California 1: Coast & Wine
No road trip is as awe-inspiring as the route along Highway 1 from San Francisco to LA. You’ll hit the road in the Bay Area, marvelling at the towering redwoods of Muir Woods before sipping on California’s delicious wines among the vineyards of Napa Valley. Then it’s onto Monterey and the wild beauty of Big Sur, driving south to Malibu for a surfing adventure and finishing with a day at Universal Studios.
Experience this...
Explore the beauty of Muir Woods
San Francisco’s proximity to nature makes it the ideal place to balance the buzz of the city with the life-affirming calm of time spent outdoors. So, after exploring the infamous former prison on Alcatraz, the SFMOMA, or the Golden Gate Park, it’s time for you to head north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods. A National Monument since 1908, it is home to some of the world’s tallest redwoods and is steeped in Native American history.
Go wine tasting in Napa Valley
California's wine country deserves an extended stay, all the better to take in as many of the 400 wineries and 90-plus urban tasting rooms scattered around Napa County. Each charming city has a different feel; Calistoga has a smattering of vintage shops, St Helena has oodles of upscale boutiques and commercial galleries, whilst Yountsville is earning a reputation as something of a foodie hotspot, where you'll find some of America’s very best restaurants. Ask your Travel Counsellor to book you a table at Bouchon or the French Laundry (at extra cost) or enjoy the gorgeous weather with a picnic and a bottle or two among the vines.
Big Sur’s beauty
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway through Monterey County is an otherworldly experience. The waves of the ocean pound the cliffs of Big Sur as the mist swirls above, and Quaint Carmel looks out peacefully across the water. Both make this one of California’s most timeless destinations. You’ll need to make time to explore Monterey’s Cannery Row, a one-time industrial strip made famous by John Steinbeck, which is now home to some superb seafood restaurants (at extra cost).
Surf Malibu’s world-famous breaks
Malibu is nothing short of a surfer’s paradise. The waves here are so beloved that they form part of the first World Surfing Reserve, where the water and marine life enjoy special protection. Whether you’ve got your board in tow and want to try out the beach’s renowned right-hander or simply stand up and ride the waves for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. Lessons are at an extra cost.
Hit Hollywood
Wandering the streets of Hollywood might get you closer to the stars, but to get a true taste of glamour, you need to head into the hills on a Celebrity Homes Tour. Your guide will be on hand to tell you who lives where, before you make for Universal Studios for some red-carpet action and thrills on its amazing rides. Play real-life Mario Kart or undergo Minion training on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Suggested itinerary
Stay at the Argonaut Hotel, where you can look out across San Francisco Bay, with Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge dazzling in the sunlight. The bare brick rooms in the former Haslett Warehouse speak to the city’s industrial past. The Garland serves up classic Hollywood chic, with mid-century design flourishes and a secluded pool. With a farm-to-fork menu and gorgeous cocktails, this is Californian glamour at its best.
Travel style
You’ll be behind the wheel on this epic road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, all the better to take in the sweeping views from Highway 1, aka the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll wind along the cliff tops around Big Sur and put your foot down as Santa Barbara and Malibu loom into view. You’ll have the choice of a top-end car, with air-con and ample space for all your luggage.
Your handcrafted journey starts here
13 nights start from £3,840pp including flights from London Heathrow (5th October 2024), private transfers, and the following accommodation based on two sharing.
2 nights at the Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel, San Francisco, 2 nights at River Terrace Inn, a Noble House Hotel, Napa, 2 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, 1 night at Blue Dolphin Inn, Cambria, 1 night at the Inn at the Pier, Pismo, 2 nights at Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara, 1 night at Hotel June Malibu, and 2 nights at The Garland, North Hollywood.
Car hire and tours of Muir Woods/ Sausalito, Alcatraz, and a Universal Studios & celebrity homes tour are also included.
Subject to availability, T&Cs apply.
Contact your Travel Counsellor today to get things started.
