
California dream as a family
From the Golden Gate to San Diego beaches, a family road trip between giant redwoods and the Pacific Coast.
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
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary

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.

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.

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.

Trip to Yosemite
San Francisco → Yosemite National Park
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.

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.

Discovery of Monterey
Yosemite National Park → Monterey
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.

Explore the California Coast
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.

Santa Barbara and Malibu Tour
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.

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.

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.

Day at the Theme Parks
Continue your exploration with the iconic parks of Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland (California), then take the time to visit the studios of Hollywood to better understand the world of cinema.

San Diego Visit
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.

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.

On the way to Los Angeles.
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.

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
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant aux États-Unis dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer aux États-Unis, votre passeport doit être valide pour toute la durée de votre séjour. Toutefois, il est fortement conseillé qu'il reste valide au moins six mois au-delà de la date de fin de séjour prévue.
Le passeport doit être un passeport électronique (biométrique), reconnaissable à la puce électronique symbolisée par un logo sur la couverture, pour pouvoir bénéficier du programme d'exemption de visa.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa – Programme Visa Waiver (VWP)
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse dont le pays est membre du Visa Waiver Program (VWP) bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques. Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient également d'une exemption de visa pour entrer aux États-Unis.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours. La durée de séjour autorisée est fixée par l'officier d'immigration à l'entrée sur le territoire et ne peut pas être prolongée dans le cadre du programme d'exemption de visa.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une preuve d'hébergement sur place.
Autorisation ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Avant votre arrivée aux États-Unis, toute personne voyageant dans le cadre du Visa Waiver Program doit obligatoirement obtenir une autorisation ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Les ressortissants canadiens sont en général exemptés de cette obligation.
L'ESTA est une autorisation électronique préalable requise par les autorités américaines. Elle permet de vérifier l'éligibilité du voyageur avant son départ :
informations du passeport
informations personnelles et coordonnées
réponses à des questions relatives à la sécurité et aux antécédents judiciaires
La demande doit être effectuée en ligne sur le site officiel du gouvernement américain (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), idéalement au moins 72 heures avant le départ. L'ESTA est valable deux ans (ou jusqu'à l'expiration du passeport) et permet des séjours multiples. Des frais sont applicables lors de la demande. La confirmation d'autorisation devra être présentée à la compagnie aérienne et aux services d'immigration.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour ainsi que de leur propre autorisation ESTA si leur nationalité le requiert.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité et selon que le pays est ou non membre du Visa Waiver Program. Les voyageurs non éligibles au VWP doivent obligatoirement obtenir un visa américain avant leur départ. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat des États-Unis de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel 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 insuranceFrequently 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.

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







