Fisherman's Wharf. Â
Check-in - Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
Located on scenic Monterey Highway 1, this hotel offers modern lodging near the sites of Cannery Row. The hotel offers a swimming pool, hot tub, bar and fitness center. Private parking is available onsite for $15 per day. The 24-hour front desk can handle express check-in and check-out, offer room service, and laundry needs.
Day 4. Monterey - Ventura
After check-out, you may want to take a quick drive to the small, yet scenic beach city of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Your next stay will be in Ventura. En-route, why not make a stop in Santa Barbara? Spend the rest of the night relaxing, and be sure to catch a pretty seaside sunset!
A Tip For Your Trip: The drive from Monterey to Ventura is 4+ hours, so feel free to find an off-the-beaten-path spot to stretch or grab lunch!
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Day 5. Ventura - Los Angeles
Take a scenic 1-hour drive from Ventura to Los Angeles today. Feel free to stop in Malibu or Santa Monica on the way!
Upon arrival in "La La Land," check-in to your hotel and get settled. Tonight, consider a walk through Hollywood and treat yourself to dinner at a trendy restaurant!
Check-in - Hilton Los Angeles Airport
For comfort and extreme convince, look no further than the Hilton Los Angeles Airport! When you fly in, you can take the free shuttle to the airport, and go to the 24-hour front desk to express check-in/check-out. Stay in a comfortable, quiet room. Enjoy cable TV, a radio, a coffee-maker, and ironing facilities. Eat at the Cafe, Andiamo, or have a drink at the Landings bar. Use the fitness center, or shop at the gift shop. You'll be close to downtown Santa Monica!
Day 6. Los Angeles
Wake up surrounded by glitz and glam! L.A. is filled with things to see and do.
Take obligatory photos in front of the iconic Hollywood Sign, consider a visit to Griffith Observatory, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and drive down Sunset Boulevard. Feeling fancy? Bring out your inner "Pretty Woman" and go shopping on Rodeo Drive. Or, treat yourself to a movie studio tour!
Anything goes in L.A.!
Day 7. Depart California
Yes - sadly, the day has come. Wave goodbye to sunny California as you drive to the airport. Return your rental car, find your departure gate, and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure.Â
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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