Travel Guide

Dive into our best California travel guide to ensure your trip is smooth sailing!

Must-visit Places

California is as breathtaking as its golden sunsets. Any California tour package is incomplete without your visit to the famous Glass Beach and San Francisco, the mesmerizing city with its Golden Gate Bridge down to the free-spirited artsy ambiance of Haight-Ashbury, by driving up the Pacific coast highway, and the coastline views could be photo-perfect. There are points to stopping at the ruggedizing cliffs of Big Sur. The enchanting marine life found in Monterey Bay, lovely wine regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and adventure awaits among granite peaks in Yosemite and sparkling waters in Lake Tahoe, a winter skiing wonderland or its summertime lake retreats. Other best things to do might be to enjoy the magic of Disneyland or trek through the wild beauty of Joshua Tree. Trust us, the list is endless!

Travel Advice

California is charmingly diverse, so pack layers to survive the chill from the sunny coasts through the fabulous vineyards deep into the alpine zones. Start reserving your luxury accommodation early for Napa during harvest season or Lake Tahoe at the peak of ski season. A convertible along the Pacific Coast Highway is mandatory; there is no more astonishing way possible to embrace the scenery along that highway. Consider digging into all California's culinary wares, from avocado toast to In-N-Out burgers to Michelin-star-level feasts at the best California hotels. Have a camera ready; California has effortlessly photogenic natural and urban landscapes.

Climate and Best Months to Visit

California shines throughout the year. Spring will have blooming wildflowers and vineyard activities, summer calling out beach days and epic road trips, while fall is harvest season and wine tasting. Winter is when things get snowy on the slopes of Tahoe and contemplative in Yosemite. So, in brief, California has luxury wrapped in sunshine, whatever time of the year you choose to visit.

Itineraries

California is for every traveler. Take a Honeymoon in California for 7 Days. Start the love journey in a romantic city, San Francisco, with its delightful cable cars and the nostalgic Golden Gate Bridge. Walk through the verdant grounds that make up Golden Gate Park and have intimate waterfront dinners at Embarcadero. Head to the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley for exclusive vineyard wine tastings. Move on to Santa Barbara, where bright beaches and Mediterranean flavors build the perfect setting for relaxation. Take a hot air balloon ride over Paso Robles to add a dreamy touch to the getaway. At the same time, Monterey Bay carries a serenading close with its beautiful marine life and captivating coastal views. Or Join an 8-day Outdoor Adventure tour , one of the  best California itineraries where you get thrown into the adventure in San Diego with surfing lessons and chill time on the beach before heading inland to Temecula for stunning hiking and grape catching. From there, explore La Jolla's lively marine life through kayaking and whale-watching excursions that bring nature's wonders up close. Be sure to hit Palm Springs, where the chic desert meets the striking beauty of the Coachella Valley. End your trip in the surreal Joshua Tree National Park, which is meant for hiking and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.

Take a family-friendly 10-day road trip: Start with Monterey Bay, where the Aquarium will delight young and old alike. Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to see Big Sur's rugged coastline and the charming stops of San Simeon. Continue to Santa Barbara's sandy beaches, then to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. Then, head to Palm Springs for a taste of desert opulence and to Joshua Tree to enjoy some fanciful rock formations. 

Finally, complete your journey at Yosemite National Park, where breathtaking vistas and family bonding moments await at every turn. And if you like to do things your way, the good news is all these itineraries are customizable. So go ahead and make your dream California travel itinerary a reality!

Why Choose Leisure?

Why should you choose Leisure for your trips? We know that luxury isn't about where you go; it's about how luxury makes you feel every step of the journey. We're your personal travel best friend with a big black book of exclusive perks. Fancy celebrating your honeymoon with a toast over Napa's most elusive vintage? Ready to swap the glam of Hollywood for that serene sunset at Big Sur? We can make that happen.

At Leisure, it's about your whim and our command-private jet, boutique stay, access only to the best of California's best-kept secrets. We craft the fingerprint-unique itineraries and wrap them in effortless elegance. So, pack your dreams (and maybe a sunhat); we care for the rest. Ready for that golden getaway? Make it happen! For more information, visit us.