California - Thomas Cook Driving Guides

KEEP the whole family happy with a trip to SoCal; safe, sandy beached, great shopping, theme parks, star-spotting potential - it's got the lot.Stay in buzzing Santa Monica, or relax at one of the beach cities that line the coast from LA to San Diego.

JOURNEY into the rugged wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or Death Valley, and marvel at the rock formations and monumental trees in Joshua Tree National Park. Further afield, the amazing landscapes of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks have to be seen to be believed.

FUNKY San Francisco is a melting pot of minorities who live together peacefully in this most liberal of US cities. Whether hanging out with the hippies in Haight or kicking back with a cappucino at North Beach, there's bound to be a place that feels like home.

ADVENTUROUS (and fit!) travellers can take on the challenge of climbing Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. If that sounds like too much hard work, drive up to Glacier Point and take in the stunning views across the valley.