​Is this America's greatest road trip? Those who find themselves winding their way south from The City by the Bay to the City of Angels (San Francisco to L.A., in case you were wondering), seem to think so.

What makes this trip special is the road itself – Highway 1. Clinging to the coast, this is the ultimate way to see California – especially from a classic convertible.

There are many sides to The Golden State: the sights and sophistication of Los Angeles and San Francisco; the surf culture and ​fabulous beaches; the great outdoors in Yosemite, Tahoe or the giant redwood forests. And t​hanks to film and TV, icons like the Golden Gate, cable cars, Rodeo Drive and Hollywood sign feel strangely familiar too.

It's a place where you feel anything is possible... where people have long come to realise a dream. And the experience is more than you could ever imagine.

Northern California's towering mountains, waterfalls and enormous trees will take your breath away. Superb local wines perfectly complement innovative fusion cuisine. Then there are the South's deserts, the rugged coastline of Big Sur... honestly, even the best screenwriter couldn't dream it up.

​MUST-DO'S

1/

The California surf scene is legendary – and few beaches are better than those between San Diego's Mission Bay and Malibu for watersports. You'll find golden sands studded with volleyball nets and edged by bike paths.

 

2/

Most people only window-shop on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive or San Francisco's Union Square. If you're serious about shopping, the real treasures are in the stores in LA that sell movie wardrobe cast-offs and at Santa Barbara's Sunday arts and crafts fair.


 

 
Sample Itinerary

15 nights from San Francisco to Los Angeles

 

 

 

 

Day 1/

Fly London Heathrow to San Francisco, stay 3 nights at Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

Day 4/

San Francisco to Napa Valley, stay 2 nights at Calistoga Ranch

Day 6/

Napa Valley to Big Sur, stay 3 nights at Post Ranch Inn

​Days 1 to 6

San Francisco to Big Sur 

Staying at the gorgeous Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco feels familiar with its iconic bridges, cable cars and roller-coaster streets. Make sure you see the Golden Gate, bustling Fisherman's Wharf and legendary Alcatraz... and if there's time, the Museum of Modern Art.

An hour's drive away, Napa Valley's rolling hills boast vineyards galore, pristine forests and Norman Rockwell-style small towns. The wineries are incredible, with cuisine to match – truly a slice of heaven, as is your hotel, Bardessono​.

South towards Big Sur, the road follows the rugged coastline past forests of giant redwoods to Monterey and Carmel. Carmel's quaint style attracted writers, artists and actors, and it has suitably eclectic boutiques and galleries. Take in Pebble Beach too, a legend for foodies, golfers and classic car nuts. Carry on south through state parks and past the Sea Otter Refuge to your next stop, the fabulous Post Ranch Inn.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

San Francisco

 

Blending Californian charisma with Oriental charm, the Mandarin Oriental’s super-central location means you’re perfectly placed to explore the best of the city on foot.

​POST RANCH INN

 Big Sur

 

Organically designed and nestled on a ridgeline 1200 feet above the crashing surf, Post Ranch Inn is a fantastic and luxurious place for couples needing peace and seclusion.

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Carmel

 

This is where California is stripped to its lovely bones. Away from the glitz and the traffic of the gleaming cities, it’s the great outdoors where you’ll find your thrills.

​Days 9 to 16

Big Sur to Los Angeles

Next is Santa Barbara, with Mediterranean-style buildings, fountains and destination restaurants. Don't miss its Mission and Court House, or its sophisticated shopping and lively arts scene. No wonder it attracts LA's movers and shakers, especially your hotel, Belmond El Encanto.

Your final stretch takes you past legendary Malibu to the edge of Los Angeles and your penultimate stop – Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, another favourite haunt of Hollywood's finest.

Finally heading on into LA to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills you'll soon discover La-La-Land has something for everyone – from film buff to foodie, the highlights are almost endless. We'd choose a hike to the Hollywood sign, Sunset Boulevard on a Saturday night and Canter's Deli on Fairfax – you simply won't find any better!

​Day 9/

Big Sur to Santa Barbara, stay 3 nights at Belmond El Encanto

Day 12/

Santa Barbara to Santa Monica, stay 2 nights at Shutters on the Beach

Day 14/

Santa Monica to Los Angeles, stay 2 nights at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Day 16/

Los Angeles to London Heathrow

 

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