Over the years, countless films, photographs and guide books have attempted to capture the size, beauty and diversity of California. But nothing lives up to the reality of driving along the state’s winding coastline, gazing out over Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge or spotting your favourite 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 you plan your holiday 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 holiday to California around your personal tastes and interests.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for California
These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday 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 travelling to California, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
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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
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![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 on the Pacific Coast Highway at Big Sur, California]()
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 travelling 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.
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5 under-the-radar USA destinations to inspire your next trip ![Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach, Oregon]()
5 under-the-radar USA destinations to inspire your next trip
5 under-the-radar USA destinations to inspire your next trip
Rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, a history-steeped town in the American South, and an art community in the Southwest. Our specialists share five less-visited destinations across the USA, helping you delve deeper into the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Read this guide -
Self-drive holidays in California ![Route 190, California]()
Self-drive holidays in California
Self-drive holidays 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.
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Route 66 holidays ![Route 66, Texas]()
Route 66 holidays
Route 66 holidays
Known as the ‘Mother Road’, Route 66 helped open up America and shape its identity. Whether you choose to drive the whole route or just part of it, your road trip will showcase the country’s culture, history and landscapes.
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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. USA specialist, Alex, discusses the route’s highlights, from laid-back beach communities to historic towns and vibrant cities.
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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 USA’s most iconic drives, 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.
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Family holidays in California ![Redwood National Park]()
Family holidays in California
Family holidays in California
USA specialist David picks some of his highlights for a family holiday 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.
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Where to go in the USA ![Yosemite National Park]()
Where to go in the USA
Where to go in the USA
The USA 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.
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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.
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Honeymoons in the USA ![Merced River & El Capitan, Yosemite National Park]()
Honeymoons in the USA
Honeymoons in the USA
As a honeymoon destination, the United States has a lot to offer. USA 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.
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