Topic	California's Hot Spots
Read Time	10 Minutes
Author	Laura Radford, Travel Writer

California has so much to offer, which makes it the perfect destination for a multi-centre USA holiday. From the A-list glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley and its 9 spectacular national parks, a trip to California will be varied, and it certainly will not disappoint. Here are our hot spots from across the state…

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Yosemite National Park is a spectacular national park which attracts millions of visitors a year. Even for those who are not attuned to the outdoors, the park is well worth a visit on your holiday to California.

Most people visit the Yosemite Valley which is a canyon stretching for 7 miles, with incredible granite walls, and beautiful waterfalls. There is so much to see right across the park, but if you’re short on time, its perhaps best to focus on this main area.

The Park is open year-round, but when you plan to visit, will depend on what you want to see, and what you can make the most of during that time. Summer is great for hiking and of course the trails will be snow free (yes, they get snow in California!), spring is great as the waterfalls are flowing well due to the ice and snow beginning to melt on higher ground, and winter is quieter generally. If you’re an avid photographer, the colours of autumn (fall) are stunning, and its worth visiting during this time just for these incredible vistas.

INCREDIBLE THEME PARKS

Whether you’re a true thrill seeker or just like to dabble in the fun and frolics a theme park brings, its difficult to resist visiting the many that are on offer on a holiday to California.

Disneyland resort is of course the most famous and has been luring visitors since 1955! There are rides here that all the family can enjoy, and a variety of ticket options from day passes to a whole week of Disney indulgence.

Movie buffs will LOVE a visit to Hollywood Universal Studios, but even low-level film fans will find the studios a fun day out. Enjoy a close-up encounter with jaws, fun-filled family fun with Pixar-inspired rides and an earthquake simulation, plus plenty of rides and entertainment for the Harry Potter fans!

Dubbed ‘California’s best theme park’, Knott’s Berry Farm, which is located not too far from Disneyland, is great for the rollercoaster geeks, this ‘Old West’ themed, 57-acre theme park is the twelfth-most-visited theme park in the USA and its no surprise to see why. There are rides aplenty, including one of the tallest wooden rollercoasters in the world, and their famous ‘Silver Bullet’ rollercoaster which has a drop of around 109 ft - not for the faint hearted!

SAN FRANCISCO

Uber-cool San Francisco is a 21st-century hot spot for travellers. The city by the bay is where old meets new with the emergency of tech industry giants along Silicon Valley, which has led to an explosion of trendy restaurants, hip bars, and stunning boutique hotels.

A must of any trip to San Francisco is a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, for that all important snap! It’s advised to head down to the Golden Gate Park early, and watch the mist fade away, revealing the beauty of this stunning piece of engineering.

Pier 39, an area packed with boutiques and trendy places to grab lunch, is also a must visit. Plus, it’s here where you get to meet some of San Francisco's famous sea lions that will certainly keep you entertained.

As a gastronomic paradise, San Francisco has some incredible foodie experiences to enjoy on your holiday to the USA. Visit the oldest Chinatown in the country, try some gorgeous seafood in the Bay, eat churn-to-order ice cream and visit one of the sidewalk cafes for an authentic culinary experience.

LOS ANGELES

There is plenty to fall in love with when on holiday in Los Angeles. The star-studded streets, fabulous collection of diverse neighbourhoods, and Californian sunshine make a perfect destination for your American adventure.

L.A. is truly a movie lovers nirvana; go behind the scenes at the Warner Bros studio tour and enjoy the glamorous Beverly Hills with a trip to admire the celebrity mansions. Rodeo Drive is a must-see for those wanting to keep up the A-list glamour by taking a stroll through the extensive collection of high-end designer shops and enjoying your very own Pretty Woman moment!

Situated on the Pacific coast of southern California, Los Angeles benefits from around 300 days of sunshine every year and is home to some of the world's most famous beaches including Venice Beach, famed for its bodybuilders pumping iron at the Muscle Beach Gym, Santa Monica beach which is spread over 3.5 miles of beautiful soft sand, and Malibu Beach, a great spot for hitting the waves.

The city is also home, of course, to Disneyland California and Universal Studios Hollywood, so the thrill-seekers have options for a great day out. Check out the California Screamin' roller coaster for high-speed fun for those visiting Disneyland.

For those looking to indulge in a luxury Los Angeles trip, you will find a host of Michelin star dining options in the A-lister hotspots, plus all the contemporary labels and glitzy designer flagship stores at several super stylish shopping destinations. If you want to live in the Hollywood high life, staying at the world-renowned Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire – which will no doubt leave you feeling starstruck!

SAN DIEGO

Often referred to as America's finest city, a Holiday in San Diego offers plenty for you to see and do. Located right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is the perfect destination for sun, sea, and surfing. So, enjoy your days topping up your tan and your evenings admiring the Pacific Ocean sunset views.

For the outdoor adventure lovers, the city is home to several outstanding beaches and breaks. It doesn't matter if you are not an experienced surfer; this is the perfect opportunity to grab a board and try it out. There are also great spots for hiking in the region, including at Torrey Pines State Reserve, where you’ll discover over 1,750 acres full of flora and fauna.

Harbor Island is well worth a visit, if just for some of the best waterfront lobster you can get. For an added luxury feel to your holiday in San Diego, dine at one of the many upscale restaurants here with gorgeous ocean views, and enjoy sundowners at one of the many swanky rooftop bars!

Ready to experience California's Hot Spots? Enquire with us today!