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California is situated on the southern end of the west coast of the United States.
California is the ultimate dream holiday playground. The state is compact and diverse, from snowy peaks, through rocky deserts to the immaculate coastline. No matter your passion, the Golden State has something for everyone, whether you’re travelling on a family road trip, a gap year tour of iconic destinations and events, or a luxury culinary adventure, California showcases the best of the United States.
Once international travel resume you will find that California is a year-round destination, with weather that has something for everyone, from sun worshippers to snow bunnies. The best time to visit really comes down to what you want to see and do.
On the coast, the average daily high hovers around 21°C and up, but can occasionally spike to 27°C or more on the hottest summer days. At higher altitudes, the weather reflects more of a four-season cycle, with beautiful summers, striking autumn colour, and cold, snowy winters followed by snow melt springs (waterfall season!).
Summer (July – August) is peak season for travellers heading to the state. To avoid peak rates, and longer lines, you may wish to avoid this time of year.
California has two major entry points from Australia and New Zealand, San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX). Flight times range between 12-14 hours direct from Australia and New Zealand.
Once international travel resume you will find that here are a number of airlines flying direct to California from Australia and New Zealand.
Qantas operates daily services from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Los Angeles, as well as multiple services weekly from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to San Francisco.
Virgin Australia fly daily from Sydney, and multiple times weekly from Melbourne and Brisbane to Los Angeles.
Air New Zealand flies daily from most major Australian cities to Los Angeles and San Francisco via Auckland.
United Airlines operates services from Sydney and Melbourne to both LAX and SFO.
Delta Airlines and American Airlines operate daily services between Sydney and Los Angeles.
Please note that flight routes and schedules have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and currently, non-essential travel to the United States is restricted from both Australia and New Zealand.
Regularly, Visit California runs two to three group famils throughout the year. To be in the loop to know when famils and incentives are coming up, sign up to the California STAR digital training platform. These programs are currently postponed.
Once international travel resumes we will begin working with media on famils to California again. Visit California runs a number of PR fams throughout the year, both in groups, and for individual journalists. All PR fams must visit a minimum of three distinct areas within the state. Visit California runs influencer and new media content trips as well as traditional media famils.
The Visit California team has full discretion over the number and range of media titles, content creators, and journalists that it may invite on a famil.
Once international travel resumes, Visit California can assist journalists, content creators and influencers in a range of ways, including providing flight, accommodation, on-ground transport, and itinerary and planning support. This can extend to a fully sponsored trip.
The Visit California team maintains discretion about which trips it supports, and to what extent.
Typically, Visit California hosts trade roadshows every two years in Australia and New Zealand, typically in October. These missions invite California delegates in-market, commonly, up to 15 California delegates will come to the market.
In addition to these roadshows, Visit California hosts Club California Agent training events four times per year, visiting capital cities in Australia and New Zealand. In order to know when these events are coming up, sign up to the California STAR digital training platform.
Note, many of these programs are currently postponed.
We’re working on it! While we don’t have a list of which of our suppliers offer agent discounts, we can supply you with direct contacts for your targeted suppliers.
While we don’t recommend having a car in either of our gateway cities of L.A. or San Francisco (Ubers/rideshare/taxis and public transport are ever-abundant), picking up a hire car is the best way to explore the compact diversity that the state offers. In two hours on California’s extensive state highways, you can go from surfing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, or on Santa Monica beach, to skiing at Lake Tahoe or Big Bear, so road trips are an absolute must-do for any traveller.
There are many places we recommend to try star-spotting, especially in LA. Obviously, Hollywood can be a hotspot, as can the bars and spas in West Hollywood, and shops in Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills.
Keep your eyes peeled all over the state though, as many stars live away from the big city, and holiday in the towns and cities across California.
California boasts nearly 20 major league professional sports teams from L.A. to San Francisco, San Diego, Anaheim, Oakland, Sacramento. No matter whether you want to see Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey or Soccer, you can find local teams all over!
No! California has an incredible depth of culinary offerings from quirky food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. California also boasts some of the freshest produce in the United States, and many of the restaurants focus on a farm-to-fork philosophy.
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a bit of Hollywood show business on your itinerary. Plus, good news: tickets to the majority of shows are free. Check out On Camera Audiences, or Audiences Unlimited for more information.
Family holidays are when some of the most treasured memories are made, and Kidifornia is an amazing place to create yours. The Golden State has something guaranteed to amaze everyone, aged one to 100.
An adventurous Yosemite hiking expedition in the wild High Sierra, zipping down the snowy peaks of Lake Tahoe, hands-on learning at the California Academy of Sciences, or the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills; there are endless opportunities for kids and adults alike to dream big in California. Learn more at Kidifornia!
California has an incredible compact diversity, which means you can get from surfing to skiing, or from deserts to forests in just two hours’ drive. Great places to start your exploration are in California’s nine National Parks, which include Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, the Channel Islands, and way more!
For the adventurous travellers, California is also a paradise for extreme sports lovers, with options available all over the state.
Tipping is common practice in the US and part of the hospitality culture. Below is a general guide to follow:
Restaurants: 18-20% of the bill total.
Taxis: 10-15% (many taxis in the US aren’t equipped with credit card machines, so ask before you get in)
Tour guides: 20%
Bell desk: $2/bag
Valet: $2 when they bring your car around (nothing when you drop it off)
Valet loading luggage into your car: $2/bag
If hotel delivers anything to your room: $3
Housekeeping: $3/day on the bed
Courtesy shuttle: $2 per person
Doorman if they call you a cab: $2
Access hard copies of the International Visitor’s Guide and Road Trips Guide from Visit California.
Visit California’s website is a great resource for additional information.
Visit California’s social media channels are a source of inspirational content. Check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube Channel to learn more.
Sample Itineraries
Brochures
Story Ideas
Take a Barbiecore Tour through California
Barbiecore has been sweeping catwalks, red carpets and interior décor around the world, pink-themed travel is also having a boom. Visit California has rounded up a list of California destinations where you can have your own Barbie moment this summer.
Down to Earth Wines: Sustainability in a Bottle
Consumers are considering sustainability in ever-increasing numbers when purchasing food, so it’s no surprise that sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines are a hot trend in the wine industry. As the biggest producing wine state in the US, California is leading the way in wines made with a nod to sustainability.
Discover California’s Hidden Coastal Gems
The Golden State is lined with breathtaking blue waters perfect for a day at the beach or week-long vacation. Here is a great selection of iconic beaches and unique coastal attractions that might not be well-known, but aren’t short on unique California vibes: read more…
California’s Innovative Eateries Receive Michelin Accolades
The annual Michelin guide stars were recently awarded for 2023 and six California eateries received one Michelin Star for the first time.
25+ Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
California is home to a lot of world-class museums, but the state also offers proof that you don’t need conventional buildings to house great art. Cities and towns across the Golden State are increasingly offering more opportunities to experience public art—whether it’s murals that illuminate the history of a destination, or fanciful sculptures that enhance the sweeping landscapes.
10 Super-Scenic California Road Trips
The Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway, road trip that passes through Big Sur on California’s Central Coast is perhaps the most famous scenic drive in the Golden State. But it’s not the only scenic, unforgettable road trip in California—by far. Consider one of these 10 classic road trips, rich with magical scenery like pounding surf, rolling hills, waterfalls, and plenty of wineries.
11 Surprising Ways to Tour Wine Country
French-inspired chateaus, turreted castles, meticulously groomed vineyards, and wild redwoods—California wine country is home to countless sites that will take your breath away. Here are a few ideas to enjoy the area through a completely novel lens.
8 Things To Do In Yosemite National Park
Eight must-see sites at California’s iconic park in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Historic Jazz Festival Comes Alive in September
The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest-running jazz festival in the world, as well as one of the most acclaimed. From the legends of jazz world to up-and-coming performers, this festival is a celebration of talented musicians and one of most popular events worldwide for music-lovers.
Solvang Danish Days
Get a taste of Denmark firsthand in the city of Solvang, where Danish Days brings to life the culture and history of Danish immigrants to California. Located in picturesque Santa Barbara County’s wine country, Solvang offers all the fairy-tale charm of a small European town and celebrates its heritage with the three-day Danish Days festival in mid-September. (more…)
California Wine Month Celebrates Harvest Time
Golden State wine regions such as Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles are world-famous for the bottles they produce. But that’s just the beginning: Winemaking operations stretch across the state, from Siskiyou County in the far north to the Cucamonga Valley in Southern California. In fact, 49 of California’s 58 counties grow grapes, and the most celebrated California winemaking event, no matter where in the state you happen to be, is California Wine Month, held every September since 2004. (more…)
What's New
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California Surf Museum Oceanside Debuts New STEAM Exhibit: The Science of Surfing
Visitors to the California Surf Museum Oceanside can enjoy a new eye-opening, fun and informative exhibit that explores the many surprising connections between science and the advancement of modern surfing. The Science of Surfing is a new multi-media exhibit carefully curated to comply with is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) learning tool for students from elementary school through high school and beyond. This entertaining and educational display highlights wave energy, tides, types of surf breaks and conditions, and the custodianship of our oceans, which is illustrated through a series of charts, diagrams, photographs, art and video monitors. By blending history and science, the display covers a wide variety of information designed to engage all visitors, regardless of their familiarity with surfing.
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Kiln, a New Sustainable Fine Dining Concept, Opens in San Francisco
Recently opened in the in Hayes Valley, Kiln is a new 3,400-square-foot fine-dining concept from Partner/ Chef John Wesley and Partner/General Manager Julianna Yang, who previously worked together at Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters. Wesley and Yang were inspired to introduce a transformative dining experience that showcases worldly ingredients, high level technique and excellent hospitality. The Tasting Menu (18-20 courses, US$225) and Bar Menu (8- 10 courses, US$135) are a study of intention, simplicity, and purity of flavour with an ingredient-forward and technique-driven approach to global cuisine. Kiln’s purveyors include 90% local farmers, sustainably sourced meats, and wild-caught seasonal seafood - all of which share the restaurant’s dedication to the finest products. Beverage Director Vincent Balao, formerly the Lead Sommelier at Atelier Crenn, designed a program that features classic old world and new-world wines, champagnes, beers, ciders, sake, and alcohol-free spirits.
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Iconic San Francisco Chocolatier Reopens Flagship Store
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company recently reopened its flagship store, the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. After a six-month renovation of the historic building, the store celebrates Ghirardelli’s history and craftmanship as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and the company’s legacy in San Francisco dating back to the 1850s. The new design features North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, the original, 19-foot “G” from the historic marque Ghirardelli sign, a replica San Francisco cable car that doubles as a seating area, antique chocolate-making equipment on display, and much more for guests to discover. Introduced in 1966, the Original Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop was Ghirardelli’s first location that focused on sundaes. The menu will feature 15 different sundaes, including Ghirardelli’s World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae.
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Wayfinder Bishop Opens in High Sierra Region
The nature-inspired Wayfinder Bishop hotel opened in late June in the High Sierra region, becoming the first in California for the expanding brand. The 87-room property is firmly rooted in its rugged landscape and steeped in the adventurous spirit of Bishop and the Eastern Sierra. The brand’s in-house design team, led by Erin Weinstock, reimagined the hotel’s interiors by drawing inspiration from the natural color palette of the area to feature vibrant hues of changing leaves, to the translucent blue of a mountain lake and the earthy brown of massive boulders. The hotel also offers two food and beverage outlets — a lobby lounge bar and a restaurant, and robust amenities including riverfront seating with cozy fire pits and expansive mountain views, an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and gift shop offering snacks, local wares and custom Wayfinder Bishop merchandise.
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New Private Experience at Beverly Wilshire
The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel now offers the “Indulge in the Summit" experience, a private buyout of the hotel’s top floor. Complete with all the glamor of Hollywood, the buyout can host up to 22 adults inside four uniquely designed specialty suites and two additional luxurious accommodations. Additionally, this 5-night buyout includes a personal shopping appointment at Saks Fifth Avenue, departure reservation at PS LAX, after-hours Spa appointments, tasting menu in CUT Beverly Hills, access to the Proto hologram device and more. With 10 king beds, two double beds and more than 13,000 square feet of living space that includes a kitchen, multiple dining room tables and state-of-the-art technology, this experience is perfect for those seeking comfort, privacy and luxury.
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New Pool Oasis Opens after Renovation at Hyatt Regency Irvine
The Hyatt Regency Irvine unveiled a stunning renovation, featuring a luxurious pool oasis. The Hyatt Regency Irvine transformed their outdoor space into a family-friendly paradise, complete with cozy sun loungers, an expansive cabana deck and LED video wall. Additionally, the Oasis Pool Bar offers an eclectic mix of refreshments and bites, curated to compliment your poolside moment.
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The Ranch at Laguna Beach Announces Partnership with Rivian
The Ranch at Laguna Beach announces a partnership with Rivian, making the electric adventure vehicle their official house car. The partnership marks the first official hotel partner in California for Rivian, headquartered in Irvine – just 30-minutes away from the resort. The Ranch at Laguna Beach will feature R1S and R1T vehicles, available for resort guests to book based on availability, as well as utilized for guest shuttles for local adventures. The Rivian house vehicles at The Ranch at Laguna Beach will be wrapped in artwork by Laguna Beach based, world-class artist Troy Lee. Guests of the hotel will be able to book one of the Rivian house vehicles though the concierge team to enjoy on their own. The R1T vehicles will feature both bike and stand-up paddleboard racks, giving guests the ability to explore Laguna Beach and nearby.
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Training
Visit California’s California STAR online training platform provides agents with the information, facts, stats, and tools that they need to confidently and effectively sell the state to their clients.
California STAR graduate agents also receive a range of benefits, including additional access to Visit California events, incentives, and competitions.
Fams
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Events
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