Glacier Point, Yosemite, USA

Explore Yosemite & Camp Big Sur

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

$8,308pp(ex. flights)

Unveiling some of the highlights of California, this itinerary takes in San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and the scenic Highway 1 on a journey that seamlessly blends an artsy city stay with time spent in a densely forested wilderness. Plus, to top off an iconic coastal drive, spend a few nights in a comfortable private camp overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Big Sur, California, USA 1

Pacific Coast Highway

Drive the scenic Highway 1, the Pacific Coast road through Big Sur and Santa Barbara.

Private tented camping 2

Private Camping

Pitch up in Big Sur in a private tented camp complete with telescope, hot showers and chef.

Stearn's Wharf, Santa Barbara, California, USA 3

Santa Barbara

Soak up the cool vibes of the laid-back coastal town of Santa Barbara.

Bay Bridge at Sunset, San Francisco, California, USA 4

See San Francisco

Explore San Francisco, ripping open hot sourdough rolls and riding the iconic cable cars.

Why we like it

Ideally suited for outdoor enthusiasts with an appreciation for rolling cities and road tripping, this journey moves from bicycle-packed San Francisco to granite-dotted Yosemite and finishes with a traverse of one of the world’s most iconic scenic driving routes. Sprinkled with a touch of expert private guiding, opportunities to try surfing and a truly remarkable tented camping experience on Big Sur, this trip encapsulates an eclectic mix of California’s most coveted hot spots.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Days 1-2

    San Francisco

  • Day 3

    San Francisco - Yosemite National Park

  • Days 4-5

    Yosemite National Park

  • Day 6

    Yosemite National Park - Big Sur

  • Days 7-8

    Big Sur

  • Day 9

    Big Sur - Santa Barbara

  • Day 10

    Santa Barbara

  • Day 11

    Santa Barbara - Los Angeles

Days 1-2

San Francisco

Bay Bridge at Sunset, San Francisco, California, USA

Discover the highlights of trendy San Francisco, rip open a hot sourdough roll and riding the iconic cable cars.

Day 3

San Francisco - Yosemite National Park

Days 4-5

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Explore Yosemite National Park with its giant sequoia groves and hundreds of species of wildlife and plants.

Day 6

Yosemite National Park - Big Sur

Days 7-8

Big Sur

Day 9

Big Sur - Santa Barbara

Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California, USA

Drive the scenic Highway 1, the Pacific Coast’s famed road that travels through Big Sur and Santa Barbara.

Day 10

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

Paddle along the California Coast and through rugged sea caves during a guided kayaking tour.

Day 11

Santa Barbara - Los Angeles

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Bixby Bridge and Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur, California, USA
Bixby Bridge and Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur, California, USA

Pacific Coast Highway & Camping in Big Sur

Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway, known for its spectacular coastline of rocky cliffs, endless ocean views and golden sandy surf beaches. Spend the night camping in a private and remote setting in Big Sur, amongst an incredible landscape of redwood forests and accompanied by a professional chef and crew. Complete with beds and linens for maximum comfort, hot showers, a lounge area to unwind and a telescope to watch the stars, this memorable experience is camping like you’ve never camped before.

California Sunset Palm Trees, Santa Barbara, USA
California Sunset Palm Trees, Santa Barbara, USA

Explore Santa Barbara

The bustling beach community of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, is a sought after destination that offers a quaint collection of small boutiques, cafes and restaurants. It is possible to paddle along the California Coast and through rugged sea caves during a guided kayaking tour, set off on a private whale watching adventure or absorb the sweeping views of Santa Barbara’s breathtaking skyline during a sunset sail. We can also arrange trots down pristine and quiet beaches, horseback wine tours in Santa Ynez and vineyard bicycle tours with stops for tastings of wine, olive oil, and gourmet farm-to-table cuisine.

Cable Cars, San Francisco, California, USA
Cable Cars, San Francisco, California, USA

Sourdough & Cable Cars

From cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to sampling delicious sourdough loaves, the bustling city of San Francisco boasts an array of world-class attractions. It is possible to take a privately guided tour of San Francisco in your very own vintage cable car, sail to Alcatraz Island for an after hours tour of the infamous prison or take a flight over the Bay Area’s dramatic coastline. Art lovers will rejoice in a private tour of the world-renowned collections of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, while foodies will appreciate skipping the lines during a guided journey around the delicious eateries of the Mission’s Valencia Corridor.

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Private Guiding in Yosemite National Park

Self-drive to the peace and wilderness of Yosemite National Park, one of the nation’s most celebrated parks and renowned for its huge granite landscapes, unusual rock formations and impressive waterfalls. Spend a day with a local naturalist guide, stopping for an impressive picnic lunch and taking in the views of Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point. We can arrange half-day photography workshops in the company of an expert with insider knowledge, breathtaking stargazing experiences and adrenaline-filled white water rafting trips over class IV rapids.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Private Tented Camp £££££

  • USA
  • Tented Camps

Camp in a private remote setting in Goblin Valley State Park, far removed from the rest of the world. This spectacular landscape with amazing canyons, red rock mesas and buttes will become home. The private tent is canvas in style with beds and linen for maximum comfort. There is a lounging area to relax and a telescope to watch the stars.

View Property

Airstream Yosemite Camp £££££

  • USA
  • Unusual

Featuring custom Airstreams with spa-inspired bathrooms, thoughtfully designed tents with wood-burning stoves, and contemporary cabins with stylish interiors and kitchens, this camp offers wanderlusting travellers a new type of well-appointed outdoor lodging experience at the gateway to Yosemite National Park. With private patios and campfires at all sites, as well as a communal freshwater pond and heated pool, Airstream Yosemite Camp effortlessly blends high-end indulgences with traditional camping traditions, all set amongst one of the world’s most sought-after natural landscapes just half-an-hour away from the park.

View Property

The Ahwahnee Hotel £££££

  • USA
  • Wilderness

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a treasured lodge, nearly as famous as the park itself. Completed in 1927 and designed with the natural surroundings in mind. Public spaces are grand, with wooden beams, huge stone fireplaces, high ceilings and both the dining room and lounge having floor to ceiling windows. The 123 spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies, offer views of the surrounding wilderness. With access to many of the best walks and sights including Glacier Point, this is a fantastic place to stay for exploring the park.

View Property

Belmond El Encanto £££££

  • USA
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Located on the hillside in Santa Barbara, between the lush green mountains and the Pacific Ocean. El Encanto is a beautiful hideaway with Spanish design, fantastic views over the ocean and close to the buzzing town of Santa Barbara. The elegant boutique hotel has undertaken a seven-year restoration period to rejuvenate the historic building which dates back to 1913. Expansive swimming pools and a beautiful spa offers the opportunity to relax, and with the town of Santa Barbara on the doorstep, there is plenty to explore.

View Property

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $8,308 Per person

When to travel

USA in July

Being one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures regularly reaching 28°C in the big cities, July remains a peak time to visit the US.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E

Get in touch

  • By sending your enquiry you are stating that you agree to our T&C

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.