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Family with Surfboards running along a sandy beach with the sun shining down on them in California, USA

California Holidays


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California holidays promise dramatic scenery, breathtaking national parks and exciting cities.

With over 1,100 miles of coastline, California is home to incredible beaches, from idyllic golden sands to rugged coves. For unforgettable coastal vistas drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles passing through charming towns and the spectacular scenery of California’s iconic Big Sur.

Away from California’s famed coastline you’ll find the winelands of Napa Valley and beautiful Lake Tahoe. Arguably most memorable of all are California’s national parks – all nine of them – which showcase scenery as diverse as Yosemite’s towering waterfalls to the foreboding landscape of Death Valley.

For city lovers, glitzy Los Angeles abounds with stunning beaches and celebrity spotting while San Francisco boasts the Golden Gate Bridge and notorious Alcatraz. Throw in sunny San Diego and chic Palm Springs and you’ll be in metropolitan heaven.

Trailfinders offers a range of California holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore California on a fly drive holiday, a sociable guided group tour or create amazing memories on a family holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.
Speak to a California Holidays Expert
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HOW TO GET AROUND CALIFORNIA

With its excellent network of wide, easy to drive byways, California is a perfect destination to be explored by car or motorhome. Follow one of our classic fly drive holidays or motorhome holidays or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect California holiday.

If you’d rather not drive, how about joining a sociable guided group tour travelling up California’s coast or travel along the Pacific Coast by rail? Our multi centre holidays are also a great alternative – hopping by air between California's major cities and taking advantage of our comprehensive local tours to experience the attractions.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO CALIFORNIA

Nobody offers more ways to explore California than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular California holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.

If you'd like to see how you could fit a California holiday into a wider exploration of the USA, take a look at our
USA Holidays page.
Best of California & Las Vegas
Fly Drive Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

See all the highlights of California on this exciting journey that takes in iconic cities, charming coastal towns and magnificent national parks.

Guide Price: €2,599 £2,199 pp

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Ultimate Family Adventure - California
Family Holiday
17 days / 16 nights

Combine exhilarating theme parks, world-famous icons and brilliant beaches whilst staying in California’s most family friendly resorts on this leisurely west coast escapade.

Guide Price: €3,579 £3,199 pp

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California's National Parks
Fly Drive Holiday
13 days / 12 nights

There’s much more to California than its beautiful coastline.

Guide Price: €2,379 £2,049 pp

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California by Rail
Rail
15 days / 14 nights

You don’t need to hire a car to explore California independently! Travelling by train from San Diego to San Francisco, take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling countryside and enjoy the highlights of LA and Santa Barbara.

Guide Price: €2,779 £2,329 pp

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California Cruising - Cruise America
Motorhome
16 days / 15 nights

Cruise America and Cruise Canada operate the largest fleet of motorhomes in North America.

Guide Price: €1,849 £1,529 pp

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Unique & Boutique California
Fly Drive Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Stay in some of California’s most characterful boutique hotels on this fantastic road trip through the Golden State.

Guide Price: €3,329 £2,849 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN CALIFORNIA

Each region of California boasts its own attractions and it’s no exaggeration to say each merits a holiday in its own right. It would be just as easy to spend all your time exploring the cities and national parks of California as it would to use it to discover the state’s beaches and vineyards.

Click on the tiles below the California map for more details on each holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration for your California holiday, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
San Francisco
San Francisco is diverse and picturesque, with a compact downtown bursting with attractions and each neighbourhood boasting its own appeal. From Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, and from Embarcadero to Nob Hill, there is so much to be discovered in this hip and picturesque city.
California Wine Country
California’s Wine Country is home to the renowned wine producing valleys of Napa and Sonoma. Rolling green hills flow into vineyard covered plains, punctuated by small towns and winding country roads.
Yosemite & California's National Parks
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks showcase some of America’s most magnificent scenery and its pristine great outdoors. These enchanting landscapes boast spectacular waterfalls, dramatic mountains, roaring rivers and ancient forests aplenty.
The California Coast
Follow highway 1 for the quintessential California road trip. On the beautifully scenic stretch of coastal highway you’ll find dramatic national parks, laid back cosmopolitan towns, glorious beaches and even a castle!
San Diego
San Diego boasts over 40 miles of pristine beaches and lots of distinct districts. Affluent La Jolla has pretty coves, boutique shops and lovely restaurants. Try authentic Mexican food in Old Town, revel in the lively Gaslamp Quarter or relax on the beaches of Coronado Island and Mission Beach.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is blessed with year round sunshine, starry nights and a stunning mountain backdrop. All this is within easy reach of Los Angeles and the California coast. Nearby Indian Wells is home to fabulous resorts, world class golfing and sublime spas.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods blessed with year round sunshine. Shop in Beverly Hills, star-spot in Hollywood, enjoy the thrills of the theme parks or party in West Hollywood.
Lake Tahoe and the High Sierras
The towering peaks of the High Sierras create a spectacular landscape of lush forested slopes and azure lakes that are ideally suited to both summer adventures and winter escapades.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA

We feature a great range of accommodation in California, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a cosy lodge in the heart of Yosemite or the best family friendly hotel in San Diego? Or perhaps it’s a romantic hideaway in Big Sur for your honeymoon or a luxurious spa retreat in Palm Springs?

What you won’t find here are thousands of California hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help you plan your California holiday, often with first-hand experience.
Hotel Zephyr
4 star

San Francisco

This unique and stylish maritime themed hotel boasts a fantastic location with waterfront views.
The Garland
4 star

Los Angeles

Set in seven acres of beautiful gardens, The Garland is an urban oasis which provides great value for families and couples alike.
Post Ranch Inn
5 star

California Coast

Set high on the cliffs of the Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this striking and unique resort offers total seclusion and is the ultimate destination for a luxurious, romantic escape.
Inn By The Harbor
3 star

California Coast

Nestled among lush gardens, this attractive boutique hotel offers a friendly, relaxed base from which to explore Santa Barbara.
Tenaya Lodge & Cabins
4 star

Yosemite & California's National Parks

This picturesque lodge, surrounded by evergreen forest, enjoys a great location close to Yosemite.
Kona Kai Resort & Spa
4 star

San Diego

Located at the tip of Shelter Island, Kona Kai boasts an enviable waterfront location and the only privately owned beach in San Diego.

WHAT TO DO IN CALIFORNIA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, California is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide an insight into the culture of a city, or unique way to experience the areas natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be touring the spectacular yet haunting Alcatraz, the next going behind the scenes of a working Hollywood movie studio. Enjoy a gourmet lunch on board the Napa Valley Wine Train, explore Santa Barbara’s harbour in a sea kayak or go whale watching from Monterey.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your California holiday to life.
Alcatraz, San Francisco 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour
Attraction Ticket
Departs: San Francisco

Alcatraz is spectacular yet haunting. Enjoy a guided tour and learn what life was like for the ...

Universal Studios Hollywood 1 Day VIP Experience
Attraction Ticket
Departs: Los Angeles

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! The most exclusive way to go behind the ...

Golden Gate Bridge by Bike
1-3 hours
Departs: San Francisco

‘San Fran’ is famous for its steep hills so a guided tour is priceless if you’d like to follow a ...

Hollywood Hills Guided Hike
2½ hours
Departs: Los Angeles

Leave the crowds behind for a more natural side to LA. Your expert guide will entertain you with ...

Monterey Whale Watching Tour
3 hours
Departs: Monterey

As one of the only places in the world to whale watch all year round, Monterey Bay is abundant with ...

Napa Valley Wine Train with Gourmet Lunch
3 hours
Departs: Napa

All aboard for a luxurious vintage experience! Journey through picturesque wine country on Napa’s ...

WHEN TO VISIT CALIFORNIA

The weather in California varies by region. Los Angeles and the southern parts of California enjoy dry, warm weather year round, with temperatures peaking in the summer months. Travel further north towards San Francisco or inland towards Yosemite and the climate is warm and dry in the summer months but cooler in the winter.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit California.

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California Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Peter Duckworth -  expert
Peter Duckworth

On Highway 1, spend some time at Ragged Point - an amazing viewpoint about 15 miles north of San Simeon. It's a great opportunity to see unique rock formations and even better at sunset!

Hatham Alobaidi -  expert
Hatham Alobaidi

West Hollywood is the place to stay if you want to visit legendary music venues like the Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy. Why not enjoy a drink or two in the bars where The Doors and Jimi Hendrix used to hang out?

Tom Bonavia -  expert
Tom Bonavia

Those who are returning to Los Angeles and want more of a local experience should visit Downtown LA. This up and coming neighbourhood is home to bustling Grand Central Market, trendy rooftop bars and modern museums such as the Grammy Museum at LA live.

California Fast Facts

Time Zone: California is 8 hours behind GMT

Getting to California: Flights to California take approximately 11 hours

Currency: US Dollar (USD). ATM's are available across the country and most restaurants, shops and hotels will accept credit/debit cards

Tipping: Tipping in California is expected. A tip of 15-20% for all service staff is usually sufficient

Language: The official language of the USA is English. Spanish is widely spoken in Southern California

Visa: A USA ESTA visa is required for travel (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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