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.
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![Napa Valley vineyard]()
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![Bixby Bridge on the Pacific Coast Highway at Big Sur, California]()
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![Redwood National Park]()
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![Ranch at Rock Creek, Phillipsburg, MT]()
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![Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo]()
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![Palm Springs]()
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![Humpback whale breaching, Baja]()
Crossing coastlines via the Panama Canal
USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, BahamasView this tour -
![Lanai, Hawaii]()
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![Kalalau Trail, Kauaʻi]()
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, 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 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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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.
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. USA specialist, Alex, discusses the route’s highlights, from laid-back beach communities to historic towns and vibrant cities.
Read this guide -
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.
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
