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America’s coolest riviera

From dazzling piers and drives along the Pacific Coast Highway to surfing at Santa Cruz, the California Coast is America’s hippest riviera. Find boho fishing towns alongside glam neighbourhoods and rugged bays. It joins America’s coolest yet most scenic destinations.

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Where to stay on the Californian Coast

Holidays in Carmel

Carmel, a village founded by a collective of artists, has attracted a slew of creative mayors - Clint Eastwood included - and it’s where fairytale cottages meet a boho vibe. The beach is in California’s top 10 and stylish wine bars offer the perfect place to relax.

Holidays in Huntington Beach

With glorious golden beaches and a sunny Californian climate, it’s no wonder 11 million visitors flock to Surf City each year. While adventure-seekers can play beach volleyball or catch the surf, an array of bars and gourmet restaurants provide the perfect chance to indulge.

Holidays in Laguna Beach

Beach lovers, arty types and wildlife fans all flock to this scenic seaside resort. From stand-up paddle-boarding and hikes in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, to whale watching and relaxing in top-notch spas, it has all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. 

Holidays in Long Beach

With five miles of beach and year-round sunshine, it’s easy to see why LA County’s second largest town is so popular. Home to a thriving arts scene, the Queen Mary ship and a maritime museum, it’s an exciting family destination.

Holidays in Pismo Beach

This beautifully retro waterfront spot is where lazy beach days and visits to family wineries meet sand-duning and horse-riding adventures. The annual Clam Festival and evenings dining on clam chowder are perfect ways to enjoy what Pismo is most famous for.

Holidays in Santa Barbara

At the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this Mediterranean-style town, aka the ‘American Riviera’, boasts upscale boutiques and a gorgeous palm tree-lined coastline. From an exciting zoo and historic Mission to tasting bold Santa Ynez wines, there’s so much to explore.

Holidays in Newport Beach

When you see the dreamy sands at Newport Beach, you’ll see why California’s rich and famous built their mansions here. From the trendy galleries of historic Cannery Village to the seven picturesque islands that you can reach by boat, it oozes coastal sophistication.

Holidays in Santa Cruz

Little kids (and big kids) who like ‘coasters will love Santa Cruz, a vibrant hippy town that’s home to the classic 1924 Giant Dipper and one of the USA’s most historic amusement parks. Enjoy rugged State Park trails, top-notch surf and a glorious stretch of sand. 

Holidays in Monterey

Hiking trails, hidden beaches and a summer jazz festival make for a fabulous escape in this arty coastal town. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and its Giant Pacific Octopus are a huge hit with families while golfers head to the legendary Golf Links of Pebble Beach.

Holidays in Oakland

Diverse, dynamic, arty, edgy - Oakland invites you to add a colourful twist to your Bay Area adventures.

Hotels on the Californian Coast

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Essential Information for California

Local times

Language

USA flag
American English

Currency

US Dollar $
Official currency of the United States

Flight information

11h
LAX or SFO
Direct flight

Flight schedule

  • Virgin Atlantic flight daily from Heathrow to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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Do I need a VISA?

Yes. You'll need to obtain approval no less than 72 hours prior to travel to the US via the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme.

Find out more about Travel Visas here »

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

The total drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the US-101 is approximately 10 hours. Break this journey with a few overnight stays in some wonderful Californian beach towns.

Highlights of the California Coast

Sun, sea and sand...And action-packed cities. And natural beauty. And good food and wine. And adventure… aaand pretty much everything else you need for an unforgettable travel experience. If the real, authentic California is what you’re looking for, the coast is where you’ll find it. And you won’t be disappointed, either.

In case you can’t tell, we love the Californian coast. Not sold? Alright, we’ll just have to convince you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading out for that American road trip you’ve been talking about for years, or you’re beelining to the Californian coast for some much-needed sun at an everything-included hotel: You can ‘do’ California holidays exactly the way you want to, whatever your travel style and needs.

Planning a holiday to California, with all its variety and so much going on, can be almost overwhelming. Where to start? What to prioritise? First things first, some coastal Cali highlights to add to your daydream agenda (and, you know, your actual agenda). From the very best of California vineyards to the must-see city sights, here’s the things we think are not to be missed:

Of course, holidays in California wouldn’t be complete without a mooch over to Malibu; surfing, celeb-spotting and boutique-noseying aplenty, this incredible city is well-deserving of its status as one of California’s best beach towns. On that note, if you dig the thought of California beach holidays with a good splash of city sightseeing, add San Francisco to the top of your list: Delightfully unique, bask in the charm of the harbour-side towns, do a spot of shopping in Union Square, and cycle over the (rightfully) world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.

Head to Santa Monica for delightful ‘village-like’ streets full to the brim with art galleries and quaint shops to peruse. The seaside, hippy vibe of Santa Cruz is a must for California holidays, too. Ride the retro roller coaster at the Beach Boardwalk, one of the USA’s oldest amusement parks, and when you’re all ‘coaster-d out, take a stroll along the beautiful stretch of sandy beach and soak up some sun.

Cities? Tick. Though we all love a good Cali city, while you’re on the California coast you’re bound to have one thing, above all else, on your mind: Beaches. Here’s our must-visits for all good California beach holidays:

  • Beach lovers flock to Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, and with good reason. As one of Orange County’s most stylish towns, Laguna Beach also boasts one of the best beaches on the California coast.
  • The soft, golden sands of Zuma Beach, Malibu are especially popular with families and surfers, and has been the location for many films and TV shows over the years.
  • Of course, California beach holidays wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Venice Beach and its world-famous boardwalk.

If you’re more about roaming nature trails than busy city streets, the California coast has many a gem for you to discover. See the purple sands (yes, you heard us correctly) of Pfeiffer State Beach, a place of incredible natural beauty, or join the 20-mile bike trails of LA via Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Big Sur, on the Monterey Peninsula, is a rugged stretch of stunning, unspoilt coastline between Carmel and San Simeon, and certainly worth venturing to. If you’re like us, not a lot appeals more than deserted beaches and around 85 breathtaking miles of pristine coastal views. Of note: head to Point Sur Lighthouse, a California State Historic Park, perched atop a volcanic rock, around 360 feet above the ocean. If you time it right, you might even catch sight of a migrating whale. Moonlight tours are available, too – talk about romantic.

Animal lovers, you can’t miss the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Reserve and Rookery: It’s a straightforward hike or bike ride via the Coastal Vista Trail to get to the sanctuary, and if even the word “hike” sends shivers down your spine, we promise the ocean views are worth it. You’ll get to see the hundred-or-so seals doing a spot of sunbathing, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some baby ones.

If zoos are your thing, we definitely recommend a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo – it’s one of the largest in the world, so make sure you’re wearing your most comfortable shoes! For something extra special, be sure to take a boat trip off the coast of Long Beach or Newport Beach for a spot of whale watching. Keep your eyes peeled!

One thing is certain: you’ll never be at a loss for things to do while holidaying along the California Coast. Explore San Simeon’s impressive Hearst Castle and its beautiful (and beautiful smelling) gardens. Imagined by William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect extraordinaire, Julia Morgan, the grounds also hold secret hideaways and hidden views for you to discover.

Sporty types, grab a set of clubs and tee off at some of the best California golf courses – in the central region, head to Santa Cruz or try Pebble Beach in the Monterey Peninsula. Parents: keep the kids happy with a trip to the Monterey Aquarium, just an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz.

It would be a crime whilst in California not to sip your way around a vineyard or three. Film buffs might recognise the Santa Ynez Valley Vineyards (close to Santa Barbara) from Alexander Payne’s box office banger, Sideways. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, do as Miles and Jack did: drink wine. A good enough mantra for anyone!

If you’ve not yet had enough wine tasting (is there even such a thing?) head over to the super kitsch Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo for another glass or some cocktails and a delicious lunch.

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, all good California holidays involve some kind of festival…

  • Late April to early May, discover SoCal’s emerging filmmakers during The Newport Beach Film Festival, with everything from feature length and short films to music videos. Will you catch something from a future Oscar-winning director?
  • Wine-lovers rejoice: July welcomes the return of Santa Barbara’s annual California Wine Festival. Enjoy vintage wines, gourmet food and live music, all just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
  • A slightly more niche offering is October’s Clam Festival in Pismo Beach. Yep, you read that correctly: A clam festival. Three days dedicated to celebrating all things clam, with fifteen thousand other people, incredible dishes and live music. You’ve gotta do it.

If you’re itching to book your holiday to California this very second, we don’t blame you one bit. Check out our fantastic California coast hotels and let’s do this!

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