Luxury California Itinerary

California Family Road Trip

A three week family road trip through California and Nevada, visiting iconic cities, dramatic national parks and some of the American West’s most spectacular landscapes. From the Pacific coastline and Sonoma’s vineyards to Yosemite National Park and the Nevada desert, this itinerary explores the diverse scenery, culture and outdoor adventures of California and Nevada.

Begin in San Francisco, where a mix of well-known sights and relaxed exploration makes for an easy start. Ride the city’s historic cable cars, cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a boat out to Alcatraz Island, before heading north via the wild coastline of Point Reyes National Seashore to the vineyards of Sonoma.

In Sonoma County, slow the pace with private cycling between wineries, picnic lunches and time among the redwoods. A sunrise hot air balloon flight offers an incredible perspective over the valley before continuing inland to Yosemite National Park, where guided exploration, gentle hikes and time outdoors bring the landscape to life for all ages.

The journey then returns to the coast, stopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea before following the dramatic Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Along the way, enjoy whale watching in Monterey Bay, beach time, a private sunset sail and a sea cave kayaking experience in the Channel Islands National Park.

End in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where film studios, beaches and lively neighbourhoods give way to desert landscapes. A helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and an off-road UTV adventure provide a high-energy finish to a varied and well-paced family itinerary.

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

May to September

PRICE

From GBP £12,690.48 USD $15,990 pp excl. international flights based on 2 adults

IDEAL LENGTH

20 days

FLIGHT TIME

11 hours from London
6 hours and 35 mins from NYC

CURRENCY

US Dollars

LANGUAGE

English

When to go

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DID YOU KNOW?

Monterey Bay is one of the most biologically rich marine environments in the world, where dolphins and sea otters are commonly seen and whales can be spotted during their seasonal migrations offshore.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring San Francisco

San Francisco, California, USA

Explore San Francisco at your own pace, from its characterful neighbourhoods and waterfront to its parks and museums. Cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge, wander colourful districts or simply soak up the atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city’s excellent food scene along the way.

Alcatraz Prison

Alcatraz Prison, San Francisco, California, USA

Take a boat out to the renowned Alcatraz that sits on an island in the bay and enjoy the fantastic audio tour as you walk through this infamous former prison.

Private Vineyards and a picnic lunch

Sonoma County, California, USA

Set out with your private guide for a relaxed day in Sonoma, cycling between vineyards for tastings and a leisurely picnic in the countryside. Unhurried and fully tailored, with e-bikes available, it’s an easy and immersive way to experience the region.

Sunrise Sonoma Balloon Flight

Sunrise hot air balloon flight, Sonoma, California, USA

Start your day with one of the quintessential wine country experiences, a balloon ride high above the valley. At take-off, the burners roar before falling into complete silence as you gently lift into the early morning air. Drifting peacefully over a patchwork of vineyards, you follow the winding contours of the Russian River, with incredible views that, on clear days, stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco.

Day with a private naturalist guide in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley, California, USA

Enjoy a picnic lunch before meeting your own private expert naturalist guide in Yosemite Valley, selected for their deep knowledge of the park and ability to tailor the day entirely to your interests. Explore iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan, alongside quieter trails, meadows and waterfall viewpoints away from the main crowds. End the day with a relaxed stop at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel before returning to Rush Creek Lodge.

Yosemite's High Country

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Explore Yosemite’s High Country at your own pace, driving through dramatic mountain scenery to Tuolumne Meadows with a stop among the ancient Giant Sequoias. Hike to alpine lakes and cool off with a swim in Tenaya Lake.

Whale watching in Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay, California, USA

Head out onto the wildlife-rich waters of Monterey Bay with a captain and marine biologist, exploring this remarkable marine ecosystem. Keep watch for whales, dolphins, seals and sea otters as you experience this extraordinary stretch of coastline up close.

Sunset Sail in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, USA

Meet your private captain in the late afternoon and step aboard a 28ft sailboat for a relaxed cruise along the coast. Let the wind carry you along the Pacific shoreline as the sun begins to set, with time to unwind and toast the evening on the water.

Channel Island sea cave kayak adventure

Channel Island National Park, California

Set out by ferry to the Channel Islands National Park, a remote and unspoilt marine sanctuary where whales are often spotted en route and wildlife thrives in abundance. With your naturalist guide, paddle through crystal-clear waters by kayak, exploring sea caves and sheltered coves, with seals, sea otters and dolphins often close by. A relaxed picnic on shore and time to hike the cliff-top trails complete this unforgettable island experience.

Private Santa Barbara surf lesson

Santa Barbara Surfing, California, USA

Channel your inner Beach Boy or Girl as you head to a local beach for a family surf lesson with a private instructor.

Hollywood, Downtown + Universal Studios

Hollywood, California, USA

Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where iconic films and behind-the-scenes experiences bring the world of cinema to life. Continue through Hollywood to take in famous landmarks and sweeping city views, before exploring the creative neighbourhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. End in Downtown Los Angeles, where restored architecture, vibrant dining and world-class galleries reflect the city’s cultural revival.

Sunset Grand Canyon Flight

Grand Canyon, USA

Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the vast expanse of the desert en route to the Grand Canyon. Land on a private plateau overlooking the Colorado River to enjoy champagne and light refreshments, before returning at sunset as the canyon is bathed in dramatic evening light.

Desert offroad UTV adventure

UTV Nevada Desert, USA

Head into the Nevada desert for an exhilarating off-road adventure, driving powerful CAN-AM Maverick X3s across sand dunes and rocky terrain with your private guide leading the way. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy experience that showcases the dramatic desert landscape just beyond Las Vegas.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Let us plan your perfect trip to the United States

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