Want to discover the best of the West Coast over three memorable days? This unique tour by minibus or van will take you from Los Angeles to the must-see destinations of central and northern California: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park or Hearst Castle. Sit back and relax as you are transported from one fabulous California destination to the next!

Take this 3-day tour from Los Angeles to see some of the top attractions in central and northern California! Travel along the famous Highway 1 in a comfortable minibus or van, and enjoy the spectacular coastline as you make stops in Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Carmel. You'll then head to San Francisco for an overnight stay and a comprehensive tour of the beautiful City by the Bay.

In San Francisco, take a bay cruise past Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city’s top attractions, including Union square, Chinatown and Nob Hill!

Your next stop depends on the season. In the summer, you’ll head to Yosemite National Park; in the winter, when mountain roads are closed, you’ll visit Hearst Castle. Both places offer plenty to see – in Yosemite, gaze in awe at the 1,200 square miles (3,100 sq km) of forests, lakes and waterfalls protected in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, or at Hearst Castle, be amazed by the majestic former residence of William Randolph Hearst.

See the Itinerary field below for details on each day of the tour.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Corner of Fairfax Boulevard and 3rd Street
or
4 Points Sheraton Culver City

Departure Time:

Between 6:30am and 7am depending on pickup location

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point at 7pm

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Small-group tour
• Driver/guide
• 2 nights accommodation

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Customers must bring child seats for children under the age of 8 or under the height of 4'9" (145 cm)
• Luggage is limited to one piece per person with the following dimensions: 21" X 12" X 12" (46cm x 30cm x 30cm) and a maximum of 22 pounds (10 kgs)
  

Itinerary:

Day One:
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - Carmel
Departing Los Angeles in your minibus or van, enjoy the drive north up the spectacular California coast to your first stop – Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish mission and learn how this religious outpost was a key to the development of the entire region.

Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community, where you can browse the local shops. Admire the bakeries, restaurants and stores that will make you feel like you are in Denmark – you’ll even see a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower in the town square!

Next, keep going north along Highway 1 through Big Sur, one of the West Coast’s most stunning spots. Take in the beautiful scenery and dramatic jagged coastline as you drive through town, on your way to charming Carmel, home to actor Clint Eastwood. In Carmel, enjoy free time to leisurely stroll through town. Then make your final stretch along the coast for the day to San Francisco.

Overnight: Pickwick Hotel in San Francisco

Day Two:
San Francisco
After breakfast, start your exploration of the renowned city of San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf, where you’ll depart on a relaxing cruise around San Francisco Bay (breakfast included). Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island, home to the notorious prison that once held infamous criminals like Al Capone. You’ll also enjoy wonderful and unique views of the city from the water, so make sure your camera is charged up!

After your cruise, return to Pier 39 to watch the local sea lions and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the pier. Enjoy free time to have a leisurely lunch (own expense) before your afternoon tour begins. This sightseeing tour will take you past all the city's famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown and historical Nob Hill. End your tour with a breathtaking nighttime view of the illuminated Bay Bridge.

If you’re headed to Yosemite National Park on Day 3, you’ll spend the night in the town of Dublin. If you’re visiting Hearst Castle, stay another night in San Francisco.

Overnight: Holiday Inn in Dublin (summer) or Pickwick Hotel in San Francisco (winter)

Day Three:
San Francisco - Yosemite National Park or Hearst Castle - Los Angeles
Bid farewell to the Bay Area and head to either Yosemite National Park or Hearst Castle, depending on the season (breakfast at hotel included before departure).

Summer: Enjoy a scenic drive through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. This 1,200-square-mile (3,100-sq-km) wonderland of towering forests, clear lakes, majestic mountains and tumbling waterfalls is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Stop at the park’s most popular features, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome and the Mariposa Grove, home to the world's largest living things – sequoia trees!

Winter: Travel back down the California coast, through Silicon Valley and south on Highway 1 to Hearst Castle. Built by the newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, this famous mansion rivals the castles of Europe. Tour the famous castle, filled with beautiful antiques, and learn about its history and how it served as a playground for the rich and famous for the first half of the 20th century.

Your three-day California adventure ends back in Los Angeles in the evening.

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.