California Road Trip: From San Francisco to Yosemite and the Big Sur

‘Driving down the 101, California here we come’: fans of the teen drama The OC will know this Phantom Planet song all too well, and no Californian road trip would be complete without humming along to this tune on loop as you take in the magnitude of sights that await you on the West Coast. Hiring a car in the States is somewhat of a necessity, but it bestows on you the freedom to explore so much more than you would by simply staying in one major city.

From San Francisco to Yosemite Drive, here’s Secret Escape’s ideal Northern California road trip itinerary, so buckle up and let’s begin.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Credit: Unsplash/Joonyeop Baek

Day 1-3: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

Start your adventure in Golden Gate City; flying into San Francisco or Oakland airport puts you fairly equidistant from the centre of the city. Rent a car and discover everything this city has to offer. If you want to take in the sights of the city for a few days (and we suggest you do), read our guide to San Francisco and discover the hidden gems tucked between the famous tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

Vineyards in Napa Valley. Credit: Pixabay/David Mark

Day 4: Boutique Wineries in Napa Valley

After a few days in bustling San Francisco, you’ll likely feel ready to head out of the city towards greener pastures. Napa Valley, the home of Californian wine, is only an hour and a half drive away, yet it feels like a whole world away. Picture sweeping postcard landscapes, quaint streets, and hot air balloon rides.

Stay for a few nights in one of the beautiful guesthouses in Napa or the surrounding towns, such as Calistoga. Park up, as you won’t need the car for a few days (excellent news for those drinking) and take the local shuttle bus to any of the wine tastings offered in the multitude of wineries available to you. We highly recommend Chateau Montelena and Castello di Amorosa for the views, plus Robert Mondavi for its modernist architecture and delectable vintage wines.

Robert Mondavi winery, Napa Valley. Credit: Ella Davis

Day 5-7: Yosemite National Park and Glacier Point

Once you’ve had your swill of the good stuff, head south to Yosemite National Park. After a four- to five-hour drive, you’ll be rewarded with cascading hills and open roads lined with the tallest fir, pine and sequoia trees – one of the most beautiful driving experiences of your life. For those who have the time, you could easily set up camp here for a week or more and enjoy some astounding (and at times challenging) hikes. If you’re travelling during peak season, April to October, make sure to reserve a spot.

For those who are more pressed for time, the park is vehicle-friendly, and you can drive to the top of Glacier Point for the most breathtaking views of the valley below. Be sure to wrap up warm; the air is a little brisk at this altitude.

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park. Credit: Ella Davis

By night, the wonders of nature don’t cease, and after the most glorious of sunsets, you’ll find yourself under a blanket of stars (which are best enjoyed from an outdoor hot tub – a luxury, maybe, but worth it!). Finish the night with a S’more cooked on an open fire, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you just experienced something close to heavenly.

Sunset outside Yosemite National Park. Credit: Ella Davis

Day 8: Whale Watching in Monterey Bay

After a four-hour scenic coastal drive, you’ll find yourself in the gorgeous, quaint seaside city of Monterey. Monterey Bay, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, is well known as one of the best marine sanctuary sites in the world. The waterfront is lined with cute tourist shops, art galleries and amazing seafood eateries to satisfy the hungry traveller.

Whale jumping in Monterey. Credit: Unsplash/Ilse Orsel

By day, you could take a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and spot sea lions and otters from the external balcony. Perfect for little ones, the aquarium is just as mesmerising to its grown-up visitors – the jellyfish exhibit is somewhat trippy! No trip to Monterey Bay is complete without whale watching, wake up early and hop on board one of the many boats that leave the pier every day to be wowed with Humpbacks, grey whales, dolphins and possibly orcas, depending on the season.

Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Credit: Ella Davis

Day 9-10: The Big Sur and Carmel

Just a short drive from Monterey is the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The main road is lined with designer and boutique shops, which all lead down to the glorious white stretch of sand on the beach (one of California’s finest). Stay at one of the town’s romantic inns for the night, and the following afternoon, go for a beachside picnic and bask in the crashing sound of the Pacific waves.

Carmel Beach. Credit: Unsplash/Emily Karakis

From Carmel, you can begin one of the most epic drives along Highway 1, more commonly known as the “Big Sur”. You’ll drive along Bixby Bridge, or the ‘Big Little Lies’ bridge, featured throughout the iconic TV show. This dramatic stretch of road winds endlessly along the west coast, providing you with the most breathtaking natural vistas. Roll down the windows, open the sunroof and feel the warm Californian air sweep in as you witness some of the most magnificent scenery this gorgeous state has to offer. The Big Sur winds for roughly 90 miles, so this road trip only has to end when you decide you’ve seen enough!

Big Sur. Credit: Pixabay/charlesmiller

Experience an Iconic American Road Trip with Secret Escapes’ Deals

From San Francisco to Yosemite Drive to Big Sur, this Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip offers a wealth of experiences, sights, and memories to be made. Whether you’re staying at a boutique hotel or glamping under the stars, make the most of our outrageous deals to have the trip of your dreams at a fraction of the cost.

For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine, or get in touch for more information on our outrageously bookable deals.

California & USA sales