The home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that includes upmarket beachside burbs, outstanding museums and a colourful farmer’s market. Take in the city views from the Griffith Observatory and stroll along the Walk of Fame, then go shopping along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Head to Santa Monica to see its famous pier and the fitness fanatics at Muscle Beach before discovering the exhilarating nightlife of West Hollywood.

Considered the “Riviera of the West”, Santa Barbara is an affluent coastal city backed by the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains. It’s centred around a Mediterranean-style historic core that’s packed with upscale boutiques, as well as the lively restaurant and shopping strip of State Street. Explore the 18th-century Mission Santa Barbara that perches atop a nearby hill and hit the urban wine trail to discover Santa Barbara’s Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Clustered around an 18th-century Spanish mission, San Luis Obispo is a lively city on California’s Central Coast. It’s home to Bubblegum Alley where you can add your creative touch, as well as the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art where contemporary local artists are showcased. See how the rich and famous live on a tour of heritage-listed Hearst Castle, then cellar door hop through the wineries that dot the city’s picturesque surrounds.

Overlooking the rugged Central Coast of California, Monterey is a historic city that’s home to a renowned aquarium. Explore the shops and restaurants that occupy the former sardine-packing factories of Cannery Row and stroll amidst the Victorian homes of Pacific Grove to the Point Pinos Lighthouse. A short hop south takes you to the Spanish mission at Carmel-by-the-Sea and the scenic 17 Mile Drive with its famous “Lone Cypress” tree.

Famed for its fog-shrouded bridge and gastronomy scene, San Francisco is a charismatic city overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Ride the cable cars along its hilly streets and down to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, then jump aboard a boat to visit the island prison of Alcatraz. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, walk amidst the towering old-growth redwoods in Muir Woods and mingle with the locals during a baseball game at AT&T Park.

Situated in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is one of the United States’ most popular national parks, with iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome and the Bridalveil Falls. Soak up the sweeping Yosemite Valley views from the Glacier Point lookout and wander through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. If time allows, discover the national park’s history at the Yosemite Museum and admire the black and white prints by renowned landscape photographer, Ansel Adams.

Dubbed “Sin City”, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and situated in the middle of Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Its main thoroughfare, the “Strip”, is lined with 24-hour casinos fronted by monumental themed displays that include everything from musical fountains to exploding volcanos. Get your thrills in the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, wander through the botanical gardens of the Bellagio and experience an interactive account of organised crime at The Mob Museum.

Sprawling in the southeast of California where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree is a spectacular national park named after its native trees. Discover the gold prospecting history while hiking through the oasis at Cottonwood Springs and soak up the panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault from Keys View. Then travel to Black Rock Canyon in the northwest corner of the park where Joshua trees, junipers and cholla cacti grow.

Situated on California’s Pacific Coast, San Diego is a sun-drenched city that centres around the leafy oasis and museums of Balboa Park. Its historic heart is the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter where art galleries and independent shops cluster in the 19th-century streets. Wander amidst the Mexican-inspired architecture of the Seaport Village, San Diego’s lively shopping and entertainment district, then step aboard the USS Midway to experience life on a U.S. military ship.