Itinerary
- Day 1
San Francisco
After arriving in San Francisco, start exploring Downtown Market Street on foot. You'll hop onto the historic cable cars and head up to Union Square, where you can browse shops and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants. From there, make your way to Lombard Street to see the famous eight hairpin turns in person. By late afternoon, head to Hyde Street Pier where you'll get those iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride on Powell-Hyde line (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Market Street Union Square Lombard Street Golden Gate Bridge - Day 2
San Francisco
Begin at Aquatic Park Pier with views across the water to Alcatraz Island. Walk along the coast and consider stopping by the Maritime National Historical Park if you want to see historic ships up close. Later, head over to Pier 39 to check out the sea lions lounging around. Finish the day at the Ghirardelli chocolate factory learning about their history and sampling some products.
Optional Activities
- Maritime National Historical Park visit (admission payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Fisherman's Wharf Aquatic Park Pier Alcatraz Island Maritime National Historical Park Pier 39 Ghirardelli chocolate factory - Day 3
San Francisco
Spend your day in San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest one outside Asia. Walk through the Dragon Gate and wander around the shops with their colorful lanterns and souvenirs. Stop by the legendary Good Mong Kok Bakery for a snack, trying some dim sum, bao buns, and egg tarts while taking in the skyline views.
Landmarks/POIs Dragon Gate Chinatown Good Mong Kok Bakery - Day 4
San Francisco
You've got options today depending on what appeals to you more. If you like being outdoors, head to Presidio National Park where you can hike or mountain bike, visit the visitor center, and catch the sunset from Bakers Beach below the Golden Gate Bridge. Prefer staying in the city? The Painted Ladies Victorian houses at Alamo Square offer beautiful contrast with the modern skyline behind them.
Landmarks/POIs Presidio National Park Bakers Beach Painted Ladies Alamo Square - Day 5
San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Rent a car and drive south along Highway 1 toward Santa Cruz with the Pacific Ocean on your side the whole way. If you're interested, take a detour through Silicon Valley to see some tech company headquarters. By evening, you'll arrive in Santa Cruz and explore the colorful houses before checking out the Beach Boardwalk with its historic roller coasters.
Optional Activities
- Detour to Silicon Valley tech headquarters
Landmarks/POIs Highway 1 Silicon Valley Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Day 6
Santa Cruz to Solvang
Today you're driving one of California's most iconic coastal routes on Highway 1, the scenery that inspired 'California Dreaming.' Take the 17 Mile Drive scenic route and soak in the coastal views. Stop to see the iconic Lone Cypress tree and photograph the historic Bixby Creek Bridge with its 80-metre-high pillars. You'll end up in Solvang, a Danish-inspired village with real Scandinavian charm.
Landmarks/POIs 17 Mile Drive Lone Cypress Bixby Creek Bridge Solvang - Day 7
Solvang to Santa Barbara
Start your morning in Solvang walking through cozy alleyways and checking out windmills while trying Danish pastries. Then drive to Santa Barbara where you'll notice Spanish-Mexican influences throughout. Stroll along the beach promenade, relax on the sand, and find some nice flat waves that work well for beginner surfers.
Landmarks/POIs Santa Barbara Beach - Day 8
Santa Barbara to Malibu
Drive Highway 101 through California's rolling hills and various charming towns as you head toward Malibu. Once you arrive, take a relaxed stroll along the Malibu Pier and keep your eyes open for celebrity spotting. Spend time at the famous Malibu Beach and watch the sunset paint the sky as the day wraps up.
Landmarks/POIs Malibu Pier Malibu Beach - Day 9
Malibu
Cool off at Malibu's beautiful beaches starting with Zuma Beach, which has golden sand and gentle waves perfect for swimming and surfing. Head to Point Dume viewpoint for dramatic coastal views and the chance to spot whales and dolphins. Finish at El Matador Beach with its dramatic cliffs and hidden caves to explore.
Landmarks/POIs Zuma Beach Point Dume El Matador Beach - Day 10
Malibu to Los Angeles
Return your rental car at the airport and start exploring Los Angeles. Drive through palm-lined streets and consider taking detours to Beverly Hills or driving the iconic Mulholland Drive. Check out the Walk of Fame with its over 2,800 pink stars and see the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory for the best view.
Landmarks/POIs Beverly Hills Mulholland Drive Walk of Fame Hollywood Sign Griffith Observatory - Day 11
Los Angeles
Rent a bike and explore Los Angeles from a different angle. Head to Santa Monica Pier with its neon Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Cycle toward Venice Beach or ride through Palisades Park to take in coastal views. Later, experience Venice's Ocean Front Walk where you'll find street art, live music, and the famous Muscle Beach.
Optional Activities
- Bike tour through Los Angeles with English-speaking guides
Landmarks/POIs Santa Monica Pier Venice Beach Palisades Park Ocean Front Walk Muscle Beach - Day 12
Los Angeles
You get to choose your vibe today. Beach lovers can head to Venice Beach or Malibu Beach for laid-back time by the water. If you prefer the city, explore downtown's futuristic Disney Concert Hall and check out the historic Union Station, which shows up in a lot of movies.
Landmarks/POIs Venice Beach Malibu Beach Disney Concert Hall Union Station - Day 13
Los Angeles
Hike Runyon Canyon to get city views and possibly spot some celebrities while you're at it. After working up an appetite, explore Rodeo Drive's designer boutiques or browse more affordable styles in the nearby side streets. Then choose from a wide range of restaurants serving American and international cuisine.
Landmarks/POIs Runyon Canyon Rodeo Drive - Day 14
Los Angeles Departure
Use the time you have left to check off any remaining bucket list items before you need to leave. Take some time to think back on all the adventures from this trip as you get ready to head out.
- Day 15
Arrival
Your plane touches down and the tour ends. Collect your luggage and head back to real life, carrying with you all the memories and experiences from this trip to share with friends and family.
