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Pacific Coast Highway - Route 1National parks

Our most recommended Pacific Coast Highway - Route 1 National parks

California Highlights Express: 3-Day Tour from Los Angeles

1. California Highlights Express: 3-Day Tour from Los Angeles

Discover the most iconic highlights of California, as well as some lesser-known gems, on this 3-day tour from Los Angeles. Drive the renowned 17 Mile Drive, explore Santa Barbara, and visit Yosemite Valley National Park or Hearst Castle. Enjoy 2 nights of accommodation and a bay cruise in San Fransisco included. Day 1: Los Angeles – Santa Barbara – 17 Mile Drive – Carmel Summer RouteDepart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission and learn how these religious outposts were key in the development of the entire region. Continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse in the local shops. See the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full-size coaches will travel the 17-mile drive exclusively). Visit the town of Carmel, home to the actor Clint Eastwood. Enjoy some free time to stroll in town before departing to reach your hotel at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport. Winter RouteDepart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Stop at the heart of downtown at the “state street promenade” and stroll through the exclusive shops and restaurants. Continue to Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns wharf to “walk on the water” and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean. Finish your visit at the Spanish Mission Santa Barbara and continue to Solvang, “the Danish capital of America” a quaint Danish community at the heart of California. After your lunch break, head north through Silicon Valley before departing to reach your hotel at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport. Day 2: San Fransisco – Bay Cruise – Golden Gate Bridge – ChinatownSummer RouteStart your tour at the Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world-famous bay. Enjoy great views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Next, return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. Stay overnight in Modesto. Winter RouteStart your tour at the Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world-famous bay. Enjoy great views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island. Then return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill. Stay overnight at the Springhill Suites Oakland Airport. Day 3: San Fransisco – Yosemite – Los Angeles Summer RouteHead east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. Stop at El Capitan, Bridal-Veil Falls, and Half Dome. See the highest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls. Then head back to Los Angeles in the evening. Winter RouteStart the day with a visit to Monterey including the wharf and Cannery Row. Continue your tour of the beautiful California Coast with a visit to the town of Carmel-by-the-sea. Then head south to the world-famous Route #1 where you'll see the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full-size coaches will travel the 17-mile drive exclusively). Then drive back to return to Los Angeles.

San Fran: Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur Full-Day Private Tour

2. San Fran: Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur Full-Day Private Tour

Explore the Big Sur and Monterey areas of California at your own pace, and avoid the hassle of organized bus tours. Traveling by private car, enjoy the comfort of seeing the places you want to see without worrying about your departure or arrival time. Learn more about the famous landmarks with a reliable service, offering maximum security and, most of all, the best level of hospitality in the industry. Following a pick-up from your accommodation in San Francisco (pick-ups in other cities in the Bay Area are available on arrangement), get recommendations on the best places to stop to take pictures or explore further; you decide where you want to go. Take a scenic drive from San Francisco to Carmel and Big Sur via State Route 1, the north-south highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of California. Travel the forested road of 17-Mile Drive. Discover the Mission District and Monterey Bay Aquarium. See all the sights of Fisherman's Wharf. Drive down to the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, and marvel at the flora and fauna of Poit Lobos State Reserve south of Carmel before your return to San Francisco.

Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour

3. Malibu Wineries Private Group Tour

Take a day trip to Malibu and discover some of the great wineries that the West Coast has to offer. After meeting your expert culinary and wine guide at your hotel or location of choice, get comfortable while your private group travels in a luxury vehicle through one of the most beautiful places in the world. Start out on the Pacific Coast Highway at the award-winning Rosenthal Tasting Room. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosenthal was one of the first producers in the area. Ignite your palate by sampling a flight of wine here before continuing north up the coastline and into the hills.  Wind through some of the most scenic and iconic canyon roads in LA County and arrive at Cielo, a private estate and vineyard perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounded by 18 acres of grapes. Take a guided walk to a scenic overlook of the property followed by a private tasting of the estate wines, paired with a superb selection of meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, handmade crostini, and fresh bread. Your final stop, just 15 minutes farther into the mountains, is the Cornell Tasting Room. Situated next door to the historic Old Place restaurant, Cornell offers wines from all of the local vineyards in addition to some relatively unknown Central Coast varietals. After this tasting, you will start making your return trip via one of the most beautiful sections of Mulholland Highway.

San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Experience

4. San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Experience

The tour departs from Fisherman’s Wharf, aboard a luxury minibus. Relax in comfortable seats and enjoy the scenic views while your tour guide shares fun and informative facts about San Francisco with you. Along the way you will see the Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. At the North Vista Point, you will stop for some photo opportunities and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay in the morning lights (weather permitting). The tour continues along the Pacific Coast Highway providing stunning views of the coastal mountains near Mt. Tamalpais, the highest point in the Northern California Coast Ranges and then heads further to Muir Woods National Monument. Muir Woods is home to Coast Redwoods, some of the world's tallest trees. With maps in hand, take a walk through these spectacular woods and take in the immense natural beauty. Set aside in 1908 as a federally protected area, Muir Woods National Monument is the only surviving stand of Old Growth forest in the Bay Area today. There are a number of paved walking trails where visitors can get a close look at the magnificent giants. Other unpaved walking trails lead up the hills to explore the area further. Please note the admission fee to Muir woods is included ($15 value+ parking fees) After 1.5 hours in Muir Woods, your tour takes you to charming Sausalito - a small Mediterranean-like village in Marin County, home to some of the country's wealthiest citizens. Sausalito is a gorgeous destination that offers unique boutique shopping, art galleries, fabulous mansions, amazing food and breathtaking views of the bay.  Opt for a drop-off in Sausalito should you like to explore this town. If you wish to spend time in Sausalito, you can choose to hop off the tour and enjoy a ferry ride back to San Francisco with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island (ferry tickets not included), or you can stay on board the tour and return back to San Francisco.

5-Day Wild West Tour From Los Angeles

5. 5-Day Wild West Tour From Los Angeles

Day 1: LOS ANGELES – SANTA BARBARA – ROUTE 1/17 MILE DRIVE – CARMEL Summer Route: Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission, then continue to Solvang, a quaint Danish community to browse the local shops. After, see the spectacular California coastline up close (small vehicles will travel the southern portion of route 1 while full-size coaches will travel the 17-mile drive exclusively). Visit the town of Carmel home and enjoy some free time to stroll in town before departing to reach your hotel overnight at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport. Winter Route: Depart north up the spectacular California Coast to the first stop in Santa Barbara. Start your tour and stop at the heart of downtown at the “state street promenade.” Stroll through the exclusive shops and restaurants in this beautiful part of town. Continue to Santa Barbara beaches and Stearns Wharf and finish your visit at the Spanish Mission Santa Barbara. From the mission, continue to Solvang, “the Danish capital of America.” Enjoy the Danish-style architecture while browsing in the local shops and restaurants. Then head north through Silicon Valley before departing to reach your hotel at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport. Day 2: SAN FRANCISCO – BAY CRUISE – GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE – CHINATOWN Start your tour at the Fisherman’s Wharf with a cruise in the world-famous bay. Marvel at views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Return to Pier 39 for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon tour that takes in all the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union square, and Chinatown. Summer Route Overnight: Modesto – Modesto Hotel Winter Route Overnight: San Francisco - Springhill Suites Oakland Airport Day 3 SAN FRANCISCO – YOSEMITE Summer Route: Head east through the farmlands of the Joaquin Valley to Yosemite National Park. Stop at El Capitan, Bridal-Veil Falls, and Half Dome. After a day in the park, head down to Stevenson Ranch for the evening. Winter Route: Start the day with a visit to Monterey and see the wharf and Cannery Row. Continue your tour of the beautiful California Coast with a visit to the town of Carmel-by-the-sea. Enjoy some free time to stroll in town and enjoy the beautiful boutiques and galleries. Head south to the world-famous Route #1 and spend your evening at Stevenson Ranch. Day 4: STEVENSON RANCH – LAS VEGAS Summer & Winter Route: Arrive in Las Vegas and take a tour of the strip to see some of the truly amazing hotels and fantasies that are built in the middle of the desert, such as Caesar’s Palace, Mirage, Luxor, Paris, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Treasure Island and more. Stay overnight at Harrah’s Hotel. Day 5: LAS VEGAS – HOOVER DAM – LOS ANGELES Summer & Winter Route: After a leisurely breakfast, leave Las Vegas and make your way to the Hoover Dam. Then head west and cross back into California. Your tour ends back in Los Angeles.

Big Sur Hwy 1 | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

6. Big Sur Hwy 1 | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Between Carmel and San Luis Obispo, Big Sur is arguably the most beautiful section of Highway 1 which follows the Californian coast. The drive is punctuated with huge mountains that drop directly into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Every corner opens a new vista and you will want to stop frequently for the views and photos. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Bixby Bridge McWay Falls Giant Redwoods Elephant Seal Vista Pfeiffer Beach Hearst Castle* Napenthe Sand Dollar Beach Morro Bay Point Lobos Includes: Big Sur (Between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Luis Obispo) This roughly 130-mile stretch of California’s coast, which can be enjoyed over one to two days, is designated as an America’s National Scenic Byway and and you are going to love it. Known for stunningly beautiful coastal scenery, its road engineering marvels and as a retreat for artists, Hollywood stars and moguls, fantastic opportunities to spot marine animals and some great food and drinks along the way. On the tour we’ll point out the "Seven Not To Be Missed" places of interest: Bixby Bridge, the Giant Redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Napenthe, McWay Falls, Elephant Seal Vista Point and Hearst Castle. But your journey isn’t a checklist, so you'll also hear many other suggested stops and stories along the route. Then you can decide what you want to prioritize and the pace to set.

U.S. Southwest: 27-Tour Bundle on Self-Guided Driving App

7. U.S. Southwest: 27-Tour Bundle on Self-Guided Driving App

Become a modern pioneer with an audio-guided app tour of the U.S. Southwest. Pick your starting location then follow the GPS map and visit the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, the Rockies, and many other national parks in your own time. Decide where you want to go. Tour the sights of Arizona, including Sedona and Red Rock, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River meander at Horseshoe Bend. Travel the west coast of California along 17-Mile drive accompanied by a virtual tour guide. Visit some famous movie locations in LA. Explore the rugged beauty of Colorado and see the Rocky Mountains and Million Dollar Highway. Witness the best national parks in Utah, such as Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Bryce National Park. Watch the famous Old Faithful geyser erupt in Yellowstone National Park. Here are the tours that are part of the bundle: Arizona 1. Grand Canyon 2. Sedona & Red Rock 3. Horseshoe Bend & Page 4. Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas California 1. Big Sur 2. Silicon Valley 3. Pacific Coast Highway (both ways) 4. 17 Mile Drive 5. La Jolla 6. San Francisco 7. Lake Tahoe 8. LA Filming Locations 9. Hollywood Celeb Homes 10. Joshua Tree 11. Sequoia & Kings Canyon 12. Death Valley 13. Yosemite Colorado 1. Million Dollar Highway 2. Rocky Mountain Texas 1. Houston Utah 1. Arches National Park 2. Canyonlands National Park 3. Bryce National Park 4. Capitol Reef 5. Zion National Park 6. Monument Valley 7. Grand Staircase – Escalante Wyoming 1. Grand Teton 2. Yellowstone

Pacific Coast Highway: Audio Tour Between LA & San Diego

8. Pacific Coast Highway: Audio Tour Between LA & San Diego

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and make your drive come alive on this self-guided driving tour along the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Simply download your personal audio guide and tour to get started. Let your audio guide transform your scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure as you pass through and learn about some of the cities and small towns nestled along the coast. Along the tour, you’ll pass Oceanside, Carlsbad, Long Beach, Dana Point, San Onofre, San Clemente, and more. Your audio guide will point out must-see sights, parks, historical sites, tourist attractions, recreation areas, and more. Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, the Batiquitos Lagoon, and look for dolphins at Dana Point. Walk along some of the world’s most famous beaches. Other tour highlights include Las Flores Estancia, Crystal Cove State Park, Sunset Beach, Torrey Pines, and the San Elijo Lagoon. Feel free to visit as many sights and attractions as you want: you have complete freedom to take as much time as you like to complete the tour. As you drive, get a historical overview of the area, including its original inhabitants, the Tongva. Hear about Louis Zamperini, the RMS Queen Mary, the Rise of Long Beach, Huntington Beach Oil Fields, and Crystal Cove's 1930 era beach cottages. This tour works in either direction and you can stop anywhere while you discover this incredibly scenic and historic drive.

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What people are saying about Pacific Coast Highway - Route 1

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 11 reviews

It was a truly amazing trip, all in all! Fred (our driver) offered a top class service when it came to giving us info, stoping for pictures, offering advice regarding stops & so on. we even went to apple hq at cupertino, on our way back! highly recommended

Gladly again, I was completely satisfied. Great value for money, seen a lot again at any time with get your guide.

Excellent service, the most iconic sites are visited, the staff is very friendly especially Brenda, our guide.

Everything was well planned, the only thing I would like is to hear more info about the sights.

It was a really good tour with a little bit of everything