California – also known as the Golden State – is a jewel in America’s crown. With its diverse and stunning landscape, global cities and popular coastline, it has long been a favourite destination for travellers across the world. On the California Explorer you’ll get to sample some of the best this state has to offer. Starting in beautiful San Francisco, you’ll travel down the coast, hitting the likes of Yosemite National Park and Los Angeles, before finishing your trip in San Diego.
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Road Trip Itinerary
3 Nights – San Francisco
1 Nights – Napa Valley
1 Night – Lake Tahoe
2 Nights – Yosemite National Park
1 Nights – Pismo Beach
1 Night – Santa Barbara
2 Nights – Los Angeles
3 Nights – San Diego
✈ UK – San Francisco (3 nights): You’ll touch down, pick up your car and then have three nights in San Francisco to kick off your trip. Also known as ‘Shaky Town’, this city is famous for its painted ladies – Victorian and Edwardian homes painted in three or more colours – cable cars and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. As you walk the hilly streets of San Fran, you’ll sense a quaint nostalgia, which contrasts wonderfully with the newer parts of the city. The overall ambience is a quirky, eclectic one that makes it a perfect introduction to California. While you’re there, be sure to visit famous sites like Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Park, as well as allowing some time to chill out in the funky restaurants and bars.
🚗 San Francisco – Napa Valley (1 night): From San Francisco you’ll head out to California’s famous wine region, Napa Valley. With its undulating hills of green and rustic-style villas, it can feel like you’re in a different world compared to the rest of the Golden State. Be sure to sample the local wares and tour one of the beautiful vineyards.
🚗 Napa Valley – Lake Tahoe (1 night): Your next stop is often referred to as ‘America’s best lake’, Lake Tahoe is one of the most picturesque areas of California. It’s also the perfect place to get active, with lots of hikes and watersports available, from swimming to windsurfing. During the winter, the mountains surrounding the lake are covered in snow, transforming the area into a popular skiing spot. There’s also plenty of nightlife to enjoy.
🚗 Lake Tahoe – Yosemite National Park (2 nights): Next on to Yosemite, set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a striking mix of rocky mountains, green pastures and lakes. It’s famous for its sequoias – large, ancient trees that dominate the landscape. There is also the Tunnel View – a famous viewpoint over Yosemite Valley – and the 188-metre high Bridalveil Fall. When you’re not traversing the landscape, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in Yosemite Village to occupy yourself with. There’s also a museum for you to learn more about the area.
🚗 Yosemite – Pismo Beach (1 night): After your active time at Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, you’ll drive on to the picturesque coastal town of Pismo. This traditional beach community has plenty of sand dunes for relaxing strolls, restaurants for great food and miles of beach for sunbathing.
🚗 Pismo Beach – Santa Barbara (1 night): Driving down the stunning Pacific Highway, you’ll come to your next stop of Santa Barbara. This city is sure to give you a great taste of the Spanish colonial heritage of California. With red-tiled roofs on white stucco buildings, you can be forgiven for feeling like you’re in the Mediterranean. There’s also a range of great places to visit to learn about the local culture and history, including the Santa Barbara Presidio and the Mission Santa Barbara.
🚗 Santa Barbara – Los Angeles (2 nights): Your penultimate stop will be the iconic city of Los Angeles, where you can spend your time exploring Hollywood, the strip and the Walk of Fame. Griffith Park is also a must if you fancy a bit of a hike. As you’d expect of LA, there are plenty of restaurants and a great nightlife scene, meaning you can let your hair down for a few days. There’s also a huge healthy-living culture in the city, so be sure to sample some of the great things they have on offer.
🚗 Los Angeles – San Diego (3 nights): After LA you’ll travel on to your final stop and what a way to end your trip than in San Diego. This city has something for everyone, from famous landmarks to beaches and parks. If you love history, spend time in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which is a state-protected area with Mexican and American heritage. You have to spend some time in Balboa Park, which houses San Diego Zoo, as well as large open spaces and gardens. For some down-time on the beach, take a trip to La Jolla Cove or the Torrey Pines State Beach.
✈ San Diego – UK: Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so all that’s left is to drive to the airport, drop off your car and fly back to the UK.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Steven
Friendly staff, great service. Sorted it all out for us, Chris was really helpful. Hopefully when we go in May we'll have no worries. Definitely use again
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Alison
This is the first time I have used this company and I am so pleased I found them. I couldn’t find any multi centre trips to Andalucia until I came across this company. It’s exactly what I wanted. From my first contact with them until I booked the trip I couldn’t fault them. Kelly was very efficient, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. I would certainly recommend this company.
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Kadi
This is our 2nd time booking with Gavin. He organised our 1st teip to Thailand and now it is time to go to Vietnam. It is so easy and straightforward with him. He knows his stuff, recommends great places to go/see and is always after a great price for his clients. We will continue to book with eShores for custom made holidays.
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Arunkumar
eShores is great and Andy is brilliant!
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Carol
Found Kadie very efficient and helpful. This is the first time we have used eshores so hoping for a wonderful Greek Island hopping experience.
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SelinaMaria Rita
It was the team photo on eShores website that drew me to them - real people, who might actually care about planning my trip. I chose well - Dave Felton listened to what I wanted, and amazingly managed to work to my budget! Couldn't be happier with my booked trip to Australia in October. Thank you Dave.
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Anonymous
I was referred to Nick by a friend and found him to be extremely helpful. He listened to my requirements and provided an excellent service. I would definitely recommend Nick to others.
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David
Very quick and easy way to book a holiday online. Amendments were dealt with quickly and the whole experience was excellant. Loking forward to the holiday and hope that everything goes just as moothly!
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LisaJayne
Booked a trip with Eshore followingng recommendation from a friend. Really pleased with the service. Took the time to offer us a great itinerary.
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MatthewAllan
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