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16-Day California Coast

Customisable Itinerary
4.7 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Start your adventure in San Francisco, exploring iconic sights like Union Square, Chinatown, and Lombard Street, with optional visits to Alcatraz or a scenic ebike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Head to Yosemite National Park to experience its breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and sequoias. Continue south with a quick stop in Santa Cruz, followed by a visit to Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Relax in classic coastal spots like Pismo Beach and the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara, before reaching Los Angeles, where you can explore neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills, or spend a day at Universal Studios.

Next, head into the desert to unwind in Palm Springs or explore Joshua Tree National Park. Wrap up your trip in sunny San Diego, enjoying the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Coronado Beach, and a final day soaking up the laid-back vibe before departing.

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Itinerary

Day 1

San Francisco

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San Francisco

Arrive at San Francisco Airport, pick up your vehicle, and check into your hotel. If time allows, take a stroll to soak in the city’s charm and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay. San Francisco, the cultural capital of the American West, welcomes you with its iconic hills, scenic bay, and the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.

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    Accommodation

    The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from San Francisco International Airport to The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

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    Destinations

    San Francisco

Day 2

San Francisco

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San Francisco

Explore San Francisco at your own pace—shop in Union Square, ride a historic cable car, and wander through vibrant Chinatown with its lively streets and markets.

Optional Tour: Visit Alcatraz Island to explore the infamous former federal prison with an audio-guided tour while enjoying stunning panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. (2–3 hours, including ferry; $55 USD per person)

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    Accommodation

    The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

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    Destinations

    San Francisco

Day 3

San Francisco

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San Francisco

Stroll through Downtown, North Beach, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill, and visit the famous Lombard Street while soaking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

Optional Tour: Rent an ebike to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the charming town of Sausalito, or continue discovering other neighborhoods on your own. Prices: $82 (2 hours), $122 (4 hours), $138 (Day Pass) per person.

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    Accommodation

    The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

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    Destinations

    San Francisco

Day 4

Yosemite

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Yosemite

Drive to Yosemite National Park, a stunning landscape of dramatic granite domes, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. Capture breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan. Optional short hikes and scenic stops let you fully immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.

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    Accommodation

    Yosemite View Lodge

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    Activities

    Yosemite National Park

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

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    Destinations

    San Francisco

    El Portal

    California

Day 5

Yosemite

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Yosemite

Continue exploring Yosemite National Park.

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    Accommodation

    Yosemite View Lodge

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    Activities

    Yosemite National Park

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    Destinations

    El Portal

    California

Day 6

Monterey

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Monterey

Make a quick stop in Santa Cruz, known as Surf City, to experience why it’s a surfers’ paradise. Then, continue to Monterey to explore Cannery Row, featuring historic cannery buildings. Enjoy fresh seafood at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stroll the historic pier, and take in the scenic waterfront views.

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    Accommodation

    InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Yosemite National Park to Monterey

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    Destinations

    El Portal

    Monterey

Day 7

Monterey

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Monterey

Spend a few hours at Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the world’s largest and most impressive aquariums. Then, drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific Ocean and visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming seaside town known for its art galleries and exceptional dining.

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    Accommodation

    InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

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    Activities

    Monterey Bay Aquarium

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    Destinations

    Monterey

Day 8

Pismo Beach

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Pismo Beach

Continue along the coast to Pismo Beach, a classic California beach town. Take in stunning ocean views, relax on sandy shores, and explore charming local boutiques, cafés, and the iconic pier.

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    Accommodation

    Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Monterey to Pismo Beach

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    Destinations

    Monterey

    Pismo Beach

Day 9

Los Angeles

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Los Angeles

Stop in Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera,” famous for its beautiful architecture, local wines, and gourmet food. Then continue to Los Angeles and explore its vibrant neighborhoods and iconic sights at your own pace.

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    Accommodation

    Petit Ermitage

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    Activities

    Santa Barbara

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

    Rental Car from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

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    Destinations

    Pismo Beach

    Santa Barbara

    Los Angeles

Day 10

Los Angeles

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Los Angeles

Enjoy a free day in Los Angeles to relax or explore as you wish.

Optional Tour: Spend a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood, experiencing thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite movies and TV shows. Don’t miss the famous Studio Tour and themed lands. Prices start at $118 per adult and $112 per child (ages 3-9).

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    Accommodation

    Petit Ermitage

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    Destinations

    Los Angeles

Day 11

Los Angeles

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Los Angeles

Discover Los Angeles at your own pace—relax on Santa Monica Beach, stroll along Venice Beach, hike up to Griffith Observatory for stunning city and sunset views, or explore iconic neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

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    Accommodation

    Petit Ermitage

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    Activities

    Santa Monica Beach

    Griffith Observatory

    Beverly Hills

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    Destinations

    Los Angeles

    Santa Monica

    Beverly Hills

Day 12

Palm Springs

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Palm Springs

Arrive in Palm Springs, a sunny desert oasis known for its mid-century architecture and stylish downtown. Explore local boutiques, cafés, and art galleries at your own pace, or relax and soak in the resort vibe. Don’t miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of the desert and mountains.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Palm Springs

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    Activities

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Los Angeles to Palm Springs

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    Destinations

    Los Angeles

    Palm Springs

Day 13

Palm Springs

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Palm Springs

Spend another day enjoying Palm Springs at your own pace. For an unforgettable experience, take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park to explore its iconic desert landscapes, unique rock formations, and striking Joshua trees. Or, simply relax by the pool, stroll through downtown, and soak in the beautiful desert scenery and local attractions.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Palm Springs

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    Activities

    Joshua Tree National Park

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    Destinations

    Palm Springs

    California

Day 14

San Diego

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San Diego

Drive to San Diego, a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Explore the lively Gaslamp Quarter, stroll through Seaport Village, or soak up the sun at Coronado Beach.

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    Accommodation

    The Westin San Diego Bayview

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    Activities

    Gaslamp Quarter

    Seaport Village

    Coronado Beach

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    Transportations

    Rental Car from Palm Springs to San Diego

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    Destinations

    Palm Springs

    San Diego

    Coronado

Day 15

San Diego

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San Diego

Continue exploring San Diego at your own pace—enjoy the stunning beaches, visit charming La Jolla or historic Old Town, or take a scenic harbor cruise. Relax and soak up the city’s laid-back vibe as your journey winds down.

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    Accommodation

    The Westin San Diego Bayview

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    Activities

    La Jolla

    Old Town San Diego

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    Destinations

    San Diego

Day 16

San Diego

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Depart from San Diego Airport and return your vehicle. End of the tour—with unforgettable memories from California’s coast, deserts, and vibrant cities.

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    Destinations

    San Diego

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What’s included?

  • 15 nights accommodation
  • 14 activities
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits