10 Californian coastal stops...

SANTA MONICA AND VENICE

Hit the Baywatch beach where you can learn to surf, or dance your cares away under the stars on the old-fashioned pier.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Everything is bigger here, whether it’s the thunderous waterfalls that tumble over sheer cliffs or the ancient groves of giant sequoias.

SAN DIEGO ZOO

From giant pandas to grizzly bears, sun bears to spotted hyenas, it’s home to more than 3,000 animals in beautiful Balboa Park.

HOLLYWOOD

Snap a souvenir photo outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre or with the iconic Hollywood sign as a backdrop.

BIG SUR

Great for hidden hot springs and beaches where the sand is tinged purple.

GOLD COUNTRY

The Sierra Nevada foothills are a stronghold of Golden State history, thrillingly tainted by banditry, bordellos and Gold Rush bloodlust.

PALM SPRINGS

A star-studded oasis since the days of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack. Lounge by your mid-century hotel’s swimming pool, go art-gallery hopping or vintage shopping.

DISNEYLAND

It’s where cartoon characters stroll down Main Street USA and fireworks explode over Sleeping Beauty’s castle on hot summer nights.

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

A quirky village is as unique in charm as it is in fun facts. There’s a ‘no high heels’ law, and Clint Eastwood was once mayor.

SANTA BARBARA

Waving palm trees, powdery beaches, fishing boats clanking about in the harbour – it’s just so idyllic you have to sigh.