An Expert's Guide to California

Flight Centre’s California Expert Rachel Newton has worked at Flight Centre for four years and has been to California five times. She says: ”Anything you want in a holiday, you can find in California: world-class vineyards, incredible cuisine, skiing and hiking, beautiful beaches, exceptional diving, vast national parks…”

Here she shares her top tips and advice for visiting the USA's Golden State:

It’s easy to get to California from the UK, with direct flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego and San Jose.

Behind the wheel of your own car you can take on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re strapped for time, from San Francisco you can day trip to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, Big Sur and Napa; or from LA you can get to Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Joshua Tree National Park. Car rental starts at £34 per day.

Californians are in to the ‘farm-to-fork’ concept, so food is usually fresh and healthy – I love fish tacos from southern California. In San Francisco, try street food from The Codmother at Fisherman’s Wharf. 

From the Hills you'll get great views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. For film fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour gives an authentic insight into the movie industry. 

My favourite place to stay is Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, a historic property where Hollywood classic Some Like it Hot was filmed. At Hotel Zephyr in San Francisco, upgrade to a bay-facing room for an unforgettable view.

Check the forecast for each destination before you go, as places close to each other can have such different conditions.

May and September are great times to go, but prices reflect it. Southern California in February is cheaper, less busy and still sunny.

Joshua Tree National Park is a must, with incredible hiking trails and alien-like scenery. It is less touristy than other national parks and yet so accessible. Day trip from Palm Springs or LA.