Pacific Coast essentials
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.
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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.
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![Golden Gate Bridge with leaves in foreground]()
DAY 1 - 3
San Francisco Bay Area
Stay at: 1 Hotel San FranciscoThis 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.
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![Cars on road through Big Sur at sunset]()
DAY 4 - 5
Big Sur
Stay at: Post Ranch InnThink 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.
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![Rooftop view on Santa Barbara street in California]()
DAY 6 - 7
Santa Barbara
Stay at: El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa BarbaraBringing 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.
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![View of Griffith Observatory with LA skyline in background]()
DAY 8 - 11
Los Angeles & Santa Monica
London West Hollywood At Beverly HillsLos 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.
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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
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![Gateway to Universal Studios Hollywood]()
Go behind-the-scenes at Universal Studios Hollywood and walk the red carpet of a movie premierA 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.
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Head into San Francisco’s wine country to tour some of the off-the-beaten-track vineyardsGourmet 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.
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![Seals on rock in the middle of the ocean]()
Get a closer look at California’s marine life on an eco-raftGuided 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.
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![Street cars passing in San Francisco]()
Hop on a cable car to explore the unique neighbourhoods of San FranciscoFrom 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.
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Itinerary essentials
IDEAL TIME
WHEN TO GO
FLIGHT TIME
ALL TRANSFERS
Pair with
Mexico
Pair with
Mexico
What better way to wind down from the journey than the oasis of a Mexican beach resort? Wrap up your trip in style with a few indulgent nights at the luxurious One&Only Palmilla resort.
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