As USA holiday experts, we work, love, and breathe transatlantic travel. So, naturally, our adventure-loving team adores travelling there, too! In May 2024, our Head of Brand Marketing, Natalie Sexton, lived out her California dream (for the third time) as she road-tripped across the Golden State in style behind the wheel of a Mustang.
For first-timers, she recommends the Highway 101 road trip – all the way from San Fran to San Diego – so this California Beach & Palm Springs trip is tailored more for returning holidaymakers. In this exclusive guide, she’s spilling all her best Cali tips - from where to stay in LA to how to make the most of a day at Joshua Tree National Park...
Los Angeles
“LA. Tinseltown. The City of Angels. Whatever you call it, you know it's iconic. The moment I landed at LAX, I knew my Cali adventure had truly begun. And if you're flying in, chances are you're either kicking off or wrapping up your trip here, too.
For the best LA experience, I’d say West Hollywood is the place to be. You’ll be in the thick of the action near Sunset Boulevard, just a stone’s throw from Beverley Hills and Rodeo Drive and a short drive from Santa Monica. And, who knows, you may just rub shoulders with A-listers while grabbing your morning latte.
Top tip: LA traffic. It's no secret. At rush hour, those highways can feel more like a parking lot. So, if you're staying somewhere a little further out, plan your schedule around that.”
Santa Monica
“If LA is on your radar, then
Santa Monica is a must. For me personally I prefer to stay at Santa Monica and drive into LA for day trips, but its personal preference. Start at Santa Monica Pier for old-school amusement park vibes at Pacific Park and treat yourself to classic carnival snacks like corn dogs and chilli fries (trust me, they're a must). If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, hit up Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. if you’re a fan of Forrest Gump.
For the Insta-loving crew, grab a pic at the End of Route 66 sign and for candid, photo-worthy moments, wander over to the Original Muscle Beach. And, of course, no trip to Santa Monica is complete without some beach time. Kick off your sandals and frolic in the Pacific, or cycle the scenic coastal path along the 3.5-mile Santa Monica State Beach.
Top tip: Check if your hotel offers free bike rentals. Holidaying in a group of four? Hire a Surrey bike for a fun group activity. And for a special treat, I highly recommend Shutters on the Beach, where I had an unforgettable brunch complete with mimosas at this iconic beachfront hotspot.
Sunset pic from the High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
If you're looking for the perfect sundowner spot, Venice Beach is just a 25-minute walk (or a quick drive) away. One place I loved is the High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin because nothing beats the golden hour (and happy hour) with an ocean view. If you’re in the mood for a great meal, Chulita serves up incredible Mexican food and cocktails, The Waterfront Venice is perfect for laid-back drinks and people-watching, and Alfalfa is a local favourite known for fresh salads and the most amazing gluten-free doughnuts.”
Laguna Beach
"With Santa Monica in my rearview, I threw on my sunnies, hopped in my Mustang, and cranked up my California playlist. Because what's a coastal drive without a solid soundtrack?
Arriving in
Laguna Beach, this artsy, fitness-loving town greeted me with luxury art galleries, beachfront yoga sessions, and morning joggers living their best Cali lives.
If you're after a meal with a view, Laguna Beach delivers big time with a lineup of waterfront restaurants. My top recs are The Cliff Restaurant for 180-degree beach views, while other must-visit spots include The Deck, Las Brisas, and Nick’s Laguna Beach for epic ocean views. And for golden-hour magic, The Rooftop Lounge is the spot for small plates and sunset cocktails. Just be sure to book ahead, as it fills up fast.
Top tip: Skip the parking hassle and board Laguna Beach's free trolley - it zips between North Laguna/Heisler Park, downtown, and South Laguna. But if you're in the mood to stretch your legs, you can stroll between these hotspots in just 25 minutes.
Whatever you do, don't miss the hilltop views from Heisler Park, and wander down the tree-lined Forest Avenue - perfect for dining, shopping, and exploring the local art scene.”
Palm Springs
“Next up on my California adventure was
Palm Springs - the playground of Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean. Since it's smack in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, expect the temperature to be toasty, so pack light, breathable outfits.
Of course, I had to snap a selfie with the massive Marilyn Monroe statue (iconic) and stroll through the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
This city certainly knows how to party, and is home to a host of great restaurants and bars.
But without a doubt, the highlight of my trip was the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It's the world's largest rotating tramcar, climbing 8,516 feet and offering panoramic views of the desert and mountains. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike down to Mount San Jacinto State Park for more amazing views. From the top there is access to more than 50 trails if you wish to explore the surrounding areas. For those not wanting to hike, you can enjoy the Peaks Restaurant at the top before visiting the observation area or the small theatre showing the history of the tramway.
Top tip: Wear comfy shoes for exploring the scenic trails, pack a jumper as it gets chilly at the top, and time your ride for sunset - it's pure magic up there.”
Joshua Tree
“If you're staying in Palm Springs, I've got some epic day trips for you. And number one on my list is Joshua Tree National Park.
A quick heads up - you'll need a car (and a full tank of petrol, as there are no petrol stations in the park). There are also no food options in the park but plenty of beautiful picnic spots so pack a picnic for the day.
Since it's located in the desert, it can get hot. Like, really hot. So make sure you bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The park's open 24 hours a day, but my top tip is to go during the cooler parts of the day. We timed it to arrive for sunrise which not only benefited from the cooler weather but also simply stunning scenery watching the sunrise – the perfect time to hit the trails before the midday heat kicks in. One of my top picks for those wishing to do an introductory hike is the Hidden Valley Trail, a 1-mile loop through rock formations that look straight out of another planet. And a few of my must-see highlights in the park include Keys Views to admire Mount San Jacinto and Mount Gorgonio, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock, and Heart Rock.
Park tips: It can get chilly in the early mornings and at night, so throw on some layers if you’re planning to stick around from dawn to dusk.
Planning tip: Getting around Joshua Tree is pretty straightforward since there are only two main roads, but parking can be tricky. The car parks aren’t super big, so if they're full, you won’t be able to park anywhere else. So, plan ahead, is possible visit on a week day and pick your must-see spots.”
Pioneertown
“If you're in Palm Springs or Joshua Tree, you've got to check out Pioneertown - a 1940s and 50s Western film set that still looks like it’s straight out of the Wild West. With its dusty streets, wooden saloons, and old-timey storefronts, you’ll feel like you're living in a classic Western.
Dining tip: If you’re there between Thursday and Monday, grab a tasty meal at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace or pop by The Red Dog Saloon for some grub and drinks.
But don’t worry if you're visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday - this place is still a blast to wander through, soaking in that Old West vibe and feeling like you’re the star of your very own Western movie. Just check out my pics to see what I mean.”
Santa Barbara
“Saving the best for last (in my opinion),
Santa Barbara is a real showstopper with its palm-lined beaches, rolling hills, and terracotta rooftops. It’s no wonder it’s called the American Riviera. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to Europe.
One of the highlights here is the Santa Barbara Wine Country, home to a whopping 283 wineries. And if you love a good wine tasting, you’ve got to check out the Urban Wine Trail, which takes you downtown and encompasses nearly 40 tasting rooms. You’ll sip on cabernets to chardonnays and sparkling wines between wandering charming streets lined with cream-coloured stucco buildings that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mediterranean village.
What’s great about Santa Barbara’s wine scene is the diversity of each area - some are super luxurious, others have live music, and some have a more laid-back, student vibe. You can enjoy 360 degree ocean views at the Deep Sea Tasting Room on Stearns Wharf or sip your wine on beautiful patios and courtyards at Jamie Sloane Wines. My personal favourite area? The Funk Zone - a buzzing artsy district packed with tasting rooms, cool street art, and an effortlessly trendy atmosphere.
To wrap up your California adventure, head over to Santa Barbara Harbour for a sunset boat cruise, then grab a table at a waterfront restaurant and toast to the perfect ending - ocean views included.”
And there you have it - Natalie’s California itinerary. For more Cali road trip tips, stay tuned for her next blog as she reminisces a Highway 101 road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. If you’re feeling inspired, take a look at our
California Package Holidays, offering Hollywood glam, golden beaches, and desert landscapes. Happy road-tripping to follow in her tracks.
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