California Holidays

Best time to visit California

The best time to visit California depends on what you want to do and what kind of weather you prefer. Here's a breakdown of each season:

Summer (June-August) has the warmest weather, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities. Many festivals and events take place during this time. However it is the most crowded and expensive time to visit and the deserts can be scorching hot.

Spring (March-May) has pleasant weather, with wildflowers blooming in many areas making it a good time for hiking and other outdoor activities. Plus there are fewer crowds than summer. Just be aware some higher-elevation areas may still be snowy.

Autumn (September-November) has mild weather, with beautiful foliage in some parts of the state, it is also  grape harvest season in wine country. It is important to note some coastal areas can be foggy and water temperatures start to cool down.

Winter (December-February) has the lowest hotel rates and there is a chance to see grey whales migrating along the coast. It is also a good time for skiing in the mountains. It is of course the coldest and wettest time of year in some parts of the state meaning many outdoor activities may not be possible due to snow.

It's also important to remember Northern California is generally cooler and wetter than Southern California.

Highlights of California

What is California famous for?

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• Napa Valley
• Big Sur
• Yosemite National Park

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

San Francisco

Known as the City by the Bay, San Francisco is arguably the most cosmopolitan and bohemian city in America. You’ll be enamoured of its beautiful hilly streets lined with eclectic architecture, providing beautiful views of the bay and the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Immerse yourself into the urban buzz of the city, taking in the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, charming cable cars, the intriguing former prison on Alcatraz Island, and its colourful Chinatown district.

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Los Angeles

Los Angeles, The City of Angels, is a lively metropolis well known for its sunny beaches, diverse cultural landscape and Hollywood entertainment industry. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Boulevard and the luxury of Beverly Hills to the eclectic vibes of Venice Beach and the historic charm of Downtown LA, this sprawling city offers a dynamic mix of attractions. 

Whether you're exploring world-class museums, dining at trendy restaurants, or hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for stunning views, Los Angeles is a captivating destination that promises something for everyone. A Los Angeles holiday offers so much sunshine and glamour that you'll be spoiled for ways to treat yourself, whether you are planning a Los Angeles city break or a longer California tour.

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San Diego

San Diego is a vibrant Californian city renowned for its stunning beaches, perfect weather, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a fantastic blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine. Enjoy world-class surfing, sunbathing, and coastal walks on iconic beaches like La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach. Immerse yourself in art, culture, and nature at the expansive Balboa Park, home to numerous museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. 

Experience the city's vibrant nightlife with trendy bars, restaurants, and live entertainment in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Explore nearby hiking trails, go whale watching, or enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Savour fresh seafood, Mexican flavours, and craft beer in San Diego's thriving culinary scene. San Diego offers a perfect holiday for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of California's laid-back lifestyle.

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Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a world-renowned region in California, synonymous with luxury, fine dining, and, of course, exceptional wines. Indulge in tastings at hundreds of vineyards, from boutique wineries to iconic estates, savour farm-to-table cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants and charming bistros. Explore rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming towns or unwind at luxurious spas and resorts. 

Napa Valley is ideal for wine enthusiasts, foodies, couples seeking a romantic getaway or those looking to relax and rejuvenate. It offers a sophisticated and indulgent escape for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

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Big Sur

Big Sur is a stretch of the Californian Coast often considered to be one of the best driving roads in the world. Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the West, this road offers some of the most incredible views and stunning sunsets you will ever see.

Culminating in the Bixby Creek Bridge, a giant concrete structure 218 metres above the valley floor that connects two cliffsides and allows the road to keep flowing along the coast. This scenic drive is a must for a Californian road trip and is an experience you won't soon forget.

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Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains and encompasses 1,200 square mile providing it with a varied and stunning landscape. Some of it's most famous highlights include the giant sequoia trees, which can grow to over 200ft tall and can be over 3,000 years old, and it's two giant granite cliff faces, El Capitan and Half Dome. It is also well known for it's giant waterfalls such as Bridalveil Falls which plunges 620ft into Yosemite Valley. If you trek to the Tunnel View you will be able to take in Bridalveil Falls as well as both El Capitan and Half Dome in one epic view.

Yosemite is also home to an abundance of wildlife including 22 species of reptiles and such mammals as Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deers, Bobcats, Coyotes, Mountain Lions and the American Black Bear. With lots of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore there's plenty to entertain you in this wild Californian paradise.

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Things to do on your California holiday

Drive the Coast

Hit the road and cruise along California’s spectacular coastline. Jaunt past surfy beach towns, wildlife refuges, historical sites and awe-inspiring redwood forests. Enjoy the hippie vibe of Santa Cruz then head on down Highway 1 to maritime Monterey and Big Sur. Cross into Southern California at San Luis Obispo and keep rolling down highway 101 until you reach glitzy Santa Barbara. Find honeyed, sun-stained wine country and rugged Channel Islands, otherwise known as the ‘Californian Galapagos’ thanks to the many unique species of plants and animals that can be found there. Just remember to take it slow and soak up this idyllic coast.

Go Whale Watching

Whale-watching trips head out from ports all along the California coast. Winter and Spring (December to April) are best for viewing California grey whales en route from Alaska to Mexico, while Summer and Fall (June to October) tend to be the best time to see humpbacks and blue whales heading north. Dolphins and porpoises can be spotted throughout the year.

Swipe left or right to find out about the best things to do on California holidays.

Things to do on your California holiday

Explore Natural Wonders

Take some time out and visit California’s great natural wonders. Bodie State Historic Park, on the 395 between Mammoth and Lake Tahoe, is a genuine California gold mining ghost town. Walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of 10,000. Only a small part of the town survives, preserved in a state of “arrested decay” and interiors remain as they were left, stocked with goods.

Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the USA, and designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, is best known for its waterfalls. But within its 1170 square miles, deep valleys, spectacular granite cliffs, thousands of lakes, clear mountain streams and giant sequoia groves exist.

In far northern California lies the Shasta Cascade, covering 25% of the State and offers activities showcasing the interesting geological landscape, from waterfall safaris to exploring above and below ground in the Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Swipe left or right to find out about the best things to do on California holidays.

Things to do on your California holiday

Indulge in Glamour

Relive the magic and glamour of Hollywood's heyday at the Hearst Castle which is situated on the state's central coast halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Visitors can take a number of tours through the majestic castle to catch a glimpse of the estate's grand social rooms, winding staircases, cottage and gardens. As a romantic escapade, take an evening tour to see the castle's library, billiard room and theatre.

Wine and Dine

For the foodie in you, visit California’s hottest culinary hubs; from emerging Oakland, known as the Brooklyn of California with 150 new restaurants to Carmel Valley & restaurants focusing on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients from the area’s farms, ranches and fishermen.

And for the wine lover in you, celebrate the good life at the superb wineries of Napa and Sonoma. Gentle rolling hills and vineyard-laced farmland make the area perfect for back-road driving or cycling. Along with famous chefs and cool shops, there's plenty of small-town appeal in towns such as St. Helena, Yountville, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. Time may seem to stand still in the iconic countryside, but the luxury and sophistication here are thoroughly modern.