8 Days • 7 Nights
Southern California & Deserts: LA, Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Los Angeles, Hollywood and the beaches
- Palm Springs' mid-century glamour and spas
- The surreal Joshua Tree National Park
- Giant boulders and desert sunsets
- San Diego's beaches and famous zoo
- Endless Southern California sunshine
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Met at LAX and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner, with the City of Angels ahead.
A guided tour of LA's icons, Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills and the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice.
A free day for LA's beaches, theme parks, or museums, however you like.
You collect your car and drive into the desert to Palm Springs, the glamorous mid-century resort town. Settle in by the pool with the San Jacinto mountains as a backdrop.
A day exploring the surreal Joshua Tree National Park, its twisted trees, giant boulders and desert vistas, magical at sunset, with time for Palm Springs' spas and mid-century architecture.
You drive to San Diego, California's sunniest coastal city, exploring its beaches, Balboa Park and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
A free day to enjoy San Diego, its world-famous zoo, beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you return your car and transfer to San Diego airport for your onward flight, sun-kissed and relaxed.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a desert lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Self-drive car hire or private transport as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle, a Los Angeles tour and a Joshua Tree National Park excursion
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Theme park tickets (we can pre-book)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: California is part of the USA, so Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying, and other nationalities need a US B-2 visa; a valid passport is required. We advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & tipping: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted everywhere; tipping is expected, around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Sales tax is added at the register
- Best time to visit: California is a year-round destination; spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and busy on the coast and in the parks (and very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and skiing in the Sierra
- Driving & distances: California is large, and a self-drive is the classic way to explore; Americans drive on the right, roads are excellent, and we arrange car hire and detailed routes, though city parking can be costly
- National parks: Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and others are highlights; some Sierra roads and passes close in winter, and popular parks may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange
- Deserts & heat: Death Valley and the desert parks are extremely hot in summer; we plan desert visits for cooler months or early in the day, and you should always carry plenty of water
- Wine country: Napa and Sonoma are world-class; if tasting, plan a designated driver or a guided tour, as US drink-driving limits are strict and strictly enforced
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is essential as US healthcare is costly. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; the legal drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for the desert?
Spring and autumn are ideal for Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, with warm, pleasant days; summer is extremely hot in the desert, so we plan visits for cooler months or early in the day, and winter is mild and popular. We advise on timing.
Is this a relaxed trip?
Yes — it is one of our more relaxed itineraries, with reliable sunshine, resort pools, gentle sightseeing and beach time, balanced with the wonder of Joshua Tree. It is ideal for those wanting sun and ease with a touch of adventure.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a wine-country lunch. California's dining is world-class, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with our recommendations.
Is this a self-drive holiday?
Most California itineraries are designed as self-drives, the classic and flexible way to explore the coast, parks and cities, with a comfortable car and detailed route notes. We can also arrange private driver-guides or rail where it suits.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit California?
Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and lively on the coast (but very hot in the deserts), and winter suits the cities and Sierra skiing. We advise on timing for your chosen route, especially for the parks and deserts.
Are the national parks easy to visit?
Yes, though popular parks like Yosemite may require timed-entry reservations in peak season, which we arrange, and some Sierra roads close in winter. We plan your park visits and any permits so everything runs smoothly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, coast, parks and wine country, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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