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California is located on the west coast of America, and is known for its iconic cities, Pacific coastline, national parks, and year-round sunshine.
✨ Highlights of your Holiday to California 2026 / 2027
🌉 Golden Gate moments – Walk or cycle across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
🎬 Hollywood dreams – Spot the Hollywood Sign and stroll the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.
🏖️ Beach life – From Santa Monica to Malibu, expect sun, surf, and sunsets.
🌲 National park icons – Explore giants in Yosemite National Park and desert landscapes in Death Valley National Park.
🚗 Epic road trips – Drive the Pacific Coast Highway for unreal ocean views.
🍷 Wine country – Sip your way through Napa Valley and Sonoma.
✨ Good to Know
Big state energy – California is huge. Distances between cities can be long, so plan your route carefully.
Car culture – Renting a car is essential for most trips, especially for coastal drives and national parks.
Weather wins – Southern California is sunny year-round, while northern areas can be cooler and foggier.
🗣️ Local Lingo - Talk Like a Local
English is spoken everywhere, but California definitely has its own vibe.
😎 “Dude” – Can mean literally anything depending on tone.
🌊 “The 101” / “The 405” – Locals always say the before motorway numbers.
🔥 “That’s so Cali” – Used for anything stereotypically California (beaches, smoothies, sunsets).
☕ “Grab a coffee” – Basically a lifestyle, not just a drink.
🏨 Where to Stay on your Holidays to California 2026/2027
Los Angeles
Big, bold, and spread out. Beaches, Hollywood, and nightlife all rolled into one.
San Francisco
Compact, cultural, and packed with iconic sights and food spots.
San Diego
Laid-back coastal city with amazing beaches and family-friendly attractions.
Napa Valley
Perfect for wine lovers and relaxed countryside stays.
🇺🇸 Best Hotels in California by Area
Los Angeles
🏨 The Beverly Hills Hotel – Iconic luxury with palm-lined vibes and Hollywood history.
🏨 Kimpton Everly Hotel – Stylish Hollywood stay with rooftop vibes and city views.
🏨 Hollywood Hotel – Classic LA charm with courtyard pool and great breakfasts.
🏨 Freehand Los Angeles – Trendy spot with rooftop pool and buzzing social scene.
🏨 Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles – Historic glamour with a seriously impressive pool.
🏨 Hollywood Roosevelt – Iconic hotel with poolside cinema and nightlife energy.
🏨 Cameo Beverly Hills – Luxury stay with spa, live music, and top-tier dining.
🏨 Hilton Los Angeles Airport – Super convenient with shuttle and 24-hour dining.
Anaheim (Disney & Family Area)
🏨 Hilton Anaheim – Family favourite with Disney views and spa perks.
🏨 Anaheim Marriott Suites – Spacious suites and great facilities for longer stays.
🏨 Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort – Walking distance to Disney with poolside bar vibes.
🏨 Doubletree by Hilton Buena Park – Relaxed resort feel with pool and jacuzzi.
🏨 Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort – Budget-friendly and super close to Disneyland.
Beach Stays (Santa Monica & Huntington Beach)
🏨 Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica – Great base near the beach and pier.
🏨 The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel – Proper beachfront luxury with ocean views.
San Francisco
🏨 Grand Hyatt San Francisco – Central stay with amazing views and top breakfast.
🏨 Axiom Hotel San Francisco – Modern, techy hotel in Union Square.
🏨 Comfort Inn By The Bay – Great value near Fisherman’s Wharf.
🏨 Hotel Bijou – Quirky, cinematic-themed boutique stay.
🏨 Union Square Plaza – Budget-friendly base in a prime location.
🏖️ What are the best beaches in California?
Southern California
Santa Monica Beach – Classic Cali vibes with a pier, rides, and sunset views.
Venice Beach – Street performers, skate parks, and proper energy.
Laguna Beach – Clear water, coves, and a more chilled, upscale feel.
Central Coast
Big Sur – Dramatic cliffs and wild coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway.
🧳 California Holidays 2026 Travel Guide
🥳 Things to do in California for Groups
LA Nights Out – Rooftop bars, clubs, and live music across Los Angeles.
Road Trips – Hire a car and cruise the Pacific Coast Highway.
Theme Parks – Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park are big hitters.
❤️ Things to do in California for Couples
Big Sur Drives – One of the most scenic drives in the world.
Wine Tasting – Spend a day in Napa Valley sipping world-class wines.
Sunset Beaches – Malibu sunsets hit differently.
👨👩👧👦 Things to do in California for Families
Disneyland – The original Disneyland Park is a must for kids (and adults).
San Diego Zoo – One of the best zoos in the world.
Beach Days – Safe, sandy, and perfect for all ages.
🍽️ Things to do in California for Foodies
Food Trucks in LA – Some of the best tacos you’ll ever eat.
In-N-Out Burger – A California classic, simple but iconic.
Wine & Dine – Napa and Sonoma for top-tier food and drink.
Farm-to-Table – Fresh, local produce is a big deal here.
🌍 Places to go in California
Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego
🌎 Other Places to Explore in the USA
Popular California hotels
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FAQs
How long is the flight to California from the UK?
How long is the flight to California from the UK?
Direct flights from London to California typically take around 10–11 hours, depending on whether you’re flying into Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most common arrival point, with non-stop services from London Heathrow offered by airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
If you fly with a connection (often via New York, Dallas, or a European hub), total journey times usually range from 13–16 hours.
Route | Flight time | Airlines |
London Heathrow to Los Angeles (direct) | approx. 10h 30m–11h 15m | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic |
London Heathrow to San Francisco (direct) | approx. 10h 30m–11h 30m | British Airways, United Airlines |
Via New York | approx. 13–15h total | American Airlines, Delta |
Via Dallas | approx. 14–16h total | American Airlines |
Via Doha or Dubai | approx. 16–18h total | Qatar Airways, Emirates |
Good to know: US immigration is completed on arrival in California, so expect queues at passport control before you collect your luggage.
What’s the time difference between the UK and California?
What’s the time difference between the UK and California?
California operates on Pacific Time (PT) and observes daylight saving time, so the time difference changes during the year.
Winter (GMT period): California is 8 hours behind the UK
Summer (BST period): California is 7 hours behind the UK
This shift can feel significant on arrival, especially with jet lag after a westbound flight. Most travellers find it easier adjusting when heading back to the UK than arriving in California.
What currency is used in California?
What currency is used in California?
California uses the US Dollar (USD / $), the same currency used across the United States.
Notes: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Coins: cents (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters)
Cards are widely accepted everywhere, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and even small cafés. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also very common in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Cash is still useful for:
Tips (very important in the US service industry)
Small purchases
Some food trucks and local vendors
ATMs are widely available, but may charge withdrawal fees unless you use a travel-friendly bank card.
Do I need a visa to visit California from the UK?
Do I need a visa to visit California from the UK?
Most UK travellers do not need a traditional visa for short visits to California, but you must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling.
Key requirements:
Apply online before you fly via the official ESTA system
Costs around $21 USD
Valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires)
Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program
Important:
Your passport must be e-passport with a digital chip
You must complete ESTA at least 72 hours before departure, but earlier is strongly recommended
On arrival, you’ll still go through US immigration where officers confirm your entry.