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Big Sur coastline in California with Turquoise water

Coastal California

13 nights from £5,995pp

Coastal California

This classic, all-American road trip takes you along one of the USA’s most renowned routes, Highway One. A cliff-hugging, twisting, turning, awe-inspiring coastal extravaganza, Highway One – the Pacific Coast Highway – never fails to impress. Viewed best when driving from north to south (right-hand driving takes you to the very edge of this spectacular coastline), Highway One isn’t the most direct route between San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. End your road trip in sunny San Diego with its fabulously laid-back lifestyle, miles of sandy beaches, and enticing Mexican flair, owing to the border being just 17 miles from downtown.

This 2-week itinerary is perfect for couples as well as families as it not only highlights the best of the West Coast but also factors in plenty of beach time!

Your Journey

On arrival in San Francisco, we don’t recommend hiring a car immediately as the parking costs in the city are astronomical and you simply won’t need four wheels to get around this relatively compact city. Instead, jump in a cab or hop on the BART and Caltrain connections to San Francisco’s centre from the airport. Spend 3 nights at Fairmont San Francisco, high on Nob Hill and just steps from two cable car lines. Watch the seals at Fisherman's Wharf, take a tour of Alcatraz and ride the city’s infamous cable cars. For the more adventurous, hire a bike and cycle over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the pretty town of Sausalito. Stay for lunch and enjoy harbour views before taking the ferry back across to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Accommodation -

Breakfast on the Penthouse Suite Balcony at Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

The grand dame of San Francisco’s hotel scene, the Fairmont reigns supreme high on Nob Hill, boasting 360 degree views of the city skyline, the…

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Your epic road trip begins today! Collect your car from downtown and head southbound out of the city. Break for coffee in Santa Cruz and watch the surfers catching waves before continuing along the coast road for a spot of lunch in Carmel's network of pretty streets, or head to Monterey's iconic Cannery Row or Old Fisherman's Wharf (of Big Little Lies fame). Further south, the road transforms from a picturesque coastal drive into the legendary cliff edge masterpiece along Big Sur. You’ll find yourselves compelled to pull over to take another photo with every bend, and a highlight has to be photogenic Bixby Bridge. The scenery here is addictive so soak it up before you head back to Carmel for your 2 night stay at Bernardus Lodge, nestled in a pretty valley inland from the coast.

Distance: 150 miles / Driving time: 3 hours

Accommodation -

Premium croquet room, Bernardus Lodge and Spa, California

Bernardus Lodge and Spa

Nestled in 28 acres of glorious gardens and vineyards in Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a true hidden gem.

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Continue south along Highway One and take time to stop and watch the fascinating elephant seals at Piedras Blancas – all 17,000 of them – as they gather on the beach. January, April and October are the best months to see so many together, but they can be found here all year round. Moments away from the seals, take a small detour inland to visit Hearst Castle, the extravagant 165-room castle completed in 1947 as the private home of publishing tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. Arrive in Santa Barbara this afternoon for your 2 night stay at The Canary in the heart of downtown. Whilst in Santa Barbara, wander around the immaculate streets and hidden paseos, enjoy a glass of wine from the nearby vineyards or a locally brewed craft beer in the Funk Zone, head out to Channel Islands National Park for a day in the ‘Galapagos of North America’ or laze away the day on the beach or meandering along Stearns Wharf.

Distance: 200 miles / Driving time: 4 hours

Accommodation -

Rooftop fireplace at The Kimpton Canary Hotel

The Kimpton Canary Hotel

On the corner of West Carrillo and Chapala, just one block from bustling State Street and a mile from the beach, The Kimpton Canary Hotel is a…

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Your penultimate stretch of driving takes you down to sunny Santa Monica. Stop for a coffee, freshly squeezed juice or a bite to eat at Malibu Pier Farm and watch the sun sparkling on the ocean and surfers riding the waves. Check in to your oh-so-chic hideaway for the next 3 nights, Viceroy Santa Monica, then grab a bike from the friendly folk at Concierge and explore this vibrant city by the sea. Cycle along to Venice Beach, stop for a drink or snack in one of the many restaurants and cafes along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, ride along the beach path to Santa Monica Pier, grab a freshly-squeezed lemonade and embark on some serious shopping along Third Street Promenade. In the evening, sip a sundowner at The Bungalow – a fabulous local hang-out at Fairmont Miramar and savour delicious seafood and incredible views at local icon, The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier.

Distance: 85 Miles / Driving time: 2 hours.

Accommodation -

Pool deck at Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy, Santa Monica

Beachside elegance shines bright at the fresh and contemporary Viceroy Santa Monica, located just a short stroll from the breathtaking stretch of…

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Continue south today, perhaps swinging by the beaches in Huntington, Newport and Laguna for a taste of Southern California - or SoCal - beachside living and a bite to eat with an ocean view. As you approach San Diego, you'll pass through Oceanside - a fantastic blend of sandy beaches, historical landmarks, world-class dining and home to the longest pier on the West Coast!

Head to San Diego and spend 3 nights in the heart of the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter at the fabulous Pendry San Diego. With 70 miles of incredible coastline to explore, the ocean plays a big part in the lives of San Diego locals and visitors alike. The laid-back nature of this ever-sunny city gets under the skin of its visitors and you'll be wishing you stayed a little longer. Aside from beaches, there are parks to explore, including Balboa Park with museums, beautiful gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. For sports lovers, the Pendry sits just two blocks from the Petco Park, home to San Diego's baseball team; the Padres.

Distance: 130 miles / Driving time: 2 hours.

What's Included

13 nights from £5,995 per person

13 nights from £13,995 per family

• International flights included from the UK

• Includes return airport and in-destination car hire

Package price shown is based on travel in in June 2027. Exact pricing dependent on exact departure dates and availability at the time of booking. Please contact our team of experts for further information and your bespoke quote.

Best time to travel

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Coastal California is best visited from May to October, when the weather is generally warmer, drier and sunnier. The spring and autumn months can offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer brings excellent conditions for enjoying the region’s beautiful beaches, coastal drives and charming seaside towns.

FAQs

ocean waves ripple

Why Choose Turquoise?

Family Owned & Run

We are one of the few remaining family owned and run operators of our size. We have direct relationships with every single destination, island, resort and hotel we work with, in order to deliver exceptional and truly personalised service.

Our Passion Runs Deep

We are - and always have been - mad about travel. For almost 25 years we've been scouring the globe for the best places to stay, the newest routes to take, the perfect people to meet. No-one will care more about your holiday.

Definition of Luxury

Luxury means something different to everyone. Whether you are seeking the silence of vast spaces, the isolation of a private island, the buzz of a new city, the adrenaline of a safari or anything in between, we listen, we learn, we advise.

Fun & Refreshing

We endeavour that every Turquoise experience is unique, fun and refreshing. Travel is all about experiences, about serendipitous moments and endless smiles. It is a joy and an honour to plan each and every Turquoise holiday.

What Our Travellers Say

“As enthusiastic retirees with a serious case of wanderlust, my wife and I now travel abroad at least four times a year.We'd been subscribed to The Turquoise Holiday Company mailing list for years, but it wasn't until we spotted a special offer for Thailand in November 2019 that we finally booked our first holiday with them.Interestingly, a few months earlier, while waiting for a flight to the Maldives in June 2019, we noticed another couple travelling with a Turquoise travel bag. At the time, we thought little of it, but looking back, it was perhaps an early sign that we were about to discover a travel company that would become our go-to specialist for luxury holidays.Our first experience with Turquoise was excellent and gave us the confidence to book a Maldives holiday for June 2020. Then, of course, COVID struck and brought the travel industry to a standstill. What impressed us most was the way Turquoise handled an incredibly difficult situation. Rather than leaving us in limbo, they worked tirelessly to rearrange our holiday multiple times, adapting to constantly changing restrictions and circumstances. Eventually, in November 2020, despite flying with a different airline and staying at a different hotel than originally planned, we were able to enjoy a much-needed Maldives escape when many other travel plans around the world had simply been cancelled altogether.That experience cemented our trust in The Turquoise Holiday Company. Since then, we have booked many holidays through them and now use them for the vast majority of our trips abroad.What consistently sets Turquoise apart is the quality of its people. Every member of staff we have dealt with has been knowledgeable, professional, friendly and exceptionally thorough. Their expertise, attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile give us complete confidence that every aspect of our holiday is being carefully managed.In an age where genuine customer service can be hard to find, The Turquoise Holiday Company continues to deliver it in abundance. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for a travel agent that combines expert knowledge, outstanding customer care and absolute professionalism. They have played a major part in some of our most memorable travel experiences, and we look forward to booking many more adventures with them in the years ahead.”
“Right from first contact, Bethany & colleagues were great. Bethany adjusted the holiday offered several times to get it just how we wanted it, & it was everything she said it would be. We went to Coco Bodu Hithi & it was amazing, I thoroughly recommend it. Turquoise have a great app which was really useful & they were there for us all along the way, even sending me updates on flights. I recommend them 100%.”
“Everything was so efficient from our very first contact. We are not seasoned travellers so the support/help/advice we received from Lucy all the way through was so reassuring. Even the daftest question was never too much trouble. Looking forward to booking again for 2028 - we wouldn’t dream of looking forward alternative travel agents. Thank you so much 🥰”
“I am so thankful we used Turquoise Holidays! From start to finish they were exceptional. A shout out to Martha who designed and organised our honeymoon for us - she took the stress out of planning, understood the vision and put together our dream holiday. She was a pleasure to work with and it was beyond anything we could have imagined. I can’t tell you how relieved we were to have all of our transport and transfers sorted the other side. Especially for a trip like ours with lots of flights and travel, using Turquoise Holidays made it so much easier. We also used the concierge services to book activities and they were so helpful and kind. Will definitely use Turquoise again, I can’t wait for our next holiday!”
“Sophie was brilliant from start to finish. From the very first email she was professional but also had that friendly touch. Any amendments I wanted to our honeymoon plans she came back with the updated itinerary. Even after 5 iterations she was still incredible with the responses. I would highly recommend using turquoise travel and we will definitely be using them again”
“Amazing Family Holiday and just what we asked for! We wanted a resort and location that was approriate for small kids but had all the luxuries for adults, and Turquoise holidays provided a great service. Commincation was great and they took all the pain out of the small details and provided an excellent service and the value was outstanding!”
“Just got back from a fantastic Holiday in Mauritius with which I booked the Holiday with Turquoise Holidays. This is my first time I have booked with this company and I will have no hesitation in booking again, from start to finish the correspondence I had with Milly and the rest of the team at Turquoise as been outstanding. Thankyou Neil & Jane”
“Enjoyable trip to Canada.Jonty made excellent recommendations as always, hotels were great in every respect.Highly recommend Turquoise for their advice and insight into places and hotels at a very good price point. We have used many times in the past and will continue do use again in the future.”
“Mrs Stone organised all my flights details and extra help extremely well.”
“This was the best travel agent experience we have ever had. We went on a bespoke 5 week trip to Australia. Our agent, Stuart, designed a trip exactly matching our requirements and really listened to us when we described the brief. What came through strongly during the course of the trip was Turquoise’s ability to not just source the best properties/accommodation, but the best rooms in those properties. Likewise with the tours and activities that they organised — everything felt highly curated and considered. When any queries arose or we wanted to change the bugs, the team was super-responsive through the app. We will definitely use them again have recommended them to many friends.”
“We had a really good time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The blend of activity and adventures in Sri Lanka mixed with the relaxation and tranquility of the Maldives, worked extremely well and the itinerary put together by Turquoise was excellent.Overall we were very impressed with Sri Lanka and whilst hectic at times enjoyed our busy agenda. We found all the accommodation wonderful and food was plentiful and enjoyable. We were pleased to have climbed the two rocks to see the sunset/sunrise albeit a bit daunting when we realised the climbing challenge ahead.Special mention has to go to our driver/guide Mahesh who was excellent and really helped make our trip run smoothly. He was knowledgeable, practical and always prompt.In fact our only hiccup occurred when trying to leave the Notary House to fly to Male. We had booked a 4am alarm call, bags to be picked up at 4.20am and “breakfast to go” ready for 4.30am. Fortunately we had used our own phone alarms as we awoke to a completely silent hotel, no alarm call, no bags collected and no breakfast, and no driver.We did however just about hear a car hooting and on seeing some lights at the end of the long drive to the hotel set off and found Mahesh. However, the gates were padlocked shut and Mahesh was locked out and we were locked in! Fortunately Mahesh had a number for the hotel and after ringing several times, an apologetic staff member appeared and unlocked the gate and off we went. Phew !After making our plane we successfully arrived in Male and took the speedboat to Velassaru. We thought the island was impeccably well kept and had obviously been recently modernised in many areas. Our room - 205 - was perfectly positioned close to the Chill Bar, and ideal for drinking cocktails and watching the sunset, yet only a small walk from all other amenities including the buffet restaurant where we ate all our meals. We found the breakfast plentiful and varied but thought the offerings for dinner were less extensive than on other islands( maybe we were a bit spoilt at Six Senses last year ! ). We were also disappointed that given we were half board had we wished to use any of the other 3 à la carte restaurants for dinner then this was additionally chargeable albeit with a 30% discount.And yes, sadly the view from our villa of Thilafushi was certainly not ideal or romantic but overall we still agreed that Velassaru was a lovely island with everything you would expect from a trip to the Maldives.Overall we were very satisfied and would consider doing a similar trip again and definitely using Turquoise albeit I think we would allow for a longer journey from Male and take the seaplane even if that did eat into a bit more of our holiday time.Thanks again to Anthony for listening to our requirement and tailoring our trip to suit our needs.Steve ( and Cathy )”
“Always so helpful, professional and efficient, thank you once again!”
walkway at soneva jani

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