Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
USA - West Coast - California
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine: your California road trip begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some nibbles in the lounge before boarding your 11-hour flight from London to San Francisco. After landing, you'll be transferred to the heart of the city, where you’ll spend the next three nights in a bustling neighbourhood packed with buzzing theatres, lively restaurants and trendy bars.
You’ve got two days to soak in San Francisco, kicking off with a stroll through the city with a San Fran local who will explain its history and culture and recommend some hidden gems. One of the highlights of the tour is a walk through the Haight-Ashbury district, where thousands of hippies gathered during the 1967 ‘Summer of Love’.
This afternoon, sports lovers can catch an NBA match at the Chase Centre, while culinary connoisseurs can learn how to make authentic fortune cookies in Chinatown. Spend some time shopping in Union Square before visiting the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island at dusk for a spooky nighttime tour.
On day two, we’ve arranged bike rentals for your whole tribe so you can explore San Francisco on two wheels. Pedal to the Golden Gate Bridge, where you’ll be treated to fantastic views over the bay as you bike across to Sausalito, a chic seaside resort town. Grab some tasty food before heading back by ferry. If your legs aren’t too tired, spend the rest of the day in Silicon Valley, home to many prominent tech companies including Apple, Google and Facebook.
This morning, head out for one last wander before picking up your rental car and making the four-hour drive to El Portal, a quiet town in the heart of Sierra Nevada, just a few miles from Yosemite National Park. Leave the city in your rear-view mirror as you take scenic highways through small towns and along roads lined with pine forests and giant sequoias.
Once you arrive in El Portal, check into your hotel near the park entrance, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Unload everyone’s bags and put your feet up – you’ve got a busy day tomorrow.
Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions, offering outdoor activities galore. The park boasts spectacular alpine landscapes, towering cliffs, majestic lakes and waterfalls, giant redwood forests and fantastic wildlife, including black bears – it’s no wonder it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Don your walking boots and head out to explore the park’s extensive network of footpaths. Meander through groves of cedar and oak trees and around grassy meadows, keeping your eyes peeled for deer, coyotes and black bears. If you want to amp up the adventure, we can arrange for you to go whitewater rafting, or for a more sedate activity, a family bike ride. End the day with nibbles up Glacier Point as the sun paints the glacial valley in shades of peach and gold.
Head out for one last drive through the wilderness before making the four-hour drive to Monterey. Hit play on your perfectly curated Californian road trip playlist (Hotel California, anyone?) and follow the scenic Route 140 as it winds through pretty western towns. When you reach Monterey Bay, you’ll be met with postcard-perfect views of the glistening blue sea. You’ll be spending two nights here, so get settled in before heading out onto the beach for a relaxing evening with your feet in the sand.
Beautiful Monterey is usually just a stop-off on a California road trip, but we’ve allotted a whole day for you to discover the city. Visit the award-winning aquarium, home to cute sea otters, spotted leopard sharks and skulking bat rays, then take the teens to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where every shop is jam-packed with trinkets and souvenirs. While there, you might even spot a sunbathing seal. If this catches their imaginations, we can arrange for you to rent kayaks to paddle around the bay, keeping your eyes peeled for a whale in the distance.
If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, wander along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, where you’ll be treated to ocean views and sea lion sightings. Then, this evening, drive along the infamous 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can enjoy a sunset drink on the sand.
Today, leave behind the quaint coastal towns as you continue south to Santa Barbara, a four-hour drive along the panoramic Highway 1. If the youngsters are getting restless along the way, you could always stop to take a fun-filled beach buggy ride through the Pismo Beach dunes.
The city of Santa Barbara was founded at the end of the 18th century and is known for its white-washed stucco houses and palm-lined beaches which give the city a Mediterranean feel, earning it the nickname the ‘American Riviera’. Whether you want to spend the afternoon hitting the waves during a family surf lesson or simply flopping down on the warm sand, Santa Barbara is the ultimate beach break on any Californian adventure.
Today, say goodbye to Santa Barbara. Head back to the highway and soak in the dramatic ocean views over the Pacific as you make the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Malibu. Stop off for lunch and stretch your legs with a walk along one of the many beautiful beaches bordered by expensive holiday homes before bunding back into the car and continuing to Los Angeles.
The ‘City of Angels’ is the place many teenagers look forward to most, with its sprawling network of avenues and famous Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel. You’ll be staying here for the next few nights in a centrally located hotel, so make yourself at home and get a good night’s sleep before a busy day of exploring tomorrow.
Ah, Los Angeles: a city of sun, sand and SoCal spirit. Wander down Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where your TV-loving teens can spot the names of their favourite celebrities (cameras at the ready!). Hop in a classic car and cruise around LA’s iconic neighbourhoods, just like in a movie.
If you’re an adventure-loving family, explore the legendary beaches of Santa Monica and Venice on beach cruiser bikes. Cycle along the beachside path, passing the iconic Muscle Beach where you can stop and have a go yourself on the exercise bars scattered along the sandy stretches.
While in LA, don’t miss a trip to Universal Studios. With its heart-pumping rides and rollercoasters, a trip here is the ultimate day out for teens and adults alike. For the best experience, purchase Express Passes to rule out any pesky queues.
Sadly, your California road trip has come to an end. After one last American-style breakfast, return your hire car to the airport and catch your ten-and-a-half-hour flight home. Your flight will be overnight, so you’ll arrive back in the UK tomorrow with glowing tans and a camera roll full of epic photos.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
