California

Overview

Photos: Joel Schat, Mirae Campbell and Ally Pintucci

Known for its beauty and cultural diversity, California is a West Coast state packed with places to see and things to do.

Orange County is home to Disneyland Resort, more than 40 championship golf courses, the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and over 68 km of golden sand beaches. Here, you’ll discover multi-million dollar mansions nestled amid hills with laid-back surf towns only a short drive away. Popular spots like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach regularly attract travellers from near and far – including Hollywood celebrities.

For six decades, Disneyland Park has been the place where dreams really do come true—and this year, the entire Disneyland Resort is hosting a dazzling Diamond Celebration featuring amazing all-new entertainment experiences that have to be seen to be believed. Add to that almost endless ways to play, shop and dine, and discover why now is the perfect time to turn a spectacular vacation into the ultimate Southern California experience!

Further down the coast, just 32 km north of the Mexican border, you’ll find San Diego. This is where travellers come to soak up the sun and golf at some of North America’s best courses, including the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. Many also come to explore the region’s mountain ranges and valleys below. For a day out with the kids, head to Legoland California. And, before you go, be sure to check out Balboa Park – a massive cultural complex with more than 15 major museums and the world-class San Diego Zoo. 

The San Francisco area is known as a hub of technological innovation and the location of many of the state’s most beautiful golf courses and wineries. It’s not surprising that the city has become a massively popular business and leisure travel destination bursting with culture and global cuisine. From Chinatown and Japantown, to the Italian North Beach area and spicy Latin American Mission District, there are new adventures at every turn.

And then there is Los Angeles – the city of stars and the iconic Hollywood sign. Some of the world’s best directors, actors and recording artists call L.A. home – as do many other talented hopefuls looking for their big break. It may not be easy to get discovered in a city of more than 17 million, but living and visiting the region is certainly still worthwhile. L.A. sees more than 329 days of sunshine each year and has attractions and activities for just about anyone. Visit Muscle Beach and exercise outdoors alongside celebrity trainers or spend the day exploring Universal Studios Hollywood.

Just two hours outside of Los Angeles, Palm Springs couldn’t be more different. Here, travellers can put their feet up and spend a day of rest and relaxation at the spa. There are more than 20 hot springs here and beautiful desert and mountain views. Palm Springs also offers golf courses geared to players of every skill level. For designer shopping, visit nearby Palm Desert and El Paseo – an outdoor boulevard filled with stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, Juicy Couture and numerous art galleries. This is a destination U.S. residents, snowbirds and students on spring break can all agree on.