California is Calling!

Sian Pages – Travel Planner

The place where both sun, sand and ski are all available, the Golden State has something to offer all year round.

Whether you’re wanting to strut down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or hit the snow in Mammoth Mountain, the possibilities really are endless when it comes to California, from the famed attractions to the lesser known, we’re here to help you decide where to head.

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261 days of snow

Mammoth Mountain has experienced a record-breaking season with 261 days of snow, making it tied for the third-longest ski season in the world! This snowy playground has a summit of 11,053 feet above sea level and is California’s highest four-season resort. A 5-hour drive north of LA puts you in the heart of Mammoth Mountain and offers a world of activities to tick all the boxes. For the ski (and board) lovers amongst us, you’ll be able to find 150 named trails, along with 8 parks and 25 lifts, with the season running from November to April, you’ll be a pro in no time.

For the child in all of us, head out to Woolly’s tube park and snow play where you can skip the uphill hike and catch a lift to the top, then race down the lanes as fast as you dare. If that doesn’t convince you, you’ll also find a heated deck with a snack bar where you can grab a hot cocoa and adult beverages.

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Napa Valley

A wine lover’s heaven. Do we need to say more?

Over 400 wineries are on offer in Napa Valley, considered one the world’s premier wine regions, where the Cabernet Sauvignon is a famous asset. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, chat with the winemaker, and sip on award-winning wines all while views of the valley floor make for the perfect backdrop.

Wine isn’t all that Napa has to offer though. Nature lovers can cycle along a mountain trail or go hiking, the foodies can indulge with the likes of handcrafted cheese or don an apron and be encouraged by Chefs to create fresh, mouth-watering appetizers. Take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride over the wine country or take to the Chardonnay Golf Club with an 18-hole blend of six par fives, six par fours and six par threes.

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The City of Angels

Los Angeles is the place where dreams come true, and it’s no surprise why when you see all that LA has to offer. The Hollywood Hills Hike is a must-do when it comes to your trip, explore Griffith Park and take that Instagram-worthy shot of the Hollywood Sign.  Search for your favourite celeb on the Hollywood walk of fame, then head down to Venice Beach and take in sweeping views of the ocean and mountains on a Segway tour.  Whatever your heart desires, LA will open you with welcome arms and leave you wanting more.

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Leap of Love at 8,200ft

Leap of Love is for couples wanting to get married or renew their vows on the iconic High Camp Upper Deck at 8200ft. Located at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, it offers incredible panoramic views of The Sierras and Lake Tahoe, this elopement style collective is a shared wedding ceremony experience where all couples will participate in one united, non-denominational ceremony.  Once the ceremony has taken place, couples will be invited to take part in a Leap of Love photoshoot before they celebrate at a reception with their guests. Registration will close Feb. 22, 2020. 50 couples maximum and each couple can invite up to 4 guests. Say I do in the next leap year!

Want More Information?

Whether the sun-kissed California beaches or the redwood forests are calling you, the enchanted Golden State will hold your heart forever. A place where dreams are made, memories are cherished and the impossible seems possible, California needs to be next on your travel list.

If you’d like more information on any of the trips noted above, or would like to discuss other travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian@longhurst.co.uk.

Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.

Happy Adventures!