Description
California Fly Drive Adventure
From San Francisco to San Diego with lots of exciting stopovers sandwiched in between, 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.
San Francisco
The first port of call is the well-appointed Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – the hotel’s wonderful setting in the heart of the lively Fisherman’s Wharf district puts you within easy reach of lots of San Francisco’s world famous attractions.
Get ready to explore Pier 39, a popular tourist destination built on a stunning pier, with a vast range of dining options and shops with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and stunning San Franciscan skyline. You can even spot Californian sea lions from the pier, who love to frequent San Francisco Bay- and it’s easy to see why they love calling this lively city their home. Why stop with just views of the Golden Gate Bridge when you could cycle on it? Local bike rental companies nearby will help you to arrange a bike hire to complete an unforgettable journey over the 1.7 mile long bridge, with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the city’s gleaming skyline.
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. The River Terrace Inn’s rooms come with either Napa Village or riverside views and many have their own private balcony.
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
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.
Carmel
Coachman’s Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming boutique hotel that combines comfort, warmth, and convenience in a central village location. Just a short walk from the beach, shops, galleries, and restaurants, it offers around 30 beautifully updated rooms featuring modern amenities and coastal-inspired décor. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, and freshly baked cookies, all within a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the relaxed elegance of Carmel.
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 – there’s plenty to keep everyone busy at San Luis Obispo!
Santa Barbara
Your next stop is stunning Santa Barbara and your home for the next two evenings, the Hotel Milo. A lovely boutique style hotel with stunning ocean views and perfectly placed, close to lots of Santa Barbara’s main attractions. 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.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is our next destination and two nights at the comfortable Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites 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 and 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.
Laguna Beach
The penultimate stop is at the idyllic Hotel Capri, Laguna Beach which is a stylish boutique hotel steps from the shoreline in Laguna Beach, California, where vintage surf-culture meets minimalist coastal design. With mid-century inspired décor, bright and airy rooms, and a location within easy walking distance of downtown shops, galleries and Main Beach, it offers a seamlessly relaxed SoCal getaway experience.
San Diego
Last stop San Diego and three nights at the fantastic Fairmont Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar brings Mediterranean-inspired elegance to a peaceful setting beside San Diego’s Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and rolling hills, this luxury resort offers an inviting escape for couples, families and travellers seeking relaxation.
Days unfold around four palm-lined swimming pools, a restorative spa and an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Hiking, horseback riding and outdoor wellness activities invite guests to explore the surroundings, while dining highlights include Addison by William Bradley, the resort’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant. With access to San Diego’s beaches and attractions, Fairmont Grand Del Mar combines a secluded retreat with opportunities to explore Southern California.
Call travelplanners on 020 3542 8888 today to book or for more details on this dreamy California road trip.