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Find cheap flights to California and book your travel today
Known as the Golden State, California is one of the United States' most popular holiday destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you want to experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the ultimate beach holiday, California has you covered.
Take a look at our deals on flights to California. Explore some of the best California hotels, read important travel information and start planning your West Coast adventure.
California travel tips
In the following sections, you'll find useful travel tips that will help you while planning your holiday to California:
California at a glance
Main airports: Los Angeles International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Largest city: Los Angeles (population: 3.8 million)
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (7 hours behind the UK)
Official language: English
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Socket types: Types A and B (adapter required)
California travel information
The state of California is on the west coast of the United States. To enter California, you'll need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. You can apply for an ESTA visa waiver online. It's important to check customs regulations, as the United States has strict rules about what you can take into the country.
California is one of the most-visited states in the US by international visitors. English is the official language in the state, but there's also a significant Spanish-speaking population. The legal drinking age is 21. To hire a car, you must be 21, and you'll usually need to have held a valid licence for at least one year.
Most California hotels can be booked by anyone over the age of 18. However, some smaller hotels may have a policy of requiring at least one of the guests to be 21 or over.
Things to do in California
In the following sections, you can learn about some of the best things to do on a California road trip or holiday, including attractions away from the major cities. This can help you build a varied itinerary before your trip.
Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, known for its mountains, valleys, lakes, waterfalls and giant sequoias. The park is open all year, but some popular hiking trails close during the winter, so keep this in mind if you're planning a winter holiday. Popular hiking routes include the Four Mile Trail, which takes you from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, and the Mist Trail, a challenging route along the Merced River.
Check out California's beaches
No summer holiday to California is complete without a visit to some of the state's top beaches. Carpinteria City Beach is a great choice for swimming or surfing, while Dockweiler Beach has a cycling path and a hang gliding centre. Orange County is home to Laguna Beach, which is famous for its surfing culture, while Venice Beach is known for its live performers and skateboarding scene.
Travel to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located off the coast of San Francisco, is the home of an old maximum-security federal prison, which attracts over a million visitors annually. Historically, the prison on the island was used to incarcerate high-profile prisoners, including Al Capone. Today, the prison has been turned into a museum, offering guided tours.
Popular cities in California
Whether you're planning a California road trip or just a single city break, it's important to know the best cities to visit in the state. Here, you'll find an overview of the biggest and best cities, with information on what to see and do:
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the largest city in California by population and has a lot to offer travellers, from the world-famous Hollywood Sign to Dodger Stadium. Be sure to check out the legendary rooftop bars and pay a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.
San Francisco
San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge. Other attractions include Alamo Square Park and the Aquarium of the Bay. The city is a great choice if you're interested in California's nightlife.
San Diego
San Diego is California's second-most populated city. One of its biggest attractions is Balboa Park, which is home to a variety of museums, galleries, gardens and the San Diego Zoo. The city's coastal location means you should pack for a beach holiday, and it also provides easy access to Mexico via the border city of Tijuana.
FAQs about California holidays
Q: What city is best to stay in California?
A: If you want to experience Los Angeles, it's sensible to stay in the city to make getting around easier. However, the best overall city to stay in may be San Diego, which is less busy than Los Angeles and often has better weather. San Diego is also home to some of the more affordable California hotels.
Q: What is the best month to visit California?
A: It's generally best to visit California in the shoulder seasons, so good options may include April, May, September and October. September is a good choice if you want pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches. This time of year will also offer more affordable flights to California than in the summer months.
Q: Where is the best place to go in California for the first time?
A: For a first-time visitor, Los Angeles offers a lot of major attractions, including the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, if you'd prefer somewhere less busy, San Diego is a great choice, too.
Q: How many days in California is enough?
A: If you're visiting a single city in California, a week should provide plenty of time to see the most important attractions. If you're planning a California road trip or want to experience multiple cities, you could easily stay for two or three weeks and still find plenty to keep you busy.
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