California Holidays

California

A bastion of liberalism with the sixth largest economy in the world, California stretches from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the warm seas of the Pacific Ocean.

Home to historic cities and famous theme parks, towering redwoods and barren deserts, magnificent national parks and the greatest coastal road in the world, California truly is a country within a country. This giant state has so much to offer. Walk the colourful streets of San Francisco, visit Alcatraz and gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge, cross the bay to the winelands of northern California or visit the gold rush towns of the Sierra Nevadas and Lake Tahoe. Follow iconic Highway 1 on the ultimate road trip as it winds its way along the stunning Pacific coast from Monterrey and Big Sur to Los Angeles and San Diego or, for lovers of the great outdoors, explore the other-worldly landscapes of Death Valley and Yosemite national parks.

Holiday Ideas for California

Bixby Bridge near Big Su, California, USA

12 DAYS

Coastal California and the Bright Lights of Las Vegas

from £2500 - £3200
per person

Redwood Trees, Redwood National Park, California

15 DAYS

Pacific Northwest - San Francisco to Seattle

from £2850 - £3550
per person

Palms at sunset overlooking the sea in Los Angeles, California

14 DAYS

Coastal California in Depth

from £2650 - £3350
per person

10 DAYS

San Francisco, LA and Las Vegas Explorer

from £2000 - £2700
per person

20 DAYS

The Ultimate Western USA

from £3300 - £4000
per person

14 DAYS

Northern California, the Lakes and Las Vegas

from £2650 - £3350
per person

17 DAYS

Route 66 in Reverse - Los Angeles to Chicago

from £2500 - £3000
per person

Napa Valley winery house and vineyard, California

10 DAYS

San Francisco and the Winelands of Napa

from £2300 - £3000
per person

Gas pump in desert along Route 66 in USA

16 DAYS

Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

from £2900 - £3400
per person

13 DAYS

Ultimate Nevada Road Trip

from £2400 - £3100
per person

21 DAYS

Route 66 and Highway 1

from £3600 - £4000
per person

Start Planning Your Holiday

When to visit California

California is a year-round destination with weather similar to the Mediterranean – think warm, dry summers, and mild winters. Whilst there is no bad time to visit the Golden State, the best time to travel to California is generally considered as spring – typically March through early June – where the mountains are covered in lush greens grass and wildflowers, the deserts are awash with colourful blooms and the expensive summer prices have yet to kick in. July and August tend to be hot months with very high number of visitors and increased prices. Early autumn – September and October – are also great months for a trip to California, especially the wine regions such as Napa and Sonoma as it is grape harvest time. San Francisco and the North Coast see some of their sunniest days during this time of year too.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in California

Vibrant and diverse, California boasts iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, world-class resorts, and a wonderful wine region. If you are looking to explore the region’s natural beauty whilst on a California road trip, why not incorporate one of the state’s spectacular national parks. From the waterfalls and forests of Yosemite to the desert-like landscapes of Joshua Tree, there are nine national parks to choose from. The Golden State is also home to some stunning coastal scenery – Highway 1 that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of California offers breathtaking viewpoints, quaint seaside towns and beautiful wild beaches. City wise – head to LA for a spot of shopping and star spotting, or cosmopolitan San Francisco to explore the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz. Families and thrill seekers may wish to visit some of the world’s best theme parks whilst in California which include Disneyland and Universal Studios, or why not incorporate a visit to San Diego which houses many attractions suitable for children.