visit california uk

Respect, Protect and Enjoy when you visit Norfolk

• Book Your Stay
• Things To Do
• Families & Friends
• Beaches & Coast
• History & Heritage
• Outdoors & Wildlife
• Culture & Arts
• Destinations
• Feeling Lucky?
• Food & Drink
• Natural Wonders of Norfolk
• A-Z of the Norfolk seaside
• 7 Wonders of Norfolk
• Toggle Menu

California is a small village which merges with Scratby next to the coast with a glorious stretch of sandy beach.

The parish includes Scratby and California. California owes its name to the discovery of some 16th-century gold coins on the beach in 1848, at a time when the California gold rush had captured the attention of the world.

Privacy Overview

The little seaside village 3 hours from London that has the same name as a famous American state - and the beaches are just as pretty

You don't need to catch a flight to visit this charming part of the world

• 16:49, 19 MAR 2023
• Updated 17:56, 19 MAR 2023

Less than three hours from London is a tiny seaside village you might not have heard of. You'll certainly know the name though as it's the same as a famous American state but the beaches in our British version are just as pretty.

Hidden away in Norfolk is a little spot called California. Yes, California, like the American state with famous Los Angeles and San Francisco, but a seaside village in the UK.

The village merges with the nearby Scratby, both north of the more well-known Great Yarmouth. California sits charmingly along the coast and boasts a glorious stretch of golden sand.

READ MORE: Posh commuter village less than an hour from London loved by celebrities including England players and X Factor stars

It's this coastal location that led to the tiny Norfolk village earning its name a couple of centuries ago. In 1848, when the California gold rush was the talk of the world, 16th Century gold coins were discovered on the beach - thus inspiring the village to be named the same as the American state.

The beach in California is a very popular place to visit for those in the know. At the foot of sloping cliffs, sits a vast expanse of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, walking the dog and playing as a family. On the Beach Guide , reviews praise the "clear and calm water" that's ideal for swimming. Others also say it's a "lovely beach" and write: "Nice beach soft sand but slope is a little steep going back up." There isn't much around California as it's so small but there's certainly plenty of caravan and holiday parks ideal for exploring the area and nearby Great Yarmouth.

California itself may be a little bit too tiny to be frequented by as many celebrities who you may spot roaming in Los Angeles, California, USA but you can spot them in the wider area. Just a 20-minute drive away in Gorleston, many scenes from the 2019 Beatles music-filled movie Yesterday were filmed. Fighting With My Family, produced by Dwayne Johnson, was also filmed in Great Yarmouth in 2019. As was the 2009 film, Malice in Wonderland, starring EastEnders ' Danny Dyer.

There are a handful of charming places around the merging villages of California and Scratby to pick up a bite to eat and Scratby Bakery is very popular. They serve up a range of freshly baked goods from loaves of bread to sausage rolls as well as pastries and sandwiches. Rated an impressive 4.8 stars on Google, reviews say: "The food was fresh & delicious. Tons of bakery items to choose from. I will definitely stop by here again."

Another visitor also wrote: "This place always delivers on taste, choice and value. Very popular little bakery selling a selection of breads cakes savoury items and drinks. Things do sell out quick so either ring up and order or come early so not to be disappointed. Possibly a tourist attraction in itself and worth a visit for locals and visitors." Another puts: "Oh my goodness what a lovely bakery. We stumbled on this little gem on the way to the beach. Over the 2 days we stayed in the village. we brought many different cakes and treats, all were amazing." And one says: "Fantastic bacon baps! Lovely fresh bread and cakes. Very popular place because it is so good."

How to get there

Driving from North East London via the M11 and A11, it's usually less than a three hours' drive to get up to California in Norfolk - much quicker than an eleven hour flight to Los Angeles. Or, you can take a train from Liverpool Street to Norwich before another to Great Yarmouth and then a bus to the village, that route on public transport with some walking can take around four hours.

You can book a hotel to stay the night at booking.com and book your trains on Trainline.

Do you have a story you think we should be covering? If so, let us know at [email protected] or [email protected] .

Get more of What's On in London by signing up to the Going Out Out newsletter here.

Travelodge launches huge sale on London rooms from £34 a night

West London woman 'told not to exercise' since she was 4 years old after shock rare heart condition

The Apprentice's Carina Lepore: 'Croydon gets a bad reputation but I'm raising my son here - and opening my new shop'

• Things To Do
• Most Recent

Experience Golden State Wonders and California Dreaming on your next holiday in the USA.

Holidays in california.

Nestled along the Pacific Coast of the United States lies a land of boundless beauty, diverse landscapes, and famed landmarks. Home to iconic cities like San Francisco, Malibu, San Diego, and Los Angeles, there’s a reason California is the topic of many a chart-topper. A state where cities twinkle, shorelines dazzle, and hazy redwood forests blend into towering mountains; whether you're exploring vibrant cities, discovering natural beauty, indulging in wine and culinary delights, or embracing outdoor adventure, the Golden State promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return again and again. Embark on the ultimate California dream for yourself with Hays Travel. 

When is the best time to visit? With the same seasonal weather as the UK, visits to California are all about those feel-good summer holidays. For sunseekers who love the beach, June to September offer the highest temperatures. Spring is the best time to go to California if you prefer cooler climates perfect for making the most out of must-see attractions.

Where is the best place to stay? From ski trips in Big Sur, beachside bliss in Malibu, and Hollywood adventures in Los Angeles to family holidays to San Diego a Collect your voucher to apply at checkout.nd bucket list sights in San Francisco-California is packed with exciting cities and towns to rest your head.

Travel guide

From the sun-kissed beaches of the coast to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Golden State offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered all year round.

• Average flight time: 11 Hours
• Most suited for: Couples, Families
• Currency: US Dollar
• Time Difference: -8 Hours

Explore the City of Angels

Begin your California adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood await. Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, discover the magical wonders of Universal Studios Hollywood, visit the iconic Griffith Observatory, and hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign for panoramic views of the city. With a cultural melting pot of neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, each offering its own unique charm and attractions, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the City of Angels.

Embrace Outdoor Adventure

From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park, California is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, stopping to admire dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches along the way. Explore the untouched wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where you can ski, snowboard, or snowshoe in the winter and hike, bike, or camp in the summer. Hike among towering sequoias in Kings Canyon National Park, or marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you're seeking thrills on the slopes of Lake Tahoe or surfing the waves of Malibu, California offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Discover the Magic of San Francisco

Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and immerse yourself in the charm and character of San Francisco. Explore the colourful streets of Chinatown, sample fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, and take a ride on the historic cable cars for breathtaking views of the city. Be sure to visit Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous former prison, and stroll through the serene beauty of Golden Gate Park.

Food & Drink

From Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to bustling food halls and cosy cafes, California offers a culinary experience like no other.  Explore the world-renowned wine regions and rolling vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County, where you can sample award-winning wines, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside. From farm-fresh produce and sustainable seafood to artisanal cheeses and world-renowned wines, California offers a tantalizing array of cuisines. Whether you're strolling along the beaches of Santa Monica, or wandering the streets of San Francisco, be sure to indulge in the diverse flavours and cuisines that make California a food lover's paradise

COME AND VISIT US

With over 470 branches and  3000 travel advisors, we'd love to see you in person to help you get the best deals.

• CALL 0800 408 4048
• FIND YOUR NEAREST BRANCH

California Tours & Holidays

Explore the Golden State of California and get ready for some fun in the never-ending sun.  

Forget dreaming about California - explore it instead! With its breathtaking national parks, expansive  desert landscapes , and vibrant cities, wandering through this sunny state is guaranteed to gift you with some pretty special memories. Whether you fancy wandering along  San Francisco ’s coastline, navigating your way past giant waterfalls in Yosemite , or spotting stars in Los Angeles , our California tours are not only full of fun, but full of the best cultural activities the United States has to offer. From appreciating Mother Nature’s beauty to marvelling at impressive man-made structures, your local leader will show you these destinations through an Intrepid lens for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our California trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

California highlights

California tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Vegas to San Fran

Real San Francisco to LA

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

Articles of California

California or Florida? Which US state should you travel to?

9 things I wish I’d known before visiting Death Valley

The 9 places you must stop at on your LA to San Francisco road trip 

The top 8 California deserts worth visiting

Top outdoor activities in San Francisco

7 incredible destinations under an 8-hour flight from California

San Fran to LA: exploring California’s epic coast

6 of the best things about a winter break on America’s West Coast

Popular local destinations

California travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How to get to California

There are a number of ways to get into California including flying to various airports both big and small such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). Where you fly into largely depends on what area of California you plan to spend your time in.

You can also drive into the state of California or catch public transportation, such as taking a bus or catching a train. 

What's the weather like in California?

California has a very Mediterranean climate with hot, relatively dry summers and mild winters. This kind of weather pattern is mostly true for the majority of areas in California but there are some exceptions such as San Francisco experiencing fog in spring, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges experiencing snow, and Palm Springs experiencing extreme heat. 

What to pack for California

What to pack for California largely depends on which area in the state you're travelling to. However, if you're travelling in summer you should pack clothing items such as dresses, shorts, and t-shirts as Californian summers can be quite warm.

While the temperatures in winter are quite mild, you should still be prepared for colder weather especially in the evenings so packing pants, sweaters, and appropriate footwear is essential. 

Is it safe in California?

As a state, California has a higher crime rate than the USA on average. This is largely due to the crime rates in the major cities of California being quite high. This is to be expected though and as long as you're aware of your surroundings and stick to well-populated tourist areas, it is fairly safe. Precautions should still be taken though, that of sticking to well-lit areas, avoiding going out at night by yourself, and leaving a bar/attraction if you feel uncomfortable. 

How many theme parks are there in California?

California has several theme parks in various major cities including Los Angeles and San Diego. Some of the most popular theme parks in California are below: 

• Universal Studios Hollywood 
• Six Flags Magic Mountain 
• California's Great America in San Francisco 
• Pacific Park 

How many national parks are in California?

California has 28 national parks, all located in different regions of the state. Redwood National Park is the largest national park in California and is located on the Northern Coast. The most popular national park is Yosemite thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and other geological features. Some of the best national parks in California are below: 

• Yosemite National Park 
• Joshua Tree National Park 
• Death Valley National Park 
• Sequoia National Park 
• Point Reyes National Seashore 

How far is California from...?

California is a very popular state among tourists thanks to its sunny weather all year round, metropolitan cities, and impressive natural landscapes. These tourists can come from neighbouring states or from across the country in a variety of ways including by car or by plane. The quickest way to travel to California is by catching a flight but you can also opt for a 'road trip' style car journey. Below is how far California is from its neighbouring states by plane: 

• As Arizona is relatively close to the state of California, the flight time is roughly 1 hour, 18 minutes. 
• The journey by plane between Colorado and California is just over 2 hours. 
• To travel between Texas and California, it would take you approximately 3 hours by plane. 
• Catching a flight from New York to California will take you a little of 5 hours if you were to fly non-stop. 
• Similarly, to travel between Florida and California will take you 5 hours by plane.

What are some of California's biggest festivals/events?

There is plenty to see and do in California and these top events will occupy you for, not just hours, but days: 

• BottleRock Music Festival
• Stagecoach 
• Lightning in a bottle 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

The best time to visit California

Sep 13, 2023 • 4 min read

From avoiding the crowds to getting the best budget deal, here's what's happening through the seasons in California © Artur Debat / Getty Images

Enormous California , with its booming economy, bounty of nature, agriculture and vibrant cities could be a country unto itself.

There’s a season for everything, as the song goes, so whether you come for the sun, surf, skiing or culture, here's a guide to the best times to visit the Golden State.

June to August is the best time for beaches and festivals

California is about 800 miles long – the UK could fit inside California one and half times over! – so the state's weather varies immensely from north to south.

During summer, from San Diego to Santa Barbara , the nearly continuous ribbon of beaches is thronged and the Pacific is warm. In the SoCal desert, June through August is notoriously hot, while the San Francisco Bay Area can be famously chilly because of its summer fog. Regardless, travelers roam in droves while school is out, and this is when you can expect the busiest beaches, the most expensive hotel rooms and the biggest crowds.

For the entire month of June, California celebrates LGBTIQ+ pride , especially in San Francisco, which sets the global standard. 

California's campgrounds, beaches and theme parks hit peak popularity, especially on the July 4 holiday – summer’s biggest travel weekend. The California State Fair brings pie-eating contests, craft-beer competitions, championship hogs, carnival rides and much more to Sacramento later in July.

Also in late July, Comic-Con – the nation’s biggest annual convention of comic-book fans, hardcore pop-culture collectors and sci-fi and anime devotees, affectionately known as "Nerd Prom" – brings out-of-this-world costumed madness to San Diego.

San Francisco’s Summer of Love roots underpin the Outside Lands music and comedy bacchanalia that takes over Golden Gate Park in August.

April to May and September to October are the best times for outdoor activities

In the spring, as wildflower season peaks in the high desert, the southern desert bursts into song at Coachella Music Festival , and San Francisco twinkles with international celebrities as the nation's oldest film festival lights up with star-studded US premieres of hundreds of films from around the globe, usually during two weeks in April.

Early autumn is also a spectacular time. In wine country, vineyards erupt in an ocean of golden orange and magenta hues, from Sonoma and Napa to Paso Robles. On the Northern California coast, summertime fog retreats and balmy days become the norm. Fall is also when the Central Coast starts to warm up and the heat in SoCal finally breaks. Fall festivals include the storied Monterey Jazz Festival and many wine-country harvest festivals.

With students back in their seats at school, "shoulder season" is prime time for visiting California's  10 national parks or exploring the beaches. And in the Sierras , early winter storms in November can blanket the mountains in snow, giving winter sports fans an early start to the ski season. Shoulder season also offers lower hotel prices, and accommodation availability goes up statewide.

November to March is the best time to avoid the crowds

Winter in California is famously mild (especially in the south), but you can still find killer powder on the peaks and whale watching on the coast. Winter – particularly December and January – is a prime time to spot whales offshore as they migrate south to their seasonal home in Baja California . Accommodation rates will be lowest along the coast, and this is a perfect opportunity to visit California's deserts .

January is the wettest month in California, and a slow time for coastal travel – but this is when mountain ski resorts and Southern California deserts hit their stride. The famous New Year’s parade held before the Tournament of Roses college football game draws more than 700,000 spectators to the LA suburb of Pasadena . 

As spring approaches, California sunshine breaks through the drizzle, skiers hit the slopes in T-shirts and wildflowers begin to bloom. And the cooler temps in the desert make it a great time to hike in Joshua Tree and Death Valley .

Winter is also the season to see thousands of monarch butterflies warming up in California groves and find colonies of elephant seals nursing pups in Central Coast dunes. Meanwhile, after wintering in South America, the swallows return to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County around March 19 – and the historic mission town celebrates its Spanish and Mexican heritage all month long.

This article was first published Mar 16, 2021 and updated Sep 13, 2023.

Explore related stories

Jun 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Here's what you need to know to explore the granite cliffs, towering sequoias, wildlife, lakes and miles of hiking trails at Yosemite.

May 3, 2024 • 12 min read

Apr 30, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 13, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 6 min read

• Travel Journal
• Travel Advice
• Travel Inspiration
• Photo Diary
• Photography Tips
• Photography Inspiration
• Destinations
• Home Inspiration
• Blogging Tips
• Work With Us

California Road Trip: 19 Places You Have To See

Dreaming or planning your big California road trip? Then look no further; I want to share some of my favourite spots you should include. 

Thinking of heading to the West Coast for the blissful sun, breathtaking coastline and dramatic national parks? Well, look no further! I’ve decided to share an ultimate Californian road trip that will hopefully help you master your very own trip!

I have headed out on two California road trips. One from the Northern limits of Lake Tahoe , heading south all the way to Los Angeles and another, with Yaya, where we headed west from Death Valley towards the Pacific Ocean.

This ultimate road trip takes in both of these awesome routes and provides an ultimate Californian road trip, filled with where to shop, eat, see and explore all across this great state.

Have the best time exploring on your California road trip.

1.)  Sequoia National Park, South Sierra Nevada

Head to Sequoia National Park to experience the breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscapes that are present in Tulare County. See some of the largest Trees you can ever see! Truly spectacular.

Oh yes, keep an eye open for General Sherman. It’s the perfect stop on your California road trip.

2.) Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Nestled on the side of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles , the Griffith Observatory is a great place to explore the extraterrestrial world that can be viewed within the observatory itself.

This world-famous landmark has, since its opening, always been free. So there’s no excuse to find a few unfettered hours to explore the mighty wonders that await your eyes!

The planetarium is “out-of-this-world” (excuse the pun) and the views of downtown Los Angeles are as equally spectacular.

It’s a fun addition to your California road trip that you won’t want to miss.

Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles

3.) Pier 39, San Francisco

No California road trip would be complete without San Francisco. And, of course, Pier 39.

This once working and trade pier has now been transformed into an open area of restaurants, shops and seals that bathe along the front.

Take some time to eat some clam chowder from the markets on, and around the pier – it’s delicious.

What is a little less delicious is the smell of the seals! Haha! I had no idea they smelt so bad – did anyone else think this when visiting?

4.) San Diego Old Town And Balboa Park

San Diego is an amazing place to experience some great Californian Wines and Mexican cuisine! Oh, and lots of history that date back centuries. 

Make sure to visit the Old-Town Historic State Park, which dates back to the early 19th Century. It’s an epic spot you have to add to your California road trip.

Oh yeah, one of the best Mexican restaurants is called Oscar’s Mexican Sea Food.

It seems like every single person who visits San Diego raves about it, and I’m one of them.

Read more: Best things to do in San Diego

5.) Mono Lake &  Mono County

Based in Mono County, this relatively shallow but dramatic lake formed over hundreds of thousands of years. I’m sure I was even told 1 million years.

Mono Lake is a great place to stop for an hour or two. Take a picnic or just relax on the water’s edge!

Just don’t dare drink this lake water! Its high salt content makes this lake a unique and very salty body of water.

6.) Route 66

No trip to California would be complete without a trip upon a portion of the infamous, Route 66. Take this historic road west from the ocean and head towards the Arizona and Nevada Border.

There are many awesome places to eat (and sleep) along the way.

Just make sure to pack lots of water, as the dry and arid desert can be unforgiving on any California road trip.

7.) Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada

Ok, forgive me if I’m wrong but I remember spending a good amount of time on a beach at Lake Tahoe and flapping around in the lake – but this is not all you can do there.

Visit Vikingsholm for an awesome look at a modern-day castle, nestled in the hills surrounding Lake Tahoe.

Read more: Best things to do around Lake Tahoe

8.) Asilomar State Beach, Monterey Peninsula

100km west of Hollister (no, not the shop, the actual town) is Asilomar State Beach.

Situated in Pacific Grove, the beach is famed for its breathtaking sunsets and camping opportunities!

I remember being on the beach all evening, watching the sunset and eating campfire roasted cuisine directly from the pan. It doesn’t sound fancy, but I assure you it was amazing.

Read more: Best things to do in Monterey

9.) Temecula, Riverside County

Temecula is an inland city that sits neatly between San Diego and Los Angeles .

This area is famed for its wine region. Why not book something extra special like a hot-air balloon ride? Rather, take in the many award-winning wineries that blanket this region.

Just no drinking and driving on your California road trip. No one likes a reckless driver.

10.) Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County

Perched within the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake and town is one of the best places to go to see a different side of California. Its relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect place to be at one with nature.

There are some great camping opportunities if you feel like it. 

11.) Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada Mountains

Yosemite . Is. Spectacular!

It’s one of my favourite National Parks in the United States .

Pack some comfy hiking shoes and take a trek up the mountains. I remember trekking for 8 hours on my visit and my legs went all wobbly by the time I had returned to base – but, rest assured, it’s worth it.

Don’t forget to keep an eye open for El-Capitan and some of the other famous landmarks while you’re in the park. I would recommend staying here for 3 days or so and making the most of this magical place.

It’s one of my favourite stops for your California road trip.

Read more: Best things to do in Yosemite

12.) Big Sur

Head south (or north) down the Big Sur – this coastline drive, which starts close to Monterey is a spectacular coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the ocean.

Not only is it dramatic, but it makes for one of the most scenic drives I have ever completed.

13.) Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park, Los Angeles

For some old-fashioned fun in Santa Monica, why not head to the double-jointed pier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean?

Best of all, you can explore the pier for free. Just make sure to take a few dollars to ride some of the most awesome rides in the city. It’s the best way to let your hair down during your California road trip.

14.) Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County

Head to this state park in Humboldt County to see some of the tallest Redwoods in the world! Rising almost 100 metres high, these trees are an epic reminder of how awesome nature is.

What is even more interesting is that these trees can live for over 1000 years.

15.) Alcatraz, San Francisco

Ever wondered what it’s like to be marooned on an island within a high-security and infamous prison? Well, now is your chance. Take a short boat ride from Pier 39 straight to incarceration.

Okay, that might be a little too dramatic, but it’s a significant site to visit in California, which housed some of the most infamous criminals in the country.

I was fortunate enough to speak with an original guard when I was there… he talked about his time and experience of being a working prison officer in the Jail.

I remember being mesmerised by his account.

Read more on the top places to see in San Francisco

16.) San Francisco Cable Cars

No journey to San Francisco would be complete without a journey on the city’s cable car network.

Head up and down the hills of the city and enjoy a tour of the city. It’s a great way to explore many areas of the city. Plus, it’s a fun ride too.

17.) Marin County, Muir Woods

Just over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Muir Woods is a spectacular place to explore the local habitat of many of northern California’s wildlife.

Head here for a few hours on your way north or south along the coastal roads.

18.) Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

For a truly American sporting event! Submerse yourself in a baseball game at the Dodgers Stadium.

When I first visited I remembered being struck by how energetic and intense the crowds were. There was so much passion in the stand.

I have to say that I didn’t really understand too much of the game, but it was an experience that I loved and recommend to anyone who visits Los Angeles .

19.) Death Valley National Park

Located in Eastern California, Death Valley is one of the driest and hottest areas in all of the United States.

In the height of Summer, Temperatures can reach up to 45-50 degrees.

I remember that the park ranger wouldn’t initially allow us access to the park without buying lots of water for our SUV.

So, plan, prepare and be responsible when continuing your road trip through Death Valley .

14 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles

Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!

Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Travel Videos!

Puppy Defender. Foodie. Chocolate Fiend and Custard Lover. Dip, Cover or Wrap anything in sugar and I'm Yours!

Exploring Malton: The Food Capital Of Yorkshire, England

10 Beautiful Mediterranean Islands You Have To Visit

You may also like.

11 Best Things To Do In Tennessee

10 Best Beaches In Spain To Visit

What To Do In San Francisco When You Visit

Looking for something, fellow connected travellers.

• 569k Facebook
• 0 Pinterest
• 1,202,450 TikTok
• 355,142 Instagram
• 23,800 X (Twitter)
• 33,259 Email Subscribers

Adventure Awaits!

Have You Seen These Yet?

11 Very Best Places in Wisconsin To Visit

11 Very Best Places In Virginia To Visit

5 Useful Apps To Help When Travelling

On Elephant Safari In Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

11 Cheapest Places To Visit In Europe

• Privacy Policy

Email address:

Change location

• Call us today until 5pm
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 861 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Places to visit in California

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our California specialists

• 01993 838 925 01993 838 861
• Make an enquiry

Popular places to visit in California

Featuring heavily on our itinerary ideas for visiting California, these places are destinations that we know prove consistently popular with our travellers. How you choose to include them in your trip can be tailored into a route that best suits your preferences.

• Death Valley National Park

• Los Angeles

• Napa Valley

• Palm Springs

• San Francisco

• Santa Barbara

• Sequoia National Park

• Yosemite National Park

Map of places to visit in California

Places on the map, california places a-z.

• Crescent City
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Pismo Beach

California Beach

• weather & tides

Located just down the coast from the less exotic sounding Scratby, California beach sits at the foot of sloping cliffs beyond which is a vast expanse of caravan parks. This means the beach is never as quiet as it might be, but it also means there are plenty of facilities.

Access to the beach is down a slope with steps at the bottom.

Type of beach

Lifeguard service, dogs friendly beach.

We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)

Norfolk dog friendly beaches »

• Cafe/restaurant

Nearest town

Great Yarmouth

OS grid ref.

TG 5188 1474

Submit a correction

California Beach Reviews

Rubbish left on beach unacceptable.

We’ve had a little holiday chalet at California for 3 yrs now. Usually, California beach is uncrowded & spotless. Recently, we’ve been dismayed to see it much busier-and worse, some people leaving their rubbish on the beach eg empty beer bottles & plastic glasses etc. It’s no-one’s job to clean this beach & there are bins at the top of the beach stairs. So use them, people!

Clear and calm water - lovely for a swim.

lovely beach

Charlotte cook.

Nice beach soft sand but slope is a little steep going back up. The steps at the bottom of the slope are fine. Normally quiet

What did we get wrong?