Fly Drive USA

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to San Francisco. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Experience the rich cultural life of San Francisco, one of the world’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. The many hills of the city afford visitors plenty of perfect views over San Francisco Bay. Cross the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco to the Marin headlands, and visit Golden Gate Park, boasting over 1000 acres of lawns, lakes and a riot of flora. Hop on a cable car, from the seaside community of Fisherman’s Wharf to the shopping hub of Union Square. Take a trip over to Alcatraz and experience the dark world inhabited by notorious criminals. Stroll through China Town, see Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” of colourful houses at Hayes and Steiner Streets, with its city backdrop. Your days in san Francisco will be filled with memorable attractions and experiences. 

Yosemite National Park is a true wake-up call to nature abundance of beauty and wonder. One of the first wilderness parks in the USA, it maintains its status as also one of the country’s most popular national parks. Although famous for its incredible waterfalls, it also boasts over 1,165 square miles of extraordinarily deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoia trees. Follow one if its superb hiking and walking trails, discover its flowing waters and spot the myriad of wildlife which call it home.

Today you are taking to California’s beautiful coastline, which draws visitors from across the globe for its golden sand beaches, craggy coastline, warm ‘surf ready’ waters and myriad of quaint coastal towns. Your first base is Monterey on the northern coast. It is rich in visitor attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium with its three storey marine habitat tank and the Splash Zone filled with penguins, sea dragons and super sized scallop and clam shells. Kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching and beach-going are just some of the activities to be enjoyed on the beach, with golf, shopping, and driving the spectacular coastline to Big Sur some of the many land-based adventures. The visitor hub is Cannery Row, who’s historic warehouses from its sardine export era are filled with galleries, restaurants and other entertainment venues. Monterey is a treasure trove of history. The Path of History, marked by tiles on the pavements, leads travellers along a route filled with 19th century adobes, historic homes and churches. Don’t forget to head to Fisherman’s Wharf to see Monterey’s seafaring past brought to life.

A highlight of your holiday, the road south isnt simply a means of getting to your next destination but a spell-binding journey of beautiful scenery and fabulous en route stops. Make stop at San Simeon,  where a stop at Hearst Castle is a must. This hilltop mansion was built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century and is a curiosity to behold. Maybe stop at Elephant Seal Rookery too, where you will see hundreds of seals playing and sunning themselves on the beach. Next stop, San Luis Obispo. Downtown you’ll discover charming shops, restaurants, the weekly SLO farmers market and the beautifully preserved Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Along the shoreline from May to October, you can see humpback whales on route to Baja for the breeding season. Whilst at the water, visit the Olde Port Fish Market at the end of Port San Luis Pier, where fishmongers cook up crab and sell their freshly caught produce. Your destination is Pismo Beach, a pretty town where you can soak up the sun on the beach or partake in the many water sports available including surfing, sea kayaking and boating. 

It is only 85 miles to Santa Barbara, but the beautiful scenery and stopover options are once again bountiful. We suggest a visit to Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the city’s Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs, The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese and European motorbikes and Old Mission Santa Inés showcases  early-1800s Franciscan church architecture. Santa Barbara is one of America’s best kept secrets! Fondly recognised as the Mediterranean of the US, with its tiled terracotta roofs and white stucco buildings you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were in America. It is blessed with glorious sunshine, framed by the San Ynez Mountains and afford breathtaking coastal scenery. There are attractions for everyone, from its Botanical Gardens to a ten acre waterpark and a zoo. Take a boat tour, visit a local vineyard for a tasting, head to the theatre or ballet, and  enjoy al fresco dining with million-dollar views.

No visit to California would be complete without visiting legendary Los Angeles. This vast city includes so many areas you are not going to want to miss. It has more than 50 miles of coastline and 33 public beaches, so you can always find a stretch of empty sand. From the quiet enclave of Malibu with its celebrity residents, to the fun-filled seaside pier of Santa Monica, to the funky ambience of Venice with its offbeat street performers, each of these waterfront wonders offers its own personality and its own take on dining, shopping, attractions and activities. Hollywood has evolved from its historic roots as the birthplace of the film industry into one of LA’s hippest spots to shop, dine and be entertained. At the center of it all is Hollywood & Highland Center with its trendy stores, hot restaurants, hip nightclubs, cool entertainment and the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Legendary Sunset Boulevard takes you east through Westwood and Beverly Hills, where Rodeo Drive is just one avenue in the world’s most famous shopping district. And on Beverly Hills’ palm-lined byways, you may think you’re in a movie yourself. There is also Universal Studios and Disneyland in Anaheim and Knotts Berry Farm to provide entertainment for the whole family. 

Leaving California, you head inland and cross the border to Nevada where the entertainment capital of the world awaits. Whether you spend your time soaking in the desert sunshine around a sparkling pool, taking a trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, feasting on the international cuisines at acclaimed restaurants, or taking in an award-winning theatre show or concert, is entirely up to you. Whatever you decide, Las VEgas is sure not to disappoint.

You may choose to extend your holiday with extra time in Las Vegas, extend your road trip to the Grand Canyon and down into Arizona or head out and explore the Canyonlands of Utah. If not, today you return your rental car and check in for your flight back to the UK.