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Wide angle shot pf Bixby Bridge California, USA, sitting high above the ocean winding its way into the hills in the distance on a bright sunny day.

California Coast Holidays


usa
Holidays along the California Coast offer the quintessential American road trip experience. The California Central Coast stretches from friendly Santa Cruz in the north to balmy Santa Barbara in the south, while iconic Highway 1 meanders along the coast, hugging the cliffs and crossing dramatic canyons before swooping through dense forests.

This region of picturesque hamlets, rugged cliffs and rolling wine country is waiting to be explored. Enjoy the Americana ambience of Monterey or Carmel’s quaint galleries and spectacular beach. The raw beauty of Big Sur is a must-see while the world class wines of Paso Robles are to be savoured. With plenty more hidden gems waiting to be discovered along the way, you’ll see why the region is so popular with locals and visitors alike.

Trailfinders offers a range of California Coast holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore California on a fly drive holiday, as part of an unforgettable honeymoon or create amazing memories on a family holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Nobody offers more ways to explore the California Coast than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular California Coast holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Pacific Quest - Seattle to San Diego
USA
Fly Drive Holiday
22 days / 21 nights

Follow the Pacific coast from dense forests to palm fringed beaches via fishing villages, redwood groves, bustling cities and sandy coves.

Guide Price: €3,756 pp

Guide Price: £3,357 pp

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Classic California Coast
USA
Fly Drive Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

Follow iconic Highway 1 all the way down the California coast from San Francisco to San Diego on this captivating journey along one of America’s most scenic drives.

Guide Price: €2,349 pp

Guide Price: £1,979 pp

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Whales, Wine & Wonders of California
USA
Fly Drive Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

Discover an abundance of natural wonders in California, from the remarkable Yosemite National Park to the majestic whales of Monterey Bay and combine them with the delightful vineyards of Napa Valley for an incredible journey through the Golden State.

Guide Price: €2,725 pp

Guide Price: £2,315 pp

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California Cruising - Cruise America
USA
Motorhome
15 days / 14 nights

Cruise America and Cruise Canada operate the largest fleet of motorhomes in North America.

Guide Price: €995 pp

Guide Price: £829 pp

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Unique & Boutique California
USA
Fly Drive Holiday
15 days / 14 nights

Stay in some of California’s most characterful boutique hotels on this romantic road trip through the Golden State.

Guide Price: €3,135 pp

Guide Price: £2,585 pp

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Ultimate Family Adventure - California
USA
Family Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Combine exhilarating theme parks, world-famous icons and brilliant beaches whilst staying in California’s most family friendly resorts on this leisurely west coast escapade.

Guide Price: €11,285 per family

Guide Price: £9,345 per family

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WHERE TO GO ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Each area of the California Coast boasts its own attractions and appeal. It would be just as easy to spend time in Monterey, perhaps watching sea otters play in the world-class aquarium, as it would to hop between renowned wineries in Paso Robles or spend your time relaxing on Santa Barbara’s sandy beaches.

Take a look at the destination guide below the California Coast map for more details on each holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
California Coast map
Big Sur
Big Sur
The rugged mountains, unspoiled beaches and incredible wildlife along Big Sur make it one of the world’s most remarkable stretches of coastline, creating an epic backdrop for any California fly drive.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Enjoy plenty of fun in the sun in the surf town of Santa Cruz - home to sandy beaches, a cool downtown area and a lively amusement-filled beach boardwalk.
Monterey
Monterey
Watch sea otters play in Monterey’s world-class aquarium, explore the shops and restaurants along historic Cannery Row or embark on a whale watching trip to witness these majestic mammals in action.
Carmel
Carmel
Carmel is a charming and pretty town, explore the quaint galleries and excellent restaurants.
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County
Each individual town within SLO County offers something unique from the next: enjoy Paso Robles’ rolling hills and world class wineries, have some fun by the sea in the coastal towns of Cambria and Pismo Beach or stop by hip and happy San Luis Obispo.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Often referred to as The American Riviera and famed for its Old Hollywood beauty and traditional Spanish style, gorgeous Santa Barbara oozes class; discover sandy beaches, cool boutiques and upscale restaurants.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

We feature a great range of accommodation on the California Coast, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a charming boutique property in Monterey or a beachfront resort in Santa Barbara with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained? Or, perhaps it’s a luxurious adults only hideaway on Big Sur, perfect for a romantic California honeymoon?

What you won’t find here are thousands of California Coast hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Carmel Valley Ranch
4 star

California Coast

Offering a stunning backdrop in California’s Central Coast, Carmel Valley Ranch is an idyllic escape to relax, explore and play.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4 star

California Coast

Set in 22 wooded acres and overlooking Del Monte Golf Course, this resort has a rustic yet modern feel close to all of Monterey’s attractions.
Kimpton Canary Hotel
4 star

California Coast

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, this beautiful boutique hotel evokes a tranquil Mediterranean ambience and combines historic touches such as hand-painted tiles and wooden beams with a contemporary coastal vibe.
Inn By The Harbor
3 star

California Coast

Nestled among lush gardens, this attractive boutique hotel offers a friendly, relaxed base from which to explore Santa Barbara.
Paso Robles Inn
3 plus star

California Coast

With a superb location in the heart of downtown, this delightful hotel has a countryside feel and welcoming atmosphere.
Apple Farm
3 star

California Coast

This characterful country-style property offers a comfortable base to explore trendy San Luis Obispo, the surrounding rolling hills and scenic wine valleys.

WHAT TO DO ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, the California Coast is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique way to experience the areas natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might spot marine life while on a whale watching cruise from Monterey, the next sampling and savouring some of California’s best wines in the Santa Ynez valley.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your California Coast holiday to life.
Monterey Whale Watching Tour
3 hours
  • Fantastic whale watching
  • Experienced narration by the Captain of the boat
Paso Robles Wine Tour
5 hours
Santa Ynez Wine Tour
7 hours
  • Wine tasting
  • Deli style lunch

California Coast Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Andy Boyce - California Coast expert
Andy Boyce

Santa Barbara is a beautiful small city surrounded by mountains and sea. The main beach is big and flat with easy parking, and there are other beaches close by such as Hendry's which feel more like a local. The mission is worth a visit, as is the courthouse which offers free entry and great views from the tour. There's also great shopping, eating and drinking on State Street.

Lanie Shand - California Coast expert
Lanie Shand

Santa Cruz is a great alternative to Monterey Bay with a lovely beach, a laid back atmosphere with access wildlife tours to see the whales and otters. It's a great place to stay at the beginning or end of your California road trip, especailly if you want the thrills of the Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park with its classic wooden roller coaster!

Jane Poyser - California Coast expert
Jane Poyser

Huntington Beach was a great last stop on our road trip, it gave us exactly what we needed - a bit of luxury, relatively close to Disney, a great beach and a decent offering of eating drinking and shopping while still being laid back in the way only a Californian surf town can be.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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