Known as the ‘City by the Bay’, this very walkable city is dotted with iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and the largest Chinatown in the United States. It is also one of the most liberal cities in the US, and from the Summer of Love in 1967, it remains true to itself: funky and individualistic, with a truly international vibe. A stroll of the city’s streets can lead from Union Square to North Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf, with intriguing neighbourhoods to explore at every turn. As well as the popular sights and fantastic shopping and dining options, why not take a trip across the bay to Sausalito and get a great view of the city skyline?

Stay two nights in San Francisco.

Head across the Golden Gate Bridge, and drive north up the dramatic coast to the historic town of Mendocino. Enjoy the landscape with its miles of unspoilt beaches and scenic bluffs. Mendocino has a multitude of festivals year round including celebrations of their signature local foods, wines and locally brewed beers. Other annual events celebrate whales, music, art, film, vintage locomotives and California’s oldest continuous rodeo. 

Stay two nights in Mendocino. 

Reno has been nicknamed of the ‘Biggest Little City in America’! Try the downtown whitewater kayak course or, if spectator sports are more your thing, stroll the Riverwalk area. Browse the boutiques and shops or enjoy the entertainment in the numerous bars, restaurants and casinos. Within easy reach of Reno are Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, Pyramid Lake and Carson City, Nevada’s Capital.

Take a side trip to the alluring and mysterious Black Rock Desert where you can experience some off-grid solitude in some truly stunning landscapes. This vast landscape is comprised of 1.2 million acres of national conservation area and national wilderness area, with some of the most rugged canyons, pristine hot springs, and expansive dry lake beds or “playa” features in the state. It is also home to the annual Burning Man Festival. 

Stay three nights in Reno.

Take in the wonders of Yosemite National Park, either by joining a ranger-led programme, hiking a trail, renting bikes or meandering along one of driving loops – all allow you to get the most out of your visit. Yosemite experiences all four seasons, with pristine snowy winters, vibrant spring flowers, long hot summer days, and cool crisp autumns. No matter when you visit you are sure to be stunned by the scenery and the natural beauty of this popular national park. 

Stay two nights in Yosemite National Park.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks sit side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, and they are home to the giant redwoods. The entire landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity - huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees. The extreme elevations within the park mean that conditions and activities can vary between areas, but the scenery is always stunning and there are always plenty of things to see and do. 

Stay two nights in Sequoia National Park.

Today’s journey takes you to the four-season mountain lake town of Big Bear, in the heart of Southern California and the San Bernardino National Forest. High in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake boasts 100s of miles of trails, 22 miles of lake shoreline, and in the winter, over a 1,000 skiable acres. Hike, bike, swim, fish, paddle board, canoe, kayak, snowboard and ski – whatever your sport, Big Bear will have it! And after all that activity you will find plenty of local restaurants where you can refuel, chat to the locals and plan your next adventure!

Stay two nights in Big Bear.

Discover the different neighbourhoods associated with the LA lifestyle, including hip and trendy West Hollywood (or WeHo if you’re in the know!), glamorous Beverly Hills and the beach cities of Huntington, Santa Monica, Venice and Marina del Ray. Stroll along the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and visit Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. Head into the Hollywood Hills to get a closer glimpse of the sign, take a tour of the movie stars' homes or ride the movies at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Stay one night in Los Angeles.