Day 3. Carmel.
Attend the main concert of the festival, which takes place in a historic basilica of Carmel Mission. Advance reservation required. Spend the rest of the day at the beach, or drive to Santa Cruz for the beach activities at their amusement park.
Day 4. Carmel - San Simeon.
If driving from San Francisco - return home. If driving to Los Angeles, head South on the picturesque (but curvy) Pacific Coast Highway, which offers some of the most impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. Stop in Big Sur. If you have arrived early enough - take a guided tour of the Hurst Castle in San Simeon (for the right choice of tour there, please check our Insider's Secrets).
Night in San Simeon.
Day 5. San Simeon - Solvang - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles.
Begin your day with a tour of the Hearst Castle. Then take scenic Highway #101 to the Danish Village of Solvang - a real piece of Denmark right here in California, with windmills, typical Scandinavian architecture, homemade Danish cookies, food, and souvenirs. From Solvang, head for Santa Barbara to see its famous Court House, the historic Spanish Fort El Presidio de Santa Barbara, the Queen of California Missions, picturesque downtown Santa Barbara, and the beaches. Then continue your drive on Highway #101 along a shoreline that offers some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, cozy little towns and the beautiful landscapes of Central and Southern California Coasts. By evening, reach Los Angeles.
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