California

The ‘Golden State’ is America’s third largest… which makes it super-sized in anyone’s book!Luckily, in amongst California’s 840 miles of coastline, 25,000 square miles of desert, and endless scores of mountains (including the famed, 400-mile long Sierra Nevada range that cradles the mighty Lake Tahoe) lie endless opportunities for a holiday experience that’s just as super-sized.

With a dizzying selection of quirky places to stay on offer, too… what are you waiting for?

Naturally, no guide to California would be complete without mention of its theme parks, and from the action-packed Disneyland resort, to Universal Studios, to the 20 roller coasters on offer at Six Flags Magic Mountain, there’s plenty to satisfy your inner thrill-seeker.

What else? Well, you can stand amongst the tallest trees on planet Earth in the northern rainforest, visit the stunning Joshua Tree National Park in the arid desert, or perhaps sink a cheeky glass of red on a relaxing wine country estate.

(Head for Sonoma County for the latter, with its gorgeous smattering of wineries, boutiques, and artisan cafés to die for).

But if you’re more of a beach baby, Los Angeles’ Malibu is the place to head for, or how about exploring the rocky coves of Laguna Beach?

Surf culture began life in California, of course, and you’ll find plenty of dedicated surfing museums to tell the tale. If you want to try the sport for yourself, San Diego’s Ocean Beach is one of the best.

As the sun sets, take a stroll along the pier, extending for half a mile into the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and thank your lucky stars that you’ve ended up here!