Pacific Coast Highway
Self-drive tour
Enjoy a leisurely drive down the famous California coast on this 
relaxing 14-night self-drive tour of the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway. Starting in San Francisco - one of the world's most beautiful and exciting cities - be sure to ride the cable cars, visit Fisherman's Wharf and take a cruise across the bay to Alcatraz! Journey south along the spectacular coastal road stopping at Monterey, San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Anaheim and finish with three relaxing nights in lovely San Diego. The tour operates daily between 01 April and 15 October. Just America will be pleased to add extra nights in any of the locations visited - just ask and we'll take care of it!
Day 1. Arrive San Francisco.
Upon arrival at San Francisco Intl. Airport transfer to your hotel in the city centre. We recommend that you take a taxi (not included) and pick up your rental car on day 4 from the downtown rental depot. Overnight: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (Standard) or Hilton Fisherman's Wharf (Superior).
Days 2 & 3. San Francisco.
Two full days to enjoy this lovely city. We recommend that you take an escorted sightseeing tour of the city with Gray Line Tours and include a visit to the former prison on the island of Alcatraz. There's so much to see and do, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, great restaurants and shopping, Chinatown, bay cruises and much more. Just America will be pleased to prebook sightseeing tours for you. Overnight: Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (Standard) or Hilton Fisherman's Wharf (Superior).
Day 4. San Francisco - Monterey/Carmel (Approx. 
110 miles)
Collect your rental car from the downtown depot this morning and begin your journey south along famous Route 1 - the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The coastal route is slower than the Interstate Highway, but more interesting as you meander through the Golden Gate National Recreation area, stop at small towns, and enjoy the scenery on your leisurely journey to Monterey and Carmel. You might want to take time out to visit the famous boardwalk amusement park in Santa Cruz before arriving in the Monterey Bay area this afternoon. You should have time for a stroll along the beach, a browse around the shops or a visit to the famous Monterey Aquarium before choosing from the wide range of restaurants for dinner this evening. Overnight: Casa Munras Garden Hotel (Standard) or The Hyatt Regency (Superior).
Day 5. Monterey/Carmel.
A free day to relax and explore the attractions of the Monterey Bay area. The beaches, the local wineries, the Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf and the Cannery provide a wide choice of sightseeing and shopping. Overnight: Casa Munras Garden Hotel (Standard) or The Hyatt Regency (Superior).
Day 6. Monterey/Carmel - San Luis Obispo (Approx. 150 miles)
Take your time today and enjoy the stunning scenery on the most spectacular section of the PCH. Shortly after leaving the Monterey Bay area you will arrive at Big Sur - 
stop for a coffee at the lodge, take a stroll to savour the views and then continue south to San Simeon. At San Simeon you can visit the amazing home of William Randolph Hearst - Hearst Castle (prebooking is a must!), before arriving at San Luis Obispo this afternoon. Overnight: Holiday Inn Express (Standard) or Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge, Pismo Beach (Superior).
Days 7 San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara (Approx. 105 miles)
Explore the small towns Guadalupe and Lompoc and the many state beaches as you continue south along Route 1. Before you arrive in Santa Barbara you might want to visit Solvang whose Danish immigrant founders re-created the old country in food and architecture. Arrive in Santa Barbara this afternoon and enjoy the Old California heritage and atmosphere as you browse the shops, the beautiful "Queen of the Missions" - Mission Santa Barbara; the famous botanical gardens and beaches of this lovely town. Overnight: Best Western Pepper Tree Inn (Standard), or Santa Barbara Inn - Oceanview room (Superior).
Day 8. Santa Barbara - Santa Monica (Approx.90 miles)
For the first part of the journey this morning the PCH disappears under the freeway - Highway 101 and you have no option but to follow it through Ventura and Oxnard, and then pick up the PCH for the final part of the drive through Malibu to Santa Monica. Take time out to visit the ocean playground of the rich and famous - Malibu before arriving in LA's hippest beachfront location - Santa Monica. Overnight: Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica, (Standard & Superior).
Days 9. Santa Monica and Los Angeles
A full day to pack in all the attractions of the LA area - Universal Studios, Six Flags California - home to some of the most spectacular 'white-knuckle' rollercoaster rides, The Getty Center, Venice Beach and much more. We recommend you stroll, bike or roller-blade along the palm tree lined beach path - boardwalk - that links Santa Monica with Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey - this is where you'll experience the true California beach lifestyle! Overnight: Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica, (Standard & Superior).
Day 10. Santa Monica - Anaheim (Approx.30 miles)
A short drive this morning takes you Anaheim. You might want to visit Long Beach and tour the Queen Mary en route, or spend the day at one of the Disney parks - Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure - walking distance from your hotel!. Overnight: Sheraton Park At Anaheim (Standard & Superior).
Day 12. Anaheim - San Diego (Approx 100 miles)
Take your time on the short drive to San Diego and visit some of the small oceanside villages and towns along the way - places such as Dana Point, San Clemente and Carlsbad are worth exploring. You could take the passenger ferry (approx 1 hour) from Dana Point to Santa Catalina Island and enjoy the beaches, shops and restaurants of the lovely town of Avalon. Overnight: Holiday Inn On The Bay (Standard) or Catamaran Resort (Superior).
Days 13 & 14 San Diego
Two full days to enjoy many attractions of San Diego and to relax at the end of your tour. Seaworld, the beaches, Old Town, the Gas Lamp District, the Mexican border town of Tijuana, Balboa Park, the museums and San Diego Zoo are all top attractions well worth your attention. You might just want to relax by the pool, or on the beach, do some last minute shopping before your return home. Overnight: Holiday Inn On The Bay (Standard) or Catamaran Resort (Superior).
Day 15. Depart San Diego.
Return your rental car at San Diego airport and check in for your onward or homebound flight to the UK.
Just America specialises in tailor-making holidays and we will be pleased to design this or any of our tours to your specifications. We can provide details, prices and make reservations for optional sightseeing excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
All mileages are approximate. Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking.
