California Cities & Wines Road Trip

Road Trip Itinerary

3 Nights – LA
2 nights – Pismo/San Luis Obispo (Edna Valley Wine Region)
2 nights – Carmel/Monterey
4 nights – Napa Valley
3 nights – San Francisco

Optional extension – San Diego

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✈ UK – LA (3 nights): Arguably one of the most iconic cities in the world, Los Angeles will be the first stop on your trip. You’ll be able to take your pick from Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Griffith Park, Santa Monica Pier, Runyon Canyon Park, Universal Studios and the more unusual Hollywood Forever Cemetery. LA’s culinary scene is a delight for foodies.  Start with tacos from a Downtown food truck or explore Santa Monica’s farm-to-table restaurants where there’s a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking. Make time to wander Koreatown (or K-town as it’s known by the locals) where you can enjoy everything from Korean BBQ to giant dumplings to comforting bowls of naengmyeon (noodle soup).

LA is surrounded by some of the world’s top wine-producing regions, so sampling the local wine is a must.  Head to the historic San Antonio Winery to taste Southern California vintages in a relaxed tasting room or head to one of the city’s growing number of wine bars. For creative cocktails, head to West Hollywood’s bars.

🚗 LA – Pismo Beach / San Luis (2 nights): After LA, you’ll drive to Pismo Beach where it’s time to kick back and relax by the beach.  When it comes to food, this laid-back town is all about fresh seafood and relaxed coastal dining.  Enjoy catch of the day served with a glass of Edna Valley Chardonnay or a Pinot Gris from the nearby vineyards of the Edna Valley wine region. Alternatively, you could base yourself in the city of San Luis Obispo – a foodie’s paradise with its lively farmers’ markets, boutique wine tasting rooms, and gourmet restaurants.   For something a bit quirky, walk down Bubblegum Alley.  This narrow street is lined with chewed gum left by passersby, creating a colourful and highly unusual display. And yes, you can add your own bubble gum to the walls and become a part of this sticky work of art!

The Edna Valley wine region is just a short drive from both Pismo Beach and downtown San Luis Obispo. With its rolling vineyards, tasting rooms, and climate that produces crisp Chardonnays and elegant Pinot Noirs, it’s perfect for a relaxed wine-tasting tour. Many wineries offer sweeping views of the valley, small batch pours, and the chance to chat with the winemakers themselves.

🚗 Pismo Beach / San Luis – Carmel/Monterey (2 nights): The drive from Pismo beach to Carmel is one of the most scenic in California.  You’ll follow Highway 1 past Morro Bay, Cambria, and Big Sur and along the coast to Carmel. Carmel is a pretty seaside town on the Monterey Peninsula with a lovely mix of art galleries, small boutiques, incredible coastal views and excellent dining.  Most of Carmel’s bistros and restaurants are tucked away within the village’s streets offering an intimate atmosphere.  Enjoy fresh seafood, paired perfectly with a glass of nearby Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay from the Monterey Peninsula vineyards.  Then continue to Monterey whose rugged coastline sets the perfect backdrop for fresh-from-the-ocean dining.  Local specialities include Dungeness crab, clam chowder and grilled calamari. Cannery Row has lots of waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy these dishes paired with a glass of wine from the nearby vineyards.  If time allows, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium for a  glimpse of the ocean life that makes this region’s cuisine so exceptional.

🚗  Carmel/Monterey – Napa (4 nights) Leaving the coast behind in Carmel, the drive to Napa Valley is full of rolling hills and open roads. Napa is a dream for food and wine lovers. Spend your days hopping between beautiful wineries such as Domaine Carneros, Beringer, and the castle-like Castello di Amorosa, tasting everything from crisp sparkling wines to bold reds. A great way to combine the views with incredible food and wine is to hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Leaving from downtown Napa,  it winds its way north through the heart of the valley, passing towns such as Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena.  It’s a relaxed, scenic way to soak up the region with fine dining and wine, of course.  If you fancy a break from all the sipping and sampling, you could pop into the Napa Valley Museum or stretch your legs at Skyline Wilderness Park.  And for something truly magical, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards.

🚗  Carmel – San Francisco (4 nights): – You’ll complete your trip with 4 nights in the colourful city of San Francisco with its impressive Golden Gate Bridge, iconic cable cars and Victorian homes. Must-sees include Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Food-wise, indulge in fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and explore the Ferry Building Marketplace for cheeses and local wines.  The city caters to every foodie whim, whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Mission District to a more laid-back wine bar in North Beach.

🚗  Optional extra: San Diego (3 nights): If you’d like to extend your trip, spend a few days soaking up San Diego’s food, wine, and cultural scene. With its coastal location, the city offers a wonderful blend of coastal relaxation and urban energy. The Gaslamp Quarter is home to trendy wine bars and cocktail lounges where you can enjoy California’s finest wines.  For a true coastal experience, head to La Jolla Cove where you’ll find fresh seafood shacks and fine dining restaurants that serve the day’s catch. San Diego’s wine bars often feature Baja California wines too, reflecting the region’s unique cross-border culinary influence.

For sightseeing, head to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, a beautifully preserved area that tells the story of early San Diego from its Mexican roots to early American days (1821–1875). It’s rich in history, architecture, and culture, and also dotted with cafes and restaurants that serving traditional Mexican food. Balboa Park is another highlight and is home to museums, botanical gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

✈ San Francisco/San Diego – UK: On your final day, you will drive to the airport to drop off your car and board your flight back to the UK.