Self Drive Tour
CALIFORNIA on CAMERA

14 Days 13 Nights

From £3499.00 per person

United States

Boutique

California on Camera: A Movie Road Trip

From Hitchcockian suspense to Hollywood glamour, California has long been the ultimate backlot — a place where every landscape feels like a scene waiting to unfold. This 14-day road trip takes you deep into the heart of the Golden State’s cinematic legacy, winding through some of the most iconic film locations ever committed to screen.

You’ll stroll through noir-era alleyways and glide down palm-lined boulevards once graced by silver screen legends. From the vertiginous streets of Bullitt to the sun-drenched hideouts of Some Like It Hot, this journey is a tribute to California’s starring role in film history. Expect seaside hideaways, legendary diners, desert outposts, and blockbuster views — plus plenty of chances to recreate your own movie moments along the way.

So pack your sunnies, queue the soundtrack, and roll the opening credits. The road is calling — and action awaits.

Departure

San Francisco

Departure Date

Various

Price From

£3499 per person

Price Includes
  • 13 Nights' Accommodation

  • Full Size Rental Car

  • Local accommodation taxes

  • 3-Hour Small Group Movie Tour - San Francisco

  • 3-Hour Private Movie Tour Hollywood Area

  • 7-Hour Private Movie Tour Los Angeles East and West Side

Price Excludes
  • Flights (please let us know if you would like flights including at the time of enquiry)

  • Meals (unless shown in inclusions)

  • Anything not shown as included

Tour Gallery
Itinerary
  • Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco – Lights, Camera, Acclimatise!

    Welcome to California! After touching down in San Francisco, make your way to your hotel and settle in. With its historic streets, iconic waterfront, and cinematic skyline, the city sets the perfect stage for the start of your movie-themed adventure.
    Ease into the afternoon with a relaxed stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the city's most recognisable areas, seen in countless films including Sister Act 2, Sudden Impact, and The Princess Diaries. Soak up views of Alcatraz across the bay (Escape from Alcatraz, The Rock), watch the sea lions at Pier 39, and enjoy the colourful energy of this famous district.
    As the afternoon fades, make a stop at the Buena Vista Café — a San Francisco institution famously known for introducing Irish Coffee to America. The Buena Vista has featured in films such as When a Man Loves a Woman and Blue Jasmine, offering a perfect spot for a first toast to your cinematic journey. Settle in with an Irish Coffee and watch the cable cars clatter past, feeling as though you've stepped into a classic film scene.
    Optional: If time and energy allow, hop on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars for a scenic ride through the city’s historic hills, a true movie moment in itself.
    Highlights:
    🎞️ Fisherman’s Wharf (Sister Act 2, Sudden Impact)
    🎞️ Alcatraz (Escape from Alcatraz, The Rock)
    🎞️ Buena Vista Café (When a Man Loves a Woman, Blue Jasmine)
    🎞️ Cable Cars (The Pursuit of Happyness, Mrs. Doubtfire)

  • Day 2: Cinematic Coastlines – From Hitchcock to Apes (Round Trip from San Francisco)

    Today, you’ll head out of the city for a movie-packed day trip exploring the dramatic coastlines and misty forests just north of San Francisco — all famously featured on the silver screen.
    Start your morning with a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping at the Marin Headlands for sweeping views of the city and coast. The rugged bunkers and cliffs here were featured in Vertigo and Dirty Harry, and offer a perfect cinematic photo op.
    From there, head to the serene Muir Woods National Monument, where towering redwoods set the stage for scenes in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The forest feels like a living film set — peaceful, powerful, and otherworldly.
    Continue north along the coast to Bodega Bay, the famously moody setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. Visit the Potter Schoolhouse in nearby Bodega and enjoy lunch at The Tides Wharf Restaurant, both featured in the film. Keep your eyes on the sky — just in case.
    If time (and fog) allow, make a detour to Point Reyes Lighthouse, used in The Fog and other eerie classics. The winding road and coastal views are cinematic in their own right.
    Return to San Francisco in the evening for dinner — perhaps at a spot near City Hall, seen in Milk and The Blue Dahlia — and your second overnight stay in the city.
    Highlights:
    🎞️ Marin Headlands (Vertigo, Dirty Harry)
    🎞️ Muir Woods (Rise of the Planet of the Apes)
    🎞️ Bodega Bay (The Birds)
    🎞️ Optional: Point Reyes (The Fog)
    🎞️ San Francisco locations by night

  • Day 3: San Francisco – Streets, Sights and Silver Screen Legends

    Start your day with a star-studded journey through San Francisco’s cinematic history on the San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour — a 3-hour guided experience that takes you behind the scenes of over 50 film locations across the city. With onboard movie clips and a charismatic actor-turned-guide, you’ll see how the streets of San Francisco have doubled as everything from noir backdrops to sci-fi settings.
    The tour starts near Fisherman’s Wharf and winds through some of the city’s most visually striking neighbourhoods. You’ll pass Union Square, Nob Hill, and North Beach, where Beat poets, retro cafés, and Italian delis give the area a lived-in charm that’s made it a go-to backdrop for directors for decades. You’ll also pass landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid, featured in thrillers and action flicks, and Lombard Street, the famously twisty road that’s not actually the most crooked in town — your guide will spill the details.
    At Fort Point, beneath the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll hop off the bus for a short stop. Here, you'll be standing exactly where Vertigo’s most iconic scene was filmed, and where stars like Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, Mel Brooks, and even Starfleet’s Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner have all shared the frame.
    Another highlight is Alamo Square, home to the postcard-perfect Painted Ladies, best known from Full House but also featured in films like So I Married an Axe Murderer. The nearby Palace of Fine Arts is also a film location veteran, having appeared in Vertigo, Time After Time, The Rock, and cult classic The Room.
    After the tour, grab lunch in nearby North Beach, then spend the afternoon exploring more at your own pace. You could hop on a cable car, stroll through the leafy paths of Golden Gate Park, or do some relaxed shopping in Union Square. Finish the day with a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar or a waterfront dinner to toast your penultimate night in California.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    The Palace of Fine Arts has appeared in over a dozen films, from Hitchcock to Michael Bay — making it one of San Francisco’s most photogenic and frequently filmed landmarks.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    The San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour plays clips on-board so you can see the exact moment each location appeared on screen — perfect for film buffs and casual fans alike.

  • Day 4: Southbound to Steinbeck Country – Literary Legends and Cinematic Landscapes

    Today, you’ll leave San Francisco behind and begin your journey south into Steinbeck Country — a region immortalised in literature and brought to life on screen.
    Start your day in Salinas, the hometown of author John Steinbeck and the setting for many of his works-turned-films, including Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath. Explore the National Steinbeck Center, where interactive exhibits and film clips capture the grit, hope, and humanity of his characters.
    Next, take a short drive to Spreckels, a small town with a big claim to fame: it was the primary filming location for East of Eden (1955), starring James Dean. With its early 20th-century homes and the historic Spreckels Sugar Factory, the town still feels like a film set frozen in time. Stroll the quiet streets and imagine the tension and drama that unfolded on screen.
    From there, follow the scenic Highway 1 toward the coast and wind your way to Monterey, your stop for the night. This seaside town offers a relaxed, atmospheric end to the day. Enjoy a sunset walk along the water — it’s the kind of scene the camera loves.

    Highlights:
    🎞️ Spreckels (East of Eden)
    🎞️ Salinas (Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath)
    🎞️ National Steinbeck Center

    🎥 Film Fact
    East of Eden (1955), directed by Elia Kazan, was the only film James Dean released in his lifetime — and much of it was shot in the real town of Spreckels, giving the movie a raw, authentic feel that still lingers on its streets.

  • Day 5: Monterey to Santa Barbara – The Scenic Pacific Coast Highway and Silver Screen Sights

    Today’s drive is a blockbuster in its own right — a stunning journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, packed with sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and plenty of famous film locations along the way.
    Start your morning in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea, where Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me (1971) captured the moody beauty of the coastline. Then set off south along Highway 1, hugging the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, where films like The Sandpiper (1965, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) captured the wild, romantic atmosphere.
    Pause at the spectacular Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in America, featured in Big Little Lies (2017–2019) — the series used the bridge for its unforgettable opening credits.
    Continue your journey past Hearst Castle at San Simeon, famously featured in Citizen Kane as the inspiration for Charles Foster Kane’s Xanadu. While Hearst Castle itself was not used for actual filming, it remains a legendary symbol of movie-era opulence and can be visited on a guided tour (optional, depending on timing).
    Further south, drive past Morro Bay, whose dramatic rock formations appeared in movies like The Goonies and Pete's Dragon (2016 remake).
    Stop for lunch at Pismo Beach, another iconic location featured in Clueless (“We’re going to Pismo Beach Disaster Relief!”) — a fun movie trivia nod for the day.
    In the afternoon, continue down to the elegant city of Santa Barbara — often called "The American Riviera" — a favoured retreat for Hollywood stars since the golden age of film. In the 1940s and '50s, it was a popular shooting location for romance and drama films, and it still oozes a cinematic vibe today.
    Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the Spanish-style streets, or perhaps stroll along Stearns Wharf as the sun sets — camera-ready moments guaranteed.
    Highlights:
    🎞️ Carmel-by-the-Sea (Play Misty for Me)
    🎞️ Big Sur (The Sandpiper)
    🎞️ Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Little Lies)
    🎞️ Hearst Castle (Citizen Kane inspiration)
    🎞️ Morro Bay (Pete’s Dragon, The Goonies)
    🎞️ Pismo Beach (Clueless)
    🎞️ Santa Barbara – movie star retreat

  • Day 6: Santa Barbara to West Hollywood – From Seaside Glamour to the Heart of the Screen Scene

    After a relaxed breakfast in Santa Barbara — California’s answer to the Riviera — you’ll continue south along the Pacific Coast, following the cinematic sweep of Highway 1 toward Los Angeles. It’s a relatively easy drive (about 2.5 hours), so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the views and film-worthy stops en route.
    Your first stop is Malibu, a coastal haven with serious movie credentials. The beaches here have featured in everything from the sandy summer vibes of Grease to the wave-riding action of Point Break and the surreal world of The Big Lebowski. Pull over at El Matador State Beach or Zuma Beach for a scenic pause.
    From Malibu, continue along the coast into Santa Monica, where you’ll walk the iconic Santa Monica Pier — the official end of Route 66 and the site of key scenes in Forrest Gump, Iron Man, The Sting, and Falling Down. The nearby Third Street Promenade also made a memorable appearance in Terminator 2.
    Enjoy lunch by the beach, stroll the boardwalk, or grab a coffee with a view before heading inland to West Hollywood, your base for the next two nights. This buzzing neighbourhood places you right in the middle of Hollywood history and modern pop culture, with everything from classic studios to cool rooftop bars on your doorstep.

    🎥 Film Fact
    The Santa Monica Pier has played everything from a romantic rendezvous spot to the emotional climax of several films. Its blend of carnival nostalgia and Pacific views makes it a favourite for filmmakers chasing classic California vibes.

    🤔 Did You Know?
    Malibu’s Point Dume, just beyond Zuma Beach, was the unforgettable location for the closing shot of the original Planet of the Apes (1968), where the Statue of Liberty appears half-buried in the sand.

    🎬 Evening Option: A Night at the New Beverly Cinema
    After a day immersed in Hollywood's glitz and studio magic, settle in for a truly unique moviegoing experience at the New Beverly Cinema — a cherished Los Angeles landmark owned and programmed by Quentin Tarantino.
    Located at 7165 Beverly Boulevard, this historic theater showcases classic and cult films exclusively on 35mm (or 16mm) prints, often featuring double features and midnight screenings.
    For the latest schedule and ticket information, visit the New Beverly Cinema's official website: thenewbev.com
    Highlights: 🎞️ Authentic 35mm film presentations 🎞️ Curated double features and midnight shows 🎞️ Owned and programmed by Quentin Tarantino 🎞️ A haven for classic and cult film enthusiasts
    Note: Seating is limited (228 seats), and popular screenings can sell out. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

  • Day 7: Cut to Hollywood – Iconic Locations & Studio Secrets

    Today is a true homage to Hollywood, where fiction meets reality and film history is around every corner.
    Start your day with a private guided tour of legendary filming locations across Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Culver City. Your route may include:
    Vivian’s fire escape (Pretty Woman)

    Dom’s house and Toretto’s Market (The Fast and the Furious)

    Nancy’s house (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

    La La Land’s Mia’s apartment, dinner location, and one-woman theatre

    The Griswold house (National Lampoon’s Vacation)

    Nakatomi Plaza (Die Hard)

    “Witch House” from Clueless

    Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, featured in Singin’ in the Rain, Iron Man 3, The Aviator, and more

    Griffith Observatory, a backdrop for Rebel Without a Cause, La La Land, Terminator, and others

    Enjoy a casual lunch at a film-famous eatery such as Musso & Frank Grill, Pink’s Hot Dogs, or Canter’s Deli, all with their own film credits.

    🎬 Afternoon: Go Behind the Camera – Studio Tour
    In the afternoon, head to one of Los Angeles’ legendary film studios for a behind-the-scenes tour where the movie magic is made.
    Choose between:
    Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Hollywood
    Walk actual backlots used in Friends, La La Land, Gilmore Girls, The Big Bang Theory, and Argo. Visit sound stages, explore props, and even sit on the famous Central Perk couch.

    Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
    The only major studio still located in Hollywood proper. See the historic gates, visit working soundstages, and spot filming locations for Sunset Boulevard, Forrest Gump, and Mission: Impossible.

    Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience (if preferred)
    A premium option that blends rides with real sets — perfect if you want a thrill alongside studio secrets. Films featured include Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Psycho, and Fast & Furious.

    Afterwards, return to West Hollywood to relax or enjoy a night out — you’re in the heart of the entertainment industry, after all.

    🎥 Film Fact
    Warner Bros. Studios’ Midwest Street has appeared in over 400 productions — from The Music Man to Pretty Little Liars — making it one of the most reused backlot streets in Hollywood.

    🤔 Did You Know?
    Paramount Pictures, founded in 1912, is the longest-operating film studio in the U.S. and was home to stars like Audrey Hepburn and Alfred Hitchcock.

  • Day 8: East and Westside L.A. – A Private Tour of Screen Legends

    Today is a film buff’s fantasy brought to life — a private, customisable tour through some of L.A.’s most iconic neighbourhoods and suburban streetscapes, packed with cinematic history. From cult classics to box office smashes, the day will showcase a vast collection of filming locations from both East and West Los Angeles, tailored to your group’s favourite films and genres.
    You’ll visit locations from Back to the Future (Doc Brown’s house, Biff’s house, George McFly’s home), Father of the Bride (the George Banks house), and Halloween (Michael Myers’ house, Laurie Strode’s house, and more). Fans of ‘80s and ‘90s hits can geek out over stops like Pee Wee’s House (Pee Wee’s Big Adventure), Fletch’s Apartment, Pedro’s House from Up in Smoke, and Jerry’s Condo from Jerry Maguire.
    Horror fans are in for a treat, with a full array of Nightmare on Elm Street locations including:
    Freddy’s alleyway behind Tina’s house

    Glen and Nancy’s bridge scene

    The Katja Institute for Sleep Disorders

    Westin Hills from Dream Warriors

    Venice High School from Elm Street Part 4, American History X, and Grease

    You’ll also pass:
    The Big Lebowski’s apartment

    The Dude’s bowling alley diner (Speed)

    The Trax Record Store from Pretty in Pink

    The pub from The Lincoln Lawyer

    The Chase House from My So-Called Life

    The iconic Golden Girls house exterior

    Some locations serve double (or triple) duty in movie history:
    Pasadena City Hall: Beverly Hills Cop II, Parks and Recreation

    Rialto Theatre: La La Land, Scream 2, The Kentucky Fried Movie

    Super A Foods: A Star is Born (2018), Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

    Santa Monica Pier: Forrest Gump, Ruthless People, The Sting

    Randy’s Donuts: Iron Man 2, Earth Girls Are Easy, 2012

    If you're touring over a weekend, schools like Marshall Fundamental High School (Transformers) and Clark Secondary School (Superbad) may also be accessible for photo stops.
    Lunch or dinner can be woven into the day at a spot like Rae’s Restaurant, famously featured in True Romance, for a dose of diner-style nostalgia.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    The house from The Holiday — Amanda’s ultra-modern L.A. mansion — is tucked away in Brentwood and looks exactly as it did on screen. Just one of dozens of real-life film homes you’ll see today.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    Despite being set in Florida, The Golden Girls house was actually built on a quiet L.A. street — and fans still make pilgrimages to see it.

  • Day 9: West Hollywood to Palm Springs: From Studio Lights to Starry Nights

    Time to leave the coast behind as you head inland on one of the most diverse driving days of the trip. You’ll pass through lush mountains, dusty Wild West towns, and finally arrive in the palm-lined oasis of Palm Springs.
    Start your morning heading east towards the San Bernardino Mountains, climbing into the cool forest air of Big Bear Lake. This alpine resort town has been a scenic backdrop for films like The Parent Trap (1998), Next, and Magnolia. Take a stroll along the lakeside or grab brunch with a view — you’ll find the fresh mountain air a real contrast to the bustle of L.A.
    From there, descend into the high desert and stop at Pioneertown — a once-operational Old West movie set built in the 1940s by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. It now serves as a quirky hamlet of artists and locals, and its atmospheric dusty streets are perfect for a wander. Grab a drink or bite at Pappy and Harriet’s, a bar and grill famous for its live music and celebrity sightings.
    Arrive in Palm Springs by late afternoon, where mid-century architecture, swaying palms and a warm desert welcome await. Check into your hotel and cool off with a dip in the pool or a cocktail on the terrace — this town knows how to do glamour.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    Big Bear Lake has doubled for everything from Colorado to Maine in films, thanks to its versatile looks and easy access from Hollywood. It’s one of Southern California’s most filmed mountain locations.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    Pioneertown still doesn’t have paved roads through the main set — just the way the cowboys liked it. But it’s been used in modern music videos, indie films, and fashion shoots, keeping its cult status alive.

  • Day 10: Palm Springs – Poolside Glamour and Hollywood History

    After yesterday’s road trip adventure, today is all about slowing down and soaking up the stylish desert vibes of Palm Springs — once the ultimate hideaway for Hollywood’s biggest stars.
    Start your day with a dramatic elevation change — take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. The rotating tramcar climbs over 8,500 feet and has that “Bond villain lair” feel to it. At the top? Pine forests, crisp air, and sweeping desert views. (Mission: Impossible III used similar desert-to-mountain contrast in its Shanghai scenes.)
    Back in town, dive into Palm Springs’ claim to fame: mid-century modern architecture. Take a self-guided drive through Vista Las Palmas, where stars like Elvis and Liberace had homes. Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate is here too — a true architectural icon and filming inspiration for retro-set productions.
    Stop for a bite along Palm Canyon Drive, then pop into the Palm Springs Art Museum, where classic Western art meets contemporary cool. If you’re up for more sightseeing, head to the Moorten Botanical Garden, home to the world’s first “cactarium” — the perfect retro-cinematic photo op.
    Later, stroll the gardens at Sunnylands, once the desert retreat of the Annenbergs and frequented by everyone from Marilyn Monroe to President Obama. It’s been featured in political documentaries and travel shows for its mix of diplomacy and design.
    Wrap up the evening with a vintage cocktail at Melvyn’s, where Rat Pack legends once held court — and where the spirit of Ocean’s Eleven (1960) still lingers.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    Palm Springs was the location for the 2020 film Palm Springs, a twisty time-loop rom-com starring Andy Samberg. Many of the scenes were filmed around the Ace Hotel and nearby desert roads.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    The area around Palm Springs was often used in classic Hollywood films to stand in for desert scenes — from ancient Egypt to the American West. Even Bob Hope’s futuristic home, perched in the hills, has been featured in sci-fi location scouts!

  • Day 11: Palm Springs to San Diego: From Desert Glare to Ocean Air

    Leave the retro cool of Palm Springs behind and hit the road heading south. Today’s drive offers a surreal mix of landscapes — from post-apocalyptic deserts to pine-covered mountains — before rolling into the sun-kissed cinematic city of San Diego.
    Your first detour is the eerie Salton Sea – a once-buzzing resort-turned-environmental oddity that’s now a favourite backdrop for dystopian indie films and music videos. Think Into the Wild meets Mad Max. Stop for a few photos and take in the salty, shimmering landscape.
    Just nearby is Salvation Mountain, an explosion of colour and faith in the middle of nowhere. This technicolour hill of paint and devotion starred in Into the Wild (2007) and has since become a cult roadside attraction. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson set.
    From there, wind your way up into the mountains for lunch in Julian, a historic gold rush town with proper Old West vibes. It’s known for its apple pies, antique shops, and rustic saloons — the sort of place where a cowboy shootout wouldn’t feel out of place. Indie filmmakers love it for its authentic frontier look.
    Continue your drive into San Diego, arriving by late afternoon. Depending on your style, you could stay in the lively Gaslamp Quarter — all neon, nightlife and speakeasies — or opt for cinematic history with a stay at Hotel del Coronado, famously featured in Some Like It Hot.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    The Hotel del Coronado stood in for the "Seminole Ritz" in Some Like It Hot (1959), where Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon brought one of Hollywood’s greatest comedies to life.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    The bar where Maverick sings “Great Balls of Fire” in Top Gun still exists in downtown San Diego. It's called Kansas City Barbeque, and it’s filled with memorabilia from the film.

  • Day 12: San Diego – Call Signs and Classic Scenes

    Today’s all about sun, film, and fighter jets. San Diego may be laid-back, but it’s played a starring role in some major productions — especially those involving uniforms, aviators, and epic sunsets.
    Start your morning in Coronado with a visit to the legendary Hotel del Coronado — backdrop to Some Like It Hot (1959). Its Victorian elegance, beachside setting, and links to Hollywood royalty make it a must-see. Even if you’re not staying there, grab coffee with an ocean view and explore the grounds.
    From there, head into downtown San Diego to visit Kansas City Barbeque, where Top Gun’s iconic piano scene was filmed. It’s small, kitsch, and still full of memorabilia. (Yes, you can take selfies at that piano.)
    Next up: head to the USS Midway Museum, a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in San Diego Bay. While not a direct filming location, it brings Top Gun, Battleship, and other naval dramas to life — and you can even climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet. For aviation buffs, this is blockbuster gold.
    In the afternoon, explore the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its vibrant bars, indie theatres and vintage charm. Think Anchorman vibes (even if it wasn’t filmed here) — and it’s perfect for a bit of downtime, shopping, or street photography.
    If you’re up for a drive, head up the coast to La Jolla Cove or Torrey Pines — often used in commercials and films for their dramatic cliffs and epic surf. Or just kick back with a sundowner at George’s at the Cove, where the Pacific puts on a show of its own.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    Top Gun was filmed across San Diego, including NAS Miramar, now MCAS Miramar — though the “Top Gun school” has since moved to Nevada. Fans still flock to the original spots to feel the need for speed.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    The Hotel del Coronado is rumoured to have inspired the look of the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz — author L. Frank Baum even wrote part of the story while staying there.

  • Day 13: San Diego – Indie Vibes and Scenic Sides

    Depart St. Louis early

    San Diego isn’t just about high-octane jets and oceanfront glamour — today’s all about its softer, artsier side. Expect colourful murals, nostalgic architecture, and a touch of California cool that’s straight out of an indie film.
    Start your morning in the lush surroundings of Balboa Park, often dubbed “the Smithsonian of the West.” The park’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture has starred in Citizen Kane, Almost Famous, and dozens of period dramas and documentaries. Don’t miss the lily pond near the Botanical Building — a favourite spot for romantic scenes and moody introspection in film.
    Step inside the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts, where you can dive into visual storytelling and get inspired by both still and moving images — ideal for cinema lovers.
    For lunch, head to Liberty Public Market in Liberty Station, a former naval base turned creative hub. With its artisan food stalls, street musicians, and casual vibe, it feels like a scene from a Sundance Festival darling. Eat outside and people-watch — you’ll see what we mean.
    In the afternoon, take your pick between coast and culture:
    Ocean Beach gives you boardwalks, vintage surf shops, and laid-back locals straight out of Lords of Dogtown. Grab a craft beer and watch the waves roll in.

    Or explore Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park, home to towering murals under the freeway overpass — it’s raw, powerful, and visually stunning. A favourite for art students, documentary filmmakers, and anyone seeking soul.

    Wrap up your final night in San Diego with a sunset stroll along the Pacific Beach Pier or a casual dinner at a retro diner or taco joint with neon signage — think Drive (2011) meets Pulp Fiction meets SoCal chill.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    Parts of Citizen Kane were filmed in Balboa Park — and its architecture has been repurposed countless times to stand in for Spanish missions, Mexican plazas, and even Arabian streets.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    The Ocean Beach Pier is one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast — and it's a favourite of location scouts thanks to its dramatic length and panoramic Pacific views.

  • Day 14: Departure: Final Frame Until The Sequel

    It’s your final day on the California on Camera trail — but don’t worry, the reel isn’t over just yet. Depending on your flight time, you’ve got a few hours to squeeze in a little more sightseeing, shopping, or that final California breakfast.
    If you’re up early, take a stroll along Seaport Village or grab a relaxed brunch in the Gaslamp Quarter — plenty of open-air cafés, street performers, and quirky boutiques perfect for last-minute gifts or film-themed souvenirs.
    Alternatively, head to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where Westerns have come to life on-screen. It’s part museum, part shopping hub, and gives a great send-off if you want a taste of old California charm.
    If you missed it earlier in the trip, stop by Kansas City Barbeque one last time — the piano from Top Gun is still there, and so is the pulled pork.
    Then it’s time to head to the airport. Pop your sunglasses on, cue the theme from La La Land, and say farewell to California — you’ve walked in the footsteps of icons, stood in the shadows of legends, and followed the camera from the city to the sea.

    🎥 Film Fact:
    Top Gun: Maverick (2022) reused several locations from the original film, including San Diego’s coastline and military airfields — giving the city a new generation of cinematic fame.
    🤔 Did You Know?
    San Diego International Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown — one of the easiest departures of any major city in California. That means less time stressing, and more time to soak up the final scenes.

Hotels
  • San Francisco

    San Francisco – Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf

    Tucked just steps from the waterfront, Hotel Zoe is your boutique base in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf — one of San Francisco’s most recognisable film locations. With sleek, nautical-inspired design and a relaxed, upscale vibe, it offers easy access to classic movie backdrops like Vertigo, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Rock. In the evenings, you’re perfectly placed for a sunset stroll with views of the Golden Gate or a cable car ride straight from the screen.

  • Monterey

    Spindrift Inn

    Perched on historic Cannery Row, the Spindrift Inn combines oceanfront charm with a vintage, storybook feel — ideal for stepping into the world of John Steinbeck, whose writings inspired the films Cannery Row and East of Eden. With canopy beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and balconies that overlook the bay, this romantic hideaway lets you drift off to sleep with the sound of waves and a sense that you’re living in your own classic film moment.

  • Santa Barbara

    Bath Street Inn

    In a quiet neighbourhood just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, the Bath Street Inn offers a cosy, Victorian-style stay filled with warmth, homemade breakfasts, and authentic charm. With its wraparound porches, friendly hosts, and leafy setting, it feels like a location pulled from a 1940s Hollywood romance or a Nora Ephron screenplay. It’s the perfect soft-focus setting to relax, recharge, and rewind.

  • West Hollywood

    Sunset Marquis

    Hidden just off Sunset Boulevard, the Sunset Marquis is a legendary haunt for Hollywood insiders, musicians, and actors — a place where film history isn’t just referenced, it lives and breathes. It has hosted everyone from rock stars to Oscar winners, and its on-site recording studio has a fanbase of its own. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in the garden or soaking in the celebrity aura, this is where you come to stay in the script, not just read it.

  • Palm Springs

    Drift Palm Springs

    Modern, minimalist, and effortlessly cool, Drift Palm Springs channels the sleek energy of a modern art film set against the vintage glamour of this desert oasis. With clean lines, sun-drenched courtyards, and a stylish pool scene, it's the kind of stay where you can imagine scenes from Palm Springs Weekend reimagined with a Netflix sensibility. Perfect for unwinding — or making a bit of movie magic of your own.

  • San Diego

    Lafayette Hotel & Club

    With its bold retro interiors and restored 1940s soul, the Lafayette Hotel & Club is pure vintage cinema. This historic property has welcomed movie stars, musicians, and even served as a filming location for Top Gun. Following a stylish revamp, it now combines throwback glamour with fresh, playful design. Whether lounging poolside or sipping cocktails at the club, this is a true closing scene for your California movie road trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Stand where Jimmy Stewart watched the bay in Vertigo at Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

    Visit the eerie shores of Bodega Bay, Hitchcock’s setting for The Birds.

    Climb aboard a vintage cable car, just like in The Pursuit of Happyness and Mrs. Doubtfire.

    Walk the twisty turns of Lombard Street, a backdrop in countless car chases and comedies.

    Discover Salinas and Spreckels, home turf for Steinbeck’s stories and East of Eden.

    Pause at Bixby Creek Bridge, the dramatic opening shot of Big Little Lies.

    Tour Hearst Castle, inspiration for the infamous Xanadu in Citizen Kane.

    Snap a photo at Malibu’s Point Dume, site of the final reveal in Planet of the Apes (1968).

    Stroll the Santa Monica Pier, seen in Forrest Gump, Iron Man, and Falling Down.

    Dine at Musso & Frank Grill, a Hollywood institution featured in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.

    Tour filming locations from Back to the Future, Pretty Woman, and Clueless on a private LA movie locations tour.

    Go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. or Paramount on a classic Hollywood studio tour.

    Snap a selfie at Griffith Observatory, where Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land captured the stars.

    Visit Michael Myers’ house, Nancy’s street from Nightmare on Elm Street, and Dom’s garage from Fast & Furious.

    Take in the dusty charm of Pioneertown, an original Western movie set turned desert hangout.

    Explore Palm Springs’ mid-century homes, once retreats for Frank Sinatra and Elvis.

    Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a Bond-worthy climb into the clouds.

    See Salvation Mountain, a psychedelic hill of devotion featured in Into the Wild.

    Visit Kansas City Barbeque, where Goose belted out “Great Balls of Fire” in Top Gun.

    Wander Balboa Park, featured in Citizen Kane, Almost Famous, and many period dramas.

🎬 Customise Your Script
This journey is yours to direct — and like any great film, the script is flexible. While this itinerary follows a suggested schedule, it can be adapted to suit your travel dates, interests, and pacing. Want to extend your time in a favourite location, swap out scenes, or add a few extra stops along the way? No problem. We’ll work with you to tailor the experience so your California story unfolds exactly the way you want it — with every moment worthy of the big screen.

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