Snapshots of California Road Trip

Begin in San Francisco, exploring its iconic bridges, cable cars, and lively waterfront districts.
Venture east to Yosemite National Park to marvel at granite cliffs, waterfalls, and peaceful meadows.
Follow the Pacific Coast to Monterey, visiting the famed aquarium and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
Cruise Highway 1 to Pismo Beach, where ocean breezes, golden sands, and coastal charm await.
End in Los Angeles, discovering Hollywood glamour, Santa Monica’s shores, and endless California sunshine.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,304 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,304 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Family Friendly

Fun, safe adventures to delight travellers of all ages.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Family Friendly

Fun, safe adventures to delight travellers of all ages.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Road Trips

Independent, self-driving road trips that offer extra freedom.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in San Francisco

DAY

Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings

DAY

San Francisco to Yosemite

DAY

Full Day Discovering Yosemite National Park

DAY

Yosemite to Monterey

DAY

Half Day Whale Watching Cruise & Monterey to Pismo Beach

DAY

Pismo Beach to Los Angeles

DAY

Depart from Los Angeles

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in San Francisco

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

San Francisco

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport, pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you might be able to explore a little bit of the city by the Bay. San Francisco is a walking city, and you are going to have a wonderful time if you plan your day in advance.

Your Accommodation

The Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf offers a stylish, laid-back retreat right in the heart of San Francisco. Just steps from iconic spots like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel features modern rooms with cozy beds, free Wi-Fi, and fresh decor, creating a comfortable, homey vibe. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the lobby, or grab a drink at the on-site bar. With amenities like a fitness center and bike rentals, Hotel Zoe makes it easy to unwind or get out and explore. It’s a great spot for both adventure and relaxation.

Show on Map

DAY

Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

San Francisco

Today you can enjoy an excursion into California’s famous wine country. Your tour departs from Fisherman's Wharf at midday and we head north, crossing San Francisco’s most iconic landmark - the Golden Gate Bridge. Take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island while riding across the 1.7-mile span of the bridge. The tour continues through the charming seaside town of Sausalito and then passes through Marin County into the world-famous wine regions Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Enjoy the drive through the beautiful scenery with magnificent vineyards along the way and visit two highly regarded wineries for delicious wine tastings and an exclusive estate tour. A wine expert will introduce the fermentation process, barrel aging, and bottling, and you will be able to taste some of the best wines yourself. Towards the end of the day, enjoy the scenic drive back to San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge once more as the sun slowly starts to set into the Pacific Ocean!

Meal

Lunch

DAY

San Francisco to Yosemite

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

San Francisco – Yosemite (320 km/200 miles)

Although the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park only takes about four hours we recommend an early start in the morning. This is considered one of the most captivating drives in California, full of lovely winding roads, lined with redwoods, offering delightful views throughout.

Your Accommodation

Tenaya at Yosemite

Situated in Sierra National Forest, this lodge is set 3 km from Yosemite National Park's southern gate. It features indoor and outdoor pools, 4 hot tubs and offers cottages with fireplaces and private balconies. The elegant decor of this lodge features decorations that reflect the area. The spacious rooms at Tenaya Lodge are equipped with ironing and coffee-making facilities and cable TV. Rooms have refrigerator, hairdryer and a work desk. This establishment features 2 heated outdoor pools and a large indoor pool. Guests can benefit from the steam rooms and saunas, relax with a private massage and try special facial and health treatments. They are also offered 5 restaurants with a rich variety of fresh regional dishes. Free private on-site parking is possible.

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DAY

Full Day Discovering Yosemite National Park

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

Yosemite

Today you have all day to marvel at the beauty of Yosemite but prepare for a very early start. We will pick you up from your hotel and go on a scenic drive through its famous landmarks. A knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the park's rich history and ecology. Explore the heart of Yosemite Valley, where towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing backdrop. Capture postcard-perfect photos and immerse yourself in the serenity of this natural wonder. Tour includes visits to Half Dome, El Capitan, *Yosemite Falls, *Bridalveil Fall, Mariposa Grove (seasonal), Glacier Point, Wawona, Royal Arches, Turtleback Dome, Three Brothers, Leaning Tower, Ribbon Fall, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Chapel, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls. The massive glacial-shaped rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome are the most famous landmarks of the park and keep a majestic watch over the valley.

Meal

Lunch

DAY

Yosemite to Monterey

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

Yosemite – Monterey (304 km/190 miles)

Leaving Yosemite, you drive across California’s agricultural Central Valley. Descending the mountains of the Sierra Nevada you travel through California Gold country, following in the footsteps of thousands of gold seekers during the gold rush of 1949. Today this area’s streams and creeks still rank among the best for gold panning enthusiasts. Once you reach the coast, you can enjoy your first taste of delightful Highway One scenery on your way to Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants is well worth a visit and the city’s popular strip of shops, boutiques, seafood restaurants and bars in converted factory buildings is a bustling spot.

Your Accommodation

Monterey Marriott

Monterey Marriott offers a welcoming, relaxed stay just minutes from the waterfront and downtown Monterey. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, like comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views of the bay or city. You’ll find plenty to do on-site, with a well-equipped fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, and a cozy restaurant serving delicious local dishes. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, perfect for both families and solo travelers. Whether you're here for the sights, a conference, or just to relax, Monterey Marriott provides a comfortable and convenient home base for your trip.

Show on Map

DAY

Half Day Whale Watching Cruise & Monterey to Pismo Beach

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

Monterey - Pismo Beach/Central Coast (256 km/160 miles)

Before you head towards the Central Coast today, get up close and personal with some of California's marine life on this whale-watching cruise in Monterey Bay, departing from Moss Landing, just 25 minutes outside town. See humpback, orca, gray, and blue whales, and get the chance to spot a friendly dolphin. Start your cruise in the quaint fishing village of Moss Landing and listen to your marine biologist guide talk about the local area and its abundance of sea creatures before you venture into the open waters of Monterey Bay, one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. The bay's unique ocean floor allows for frequent upwellings of food, meaning you can see both resident and migrating whales year-round, including humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, blue whales, sharks, and other sea life such as mola mola, sea turtles, and jellyfish. After an exhilarating morning on the water, it’s time to get ready for your 2.5-hour drive to Pismo Beach on the Central Coast.

Your Accommodation

Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton

Inn at the Pier in Pismo Beach offers a laid-back coastal escape with stunning ocean views. Just steps from the beach, the hotel combines modern style with beachy charm. Rooms are bright and spacious, featuring comfy beds, sleek decor, and private balconies to soak in the scenery. You’ll find a heated rooftop pool, a cozy bar, and a restaurant serving up fresh, local flavors. The vibe is relaxed yet upscale, making it perfect for a beach getaway or a weekend retreat. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, Inn at the Pier is a great spot to relax by the sea.

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DAY

Pismo Beach to Los Angeles

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

Pismo Beach/Central Coast - Los Angeles (288 km/180 miles)

Your first highlight of the day is a stop at fabulous Santa Barbara with its downtown area of red-tiled roofs on Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings that beautifully reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, and it is well-worth stopping for a late lunch or strolling along State Street, lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants. Yet to come are the celebrity homes and beaches of Malibu, as well as fun-filled Santa Monica.

Your Accommodation

Mondrian Los Angeles

The luxurious Hotel Mondrian Los Angeles is perfectly located in the heart of the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, close to Santa Monica Boulevard. The design rooms feature floor to ceiling windows; the hotel has a fantastic terrace with an excellent pool with underwater music, flowers, trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the City of Angels. The wonderful Skybar also offers magnificent views. Beverly Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are just a few minutes by car away, while Santa Monica Beach and Downtown Los Angeles can be reached within a short drive.

Show on Map

DAY

Depart from Los Angeles

Car Rental

Pick Up: San Francisco International Airport

Drop Off: Los Angeles International Airport

Multi Day Tour

Los Angeles

Make your way to Los Angeles International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in the City of Angels or elsewhere in California.

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

San Francisco's Golden Gate

California's Wine Country

California's Pacific Coast

Pismo Beach

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

Los AngelesOccasional Showers

34°C / 94°F

64mm / 2.5"

San FranciscoMostly Sunny

30°C / 86°F

11mm / 0.4"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,304 Reviews

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We booked a Goway tour to Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was excellent. We worked with Brooke, the Goway represntative, to set up the tour and she was an outstanding agent who answered any questions we had very quickly and completely. Her hotel recommendation for the additional night we stayed was pefect. Goway hires a local tour group, Jenman Safaris, to lead the safari in the 2 countries. The tour itself was amazing...the lodges that we stayed at were very nice and the food was great (except for one lodge's food). The Goway itinerary was slightly different than the actual Jenman Safari itinerary but most of the sites that we went to were the same as listed on the Goway itinerary. I would use Goway again because their choice of a local tour group was very good...nice lodges/camps and good food and knowledgeable tour guides.Ma Fa

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Our GoWay tour representative, Michael Keon, was on top of all of our concerns and questions in a professional manner and we look forward to working with him in the future. Michael was very easy to work with and treated us like family.Thomas

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Matthew handled my honeymoon couple's very specific African itinerary like a pro! My clients went to four different travel agents who only wanted to send them on safaris. My clients had already done safaris and were specific on what they wanted to do and see. Matthew hit the nail on the head! Highly recommend!Amanda Schott

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Seamless prompt excellent communication from our first query about a possible destination to follow-up after the trip ended.Jane

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Jacqueline Fagioli from Goaway Travel is excellent and very helpful and supportive. Venessa

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Our travel agent, Melissa Moses, created the perfect itinerary for our recent holiday to Portugal. Melissa had also planned our previous trip to England/Scotland. We have a great deal of confidence in her ability as she really listens to what we are looking for and she caters the plans according to our comfort levels and interests. customer

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Jacqueline F. made our trip exceptional. Everything she planned or reserved worked out as it was supposed to. Croatia was amazing and I feel we were able to explore a lot of it because of Jacqueline.Allen

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This was the first time we had utilized Goway. We wanted a custom itinerary for a 3 week Italy, Athens and Greek Island adventure. Edwina Brislane was receptive to our goals for the trip, had helpful suggestions and reacted well to our requested revisions. Lisa Dachuk helped "tie a ribbon" on the trip and ensured we had considered all aspects of the experience. Lisa dealt quickly with a couple of requests while on the trip and celebrated a successful trip with us. We enjoyed working with both Edwina and Lisa. Their knowledge and enthusiasm contributed to our very memorable trip.Dan & Gail

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I had a great experience booking Australia and New Zealand trip through Goway Travel. Lori Mezzoro was very helpful and organized. All the recommendations she made were very good. I had a great trip with my kids.Laura

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I recently traveled to Greece with friends, and our entire experience was exceptional thanks to the planning support we received from Avery at GoWay. Every part of our itinerary was organized with care, accuracy, and great attention to detail. Our accommodations — Hera Hotel Athens and Sofitel Athens Airport — were comfortable, well‑located, and exactly what we needed. All airfares from Calgary and the multiple transfers (airport to city centre, city centre to Piraeus Port, and back again) were perfectly coordinated and made the trip completely stress‑free. The 7‑night Idyllic Aegean Cruise was a major highlight. It was beautifully arranged and gave us an unforgettable way to explore the islands. Our excursions were equally impressive: Skip‑the‑Line Acropolis & Acropolis Museum timed entry, which made sightseeing smooth and efficient Classical Greece: Olympia, Delphi & Meteora, a breathtaking and well‑paced journey through some of Greece’s most iconic historical sites Avery was consistently responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive throughout the planning process. Every confirmation, transfer, and timing detail was handled flawlessly, allowing us to simply enjoy the trip without worrying about logistics. I highly recommend GoWay Travel — and especially Avery — for anyone planning a trip to Greece. This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had, thanks to their outstanding service and organization.Lorraine

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What do the experts say?

Aylin Esin

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