Best of California
Tour Type: RegionalRegional
Brochure Type USA and Canada 2026 v1
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type USA and Canada 2026 v1
Discover the best of California on this all-encompassing coach tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Far-reaching ocean vistas and the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park meet big city lights and creative cuisine to show you the essence of The Golden State. Experience the laid-back lifestyle, take a glimpse into the heyday of cinema, and embrace the cultural diversity through an array of Insight Experiences.
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- San Francisco Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Celebration Dinner at Palette Tea House - an elevated Chinese dim sum dinner experience. Restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Food Guide, received numerous accolades within the restaurant in
- Los Angeles Enjoy a globally inspired menu in the heart of downtown at Joey DTLA.
- Los Angeles Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrac
- Santa Barbara Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- Santa Barbara Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city's most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the ma
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- Los Angeles Explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Take to the Miracle Mile and choose to visit one of the excellent museums. You can learn about the history and artistry of motorized automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Alternatively, embrac
- Santa Barbara Take a self-guided tour of the magnificent Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Known as the 'Queen of the Missions, it is one of the city's most picturesque landmarks. Admire the grand double bell towers and lush gardens with the ma
- Santa Barbara Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, one of the City's best museums. Learn about the area's vast culture and history through exhibits.
- Yosemite National Park Meet a local naturalist guide to learn how rock-climbers help preserve and protect Yosemite's ecosystem. Your visit contributes to the Yosemite Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the park, and ta
- San Francisco Linking San Francisco to Marin County across the three-mile Golden Gate strait, this magnificent suspension bridge was built between 1933 and 1937. Renowned as an engineering marvel due to the precise planning, design and construction proce
- Yosemite National Park The stunning Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Many feel the 1,800 year old Grizzly Giant is worth the visit all by itself. It measures 209 feet high with a circu
- Paso Robles In the heart of the lovely Paso Robles wine country lies the beautiful Pasolivo ranch which has been producing award-winning California olive oil and welcoming visitors to their orchards and olive oil tasting room for over a decade. Be introd
- San Francisco See the city's highlights on your sightseeing tour as you pass Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Garden, and Embarcadero.
- Yosemite National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site first protected in 1864 and a sought-after destination, Yosemite National Park is known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, granite cliffs, lakes, meadows and giant sequoias. Stretching nearly 1,200 squar
- Los Angeles Explore the rich culture, history, and architecture of downtown Los Angeles from the 18th century to the present with the LA Conservancy - a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks. Experience a bit of nost
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
Call (714) 244-9049 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824867
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Los Angeles | Welcome to Los Angeles: Los Angeles conjures up notions of Hollywood glamour, gorgeous beaches and multi-faceted neighborhoods. With over 100 museums and 2754 names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the City of Angels offers plenty of sights to tempt curious travelers. Savor a dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers. Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles |
| Day 2 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Sightseeing: A nostalgic ride on the city's landmark Angel's Flight funicular for a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia marks the beginning of your insightful journey into the City of Angels. As you continue through Downtown LA, learn about the history and architecture of the city from 18th Century to today as you explore the Grand Central Market, Bradbury Building and US Bank Tower. In legendary Hollywood, get up close and personal taking photos of the famous hillside Hollywood sign and strolling along the Walk of Fame. Look for the hand- and footprints of cinema's greatest celebrities at the historic TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood's most sought-after Theater for movie premieres. In the afternoon, explore Los Angeles with Insight Choice. Visit the innovative Petersen Automotive Museum, a captivating experience about the history and artistry of motorized transportation. Alternatively, learn the insights into the history of filmmaking at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Tonight, Los Angeles is yours to explore on your own with an abundance of dining options. Accommodations: InterContinental Downtown, Los Angeles |
| Day 3 | Santa Barbara | Journey to the American Riviera: Drive along one of the most scenic drives in America known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of road hugs the coast of California offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll on the wooden Santa Monica Pier that juts 500 meters into the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic ferris wheel and amusement park situated on the pier and perhaps spot wildlife in the distance. Back on the coach, depart for Santa Barbara taking in the ocean views on your left and mountain views to your right. Explore Santa Barbara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the 18th-century Old Mission, one of the original 21 California Missions founded by Spanish Franciscans. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll through the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and learn about California's diverse native plants. Accommodations: Mar Monte Hotel - Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Santa Barbara |
| Day 4 | Pismo Beach | Discover California's Central Coast Relaxed Start: This morning we visit "The Danish Capitol of America" in Solvang, California. In 1911, a new settlement was founded by a group of Danish-Americans who purchased 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) of the surrounding Rancho San Carlos de Jonata, to establish a Danish community far from Midwestern winters. The community took on its distinctive Danish-themed architecture beginning in 1947 and has since become a prominent tourist destination. Later drive from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Enjoy stunning ocean views and lush farmlands as you head north into our final destination dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. Enjoy lunch on your own before you are treated to an olive oil farm tour and tasting experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Vespera Resort, Pismo Beach |
| Day 5 | Yosemite National Park | Giant Sequoias: Journey to the majestic Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our first stop will be the stunning Mariposa Grove (seasonal), the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." It's most famous resident, The Grizzly Giant, is an 1,800-year-old sequoia tree, measuring 209 feet (64 m) high with a circumference of 96 feet (29 m). Once you've settled into your hotel, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in The Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Take in views of the nearly 2500 foot (762 meters) high waterfall while exploring diverse and sustainable menu offerings that include local, organic, and seasonal preparations. Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park |
| Day 6 | Yosemite National Park | Exploring Yosemite National Park Relaxed Start: Join the Yosemite Conversancy and meet a naturalist guide/climber to get familiar with the ins and outs of rock climbing. Take a step back and spend time watching experts in action. Widely considered the Mecca of the rock-climbing world, you'll see the famed El Capitan which was first ascended by Warren Harding in 1958. You'll talk granite and gear, explore the science behind the emotions you feel when inching up a wall, and you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER learning how climbers help preserve the vertical environment. Accommodations: Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park |
| Day 7 | San Francisco | On to San Francisco: Travel towards the West Coast, cross the Bay Bridge and arrive in buzzing San Francisco. Head to the Fisherman's Wharf, once home to the city's colorful fishing fleet and today a popular district full of restaurants, cafes and shops. This afternoon, join your Travel Director for a stroll across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of California, then continue on a short drive to the quaint town of Sausalito. Enjoy some leisure time before taking the ferry back to San Francisco, passing the infamous Alcatraz Island. Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco |
| Day 9 | San Francisco | Farewell California: It is time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and new friends as you depart at your own leisure with plenty of new memories. Accommodations: |
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
