Holidays to California are packed full of adventures. Not only is it USA’s third-largest state, but it’s home to famous cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Its landscape is pretty diverse too, from the snow-capped peaks of Lake Tahoe in the north to the vast deserts of Southern California.
And of course you can’t come all this way without sampling its laid-back beach scene. You’ll find family-friendly stretches complete with bustling boardwalks alongside surfing hotspots perfect for watersports fans. While nature lovers can hike to serene sands backed by stunning sea cliffs.
Things to do
Set on a peninsula on California’s northwest coast, the famously hilly San Francisco has some steep streets but there’s plenty of public transport options to save your legs. More like a small town than a big city with its Victorian-style houses and old-fashioned streetcars, you’ll feel at home in no time. Take in those iconic views of Golden Gate Bridge, dive into San Fran’s theatre scene, or escape to Alcatraz Island - this place has quite the list of attractions! Have you come to California to indulge? Then you shouldn’t miss the wineries of Sonoma and Napa Valley.
For a taste of glamour head to Los Angeles, the home of red carpets and golden sands – think Laguna Beach and the iconic Malibu Beach (which inspired Baywatch). And if that wasn’t enough excitement, wait until we tell you there’s a Disneyland Resort here!
Further south of LA is sunny San Diego, which borders Mexico. Bringing the kids? They’ll love its nature theme parks such as San Diego Zoo, as well as the cultural hub of Balboa Park with its shows, museums and amazing events.
California’s cities can get pretty crowded, so if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there’s plenty of spots where you can enjoy a lazy beach day. With mile upon mile of stunning coastline, tall rocky cliffs make way for stretches of soft sand, perfect for families who wish to unwind by the sparkling sea. From San Francisco’s romantic Ocean Beach to LA’s chilled-out Laguna, you’re bound to find a shore that suits you.
If you like to get a culture fix on holiday, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re exploring the museums and theatres of San Francisco, visiting Balboa Park or looking at the night sky from the Griffith Observatory, California is a treasure-trove of fascinating sights.
Foodies are also in luck here with everything from wineries to bubble tea stands and seafood stalls to breakfast pancakes on offer. Of course, your visit to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without sipping a frappuccino on Sunset Boulevard, watching the glitzy world of Hollywood go by.
California isn’t the easiest place to get around but if you’re prepared to hire a car, its landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Outdoor lovers will be in their element with trips to Yosemite Valley and Lassen Volcanic National Park. But nothing beats a sunrise hike through Death Valley, a must when it comes to exploring the beautiful east coast in all its jaw-dropping glory.
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