Self Drive - Postcards from California


  • Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
  • San Francisco – Yosemite - Monterey & Caramel by Sea - San Simeon - Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Deluxe Hop on hop off Tour
  • Alcatraz Prison Tour
  • Los Angeles Deluxe Hop on hop off tour
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Rental of a mid-size car
  • Unlimited Mileage, Rental Car Insurance (CDW/LDW)
Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American road trip experience. The California coastal drive ranks as one of the most gorgeous road trips in the United States (and the world).  It’s a picturesque, exhilarating drive with jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class wine tasting, and more hikes than you could complete in a lifetime. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

This tour is fully customizable.  It is possible to operate the tour in the opposite direction.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport.  After completing your bags, proceed to the car rental desk to pick up your pre-booked car and drive to your hotel in downtown San Francisco. 

Spend the rest of the day exploring downtown San Francisco.

Overnight in San Francisco, CA.
Ride the double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with 20+ different stops at key points of interest, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and Haight Ashbury.

Park your car today.  The most efficient way to see San Francisco in a day would be the San Francisco Hop On Hop Off  Tour.  We have you covered:

1. San Francisco Deluxe Hop on hop off Tour - Our Deluxe 2-day ticket gives you the chance to experience all of the best sights and attractions that San Francisco has to offer! From world-renowned landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to bustling city streets, you'll uncover all aspects of this diverse California city. You'll get a panoramic Night Tour so you can witness the beauty of San Francisco in its after dark splendor, plus your choice of either USS Pampanito or a 2-hour bike rental with Blazing Saddles across the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge! Our Deluxe 2-day tour is truly an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

2. Alcatraz Prison Tour – Alcatraz Island is an iconic piece of US history, and the Alcatraz Prison Tour gives its guests a unique opportunity to experience this part of history firsthand. Here, you will get to step back in time and explore the prison cell house that held such notorious gangsters as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. As part of the tour, you will get to visit the sights where these inmates made their marks on America’s past, including areas like Alcatraz showers, Alcatraz cells, Alcatraz Solitary Confinement, Alcatraz Dining Hall, and much more. The Alcatraz Prison Tour is surely not one to be missed for those with an interest in US history.

Overnight in San Francisco, CA.

Spending a day free in San Francisco can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Start the morning by taking a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and explore its historic structures, famous prison cells and magnificent gardens. After that, devote some time to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can marvel at the beautiful city from Golden Gate Park and view breathtaking sites such as Ghirardelli Square, Hyde Street Pier and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Afternoon activities could include winding through classic streets admiring all of San Francisco's unique characteristics or walking Lombard Street for an amazing view of Victorian-style homes with bulbous hydrangeas once owned by eccentric millionaires. Treat yourself to dinner in Chinatown with its bustling street vendors before setting in for the night. Enjoy local bands jamming on street corners or a stroll on Ocean Beach as Cap your perfect day under stars.

Overnight in San Francisco, CA.

Driving Distance: 191 Miles | 4 hours

The drive from San Francesco to Yosemite is one of the most captivating drives in California. The winding roads are lined with redwoods and offer delightful views throughout.  We recommend an early start which will help you avoid the traffic and maximize your enjoyment on what is guaranteed be a beautiful day of driving.

Overnight in Yosemite, CA.
A full day to explore a mesmerizing Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The park is renowned for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Falls and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.  The park is home to bears, deer, coyote, bobcats, river otters, foxes, cougar, bats and several bird species, among other animals. Yosemite is truly a paradise for the outdoorsy traveler – hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and rafting are just some of the activities you can enjoy.

Overnight in Yosemite, CA
Your drive down the coast from Monterey will take you on the famous The 17-Mile Drive, one of the most scenic drives in this world, with its iconic view from ‘The Lone Cypress’ and also giant trees at Cocker Grove. The drive will take your through a spellbinding world of pure white beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, enchanting forests, and Pebble Beach Golf Course. 

It ends up being enchanting forests before you get to Pebble Beach Golf Course where golf enthusiasts can play on some beautifully designed courses while enjoying spectacular views like those found along Highway 101 across from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Fabled Carmel-by the Sea is just 15 minutes down the road, known for its museum and library of historic missions but more so these days due to their beautiful cottages that line up along a single street like little doll houses. The next stop on your journey should be Big Sur which lies flat against an oceanic landscape with he Santa Lucia Mountains mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.

Continuing south towards San Luis Obispo the Highway One vistas become more breathtaking with every turn of the road.

Overnight in Central Coast, CA.
Driving Distance: 94 Miles | 2 ½ hours

Taking the drive from Monterey to San Simeon is a must for anyone looking to take in breathtaking views of the California coastline. While on the road, you'll pass through amazing areas such as Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, offering spectacular ocean vistas and lush vegetation along every mile. Wildlife enthusiasts will be sure to have some great photo opportunities all along the way, from charismatic sea otters to majestic whales breaching in the ocean. Whether you're an experienced traveler or just beginning your adventures on the West Coast, a trip between Monterey and San Simeon is sure to create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight in San Simeon, CA.
Park your car today and let us take you on your tour of Los Angeles.

If you're looking for the most comprehensive LA sightseeing experience, look no further. Our Deluxe Ticket provides all the necessary elements for an unforgettable stay in Los Angeles. The Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle convertible minibus tour is a must-see - truly unique and exclusive - and allows visitors to get up close and personal with iconic homes and landmarks of the city's A-list residents. The 2-day open-top, double-decker Los Angeles sightseeing bus tour is perfect for taking in all its diverse neighborhoods, while the guided walking tour through the illustrious TCL Chinese Theatres makes it easy to uncover Hollywood's secrets. All in all, our Deluxe Ticket guarantees an unforgettable city break.

Overnight in Los Angeles, CA
Driving Distance: 275 Miles | 6 hours

Hitting the open road can be exhilarating and a journey from San Simeon to Los Angeles provides some of the most beautiful scenery along California's Central Coast. From Casa Del Mar, enjoy stunning ocean views as you continue your drive to Santa Barbara, its Spanish colonial-style buildings providing a quaint backdrop for exploring the city. Take in the sunshine at Malibu before getting really up close and personal with nature on the jaw-dropping Pacific Coast Highway – just remember to keep your eyes on the road! When you reach Santa Monica, stop for a quick swim at its beach before continuing on to Los Angeles where you can explore iconic sites such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory while taking in panoramic views of this vibrant city.

Overnight in Los Angeles, CA.
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute must for any movie aficionado or thrill-seeker. Located in Los Angeles, this film studio-theme park is bursting with exhilarating experiences to enjoy – from the 3D cinematic adventure of King Kong 360 3-D to the thrilling Wizarding World of Harry Potter and exciting rides such as The Simpsons Ride and Transformers. With a range of exhilarating attractions, activities, restaurants and live entertainment, the park has something to offer everyone. Whether you're hoping to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience or just want to take a day off from everyday life, Universal Studios Hollywood should be added to your travel itinerary!

Overnight in Los Angeles, CA
Driving Distance: 17.9 Miles | 40 min

Today is the last day of your tour. After having breakfast, you will need to check out of the hotel and drive to Los Angeles international airport. 

Upon arriving at the airport, you can drop off your car and check in for your flight. It has been a wonderful trip that has left many great memories for you!

End of your Post Cards from California Tour.

Inclusions

  • 10 Night accommodations.
    • 3 nights in San Francisco
    • 2 nights in Yosemite
    • 1 night in Monterey / Carmel
    • 1 night in San Simeon
    • 3 nights in Los Angeles
  • San Francisco Deluxe Hop on hop off Tour.
  • Alcatraz Prison Tour
  • Los Angeles Deluxe Hop on hop off tour.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood - 1 Day Pass (General Admissions).
  • Rental of a mid-size car.
  • Unlimited Mileage.
  • Rental Car Insurance – CDW/LDW.  Minimum deductible of US $500 will apply.
  • Taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfare.  Offered as a supplement on request.
  • Breakfast and other meals.
  • Resort Fees may apply at some of the hotels.
  • Additional Driver Fees.
  • Roadside assistance. 
  • Gas for the vehicle.
  • GPS. Racks, etc.
  • Child and Infant Seats.
  • Parking (including at hotels) and Tolls.
  • Park Fees (where applicable).
  • Porterage at hotels. 
  • Bottled Water in hotel rooms.
  • Visa and Documentation Fees.
  • Telephone calls, Laundry, and other expenses.
  • Any personal expenses.
  • Gratuities for hotel staff (optional).
  • Travel Insurance – highly recommended. If client declines your offer to sell Travel Insurance, you are required to secure a Liability Waiver signed by the client that you must provide us on demand.  We sell Travel Insurance to residents of Ontario.  Non-residents of Ontario as well as clients from abroad must purchase Travel Insurance in the province/state/country where they reside. 
  • Optional Tours and activities.
  • Early Check-in and Late Check-out charges.  Charges will apply.
  • If applicable, cost of any RTPCR/Antigen Test or costs related to quarantine.

Accommodations Featured

DestinationStandard Category HotelsDeluxe Category Hotels
San Francisco
Homewood Suites by Hilton SFO Airport North
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Yosemite
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center
Monterey / Carmel
Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
San Simeon
Quality Inn Near Hearst Castle
Quality Inn Near Hearst Castle
Rooms featured will be Standard ROH room unless specified otherwise. Hotels featured will be as above or similar. We do offer hotel and room upgrades.  Please do check with us for availability and rates.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Tariffs

Room Configuration Beds Occupancy
TWIN or
SINGLE or
TRIPLE
QUAD
TWIN + 1 YOUTH + 1 CHILD
TWIN + 2 CHILD

For more information on Rooming and how rates apply, please refer to Important Notes

Optional Tour

These optional tours can be booked with our package. Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for rates.

Notes about this Tour

Operation Info

YearOperating Dates
20231 May to 31 Oct 
20241 May to 31 Oct
Blackout dates may apply. Please check with us.

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