Best of the west coast USA: national parks and cities from San Francisco

Once holding the title as the capital of the state of California, Monterey is a beautiful coastal city with much to offer. The many historical buildings in its downtown area show the former influence of the city on the country’s history and politics, and the centre is also home to a must-see aquarium as well as many excellent seafood restaurants. The city’s location on the magical and rugged coast of California only adds to its charm.

Ventura is the quintessential Californian seaside town, drawing in flocks of crowds who come to surf, relax and soak up the sun. The palm-lined streets of the downtown district are lined with upmarket boutiques, thrift shops, lovely cafes and a variety of restaurants as well as a historic Mission Church, and the scenic wooden pier makes for picturesque afternoon strolls. Ventura is also the gateway to the breathtaking Channel Islands, and visitors can take a short boat trip to marvel at their dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.

The City of Angels - known worldwide for its movie industry, the towering Hollywood sign and its celebrity culture. Modern Los Angeles is a city of sharp contrast with a mixture of cultures, as well as an important centre for business, media and arts. The city draws in visitors with its Mediterranean climate, excellent beaches and laid-back atmosphere, and wows with its diverse culinary scene and exciting nightlife.

Laughlin is a town in Southern Nevada. It is a vibrant city along the Colorado River, famous for its casinos, lively entertainment, and stunning desert landscapes. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy gaming, live shows, and outdoor adventure.

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it's not hard to see why the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors each year. The census-designated Grand Canyon Village serves as a base with its location on the South Rim of the Canyon, and has excellent amenities for those looking to explore the park and its many activities. The village itself holds some of the best viewpoints of the stunning natural landscape, which are sure to leave visitors breathless.

Kayenta is a small town near the northern border of Arizona and part of the Navajo Nation. The population was 5,189 at the 2010 census. Kayenta is 22 miles south of Monument Valley and contains a number of hotels and motels which service visitors to Monument Valley. Like other places within the Navajo Nation, it is illegal to serve alcohol. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, however the Navajo nation does.

Best-known for its two impressive natural wonders, Page is a small city located in northern Arizona. Home to the Antelope Canyon, a narrow gorge cutting into sandstone which shows off unique red stone formations, formed over the course of thousands of years. After hiking the trails of the canyon, take a dip and cool off from the sweltering summer heat of Arizona at Lake Powell. Popular with families, the lake’s glistening water is also a great place to partake in water sports such as kayaking.

A vast and magnificent natural wonder, first declared a National Monument in 1923 before being given its status as a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon is one of the most spectacular as well as the most popular destinations in Utah’s Canyon Country. One of the park’s highlights are the ‘Hoodoos’, long and thin rock formations which can be admired from a natural amphitheatre. Even better, visit at dawn - the rocks are known to shimmer and change colour in the rays of the rising sun.

The towering red cliffs of Zion National Park are a sight to behold, their iconic image attracting flocks of visitors each year - and with good reason. Choose to take a tour through the 57 mile long Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or, for the more adventurous, hike the steep rocks of Angels Landing or The Narrows trail which leads through the Virgin River. From mesas and grottoes to waterfalls and rock pools, the diverse and enchanting landscapes here are second to none and offer endless opportunities.

The first words that come to mind upon hearing Las Vegas are casinos, gambling and bright lights, but the world-famous Sin City has so much more to offer. Listen to renowned musicians, marvel at the stunts of the Cirque du Soleil or take a guided tour through the museum of history and crime, and of course make sure to experience the buzzing nightlife in its lavishly decorated resorts.

Mammoth Lakes is a resort city next to Mammoth Mountain which is a popular skiing destination. Mammoth Lakes is in the Eastern Sierra region of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

Located around three kilometres from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, El Portal is a perfect base for visits to this stunning natural wonder. The town offers a handful of accommodation options from hotels to motels and campsites, as well as some bars, restaurants and a shop to stock up on supplies. Its location by the Merced River also makes the town a good spot for fishing, kayaking and rafting.

With its dizzying steep streets lined with colourful homes, endless historical and cultural gems and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else - San Francisco is a vibrant and scenic city. Visit the iconic stops such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower, and explore the city’s unique culture, its ethnically diverse neighbourhoods and growing tech scene. A city constantly evolving, San Francisco is truly inspiring.