Embark on a breathtaking journey along the spectacular Big Sur coast as we visit some of California’s most iconic sights, including Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Old Town Salinas, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park.

Winding between the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, Highway 1 is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal drives in the state. This trip also includes two nights in Yosemite National Park so we can soak in the glory and wonder of this historic park.

July 12-20, 2025

 

Package Includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Eight nights’ hotel accommodations
• 11 meals: eight breakfasts and three dinners
• All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
• Deluxe motor coach transportation
• Professional tour guide and driver
• Our State host
• Baggage handling and hotel transfers

 

Itinerary Highlights:

• Yosemite National Park
• Yosemite tram tour
• Santa Barbara
• Hearst Castle
• Reagan Library and Air Force One
• Big Sur and Highway 1
• Carmel and 17-Mile Drive
• San Francisco city tour
• Old Sacramento
• Napa Valley
• Winery tour and tasting
• National Steinbeck Center

 

Accommodations: 

• One night in the Los Angeles area: Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, Doubletree Torrance, or Loews Hollywood
• One night in Pismo Beach: Cliffs Resort, Vespera on Ocean Pismo Beach, or Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo
• Two nights in Monterey: Marriott, Casa Munras, or Hyatt
• Two nights in Yosemite area: Yosemite View Lodge
• Two nights in San Francisco: Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square

On some dates, alternate hotels may be used.

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Los Angeles
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Arrive in Los Angeles to begin your California Coast and Yosemite travel experience. Meet your tour director and transfer to your Los Angeles-area hotel. Tonight, enjoy a wine and beer reception followed by a welcome dinner with your fellow Our State travelers.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, Doubletree Torrance, or Loews Hollywood in Los Angeles area

 

Day 2: Reagan Library • Santa Barbara
Sunday, July 13, 2025

This morning, travel north to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The state-of-the-art museum takes you from Reagan’s early years to his time spent as a world leader. The library also features the Air Force One used by President Reagan. Later, follow the Pacific Coast north to Santa Barbara for a stop in one of California’s most picturesque cities with spectacular Mediterranean architecture. Arrive late afternoon in the Pismo Beach area for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cliffs Resort, Vespera on Ocean Pismo Beach, or Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo

Day 3: Hearst Castle • Big Sur • Monterey
Monday, July 14, 2025

Today, travel to San Simeon to enjoy a tour of Hearst Castle. Built on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the spectacular grounds and grandiose home feature the world-class art collection of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Then journey north along the spectacular Big Sur coast, which winds between the rocky coast and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Early this evening, arrive in Monterey for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Marriott, Casa Munras, or Hyatt in Monterey

 

Day 4: 17-Mile Drive • Carmel •Monterey
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Today, enjoy one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, scenic 17-Mile Drive, home to the famous Lone Cypress, Seal Rock, and Pebble Beach Golf Course. Also drive through and visit quaint Carmel to view tree-lined Ocean Avenue. Later, travel to historic Old Monterey, where California’s statehood began in 1849. This afternoon, enjoy time at your own pace to explore more of the seaside town of Monterey. Shop and eat in Cannery Row or Fisherman’s Wharf, which reflect the city’s long history with the sea. Later, maybe visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Marriott, Casa Munras, or Hyatt in Monterey

 

Day 5: Salinas • Yosemite
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Travel to historic Old Town Salinas, the childhood home of author John Steinbeck, and visit the National Steinbeck Center. Founded in 1977, the center houses the largest collection of Steinbeck archives in the United States. Later, journey inland through the fertile San Joaquin Valley, known as the bread basket of California, and stop at a fruit stand. Then climb the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and arrive at your overnight accommodations near Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay. Enjoy dinner this evening with your fellow travelers in the Yosemite area.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge

 

Day 6: Yosemite National Park
Thursday, July 17, 2025

Spend the day touring Yosemite National Park, one of the America’s greatest natural wonders. Enjoy a tram tour of the spectacular Yosemite Valley and view the giant iconic formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the breathtaking Yosemite Falls, the highest in North America. During the scenic open air experience, you will learn about the history and geology of this incredible national treasure. Later, enjoy free time to take in the immense beauty of this wonderful and historic national park.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Yosemite View Lodge

 

Day 7: Sacramento • Napa Valley • San Francisco
Friday, July 18, 2025

Travel through the Sierras into Gold Country. Step back in time and experience the days of the Gold Rush at historic Old Sacramento. Later, drive into the famous Napa Valley, an area of spectacular scenery and home to some of the world’s best wineries. Stop for a winery tour and tasting to sample the local product and learn about wine-making. Continue southwest, crossing the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to one of the world’s most amazing cities, San Francisco. Check in for your two-night stay in the “City by the Bay”.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square in San Francisco

 

Day 8: San Francisco
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Today enjoy a San Francisco city tour to see the Civic Center area, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Seal Rocks, and Pier 39. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to browse the storefronts and see the barking sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, sample a chowder-filled sourdough bread bowl, or take a cable car ride. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow Our State travelers in one of San Francisco’s popular restaurants. The memorable meal will surely feature some seafood along with other menu selections.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Zephyr or Westin St. Francis Union Square in San Francisco

 

Day 9: Departure
Sunday, July 20, 2025

Today, transfer to SFO and fly home with wonderful memories of your California Coast & Yosemite travel experience.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Tour Rates:

Booking discount*: $4425 per person (based on double occupancy)
Regular rate:$4525 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single supplement: $1,350

*Make your final payment by check prior to the final payment due date and receive a booking discount of $200 per couple or $100 per single. Ask about the no-risk deposit.

 

For Reservations & More Information:

Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Standard Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com

Online booking option: Save time and postage and secure your seat for this group departure. Click here and use the booking number 184632 to make your deposit online in just a few minutes.

For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.