Our Personal Travel Agents can help you plan a trip to California, and so much more

Enter your postcode to find your nearest Personal Travel Agent, so you can have the best holiday without any of the effort

United States of America > California

Overview

The legend of California, the embroidered image portrayed by Hollywood's worldwide film and television industry, really does exist. Days are warm and sunny, the mansions of Beverley Hills are the height of luxury, beautifully-sculpted bodies roller-blade along the beachfront boardwalks, blonde-haired surfers compete for waves and the allure of Hollywood's fame and fortune is as strong as ever.

Everyone either adores or despises the Golden State, the 'spoilt kid' of the USA, who brushes off the barbs of envious resentment with indifference, confident in the knowledge that California offers one of the most varied and exciting places to live in America. The world-renowned cities of the West Coast are strung along miles of magnificent coastline with cliffs, redwood forests and beaches. The high snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the glacier-carved valley of Yosemite National Park contrast with the shimmering heat of spectacular desert landscapes and the neat rows of leafy vineyards in the Napa Valley, one of the world's best-known wine growing regions.

The Golden Gate Bridge, steep roller-coaster hills and the formidable island of Alcatraz are instantly recognisable images of San Francisco, while the welcoming beach lifestyle and family-fun attractions make San Diego a popular vacation destination. Undoubtedly the city with the biggest appeal is Los Angeles, a high-energy conglomeration of wealthy neighbourhoods, beaches and excessive lifestyles. It lives up to its reputation as 'the entertainment capital of the world' presenting the attractions of Hollywood, Universal Studios and Disneyland, as well as first-class shopping, fine restaurants and a lively nightlife.

As the most populous state in the USA, California is blighted by pollution, congested freeways, crime and overcrowded attractions, but it remains a leader in social tolerance, as well as being a forerunner in the film, entertainment and music industry. The state also lives with the constant threat of earthquakes, being cut through by the San Andreas Fault. Despite the ever-present fear that 'the big one' will strike, California remains one of the most popular states in which to live, work and play.

The land of movie stars and make believe, California occupies the imagination of the entire world. Palm-tree-lined Beverly Hills boulevards with enormous mansions, sunny beach boardwalks with funfairs and roller skating, scenic highways skirting dramatic coastal drop-offs, and secluded paths meandering through groves of giant redwood trees are all part of the magic of this wildly popular state.

For many people, a holiday in California means visiting Hollywood in Los Angeles, where the wide variety of activities ranges from rides at Universal Studios to hunting down celebrity grave sites for legendary performers, Bing Crosby and Natalie Wood.

Southern California is also famous for its many theme parks, such as Six Flags, Knott's Berry Farm, and of course Disneyland. From there, many travellers take a quick drive down the 101 Highway to San Diego for family-friendly attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Holidays in San Francisco and other destinations in Northern California offer a different experience, often less pre-packaged and more cultural. Whether going for dim sum in the bustling streets of Chinatown, hunting for records in Haight Ashbury, wine tasting in Napa Valley, or riding the famous cable cars up and down the hills, San Francisco has something for everyone.

Besides the bustling streets of the big cities, the stunning landscape of California offers scenic photo opportunities ranging from the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park to the twisted branches of Joshua Tree. Travellers can ski or swim at Lake Tahoe, and cavort with dolphins on Catalina Island, leading many to wonder if there's anything holidaymakers can't find in California.

Best time to visit California

The weather in California is famously beautiful, and it really is a year-round destination. That said, California's climate varies dramatically from north to south. The weather in Southern California is hot with dry desert winds in the summer, and more rainfall and lower temperatures in the winter (November to February). Northern California is cooler with much more rain, and winters can be downright cold in San Francisco.

What to see in California

-Catch a show at Sea World.

-See giant redwoods, the biggest trees on earth, in Muir Woods.

-Compare handprints with Johnny Depp and Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood.

-Watch enormous floats made from flowers go by in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

What to do in California

-Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

-Sample local wines in Napa Valley and Santa Barbara.

-Go skiing at popular resorts such as Big Bear and Mammoth Mountain.

-Catch a wave and walk on the boardwalk on Santa Monica Beach.

Getting to California

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are major international hubs, and there are plenty of flights to California available from practically anywhere. There are direct flights to California from London and most major UK cities, and flights from London take roughly 10 to 11 hours.

Read

East of Eden by John Steinbeck, LA Confidential by James Ellroy, and Slouching towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion.

Watch

Sideways (2004), Sunset Boulevard (1950), American Graffiti (1973), Chinatown (1974), Lady Bird (2017).

Drink

Napa Valley wine such as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

Eat

California-style sushi, Chinese dim sum, fish tacos and In-and-Out burgers.

What to buy

California wine, Mickey Mouse ears and Hollywood souvenirs.

What to pack

Plenty of sunscreen, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A warm jacket is needed if visiting northern California in the winter.

What's on in California

Hollywood's most famous stars gather for the Academy Awards, held in February; a family-friendly theme park gets a spooky makeover in Knott's Scary Farm every October; and superheroes and movie stars rub shoulders at San Diego's famous Comic Con. California has one of the busiest events calendars in the world.

Did you know?

-California's state motto is "Eureka!" (I have found it!)

-Sequoia National Park contains the largest living tree. Its trunk is 102 feet in circumference.

-The Hollywood Bowl is the world's largest outdoor amphitheatre.

A final word

From the magic of Tinseltown to the remote beauty of the mountains, sunny California has something for everyone.

Attractions

California is home to a wealth of attractions, boasting some of the most scenic drives and national parks in the US, and indeed the world. It also has some stupendously fun man-made diversions, including dozens of celebrated theme parks. The Golden State is more than just the thrill of Hollywood and its resident celebrities; many travellers craft their itineraries around one of the three great cities of California (Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego), but these urban playgrounds are just one aspect of the state's diverse appeal.

The most renowned attractions in California include Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park, where some of the tallest trees in the world are found (including the mammoth General Sherman), and the world-famous theme parks such as Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The remarkable, barren landscapes of Death Valley National Park, the beautiful Big Sur coastline, Lake Tahoe, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge spanning San Francisco Bay, and the unparalleled Yosemite National Park are all major drawcards.

Climate

The weather in California is temperate and pleasant for most of the year. In general, summers are hot, winters are mild and humidity is low. Offshore breezes keep the beach communities of Los Angeles and San Diego cooler in summer and warmer in winter than those further inland. Generally the weather is warm and dry in all seasons, with 354 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures in the summer can get well over 90ºF (32ºC) and smog can become a problem. The desert winds known as the 'Santa Anas' bring dry, sandy air to southern California in the summer. In winter temperatures get down to around 55ºF (12ºC) and rain is a possibility. San Francisco, a little further north, is a little cooler and breezier, and fog regularly covers the harbour until about midday. Winter weather in San Francisco can require a warm coat.

Los Angeles International

The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) southwest of Los Angeles.

Tel: +1 310 646 5252.
www.flylax.com/

Facilities

Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, mobile charging stations, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars.

Car Parking

Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, mobile charging stations, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars.

Car Rental

Array

Taxis

Taxis available outside the lower level of the airport. Passengers receive a ticket stating the typical fare to major destinations. Airport authorised taxis display an official seal and passengers who use an unauthorised taxi service do so at their own risk. Ride-hailing taxi services such as Uber are also available.

Transfer terminals

A free shuttle bus carries passengers between terminals.

Transfer City

A free shuttle bus service runs to the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station from the lower level of each terminal. Another shuttle connects to the Bus Center, from where city buses serve the Los Angeles area. Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle are both shared-ride van services; reservations are recommended. Some hotels also offer transport. Ride-hailing taxi services such as Uber are also available.

San Francisco International

The airport is situated 14 miles (23km) south of San Francisco.

Tel: +1 800 435 9736
www.flysfo.com

Facilities

There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available. Facilities for the disabled are very good. Other facilities include baggage storage, a medical clinic, bars and restaurants, duty-free, shops, childcare and baby changing facilities, mailboxes, WiFi, tourist information and hotel reservations. There's also a museum, library, art gallery and an aviation history museum within the terminal.

Car Parking

There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available. Facilities for the disabled are very good. Other facilities include baggage storage, a medical clinic, bars and restaurants, duty-free, shops, childcare and baby changing facilities, mailboxes, WiFi, tourist information and hotel reservations. There's also a museum, library, art gallery and an aviation history museum within the terminal.

Car Rental

The AirTrain links the terminals to the rental car centre. Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, National, Thrifty and Hertz.

Taxis

Airport employees are available at the taxi pick up area, outside all terminals, to help passengers. Taxi drivers will expect a tip.

Transfer terminals

The AirTrain light rail service operates on two lines: the Red Line connects all terminals, garages and the BART Station; and the Blue Line connects to the rental car centre. However, the AirTrain does not provide service to the airport's long-term parking lot.

Transfer City

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail service connects the airport to the city centre, and provides a connection to the Caltrain commuter rail service at Millbrae Station, from where trains leave regularly to downtown San Francisco and San Jose. SamTrans Service, bus 292, leaves every 30 minutes for the city centre and suburbs. There are also shared vans, which provide a door-to-door service and are cheaper than taxis. Reservations are sometimes needed for service after 11pm. Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, are also available.

San Diego International Airport

The airport is situated two miles (3km) northwest of San Diego.

Tel: +1 619 400 2404.
www.san.org

Facilities

Lifts, bathrooms and telephones cater for the disabled. Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Other facilities include bars and restaurants, ATMs, shoeshine services, shops, several airport club rooms and lounges, spas, tourist information and bicycle lockers.

Car Parking

Lifts, bathrooms and telephones cater for the disabled. Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Other facilities include bars and restaurants, ATMs, shoeshine services, shops, several airport club rooms and lounges, spas, tourist information and bicycle lockers.

Car Rental

All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs take place at the Car Rental Center. A free shuttle travels between the Car Rental Center and all of the terminals.

Taxis

A variety of taxi companies service San Diego Airport, departing from the Transportation Plazas, which are indicated by signs in the airport.

Transfer terminals

A free Airport Loop shuttle service operates between the terminals at frequent intervals.

Transfer City

Array

Burbank Airport

The airport is situated three miles (5km) from Burbank and 14 miles (23km) from Los Angeles.

Tel: +1 818 840 8840.
hollywoodburbankairport.com

Facilities

Facilities include ATMs, WiFi, a pet rest area, shops and an information desk. There is a restaurant and a variety of other food and beverage options, as well as a few retail shops.

Car Parking

Facilities include ATMs, WiFi, a pet rest area, shops and an information desk. There is a restaurant and a variety of other food and beverage options, as well as a few retail shops.

Car Rental

Car hire companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Taxis

Taxis available on the islands in front of the airport terminal include City Cab, United Taxi and Checker Cab.

Transfer terminals

The terminals are within walking distance of each other, in the same building.

Transfer City

Array

Oakland International Airport

The airport is situated around 10 miles (16km) from Oakland.

Tel: +1 510 563 3300.
www.oaklandairport.com

Facilities

ATMs, shops (including duty-free), restaurants and bars are available in both terminals. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for, but those requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline in advance.

Car Parking

ATMs, shops (including duty-free), restaurants and bars are available in both terminals. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for, but those requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline in advance.

Car Rental

The Rental Car Center is open 24 hours (operating on an 'on demand' basis in the later hours) and has all rental companies in one location, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty. A rental car shuttle bus ferries passengers between the terminals and Rental Car Center every 10 minutes. Prior booking is recommended.

Taxis

Taxis, limos and a shuttle service are available from outside the airport. Taxi services are provided by Friendly Cab and Veteran's Cab.

Transfer terminals

The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.

Transfer City

The Oakland Airport BART station is located across from Terminal 1 and a short walk from Terminal 2. A shuttle service links the airport to Coliseum Station in just 8 minutes, with fares depending on the final destination. AC Transit bus line 73 connects passengers to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART station every 15 minutes, while Line 805 connects the airport to Downtown Oakland every hour between 12.35am and 4.30am.

San Jose International Airport

The airport is located four miles (6km) northwest of San José.

Tel: +1 (408) 392 3600.
www.flysanjose.com

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include several restaurants and cafes, WiFi access, a gift shop, ATMs, bureaux de change, lounges, and massage chairs. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Car Parking

Facilities at the airport include several restaurants and cafes, WiFi access, a gift shop, ATMs, bureaux de change, lounges, and massage chairs. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Car Rental

Car rental companies can be found at the Rental Car Centre, which is serviced by a blue shuttle bus from Terminal A, and is within short walking distance from Terminal B. Companies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Fox, National, Payless, and Thrifty.

Taxis

Both on-demand and pre-arranged taxi services are available from San Jose airport, from both terminals.

Transfer terminals

A courtesy shuttle connects Terminals A and B and the parkings lots, running every seven to 10 minutes from 2.30am to 1am.

Transfer City

Array

Sacramento Airport

Sacramento International Airport is located 11 miles (18km) northwest of downtown Sacramento.

Tel: (916) 929 5411 Email: air-market@saccounty.net
www.sacramento.aero/smf

Facilities

Facilities include a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, a shoeshine, ATMs, a massage bar and free WiFi access in all public places. Disabled facilities are also available. Travellers requiring assistance should contact their airline prior to departure.

Car Parking

Facilities include a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, a shoeshine, ATMs, a massage bar and free WiFi access in all public places. Disabled facilities are also available. Travellers requiring assistance should contact their airline prior to departure.

Car Rental

A separate car rental terminal on airport grounds hosts all the rental agencies. A shuttle runs between the main terminal buildings and the car rental building around every 10 minutes. Available agencies include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Taxis

Taxis, serviced by the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association (SITOA), can be located outside the baggage claim area. Rates start at $3, with an additional $2.50 per mile. A round trip to the airport from downtown will cost roughly $66.

Transfer terminals

An interterminal shuttle is available for travel between terminals A and B. Walking time is 10 minutes and is recommended as the faster option.

Transfer City

Affordable public transport to the Sacramento Airport goes by the name Yolobus. This service offers daily routes throughout the region, including downtown, Davis, Woodland and beyond. Services to downtown run from 5.30am, Monday to Friday, and from 8.20am on the weekends. Last buses depart from downtown and the airport shortly after 10pm. Regular fare is $2.25 for a single journey, with concessions available. Limousine and shared shuttle services are also available from the airport.

Ontario International Airport

The airport is just over three miles (5km) from downtown Ontario, and 39 miles (63km) east of downtown Los Angeles, in California.

Array
www.lawa.org/welcomeONT.aspx

Facilities

ATMs, baggage cart rental, pet relief areas, WiFi, retail outlets, duty-free shopping and restaurants are all available at Ontario International Airport.

Car Parking

ATMs, baggage cart rental, pet relief areas, WiFi, retail outlets, duty-free shopping and restaurants are all available at Ontario International Airport.

Car Rental

A free shuttle transports passengers to the Rental Car Center from which most major rental companies operate, including Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Taxis

Travellers can find metered taxis on the curb outside baggage claim in both Terminals 2 and 4.

Transfer terminals

The terminals are located adjacent to one other. A free shuttle runs between the terminals at regular intervals of around five to 20 minutes depending upon time of day.

Transfer City

The best way to get into town from Ontario Airport is to take Omnitrans bus No. 61. It runs at 15-minute intervals.

Palm Springs International Airport

The airport is three miles (5km) from downtown Palm Springs.

Tel: +1 (760) 318 3800.
www.palmspringsairport.com

Facilities

Palm Springs International Airport passenger facilities include a range of restaurants, a selection of shops, a USO Service Club, a kid's play area, ATMs, currency exchange services and free WiFi.

Car Parking

Palm Springs International Airport passenger facilities include a range of restaurants, a selection of shops, a USO Service Club, a kid's play area, ATMs, currency exchange services and free WiFi.

Car Rental

Car rental companies offering services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Taxis

A number of taxi companies operate at Palm Springs International Airport.

Transfer City

Array

John Wayne Airport

The airport is located in Orange County, California, just 14 miles (23km) from the Disneyland Resort.

Facilities

John Wayne Airport is well equipped with airline club lounges, a wide variety of restaurants from fast food outlets to sit-down dining and pubs, a broad selection of shops for basic necessities and gifts, ATMs, currency exchange, power outlets, lockers, pet facilities and art exhibits.

Car Parking

John Wayne Airport is well equipped with airline club lounges, a wide variety of restaurants from fast food outlets to sit-down dining and pubs, a broad selection of shops for basic necessities and gifts, ATMs, currency exchange, power outlets, lockers, pet facilities and art exhibits.

Car Rental

On-site rental car companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Taxis

Taxis are available from the Ground Transportation Centre at John Wayne Airport. Metered service is available but it is also possible to negotiate a flat rate for certain destinations. There is no charge for additional passengers. Uber and other similar mobile app based taxi services are also available.

Transfer terminals

It is possible to walk between the terminals through connecting walkways.

Transfer City

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses, and the iShuttle service John Wayne Airport. Additionally, an express bus runs to the Disneyland Resort on a set schedule. Taxis and rental cars are available. Uber and other similar mobile app based taxi services are also available. Most ground transportation services pick up travellers in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC).

Fresno Airport

Fresno Airport is located more than 65 miles (105km) south of Yosemite National Park, on California State Route 41 in eastern Fresno.

Facilities

Amenities in Fresno airport include a tourism and information centre, a newsagents, a sports bar, fast-food outlets, and a pub.

Car Parking

Amenities in Fresno airport include a tourism and information centre, a newsagents, a sports bar, fast-food outlets, and a pub.

Car Rental

Array

Taxis

Array

Transfer City

Tour buses, shared shuttles, taxis and buses that connect to Yosemite and downtown Fresno are all available in front of the terminal building.

Long Beach Airport

The airport is situated three miles (4.8km) northeast of Long Beach City in Los Angeles County.

Facilities

The terminal has recently been renovated at Long Beach Airport and passengers should be able to find everything they need. Airport facilities include ATMs, gift shops, cafes, fast food outlets and a restaurant.

Car Parking

The terminal has recently been renovated at Long Beach Airport and passengers should be able to find everything they need. Airport facilities include ATMs, gift shops, cafes, fast food outlets and a restaurant.

Car Rental

Array

Taxis

Long Beach Yellow Cab taxis are available at the taxi stand outside the terminal.

Transfer City

Long Beach Transit bus routes 102, 104 and 111 service the airport. Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are also available at the airport.

Our Personal Travel Agents can help you plan a trip to California, and so much more

Enter your postcode to find your nearest Personal Travel Agent, so you can have the best holiday without any of the effort