California

The romance of Hollywood, the glamour of Beverly Hills, those dare-devil Pacific Coast surfers, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, the spectacular coastline and the thrills, spills, fun and laughter of the theme parks – these are just some of the images that a trip to California will bring to life. The unique diversity of the Golden State is exemplified by the stark contrast of the stunning scenery in national parks such as Yosemite and Sequoia, and the vibrant and often dazzling city life in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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California Coast Road Trip

California Flydrive

Western Treasures

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | San Diego & Greater Palm Springs

The Wild, Wild West

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | San Diego & Greater Palm Springs | Western USA and National Parks

The Great West

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | San Diego & Greater Palm Springs | San Francisco | Western USA and National Parks

Postcards of California

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Western USA and National Parks

Pacific Coast Music Trail

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | San Diego & Greater Palm Springs | San Francisco

Pacific Coast Explorer

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

California | Los Angeles | San Francisco

California Highlights

The beaches

Probably the most famous of California’s beaches is Malibu, just west of Los Angeles and home to many celebrities. There are, however, many less familiar but arguably more attractive coastal spots, such as Pismo Beach, three hours’ drive north of Los Angeles, where you will often see people and sea otters hunting for clams, and where Dinosaur Caves Park is worth a visit. Point Lobos is located just off Carmel-by-the-Sea, with ocean-hugging trails which are ideal for hiking, as well as a handful of peaceful and unspoilt beaches. Tucked away along the Mendocino Coast, three hours north of San Francisco, Fort Bragg is a one-time army garrison, boasting a breathtaking coastline with a mild, year-round climate.

Universal Studios Hollywood™

Step aboard the brand-new fleet of tram vehicles, learn of the studios’ epic 50-year history, and get a behind-the-scenes look at real film and TV sets located on the Universal Studios Backlot, including Jaws, Earthquake and War of the Worlds. Hold on tight for the world-famous Studio Tour’s all-new grand finale, Fast & Furious – Supercharged! on a high-speed chase that exceeds 120 miles per hour and catapults you into the high-stakes world of fast cars and international crime. Alternatively, step into the domain of The Simpsons™ and enter downtown Springfield, where you can visit Krusty Burger, Lard Lad, Moe’s Tavern and crash through Krustyland on The Simpsons Ride™.

And further inland…

Lake Tahoe is the USA’s second-deepest lake, its shimmering waters, beaches and surrounding mountains, a year-round lure for holidaymakers. Staying near the Nevada border, Death Valley is the lowest point in the US, a land of extremes, its towering peaks frosted with snow, its rare rainstorms feeding vast fields of wild flowers, and its searing summer heat dictating visitors should always carry plenty of water. Just north of San Francisco, the groves of the famous Northern California redwoods are the setting for the forest of 1,000-year-old trees standing 260 feet tall. Also worth a visit is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, located in the White Mountains and where the trees grow up to 11,000 feet above sea level.

California Experiences

Alcatraz and All Loops Double-Decker Tour

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to infamous Alcatraz Island, the former prison home of some America’s most notorious criminals. This great-value ticket combines the city-wide All Loop Double-Decker bus tour and returns ferry tickets to “The Rock”, where you will enjoy an audio walking tour of the prison. The All Loops ticket is valid for 72 hours and allows you to explore the city at your own pace, see San Francisco from the top of an authentic English double-decker bus and hop-off at any of the convenient stops around the city. Please note: Alcatraz sells out in advance during the summer months so book early to avoid disappointment!

Hearst Castle

Designed for newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the bungalow he originally envisioned morphed into a sprawling estate of expansive gardens and three magnificent houses – the main Casa del Mar and two guest houses, Casa del Monte and Casa del Sol. Nestled in the hills above the coastal town of San Simeon and facing the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle opens its doors to allow visitors to admire the different architectural influences and sheer grandeur of the buildings. The estate also features a majestic outdoor pool designed in the style of a Roman temple, as well as the castle towers fashioned after a church Hearst visited in Spain.

LA City, Movie Stars’ Homes & Beach Tour

Experience the best of Los Angeles and cover the sun, sea, sand and stars on the LA City, Movie Stars’ Homes & Beach Tour. First, head to the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Continue to the top of Mulholland Drive, the picture-perfect spot to see the Hollywood sign and take in the gorgeous views of the city. Drive through exclusive Beverly Hills for a tour of over 20 breathtaking celebrity mansions. Cruise down Rodeo Drive before arriving at Santa Monica, where you can take in the pier, beach and Santa Monica Boardwalk, before continuing along the coastline to Venice Beach and Muscle Beach. Finally head to downtown Los Angeles, where you will see the Staples Centre and the impressive Walt Disney Concert Hall.