California's National Parks

This laid-back city is brimming with culture and diversity - climb the many hills for fabulous views of the city’s varied architecture and the glittering expanse of San Francisco Bay below. Walk or cycle across Golden Gate Bridge, 2.7km of art deco construction and one of the wonders of the modern world, or take a cruise to see it from afar. Back in town, head for union square – stop for cocktails, dine in style, hit the shops or just watch the world go by over a coffee. For something more distinctive watch the sea lions frolic on Pier 39, or take a ferry over to legendary Alcatraz, home to the now-abandoned maximum-security prison where Al Capone was once incarcerated.

4* The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

North America's largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe is an idyllic summer retreat and bustling winter resort for families and adventurers alike. Winter brings action-packed cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice-skating, while summer is reserved for fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking and swimming. All year round the lake’s south side hosts festivals and boasts a thriving casino and nightlife scene, while the north side offers a more laid-back ambience for families.

4* Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort

Admire the spectacular mountain and lake scenery in Yosemite, the shining star of America’s national parks. Yosemite offers year-round adventures, with hikes among the wildflowers and waterfalls popular in spring and summer, drives to view the changing foliage colours in autumn and skiing the valleys in winter. This national park is truly spectacular, so get your camera ready for beautiful views at every turn.

4* Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Sequoia National Park is famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree, one of the largest trees on Earth. The landscape here still resembles the southern Sierra Nevada before Spanish settlement, and the park protects many Native American archaeological sites. The dense forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife including black bears, big horn sheep and yellow-bellied marmots.

2.5* Wuksachi Lodge

Palm Springs was used by the Rat Pack in the 1960s to escape the madness of Hollywood, 100 miles to the west, and it’s easy to see why. Streets lined with palm trees, surrounding snowcapped mountains and warm temperatures even in winter make it an outdoor activity haven - hiking, horse riding and golf are top of the list, after relaxing by the pool with a martini of course. Don’t miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, whisking you from the desert floor to the mountain tops in just 15 minutes.

4* DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs

Chic yet casual, laid-back San Diego offers miles of glorious coastline, plenty of museums and sunny gardens. The weather here is great, so grab an ice cream and go people watching on the ocean front boardwalk, soak up the scenery, or browse the surfing and swimwear shops. Head down to leafy Balboa park full to the brim with museums, arts centres, gardens, restaurants and walking trails and of course the truly excellent San Diego zoo, home to 800 different species and 3000 individual animals in a landscaped setting that tries to be as true to their natural habitat as possible.

5* Andaz San Diego a concept by Hyatt