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California Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real California in a way like no other.
With sun-kissed beaches, glitzy cities, misty forests and lush winelands, California is a supermodel of a state. From the natural wonders to the diverse food and culture, this Golden State has world-class everything, including glamorous Hollywood, Napa Valley wine country, the surreal Mojave Desert, spectacular Yosemite with the formidable El Capitan, and even the Land of the Giants, home to soaring redwoods. When you travel California with Trafalgar, we’ll show you all the very best things to do in California plus the hidden gems, from Los Angeles to San Francisco and all the gorgeous coastal towns in between. We’ll take you from San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and lively Venice Beach, to creative Carmel-by-the-Sea and stunning Lake Tahoe, driving up the legendary Pacific Coast Highway with the Californian breeze in your hair all the way.
Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
 
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Northern California

4.7 330 reviews

From US$2,812 Was US$3,124

4.7 330 reviews

From US$2,812 Was US$3,124

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    Castroville CA Felton Monterey Napa Pacific Grove San Francisco Virginia City Yosemite Village Zephyr Cove

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California's Great National Parks

4.5 195 reviews

From US$3,209 Was US$3,565

4.5 195 reviews

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    Beverly Hills CA Hollywood Las Vegas Mammoth Lakes Yosemite Village

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Desert National Parks of California

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    Joshua Tree Joshua Tree National Park Las Vegas Palm Springs Yucca Valley

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California High Country Adventure

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    Bakersfield Mammoth Lakes Yosemite Village

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California Coast Food and Wine Trail end Los Angeles

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    Monterey Morro Bay Paso Robles San Jose San Luis Obispo Santa Cruz

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California Coast Food and Wine Trail end San Luis Obispo

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    Monterey Morro Bay Paso Robles San Jose San Luis Obispo Santa Cruz

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Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Park Discovery

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    Lassen Volcanic National Park Sacramento Yosemite Village

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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 99,807 independent reviews
"California is a dream destination, from star-gazing in LA and sipping world-class wines in Napa, to marvelling at the national parks, and even diving into Disneyland, the happiest place on earth."
Travel Director
California at a glance
With sun-kissed beaches, glitzy cities, misty forests and lush winelands, California is a supermodel of a state. Our expert Trafalgar Travel Directors will take you cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway to discover all its treasures from glamorous Hollywood and charming coastal towns, to stunning Yosemite and the Mojave Desert, with the Californian wind in your hair all the way.
Currency
US dollar
Winter avg temp
10°C
Summer avg temp
29°C
Time Zone
GMT-7
Capital City
Washington D.C.
Language
English
Good Morning
Good morning
Good Evening
Good evening

Our top 5 things to do in California

There are so many incredible places to visit in California and we’ll show you the very best of the state, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Salinas Valley.

Take a city tour of San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most incredible destinations in California, and we’ll take you on a sightseeing tour of all the highlights from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the scenic Fisherman’s Wharf dotted with sea lions, to the bustling Union Square, the gorgeous 1,500-acre Presidio Park and the historic neighborhoods like North Beach and Chinatown.
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See the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea

This charming Monterey city is a little slice of heaven, famed for being dog-friendly and home to an inspiring community of artists. With over half of the residents once devoted to the arts (Clint Eastwood was the town’s Mayor!), you’ll find writers, poets, actors and musicians at every turn as you stroll down Ocean Avenue lined with cafés, boutiques and galleries.
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Take a scenic drive through Napa Wine Country

As one of the world’s most famous wine regions, you’ll love driving through the beautiful hillside vineyards and countryside scenery of Napa Valley. We’ll even stop at a local winery to explore their stunning vineyards, learn all about the process of winemaking, and of course, enjoy a tasting of the finest Napa Valley wines.
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Visit Yosemite National Park

California is renowned for its spectacular national parks and Yosemite is the jewel in its crown. This UNESCO-listed park is packed with wonders, from cascading waterfalls, blooming meadows and emerald valleys, to the iconic El Capitan, glowing in the setting sun. We’ll even stay overnight in a cozy lodge just a stone’s throw from Yosemite Falls.
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Discover 'The Salad Bowl of the World' in Salinas Valley

You’ll dive into the world's salad bowl with a Local Specialist, as you take a private farm tour to learn all about the advanced farming techniques and fruit and vegetable production in the incredible Salinas Valley. Admire the lush crops, discover the fascinating history of the valley, and taste some fresh produce for yourself.
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Best museums in California

Our California tour packages will show you where to find the most fascinating museums in the state, from amazing aquariums to the story of the American West.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in the western United States, the LACMA is not to be missed. Over a million visitors wander the halls every year, marvelling at the diverse collections, including Asian art, Islamic art and Latin American art, with pre-Columbian masterpieces and contemporary works from the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
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Autry Museum of the American West

The glory days of the Wild West may be over, but they live on in the Autry Museum in Los Angeles. You’ll discover over half a million artworks and artifacts from the American frontier, ranging from Western film memorabilia and a replica movie set of an Old Western town, to Annie Oakley’s engraved golden pistols, and a mahogany saloon with a roulette wheel.
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California Science Center

Located in Los Angeles, the California Science Center is one of the most hands-on museums you’ll find in the country. From the world’s largest display of Lego art and the space shuttle Endeavour, to a 7-storey IMAX theater, high-wire bicycle, climbing wall, earthquake simulator, and a virtual reality exhibit, this museum is hours of fun. 
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Best food in California

With multicultural influences, fresh produce and farm-to-table experiences, California’s dining scene is truly special and our California holidays will show you where to taste the best.

Avocado Toast

If you love avocados, you’ve got to visit California. These creamy green delights have been mashed, sliced and spread on toast in California for over a century, and it’s only in the last few decades that this trendy dish really took off around the world. Just ask your California guide where to find the very best avocado toast and lose yourself in avocado heaven.
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Cioppino

Hailed as the signature dish of San Francisco, this seafood stew was developed by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s. Cioppino is traditionally made from the catch of the day, like shrimp, squid, scallops, clams, crab and fish, then melded with a tomato and wine sauce. Be sure to mop up every last drop with a piece of crusty sourdough bread. Delicious!
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Tri-Tip

Known as ‘California’s Cut’, tri-tip is a Santa Maria style barbecue that takes a triangle cut of top-block sirloin and grills it to perfection. It can be sliced into steaks or cooked as a whole block, but either way, the meat is juicy, tender and packed with flavor. Pair it with Santa-Maria style salsa and grilled garlic bread and you’ve got the ultimate Californian dish.
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What to pack for California

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Swimsuit

With miles of golden, sunny coastline, you can’t resist taking a dip in the ocean or soaking in a pool on your California tour.

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Reusable water bottle

California is one of America’s greenest states and you can help reduce your environmental footprint by refilling your own bottle at free water stations around the state.

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Big appetite

With so many diverse cuisines and everything from gourmet fine dining to delicious food trucks, prepare to loosen your belt when you travel California.

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Sun protection

With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll need to stock up on sunscreen and bring your sunglasses and a hat on your California trip.

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A warm jacket

Despite the heat and sunshine, it can get cold in some parts of California, especially the misty redwood forests, so come prepared with a cozy jacket.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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Our North & Central America destinations

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