California

Golden Coasts, Iconic Cities & National Park Wonders

Hotels in California

Welcome to California

Imagine cruising down the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean breeze in your hair, snapping photos of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in mist, walking amongst giant sequoia trees in Yosemite, spotting stars (both celestial and celebrity!) in Los Angeles, and soaking up the sunshine on endless golden beaches. California offers all this and so much more. It's a state of incredible diversity – from sun-kissed beaches and vast deserts to towering mountains and lush forests. It’s the land of Hollywood glamour, Silicon Valley innovation, world-class wine, and the quintessential American road trip.


For many first-time UK visitors, California means tackling a classic loop: the glitz and sprawl of Los Angeles, the unique charm of San Francisco, and the awe-inspiring nature of Yosemite National Park, often connected by that legendary coastal drive. But California's sheer size and variety offer endless possibilities for returners: explore the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, the laid-back beach cities around San Diego, the stark beauty of Death Valley or Joshua Tree National Parks, the giant trees of Sequoia National Park, or the rugged coastline of Northern California. Whatever your travel style, California promises adventure.

Airports in California

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Flights: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, American, and Delta offer direct flights from London Heathrow (and sometimes Gatwick/Manchester) to California's main hubs. Key gateways include:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The main gateway for Southern California
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): The main gateway for Northern California
  • Other airports like San Diego (SAN), Oakland (OAK) (alternative for SF Bay Area), and San Jose (SJC) (for Silicon Valley) also receive international or connecting flights and can be useful depending on your itinerary.

Transport options in California

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  • Rental Cars: This is highly recommended and often essential
  • Domestic Flights, Useful for covering the long distances
  • Trains (Amtrak)
  • Buses/Coaches

Official Spoken Languages

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English is the primary language spoken throughout California. Communication is very straightforward for UK visitors.


Reflecting California's diverse population, Spanish is extremely widely spoken, especially in Southern California. You'll see bilingual signs frequently and hear Spanish commonly used. Knowing a few basic Spanish pleasantries can be useful and appreciated in some areas, but isn't essential for most tourist interactions.

Weather & Climate

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For exploring multiple regions including coasts, cities, and parks (with high country access), late Spring (May-June) and Autumn (September-October) are often ideal, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer (July-August) is peak season for beach holidays and when schools are out but expect heat inland and potential fog in SF.

Must-Visit Destinations in California

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Los Angeles: Hollywood, Beaches & City Views

Dive into the sprawling metropolis. Walk the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, spot the famous Hollywood Sign (great views from Griffith Observatory!), and maybe take a studio tour. Then head to the coast to experience the unique, buzzing, bohemian atmosphere of the Venice Beach Boardwalk with its street performers, skaters, and Muscle Beach, or enjoy the classic pier and beachfront fun at Santa Monica. Don't miss panoramic city views (especially at sunset) from the Griffith Observatory.

Smoke is coming out of a volcano in the middle of a forest.

Yosemite National Park's Natural Majesty

Witness the breathtaking beauty of this world-renowned National Park (UNESCO site). Stand in awe amongst the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Gaze up at the sheer granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite Valley. See spectacular waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall (most impressive in Spring/early Summer). Hike scenic trails (from easy valley loops to strenuous mountain climbs). Drive the scenic Tioga Road (usually open late May/June to Oct/Nov) for high-country vistas. 

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San Francisco's Iconic Charm

Explore the beautiful 'City by the Bay'. Ride a historic Cable Car clattering up and down the steep hills. Marvel at (and walk or cycle across, weather permitting!) the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. Take the ferry trip to infamous Alcatraz Island to tour the former prison (essential to book tickets months in advance via Alcatraz City Cruises, the official vendor). Watch the playful sea lions at Pier 39 near Fisherman's Wharf, explore vibrant Chinatown, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this compact, scenic city.

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Drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH / Highway 1)

Experience one of the world's most legendary road trips! Drive the dramatic stretch of coastline between (roughly) Monterey/Carmel and Morro Bay, particularly through Big Sur. This section offers stunning cliffs plunging into the Pacific, redwood groves, coastal fog swirling below bridges (like Bixby Creek Bridge), and incredible viewpoints. Allow plenty of time, drive carefully on the winding road, and check road conditions beforehand on the Caltrans website (landslides can cause long-term closures, especially in the Big Sur area).

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Remember you'll be driving on the RIGHT! Rental cars are almost always automatic transmission. Key rule: In California, you can usually turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. If driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), especially Big Sur: check Caltrans website (QuickMap) for current road closures/conditions before you set off; allow ample time as it's slow and winding; fuel up beforehand; download offline maps as phone service is patchy; book accommodation along the route well in advance if not camping. Be prepared for heavy traffic in and around LA and San Francisco.

Driving the Dream (RIGHT Side, Automatics & PCH Prep)

California's weather can change dramatically depending on location and time of day. Coastal areas, particularly San Francisco, are famous for fog and cool breezes, even in summer. Inland areas can be scorching hot. Mountains will be significantly cooler. The key is packing layers – t-shirts, jumpers/fleeces, a light waterproof/windproof jacket – that you can easily add or remove as conditions change throughout the day.

Layer, Layer, Layer (Especially SF!)

Popular attractions and parks require advance planning. Yosemite National Park often requires vehicle reservations to enter during peak season/times – check the official National Park Service (NPS) website for current rules and book lodging/camping months (up to a year!) in advance. Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks, often months, ahead – book directly via Alcatraz City Cruises only. Timed tickets for popular museums, theme parks, and studio tours are also highly recommended. Don't expect to just turn up!

Book Ahead! (Parks, Alcatraz, Attractions)

Don't forget US tipping etiquette! Budget for 15-20% tips for restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi/rideshare drivers, hotel staff etc. Also, remember that sales tax (varying by city/county, roughly 7-10%) is added at the till to the displayed price of goods and restaurant meals. On the plus side, California generally embraces a relaxed, casual dress code – jeans, t-shirts, trainers are acceptable almost everywhere, though people do dress up for smarter restaurants or nightlife in the cities.

Tipping, Taxes & Cali Casual

California Dreamin': Your Golden State Adventure!

California truly embodies the spirit of the American West Coast dream. It’s a state of incredible contrasts, offering everything from glamorous cities and iconic landmarks to awe-inspiring natural wonders and legendary road trips. The sheer scale and diversity packed between its borders, combined with its generally sunny disposition and laid-back lifestyle, make it an enduringly popular and rewarding destination for UK travellers.


Whether you're seeking Hollywood magic, tech innovation, beach relaxation, mountain adventures, or simply cruising down the highway with the windows down, California provides endless opportunities. Plan ahead, embrace the driving, pack your layers, and get ready to experience the sunshine and scenery of the Golden State!