Simply California

This short California self-drive itinerary from San Francisco to Los Angeles down Big Sur offers iconic cities and world-famous coastal drives. Escape to the golden state for a family getaway and experience incredible family fun along the way.

1. Days 1-3: San Francisco

   Your holiday starts in San Francisco, probably the USA’s most beautiful major city, breathtakingly situated overlooking San Francisco Bay with its Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. We would suggest two nights here to enjoy the city’s charms. Take a cable car ride up those steep hills and be sure to take the ferry ride out to Alcatraz Island to see Al Capone’s prison cell. Don’t ignore the surrounding areas though, you’ll find a picturesque Sausalito on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, with its beautiful yachts and cute cafes.

   Accommodation: Hotel Zetta (2 nights)

2. Days 3-5: Monterey and Carmel

   Next, drive south a couple of hours to stay at the northern end of Big Sur in Carmel. Basing yourself at Carmel Valley Ranch, enjoy activities such as horseback riding, cycling, championship golf and exploring nearby Carmel-by-Sea. With its beautiful sandy beaches and charming shops and restaurants, Carmel is a favourite spot at the northern end of the Pacific Highway One. A very short drive away is Monterey Bay, a haven for wildlife from otters to whales and world-famous for its fantastic aquarium. It's a perfect place to get out on the water by kayak or boat, so we've included a whale watching trip so you can go in search of humpbacks and dolphins.

   Accommodation: Carmel Valley Ranch (2 nights)

3. Days 5-6: Big Sur

   Next is the incredible journey along the Pacific Highway One. Drive down the sweeping coastline of Big Sur with its magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastal hills and remote beaches where sea lions play – truly one of the world’s great ocean drives. There are plenty of diversions to interesting places such as Hearst Castle near San Simeon and Julia Pfeiffer beach, so be sure to ask us about all the possibilities. Stay overnight in delightful Morro Bay at Big Sur’s southern end at the charming Anderson Inn, located on the waterfront with spectacular views of Morro Rock and the ocean. We've included a spectacular guided kayaking trip out in Morro Bay, one of our favourite experiences in California, you'll paddle in search of wildlife and enjoy pre-dinner drinks out on the sand dunes.

   Accommodation: Anderson Inn (1 night)

4. Days 6-9: Santa Monica

   Last but not least is Santa Monica, where you will spend your final few nights before flying home. Do like the locals and hire rollerblades or a Segway to explore fascinating Venice Beach, or potter around some of the great farmers’ markets and buy a picnic to have on the beach. Head down to Anaheim for a day at the original Disney theme park, or go behind the scenes at Hollywood's Universal Studios. You can also spend a day visiting the sights of downtown Los Angeles, or hit the beach for a surf lesson in Santa Monica.

   Accommodation: Viceroy Santa Monica (3 nights)

• Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

  Hire a bike and cycle over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf to charming Sausalito, perched on the hillside between the Bay and the Marin Headlands, or for the really energetic keep pedalling to Tiburon for lunch at Sam's!

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• Explore Alcatraz Island

  Yes it’s touristy, but it’s hard not to be excited as you ride across the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Along with a historical prison tour, Alcatraz offers a working lighthouse, tide pools, a fort, gardens and epic city views.

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• Universal Hollywood VIP Experience

  Star treatment awaits the fortunate few on this exclusive guided behind-the-scenes tour, revealing world class production facilities & movie sets normally closed to the public and enjoying front-of-line access to all rides, attractions & gourmet lunch.

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• Whale and Wildlife Watching Morro Bay

  A real-life encounter with whales is an unforgettable experience. That's why between May and September we recommend heading out on the water from the Embarcadero at Morro Bay to see humpback whales, gray whales and dolphins.

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San Francisco, Carmel Valley, Morro Bay & Santa Monica