Destination Inspiration...California

California

California; a single state with a hundred and one different destinations. For sun-lovers, nature enthusiasts and movie buffs California is almost definitely, the one. With some of the most famous beaches in the world it’s no wonder that California is referred to as the ‘Golden State’, plus it has some of literally the most famous cities in the world. From the bohemian, innovative San Francisco, to bustling, glitzy Los Angeles. And if you can’t decide which one to settle on then a road trip or multi-centre holiday is an ideal choice. For a bucket-list journey, drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, starting in San Francisco and take in highlights such as Santa Barbara, San Diego and Big Sur.

The City of Angels

Lights, camera, action. Los Angeles has it all, take in the movie studios and the iconic Hollywood sign, celebrity spot in Beverly Hills, shop ‘til you drop on Rodeo Drive before heading to the glorious beaches of Venice and Santa Monica. LA’s colourful and eclectic beaches stretch along 81 miles of beautiful coastline. Beverly Hills is famous for its designer stores and chic ‘see and be seen’ bars, restaurants and hotels. West Hollywood is where the beautiful people come out to play in the evening and revitalised Hollywood itself is home to the Oscars, Hollywood & Highland™ entertainment, superb dining and shopping and the movie experience theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood. Finally, for family fun head for Anaheim where you’ll find all the rides, attractions and beaches you need.

The Golden City

San Francisco is an exciting, diverse and cosmopolitan city full of colour and contrast. A tour of California would not be complete without a stop in ‘The Golden City’. Union Square, the landmark plaza at the heart of San Francisco, is home to upmarket shops, boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Other ‘must sees’ include Fisherman’s Wharf, with its waterfront marketplaces, restaurants and attractions, Ghirardelli Square, PIER 39 and the world-famous Alcatraz Island. Chinatown, with its famous Dragon’s Gate entrance is a 24-block district of hustle and bustle, while Japantown, offers its own pagoda and five acres of shops, theatres, sushi bars and restaurants. From its famous steep streets and clanging cable cars to the infamous Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge, this city is home to a little bit of everything.

California’s Central Coast

Beautiful golden beaches and one of the world’s most iconic drives, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and valleys. California’s Central Coast has all the scenery and glamour you could need. Just a two-hour drive south of San Francisco lies what was once the Spanish capital of Old California, Monterey. The magnificent ocean vistas are often filled with abundant marine life, and seasonal whale watching is a favourite activity. Nestled on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming beach town with a rich artistic history and a wonderful white sand beach. Santa Barbara, lies on miles of prime coastline and the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, north of Los Angeles. Basking in a year-round Mediterranean climate, the stunningly beautiful Spanish-style celebrity hideaway, wine lover’s retreat and beach-party zone epitomises the legendary Southern California lifestyle.

Spectacular coastlines and glorious national parks

Hiring a car or travelling in a comfortable motorhome is the perfect way to explore this region of astonishing beauty. Your customers will discover California’s landscape of rugged coastlines, towering forests and sparkling lakes that are quite simply spectacular. The countryside is full of charming farms and vineyards – a place where small towns preserve the past and embrace the future. Whether it’s hiking the trails in Yosemite National Park, braving the extremes in Death Valley or sampling delightful wines in Napa Valley – there really is something for everyone.

Fly in style with United Airlines

United Airlines opens up North America making it easier than ever to travel across the Atlantic. With convenient flights from four UK airports your customers can pick the starting point which suits them best. The difficult decision will be which of the staggering 250 onward destinations they choose to fly to. Boston is sure to be at the top of the list. With superior levels of comfort and personal service, your customers won’t just arrive; they’ll arrive refreshed. Air travel is a pleasure with United Airlines.