Your free time in Yosemite - Scott Dunn Suggests

For those looking for a home from home experience along California’s glorious northern coastline, close to Redwood National Park and great beaches, a holiday home rental offers the space, flexibility, and independence to suit all family requirements.

Rewarding guests with spectacular views of the Pacific Big Sur coastline, Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, is an adults only retreat, brimming with pampering amenities and perfectly placed to explore this remarkable stretch of the California coast.

The Pendry opened in early 2017 in San Diego's lively downtown Gaslamp Quarter, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best new hotels in Southern California. It is ideally located for exploring this sunny and vibrant city.

Auberge du Soleil is an elegant wine country inn nestled within a 33-acre sunlit olive grove on the slopes of Rutherford Hill and surrounded by vineyards. With its unmistakeable intimacy, Auberge is a Scott Dunn favourite.

Nestled among the giant redwood trees, stay in your own log cabin in Yosemite's Wawona area. Peaceful, private and authentic, the self-catered homes are located on private property within the National Park.

The Montage at Laguna Beach is one of those places where you feel as if you have arrived - the service is immaculate, the ocean views to die for, and the artistic community of Laguna Beach just the place for boutique, gallery browsing and fine dining.

Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.

Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located at the national park's South Gate, with all the creature comforts of a full-service resort, the Lodge organises outdoor adventures from horse riding, hiking and biking to winter wonderland ice skating and sleigh rides.

Journey to Alcatraz Island to visit the world-renowned Cellhouse on a self-guided audio tour

Monterey's aquarium is located on the former site of a sardine cannery; much more than a collection of glass tanks, 200 gallons of seawater provide homes to sea life from kid-tolerant starfish to friendly penguins, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Go hiking in Hollywood Hills with a private guide. Be starstruck by the Hollywood sign, explore the Griffith Observatory and be inspired by beautiful views of the City of Angels, from the skyscrapers to Beverly Hills and beyond.

Fly over LA's iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills, then land in Malibu for a private picnic with stunning views before returning to Burbank.

Yosemite's Granite Cliffs and Giant Sequoias make for incredible hiking country. With easy to moderate options, experience this World Heritage Center with an expert private guide by your side to show you what you may not see with your own eyes.

Warner Bros takes you “into-the-scenes” of your favourite shows at the world’s busiest motion picture and TV studio. From Batman to Argo, to The Big Bang Theory to Friends, the studio will show you how the magic is made. The tour is 3 hours for 8yrs+.

Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.

Star treatment awaits the fortunate few on this exclusive guided behind-the-scenes tour, revealing world class production facilities & movie sets normally closed to the public and enjoying front-of-line access to all rides, attractions & gourmet lunch.

Santa Barbara is the 'American Riviera' with a beautiful sunny climate and Pacific Ocean breeze. Get out on the water by catamaran, see whales and dolphins around the Channel Island National Park and cycle along the palm-lined promenade on a cruiser.