California dream as a family
NYC, LA & City Life 15 days classique

California dream as a family

From the Golden Gate to San Diego beaches, a family road trip between giant redwoods and the Pacific Coast.

From€1,750per person
11 years of local expertise4.8/5 (0 reviews)

Duration

15 days

From

€1,750/pers.

Ideal seasons

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Style

Self-drive tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Family, Couple, With friends

The spirit of travel

Embark on an immersive journey through California, in the heart of the American États-Unis, between iconic cities, wide open spaces and Pacific coastline. This road trip itinerary invites you to explore a destination where nature, culture and beaches blend together, in a typically American atmosphere.

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, you discover cities with distinctive identities, between historic neighborhoods, beach vibes and film culture.

The itinerary also takes you into the heart of the Yosemite Park landscapes, conducive to hiking and contemplation, before hugging the California coast, between cliffs, villages and maritime panoramas.

You continue towards San Diego, renowned for its sunny setting and its beaches, for an end of journey between relaxation and discoveries.

A balanced itinerary to experience California at your own pace, between adventure, local immersion and moments by the ocean.

The stages of your journey

D1–3
San FranciscoHôtel 3 étoiles
D4–5
Yosemite National ParkHôtel 3 étoiles
D6
MontereyHôtel 3 étoiles
D7
Santa MariaHôtel 3 étoiles
D8–11
Los AngelesHôtel 3 étoiles
D12–13
San DiegoHôtel 3 étoiles
D14–15
Los AngelesHôtel 3 étoiles

Highlights

Golden Gate and Alcatraz
Giant Sequoias of Yosemite
Scenic Big Sur Route
Hollywood Studios
Santa Monica Beaches
Colonial Charm of San Diego

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival at the airport

Upon arrival in San Francisco, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in a private transfer.

You can then explore the city at your own pace. San Francisco is particularly suited to exploration on foot, ideal for appreciating its iconic neighborhoods, its topography and its unique atmosphere.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 2
D2

Discovering San Francisco

Between its famous prison Alcatraz Island, its bay dominated by the Golden Gate Bridge, its Fisherman's Wharf, where you can observe very noisy seals, and its iconic Victorian houses, San Francisco offers a rich and varied discovery, to explore at your own pace.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 3
D3

City Tour

Many activities are available to you in San Francisco, such as a boat tour of Alcatraz prison, a city bus tour or even a bike discovery.

Also take time to explore the Chinatown neighborhood, for an immersive experience in the heart of the city.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 4
D4

Trip to Yosemite

San FranciscoYosemite National Park

3h40320 km

After picking up your car in the heart of San Francisco, you head towards the famous Yosemite National Park.

Known for the Tioga Road that runs through it, its giant sequoia forests and its iconic landscapes, this two-day stay is devoted to discovering the great outdoors and relaxing moments, at your own pace.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 5
D5

Relaxation and Discovery at Yosemite Park

Take advantage of this day to continue your exploration of Yosemite Park. You can discover the giant sequoias, impressive for their size and longevity, then take the park trails for a hike through varied landscapes.

The waterfalls, among the most iconic in the park, offer beautiful opportunities for walking and contemplation, in a natural environment conducive to relaxation.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 6
D6

Discovery of Monterey

Yosemite National ParkMonterey

4h10325 km

Around the city, you will also be able to discover the charming village of Carmel by the sea. Renowned for its historic homes and typically Californian atmosphere, it lends itself to a peaceful stroll, between well-kept streets and a soothing setting.

You leave the forests of the Yosemite park to reach the charming city of Monterey, known as the starting point for sea activities, in particular whale watching, seals and dolphins.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 7
D7

Explore the California Coast

MontereySanta Maria

2h50280 km

Today, you travel along the famous Pacific coast. You discover one of its most beautiful stretches, known as "Big Sur", as well as the famous palace with Roman inspiration "Hearst Castle, château de San Simeon", recognized for its remarkable architecture.

Throughout the drive, take time to stop at the many California beaches. You will be able to observe sea lions in their natural environment.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 8
D8

Santa Barbara and Malibu Tour

Santa MariaLos Angeles

2h50255 km

On the road towards Los Angeles, you make a stop in the iconic city of Santa Barbara, known for its pleasant downtown, beach and famous pier.

Then continue to the beach of Malibu, renowned for its coastal setting and typically Californian atmosphere.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 9
D9

Explore the Millionaires' Neighborhoods

The next day, you set out to discover the city of Los Angeles.

In the morning, you can explore Beverly Hills and Bel Air, known for their residential neighborhoods, then stroll down Rodeo Drive, a popular avenue for shopping.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 10
D10

Discovery of Santa Monica

Continue your discovery with the beach of Santa Monica as well as Venice Beach, two iconic coastal locations, appreciated for their typically Californian atmosphere.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 12
D12

San Diego Visit

Los AngelesSan Diego

1h55200 km

Head out to explore San Diego, appreciated for its beaches where surfers gather every day to enjoy the waves, as well as for its historic downtown, marked by buildings inspired by Spanish missions.

A pleasant stop that allows you to discover another facet of California.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 13
D13

Around San Diego and the golden beaches

Also take time to discover the vast Balboa Park, a place conducive to strolling and discovery, in the heart of the city.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 14
D14

On the way to Los Angeles.

San DiegoLos Angeles

1h55200 km

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the hills ofHollywood to observe the famous Hollywood sign and enjoy beautiful views of the city of Los Angeles.

At the end of the day, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation with your feet in the water at Santa Monica.

Make the most of your last day in California to head to Los Angeles.

On the way, take time to discover the coastal towns of Oceanside and Laguna Beach, appreciated for their seaside setting and pleasant atmosphere.

Hôtel 3 étoiles
Jour 15
D15

Goodbye!

All good things must come to an end.

Before saying goodbye to the États-Unis, you return your rental car at Los Angeles airport.

Price per person

2 pers.€1,750/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • Travel Insurance (optional)
  • Flights (optional)
  • Optional activities
  • Everything not mentioned in this price includes
  • Possibility of doing this circuit by motorcycle (option)

Included

  • Group of 2 people / 1 double room
  • 14 nights in standard category hotels
  • Private transfer from San Francisco airport to your hotel
  • Car rental
  • Personalized travel itinerary sent electronically
  • Local assistance on site
  • On-site concierge service

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the United States for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.

Passport

To enter the United States, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned end date of stay.
The passport must be an electronic (biometric) passport, recognizable by the electronic chip symbolized by a logo on the cover, to benefit from the visa exemption program.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist stay without visa – Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland whose country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals also benefit from visa exemption to enter the United States.

This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorized length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry to the territory and cannot be extended under the visa exemption program.

Authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • proof of accommodation in the country.

ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

Before arriving in the United States, anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Canadian nationals are generally exempt from this requirement.

ESTA is an electronic prior authorization required by the U.S. authorities. It allows verification of the traveler's eligibility before departure:

  • passport information

  • personal information and contact details

  • answers to questions regarding security and criminal background

The application must be made online on the official U.S. government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), ideally at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allows multiple entries. Fees apply when submitting the application. The authorization confirmation must be presented to the airline and immigration services.

Travel with children

Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ESTA authorization if their nationality requires it.

In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and whether the country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers not eligible for VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before departure. Affected travelers should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits your needs:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Rémy, Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness
11years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — American West

Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness, based in Miami

In the United States, every road can become part of the journey. What I love is helping travelers find the right balance between the major sites and those detours that make the experience truly unique.

Rémy

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5