California has always felt a little bit like a second home to me. This was my seventh visit to the Golden State, but it still managed to surprise me with new places, new experiences and a fresh perspective on a destination I thought I already knew well.

This time, I swapped the familiar for a three‑stop journey: ocean‑side Huntington Beach, other‑worldly Joshua Tree, and the cool, mid‑century magic of Palm Springs and La Quinta. It turned out to be one of my favourite California adventures yet.

Huntington Beach: Surf Vibes and Ocean Air

Our trip began in Huntington Beach, a place that has always been on my radar but, somehow, I had never quite made it to before. That changed with a stay at the Pasea Hotel & Spa, a stylish, surf‑inspired hotel that feels like someone bottled up “California cool” and turned it into an address.

From the moment you step inside, the décor nods to the ocean: laid‑back but polished, with just the right amount of beachy attitude. One of my favourite spots was Treehouse, the fantastic bar with views that make you want to linger over that extra drink. It is the kind of place where you can watch the sky change colour and feel the day gently exhale.

Of course, it would be rude to come to Surf City and not actually surf.

We booked a surfing lesson and, after a few wobbles and very un‑graceful attempts, I finally managed to stand up on the board. That brief, exhilarating moment of balance as the wave carries you in is pure joy. Whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious, a surf lesson here is a must and a brilliant way to feel part of the local rhythm. Huntington Beach celebrates being fully accessible to all, so that is not a block to learning. 

To explore further along the coast, we hired e‑bikes and followed the coastal path, with the Pacific on one side and that fresh salt air in our faces. It is an easy, scenic ride, although you do have to keep an eye out for the local daredevils: the squirrels, who seem to have a death wish and dart across the path at the last possible second!

One evening, we swapped the swell of the ocean for the gentle bobbing of boats on a wine cruise around the harbour. Drifting past beautiful waterfront homes, glass in hand, slowing right down to admire the architecture and imagine the lives inside those stunning houses, felt wonderfully indulgent.

Back on dry land, one of the most charming moments was a ride in an original, restored VW campervan. There is something incredibly nostalgic about that classic shape and interior; the perfect way to explore a surf town that still embraces its retro roots.

Food, naturally, was a highlight. Huntington Beach has a strong surfer‑meets‑foodie vibe. We enjoyed Japanese dishes and hearty surfer plates at Duke’s, a classic beachside spot that ticks all the boxes: sea views, relaxed atmosphere and generous portions.

I also popped into the Kimpton Shorebreak for breakfast and a tour. I loved its funky, playful vibe; it feels like a hangout for creative souls, with design touches that make you smile. It is exactly the sort of hotel I would recommend for clients who want personality, not just a place to sleep.

Joshua Tree: Desert Silence and Starry Skies

From the coast, we picked up a car and exchanged surfboards for Joshua trees. The drive inland is like travelling between worlds, from blue ocean to rugged desert, and suddenly you are among sculpted rocks, spiky yuccas and big, open skies.

Joshua Tree National Park is a place that makes you feel pleasantly small. We took time to drive through and experience the different landscapes, including views over the Coachella Valley and the area shaped by the San Andreas Fault. Standing there and knowing that one of the earth’s great faultlines runs beneath you is oddly humbling.

We then stepped back in time with a visit to Pioneertown, originally built as a film set in the 1940s and now a quirky, living Western town in the desert. Lunch was at the iconic Pappy & Harriet’s, a renowned roadhouse where some incredibly famous names have performed on the small stage. It has that wonderfully unpolished charm, with proper hearty food and a sense of music history in the walls.

Curious about alternative ways to stay near the park, we stopped at Autocamp to see what life in an Airstream would be like just outside Joshua Tree. Sleek silver trailers, cleverly designed interiors and that semi‑wild desert setting make it feel like glamping with a cool, retro twist.

Our own desert overnight was at Reset: a relaxing, beautiful retreat that felt like a true exhale after the energy of the coast. The rooms are ingeniously created from storage containers, each with its own private outdoor space. It is minimalist but warm, and when night falls the stars put on a show. Far from city lights, we enjoyed incredible stargazing, spotting constellations and feeling completely removed from everyday life.

Dinner at Kitchen in the Desert was a revelation. Tucked away, it delivers some of the most flavoursome food imaginable: bold, colourful dishes that match the vibrancy of the surroundings. It is one of those places where each plate feels like a little story and you find yourself savouring every bite.

Palm Springs & La Quinta: Mid‑Century Glamour and Desert Surf

The next morning, we took the short drive back to Palm Springs, a destination that wears its personality proudly. Here, architecture is a headline act.

We joined a mid‑century architectural tour, winding through neighbourhoods lined with iconic low‑slung homes, clean lines and pops of colour. Along the way we saw the former home of Elvis Presley and the house currently owned by Leonardo DiCaprio, both perfect examples of Palm Springs glamour and its enduring appeal for the rich and famous.

From there, we travelled to La Quinta for our overnight stay. This historic property has long been favoured by celebrities, especially those seeking privacy, and you can feel that sense of seclusion and calm the moment you arrive. With its PGA golf course and picturesque setting, it is very easy to imagine guests slipping away here to recharge, unseen and unbothered.

Lunch was a reminder that Palm Springs never stops reinventing itself. We visited the Palm Springs Surf Club, where, yes, you really can surf in the desert. Watching waves rolling in against a mountain backdrop feels slightly surreal and wonderfully on‑brand for California, where anything seems possible.

One of the most unexpectedly special experiences was an art session at Superbloom. This is not your typical painting class; it is all about painting with emotion. You are encouraged to explore how you feel and translate that onto an item of your choosing. Mine was a bucket hat and I know will always have a memento. Even those who insist they are “not creative” come away with something meaningful and surprisingly beautiful. It is a gentle, therapeutic way to connect with yourself, and a lovely counterpoint to the more high‑energy activities of the trip.

We rounded things off with a final hotel visit and dinner at the new Thompson Hotel in downtown Palm Springs. Stylish and contemporary, it offers rooms with views of the mountains and a great mix of music, food and art. It feels like a social hub and a sanctuary at the same time, with spaces designed for both relaxing and people‑watching. As a final stop, it was ideal: that sense of being in the heart of things but still able to retreat to your own little oasis.

Why This California Route Works So Well

What made this journey so special is the contrast. In around a week you can experience:

• Beach life in Huntington Beach: surf lessons, e‑bikes along the coast, harbour wine cruises and laid‑back foodie spots.
• Desert wilderness at Joshua Tree: other‑worldly landscapes, stargazing, quirky Western towns and unique stays from Airstreams to container suites.
• Culture and style in Palm Springs and La Quinta: mid‑century architecture, celebrity homes, desert surfing, creative experiences and chic hotels with mountain views.

It is a route that suits repeat visitors to California looking for something a little different, but it is also perfect for first‑timers who want more than just the classic LA and San Francisco combination. You get ocean, desert, design, adventure and relaxation all stitched together into one very Californian tapestry.

If this has sparked ideas for your own California escape, I would love to help you shape a trip that captures the same sense of discovery: tailored to your pace, your style and the experiences that matter most to you.

Contact me to start planning your own surf‑to‑desert California adventure.