California, AKA the Golden State, is a holiday goldmine. This vast piece of West Coast USA offers an abundance of places to visit and things to do. Uncover natural beauty on stunning beaches or get glammed up in the Hollywood Hills. But if it’s your first time, it can be daunting to know just where to go, what to do and even what to pack. But with our years of service to crafting memorable holidays, we’re here to help. So, get ready to start California Dreamin’…
How long to visit for
For a first-time visit to California, a trip of 10 to 14 days is the sweet spot for exploring the state’s diverse attractions. This allows plenty of time to soak up city life, nature, and the shorelines. While shorter trips of 5 to 7 days can be great for focusing on one or two areas while leaving you just enough room to relax. Ultimately, California is vast and varied, so the more time you can give it, the more you'll uncover.
Where to travel
For the city slickers
Los Angeles
We couldn’t mention California for the first time without highlighting the City of Angels, Los Angeles. Home to Hollywood royalty, Los Angeles is a hub for movie magic. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrity home tours and the iconic Hollywood Hills, lovers of the silver screen will be in their element. But the city is much more than just movie stars. Explore the street art of Venice Beach or upscale allure of Beverly Hills. Relax on the beaches of Santa Monica and explore world-class museums like The Getty or LACMA. Plus, with its year-round sunshine, it’ll keep the holiday vibes going strong.
San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island and defined by its steep hills, Victorian architecture, and colourful neighbourhoods. Whether you're riding in style on the city’s charming cable cars, exploring the shops and seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, or wandering through the vibrant murals of the Mission District, San Francisco delivers charm and culture around every corner.
For the nature lovers
Yosemite National Park
If you’re looking for breathtaking granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, pristine alpine meadows and a good workout, head over to Yosemite National Park. This climber’s paradise features the famed rocks El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as over 1,200 square miles of hiking heaven.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you like to explore unique landscapes, we reckon you’ll love Joshua Tree National Park. This one feels otherworldly with its stunning landscape where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet. This unique and rugged environment is filled with striking rock formations, wide-open skies, and the park’s namesake Joshua trees. It's a haven for stargazing, hiking, rock climbing, and photography, with highlights like Hidden Valley, Keys View, and Skull Rock.
For families
San Diego Zoo
For a window into the animal kingdom, San Diego Zoo is a top choice. This popular spot is home to over 3,700 animals and is a great place for little ones to learn some fascinating facts about their favourite species. You can also choose to enjoy a bird’s eye view with the Skyfari Aerial tram or take a guided bus tour to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Disneyland
At Ocean Florida, we’re no strangers to bigging up the Sunshine State’s Disneyworld. But
Disneyland in California equally deserves the love - after all, it is the original! Open since 1955, it features two main parks - Disneyland Park, home to iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, and Disney California Adventure, which brings Pixar, Marvel, and California-themed experiences to life.
For coastal enthusiasts
Big Sur
For an all-American road trip, we highly recommend cruising down Big Sur. Surrounded by sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and misty redwood forests, it’s what holiday dreams are made of. Highlights include Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach with its purple sand, and McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach below. Venture out at sunset and you’ll be able to snap some jaw dropping pictures of the sun dipping into the Pacific.
Malibu
Nothing says laid back Californian vibes like Malibu. This quintessential beach town is well known for its stunning sandy stretches like Zuma, El Matador, and Surfrider, as well as its celebrity homes and oceanfront dining. Whether you're catching waves, hiking in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, or watching the sunset from a cliffside patio, Malibu offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and upscale charm.
What to pack
The question is more what not to pack! Due to the sheer variety of landscapes and activities we recommend stuffing your case with a bit of everything. Firstly, the state's weather can vary widely depending on the region and time of year—you might need a jacket in San Francisco while it’s beach weather
in Los Angeles. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities or hiking trails. And If you’re heading to the coast, pack swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, especially for outdoor adventures or road trips, and casual, comfortable outfits that suit California’s laid-back vibe. A small backpack is also handy for exploring cities or parks.
Tips for planning
Consider a multi-centre holiday
California is the ideal location to take advantage of our
multi-centre package holidays. Choose from a wide range of itineraries that let you tick off a few of the California highlights or combine the fun with another West Coast destination.
Budget smartly
California is one of the pricier parts of the USA, which is why it is good to plan in advance. We advise looking for city passes or bundle tickets if visiting multiple attractions and consider staying in more budget-friendly accommodations, especially in the more popular areas.
Rent a car
While public transportation is accessible, California’s vast landscape is best explored by car. If you're planning a scenic road trip, like along Highway 1, opt for a car with good fuel efficiency and comfortable space for long drives. A rental car gives you the freedom to take detours, discover hidden gems, and experience California at your own pace. You can also book car rental through Ocean Florida, where we can offer a wide range of car hire package options.
Your California dream starts here.
Book your California holiday today.
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