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California

CALIFORNIA

California

California. It’s all wannabe starlets and cosmetic surgery, right? Wrong. For every fledgling (or failing) superstar there’s a corner of California that will surprise and delight. With sun-kissed vineyards stretching from Napa to Sonoma, and the dazzling beaches of San Diego, there are golden bridges and golden shorelines, Anaheim attractions and sexy cities with a cult-like following - who knew this little diva could be so diverse?

With oceans, canyons, balmy nights and barmy people (shout out to the locals of Venice Beach) you’ll want to commandeer a Cadillac and drive off into the sunset. You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. This is the land of road trips and grand slammin’ good times, and when it comes to a mile-a-minute holiday, you just hit the US jackpot.

Other California Destinations you may like:
> LOS ANGELES     > ANAHEIM     > SAN FRANCISCO



OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN CALIFORNIA


Yosemite
Yosemite

Just three and a half hours drive from San Francisco you’ll find Yosemite National Park with its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring cliffs. Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to immerse yourself in nature, you’ll find your place in Yosemite.

Sonoma Wine Country
Sonoma

Sonoma Wine Country - Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco you’ll find a genuine and adventurous California wine country experience. With more than 400 friendly wineries, 40 plus spas, farm-to-table restaurants and hiking and biking trails, Sonoma Wine Country beckons the adventurous, the curious, and the lovers of the laid-back Northern California lifestyle.

Napa Valley
Napa Valley

Come and experience the legendary Napa Valley – where more than 400 world-class wineries, friendly faces, historic surroundings, miles of nature reserves and a spirit of wellness set a slower pace, inviting you to relax, savour and restore.

San Diego
San Diego

California’s second largest city still manages to retain the feel of a seaside resort town. Spend your days at world-famous SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. For an authentic Mexican experience head for Old Town San Diego. Add beautiful beaches like Mission Beach, great museums and fabulous shopping, and you’ve got a destination that’s muy caliente!.

 
Palm Springs
Palm Springs

With over 350 days of sunshine a year, Palm Springs has the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and casual relaxation. With everything from old Hollywood history, Native American heritage to a stellar collection of mid-century modern architecture you’ll find things are a bit different here.

Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway - Stretching from Seattle to Los Angeles, this drive gives you a taste of the forest, ocean and city. Drive over iconic Bixby Bridge, along Big Sur, see Hearst Castle and visit the Danish town of Solvang. Discover the beaches of Santa Barbara, Malibu and Santa Monica before reaching the land of glitz and glamour, Hollywood in L.A.

Monterey and Carmel
Monterey & Carmel

Just south of San Francisco you’ll find the lovely coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel. Take a drive along the scenic 17 Mile Drive and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course in Carmel. Explore the Aquarium in Monterey and take a stroll along Cannery Row and watch the sea otters play.

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine Lake in North America; deep and wide, bluer than blue and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Enjoy a winter wonderland during the winter months and then a gorgeous mountain spring, summer, and autumn. Go hiking, biking or skiing in the mountains or get out on the water for a multitude of water sports.



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CALIFORNIA



Balboa-Park BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO

The 1200 beautiful and lushly planted acres in the downtown area is home to; more than 17 museums, many performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and the San Diego Zoo.

San-Diego-Zoo SAN DIEGO ZOO & SAFARI PARK
 

An urban paradise for all ages with more than 4000 rare and fascinating animals. See giant pandas, gorillas, tigers, flamingos, polar bears, koalas, and many more. The perfect place for family fun!
Coachella-Music-Festival COACHELLA IN PALM SPRINGS
 

This annual music and arts festival is held every April over two weekends and attracts some of the biggest names in music. 
Joshua-Tree JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
 
It’s about an hours drive from Palm Springs to the rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert.        
Mid-Century-Modern-Architecture MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE
 

Palm Springs has one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture in the country. Learn about the masters of modern architecture and take a tour of the desert’s most notable architecture in downtown Palm Springs.

Wine-Road-Sonoma WINE ROAD, SONOMA

Take this picturesque trip past wineries in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northwest Sonoma County. 
Petaluma PETALUMA
 

Explore Petaluma home to craft breweries, port distillers and antique shops in Sonoma Wine Country.
Napa-Valley-Wine-Train NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN
 

Take a tour of the wineries in the Napa area by train or for something special enjoy a three hour dining excursion.
Culinary-Institute-of-America THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
 

If you have a passion for food and wine and a craving to learn, you can’t miss a stop at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. They have cooking and wine classes, demonstrations, tastings, an award-winning restaurant and tours.



CALIFORNIA ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and resorts in California.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Handlery San Diego
HANDLERY HOTEL SAN DIEGO
★★★

You are just minutes from the Westfield Fashion Valley Shopping Centre for some retail therapy. When the day is done, relax by the large swimming pool or take a stroll through the eight acres of landscaped grounds. Make sure you hop on the free scheduled bus to SeaWorld for a day of fun for all.
The Saguaro Palm Springs
THE SAGUARO PALM SPRINGS
 ★★★

At The Saguaro Palm Springs you’ll be centrally located to the restaurants, shops and sites of Palm Springs. This bright and funky hotel inspired by the indigenous flowers of the local desert. Relax at the full-service spa, chill out by the pool and dine at El Jefe, the onsite Mexican Restaurant. Getting to nearby attractions is easy with a complimentary shuttle.
Flaming Resort
FLAMINGO RESORT & SPA, SANTA ROSA
 ★★★
A Santa Rosa historic landmark, this resort offers all the modern amenities you’ll need with a 1950’s retro vibe. It’s conveniently located close to the Wine Country, shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Santa Rosa. Why not take advantage of the world-class spa and health club on offer.
Westin Verasa Napa
THE WESTIN VERASA NAPA
 ★★★★

Discover one of Napa’s premier hotels. With its downtown location The Westin puts the very best of Napa within easy reach. Take a stroll to the Oxbow Public Market for some boutique shopping or enjoy one of the 15 wine tasting rooms just a short walk away. Why not climb aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train for a delicious meal and train ride through the spectacular Napa Valley.





INSPIRE ME
California holiday planning articles


Are you planning your next trip to California? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on California.

 




WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
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