Nicki Herrington, USA product manager, British Airways Holidays
“THIS is one of the most beautiful locations California has to offer and has something for everyone. I like nothing more than to hire a convertible car at the airport and head north of the city to La Jolla Cove, where the well-to-do hang out in this designer enclave with its chic boutiques and stores.
“La Jolla has an almost Mediterranean feel about it with its palm trees, red-tile roofs, colonnades and arches. Torrey Pines City Park has some of the best beaches in the state.
“Before hitting the nightlife, I recommend an early-evening dinner at George’s, one of the area’s many great restaurants, and sipping a cocktail on the terrace watching the seals in the bay.
“During the day the younger crowd hangs out at Pacific Beach – PB as it’s known by the locals – where they surf, rollerblade and generally relax at the many laid-back bars which line the waterfront. PB comes to life at night when it’s a mecca for the hip, trendy and beautiful Californians, an experience in itself.
“For the young, active holidaymaker, you can scuba-dive in La Jolla and Coronado, go water-skiing on Mission Bay, or even hang-glide off the cliffs.
“Another reason why I like San Diego so much is its close proximity to Los Angeles – another of my favourite Californian cities – and the Mexican border.
John Standley, managing director, Travelpack
“THE greatest appeal of Los Angeles is the buzz of being there – there is an air of excitement that the city can deliver anything you want.
“Those famous names such as Hollywood, Malibu, Rodeo Drive and Redondo Beach conjure up so many glamourous images. And from a practical point of view there are so many varied things for tourists visiting the area.
“It combines beaches, spectacular scenery, great nightlife, theme parks and many other attractions. And the pleasing year-round climate means outdoor activities and sports are always possible. It is also a golfer’s paradise.
“LA is not just a city though – it’s a county with some magnificent landscapes as well. No description of the city is complete without mentioning the Santa Monica Mountains that separate Hollywood and Beverly Hills from the San Fernando Valley to the north.
“The city itself is a fascinating honeycomb of ethnic communities worth exploring And I also always love to wander through the Hollywood district for a night at the movies.”
Zia Bapuji, product and marketing manager, United Vacations
“San Francisco is known as America’s favourite city and, for me, it certainly lives up to its reputation. However, in a city that offers something for everyone, it has a distinctly European atmosphere.
“Naturally, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-see for visitors, and I like nothing better than to stroll around the open-air fish market, followed by a meal in one of the many great seafood restaurants. Whenever I’m there I can never resist picking up a gift to take home from the local craft shops.
“For really fantastic shopping, Union Square is not to be missed, especially for all the bargains at the major department stores.
“What’s really nice is that you don’t need a car to explore the city – unlike most American cities. Many of the main attractions are accessible from the cable-car lines that run between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. It is certainly a fun way of getting around, and you can hop on and off where you please – but you need to hold on tight when the cars descend those steep San Francisco hills.
“Another of my favourite attractions is the Alcatraz tour. You take the ferry across the Bay to the infamous prison where you are given a personal stereo and embark on a self-guided walking tour. Here you learn the history of some of the prison’s most legendary residents, including Al Capone. It’s a fascinating insight into a famous chapter in America’s history.
“San Francisco, with its natural setting by the Bay, has some great views – especially of its most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. And there are many vantage points from which to take some memorable photos.”