Description
Experience the Best of California on this amazing 17 night fly drive getaway. Located on the West Coast of the United States, California is the third largest state by area and its terrain includes cliff-line beaches, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, the Mojave Desert and the renowned city of Los Angeles, the seat of the Hollywood entertainment industry. With its stunning coastline, dramatic deserts, and rugged mountains, California offers wide-open spaces and city sights where scenic road trips and adrenaline-fuelled adventures are enjoyed by all ages.
Beresford Arms Hotel, San Francisco
First stop is San Francisco and the Beresford Arms Hotel with its perfect blend of Victorian style and modern living. This well-situated hotel is just three blocks from the popular Union Square with theatres, restaurants and a Westfield shopping centre to explore. It is named on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s easy to see why; its exquisite architecture makes it one of the most notable buildings in the area. Other must see land mark attractions in the local area include the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, AT & T Park home of the San Francisco Giants – and finally to avoid disappointment make sure you book your trip to Alcatraz in advance of your visit to this fabulous city!
Begin planning your adventures with a complimentary coffee and pastry in the morning, or even over a free afternoon tea or wine reception in the afternoon. Friendly staff will surely recommend their favourite local spots or help you discover San Francisco’s hidden gems. The fusion of Victorian luxury and modern touches, such as free Wi-Fi, makes the rooms perfect for recharging your batteries between adventures. Junior suites are perfect for families or small groups with two Queen size beds, and standard Queen rooms are ideal for couples. Each room offers guests a minibar, seating area and a TV with cable channels.
This luxurious hotel will certainly ensure your holiday starts with a spectacle!
River Terrace Inn, Napa Valley
Next stop is Napa Valley. With its refined charm and innovative features the casually elegant River Terrace provides the perfect balance of urban hospitality and wine country serenity. The Inn’s fantastic riverside location within easy walking distance to the Napa Valley Wine Train, and downtown Napa makes this Napa Valley retreat a popular choice amongst discerning vacationers. The surrounding winelands provide an unforgettable day out, with small family vineyards perfect for guided tours and wine tastings.
Blending modern convenience with classic comfort, the spacious accommodations at River Terrace Inn provide a tranquil and comfortable retreat for your stay in Napa Valley. All of the Inn’s accommodation features mini bar, complimentary high speed internet access, designer bath products, coffee / tea maker, air conditioning, iPod docking station, premium bedding and laptop compatible in room safes. Rooms come with either Napa Village or riverside views and many have their own private balcony. Treat yourself and choose one of the Riverview Deluxe Whirlpool rooms with its jetted hot tub and scenic views of the Oxbow Park Reserve and river.
At River Terrace Inn guests are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Terrace Café restaurant with menus specialising in locally sourced comfort foods. Set on the idyllic Napa River Walk, overlooking the Napa River and Oxbow Park Preserve, the Terrace café is the perfect place to eat, drink and relax on the charming outdoor patio.
Yosemite View Lodge, Yosemite
Boasting serene sequoia forests with some of the largest and oldest trees in the world, as well as spectacular granite landmarks, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, this beautiful national park makes a magnificent backdrop for a relaxing or adventurous stay. Beyond photography and hiking, there are many other ways to enjoy the 3,000km2 wilderness, such as a breath-taking air tour of the national park, or even Yosemite ‘Close Up’ tours, allowing visitors to experience unique guided tours varying from themes from ecology to photography. There are even stunning Sunset Dinner Tours, which often include star-gazing and astrology. To unwind, there are spas like Yosemite Health Spa, complete with a yoga studio and range of massage treatments, as well as a calm garden deck area with panoramic views of the valley below.
In a superb location just steps away from Yosemite National Park’s entrance, the family-friendly Yosemite View Lodge will provide you with a cosy, comfortable backdrop to your stay, along with magnificent views of Yosemite National Park. Offering guests access to an indoor pool, as well as three outdoor pools, and both indoor and outdoor spa options, you can really let your worries drift away in this blissful haven. There is also an on-site restaurant (The River Restaurant & Lounge) with scenic views of the wild Merced River and classic American meals. There are a range of different room sizes, including King rooms, connecting rooms or family rooms, and each room features its own exclusive kitchenette, coffee maker and TVs, making them ideally suited for families or small groups. Rooms with private balconies or tranquil river views are also available.
Carmel Mission Inn, Carmel
Next stop the amazing Carmel and your base for the evening the charming Carmel Mission Inn with rooms featuring flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safe, coffeemaker and mini fridges. The hotels thoughtful amenities include a heated pool, hot tub, fitness centre and spa making the Carmel Mission Inn a great choice for your Monterey stopover and the perfect base for exploring the magnificent Monterey Peninsula with its stunning coastline, rich history, and amazing array of recreational and cultural activities.
The spectacular Californian coastline of the Monterey Peninsula offers fantastic surfing, fishing, kayaking as well as dolphin and whale watching cruises. A golfer’s paradise and perfect for hikers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts a stay at Carmel Mission Inn hits the spot.
Apple Farm Inn, San Luis Obispo
Back on the road, and off to San Luis Obispo and a one night stay at the charming country style Apple Farm Inn conveniently located just a mile from downtown San Luis Obispo and close to lots of popular visitor attractions, historic landmarks and wineries. Cosy and comfortable, the hotel’s rooms come with a host of mod cons and on site amenities include a heated outdoor pool with hot tub, complimentary shuttle, on site bakery and restaurant, and a gift shop that’s perfect for a holiday memento or two.
Be sure to take a ride on the SLO trolley on its loop through downtown San Luis Obispo, explore the historical Mission overlooking the ocean, stroll through the Dallidet Adobe & Gardens, have some family fun at the SLO Children’s Museum, shop and dine on Higuera Street and relax on the golf course for a few hours at the Dairy Creek Golf Course; there’s plenty to keep everyone busy at San Luis Obispo!
Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara
Your next stop is stunning Santa Barbara and your home for the next two evenings, the Harbor View Inn. A lovely boutique style hotel with stunning ocean views and perfectly placed, close to lots of Santa Barbara’s main attractions the Harbor View Inn is a fantastic choice for your Santa Barbara stay. Head out to the Santa Ynez Valley to sample some of California’s best wine tasting destinations or enjoy exciting times exploring the incredible coastline, nearby parks, hiking trails, museums, and shopping of Santa Barbara and its surrounding area. Be sure to visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission and take a stroll along State Street where you’ll find a host of fancy shopping outlets and trendy restaurants waiting for you.
The Four Diamond Harbor View Inn has all the home-from-home comforts with modern guest rooms featuring free HBO, two robes, private balcony or patio and mini-bar. Treat yourself to a suite with a separate living room and city or ocean views. Indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at Spa Beaumontia inspired by the elegant white Beaumontia flower and with a range of pampering delights on the menu. Spend relaxing times soaking up the California sunshine at the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with poolside service from the tasty pool bar and grill.
Hilton Doubletree Suites Santa Monica
Santa Monica is our next destination and two nights at the comfortable all-suite Hilton Doubletree Hotel located just three blocks from Santa Monica’s Beach & Pier and a short stroll from the trendy 3rd Street Promenade shopping district.
Contemporary two roomed suites offer plenty of space and superb amenities where you’ll enjoy a restful night’s sleep in the popular Sweet Dreams by Doubletree Bedding. Flat screen TV with premium channels, microwave, coffee maker, mini refrigerator, electronic newspaper and separate bathrooms with bathrobes and deluxe toiletries are all part of the service.
The hotel’s desirable location means you’re close to all of Santa Monica’s major attractions and within easy driving distance of exciting Los Angeles.
Remember to visit Santa Monica Pier and get your photograph taken beneath the famous end of Route 66 sign, and while you’re here take a ride on the pier’s iconic red and yellow Ferris wheel – the views from the top are truly spectacular. The Pier also houses Pacific Park, a full service amusement park as well as lots of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and lively street performers. No matter what time of day or evening you visit – a trip to Santa Monica’s Pier is always exciting. Head on over to Venice Beach and take a stroll along the world famous Venice Beach Boardwalk taking in Muscle Beach Gym and Venice Beach Skate Park. Other popular Santa Monica activities include beachcombing, swimming, surfing and biking along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, and of course browsing the city’s trendy shops and sophisticated boutiques at Santa Monica Place and along 3rd Street Promenade.
Pacific Edge Hotel, Laguna Beach
The penultimate stop is at the idyllic Pacific Edge Hotel, appropriately named after its breath taking location directly on Laguna Beach. Exuding the relaxed, laid-back southern Californian vibe, this is a spectacular beachfront hotel allowing you to have your own private paradise in a beautiful location. The hotel offers guests two on-site eateries, including The Deck, which has become a firm favourite among locals- it’s easy to understand why, as you can enjoy a cocktail and sumptuous Californian-inspired cuisine whilst watching the stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Sumptuous King bed rooms have private balconies overlooking the ocean and twin Queen rooms are also available overlooking the Pacific, so the rest of the family won’t miss the unobstructed views of the beach and beyond. Rooms include air conditioning, TVs with satellite and cable channels, coffee machine and a refrigerator. King size rooms also include a minibar, and selected rooms of various sizes offer private balconies with an outdoor seating area for gazing at the dreamy view.
Near the hotel, there’s a boardwalk, complete with tide pools, and many other coves and beaches, including Aliso Beach Park, a popular spot for surfing. This hotel is utterly stunning and is simply unmissable.
Catamaran Resort San Diego
Last stop San Diego and three nights at the fantastic Polynesian themed Catamaran Resort Hotel set against the backdrop of Mission Bay and only a short stroll away from the Pacific Ocean. Each of the hotel’s rooms comes with a private balcony or patio and views out over Mission Bay, the Pacific coastline or the resort’s lush tropical gardens. In room home comforts include HD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridge, lap top safe, Keurig coffeemaker, iHome™ docking station and bathrooms with full sized tubs and showers. Superb resort activities, exciting watersports, days by the pool and by the beach are all backed up by a pampering Spa, a fitness centre and casual beach view dining making the Catamaran Resort Hotel a great choice for your stay in San Diego.
Make sure you take the complimentary cruise around Mission Bay aboard the resort’s classic sternwheeler boat the Bahia Belle – it’s a great way to explore the amazing sights of this stunning 4,200 acre aquatic park.
Downtown San Diego is only a short drive away so take the time to visit the Gaslamp Quarter famous for its many restaurants and exciting nightlife. One of the best ways to explore San Diego is aboard the Old Town Trolley; discover how San Diego became the birthplace of California on this two hour, eight stop, and narrated tour.
Other popular San Diego attractions include the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Belmont Park, Sea World, Balboa Park and Aquatica Waterpark and Balboa Park. There’s certainly lots to do during the last few days and nights of this amazing trip.
