From dazzling piers and drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, California is America’s hippest riviera. From boho fishing towns alongside glam neighbourhoods and rugged bays. It joins America’s coolest yet most scenic destinations.

 

It's never too early to think ahead and plan your next amazing holiday. Guarantee the hotel you want and gain early access to a choice of Virgin Atlantic flights as far ahead as 2027.

Where to visit in California

Los Angeles holidays Los Angeles holidays

Los Angeles holidays

San Francisco holidaysSan Francisco holidays

San Francisco holidays

San Diego holidaysSan Diego holidays

San Diego holidays

 Santa Barbara holidays Santa Barbara holidays

Santa Barbara holidays

Fly, drive and explore – handpicked itineraries

Hit the open road and discover the very best of the USA at your own pace, from glittering coastlines to soaring national parks and sun-soaked cities. With handpicked hotels, easy routes and the freedom to explore as you go, each road trip delivers unforgettable moments around every corner. Fly in, pick up your keys and let your next great adventure unfold.

California attraction tickets

Essential Information for California

  1. Time Zone

    UK - 8hrs

  2. Language

    American English

  3. Currency

    US Dollar $

  4. Flight information

    11h 10m direct

  1. Flight schedule

    Virgin Atlantic flight daily from Heathrow to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Connect from other UK airports - You can also fly from Manchester, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Belfast on one of our partner airlines.

  2. Do I need a visa?

    To travel to the USA, you will need an ESTA visa. Please make sure that you have this approved at least 3 days before you head off on holiday.

  3. Good to know

    Read our Useful Information for guidance on what to expect before and during your holiday, including travel requirements, local customs and hotel facilities.

  4. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

    The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is around 10 hours. Break up the journey with overnight stays in some wonderful Californian beach towns.

Highlights of California

Sun, sea and sand...And action-packed cities. And iconic sights. And natural beauty. And good food and wine. And adventure… aaand pretty much everything else you need for an unforgettable travel experience. 

In case you can’t tell, we love California. Not sold? Alright, we’ll just have to convince you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading out for that American road trip you’ve been talking about for years, or you’re beelining to the Californian coast for some much-needed sun at an everything-included hotel: You can ‘do’ California holidays exactly the way you want to, whatever your travel style and needs.

Planning a holiday to California, with all its variety and so much going on, can be almost overwhelming. Where to start? What to prioritise? First things first, some coastal Cali highlights to add to your daydream agenda (and, you know, your actual agenda). From the very best of California vineyards to the must-see city sights, here’s the things we think are not to be missed:

 

If you’re itching to book your holiday to California this very second, we don’t blame you one bit. Check out our fantastic California hotels and let’s do this!

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