The best way to enjoy California and its myriad landscapes is to hire a car and make for the open road.

Golden Gate to the Gold Country
Make your way from stylish San Francisco south to Silicon Valley. Tourism website visitcalifornia then recommends you bear north around San Francisco Bay, allowing time to enjoy the multicultural, laid-back bohemian style of Oakland and Berkeley. All the riches of the Gold Country are then at your fingertips, where California's gold-rush past comes to the fore. Expect rolling hills, dotted with rustic towns and breathtaking vistas.

The magnificent beaches of the Central Coast Region
Another popular trip is to head north of LA, taking in the water and wonders as you travel into the Central Coast Regions. Heading through the classic beach boroughs of LA to star-studded Malibu and on to the relaxed surfers paradise of Santa Barbara, you can enjoy a stretch of coast which is commonly known as the American Riviera.

Watch out for the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains rising dramatically behind Santa Barbara. Attractions along the way include the Peter Strauss Ranch nature trails, the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Barbara’s Jalama Beach County Park. Meanwhile, the Santa Barbara wineries in the Santa Ynez Wine Trail are also a must.

The city itself offers a historic downtown - for those who haven't had enough retail therapy. Pause for thought in a cobbled courtyard, soothed by the bubbling fountains and fresh sea breeze. All in all, Santa Barbara is a sophisticated destination offering wonderful shopping, cuisine and arts, along with an appreciation for taking things easy - enjoy.

The Monterey Penninsula
The beautiful Monterey Peninsula is an ideal holiday destination with a variety of recreational and cultural activities Highlights include the gardens at Carmel Mission, with their serene aura making them a prefect spot for a little relaxation, and the sunsets at Big Sur state park. The Big Sur's coastline stretches for miles, offering panoramic views that make for fine sunset spotting.
Read more in our mini guide to the Monterey Penninsula.

The Central Coast also boasts Hearst Castle at San Simeon State Historical Monument, which needs to be seen to be believed. This is truly a throwback to Roman times and visitors can expect to live like gods and goddesses for the day - head for the Roman indoor pool.

The Californian National Parks
Alternatively, head north-east for the Yosemite National Park. This tranquil paradise, located in central California's Sierra Nevada mountain range is just 4 hours from bustling San Francisco.
Read our mini guide to Yosemite National Park

Or make your way east into the Desert region, where the legendary Death Valley National Park awaits. This is a great chance to see some of the most remote landscapes on earth, just hours drive from LA. Expect a desert of streaming sand dunes, hugged by snow-capped mountains and multi-coloured rock layers. You'll also be able to discover plants and animals found only in the harshest of deserts and some of the strangest out-of-the-way towns imaginable.

The wine country
North of San Francisco, the wine country awaits you. The towns of the Napa Valley offer visitors the chance to treat their taste buds at world-class vineyards. The Culinary Institute of America's west-coast campus is found at Greystone and this is a great place to start experiencing fine wine and food. Whether it’s a gourmet retreat, or a whistle-stop vineyard tour you're after, the towns of Calistoga, St Helena, Oakville, Rutherford, Yountville and Napa will be happy to oblige.

Here's a round-up of some favourite wineries but remember you’ll need to prove you’re over 21 to taste and buy the wares:

• The Clos Pegase Winery has its own Visitor Centre, open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, with free guided tours of the winery and grounds at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m
  
• The Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma boasts “mind blowing Zinfandel” and no-nonsense, informal wine tasting sessions.
  
• The Simi Winery in Healdsburg invite you into their kitchen and winery to showcase their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  There are guided winery tours twice a day as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

Read more in our mini guide to Napa.

For more information about sightseeing in California, take a look at our mini guides to:
Yosemite National Park
Lake Tahoe

The Golden Triangle
Many visitors to Western America like to tour the “Golden Triangle” - hiring a car in Los Angeles and touring up the coast to San Francisco before turning inland to Las Vegas.  Visitors should be aware, however, if they pick up and drop off a hire car in different locations, they may be charged one-way fees.  These will be clearly marked at the time of booking.

Visitors should be aware, however, if they pick up and drop off a hire car in different locations, they may be charged a supplement which will be clearly marked at the time of booking.

Experience California with a hire car from Carhire3000. 

Hiring a car in California not only gives you easy access to the beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast but also means you can explore the spectacular National Parks within the State or meander through the scenic Napa Valley wine country.

Car hire in California

Car hire Los Angeles
Car hire San Diego
Car hire San Francisco
Car hire Anaheim
Car hire San Jose
Car hire Long Beach
Car hire Palm Springs