Over the years, countless films, photographs and guidebooks have attempted to capture the size, beauty and diversity of California. But nothing lives up to the reality of driving along the Golden State’s winding coastline, gazing out over Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge or spotting your favorite celebrity’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
From the towering redwoods and fruitful vineyards of the north to the golden beaches and relaxed surfer lifestyle of the south, our specialists will help plan your trip to California so you can uncover the state’s many sides. We visit the region regularly — particularly behind the wheel of a car — and will plan your ideal vacation to California around your personal tastes and interests.
Suggested tours for California
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to California could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit California, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to California, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
Request our brochure
Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
California in pictures
-
![Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco]()
Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito -
![Scenic road on the Big Sur, Coastline and sea California]()
Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway -
![Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park]()
Enjoy the sunrise at Zabriskie Point, Death Valley -
![Napa Valley vineyard]()
Go wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma -
![General Sherman, Sequoia National Park]()
See the world's biggest tree, the General Sherman -
![Bixby bridge, Big Sur]()
Take in Big Sur's coastal views -
![Santa Monica Pier]()
Visit Santa Monica Pier at night -
![Valley View, Yosemite National Park]()
Walk in Yosemite National Park
Our expert guides to traveling in California
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to California. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate California at its best.
-
Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66 ![Route 66 in California]()
Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66
Driving the Mother Road: the highlights of Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most iconic drives in the US, stretching for 2,400 miles from Chicago on the Great Lakes, to Los Angeles in the west. US specialist, Rob, details his experience of the route, and the highlights along the way.
Read this guide -
Family vacations in California ![Redwood National Park]()
Family vacations in California
Family vacations in California
USA specialist David picks some of his highlights for a family vacation in California. From enjoying the different cultures in San Francisco to whale watching in Monterey, touring the film studies in Los Angeles to exploring Redwood National Park, California has a range of experiences for all ages.
Read this guide -
Self-drive vacations in California ![Route 190, California]()
Self-drive vacations in California
Self-drive vacations in California
Take a fly-drive along the California coast and explore some of the region’s most captivating towns, cities and national parks, from glamorous LA, home of the US film industry, to the dramatic geological spectacles of Yosemite National Park.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in the US ![Merced River & El Capitan, Yosemite National Park]()
Honeymoons in the US
Honeymoons in the US
As a honeymoon destination, the United States has a lot to offer. US specialist, Carl, picks some of his top choices, from exploring San Francisco and driving the Pacific Coast Highway to staying on a ranch in the Rocky Mountain states and experiencing the swamplands and culture of Louisiana.
Read this guide -
Family vacations in the US ![Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park]()
Family vacations in the US
Family vacations in the US
Ranch stays, glamping in national parks, Hawaiian feasts and Yellowstone’s steaming geysers: the US is packed with enough experiences to fill several family photo albums. US specialist Shannon shares her pick of things to see and do on your next family trip.
Read this guide -
Where to go in the US ![Yosemite National Park]()
Where to go in the US
Where to go in the US
The US is so huge that it can be hard to narrow down your options when you’re planning a trip. We’ve drawn up a guide to helping you decide which regions to visit, depending on your individual interests.
Read this guide -
Where to visit in California: a seasonal guide ![Lake Tahoe, California]()
Where to visit in California: a seasonal guide
Where to visit in California: a seasonal guide
A true year-round destination, California provides near-endless experiences no matter which season you’re visiting. Here, our specialists share ideas for where’s best to go in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, along with how to make the most of your time in the Golden State.
Read this guide -
Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway ![Bixby bridge, Big Sur]()
Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway
Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway
Experience some of California's most impressive scenery on a drive along its central coast on Highway 1, taking in the sights of San Francisco, Los Angeles and everything in between. US specialist, Alex, discusses the route’s highlights, from laid-back beach communities to historic towns and vibrant cities.
Read this guide -
What to do in Yosemite National Park: our highlights guide ![Valley View, Yosemite National Park]()
What to do in Yosemite National Park: our highlights guide
What to do in Yosemite National Park: our highlights guide
Yosemite in California is one of America's most visited national parks. In order to get the most from your trip we highlight some of the finest trails and accommodation as well as recommending the best time to visit.
Read this guide
Tell us your travel plans and a specialist will be in touch
Recent articles about the US from our specialists
-
![Rio Carnival, Rio de Janeiro]()
Top Festivals Around The World
6 min read
