Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Los Angeles – Palm Springs – Huntington Beach – San Diego
100% customisable for you
All your California dreamin’ becomes reality today. It’s time to head to the airport for your 11-and-a-half-hour flight from London to Los Angeles. Thanks to the time difference, you’ll touchdown in the ‘City of Angels’ on the same day. Once you've cleared customs and collected your luggage, a private transfer will whisk you to your West Hollywood hotel, about half an hour’s drive away.
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before a full-day tour of ‘La-La Land’ by electric bike. Led by an enthusiastic local guide, take in everything from tourist hotspots in Beverly Hills and the bustling Hollywood Walk of Fame to locals' favourite haunts and hidden gems. You’ll cover about 30 miles in total (hence the e-bikes), stopping for lunch at a hip restaurant in Venice Beach – home to the iconic Muscle Beach – before cycling along the canals which gave the neighbourhood its name. Your tour will end with a visit to the incredible Culver City, home to the film studios that made LA the famous film hub it is today.
After a late breakfast this morning, collect your hire car (or even have it delivered in true A-lister style). From here, head to the desert city of Palm Springs – two hours from LA – in the Coachella Valley. If hunger strikes en route, consult our detailed Dossier for a list of the best lunch spots – after all, a USA road trip isn’t complete without a trip to an authentic American diner. Burger and milkshake, anyone?
Once you arrive at your stylish Palm Springs hotel, we recommend exploring Hollywood's most famous spa town before dinner. This evening, our local Concierge will book you a table at a legendary Palm Springs institution. The Edge Steakhouse is a favourite of ours, enjoying epic views across the desert (thanks to its clifftop position and wraparound glass walls). Sip on sundowners as you soak up the spectacular palm-tree punctuated sunset...
Palm Springs is home to some of the best examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture in the United States, designed by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Dubois. This morning, your architecture aficionado guide will meet you at your hotel for a private tour of the city’s best designs, including insider access to the interiors of some private homes.
This afternoon, make your way to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an unforgettable ride across the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. Next up is the San Andreas fault zone, where you’ll explore the geological nooks and crannies in an open 4x4 alongside an expert guide. Fancy something a little wilder? Drive for around 50 minutes to Joshua Tree National Park, a barren wilderness dotted with its eponymous trees and a network of winding trails. A guided hike is the best way to get to know this beautiful landscape.
This morning, hit the road again for Huntington Beach, just south of Los Angeles in Orange County. Once you've arrived and settled into your hotel (whether that be with a round of golf or a bite to eat in the restaurant), make your way down to the harbour. Here, set off in a speedy electric boat and spend the afternoon and early evening cruising the water as the sun sets. Make sure you stock up on a delicious smorgasbord of snacks to take on board, or grab dinner while on a waterfront bar crawl later…
Rise and shine, wildlife enthusiasts, it’s time for a whale watching excursion. It’s just a 15-minute drive down the coast to Newport Beach, where you’ll board the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and zoom out into the deep blue where the whales are known to hang out. With the help of an expert guide (and depending on the time of year), you can spot blue, fin, humpback, grey or minke whales – maybe even all of them if you're really lucky.
Keen for more aquatic adventures? Back in Huntington Beach, we can arrange a private surf lesson with a local, so you can finally live out all your Californian dreams.
Today, embark on the final leg of your iconic SoCal road trip. Next up? The laid-back city of San Diego. After breakfast this morning, it’s around an hour and a half down the coast by car to reach San Diego. Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, spend the rest of the day soaking up some sunshine on the beach and tucking into fresh fish tacos (you can find our favourite foodie spots in our Dossier).
This morning, wake up bright and early for a hike (you won’t regret it, we promise). We recommend heading to the beautiful Torrey Pines State Reserve (we can arrange permits) for a walk through the forest and beaches on well-marked trails. If you can’t wait to get out in the surf again, we can arrange another lesson, or even board hire if you’re feeling confident.
Later today, why not visit the USS Midway Museum? This maritime marvel is aboard the eponymous aircraft carrier, where you can learn about the history of this vast ship, once home to 4,000 sailors.
Sadly, your Southern California adventure has to come to an end. Spend your final day relaxing on the beach (there are plenty to choose from) before heading to the airport in good time for your overnight flight home. Your ten-and-a-half-hour flight will land in London mid-morning. We only hope you bring the sunshine home with you…
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
