Day 1-3: Santa Monica
Start your journey in Santa Monica, a vibrant beach city with a laid-back vibe and plenty of attractions. Stay at the luxurious Hotel Casa del Mar, a historic oceanfront hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and a seafood restaurant. Explore the famous Santa Monica Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, and watch street performers². Stroll along the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only shopping and dining area with live entertainment. Rent a bike and ride along the beach path to Venice Beach, where you can see the colourful murals, quirky shops, and muscle beach⁴. For a cultural experience, visit the Bergamot Station, a former railroad station turned into an arts complex with galleries and museums.
Santa Barbara
Day 4-6: Santa Barbara
Drive north along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, a charming city with a Mediterranean flair and a rich history. Stay at the Belmond El Encanto, a stunning hilltop resort with panoramic views, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a beautiful Spanish colonial church with a museum and a garden. Explore the downtown area, where you can shop at the Paseo Nuevo mall, admire the architecture of the County Courthouse, and catch a show at the Arlington Theatre. Enjoy the sun and sand at one of the many beaches, such as East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, or Butterfly Beach. For a taste of wine country, take a day trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, where you can visit wineries, tasting rooms, and charming towns like Solvang and Los Olivos.
Day 7-9: San Luis Obispo
Continue your road trip to San Luis Obispo, a friendly college town with a lively downtown and a variety of outdoor activities. Stay at the Madonna Inn, a unique hotel with whimsical-themed rooms, a spa, and a bakery. Check out the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a historic church with a museum and a plaza. Wander around the downtown area, where you can shop at local boutiques, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, and see the quirky Bubblegum Alley. For some nature and adventure, hike up to Bishop Peak for stunning views of the city and the coast, or bike along the Bob Jones Trail to Avila Beach. Don’t miss the famous Thursday Night Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy live music, street food, and fresh produce.
Yosemite National Park
Day 10-12: Yosemite National Park
Leave the coast behind and head inland to Yosemite National Park, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Stay at The Ahwahnee Hotel, a historic lodge with rustic elegance, cosy fireplaces, and stunning views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Marvel at the majestic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows that make up Yosemite Valley. Take a scenic drive to Glacier Point for breathtaking views of the park from above. Hike to one of the many trails that lead to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, or Vernal Fall. For some wildlife and history, visit the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village, where you can learn about the native people and animals that live in the park.
Day 13-15: Sonoma
Return to the coast and drive to Sonoma County, one of California’s premier wine regions. Stay at The Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant in Forestville. This is an award-winning boutique hotel with luxurious rooms. It also has an acclaimed restaurant that serves seasonal dishes paired with local wines. Explore the charming town of Sonoma. Here you can see its historic plaza. You can also visit its shops. You can also visit its art galleries. And you can also visit its wineries. Take a wine tour through some of the best vineyards in Sonoma Valley. You can taste world-class wines. You can also enjoy scenic views. And you can also learn about winemaking. For some fun and adventure. You can also go on a hot air balloon ride over Sonoma County. You can see its stunning landscape from above. You can also experience an exhilarating flight. And you can also celebrate with champagne brunch after landing.
Day 16: San Francisco
End your trip in San Francisco. This is one of California’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Stay at The Fairmont San Francisco. This is an iconic hotel on Nob Hill. It has elegant rooms. It also has amazing views of the city and bay. See the landmarks that make San Francisco famous. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also visit Alcatraz Island. And you can also visit Fisherman’s Wharf. Ride a cable car to explore the different neighbourhoods of San Francisco. You can visit Chinatown. You can also visit Union Square. And you can also visit Lombard Street. Enjoy the cultural and culinary scene of San Francisco. You can visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can also visit the Ferry Building Marketplace. And you can also dine at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.
