Postcards of California
7 Nights Fly Drive Holiday with Hotels
7 Nights Fly Drive Holiday with Hotels
Experience California’s legendary Highway 1 coastal drive, staying in iconic locations from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Embark on this unforgettable self-drive journey and experience the best of California’s Highway 1!
Embark on a journey along California’s most iconic road – Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), one of the most scenic drives in the world. This unforgettable self-drive blends dramatic coastal scenery, charming seaside towns, and world-famous cities. From the cultural treasures of San Francisco and the natural wonder of Yosemite, to the jaw-dropping cliffs of Big Sur and the energy of Los Angeles, this itinerary delivers a true taste of the Golden State, with the legendary coastal drive as its centrepiece.
Highlights:
* San Francisco: Discover the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and historic cable cars.
* Yosemite National Park: Marvel at towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
* Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Visit Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
* Highway 1 & Big Sur: Drive one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, with rugged cliffs, ocean panoramas, and hidden beaches.
* Santa Barbara: Stroll the ‘American Riviera’, famed for its Spanish architecture and wine culture.
* Los Angeles: Explore Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory.
Itinerary:
Day 1: San Francisco Arrival
Arrive in San Francisco and collect your rental car. Begin exploring this iconic city, from riding a historic cable car to visiting Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Day 2: San Francisco
Enjoy a full day in the City by the Bay. Discover Fisherman’s Wharf, take a ferry to Sausalito for stunning skyline views, or explore neighbourhoods such as the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Day 3: San Francisco to Mariposa
Depart San Francisco and head east toward the Sierra Nevada foothills. The scenery shifts from coastal cityscapes to rolling vineyards and farmland as you arrive in Mariposa, your gateway to Yosemite National Park.
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Spend the day immersed in Yosemite’s extraordinary landscapes. See El Capitan and Half Dome, wander through alpine meadows, admire cascading waterfalls, and visit the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.
Day 5: Mariposa to Monterey
Travel west toward the Pacific Ocean, arriving in Monterey. Explore Cannery Row, visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and enjoy fresh seafood at Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Drive the famous 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its galleries, boutiques, and coastal charm.
Day 6: Monterey to Santa Maria – Highway 1 Coastal Drive
Today is a highlight of the journey as you follow California’s legendary Highway 1 through Big Sur. This breathtaking stretch offers dramatic cliffside roads, sweeping ocean views, and some of the most photographed scenery in the USA. Stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, admire the coastline at Bixby Bridge, and visit Pfeiffer Beach. Continue south past Hearst Castle before arriving in Santa Maria for the night.
Day 7: Santa Maria to Los Angeles
Continue along the coast to Santa Barbara, the ‘American Riviera’, with its palm-lined streets, Spanish-style architecture, and laid-back coastal vibe. Arrive in Los Angeles, where you can relax on Santa Monica Beach, explore Venice’s quirky canals, or hike to the Hollywood Sign before enjoying sunset views from Griffith Observatory.
Day 8: Los Angeles Departure
Return your car at Los Angeles International Airport before your flight home, or extend your stay to enjoy more of LA’s beaches, culture, and nightlife.
This offer includes:
- 7 Nights car hire
- 2 Nights at Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio by Hilton, San Francisco (or similar)
- 2 Nights at Miners Inn Motel, Mariposa (or similar)
- 1 Night at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel, Monterey (or similar)
- 1 Night at Historic Santa Maria Inn, Santa Maria (or similar)
- 1 Night at Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, Los Angeles (or similar)
- Direct flights from London Heathrow to San Francisco, returning from Los Angeles
- 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 piece of hold luggage per person
Why Highway 1?
Driving California’s Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is more than just a journey between destinations; it’s an experience in itself. Hugging the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this legendary coastal road delivers nonstop wow-factor, with dramatic cliffside views, crashing waves, and some of the most iconic scenery in the USA.
From the rugged beauty of Big Sur to world-famous landmarks like Bixby Bridge, Highway 1 is considered one of the greatest road trips on the planet. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden beaches, wildlife-rich coastal reserves, charming seaside towns, and countless scenic pull-offs perfect for unforgettable photo stops.
For many travellers, this drive alone is the highlight of their California adventure, and it’s why this itinerary has been carefully designed to let you experience Highway 1 at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Measuring under 50 square miles and with a population less than a million, San Francisco still ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. This Bucket List city has it all, iconic landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, a world-renowned symphony, ballet, theatre and opera...
Home to Yosemite National Park with its soaring granite icons such as Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, towering spectacular waterfalls, and some of the world's biggest and oldest trees, the giant sequoias, as well as a wide range of native American and gold rush history that can be learned about in more than a half dozen museums. Open all year, Yosemite is a “bucket list” destination not to be missed.
The town of Mariposa is a charmingly preserved “Gold Rush” town surrounded by spectacular scenery. With Yosemite National Park as Mariposa’s backyard access to the park couldn’t be easier. Drive deep into the park or jump on the YART and experience the numerous scenic hikes. Check out one of Mariposa County’s delicious small-town restaurants and breweries or go on a culture-filled museum tour. Change has come gracefully to Mariposa, retaining the small-town charm of a bygone era, so you won’t see strip malls or chain stores, and Mariposa remains one of a handful of California towns without a stop light.
Monterey, California, is a charming coastal destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant marine life. Situated along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, this picturesque town offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation.
Explore Cannery Row, a historic waterfront street made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel, now bustling with boutique shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants. A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must, where you can marvel at diverse marine species and learn about ocean conservation. For scenic drives, the 17-Mile Drive offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic Lone Cypress tree.
Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak in the calm waters of Monterey Bay, go whale-watching, or hike in nearby parks like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. With its charming atmosphere, gourmet dining, and proximity to the artistic haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey is a true Californian gem that promises an unforgettable coastal escape.
This Central Coast town merges wine country sophistication with cowboy charm. Anchoring the northern edge of Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria is both a place and a lifestyle. Sitting squarely at the crossroads of vineyard and cowboy culture, the city is bounded by more than 30 tasting rooms, but it’s also a laid-back ranching town where dinner attire might be jeans and a Stetson hat. Barbecue is a mealtime mainstay—especially Santa Maria tri-tip seared over flaming California red oak—and it tastes best when paired with a locally produced Pinot Noir.
Los Angeles, the dynamic city of bright lights, celebrity allure, and hidden gems. Experience vibrant nightlife, explore renowned museums, and relax along the stunning coastline. Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of L.A. and create unforgettable memories in this diverse metropolis.
...
A theatre District jewel with Spanish Renaissance flair Designed in Spanish Renaissance style. This newly renovated whimsical boutique hotel enjoys a central location in the heart of San Francisco's theatre district. The bustling Union Square offers an array of shops, restaurants, and bars and is just a few steps away, and the famous San Francisco cable cars stop nearby. The hotel's friendly staff are happy to dish out theatre gossip as well as recommend the best city attractions and places to grab a bite, or arrange a variety of top-notch services including in-room spa services, room service, and complimentary bicycle rentals. Rooms are stylish and bright with classic San Francisco style, each with an iHome system, minibar with gourmet treats, flat-screen televisions with Nintendo, and a large work desk with ergonomic chair. Guests can get fit with free in-room yoga mats and the fully-equipped, 24-hour fitness centre, and will delight in the upscale tavern-inspired dishes and craft beers served in the restaurant and bar.
The Miners Inn is located in the historic town of Mariposa, near California's mining and mineral museum and 40 minutes from Yosemite National Park. Amenities include a gift shop. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool (seasonal), and Jacuzzi. Free self-parking. All 78 air-conditioned guest accommodations feature:Telephone with data port,Cable television with in-room movies and Coffee maker - Free Continental breakfast, Internet access, and self parking
Nestled on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and stunning natural surroundings. This upscale resort is ideally located just minutes from Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the iconic 17-mile Drive. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms featuring plush bedding, modern amenities, and private balconies or patios overlooking serene landscapes.
The hotel boasts exceptional facilities, including a championship golf course, outdoor heated pools, and an on-site fitness centre. Indulge in gourmet Californian cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant or relax with a cocktail by the fire pits. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, the Hyatt Regency Monterey serves as the perfect base for exploring the charming coastal town and its breathtaking surroundings.
Located in the spectacular Central Coast wine country, Santa Maria Inn has been a California landmark since 1917. This charming hotel in Santa Maria, CA blends the style and elegance of an English country inn with modern hospitality. With its palm trees and soothing fountains, the Inn is an oasis...
The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel is located on seven acres of lush, pristine property at the intersection of Brentwood and Bel Air.
It is convenient to Los Angeles Int'l Airport, The Getty Center, Santa Monica Beach, UCLA, Skirball Cultural Center, Riviera Country Club, and Pacific Palisades. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, in-room dining, business centre, laundry/dry cleaning service, and concierge. Recreational amenities include an outdoor heated pool and fitness area. The Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Bel-Air, California is a luxury boutique hotel & urban retreat situated on seven secluded acres of lush gardens. Convenient to Los Angeles International Airport and some of the most prestigious sites in Los Angeles including The Getty Center, Santa Monica Beach, UCLA, Skirball Cultural Center, Riviera Country Club, and Pacific Palisades. This urban oasis offers stylish & supremely comfortable accommodations, personalized care and service in a modern California environment. Its location places guests nearby to some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in Los Angeles.
Amenities include 162 spacious, non-smoking guestrooms and suites, an Outdoor heated swimming pool and a fitness area.