Holidays on the Californian Coast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With a trendy Gas Lamp Quarter and quaint gondola rides around the bay, San Diego, dubbed ‘America’s finest city’, offers a sophisticated European vibe, The zoo here has been voted the world’s best and there are cruises aplenty for spotting the Californian grey and blue whales. 

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. 

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.