Jet off to the stunning waterfront location of San Francisco, then on to enjoy the year-round sunshine of Los Angeles.
California Holidays
Expect to find
Outdoor Adventure
California is home to fantastic national parks
Beach Day Bliss
California beaches are some of the best in the world
Captivating city break
The cities of California offer something for every holiday goer
Overview
The Golden State
California, the crown jewel of the United States, beckons you with its irresistible charm and boundless treasures. Prepare to be captivated by a state that offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences, leaving you yearning for more. Welcome to the Golden State, where dreams come alive!
Tailor Make your California Holiday
Whether you crave exhilarating adventures, cultural immersions, or simply a moment of pure relaxation, California holidays have it all, and so much more.
Ready to start planning? Talk to our team and they’ll be happy to provide a quote.
Our California Holidays
Discover vibrant cities and explore the West Coast.
San Francisco & Los Angeles
San Francisco & Los Angeles
7 Nights From €1799 per person
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San Francisco, Hawaii & Los Angeles
San Francisco, Hawaii & Los Angeles
12 Nights From €3769 per person
Three fantastic destinations in one magical trip
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San Francisco, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
San Francisco, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
9 Nights From €2389 per person
This multi centre holiday to America offers you the best of West Coast destinations!
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California Road Trips
Hit the open road and explore stunning coastlines, deserts and national parks.
California Road Trip Adventure
California Road Trip Adventure
12 Nights From €1665 per person
Fly to the West Coast and make your way along one of the most impressive coastal driving routes in the world.
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Pacific Coast Explorer Fly Drive
Pacific Coast Explorer Fly Drive
10 Nights From €3234 per person
Fly to the West Coast and embark on an iconic 10-night American road trip along the Pacific!
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Eagle Rider Route 66 Self Guided Motorcycle Tour
Eagle Rider Route 66 Self Guided Motorcycle Tour
14 Nights From €6999 per person
A 15 day journey riding along the world famous “Mother Road” highway from Chicago to Los Angeles by motorcycle.
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Cruises
Set sail on an adventure and explore the Pacific coast by sea and onwards to Hawaii.
San Diego & LA Stay with Mexico Cruise
San Diego & LA Stay with Mexico Cruise
13 Nights From €2365 per person
Let life come to you with a city break & cruise holiday on the US West Coast and Mexico.
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California's Top Destinations
Things to Do
California is diverse, beautiful and exciting. Stretching some 800 miles north to south, The Golden State offers a huge diversity of landscapes, from Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the north to Joshua Tree National Park and Sequoia National Forest in the south. Explore sophisticated San Francisco, glamorous Los Angeles and sunny San Diego. Holidays to California offer endless opportunities for adventure, rejuvenation, and awe-inspiring moments that will stay with you forever.
Step into vibrant cities, pulsating with life and offering an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, and creativity. Lose yourself in the star-studded boulevards of Hollywood, where the glitz and glamour of the silver screen come alive.
California holidays truly offer something for everyone, here’s a look at some of the best places to visit while on holiday in California.
- San Francisco: Explore the “City by the Bay” by cable car, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge or strolling down Valencia Street to check out the bars and restaurants.
- Santa Cruz: Visit this funky beach town – the birthplace of California surfing.
- Monterey & Carmel: Walk on wind-swept beaches, and enjoy fine dining before watching the seals in all their glory!
- Big Sur: Drive along one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline.
- Santa Barbara: The American Riviera beckons with Spanish architecture, a gentle climate and award-winning vineyards.
- Huntington Beach: In this classic beach town, learn to surf or join the experts.
- San Diego: Shop in Horton Plaza and wander through unique neighbourhoods, before heading to the golden sand beaches.
One of the best ways to explore California is on a road trip adventure. Take the trip of a lifetime along California’s spectacular coast.
Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails, camping under starlit skies, or capturing the perfect photograph, California’s national parks provide an unparalleled connection with nature.
From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park to the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park, California’s national parks offer a paradise for outdoor exploration. Discover the ancient giant sequoias in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where you can stand in awe of the world’s largest living trees. Explore the rugged coastline and towering redwood forests of Redwood National and State Parks, where tranquillity and majesty intertwine.
Soak in the splendour of the Golden State’s diverse ecosystems, from the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast. California’s Great Outdoors offer endless opportunities for adventure, rejuvenation, and awe-inspiring moments that will stay with you forever.
Discover stunning beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting you to soak up the sun and surrender to the rhythm of the waves.
California has an amazing beach culture. Whether you like to fish from a pier, snorkel, surf, boogie board, parasail, water-ski, swim or simply soak up the sun, there’s a California beach waiting for you.
Holidays to California offer the perfect opportunity for thrill seekers to get their taste of theme park thrills. California is home to some of the best theme parks in the US. Whether you want to keep it classic at the original Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure or want to explore the incredible world of movies brought to life at Universal Studios Hollywood, California Theme Parks have it all.
For the true thrill seeker, a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain is sure to keep your hair raised throughout the day. Another popular California theme park is the infamous Knotts Berry Farm, with 57 acres of pure fun. For gamers, Super Nintendo World is an absolute must, while Lego lovers will thrive in the incredible LEGOLAND California.
Best Times To Travel
March – May
March to May is ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. This is when the desert flowers begin to bloom, particularly in Death Valley. It’s also festival season – catch Coachella in April or the vibrant San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival. Coastal areas are pleasant, while mountain regions may still have snow at higher elevations.
June-August
Coastal areas like Santa Monica and San Diego enjoy balmy beach weather, while in cities like Los Angeles, the temperatures can reach 28°C. It’s a great time to explore national parks like Yosemite and Griffith Park.
September-November
Autumn is comfortably warm with temperatures averaging 18°C to 26°C across California, creating the perfect conditions for exploring wine country during harvest season. It’s also the time that the coastal fog starts to clear, making it great for road trips.
December – February
In winter, temperatures are mild, ranging from 14°C to 20°C, making it an ideal time to visit cities without the crowds. It’s the perfect time for viewing holiday lights in places like San Francisco and even whale watching opportunities along the Pacific Coast.
Guides
Staff Tips
Los Angeles - You can get photographed with a star, at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. You never know which famous wax figure will be on display at the entrance off Hollywood Boulevard, a free photo opp waiting to happen. Any of the street performers will pose but you have to tip!
Diane WilliamsPersonal Travel Planner
California FAQs
How many days do I need to explore California?
For a trip to California, you’ll want at least 10-12 days, however 2+ weeks is best for road trips and multi-city itineraries.
What are the must-visit destinations for a first trip to California?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Yosemite and Napa Valley are top picks for iconic sights and experiences.
Where should I fly to for a California road trip?
Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) are great starting points, with easy access to coastal drives and national parks.
Do I need a rental car, or can I rely on public transportation?
A rental car is best for exploring beyond the major cities, especially for national parks and coastal routes. However, cities like San Francisco have good public transport options.
What’s the best way to travel between cities in California—car, train, or plane?
Driving provides the most freedom, while flights save time for long distances. Trains like the Amtrak are scenic, but can be slower.
What national parks should I visit in California?
Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and the Redwood National Park are all must-sees for stunning landscapes.
Is driving the Pacific Coast Highway worth it, and how long does it take?
Absolutely! The full route from San Francisco to San Diego takes around 3 days, allowing for stops in places like Big Sur, Monterey and Malibu.
What are the best theme parks in California?
For a magical experience, Disneyland in Anaheim is a must. Thrillseekers will love Universal Studios Hollywood for movie-themed rides, while families with little ones might prefer LEGOLAND, Knotts Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
What are the best beaches in California?
For lively boardwalks, head to Santa Monica and Venice Beach. If you prefer dramatic cliffs and secluded coves, head to Big Sur or Laguna Beach, and Malibu is another great option, thanks to its pristine shores. In San Francisco, Ocean Beach is a 3.5 miles stretch of beach or just north of the city, is Stinson Beach close to Muir Woods, both perfect to catch the sunrise or stunning sunset over the Pacific.
What are the best hiking spots in California?
For some of the best hiking spots in California, head to Yosemite’s Half Dome, Griffith Park and the Joshua Tree trails.
Where can I see California’s famous giant redwood trees?
For the most spectacular redwood trees, head to Muir Woods just outside San Francisco or Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California.
What are the must-try foods in California?
Don’t leave California without trying the iconic In-N-Out for quintessential California-style fast food (order it ‘Animal Style’.) Originating in Baja California, a fish taco is a must. San Francisco is famed for its sourdough bread, which goes particularly well with smashed avocado and of course, one of California’s most famous exports is its wine.
What are the best wine regions to visit in California?
Napa Valley, Sonoma and Monterey are our top picks for wine regions.
What is the weather like in different parts of California?
California’s weather varies dramatically by region. Coastal areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco enjoy mild, sunny climates with cooler summers near the Bay Area. Desert areas like Palm Springs can face extreme heat in the summer but enjoy pleasant winters, while more mountainous regions like Lake Tahoe have snowy winters and warm summers.
What should I know about driving in California, including traffic and road conditions?
Traffic can be heavy in Los Angeles and San Francisco; however, highways are well-maintained and have many scenic routes.
