San Francisco
San Francisco is one of America’s best-known – and hilliest – cities.
Here, you can drive across the world-famous, 1.7-mile-long Golden Gate Bridge.
Alternatively, park up your rental car and take the ferry to tour Alcatraz. The notorious prison can be found in San Francisco Bay.
While you’re in town you’ll also want to see the sea lions by PIER 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf or ride in the city’s famous cable cars.
Los Angeles
This southern city is home to the rich and famous and is where you can visit Beverly Hills, Malibu and Santa Monica.
The Hollywood Hills are perfect for hiking and head up Mount Lee in Griffith Park to get a closer look at the Hollywood sign.
In Los Angeles you can also see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spend the day on golden sandy beaches and experience the thrill of theme parks including Universal Studios Hollywood.
San Diego
Situated in southern California, just north of the Mexican border, San Diego is an easy-going city influenced by its neighbor.
This is particularly noticeable in the cuisine, with fish tacos and enchiladas being popular dishes as well as the California burrito, which originated here.
It’s also home to the famous San Diego Zoo, which is considered to be one of the best in the world and one of only four zoos in the US to have giant pandas.
Palm Springs
On the western edge of the Coachella Valley, at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, is the stylish Palm Springs. A city that has been known as Hollywood’s desert playground since the 1920s when celebrities started coming here for a break from showbiz.
You’ll notice road names give a nod to famous faces from the past, including Frank Sinatra Drive. Wander the palm tree-lined streets and you’ll find glamourous restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries.
Sacramento
The state capital of Sacramento has a famous saying: ‘California begins here’. That makes it the perfect starting point for a road trip. This colorful city is decorated with street art, with murals that adorn walls.
Fresh images are added each August during the Wide Open Wall Festival.
Step back in time at the Old Sacramento State Historic Park from the 1840s and visit the Handle District in Midtown to sample cuisines from around the world and browse vintage stores.
San Jose
Head to San Jose, the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley, to see the original headquarters of Apple, Google and HP, all of which are now listed as National Historic Landmarks.
You can also visit the famous 1886 Winchester Mystery House with its 160 rooms, 2000 doors and staircases that go nowhere, in order to confuse the spirits that are believed to haunt it.
Mexican food is particularly good here but you’ll also find Portuguese, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes to delight your taste buds.
Laguna Beach
Situated in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is laidback Laguna Beach. If the name hasn’t given it away already, this small city is known for its coastline which stretches for seven miles and boasts more than 30 coves and beaches.
The scenery here is incredible, with both marine protected areas and thousands of acres of protected wilderness. Plus, from hiking to surfing, there’s plenty of outdoor adventure waiting for you here.