California Coast

Destination information

Get that surfboard ready to ride the waves in Santa Cruz, whilst Monterey hosts its famous jazz festival, or take to Highway One arriving in picturesque Pismo Beach, perhaps a game of golf? Santa Barbara with its mediterranean feel and pretty red tiled rooftops no wonder they call it the American Riviera. Join in the fun on the sparkling white sandy beaches of Santa Monica with a game of beach volleyball, or stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy a spot of people watching from one of the many local cafés. Let the surfing vibe of the beautiful coastal resorts of Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach envelope you in the great outdoors to enjoy the mild climate, or take in a gallery filled with treasures from talented local artists in Laguna Beach.

Eats & drinks

Next to the ocean you'll enjoy freshly caught seafood in stylish restaurants. Much of the region is Spanish influenced - you'll also find mouth-watering tapas dishes.

Getting around

Its essential to be on wheels to enjoy the far reaching corners of California, but will it be 2, 4 or 6 wheels?

Getting there

Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles or San Francisco from London Heathrow.

Time difference: GMT -8 hours.

Santa Cruz is approx 60 miles from San Francisco International Airport.

Monterey is approx 100 miles from San Francisco International Airport.

Carmel is approx 104 miles from San Francisco International Airport.

Pismo Beach is approx 180 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Santa Barbara is approx 100 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Santa Monica is approx 14 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Long Beach is approx 25 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Huntington Beach is approx 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Newport Beach is approx 40 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

Laguna Beach is approx 50 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.