Golden California Self Drive Tour
Los Angeles, CA
Your first days after your arrive you will explore San Francisco. Heading south from San Francisco follow the Pacific Coast Highway through Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Malibu, Santa Monica, to Los Angeles. Along the way you will experience stunning coastal views, seaside villages and untouched forests. You can choose to visit the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, shop Cannery Row, or stroll small town shops, cafes, and restaurants. Highlights include the 17-mile Scenic Drive and Solvang, a unique town founded by Danish immigrants. Solvang is known for its bakery and specialty shops. In Los Angeles you can visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, or just get to know the city – including Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas will take you through the desert. Enjoy a full day in Las Vegas with an option to fly over the Grand Canyon. Finally return to the coast, this time to San Diego – where you can the beach, zoo, Sea World, or other local activities.
Highlights
- You will have two full days in San Francisco. You could visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Embarcadero, take a boat to Alcatraz, or cross the Golden Gate bridge on foot or in your car.
- On your second day in San Francisco you could escape the city and visit wineries of Napa Valley. Or you can see more of San Francisco, perhaps adding in a cable car ride or walking Lombard Street.
- Drive south from San Francisco to Monterrey. There you can shop along Cannery Row or the famous aquarium. Carmel is a quaint town to shop, eat, or visit the Historic Carmel Mission, founded in 1770.
- The 17 Mile Drive is a private toll road through an exclusive neighborhood with scenic views. The road from Big Sur to San Simeon is also scenic. You can visit the Hearst Castle or Pfeiffer State Beach.
- Next drive south to the town of Solvang in the San Inez Valley. This is a quaint town founded by Danish immigrants. Today it is famous for its bakery and specialty shops.
- Continue driving south through Malibu and Santa Monica until you reach Los Angeles. You might visit Disneyland or Universal Studios. Or you can explore LA, including Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
- From LA head across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. You will have a full day to gamble, lounge by the pool, catch a show, or take an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon before you head to San Diego.
- The next day you will have a full day to explore San Diego. You won’t lack for options such as: Balboa Park, Old Town, SeaWorld, Coronado Beach, the San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village.
- Day 1 - SAN FRANCISCO ARRIVAL
- Day 2 - SAN FRANCISCO
- Day 3 - SAN FRANCISCO
- Day 4 - SAN FRANCISCO - MONTEREY/CARMEL
- Day 5 - MONTEREY/CARMEL - CENTRAL COAST
- Day 6 - CENTRAL COAST- SOLVANG - MALIBU - LOS ANGELES AREA
- Day 7 - LOS ANGELES AREA
- Day 8 - LOS ANGELES AREA - LAS VEGAS
- Day 9 - LAS VEGAS (GRAND CANYON OPTIONAL)
- Day 10 - LAS VEGAS - SAN DIEGO
- Day 11 - SAN DIEGO
- Day 12 - SAN DIEGO - LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
Arrive at San Francisco International Airport, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel.
Meals Included: RoAmericania Hotel
From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars. Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.
You are free to enjoy this fascinating city today. Walk through the narrow crab markets of Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy sidewalk dining. Charming neighborhoods greet you at every turn with their elegant architecture. See Chinatown, the Japan Center, and the Embarcadero. Looming in the middle of the bay is the ominous island of Alcatraz, housing the infamous prison.
Meals Included: RoAmericania Hotel
From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars. Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.
A full day to explore San Francisco, or the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, Napa Valley, where famed wineries welcome you for tours and tastings. Established in 1828,this fertile area is considered the premier wine growing region in the United States.
Meals Included: RoAmericania Hotel
From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars. Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.
Drive south to Monterey where you can stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and Can- nery Row. The 17-Mile Drive toll road along the Peninsula Coast from Pacific Grove to Carmel boasts magnificent seaside scenery. Visit Carmel Mission, founded in 1770.
Driving Distance: 126 MI / 202 KM
Meals Included: RoTravelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay
Property Location With a stay at Monterey Bay Travelodge in Monterey (North Fremont Street), you'll be minutes from Monterey County Fairgrounds and close to Fisherman's Wharf. This motel is within close proximity of Monterey Pines Golf Course and Naval Postgraduate School.
One of the most scenic drives of your journey today takes you along the California coast through the Big Sur peninsula to San Simeon. Make time to visit Hearst Castle or to take a hike along one of the many well maintained trails near Pfeiffer State Beach.
Driving Distance: 246 MI / 394 KM
Meals Included: RoCourtesy Inn San Simeon
With a stay at Courtesy Inn San Simeon in San Simeon, you'll be near the beach and close to San Simeon State Park and William Randolph Hearst State Park. This motel is within close proximity of Leffingwell Landing and William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.
Drive down the coast to Solvang, a unique town founded by Danish immigrants. Solvang is a quaint village in the Santa Ynez valley surrounded by local wineries and famous for its bakeries and specialty shops. Drive by Malibu and Santa Monica to Los Angeles. If you plan to arrive in Los Angeles early, we suggest a visit to Universal Studios before continuing to your hotel.
Driving Distance: 208 MI / 334 KM
Meals Included: RoClarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
The Clarion Hotel Anaheim is a full service hotel located just one block from the Disneyland® Park and steps away from the Anaheim Convention Center. This Anaheim hotel is a "10 Time Gold Award winner from Choice Hotels International", the most prestigious award for excellence in cleanliness and customer service. We offer 284 spacious guestrooms, FREE Wi-Fi access throughout, a year round heated outdoor pool, fitness center, onsite dining, Sports Bar, gift shop, game room and 7,000 square feet of meeting space.The Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle conveniently picks up guests in front of our hotel and drops them off steps away from the Disneyland® Park Main Entrance (Nominal Fee).
A full day at leisure. Today we suggest a fullday visit to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. Known as one of the top tourist attractions in Southern California, Disneyland attracts millions of visitors from all over the world and offers pleasures for young and old alike. Or, simply discover Los Angeles, including Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Meals Included: RoClarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
The Clarion Hotel Anaheim is a full service hotel located just one block from the Disneyland® Park and steps away from the Anaheim Convention Center. This Anaheim hotel is a "10 Time Gold Award winner from Choice Hotels International", the most prestigious award for excellence in cleanliness and customer service. We offer 284 spacious guestrooms, FREE Wi-Fi access throughout, a year round heated outdoor pool, fitness center, onsite dining, Sports Bar, gift shop, game room and 7,000 square feet of meeting space.The Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle conveniently picks up guests in front of our hotel and drops them off steps away from the Disneyland® Park Main Entrance (Nominal Fee).
Today drive east through the Mojave Desert and the ghost town of Calico en route to the glittering Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. Once an oasis on the route to California, Las Vegas began as a Mormon settlement and boomed fleetingly during the silver rush. Today Las Vegas is one of the great gambling capitals of the world, with 24-hour entertainment and world-class dining.
Driving Distance: 280 MI / 450 KM
Meals Included: RoTropicana Las Vegas A Doubletree By Hilton Hotel
Prepare to be surprised. The Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton redefines the expectations of today's global travelers with a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip and a convenient location just minutes from the airport, major convention centers and top entertainment stadiums.
A full day at leisure for you to either take a short drive to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, or see one of the great natural wonders of the world, the spectacular Grand Canyon, on an optional day trip by air. In form, glowing color, and geological significance, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is unsurpassed. The canyon is 277 miles long, averages 10 miles in width from rim to rim and is 5,700 feet deep.
Meals Included: RoTropicana Las Vegas A Doubletree By Hilton Hotel
Prepare to be surprised. The Tropicana Las Vegas - a DoubleTree by Hilton redefines the expectations of today's global travelers with a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip and a convenient location just minutes from the airport, major convention centers and top entertainment stadiums.
Drive south past Lake Elsinore to the picturesque town of Temecula. Enjoy famed rolling hills and vineyards on your way to San Diego, popular for its year-round sparkling weather and relaxed living.
Driving Distance: 336 MI / 538 KM
Meals Included: RoDays Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld
Stay at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld hotel for memories that will last a lifetime. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, our family-friendly hotel is a just short drive from stunning San Diego beaches and Fashion Valley Mall.
A full day to discover some of San Diego’s attractions such as: Balboa Park, Old Town, SeaWorld, which is the largest park in the world devoted to marine life, Coronado Beach, the San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village.
Meals Included: RoDays Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld
Stay at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld hotel for memories that will last a lifetime. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, our family-friendly hotel is a just short drive from stunning San Diego beaches and Fashion Valley Mall.
Return your car at the San Diego airport before your departure flight, or drive north to Los Angeles to end your tour.
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