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HOME > Twin & Multicentre Holidays > California Fly Drives

San Francisco, Cali Coast, LA, Palm Springs & San Diego Fly-Drive

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - UK to San Francisco

Fly from London to San Francisco, arriving later the same day - departures from other UK airports are also available, of course. On arrival in to San Francisco make your way to your chosen hotel, for a three night stay - durations in all locations are flexible, so you can stay for as long as you wish!

Days 2-3 - San Francisco

Today start your sightseeing of San Francisco. The city has plenty to discover, and we love locations such as Lombard Street with its switchback incline made famous in Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’, the Ferry Building and the rocket-like TransAmerica Building. Do bear in mind that San Francisco has districts that are less salubrious, so keep your wits about you if you’re visiting areas such as SoMa and the Tenderloin. It’s worth noting that one of the city’s most renowned attractions - Alcatraz - must be prebooked if you're intending to visit.

Day 4 - San Francisco to Monterey

Collect your rental car from the San Francisco depot, and head out of town towards Monterey. We’d suggest following Pacific Highway 1 along the coast via Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz (approx 120 miles / 2 hours 30 mins, plus stops), but if you fancy heading in the wrong direction then start by driving north across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to take in the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore, before retracing your steps south. On arrival in to Monterey check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Monterey is a working class town with its eyes on the sea - the aquarium is impressive and developments such as Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf have added appeal.

Day 5 - Monterry to Pismo Beach

Continue along Pacific Highway 1 to Pismo Beach (approx 150 miles / 3 hours, plus stops) - there’s a lot to see on the way, and we’d suggests making stops at Carmel, Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, San Simeon & Hearst Castle, and San Luis Obispo on the way. The section along Big Sur is particularly dramatic, so allow plenty of time! Check in to your hotel in Pismo Beach for a two night stay.

Day 6 - Pismo Beach

Relax in Pismo Beach today, taking in the laid-back charms of this seaside town - the beach is wide and glorious. For a detour with a difference, head to the dunes at Guadalupe, where the Lost City of DeMille - a movie set from The Ten Commandments - is buried beneath the sand.

Day 7 - Pismo Beach Los Angeles

Continue onwards to Los Angeles (approx 200 miles / 3 hours 15 mins, plus stops), with lots to see on the way. We’d head to the coast at Gaviota to avoid the busiest roads, and take in quirky Solvang on the way - mini-Denmark in California! Swanky Santa Barbara, exclusive Malibu and LA-on-sea Santa Monica are all on the way. On arrival in to LA check in to your chosen hotel, for a three night stay. A full range of hotels is available, and alternative durations are also possible.

Days 8-9 - Los Angeles

Spend a few days discovering vibrant Los Angeles. We love LA on sea, and Santa Monica has such a buzz - the famous pier is a great place to start your tour of Los Angeles (it’s where the famous ‘Route 66’ starts), which other beach suburbs such as Venice Beach are great for people-watching.

Day 10 - Los Angeles to Palm Springs

It’s a straightforward drive from LA to Palm Springs (approx 110 miles / 1 hour 45 mins, plus stops), so a detour in to Joshua Tree National Park - particularly in the spring - is worth considering. On arrival in to Palm Springs check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Palm Springs has a laid back atmosphere so is a great place to chill out.

Day 11 - Palm Springs to San Diego

Head back to the Pacific Coast at San Diego (approx 130 miles / 2 hours, plus stops), perhaps driving via the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, adding around 45 miles / 1 hours 20 mins, plus stops, to your journey - this is the largest state park outside of Alaska, filled with historical relics, plants and wildlife, canyons & mountains. On arrival in to San Diego drop off your car at the car hire depot, make your way to your hotel and check in to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 12 - San Diego

Spend the day exploring San Diego - we’d recommend heading to the world-class zoo, or the beaches at mission Beach and Pacific Beach are pretty stunning. Alternatively, head to the Gaslamp District for some Mexican food and a late night party!

Day 13 - Return

Make your way to San Diego airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the next day.

Drive from San Francisco to San Diego along the California Coast and inland to Palm Springs with this California fly-drive holiday. Visit Monterey, Big Sur, Pismo Beach, Los Angeles and the desert.

2023/24 package holidays to San Francisco, California Coast, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego fly-drive Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from London - other departures also available, call for details. Holiday ref J0420W.

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San Fran, LA & the Cali Coast & Desert