Itinerary Details
Coastal California & Yosemite
Day 1: SAN FRANCISCO Welcome to San Francisco! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Once settled, perhaps venture out and start exploring this vibrant city. Walk to Union Square or to Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, where you’ll find lots of interesting shops and restaurants.
Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO Today we tour the “City by the Bay.” Sightseeing includes the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. This afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps take an iconic cable-car ride, visit Golden Gate Park or tour infamous Alcatraz Island Prison. Or take the optional guided Bike the Bridge excursion and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and down into the lovely village of Sausalito before taking the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
NOTE:
If going to Alcatraz Island, consider purchasing tickets in advance with the National Park Service.
Day 3: SAN FRANCISCO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–OAKHURST This morning, travel east through California’s Central Valley and enter Yosemite, one of the country’s most popular national parks. Yosemite is a wonderland of soaring granite peaks, towering pinnacles, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. See famous El Capitan, the world’s largest granite monolith, Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, and mighty Half Dome. Overnight in nearby Oakhurst.
Day 4: OAKHURST–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–MONTEREY Today revisit Yosemite to marvel at the magnificent giant Sequoias, the largest living trees on earth. Then head west for a late afternoon arrival in picturesque Monterey. Visit Monterey Harbor’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf where you can look for sea lions and otters, then visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. (B)
Day 5: MONTEREY–17-MILE DRIVE–CARMEL–PISMO BEACH Take in spectacular views of the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean on scenic 17-Mile Drive. See the iconic Lone Cypress and make a stop at the Pebble Beach Visitor Center where you can learn more about the legendary Pebble Beach golf course. Arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairytale village nestled in a pine forest beside the coast. The majestic scenery continues on Big Sur, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Experience stunning views, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Overnight in Pismo Beach.
NOTE:
The drive along the coast to Big Sur is dependent on the current road conditions and regulations on Pacific Coast Highway 1.
Day 6: PISMO BEACH–SOLVANG–SANTA BARBARA–LOS ANGELES Continuing down the coast, stop in Solvang, where a Danish village charms with picturesque buildings and windmills. There’s time to walk the flower-lined village streets, enjoy the “Old World” charm, and savor a tasty treat from a Danish bakery. Arrive in Santa Barbara with its Spanish-style architecture and Mediterranean climate. Take a stroll on the pier or shop at one of the many boutiques. Late afternoon arrival in Los Angeles.
Day 7: LOS ANGELES Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Tinseltown. See the historic TCL Chinese Theatre which has hosted some of the most exclusive movie premieres in Hollywood history and the Dolby Theatre, the first permanent home of the glamorous Academy Awards. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with sidewalks that have more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars honoring the best in the entertainment industry. Then head to the Santa Monica Pier and the ultimate Southern California beach. The remainder of the day is at leisure. No acceptance speech needed if you choose to join the optional excursion to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for an illuminating look at the world of moviemaking and cinematic history.
Day 8: LOS ANGELES–MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO–SAN DIEGO Today we head south to San Diego, stopping for a tour of Mission San Juan Capistrano along the way. This historic landmark was founded more than two hundred years ago and is considered the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Today it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history. Arrive in San Diego and take a city tour that includes a visit to the Hotel Coronado, made famous by movies like ‘Some Like it Hot.’ Return to downtown for a relaxing evening on your own and discover the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Day 9: SAN DIEGO Enjoy a day at leisure. There are many ways to experience this very walkable town known for its picture-perfect weather. Bike by the waterfront, go on a harbor cruise, or take an optional excursion to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a wildlife park and botanical garden that has over 3,700 rare and endangered animals and more than 700,000 plants.
Day 10: SAN DIEGO–DANA POINT–LOS ANGELES Spend the morning at leisure before traveling back to Los Angeles. On the way, stop at Dana Point, a coastal town with gorgeous ocean vistas before heading to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) where your vacation ends. Please schedule flights for 5 p.m. or later. You may also choose to extend your vacation with extra nights to further explore Los Angeles.
