California: the state of endless play
Outdoor adventures, exhilarating attractions and world-class events – no wonder California is The Ultimate Playground
At a glance: Why a holiday to California will bring out your playful side
What: Bucket list attractions, colossal sporting events and an array of natural wonders to explore
Where: The state of California, which spans over 1,000 miles of the United States’ western coastline
Don’t miss: The mind-blowing attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, or the stunning beaches of San Diego further south
Highlight: Heading north to Monterey to see the spectacular Big Sur coastline and the captivating kelp forest at Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world.
Getting there: Fly direct to California gateways with Virgin Atlantic, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco
Sweeping sea views from coastal highways. Cosmopolitan cities centred around music, culture and the silver screen. Cutting-edge theme parks and attractions. National parks where rocky peaks cast shade on giant evergreens. You could visit California a thousand times and you’d never tire of it.
Travel to the Golden State with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and you'll have the freedom to shape a California itinerary that’s entirely your own, while flights, transfers, accommodation and all the extra details are all seamlessly taken care of by expert advisors. So, where to start...
A playground of amazing museums and attractions
Make one of the state’s thriving, characterful gateways the core of your itinerary. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are the main candidates, and each offers its own take on Californian life.
San Francisco combines a rich arts and cultural history with the futuristic influence of today’s Silicon Valley, while LA offers the chic, laid-back lifestyle that feels like a California calling card, with enough attractions to make you consider extending your stay.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art opened its long-awaited David Geffen Galleries in spring 2026 and its spectacular views over the city are almost as striking as its artworks. Opening on 20 June, Dataland, the world’s first museum of AI arts, allows you to enter the Infinity Room, a space that artist Refik Anadol describes as a “machine hallucination”.
Thrill-seekers have long known that Southern California is a proper playground for theme park enthusiasts. There are so many to choose from, but it’s Universal Studios Hollywood that deserves a special mention for 2026.
Opening this summer, the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride will be Universal’s fastest coaster, with the rotating cars simulating drifts of up to 72 miles-per-hour. Add that to The World-Famous Studio Tour, which takes you behind the scenes of your favourite movies and TV shows, and a world full of excitement at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s a dream day out for any film fanatic.
Round off your visit with an evening at Universal CityWalk, offering a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Experience epic sporting events in California
A trip to California never requires an excuse, but if you’re a big sports fan – or simply love a momentous occasion – you’ve got plenty to pick from.
This summer, join excited fans at a once-in-a-lifetime World Cup match – or catch the action on the big screens at the official Fan Festival in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
It’s not the only iconic LA venue for your bucket list: baseball buffs, pay homage to the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers – back-to-back World Series Champions – with a trip to Dodger Stadium, pictured main image.
Planning for next year already? Coincide a holiday with the 2027 Super Bowl to catch the iconic half-time entertainment with locals in a dive bar or at the interactive Super Bowl Experience.
Los Angeles will be hosting the Summer 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games too, but no matter when you visit there’ll be a sporting event to get excited about – from baseball and football to basketball and beyond. Foam finger at the ready...
Activities for all interests and energy levels
You don’t just have to be a spectator, though, as California’s stunning landscapes and sun-drenched, seafront cities provide endless opportunities to get active. Grab some roller skates and go for a glide along Venice Beach, try beach yoga in Santa Barbara, or plan a hiking adventure in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, home to ancient redwoods.
Venture to San Diego to capitalise on its 70 miles of dazzling shoreline and world-class surfing conditions. New boarders can learn all the essentials at surf school, while those who prefer to stay on dry land can explore the many museums and galleries that this brilliant, beachfront city has to offer.
Take a road trip like no other
Excited to see it all? The best way to explore California is via a road trip. Stretching 655 miles from San Francisco to LA, Highway 1 traces the coastline, offering drivers easy access to picturesque beach towns, nature spots and scenic views.
Another essential stop along the route is Monterey. In the city, beeline for Cannery Row, the historic sardine district, which offers plenty of opportunity for souvenir shopping, dining and Californian wine tasting – all with glorious Monterey Bay as a backdrop. Here, you'll also find Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can marvel at sharks, bat rays and the 28-feet tall immersive Kelp Forest.
In the wider county, call in at Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming city with quaint streets and white sand beaches, while no California itinerary would be complete without a visit to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur. Wine aficionados will also love exploring the many vineyards and wineries in Carmel and the Salinas Valley, which are renowned for their Chardonnay production.
Still thirsty? Head north to Napa Valley, one of the state’s most famous wine regions. Stay for a night or two in the verdant city of Calistoga, where you can sample speciality Cabernet Sauvignons during happy hour, then spend the next day in the geothermal hot springs. Indulgence and wellness in one – that’s California in a nutshell.
Plan your trip to California, The Ultimate Playground, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays
- Wherever your California adventure takes you, the experts at Virgin Atlantic Holidays are on hand to help shape the perfect itinerary
- Fly direct to key Californian gateways, including Los Angeles and San Francisco
- Book online, through retail stores, or call one of its expert advisors, who design itineraries based on first-hand experience
- Virgin Atlantic Holidays combine flights, hotels and car hire with curated experiences in one bespoke, seamless booking
- Get access to Virgin Atlantic’s iconic Clubhouse at London Heathrow, where you can enjoy pre-flight food and cocktails in a chic setting
- Benefit from award-winning onboard service, which means your holiday starts even before you land
Explore California, The Ultimate Playground, and start planning your trip today with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Visit California
California Games at the Outernet: 12-13 June 2026
Feeling inspired? Don’t miss the upcoming California Games at the Outernet on 12-13 June, where you can soak up the spirit of California right here in London. You’ll also get a taste of the Virgin Atlantic Holidays experience without needing your passport.