California Travel Expert

California is a trip-of-a-lifetime destination. Luckily for me I’ve been visiting family here for many years - and luckily for my customers they benefit from my insight that few others can boast of. I’ve booked many fly-drives, city breaks, honeymoons, family trips and even cycle tours.

Everyone will at some point want to see the incredible cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and my personal favourite San Diego. The national parks of Yosemite, Sequoia and Death Valley are astounding and deserve all the acclaim they receive. But with so much on offer, where do you begin?

Here are just a few tips, whether this is your first time, or you have been to California before…

Los Angeles often unfairly gets its detractors. It just requires a plan and a car! With careful organising (I’ll help you) and a steely resolve, it’s an exhilarating city to explore and it’s dripping with culture. Love architecture? Visit the incredible Gamble House in Pasadena. Drive to Griffith Observatory in time for sunset and watch the bewitching lights glow over downtown. Amazing!

Like hiking but no time to drive to the national parks? Try Torrey Pines State Reserve just north of San Diego. Lots of amazing short hikes and a great beach too. If you're lucky then you might spot migrating whales making their journey from Mexico to the Arctic.

Cycling is getting more popular and Lake Tahoe has several cycle trails to explore this stunning region. This ranges from family friendly to hardcore mountain bike trails. If cycling is not your thing then simply drive the 75-mile circumference of the lake and be dazzled by the many viewpoints on offer.

Looking for a great place for breakfast in San Francisco? Check out Sears Fine Foods café in Union Square. Get there before 9am at the weekend otherwise you will be joining the queue round the side of the block. If you want a restaurant recommendation for a special occasion, then I can help with that too!

If you’re looking for beach time, my favourite is Coronado Beach in San Diego. It is huge, perfect for families and well...anyone! A short walk away is Orange Avenue with great bookshops, ice cream parlours and lots of independent cafes and restaurants.

There are many more secrets to reveal, be it a quiet beach, great eatery or a stunning but peaceful nature spot. Remember that California is almost twice as large as the UK and scaling it within your holiday time requires careful consideration. In all my years of sending my customers to California, no two trips have ever been the same. I don't just book travel arrangements, I help create an experience that will live long in the memory.