Golden Triangle
From ocean views to desert sands and mountain peaks — experience the ultimate Western adventure through California and Nevada.
This spectacular 14-night journey captures the very best of the American West — from San Francisco’s iconic skyline and the stunning Pacific Coast Highway to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the natural wonders of Yosemite. Begin in San Francisco, exploring its world-famous landmarks before tracing the Pacific coastline south through Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
After soaking up the sunshine and glamour of Southern California, turn inland for a change of scenery. Cross the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas, then venture through the stark beauty of Death Valley, the alpine landscapes of Mammoth Lakes, and the granite cliffs and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park before returning to San Francisco. With golden beaches, desert canyons and mountain vistas, this is California at its most diverse and unforgettable.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,399pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Cycle or drive across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur and Cambria
Explore Santa Barbara’s beaches and Los Angeles’ Hollywood icons
Admire alpine views at Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite’s majestic waterfalls
Your itinerary
Days 1–3: San Francisco, California
Cable cars, bay views and California’s most iconic city
Welcome to San Francisco — a city of hills, history and heart. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and the lively Pier 39, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge for sweeping bay views. Ride the city’s famous cable cars, wander through Chinatown or enjoy a sunset from Twin Peaks. In the evening, dine by the waterfront or relax with cocktails overlooking the skyline.
3 Nights in
San Francisco, CA
Arrive &
Explore
Day 4: Monterey & Carmel
Coastal charm, marine life and classic California style
Collect your car and drive south to Monterey, where rugged coastline meets small-town elegance. Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll historic Cannery Row, and follow the scenic 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and the Lone Cypress. Continue to Carmel-by-the-Sea, famed for its art galleries, boutique shops and white-sand beach.
Stay 1 night in Monterey or Carmel
1 Night in
Monterey, CA
120 miles
Day 5: Big sur & Cambria
Big Sur cliffs and coastal grandeur
Drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes. Stop at Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Falls and McWay Cove for unforgettable ocean views. Arrive in the seaside village of Cambria, and, if time allows, tour nearby Hearst Castle, the extravagant estate built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
1 Night in
Cambria, CA
145 miles
Day 6: Santa Barbara, California
Spanish elegance and the Riviera of the West
Continue south along the coast, pausing in the Danish-inspired village of Solvang before reaching Santa Barbara. This stylish city is known for its red-tiled roofs, Mediterranean charm and palm-lined beaches. Stroll along State Street, visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, and enjoy fresh seafood as the sun sets over the Pacific.
1 Night in
Santa Barbara, CA
140 miles
Days 7 – 8: Los Angeles, California
Movie magic and California dreams
Arrive in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory and Rodeo Drive, or stroll the Santa Monica Pier, the symbolic end of Route 66. Spend time in Venice Beach, explore film history at Universal Studios, and enjoy a classic LA sunset over the Pacific.
2 Nights in
Los Angeles, CA
85 miles
Days 9 – 10: Las Vegas, Nevada
Neon lights, desert nights and endless entertainment
Leave the coast behind as you drive through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas. Beyond the casinos, you’ll find stylish resorts, world-class dining and dazzling shows. Stroll the Las Vegas Strip, ride the High Roller Observation Wheel, and explore Fremont Street downtown with its vintage hotels and electric atmosphere.
2 Nights in
Las Vegas, NV
285 miles
Day 11: Death Valley National Park, California
Otherworldly landscapes and starlit skies
Descend into Death Valley, the largest U.S. National Park outside Alaska and one of the hottest places on Earth. Visit Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point and Artist’s Palette, where vivid desert hues shift with the light. Overnight at The Ranch at Death Valley, surrounded by surreal desert beauty.
1 Night in
Death Valley, CA
150 miles
Day 12: Mammoth Lakes, California
Alpine air and mountain adventure
Drive north into the Sierra Nevada, climbing to the alpine resort of Mammoth Lakes. Depending on the season, explore Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, or ride the Mammoth Mountain Gondola for spectacular views. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed meal in this charming mountain town.
1 Night in
Mammoth Lakes, CA
200 miles
Days 13 – 14: Yosemite National Park, California
Waterfalls, granite cliffs and giant sequoias
Enter Yosemite National Park via the scenic Tioga Pass (open mid-June to mid-September). Marvel at El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Enjoy walks or ranger-guided tours, and stay inside the park to make the most of its stunning scenery and starlit nights. On your final morning you will drive back to San Francisco Airport to drop your car back before your overnight flight home to the UK.
2 Nights at
Yosemite NP, CA
100 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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Our team have travelled extensively across the USA & Canada to ensure that they can give first hand, unrivalled experience when discussing our holidays.
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