If you think of California chances are you are imagining the Southern California life-style of beautiful people, beach-boardwalks, surfing and sunshine … and you wouldn’t be wrong! This road-trip idea brings together the amazing city of Los Angeles, the vibrant beach cities of Huntington Beach and San Diego, together with the desert scenery and outdoor adventure of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, the Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs.

Begin your holiday in ‘Tinsel Town’! Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, go behind the scenes on a tour of Warner Bros. Studios, ride the movies at Universal Studios Hollywood or shop (or window-shop) in some of the glamorous boutiques of Beverly Hills. Take in a concert or dance the night away at LA Live, have dinner in China Town or head to a sporting event. 

Stay three nights in Huntington Beach 

‘Surf City USA’ is where the laid-back and mellow Southern California beach lifestyle began and still continues. Surfing is a way of life here, whether you are a beginner of have been riding the waves for years, Huntington Beach is the place to be! Or if that all sounds to energetic, stretch out on the sand and soak up some Southern California sunshine, take a stroll down the pier or check out the unique boutique and eclectic dining options around the Main Street area. 

Huntington Beach also makes a great base for visiting some of the area’s top theme parks such as Disneyland or Knotts Berry Far. 

Stay three nights in San Diego.

This is almost the furthest south you can go in California before reaching the border with Mexico, and there are day trips that will take you across the border. San Diego itself offers history and unique shopping in Old Town, nightlife in the Gaslamp district of downtown and world class attractions such as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Diego is renowned for wide open sandy beaches and great surfing. Dine at great local restaurants and soak-up the laid-back southern California vibe.

Stay two nights in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or Borrego Springs area

This desert preserve - California’s largest state park - protects more than 600,000 acres of badlands, palm oases, slot canyons, and cactus-studded hills. A geology lesson in making, the landscape is still being altered by erosion and flash floods, it’s a wild and remote place, offering great hiking trails and scenic views. The park is also known for its wildflowers, particularly in the spring, and Bighorn sheep are often spotted in the area. 

Stay two nights in the Joshua Tree National Park or nearby in Twentynine Palms

The southern Mojave Desert is the home of Joshua Tree National Park. The unique trees in the Joshua Tree National Park as well as the amazing landscape attract visitors for hiking, wildflower viewing, scenic drives and ranger programmes, as well as star gazing. The areas is well known for its clear skies, brilliant star-filled nights, desert and mountain vistas, wide open spaces. Twentynine Palms boasts some world-class murals and public art, and is a haven for artists, nature lovers and photographers.

Stay two nights in the Palm Springs area

Since the 1920s Palm Springs has been a Hollywood playground and has welcomed stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby and Elvis, and continues to be a get-away today. Known for its great golf and tennis, as well as world-class restaurants, and its Mid-Century Modern architecture, Palm Springs also has some great cultural heritage. Take a desert jeep tours into some of the canyons in and around Palm Springs, where you can discover some of the Native American history, soar over Chico Canyon up to Mt San Jacinto State Park on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, or enjoy the galleries and shops of downtown Palm Springs or the Palm Springs Art Museum.