Visit San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Santa Barbara & LA

Arrive in California for the beginning of your road trip adventure. After taking a convenient cab from the airport to find your hotel in San Francisco, why not enjoy an evening meal in one of the city's excellent restaurants before settling in for the night, so you are ready and refreshed for two full days exploring this wonderful city by the Bay.

Once the morning fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the steep streets and get into the vibe that only this city can offer. Packed with Victorian charm, remarkable restaurants, spectacular shopping and famous movie locations, this iconic city really has it all.

Alcatraz Island is often near the top of people's to-do lists when visiting the west coast of America. Not only will you enjoy the unique experience of Alcatraz, but you'll also take in spectacular views of San Francisco, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge as you ferry across the Bay to this iconic tourist destination. Once you're back on the mainland, you should grab a meal in Fisherman's Wharf before riding a cable car back to your hotel.

Spanning the headlands of San Francisco and Marin County, one of the world’s most beautiful bridges is a delightful experience whether you walk, bike or drive across. You can see stunning views by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. After crossing the bridge you'll be driving through the rolling landscape that is Marin County. Here you'll find treasures including Tiburon, Sausalito and Muir Woods National Monument. You’ll then continue on until you reach Sonoma Valley and neighbouring Napa Valley.

You don't have to like wine to enjoy this area. These two neighbouring valleys offer stunning scenery made up of perfectly manicured vineyards stretching across rolling hills that can be enjoyed by car, train or even by an early morning hot air balloon ride. This is food heaven too, with places like Thomas Keller’s French Laundry and the rather more affordable Gott’s Roadside burger joint. Additionally, you can take a drive along one of our favourite roads in California, The Silverado Trail parallels the St. Helena Highway passing through scenic wine country.

Follow I-80 and iconic Lincoln Highway to find the beautiful blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the epic mountains that surround it. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the lake, skiing in the mountains or simply relax on one of the lake's lovely beaches. If you fancy a drive, then you can circle Lake Tahoe along scenic highways in around 2 hours.

The second drive of this California road trip will have you cruising through the rolling hills of the old Gold Country. Next, you climb up the curvy roads to Yosemite National Park. Once in Yosemite, you’ll have 2 days to experience nature at its most breathtaking.

Yosemite National Park is over 1180 square miles of nature at its very best. The most visited area of the park is Yosemite Valley, vast rock faces, crystal clear waters, staggering views and stunning waterfalls combine to make Yosemite Valley a real national treasure. Leave enough time to visit Glacier Point, which is best viewed during sunset and offers the best views in all of Yosemite.

Monterey was once California’s capital, however, today its best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium that resides on Cannery Row. This town was also famous for its whaling and sardine industry, it now focuses on marine education and preservation through the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. 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.

If it’s good enough for Clint Eastwood then It’s good enough for us. 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 Seal Lions give birth to pups on beautiful beaches, sea otters frolicking in the ocean and whales slowly migrating through the 750 acre under water State Natural Reserve. Point Lobos offers pure beauty that can be enjoyed through the many short hikes, a wonderful afternoon indeed.

Arguably, the most scenic 100 miles of this California road trip are on Highway 1 through what is known as Big Sur. Twisting roads curve around steep cliff faces, and pass by beautiful State Parks and spectacular vista points that look out over the vast Pacific Ocean. Further down the coast, you can visit Hearst Castle which perches on “The Enchanted Hill”. If you wish to visit Hearst Castle, then please request an extra overnight stop in Cambria when you build your road trip. Next is Santa Barbara further down the coast, built in a charming Mediterranean style, this upmarket town is one of the trip's highlights.

Spend the morning in sunny Santa Barbara. After lunch you’ll continue driving south along 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 worthy finish to the day. Hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk down to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street Promenade.

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 city. The landmark is well worth a visit and is great for views of the legendary Hollywood sign.

Beverly Hills offers the chance to see movie star homes on palm tree-lined streets and Rodeo Drive, where you can shop with the rich and famous. The next day you’ll complete your California road trip experience by spending the morning by the pool or finishing off any remaining sightseeing, before flying home to the UK from LAX.