Los Angeles

Los Angeles cannot fail to entice and entertain you. Check out Hollywood Boulevard, with the Hollywood Walk of fame and the Chinese Theatre, cruise the Sunset Strip or journey through the city’s historic, cultural and architectural roots along Wilshire Boulevard. Enjoy classic boardwalk fun on the historic Santa Monica Pier, visit “the Mouse” at Disneyland, the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, window shop on Rodeo Drive, and take in any number of LA’s fabulous museums and attractions.

Santa Barbara

"95 miles"

Known as “The American Riviera,” the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara, nestled against the Santa Inez Mountains, has the sophistication of a city with the feel of a small community. Founded in 1782 as one of a series of missions along the California coast, the lovely Spanish-Moorish architecture still stands throughout Santa Barbara today. Meander down cobbled streets and paseos into fragrant courtyards lined with unique boutiques and galleries. Complete your visit by basking in the Southern California sun on East Beach, one of the best beaches in the country, or touring Santa Barbara’s wine country.

Monterey

"238 miles"

Think Monterey, think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches and jaw-dropping views of beautiful coastline. The town is full of fabulous seafood restaurants; definitely make sure to try the famous clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters. Monterey is an ideal destination to go whale-watching and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best in the world. The ‘alternative’ seaside village of Carmel, with its arty shops and tasting rooms boasting many varieties of hand-crafted wines from the surrounding California wine country, is only 17 miles south and well worth the journey along the winding coastal roads.

San Francisco

"119 miles"

Surrounded by San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the ‘City by the Bay’ is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America. Perhaps begin by taking a cruise around the Golden Gate Bridge or explore the city on foot and visit Fisherman’s Wharf - home to the city’s playful resident sea-lions or Union Square for world-class shopping and dining. Be sure not to miss Alcatraz – the famous island prison a short boat ride across the bay. If you fancy getting out of the city for a few hours, visit Muir Woods and the great sequoias and relax in bohemian Sausalito.

Yosemite National Park

"190 miles"

Yosemite is breath-taking and has so much to offer its visitors. Make sure to look out for Half Dome and El Captain, two of the huge granite cliffs in the park depicted in many photographs. You could also drive to Mariposa Grove to see the sequoia trees, visit the historic village of Wawona, enjoy the fantastic view of the valley from Glacier Point Overlook and hike back down the 8 mile trail to the valley floor. You could hike to one of the many waterfalls in the park; apart from Yosemite Falls there are several other major Falls including Ribbon, Bridalveil and Vernal Falls. Or you could hire a bike to take you around the valley floor, join a horseback trip or even learn to mountain bike.

Death Valley

"303 miles"

Death Valley is known for its extremes: it is North America's driest and hottest spot (with fewer than five centimetres of rainfall annually and a record high of 134°F), and has the lowest elevation on the continent—282 feet below sea level.The park is the largest south of Alaska and features rocks sculptured by erosion, richly tinted mudstone hills and canyons, luminous sand dunes, and a 200-square-mile salt pan surrounded by mountains. As night falls, Death Valley's elusive populations of bobcats, kit foxes, and rodents venture out and hawks soar into vivid blue, cloudless skies.

Las Vegas

"131 miles"

A neon tribute to tinselled affluence, Las Vegas booms 24 hours a day with a heady “get rich quick” atmosphere. The lure of easy money, the whirling wheels and gaming tables, and the numerous plush hotels provide ready entertainment; glitz and escapist fun are supplied in quantity. The MGM Grand has over 5000 rooms and is home to eight restaurants and three showrooms. The New York New York Hotel has its own Statue of Liberty, Park Avenue and Central Park and the Venetian has its own canals that weave through the hotel. As well as the casinos, enjoy theme parks, medieval banquets, musical revues, magic shows, or one of the many Cirque Du Soleil spectaculars!