From Hollywood sparkle to desert skies and golden beaches.
Get ready to dive into that classic California daydream, where palm trees sway, golden beaches stretch for miles, and every stop brings a fresh dose of sunshine. This road trip serves up the perfect mix of big-city sparkle, desert landscapes, surf-town charm, and waterfront magic — all at a pace that lets you explore, unwind, and enjoy the very best of Southern California. With curated stays, iconic sights, and plenty of room for spontaneous adventure, this is the Golden State exactly the way you’ve always imagined it.
Outbound flight: London Heathrow (LHR) → Los Angeles (LAX)
Inbound flight: Los Angeles (LAX) → London Heathrow (LHR)
Best time to travel: March to October for warm beach days, clear desert skies, and perfect SoCal sunshine
Nights: 2
Must-do things: Venice Beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, LA museums, sunset dining. Don’t miss the Venice Canals — a peaceful, hidden gem just a few blocks from the beach.
Recommended hotel:
• The Garland
Drive to next stop: → Palm Springs 107 mi / ~1 hr 40 min
Nights: 2
Must-do things: Discover mid-century modern architecture, explore downtown shops and galleries, and take a full-day adventure into Joshua Tree National Park with its cactus gardens, Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and quirky desert cafés.
Recommended hotel:
• Palm Mountain Resort
Drive to next stop: → Oceanside 111 mi / ~1 hr 54 min
Nights: 1
Must-do things: Stroll the Oceanside Pier, enjoy the harbour, relax on the beach, and soak up the laid-back surf town vibe.
Recommended hotel:
• Mission Pacific Resort
Drive to next stop: → San Diego 38 mi / ~41 min
Nights: 2
Must-do things: Visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, explore the USS Midway, wander the Gaslamp Quarter for dining and nightlife, and enjoy the waterfront.
Recommended hotels:
• Catamaran Resort Hotel
• Bahia Resort Hotel
Drive to airport: → San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Nights: Optional extra night
Must-do things: Explore Balboa Park museums, La Jolla Cove, Coronado Island, or enjoy a sunset cruise before heading home.
Drive to airport: → Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
From desert landscapes to breezy beach towns, this SoCal adventure serves up sunshine-filled moments at every turn. If you're dreaming of extra activities, unique day trips, or added touches of luxury, our team is here to tailor your California escape with ease.
Whether you’re craving a few extra stops, a scenic detour, or a little luxury along the way, our team’s here to help you map out your perfect road trip, simple, flexible, and full of unforgettable moments from start to finish.