San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Barbara, LA, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree NP and Las Vegas

The Golden Gate Bridge spans the headlands of Marin County and San Francisco, this is one of the worlds most beautiful bridges and a delightful experience whether you walk, bike or drive across. You can gain stunning views by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the bridge.

Once the fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the streets and get into the vibe that only this city can offer. Full of Victorian charm, famous movie locations and wealthy tech companies, San Francisco has it all.

A second full day to explore San Fran’s must-see places which will be listed in your personalised Road Trip Pack. These “must see” places include Coit Tower, Lombard Street, the Painted Ladies, Union Square and Alcatraz to name just a few. Whilst you’re in San Francisco you simply must experience some of the best Chinese food in the world, thanks to the large Chinese community that call this city home.

Monterey was once California’s capital of the whaling and sardine industry, however, today it's best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium that resides on Cannery Row. The focus now is on marine education and preservation. Want to experience the bay area first hand? Take a whale watching trip during spring or autumn. In the early evening, cruise along the famous “17-Mile Drive” on your way to Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll pass millionaire mansions, Pebble Beach Golf Club and a beautiful rugged coastline along the way.

Carmel offers two world-class beaches backed by a small town made up of beautiful homes, quaint streets and fabulous restaurants. The wild and wonderful Point Lobos is just a couple of miles south of Carmel. Here you can see sea lions give birth to pups on beautiful beaches, sea otters frolicking in the ocean and whales slowly migrating.

The world famous drive down California's Highway 1 is at its most dramatic when it features the 90 miles of coastal road that is Big Sur. Twisting roads curve around cliff faces, passing gorgeous state parks and spectacular vista lay-bys that look out over the vast ocean. Hearst Castle comes next - the product of one man’s ambition, wealth and imagination. This vast home hosted the rich and famous, today it offers visitors the chance to see fine antiques and art from around the world in an over the top setting.

Santa Barbara is an ideal stop for anyone touring the Pacific Coast’s Highway 1. This affluent town is built in a charming Mediterranean style, making it one of the West Coast’s most attractive regions to visit. Enjoy the idyllic scenery by biking through the city or simply relax under the palm trees that are blessed by the constant rays of sun.

Today you’ll continue driving south down the Pacific Coast Highway passing Malibu’s beaches and coastal homes until you reach Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Santa Monica with its “Baywatch” beaches and old-fashioned Pier is a highlight. Hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk down to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street Promenade.

Beverly Hills offers the chance to see movie star homes with sky-high fences on palm tree lined streets. Close by is the amazing Getty Center, this is a firm favourite of the team at The American Road Trip Company - your personalised Road Trip Pack will help explain how to visit this attraction and all the other essential places to see in La La Land.

Tinseltown is synonymous with glitz and glamour, and although many of the studios have now moved on to other parts of the city, it's still fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. Just a short drive northeast of here lies the Griffith Observatory perched high on a hill overlooking the urban sprawl of LA, this landmark is well worth a visit and is great for views of the legendary Hollywood sign.

Spend your morning by the pool and enjoy your breakfast before heading east to Sinatra’s favourite getaway. On your way to Las Vegas you’ll find Palm Springs, which feels like a mirage in the desert as the luxurious shelter is surrounded by dry mountains on all sides. Forget your worries whilst you lie by the pool, shoot some rounds of golf, or cruise the radiant streets and take in the modernist architecture. Made famous by the Hollywood stars of yesteryear, Palm Springs makes a wonderful overnight on any road trip.

Joshua Tree National Park is an alien landscape, characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. Continuing east, welcome to Las Vegas! First class hotels, cuisine and entertainment in the middle of a desert landscape welcome you for a three-night stay. Once you’ve checked into your Las Vegas hotel, get dressed up and hit the tables, bars and restaurants - it’s time to paint the town red.

Las Vegas has something for everyone, why not take a helicopter ride over The Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam or, just enjoy more of the city. On everyone's list is checking out the Bellagio Fountains, you could also take a Gondola ride at the Venetian. Why not watch a world class show, Vegas is a great place to do it? Another ARTCo fave is the Neon Museum where you can experience the Las Vegas magic of a bygone age touring the Neon Boneyard.

If your head hurts after a big night out, you can always relax by the amazing pools adorning nearly every hotel. Stretch your legs with a walk along the legendary 'strip', book tickets to one of the incredible shows or take some retail therapy. We recommend visiting one of the over the top buffets in the hotels. Just make sure you are hungry when you go, the range and quality of the food is amazing value!