Best of California
Best of California
Best of California
9 Days Starting in Los Angeles (CA) and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ACALAZM20
Tour Overview
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Los Angeles conjures up notions of Hollywood glamour, gorgeous beaches and multi-faceted neighbourhoods. With over 100 museums and 2754 names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the City of Angels offers plenty of sights to tempt curious travellers. Savour a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Los Angeles Sightseeing
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Accommodation Name: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles
Meals Included: Breakfast
A nostalgic ride on the city's landmark Angel's Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia marks the beginning of your insightful journey into the City of Angels. As you continue through Downtown LA, learn about the history and architecture of the city from 18th Century to today as you explore the Grand Central Market, Bradbury Building and US Bank Tower. In legendary Hollywood, get up close and personal taking photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and strolling along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema’s greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood’s most sought-after theatre for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, learn the insights into the history of filmmaking at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Tonight, Los Angeles is yours to explore on your own with an abundance of dining options.
Day 3: Journey To The American Riviera
Location: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Accommodation: Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara
Accommodation Name: Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of road hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance. Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. Explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California’s diverse native plants.
Day 4: Discover California's Central Coast Relaxed Start
Location: Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach
Accommodation: Vespera Resort, Pismo Beach
Accommodation Name: Vespera Resort, Pismo Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Giant Sequoias
Location: Pismo Beach, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop will be the stunning Mariposa Grove (seasonal), the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." It's most famous resident, The Grizzly Giant, is an 1,800-year-old sequoia tree, measuring 209 feet (64 m) high with a circumference of 96 feet (29 m). Once you've settled into your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the nearly 2500 foot (762 meters) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations.
Day 6: Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Accommodation Name: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join the Yosemite Conversancy and meet a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, you'll see the famed El Capitan which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You’ll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment.
Day 7: On To San Francisco
Location: Yosemite National Park, San Francisco
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel towards the West Coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman’s Wharf, once home to the city’s colourful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island.
Day 8: San Francisco Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, venture across the road and to the Ferry Building and shop around at one of America’s most famous farmers markets. Browse the stalls offering organic produce, flowers and regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses, and jams. On your city sightseeing tour, journey past lively Union Square and vast Golden Gate Park. Get Insider Access and learn how real sourdough bread is made with a baker at Boudin Bakery, a San Francisco staple since 1849. In the afternoon, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and experience the charming seaside town of Sausalito. Tonight, toast to your travels at Palette Tea House, for an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner.
Day 9: Farewell California
Location: San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories.
Check out our Q&As
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Saturday - Sunday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Saturday - Sunday
May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Saturday - Sunday
May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions