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California tours and holidays
Explore the magic of California, where winding roads cut through towering redwood forests and alongside sun-kissed shores, from one vibrant city pulsing with life to another equally as exciting.
Holidays to California promise a fascinating glimpse into the state’s traditions, flavours, and experiences. From the laid-back vibes of coastal communities to the fresh air of the astounding national parks, from Hollywood's glitz to the historic charm of San Francisco, and from Wild West ghost towns to unforgettable theme parks, every corner of California has a different story to tell.
Whatever you’re after, a California holiday promises the perfect adventure for you. Take a sightseeing tour to the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge or the iconic Hollywood sign. Get back to nature under the ancient boughs of centuries-old sequoias, or hike up the side of a thundering waterfall. Bask in the warmth of year-round sunshine, or head up the mountains for a spot of skiing. Spot sea lions on San Francisco's Pier 39, or take a whale-watching trip out to the waves of the Pacific. Whether it’s your first trip to the USA, or one of many, a visit to the Golden State is the perfect American holiday.
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Highlights of a holiday to California
From the big cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco to the natural wonders of Big Sur and Yosemite National Park, California has it all.
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From Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square, Golden Gate Park and the zig-zag switchbacks of Lombard Street, there’s no end of tempting places to explore in San Francisco. Try to also experience some of the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods or just follow your nose to pizzerias in Little Italy or crab shacks and clam chowder down at the waterfront. From wine tasting tours of the Napa and Sonoma valleys to day trips to Yosemite National Park and Muir Woods National Monument, some of the scenery surrounding San Francisco is absolutely stunning. And of course, there’s no way you should leave without taking a Golden Gate Bay cruise or getting some sand between your toes in amongst the boardwalks of Sausalito.
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What is California’s time zone?
California is on Pacific Daylight Time, GMT-7, so the United Kingdom is 7 hours ahead of California.
Where are the best beaches in California?
With over 800 miles of coastline and over 400 public beaches, the best beach in California is a tricky title to bestow, as really it depends what you’re looking for from your trip. From the golden sands and perfect surf of LA’s Venice Beach to the incredible hiking that can be had at the windswept Sonoma Coast State Park or the Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach, and from exploring the sea caves of El Matador State Beach in Malibu to escaping the city at Marshall's Beach in San Francisco (with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background), a California beach holiday means something different to every holidaymaker.
What’s the flight time from UK to California?
The flight from London to California is around 11 and a half hours.
What’s the weather like in California?
California is blessed with a Mediterranean-like climate, boasting with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters; generally California does not freeze other than at higher altitudes, like in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, where people head for winter sports.
When is a good time to visit California?
California is good to visit all year round, though if you intend to drive during your holiday, do bear in mind some mountain roads will be closed over winter due to snowfall. August is the hottest month, with average temperatures of 24°C, but winters are much milder than in the UK, with December hovering around 10°C.
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