Miami & California Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

You may be tempted by a summer escape for your Miami and California multi-centre holiday, but for more comfortable temperatures (and to miss the hurricane season), spring is the perfect time to visit. You’ll enjoy lower prices in Miami between February and April, as long as you avoid Spring Break, and will escape the summer humidity. Temperatures are on average between 20-23°C, making it perfect for exploring. 

Spring is ideal for visiting California, too; the shoulder seasons are always best to avoid the crowds. Visit in April and enjoy average temperatures of 23°C in Los Angeles and San Jose, while San Francisco is still a mild 17°C in the hottest part of the day. The lake regions are cooler still, while Death Valley can reach 32°C.

 

Miami is generally 5 hours behind the UK, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST), while California is generally 8 hours behind, observing Pacific Standard Time (PST). However, if you’re travelling in March of November, look out for when their time zones change to Eastern Daylight Time and Pacific Daylight Time, as US clocks go forward or backward an hour on different Sundays than in the UK.

For UK tourists flying into Miami, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the best airport, with non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW).

There are multiple airports in California offering direct flights from the UK, including Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International (SFO), San Diego International (SAN), and Mineta San Jose International (SJC).

If you need flight advice for your Miami and California twin-centre holiday, reach out to our USA experts who will be more than happy to assist.
 

Whether you’re a city explorer, sun worshipper, or off-road hiker, a Miami and California multi-centre holiday has endless appeal, making what to pack that little bit harder! 

Miami has a temperate climate year-round, so pack your summer wardrobe – just don’t forget a jumper for the cooler winter evenings, when temperatures can drop to 16°C. The wet season runs from May to October, so if you’re visiting then, don’t forget your waterproofs, too!

California, meanwhile, is one of few places on earth that has five climate types in close proximity, so your final destination will determine what to pack. If you’re planning to savour the beaches of So-Cal, pack for summer, with t-shirts and shorts, while the wine-growing valleys of the north have a more variable and cooler climate, making jumpers a must. The mountains can get ice-cold, so pack your thermals if you’re planning a hike.
 

Miami is packed with beaches, with over 15 popular spots each with its own unique vibe to explore and enjoy. Fancy somewhere lively? Head to South Beach, where powder soft sands meet vibrant bars and restaurants. Families will want to seek out the shores of North Beach and Millionaires Row. And, of course, no visit is complete without a day at the famous Miami Beach, with its calm waters and fun beach activities. Why not plan a multi-centre holiday in Miami and discover them all? You can view all our Miami twin-centre holidays here.

California has an abundance of incredible beaches too, with 840 miles of coastline offering more than 420 public beaches. If you’re visiting San Diego, why not learn to surf at Coronado Beach, known for its warm water and gentle waves? Surf pros though should visit Huntington Beach in Orange County, known as Surf City USA since the 1920s. 

Enjoy the fun of Santa Monica’s famous pier, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the 3.5-mile state beach, or the boardwalk at Main Beach, Santa Cruz. Relax on the golden sands of East Beach in Santa Barbara or catch the photo-worthy crashing waves at Big Sur. 

Enjoy the fun of Santa Monica’s famous pier, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the 3.5-mile state beach, or the boardwalk at Main Beach, Santa Cruz. Relax on the golden sands of East Beach in Santa Barbara or catch the photo-worthy crashing waves at Big Sur. 
 

Miami is a shopper’s paradise, with thousands of stores calling your name. From Florida’s largest shopping centre at Aventura Mall (with 300 retailers and a huge array of delicious dining options), to the luxury stores of Bal Harbour Shops (home to Chanel, Prada, and more), you’ll find something for every budget. 

Don’t miss a day wandering South Beach’s famous Lincoln Road, where you’ll find all your favourite high street stores amongst the iconic Art Deco architecture.



 

Miami is a foodie’s paradise, with the city known for its rich and diverse dining scene. Looking for a date night on the water? Head to Amara at Paraiso on 7th Avenue, which boasts one of the best restaurant views in Miami Beach — the perfect spot for watching the sunset over dinner.

With a rich history of Cuban culture, you’ll discover countless Cuban-inspired eateries. Try Sanguich De Miami on 8th Street or Latin Café on 42nd Avenue. For somewhere the whole family will love, head to The Wharf Miami downtown for delicious street food, from specialty burgers to artisan pizzas.

 

Popular Miami events include the Art Basel Festival every December, showcasing the best in modern and contemporary art. The Miami International Film Festival and Calle Ocho Cuban fiesta both take place each March, and of course, there’s no forgetting the Independence Day celebration every 4th of July. 

Other events not to miss while you’re in town include the International Boat Show in February, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in May, and Carnival in October.
 

Miami isn’t just for the grown-ups! With interactive museums like the Miami Children’s Museum in Miami Beach and ample parks to explore, the little ones will never be bored during your Miami multi-centre holiday. 

Kids and adults alike will also love the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, possibly the most beautiful outdoor swimming pool in the world. The idyllic setting has a shallow pool and cool grotto, perfect for a refreshing day escaping the heat. 
 

Travelling with kids? California is the perfect place for a family adventure, with plenty to see and do no matter which part you visit.

In North California, head out on a dolphin or whale-watching cruise from Monterey or visit the city’s popular aquarium. The San Francisco Exploratorium is also not to be missed; a fun science museum kids and big kids alike will love. The Avenue of Giants in Redwoods National Park also makes a fantastic day out; drive the 31-mile route lined with sky-high trees or pull over and take a hike.

In Southern California, head to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and meet your favourite animals, from the coast to the savannah, or spend an afternoon enjoying Santa Monica Pier, with its amusements and Pacific Ocean views. 

Plan a multi-centre holiday in California and explore them all. You can view all our California multi-centre holidays here.




 

There’s a reason hikers love visiting California. Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the fresh air and stunning landscape with some of the state’s best hikes. Visiting San Francisco? With picture-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the gentle but beautiful 3.5 mile hike at Lands End isn’t to be missed. In So-Cal, Big Sur is a popular hiking site; head to the Overlook Trail and catch the coastal views.

And, of course, no hiker can visit California without heading to Yosemite Falls, one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the tallest waterfall in North America, reaching 2,425 feet, which you can reach with one of two hiking routes; a 2-mile round-trip with 1,000 foot elevation, or the full 7.2-mile hike to reach the top of the falls for unmatched vistas of the valley and beyond.