Travel
Feature
The Flyer
Think California and images of Disney, Hollywood and laid-back surfers spring
to mind. But there’s much more to the Golden State than meets the eye, as
Kristie Joy from Premier Travel in Saffron Walden discovers.
FREE Win
e
with Prem
ier
Travel Holi
day
bookings!*
With its myriad hills, famous crimson
bridge and spectacular bay, San
Francisco is the perfect starting point
for a newbie to California.
Highlights of my visit included
stopping at Twin Peaks viewpoint for
stunning panoramas and hopping on
a cable car to explore the shops of the
iconic Pier 39, where we tucked in to a
tasty bowl of the local clam chowder.
Waving a fond farewell to San
Francisco, we embarked on a week-
long adventure exploring the hidden
charms of California’s northern
region. First stop was Sacramento,
California’s state capital, which always
has plenty going on. Sacramento is
the metropolitan hub of a diverse
region with attractions ranging from
the Gold Rush-era Old Sacramento to
a lively Midtown area, farm-to-fork
restaurants, a robust wine region and
a host of outdoor activities.
Northern California is known for
its wine and boasts more than 400
wineries. The glorious wine region of
Napa Valley should be high on any
wine lovers’ list.
Spend a couple of nights in Yosemite
National Park – where nature rules. We
were greeted by rolling foothills and
picturesque beauty spots in this World
Heritage listed park. The miles of rivers,
lakes, waterfalls and valleys will take
your breath away – make sure to have
a camera handy.
Visit Santa Cruz County for top
quality eateries and shops along
the wharf, while trying out a couple
of the vintage rides on the Beach
8
Boardwalk is a thrilling way to spend
an afternoon. Or grab a board and surf
the same waves as legendary local
Jack O’Neill, creator of the wetsuit.
Famed for sunny weather and
dramatic coastline, neighbouring
Southern California will leave a lasting
impression. The best way to travel
from northern to southern California is
along the iconic Pacifi c Coast Highway;
it’s an exhilarating experience, offering
twists and turns amidst dramatic
scenery and ocean views.
In Los Angeles we made a beeline
for the stylish and glamourous
neighbourhood of West Hollywood.
We walked along the Sunset Strip,
discovering bookstores, art galleries
and yoga studios, and enjoyed a small
spending spree in Melrose District. It’s
a fantastic place to stay in the heart of
Los Angeles, as this trendsetting area
is abundant in fashion and art.
Next on our itinerary was Greater
Palm Springs, which lies within the
Coachella Valley. An easy destination
to get around, it offers a prized
collection of luxury resorts, relaxing
spas, championship golf and cultural
attractions as well as world-class
shopping, dining, nightlife and
entertainment amid year-round
sunshine and serenity.
Back on the road, our fi nal stop was
San Diego – the jewel of Southern
California. Dubbed California’s beach
city, you’ll be spoiled for choice
when it comes to sandy white shores
to spend a few hours. Particular
favourites include Coronado, an island
paradise loved by families and couples
TH E FLYER | JU N E 2 0 1 8
Don’t forget
to
mention the
Flyer
when booki
ng!
in search of a romantic hideaway,
and Mission Bay, just minutes from
downtown.
The historic Gaslamp Quarter oozes
history, and you’ll discover modern
architecture and Victorian-era
buildings side by side. San Diego’s
Spanish heritage is nowhere more
fi rmly rooted than in its Old Town.
California has wide appeal and
continues to attract visitors time and
time again. Why not make this the year
you discover its charms for yourself?
Premier Travel can offer a 9-night
Northern California road trip from
£1,399pp travelling in February
2019 from Heathrow, and a 7-night
Southern California road trip from
£1,145pp, travelling in November 2018
from Heathrow. Both offers include
car hire.
To book call Premier Travel
on 01799 505000 or visit
www.premier-travel.co.uk
Pl ease menti on ‘The Fl yer’ when respondi ng to adv e rti s e me nts