Dream Design

Pacific Coast essentials

  • Palm trees against the clear blue sky
San Francisco – Big Sur – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles

Pacific Coast
essentials

Four of the state’s most famous locations, three days driving a luxury two-seater convertible, and one iconic road trip – this is how Carrier does California.

Start off your journey with a classic – San Francisco. From the depths of the city and its waters to the vineyards that surround it, get to know both the famous hotspots and lesser-known gems as you kick off your journey.

The wild Big Sur is up next, all dramatic cliffs and raw beauty, while the Riviera-esque hub of Santa Barbara follows closely – tempting with horseback rides and more winery visits. Your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway ends in Tinseltown itself, spilling the secrets of the movie industry over a studio lot lunch after the city is experienced from soaring new heights.

Busy street car in San Francisco
Lifeguard hut on Manhatten Beach in Los Angeles
Windmill in the middle of a vineyard

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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in California, from the bright lights of its iconic cities to the changing faces of the north’s national parks.

  • Golden Gate Bridge with leaves in foreground

    DAY 1 - 3

    San Francisco Bay Area

    This pocket-rocket of a city packs a lot into its borders. Sightseeing here can take up a day or two with the likes of the Victorian Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, but it has an educational side too with its Exploratorium and academy of sciences. Not to mention the winelands of Napa and Sinoma.

    Stay at: The St. Regis San Francisco
  • Cars on road through Big Sur at sunset

    DAY 4 - 5

    Big Sur

    Think of California’s wild side and you’re probably thinking of Big Sur. A natural wonderland where streams become beach-side waterfalls and the iconic Bixby Bridge is dwarfed by the mountains it stands between.

    Stay at: Post Ranch Inn
  • Rooftop view on Santa Barbara street in California

    DAY 6 - 7

    Santa Barbara

    Bringing an urban twist to the ‘American Riviera’s’ Med-chic atmosphere, Santa Barbara’s downtown Funk Zone highlights all things local – from creative collectives to a delectable wine trail.

    Stay at: El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
  • View of Griffith Observatory with LA skyline in background

    DAY 8 - 11

    Los Angeles & Santa Monica

    Los Angeles is the home to stars of film, music and all things golden. Known as the ‘city of angels’ its celestial bodies come in the form of Beverley Hills’ luxury shops and walking in Hollywood’s footsteps at Universal Studios. However there is a wholesome side, with a hearty bond to healthy cuisine (including Malibu’s sensational seafood) and a proud LGBTQ+ community in Santa Monica.

    London West Hollywood At Beverly Hills
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A taste of what's to come Pacific Coast essentials journal

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 6
Day 11
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 6
Day 11
  • Close up of yacht details with mountains

    9:13pm

    A tour of the city’s highlights kicked off our first day, everything from the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf to eery Alcatraz Island. It wasn’t just about the big names though, the tour really got under the skin of the personalities attached to each neighbourhood. And it ended in a dreamy way with us sailing the bay aboard a former America’s Cup yacht.

    Explore
  • Hilly wineyards in golden hour

    8:57am

    Wine country is taking up our second day in these parts, but instead of a trip to the usual tourist haunts, we’ve got some in-the-know contacts who have used their powers to source three of the best boutique vineyards. Luckily the driving part of our trip hasn’t started yet.

    Explore
  • Inland shot of Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur

    2:13pm

    We woke up to a convertible-shaped delivery on our doorstep – ready to begin the drive down PCH. Big Sur is our end point for now, but not before this pit-stop at Moss Landing just north of Carmel. The captain of an eco-raft was waiting to begin our aquatic safari when we arrived, ready to show us the abundance of whales and other marine life.

    Explore
  • Waterfall going into ocean

    6:45pm

    Up bright and early this morning for a guided hike from a waterfall-laden canyon to where the land melts into the sea. The picnic lunch to refuel was a nice touch before a drive to ‘Pico Blanco’, where we trekked to the summit. We were a little tired but looking up to see those dramatic views across the ocean and the park’s other peaks will always stay in my mind’s eye.

    Explore
  • Sunset over tiled roofs in Santa Barbara

    10:13pm

    The sophisticated Santa Barbara has been home for a night, with a pause at the architectural wonder that is Hearst Castle en-route yesterday. Once we arrived, we went for a trot alongside an in-the-know guide on horseback across the viewpoint-strewn landscape to the best ranches and vineyards in the area. Stopping off to sample the varieties on the way of course.

    Explore
  • Street view of Hollywood sign in mountains

    11:35am

    What a whirlwind, since we arrived in L.A. we’ve not stopped. We’ve visited a celebrity mansion, took a private helicopter tour over the must-see spots and indulged in a secluded picnic in Malibu. The real highlight though has been that of the silver-screen variety. At Universal Studios Hollywood, we discovered what goes into the making of a blockbuster. And then the cherry on top, a red carpet movie premier followed by a glitzy after-party.

    Explore
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Where to stay

  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, The St Regis San Francisco, Lobby Lounge Bar
    The St. Regis San Francisco
    Uber luxury and super-attentive service elevate the guest experience beyond the extraordinary at this legendary hotel at the artful heart of the SoMa district. Not only is the Museum of Modern Art right next door, but the hotel houses the Museum of the African Diaspora, showcasing the continent’s powerful culture.


Where to stay

  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, The St Regis San Francisco, Lobby Lounge Bar
    The St. Regis San Francisco
    Uber luxury and super-attentive service elevate the guest experience beyond the extraordinary at this legendary hotel at the artful heart of the SoMa district. Not only is the Museum of Modern Art right next door, but the hotel houses the Museum of the African Diaspora, showcasing the continent’s powerful culture.


Where to stay

  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, Post Ranch Inn, Exterior
    Post Ranch Inn
    Idyllically perched upon the cliffs of California’s Big Sur, the award-winning Post Ranch Inn is a 5 star ranch-style hotel offering the ultimate romantic and secluded experience for its guests. Part of the Passport Resorts family alongside Cavallo Point Lodge, the luxury retreat is built on the values of natural, sustainable design and a soulful guest experience, making it one of the best places in California to escape the hustle and bustle.
    Post Ranch Inn


Where to stay

  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, Post Ranch Inn, Exterior
    Post Ranch Inn
    Idyllically perched upon the cliffs of California’s Big Sur, the award-winning Post Ranch Inn is a 5 star ranch-style hotel offering the ultimate romantic and secluded experience for its guests. Part of the Passport Resorts family alongside Cavallo Point Lodge, the luxury retreat is built on the values of natural, sustainable design and a soulful guest experience, making it one of the best places in California to escape the hustle and bustle.
    Post Ranch Inn


Where to stay

  • North America, California, El Encanto A Belmond Hotel Santa Barbara, Exterior View
    El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
    Just minutes away from the galleries and wineries of Santa Barbara, jewel of the American Riviera, El Encanto has recently been brought back to its original 1920s splendour. Within its landscaped grounds, which house an arbour, lily pond and zero-edge pool, lie a collection of California-style suites and bungalows with chic marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, rainforest showers and every conceivable comfort.
    El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara


Where to stay

  • North America, California, The London West Hollywood, Poolside Cabanas
    London West Hollywood At Beverly Hills
    The epitome of laid-back luxury, L.A style, this all-suite hotel is ideally situated for those wishing to immerse themselves in the city’s hip and vibrant social scene, while being just moments away from the main attractions of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Spacious open-plan suites boast elegant custom designed interiors with incomparable views of the L.A skyline.
    London West Hollywood At Beverly Hills

Explore all the
places to stay

  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, Post Ranch Inn, Exterior
    California
    Post Ranch Inn

    Idyllically perched upon the cliffs of California’s Big Sur, the award-winning Post Ranch Inn is a 5 star ranch-style hotel offering the ultimate romantic and secluded experience for its guests.

    Explore this place
    • North America, California, El Encanto A Belmond Hotel Santa Barbara, Exterior View
      California
      El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

      Just minutes away from the galleries and wineries of Santa Barbara, jewel of the American Riviera, El Encanto has recently been brought back to its original 1920s splendour.

      Explore this place
    • North america & canada, California, Fairmont san francisco, External
      California
      Fairmont San Francisco

      Located atop Nob Hill – San Francisco’s most prestigious residential district – the Fairmont is an opulent turn-of-the-century landmark hotel that never fails to impress.

      Explore this place
  • USA, Luxury California Holidays, The Lodge at Pebble Beach™, Hotel exterior
    California
    The Lodge at Pebble Beach™

    An air of relaxed grandeur pervades this outstanding oceanside lodge. Enveloping the legendary 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links™ – one of the most exciting closing holes in the game – this is a regular haunt of celebrities and golf aficionados.

    Explore this place
    • North America, California, The London West Hollywood, Lobby
      California
      London West Hollywood At Beverly Hills

      The epitome of laid-back luxury, L.A style.

      Explore this place
    • USA, Luxury California Holiday, Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Exterior
      California
      Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

      At the famous intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, the Beverly Wilshire hotel blends traditional hospitality with a fresh, contemporary style.

      Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

    • Gateway to Universal Studios Hollywood
      Go behind-the-scenes at Universal Studios Hollywood and walk the red carpet of a movie premier.

      A tour of the studio complex revealing the famous TV sets precedes a three-course lunch in the Commissary Fine dining Room. Then it’s time to explore what happens post-production, discovering what goes into set design, props and special effects. The evening later holds even more glam as the red carpet of a movie premier and the after-party awaits.

    • Head into San Francisco’s wine country to tour some of the off-the-beaten-track vineyards.

      Gourmet picnic packed, settle into a chauffeur driven car where your driver turns guide as they point out all the hotspots en-route. The vineyards on the agenda are less mainstream than most, making for a more intimate and relaxed adventure and more vintages to try.

    • Seals on rock in the middle of the ocean
      Get a closer look at California’s marine life on an eco-raft.

      Guided by an expert captain, take to a private former military patrol vessel to cruise the waters of Monterey Bay, seeking out its abundance of wildlife. Whales are in droves, from humpbacks and orcas to blues and venturing to either Point Lobos or Elkhorn Slough introduces the animals of the wetlands like otters, seals and sea lions.

    • Street cars passing in San Francisco
      Hop on a cable car to explore the unique neighbourhoods of San Francisco.

      From the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf with its bustling Pier 39, to the pretty Painted Ladies and Chinatown home to the largest Chinese community outside Asia, a guide leads the way in discovering the rich history of this iconic city.

Itinerary essentials
  • 11
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • Apr - Nov
    BLISSFULLY BEACHY
WHEN TO GO
  • 11hrs 05min
    LHR - SFO
FLIGHT TIME
  • 10hrs 35min
    BY ROAD
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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