Top 5
Captains Top 5 Tips
1) See the homes of the rich and famous by taking a LA City Tour & Movie Star Homes.
2) Experience the feel of the Wild West riding a mustang in a Canyon Rim Horseback Riding tour from Las Vegas.
3) Take the deluxe city tour that includes visiting Alcatraz Island and the main sights of San Francisco.
4) Get hitched in Las Vegas! Its one of the most popular overseas destinations to get married in.
5) Avoid tourist restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and head out to the suburbs such as North Beach for fabulous local eateries.
Top 5 - USA West Coast
Kick Back on the West Coast
The West Coast has some of the most dramatic scenery in the States including the magnificent Grand Canyon, the rugged Pacific coastline and Yosemite National Park. It is also home to the cosmopolitan cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the gambling Mecca, Las Vegas. It is ideal territory for renting a car and exploring the coast or the beautiful national parks at your leisure.
If you are a real movie buff we recommend you spend some time in Los Angeles visiting the homes of the stars in Beverly Hills, shopping on Rodeo Drive where the Hollywood superstars shop and taking a tour of Universal Studios. After this we suggest driving the 'Big Sur Coastal Highway' to San Francisco, one of the must do drives at least once in your lifetime!
Top 5 places to Visit
Los Angeles
Take a glimpse at the 'American Dream' in one of the worlds most glamorous cities. From the movie stars of Hollywood, the rich and famous of Beverley Hills, to the rollerbladers of Venice Beach and the surfers at Malibu, you’ll be amazed at its size. The ‘City of Angels’ is surprisingly friendly and diverse with world-class shopping, great nightlife, especially along the renowned Sunset Strip, and fabulous beaches.
Los Angeles Tips
1. Hang out in Santa Monica, hire a bike and travel along the beach path to Venice for its funky shops and restaurants
2. Drive down to Newport Beach, Orange County – hire a speed boat for an hour and sail past the houses of the rich and famous, home of the Channel 4 soap 'The OC'.
3. Take a stroll down 'Rodeo Drive', the best place in the world for window shopping and people watching.
4. Take a full day tour to Universal, the theme park is amazing but allow a full day to experience all the attractions.
Anaheim
Located 35 miles southwest of Los Angeles Anaheim is where Walt Disney first dreamt of creating a children's playground like no other. Sitting alongside the original Disneyland is the latest attraction; Disney's Californian adventure. Anaheim today boasts a range of other attractions including the white-knuckle rides at Knott's Berry Farm and is in close proximity to the beautiful Orange County beaches.
Experience the electric vibe, great shopping, amazing restaurants, sidewalk cafés, bars, museums and art galleries of this cosmopolitan city. Must do's include a cable car journey through the streets, a visit to Alcatraz and bustling Chinatown, shopping around Union Square and a stop to admire the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge for spectacular views of the bay.
San Francisco Tips
1. San Francisco is a great party city; buy a local time out to check what's on in the local bars and clubs.
2. No visit is complete without a trip across the bay to 'Alcatraz', to avoid disappointment book at least a month in advance.
3. Avoid the tourist restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf, especially at weekends; dine at a local restaurant in one the suburbs such as North Beach.
4. Extend your stay in Northern California and travel up to the wine areas of Nape and Sonoma, which is only a few hours drive from San Francisco.
Beyond San Francisco
Surrounding San Francisco are 2 of California's iconic attractions, Yosemite National park is a real jewel not just in California's but America's crown. The Napa Valley is home to one of the world's most famous and productive wine regions in the world.
It's great to include a stay in the park on your trip to ensure early access to the main sights of Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Falls, but also to witness the amazing sunrises and sunsets that are second to none.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world and is a great place to try your luck in the casinos. Take a walk or helicopter trip down the neon Strip and see some of the most amazing hotels in the world such as the Luxor, the Venetian and the MGM. This is also the perfect place from which to take a scenic flight to the magnificent Grand Canyon.
Los Angeles Beaches
Think Baywatch lifeguards, the Beach Boys and suntanned surfers and you get the picture of a laid back California beach. Spending time at the beach hanging out with the beautiful people or rollerblading down the boardwalk is an experience not to be missed!
"One of the jewels in Los Angeles' crown is the close proximity to some gorgeous beaches, all who have a society and lifestyle all their own. Head down to Venice Beach and roller blade along the boardwalk, visit Santa Monica pier or just relax, people watch and let the world go by"
Nicky, Flight Centre Putney
USA Specialist
Los Angeles
Home to the movies, beautiful people and now the Beckhams, Los Angeles gives you a glimpse at the American dream. Whether it's sun worshipping on one of the many beaches, surfing at Malibu or shopping on Rodeo Drive, the city has enough to keep you occupied and enthralled throughout your stay.
"Make sure you visit the recently renovated Getty Museum in Malibu. Built by one of the richest men ever to have lived, the sheer opulence of this place will blow you away. It's crammed full of Greek and Roman antiquities, and what’s more, is completely free."
Helen, Flight Centre Guildford
USA Specialist
San Francisco
The "City by the Bay", arguably the most beautiful of all North American cities, is certainly he most liberal. you cannot fail to be impressed all over town, from the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge to Union Square, cable cars and of course Alcatrez.
"If you fancy a dip you should take a trip out to China Beach a wonderfully secluded cove in Pacific Heights. It’s pretty and quiet as well as being one of the safest beaches for swimming with lifeguards on duty in the summer. Make time to explore the city's neighbourhoods from the hippy culture of Haight-Ashbury to the sites and sounds of Chinatown."
Elaine, Flight Centre Tunbridge Wells
USA Specialist
Anaheim
If a visit to Disneyland Resort is on your itinerary it is worth staying in Anaheim, which is closer to the resort. This is a great place for families with easy access to central Los Angeles and the surrounding Orange County.
"If you are a theme park junkie then I would suggest there is no better place to stay! Not only is Disneyland Resort close by, there is also Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park which has an amazing 150 rides and Knotts Oak City, a 13-acre water park."
Steve, Flight Centre Cambridge
USA Specialist
Beyond San Francisco
Well worth visiting on any Californian holiday is the spectacular Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
"Wine lovers should definitely get out into the Napa Valley region where there are more than 200 wineries, many owned by small family producers. A winery tour is really interesting and a great opportunity to sample some of the best wines of region."
Tasha, Flight Centre Hampstead
USA Specialist
Las Vegas
A world of bright lights, fabulous shows, great restaurants and non-stop action awaits you in Las Vegas. The Self styled entertainment capital of the world is so much more than a gambling Mecca and is a must do for any holiday in this region. Whilst in Vegas why not play a round of desert golf or even try your hand at one of the many Poker tournaments throughout town.
"One of the highlights of my Las Vegas trip was a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon. It was incredible and we even got to land in the Canyon and have a picnic. We flew down the Strip on the way back and got a great view of all the amazing hotels. A definite must do."
Jess, Flight Centre Brighton
USA Specialist
Events 2008-2009
31 Oct Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnival
17 Oct San Francisco Jazz Festival
25 Nov Hollywood Christmas Parade
09 Jan New Las Vegas Marathon
07 Feb Chinese New Year, San Francisco
24 Feb The Oscars, Hollywood
17 Apr Big Sur International Marathon
01-30 Jun Haight Ashury Street Fair, San Francisco
