Nicola, our Partnership Manager, recently hosted a group of our Tour Operator partners on an unforgettable FAM trip to California - here’s a peek into their adventure…
Day One
Our group met at the Aspire Lounge at London Heathrow, where we enjoyed breakfast and some drinks to kick off the journey. Soon, we were boarding our flight, settling in for the 10 ½ hour trip to LA, looking forward to all the amazing things to see in California. The food on board was delicious, with soft drinks and alcohol for those who wanted it and the drinks carts kept coming around to keep us all happily hydrated.
Getting through security at LAX was smooth, and soon we were in a shuttle heading for Oceanside. Once we arrived, we checked in and were welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine and incredible views from our rooms. After a quick freshen-up, we regrouped at the hotel bar for cocktails and then headed out for a delicious dinner at The Flying Pig. By the end of the evening, we were ready to rest and recharge for our adventure-filled days exploring the must-sees in California.
Day Two
We began with breakfast at Mission Pacific’s sister hotel, Seabird. Mission Pacific, where we were staying, had a trendy, adult-focused vibe with a rooftop pool and DJ sets, while Seabird offered a family-friendly atmosphere. After fueling up, we took an e-bike tour around Oceanside - this quickly became everyone’s favorite California to-do! We cruised through town, stopping for coffee and a quick sea lion sighting. The tour ended at Craft Coast & Tacos, where we sampled local brews and some of the best Birria tacos ever. Outside the hotel, we even saw the famous Top Gun house (now a pie shop), a definite must-see in California for fans of the iconic movie.
Back at the hotel, some of us decided to enjoy a complimentary spa treatment - a relaxing sound bath. Afterwards, we gathered for cocktails by the rooftop hot tub, savouring the ocean views and some of the best spicy margaritas. Dinner that night was on the hotel’s rooftop with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, a culinary highlight with incredible seafood and creative small plates. Exploring Oceanside’s local bars afterwards allowed us to soak in more of California’s unique vibe.
Day Three
An indulgent American breakfast of waffles, sausage patties and eggs set us up perfectly for the day. A few of us chose another spa experience, this time creating mini diffusers and bath salts with essential oils. Before heading out, I took a peaceful walk down the Oceanside pier for more brehttps://www.lime-management.com/incentives/#athtaking views. Then, it was off to the AMTRAK station to board our train to LA, where we enjoyed snacks, wine and scenic coastal views along the way - a true California must-see experience.
Once in LA, we met Amanda Fry from LA Tourism, who took us to the Grammy Museum - a dream for music lovers. Then we explored Grand Central Market, trying mouthwatering spring rolls from a Thai food stall. Checking into the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel felt like stepping into history; my room overlooked the high school track from Grease and we toured the hotel’s iconic locations. Dinner in the penthouse, with champagne and desserts, capped off an unforgettable night filled with Hollywood charm.
Day Four
Early morning jetlag had us exploring the Walk of Fame before a light breakfast at the hotel diner. Next, we joined a guided tour to the Hollywood Sign, where we learned about its origins and how it evolved from a real estate advertisement to one of the ultimate things to see in California. A rooftop lunch at the Dream Hotel and a bus tour around LA followed, with stops for photos at the famous Beverly Hills sign - a classic tourist activity in California.
Our next stop was Universal Studios, where we tackled Halloween Horror Nights and enjoyed thrilling rides, with the Harry Potter ride and Jurassic Park ride as standouts. Universal pulled out all the stops for Halloween, with costumed actors roaming the park to give visitors a scare. It was an adrenaline-filled night and a definite California to-do that should be on any visitor’s list, especially during the Halloween season!
Day Five
For our last day, we checked out early and headed to Santa Monica Pier for a relaxing walk before joining a Venice Beach food tour. We sampled delicious dishes at local eateries, explored Muscle Beach and learned about Venice’s rich history. A final In-N-Out burger run satisfied our craving for a classic California staple before we headed to the airport.
After a smooth check-in and some duty-free shopping, we shared one last glass of wine with the group before boarding the flight home, feeling grateful for the experience and inspired by all the things to do in California. The trip was a whirlwind of iconic sights, delicious food and unique experiences - a true showcase of what’s in California and why it’s such a dream destination for travellers worldwide.
For more exciting opportunities, head over to our Incentives page to discover our latest campaigns!