Culture Holidays

California is like a patchwork State of different cultures to embrace and a whole host of experiences waiting to be had.

California - The culture capital of the world

California offers much more than first meets the eye, scratch a little deeper and unearth bundles of popular culture and vibrant traditions that make the Golden State such a brilliant place to visit. Asian, African, Latino, Native America, European – choose any and you’ll find the heritage flourishing. The place that gave the world Guns & Roses has now provided us with the gay pride rainbow flag, dog surfing and Hollywood celebrities - only in California.

You can’t talk about Californian culture without mentioning surfing. A tradition that dates back more than 100 years, visit Santa Cruz, the birth place of legendary surfer Jack O’Neill, and see where the world’s first ever wet suit was created. You can’t miss Huntington Beach either, popularly known as “Surf City USA”, this area brings in more than 8 million annual visitors.

“If most American cities are about the consumption of culture, Los Angeles is about the production of culture ” – Barbara Kruger

The beauty of California lies in the diversity of its people and places.

Soak up California's iconic movie scene in Los Angeles
Step back in time to the Gold Rush era in historic Sacramento
Visit Old Town San Diego for a taste of Mexican heritage
Experience vibrant arts & culture in Carmel by the Sea
See where the celebrities hang out in Greater Palm Springs

Open your mind to the wonders of other cultures. Experience California's diversity and take part in celebrations and festivities across the State.

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The Golden Triangle
From £1239.00 (inc flights and hotels)

From the outlandish streets of San Francisco and the eccentric grandeur of Las Vegas to the original City of Angels, lose your inhibitions on this captivating 10 day tour – this is the Golden Triangle after all. Save up to 15% per person on this itinerary

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Immerse yourself in everything California has to offer - this once in a lifetime oppurtunity. Head to the following spots and experience Californian culture in all its glory:

The lively 'Boardwalk' at Venice Beach
The Las Vegas Strip for 24/7 entertainment
LACMA and the Getty Center in Los Angeles

Visit San Diego for a vibrant arts and creative scene, from engaging performances and thought-provoking exhibitions to historic sites and monuments. Visit 15 incredible museums and art venues at Balboa Park or grab a taste of San Diego's diverse and rich dance scene at NTC at Liberty Station.

"Los Angeles is a much better theatre town than it ever gets credit for. There's a lot of good theatre out there." - Micheal Ritchie

The arts and culture scene in California connects people together, fosters creativity and produces opportunities for expression. In Santa Monica, more than half of the people who live there are employed by the arts. Explore Santa Monica and everything it has to offer, see the giant murals along the neighbourhood and see one of the earliest pieces of public art commissioned by the city, The Big Wave.

For a completely different journey through the culture of California, visit the surreal Death Valley National Park, full of spectacular natural splendour and colourful, cultural history. See the amazing Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, these acorn shaped structures are 25 feet high and are some of the best historical-architectural features in all of California. You can’t leave Death Valley without visiting the mysterious Rhyolite. This was the largest town in Death Valley with a population of 10,000 people. Today however you can several fragments of Rhyolites golden days. Some of the walls are still standing and the train depot is one of the only standing buildings left.

No trip to California would be complete without stopping off at Los Angeles. The best way to experience “The Big Orange” is to experience as much as you can. Full to the brim of museums, visit Downtown LA’s Exposition Park and Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard, or check out the architectural masterpieces like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The urban art scene in Los Angeles is second to none. Marvel at over a thousand intriguing murals that celebrate cultural diversity and teach important lessons on the history of the country. Why not check out the world-renowned Fashion District that offers cutting edge styles and jaw-dropping bargains. Rub shoulders with celebrity figures while you shop at La Brea Avenue or, if you’re in a vintage mood, check out the vibrant Ventura Boulevard. No matter what your tastes, find something to spark your curiosity in Los Angeles.