Family Adventure in California
“This is the ultimate family fly-drive and a great way to discover all the main attractions that the Golden State has to offer, from natural landscapes to buzzing cities. I’d recommend adding in a stop in Morro Bay to kayak amongst sea lions and sea otters.”
Day 1
Arrival Los Angeles
Upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, you’ll be met by a representative who’ll set you up with your hire car.
You’ll drive to the Beverly Hills Hotel and after check-in the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.
Day 2
Beach Side and Hollywood
This morning is all about experiencing California’s outdoorsy sunshine culture and beaches.
Start with a paddleboard guided lesson in Marina Del Ray, then hop on a bike and explore the famous Venice beach canals with your guide. Stop by the boardwalk and the Muscle Beach, have lunch at the iconic Shutters on the Beach Restaurant, and ride the Ferris Wheel (optional!).
In the afternoon you’ll visit the Hollywood Sign, enjoy views of the city from high in the Hollywood Hills, trace the steps of nominees and winners at the Kodak Theater (home of the Academy Awards), visit Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Melrose Avenue, the Sunset Strip, and the celebrity estates of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air.
Day 3
Private Tour of Universal Studios
Today you’ll head on a VIP tour of Universal Studios.
Discover the movie industry’s busiest sets, visit sound stages where blockbuster movies and TV shows are filmed and explore Universal’s award-winning sound department and enormous prop warehouse.
After lunch you’ll visit Universal’s theme park with front of line access to all rides and attractions.
Enjoy valet parking and VIP entry and exit to the Park. The afternoon is on your own to continue exploring, going for a short hike through one of the beautiful canyons where you may even see celebrities hiking.
Day 4
Day at Leisure
Spend your last day in Los Angeles at leisure.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer will be able to advise on activities prior to departure.
Day 5
Los Angeles - Santa Barbara
This morning you’ll drive your hire car up to Santa Barbara and check into Orient Express El Encanto Hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, walk through the streets of Santa Barbara or go to the sea-side zoo.
Day 6
Santa Barbara - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Today you’ll enjoy a whale-watching cruise from the Santa Barbara harbour.
Afterwards, you’ll drive up to the Carmel Valley on one of the most famous driving routes in California.
Pull over for wine and waves at the vintage Central Coast town of Pismo Beach, stop along Highway 1 for some natural beauty at Limekiln State Park, get your cameras ready as you cross the unforgettable Bixby Bridge into iconic Big Sur, watch a waterfall tumble to the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make your final destination Carmel-by-the-Sea.
After checking into your accommodation the evening will be spent at leisure.
Day 7
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Spend today at leisure.
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a lovely beach that gives way to turquoise Pacific, backed by Monterey cypress.
Explore by car or bike, stopping to contemplate the Lone Cypress that’s clung to a patch of rock for centuries. Play a round at Pebble Beach, the No. 1 public golf course in the country, book a surf lesson, or head to Point Lobos State Reserve, where scuba divers and kayakers share the water with harbor seals and sea otters.
Along with restaurants, Carmel Village is also stocked with wine-tasting rooms and boutiques. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities to suit you prior to departure.
Day 8
Carmel - Kings Canyon National Park
This morning you’ll embark on a four-hour drive to Kings Canyon National Park. The backcountry exploring and climbing here are all superb and you’ll be able to survey giant caves and a superb driving road at your own leisure.
In the afternoon you’ll head to Sierra Nevada Mountains and check into your unique luxury tented camp.
Day 9
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Spend today in the park enjoying activities from hiking, fly fishing, photography, star gazing and horse riding.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can help arrange pursuits that suit your needs prior to departure.
Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by the camp’s gourmet chef and end the evening with a campfire dinner.
Day 10
Kings Canyon - Yosemite National Park
This morning you’ll drive towards Yosemite National Park where you’ll check into your accommodation.
After some time to settle in you’ll have the chance to embark on an excursion of your choice. We recommend a bike tour of Yosemite Valley and its watering holes, a visit to El Capitan Meadows and its great view of Cathedral Rocks, or a sunset photography lesson.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer will be able to advise on activities prior to departure.
Day 11
Yosemite National Park
Today you’ll enjoy a full day trip to the High Country, where you’ll visit some less explored regions of Yosemite with an expert guide.
Day 12
Yosemite National Park - Lake Tahoe
Leave Yosemite in the morning and drive to Lake Tahoe, approximately five hours away.
After checking into your accommodation, the afternoon is yours for visiting the beach on the lake, playing mini-golf or simply relaxing.
Day 13
Lake Tahoe
Spend the day enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tahoe. Boat or jet-ski on the crystal-clear blue water of the lake; go hiking, fishing or stand up paddle boarding; your Lightfoot Travel Designer will be happy to help advise on activities prior to departure.
Day 14
Lake Tahoe - San Francisco
Depart Lake Tahoe and spend two hours driving to Coloma, the starting point to your half-day rafting trip on the South Fork of the American River. This is one of the best white-water rivers in California mingling major rapids and calm waters together.
After your day on the river, you’ll drive to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 15
Guided tour of San Francisco
Have a unique insider’s adventure into San Francisco with your local guide.
Together, you’ll traverse enchanted gardens, glorious rooftop views, secret stairways, and some of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods. Ride the cable car through the urban canyons of the Financial District, experience the hustle and bustle of the real Chinatown, explore the history, culture and art of the Mission District – and more.
Day 16
Guided tour of San Francisco
Spend the last day of your holiday exploring some of San Francisco’s amazing parks and outdoor areas. We recommend taking on the 11-mile hiking trail around the Presidio, watching the sea lions at Pier 39, or admiring the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Barry.
In the evening you’ll make your way to Alcatraz for a night tour of the prison.
Day 17
Departure
Today you’ll drop your hire car back to the airport and catch your onward flight home.
- Visit the home of the stars
- Drive along the winding Californian coast
- Explore Yosemite Valley and Lake Tahoe
- Go white water rafting on the American River
- Discovering San Francisco’s laid-back atmosphere
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
