The glorious California landscape is probably as familiar to you as your own back garden. Innumerable films over the decades have captivated us with sweeping vistas of crashing surf and golden beaches, coastal drives, soaring redwoods, snow-capped mountains, and cactus-studded deserts. To the north are the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley, famed city of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge heralding the start of one of the most famous coastal drives in the world, Pacific Highway 1. To the east lie the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains home to the national parks of Yosemite and Sequoia, to the west the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco
This northern Californian city is a city of icons. From the fog that rolls under the Golden Gate Bridge, to Fisherman’s Wharf and the sealions on Pier 39, the island prison of Alcatraz and the cable cars that take residents and visitors alike up and the down the hills of San Francisco. It’s the perfect start to a Californian self-drive.
Los Angeles
The ‘city of angels’ glittering in the brilliant California sunshine is undisputedly the home of the movies and filled with Hollywood glamour, film sets and celebrity mansions. Browse the high-end boutiques of Rodeo Drive or head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica for a taste of beachside living, California style. For families the much-loved theme parks of Disneyland and Universal Studios still hold their unfaltering appeal.
Palm Springs and the San Andreas Fault
In the 1950’s Palm Springs was the heady hangout of choice for the original ‘rat pack’, today it’s a laid back desert city of mid-century and Art Deco architecture, of lush green golf courses, swaying palms and boutique hotels. It’s the perfect contrast to California’s coastal vibe. It’s also one of the easiest places to visit the notorious San Andreas Fault, where you’ll see water bubbling through fissures in the earth and can stand on the fault line itself in 1000 Palms Canyon.
San Diego
Deep in the south of the state close to the Mexican border, the waterfront city of San Diego has a laid-back, sunny surfer vibe. The dining is excellent, and it offers vibrant neighbourhoods steeped in culture.
Napa Valley and Sonoma County
Picture a landscape of gently rolling hills laced with gently ripening vines, superb wineries, gourmet dining spots and luxury hotels, this is the Napa Valle. Nearby Sonoma is equally impressive but in a less polished manner. Discover more than 425 wineries, taste wine straight from the barrel and sample local produce at an array of pop up farmer’s markets.
Pacific Highway One
Covering around 400 miles of stunning coastline, Pacific Highway One switches between dramatic hairpin turns, cliff-edge drives and tranquil countryside. Begin in Santa Monica or San Francisco, and in between you’ll find eponymous landmarks including the legendary surf of Malibu and Big Sur, celebrity haunts such as Santa Barbara and Carmel, and the exceptional marine life of Monterey Bay.
National Parks
Yosemite is probably the best known of California’s national parks and the scenery is literally off the scale. Vast granite mountains, thunderous waterfalls including some of the highest in the US and gigantic sequoia trees. Sequoia National Park is akin to a scene from Jurassic Park with vast mountains, deep valleys and some of the oldest trees on the planet. Those with a yearning for the wild west should head to Death Valley, the hottest place in the US but a spectacular place of singing sand dunes, huge boulders and canyons and desert wildlife.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Getting to California is easy with direct flights from most major UK airports to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Fly into one and out of another to create the perfect tailor-made itinerary that makes the most of your time in the state.
The wide open highways are heaven-sent for those who crave the freedom of the open road, whether that be with a hire car and pre-booked accommodation, or the ultimate flexibility with a motorhome, stopping where you want, when you want.
More From The Expert – Catherine Blackburn
Visit my website at Catherine Blackburn Travel, follow me on Facebook, or give me a call on 01295 231525
Further Reading From Catherine
- Canada
- Eastern Canada
- Atlantic Canada
- Canada: Gold Rush Pioneers
- Australia
- Scandinavia
- New Zealand
- South Africa & Safari
- Caribbean
- Alaska The Last Frontier
- Escape the Winter
- The Evolving Landscape of Travel in 2024: Exploring New Horizons, Sustainability, and Adventure
- California
- Christmas in Lapland
- Florida
- East Coast Cities of the USA
