California Coastal Cruising

7 days
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4.1/5 Great
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Get ready for 75 and sunny! California's glistening coastline boasts miles of jaw-dropping beaches, palm-lined streets, and colorful cities straight out of a movie. This Pacific Coast road trip starts in San Francisco, and wraps up in L.A, stopping in Monterey and Ventura in-between! With your very own rental car, you'll have the freedom to roam far and wide....
From$1,621
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 9 days!

What's this trip about?

    Get ready for 75 and sunny! California's glistening coastline boasts miles of jaw-dropping beaches, palm-lined streets, and colorful cities straight out of a movie. This Pacific Coast road trip starts in San Francisco, and wraps up in L.A, stopping in Monterey and Ventura in-between! With your very own rental car, you'll have the freedom to roam far and wide. Stop off the beaten path, or visit a nearby city you've always wanted to check out. So, put your sunglasses on and put the windows down. You're in for the adventure of a lifetime!  Start in "San Fran," where you can take a special drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visit the sea lions hanging out on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf, stroll through the funky streets of Haight-Ashbury, and take a ride on a cable car! Drive down curvy Lombard Street, check out Chinatown, or pay a visit to Alcatraz via ferry. Looking to explore outside the city? Head up to Muir Woods and stand in front of colossal Redwood trees!  Next, you'll be on your way to magical Monterey! Along the way, feel free to make stops in Santa Cruz, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, or Half Moon Bay. Known for its aquarium and seaside charm, Monterey is a playground of dining, shopping, and coastal beauty. Be sure to check out Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and nearby Carmel-By-The-Sea. Your next stop is Ventura, a village near Santa Barbara and Los Padres National Forest. After a night exploring Ventura, you'll set out for "La La Land!" Soak up L.A's vibrant spirit and check off your Hollywood bucket list. Strut down the Walk-of-Fame, take pictures in front of the Hollywood Sign, and consider a visit to Griffith Observatory. Treat yourself to a studio tour, or bring out your inner "Pretty Woman" on Rodeo Drive. You'll definitely want to check out Santa Monica Pier for some seaside fun in the sun!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Francisco
End CityCalifornia

Destinations

  • North America
  • United States

Activities

  • Independent

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare into San Francisco (SFO), out of Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip Pick up SFO and drop off LAX 2 nights in San Francisco at the Park Central, or similar
    • 1 night in Monterey at the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, or similar
    • 1 night in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, or similar
    • 2 nights in Los Angeles at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, or similar
    • Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and driving directions Choose the 8-night option to include 2 nights in sunny San Diego!

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to San Francisco!

There's nothing like landing in San Fran! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and check-in to your first accommodation. 

Once you get settled, head out and explore the city! You may want to get dinner in Chinatown, or immerse yourself in the funky spirit of Haight-Ashbury.

Day 2 San Francisco

Rise and shine! Enjoy a full day exploring San Francisco and its surroundings. Consider a drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to Alcatraz Island, or a ferry ride to the charming seaside haven of Sausalito. Why not ride a cable car, or drive down Lombard Street? Be sure to hang out near Fisherman's Wharf, known for its buzzing restaurants and resident sea lions!

Day 3 San Francisco - Monterey

Wave goodbye to San Francisco and take a 2-hour drive south to magical Monterey. Along the way, you'll pass Half Moon Bay, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Whether you opt for seaside fun or an enchanted forest, these all make...

Day 4 Monterey - Ventura

After check-out, you may want to take a quick drive to the small, yet scenic beach city of Carmel-By-The-Sea.

Your next stay will be in Ventura. En-route, why not make a stop in Santa Barbara? Spend the rest of the night relaxing, and be sure to catch a pretty seaside sunset!

Day 5 Ventura - Los Angeles

Take a scenic 1-hour drive from Ventura to Los Angeles today. Feel free to stop in Malibu or Santa Monica on the way!

Upon arrival in "La La Land," check-in to your hotel and get settled. Tonight, consider a walk through Hollywood and treat yourself to dinner at a trendy restaurant!

Day 6 Los Angeles

Wake up surrounded by glitz and glam! L.A. is filled with things to see and do.

Take obligatory photos in front of the iconic Hollywood Sign, consider a visit to Griffith Observatory, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and drive down Sunset Boulevard...

Day 7 Depart California

Yes - sadly, the day has come. Wave goodbye to sunny California as you drive to the airport. Return your rental car, find your departure gate, and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,621
Price per day$232
Last Updated: 10/31/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Trip ID
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