Holidays in California

The mid-1800s California gold rush brought many adventurers to the Pacific Ocean shores. Their descendants have established fascinating cities and structures in the midst of amazing natural beauty.

Visit Sacramento to see the art and architecture of the state capital. The California State Railroad Museum tells the important story of building the railroads that enabled development of the California region.

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, visit Sequoia National Forest. See giant redwood trees, up to 300 feet (91 meters) tall and over 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter, hundreds or thousands of years old. Enjoy the spectacular landscape of granite monoliths, limestone caves and whitewater streams.

The mountains offer a range of choices for outdoor activities. Visit the Lake Tahoe area to hike, boat, fish and swim in the chilly aquamarine waters in the summer. In winter ski at Squaw, site of the 1960 Olympics, Northstar, Alpine Meadows and others, with excellent skiing and views over the lake. See sparkling granite cliffs and majestic waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.

Take a wine tour in Napa or Sonoma. Stop in the fertile agricultural area of the Central Valley to sample strawberries, olives, garlic and much of the nation’s fresh produce.

Like Tony Bennett, you might leave your heart in San Francisco. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge are unforgettable. Visit Chinatown, ride the trolley, climb the hills of the city, ferry to the former prison of Alcatraz and enjoy the exciting nightlife.

Moving south to Los Angeles, enjoy the many beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Watch seals, surfers and skaters. Go to Hollywood to see celebrities’ stars embedded in the sidewalk. Tour Universal Studios. Visit the original Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, the La Brea Tarpits and the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Farther south, see even more California beaches in San Diego, along with the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier. Visit Palms Springs for desert heat and world-famous golf. Cross the border to Tijuana for a Mexican holiday.

Q: Should I book a car while on holiday in California?

A: If the plan is to head out and explore the region of Los Angeles County, a rental car is a smart choice. Wind down the windows and find all the attractions and landscapes that this amazing place has to offer. Sticking to the cities of Los Angeles or San Diego County? Your own set of wheels is the way to escape the beaten track. Whenever you need Cheap Car Hire in California, we can help.

Q: Which airports can I fly in to for a holiday to California?

A: Get set to kick off your thrilling escape in California from one of these international airports:

• Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.): 5,158 international flights per month.
• San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.): 3,103 international flights per month.
• San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.): 323 international flights per month.

Q: What are the most popular types of hotels for a holiday to California?

A: Many travellers recommend private holiday homes in California. However, you're not short on options. Hotels, condos and motels are also readily available in this destination.

Q: What does a California holiday booking with Expedia include?

A: Hotels, cars, flights — and experiences and activities. Expedia has everything you need for the ideal holiday. Pick just one of these options or secure one of our amazing travel packages. You have the flexibility and freedom to tailor your getaway to California exactly the way you like it.

Q: What is the best way to save money on my holiday to California?

A: Save money (and time) by choosing to bundle your bookings with us. From Flights to Experiences, Expedia will help you pull together a memorable California getaway. The more you sort out now, the more you stand to save. You'll also have less to be worried about when you touchdown in your destination.

Q: What are the best things to do in California?

A: If you're stopping for a while in Los Angeles, we suggest visiting Universal Studios Hollywood™, Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Walk of Fame. These are absolute must-sees.

And if your next stop is San Diego County, be sure to check out SeaWorld, Legoland California and San Diego Zoo.

And last but in no way least, you'll find a ton of exciting things to see and do in and around San Jose. Don't leave this impressive city until you've visited Winchester Mystery House, SAP Centre at San Jose and San Jose Convention Centre.