The California Dream - The Best Of The Golden State

  • By Sabrina Hamilton
  • Published 24 November 2014
  • Revised 14 August 2024
The California Dream - The Best Of The Golden State
  • By Sabrina Hamilton
  • Published 24 November 2014
  • Revised 14 August 2024
The California Dream - The Best Of The Golden State
  • By Sabrina Hamilton
  • Published 24 November 2014
  • Revised 14 August 2024
beverly hilton blogDay 1 - Arrive in Los Angeles (2 nights)
When you touch down in LA airport you can pick up your car straight away and head to the Beverly Hilton. With the largest pool in Beverly Hills, this hotel is the perfect place to wind down after a long flight. Once youre fully rested, youre in the ideal location to indulge in LA life, walk the Hollywood walk of fame, and pay a visit to the famous Hollywood sign.

Our Top Tip - Hop in your car and take a short 8 mile drive to Santa Monica. Here you can take a stroll along the pier, ride the worlds only solar powered ferris wheel and have your picture taken at the very end of the famous Route 66.

hard rock blogDay 3 - Los Angeles to San Diego (2 nights)
In under two hours, you can experience a whole new vibe in San Diego. Staying in the Hard Rock Hotel, youll be right on the edge of the famous Gaslamp district. Park the car up for a day and walk around the pedestrian-friendly streets to experience all of the dining and entertainment this area has to offer.

Our Top Tip -  Dont miss the chance to check out San Diegos impressive zoo which is home to three beautiful adult Pandas and over 650 other species.

curve hotel blogDay 5 - San Diego to Palm Springs (1 night)
Just a two hour drive away lies Palm Springs which boasts glorious weather all year round. This desert playground offers outdoor activities for the adventurous and a mix of arts and culture for those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground. Staying at the Curve Hotel youll be a short distance from the nightlife and entertainment of downtown Palm Springs where you can unwind for an evening, ahead of the next leg of your adventure.

Our Top Tip - Get out and explore a bit of the dessert with a 4WD experience or a guided horseback ride.

Scottsdale blogDay 6 - Palm Springs to McDowell Mountains (1 night)
Keep the outdoor adventure going with a drive to McDowell Mountains in Arizona where you can opt for more horseback rides or walking tours of the desert. For the adrenaline junkies, you can even spend a day rock climbing the face of one of the mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop with art and souvenirs available in the Old Town and boutique fashion finds in The Borgata.

Our Top Tip - Try your hand at golf at McDowell Mountains Golf Club, one of the best courses in Arizona, then reward yourself with dinner at the all-new Mesquite Grille.

grand canyonDay 7 - McDowell Mountains to the Grand Canyon (1 night)
The Grand Canyon is one of those unmissable wonders over the world. With a one night stay at the Canyon Resort Plaza, youll be able to see this glorious sight with your own two eyes.

Our Top Tip - For a different way of experiencing the Grand Canyon, opt for a river rafting tour.

Lake PowellDay 8 - Grand Canyon to Lake Powell (1 night)
Lake Powell is a beautiful spot on the border of Arizona and Utah, and is just a two hour drive from the Grand Canyon. This 186 mile long lake has an abundance of activities on offer including fishing, waterskiing, dinner cruising, hiking and even just lounging by the pool.

Our Top Tip - Do not miss the wonder that is the Rainbow Bridge - the worlds largest natural bridge. It really is a sight to behold.

New York New YorkDay 9 - Lake Powell to Las Vegas (2 nights)
After all of that outdoor adventure, its time to bring a bit of the glitz and glamour back with a two night stay in Las Vegas. Staying in the iconic New York New York Hotel and Casino, youll have all the entertainment you need right on your doorstep. With casinos and shows open all night long, its the perfect time to get dressed up, party and blow off a little steam.

Our Top Tip - See all the sights of Vegas with a helicopter tour of the world famous strip. From great heights youll be able to spot the replica of the Eiffel Tower, and the fountains of Bellagio and the volcanos at Mirage.

death valleyDay 10 - Las Vegas to Death Valley (2 nights)
After experiencing the best of Arizona and Nevada, youll return to the north of California to round off your trip. The first stop is Death Valley, situated in the east of Californias Mojave desert. Explore the states lowest geographical point and discover large stretches of salt flats which make the desert look like a winter wonder land. During your two night stay, youll bed down at Furnace Creek Ranch - the hotel which launched tourism to Death Valley in the 1920s.

Our Top Tip - Dont miss the beautiful Scottys Castle, an elaborate mansion built in the 1920s with a unique network of underground tunnels.

yosemite blogDay 12 - Death Valley to Yosemite National Park (2 nights)
Yosemite is a highlight of any California trip. With two nights at the Cedar Lodge in this vast national park youll be able to explore the waterfalls, deep valleys and meadows. Walk through one of three giant sequoia groves, take a hike to one of the famous viewpoints and set up a picnic or go rafting on the Merced River.

Our Top Tip - For an aerial view of the park, opt for the exhilarating two hour guided zipline tour through the forest.

sanfranBlogDay 14 - Yosemite National Park to San Francisco (2 nights)
After possibly the greatest outdoor adventure, its time to reacquaint yourself with city life. San Francisco is just a 3 and half hour drive away and is home to famous land marks including the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz. San Fran is a city full of food, fun and culture, you can ride the worlds last remaining manually operated cable car, visit the Dr Martin Luther King Jr memorial and head over to Fishermans Wharf for the freshest sea food.

Our Top Tip - If you fancy a break from driving, San Fran is a great place to do a hop on hop off bus tour to take in all of the sites

camino real blogDay 16 - San Francisco to Monterey (1 night)
For your one night in this beautiful city on the coast of California, youll stay in the stylish Camino Real Monterey Hotel. For beach lovers, there are three glorious shores to choose from where you can indulge in everything from sunbathing to surfing. For those who like to stay inland there are golf courses and plenty of opportunities to shop.

Our Top Tip - Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see how people in the area work to protect and preserve marine life

western pepertree blogDay 17 - Monterey to Santa Barbara (2 nights)
No trip to California would be completed without spending some time in wine country. Whether youre a wine drinker or not, the sight of rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see should not be missed. If beer is more your thing, opt for a brewery tour and sample some of the delights produced at craft and micro breweries around the city. The Best Western Peppertree Inn provides you with the perfect base to explore.

Our Top Tip - For something a little bit different, head over to Santa Barbaras very own Channel Islands to take part in an array of watersports.

At the end of your trip, drive your car back to LA airport and head home full of stories and the very best memories

For more information on this itinerary and other California adventures click here.

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