A California-to-Polynesia Journey Built for Effortless Contrast
This California to Bora Bora itinerary (18 nights) moves like a perfect story: city energy in San Francisco, vineyard calm in Napa Valley, wild grandeur in Yosemite National Park, and the cinematic drive of the Pacific Coast Highway—before the reset truly begins in French Polynesia with Le Taha’a Resort and Spa and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Explore more inspiration: The USA · French Polynesia
Open-road California, then a lagoon that feels like a deep exhale
San Francisco & Napa Valley — City Buzz, Then Vineyard Calm
Begin in San Francisco, where the city’s greatest hits are best enjoyed with smart pacing: The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, green parks, and fashion-forward boutiques—balanced with time to simply feel the neighborhood rhythm. Your base is Proper Hotel, ideally placed for exploring, with the kind of rooftop moment that sets the tone for the trip.
Then, pick up a convertible and take the scenic drive into Napa Valley. Here, the experience is all about ease and indulgence: curated tastings with expert sommeliers, vineyard days that never feel rushed, and downtime at Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa Valley—an idyllic place to reset between glasses, views, and unhurried meals. We can also arrange the perfect picnic, laid out with the kind of detail that makes it feel effortlessly special.
Yosemite National Park & Big Sur — Waterfalls, Granite, Route Number One
Next, trade vineyards for wilderness as you head to Yosemite National Park—a landscape of winding rivers, soaring granite, and cascading falls. If you’re feeling bold, there’s even time for a dip in glacier-cold water. For your stay, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (also known as The Ahwahnee Hotel) matches the setting with a sense of history and place.
From here, the road calls. Drive southbound along Route Number One on the Pacific Coast Highway—a 655-mile ribbon of cliffs, rivers, and bridges built for roof-down cruising. Your overnight in Big Sur is as memorable as the drive itself, with a pause at Post Ranch Inn, perched high above the coastline. Don’t miss the view over the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge—it’s pure California.
Le Taha’a & Bora Bora — Motu Tautau to Overwater Living
Now, swap car keys for boarding passes and head into French Polynesia. Your first chapter in the islands is four nights at Le Taha’a Resort and Spa, an overwater escape that feels beautifully removed from the world. Spend days drifting between lagoon swims, spa time, and the simple joy of watching bright underwater life from your bungalow.
You’ll also “hole up” on Motu Tautau, where the only agenda is quiet water, soft light, and that rare sense of having the ocean to yourself.
Then it’s a short hop to your next stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Expect a seamless step-up in indulgence—high-touch service, overwater privacy, and days designed around pure, unhurried ease.
Santa Monica & Los Angeles — One Last Sunset
Before heading home, return to California for a final stretch of coast-and-city polish at Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica. Between sunsets, stroll the famous Santa Monica pier, or head into downtown LA for world-class shopping and dining. If you want to add a “pinch-me” moment, we can arrange a movie set visit or even courtside seats at a Lakers game—tailored to your interests and timing.
Ready for Something Extraordinary?
Tell us your dates, who’s traveling (and ages), and the balance you want between city culture, open-road scenery, and pure lagoon downtime. We’ll curate stays, private logistics, and experiences beyond the standard menu—then deliver a final itinerary with checklists and support for changes, so every handoff feels seamless.
Signature Experiences
- San Francisco icons: The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz
- A stylish stay in the city at Proper Hotel
- Curated vineyard tastings in Napa Valley with expert sommeliers
- Rest-and-reset luxury at Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa Valley
- Waterfalls and wild beauty in Yosemite National Park with a stay at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel / The Ahwahnee Hotel
- The Pacific Coast Highway drive (Route Number One), including Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge
- Overwater time at Le Taha’a Resort and Spa + castaway calm on Motu Tautau
- A final lagoon chapter at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, then sunsets at Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
Why Travel to California & French Polynesia with Escape Xperts
This kind of multi-stop journey only feels luxurious when the transitions are engineered—car pickups, check-ins, driving days, flight timing, and island handoffs handled without friction. Escape Xperts curates the right rooms, the right pacing, and trusted local partners so your time stays protected and your experience stays private. We design around your travelers (including ages), balancing big icons with real breathing room. Your planning/design fee becomes tangible deliverables: a discovery session, curated options, thoughtful iterations, and a final itinerary with checklists—plus support if plans shift before or during travel. CREATE TRIP
