Planning a California Honeymoon or Holiday
California is definitely my favourite US state and I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few times. Every trip is up there with my all-time favourites, I even spent part of my honeymoon there and have been back as a young family. Thinking about a California holiday or honeymoon? Let's go!
Why Choose California?
California has a bit of everything. You’ve got:
- incredible cities
- one of the most famous coastal drives in the world
- beautiful beaches and national parks
- delicious food and endless shopping
- theme parks
Every day feels different, which is what makes it such a special trip. If you’re thinking about a California holiday or honeymoon, this is one of those destinations that really comes into its own as a road trip.
Where To Go In California
San Francisco
Where to start with San Francisco, there is so much to do! I always include a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is a great way to get your bearings and take in the sights, including the trip to Alcatraz which is often booked out.
If you can, I’d recommend the evening tour, my clients rave about it.
I love the interesting neighbourhoods like Castro and Haight-Ashbury, iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, the restaurant scene (3–4 days often isn’t enough for my list!)
If you have extra time, you can also take a trip to Napa Valley, head inland to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco, hiring a car and driving the Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) down the coast is a must.
The Pacific Coast Highway
Stops along the way include: Monterey and Carmel, Big Sur, Cambria, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara
The last time we were up early and straight to the Big Sur, parts of which are often closed due to rock fall and landslides but it wasn’t when we were there. It's just WOW! The scenery is glorious. We had lunch at the wonderful Nepenthe and my highlight was the McWay Falls look out in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I really fell in love with Big Sur, there is something magical & mystical about those forests.
As you continue south, the redwoods slowly give way to palm trees. We stayed in Pismo Beach, which ended up being a highlight with amazing seafood and a really relaxed SoCal vibe.
Next stop was Santa Barbara, and I could easily have stayed a few extra nights here. It has that perfect mix of sunshine, palm trees and a really easy-going atmosphere.
Los Angeles
I love LA but what part of the city you stay can really make a difference to where you will too. Highlights include Griffith Observatory for those iconic city and Hollywood sign views, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland California (you’ll need a couple of days for both parks), Santa Monica which is right by the beach with great restaurants
There are so many ways to extend a California trip.
You could:
- drive down to San Diego
- head inland to Joshua Tree National Park
- continue on to Las Vegas and see more of Nevada or even Arizona
- do a full loop of California including Death Valley
- get a little more off the beaten track in Oregon
Where To Combine With California
You could easily spend 2/3 weeks in California but if you have more time you could include:
- Hawaii for the perfect road trip and beach mix
- Mexico (Cancun or Cabo) for an easy add-on
- Bora Bora and French Polynesia for something really special
- Florida and a fun Caribbean cruise
Feedback from a recent California trip:
"Karen has been amazing from the moment i contacted her. She has put so much thought and effort into our trip. It’s been an amazing experience. Thanks so much Karen."
Planning Your California Trip
A California road trip is one of the worlds best, and if you don't drive you can still do the cities and take some day trips - but there are a few details that really matter. Things like:
- how long to spend in each stop
- where to stay along the coast
- timing your drive
- balancing driving time with downtime
California really does have it all, incredible scenery, amazing food, beaches, cities and something new every single day and I'd love to help you plan a dream California honeymoon or holiday.
Ready to start planning a California honeymoon or holiday?
