Earlier this year, American actress Amanda Seyfried graced The Tonight Show stage, taking a seat with a dulcimer in hand as she filled the studio with the honeyed strains of Joni Mitchell’s California.
The clip quickly went viral - not only for Seyfried’s exquisitely raw rendition of the cult classic, but also for the song’s treasured legacy, a lyrical love letter to California’s rolling hills.
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It’s no wonder California has inspired countless iconic lyrics: a state as mesmeric as it is diverse, where sprawling cities give way to desert vistas and endless coastlines that dissolve into the Pacific horizon.
Hence, it comes as little surprise that California has attracted the attention of cool-girls across the decades. From Laurel Canyon legends such as Cass Elliott and Carole King to modern-day muses like Elsa Hosk and Hailey Bieber, California is home to some of the most boundary-pushing tastemakers in fashion.
A desert house designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar J. Kaufmann, Palm Springs, California (1970)
Often sidelined by its East Coast cousin New York, California is a melting pot of creativity. Los Angeles’ thrift stores are second to none, Hollywood is the beating heart of cinema and Palm Springs is a mecca for mid-century enthusiasts.
From discovering California’s fashion hotspots and diving into its buzzing restaurant scene to losing yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes or road-tripping through its nostalgic time-capsule towns, the state offers endless ways to explore.
Discover our cool-girl guide to California below and quench your West Coast-fuelled wanderlust in style.
Where to road trip
California is a dreamscape of natural beauty and iconic landmarks, from the sun-drunk beaches of Malibu to the towering giants of Yosemite and the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley. The Pacific Coast Highway winds past stunning cliffs, forests, and oceans, making every drive a visual feast. With diverse scenery, vibrant cities, and endless roadside gems, California is the ultimate playground for road trippers seeking adventure, freedom, and unforgettable views at every turn.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis where vintage glamour meets laid-back cool. Mid-century architecture, retro poolside vibes, and chic boutique hotels make it a haven for stylish girls. Picture rooftop cocktails, pool floats, and thrifted treasures - all against a sun-soaked backdrop of swaying palms and rugged mountain views.
Big Sur is the ultimate cool-girl getaway, where rugged cliffs meet crashing Pacific waves. Winding coastal drives, hidden beaches, and misty redwood trails create a moody yet magical vibe. Plan for sunset picnics, cosy cabins, and ocean views that make you feel like the main character in a road-trip film.
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a dreamy escape for nature lovers. Rolling hills burst with vibrant orange blooms each spring, creating a surreal, Instagram-worthy backdrop. Sunset hikes, breezy picnics, and wildflower-strewn trails make it the perfect spot for a laid-back adventure.
Bring your gorpcore dreams to life at Yosemite National Park. Yosemite’s beauty lies in its raw, untouched grandeur. Towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoias create a breathtaking backdrop. Misty mornings give way to golden sunsets, while crystal-clear lakes reflect the towering peaks. It’s a sanctuary where nature’s power and tranquility exist in perfect, awe-inspiring harmony.
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters and snow-capped peaks make it a year-round paradise. Summer brings kayaking, hiking, and sun-drenched beaches, while winter transforms it into a ski haven. The alpine air, shimmering blue lake, and pine-lined shores create a serene yet adventurous escape for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Death Valley’s haunting beauty lies in its extremes. Sun-scorched salt flats, golden dunes, and rugged canyons create an otherworldly backdrop. The stark contrast of pastel sunsets and midnight-blue skies adds a surreal edge. It’s raw, dramatic, and unapologetically wild - a desert playground for the effortlessly cool and endlessly curious. Time to channel your inner Thelma and Louise with a SoCal roadtrip.
Escape the hustle of LA and head north to Santa Barbara. Spanish-style villas, palm-lined beaches, and sunlit vineyards set the scene for laid-back west coast elegance. Ocean breezes mingle with the scent of blooming bougainvillea, while chic boutiques and farm-to-table spots complete the vibe. It’s California cool, wrapped in Mediterranean glamour.
Joshua Tree’s surreal landscape is a magnet for cool-girls chasing offbeat charm. Twisted Joshua trees, giant boulders, and desert sunsets create a dreamlike backdrop for stargazing and vintage-inspired photo ops. Think boho cabins, dusty hikes, and a laid-back, mystical vibe that’s effortlessly Instagram-worthy.
A scenic sanctuary, Ojai offers a magical marriage of bohemian charm and quiet luxury. Boutique spas, organic markets, and citrus groves set the tone, while sunset 'pink moments' over the Topatopa Mountains add a touch of mysticism. It’s where wellness meets style, with just the right amount of offbeat allure.
Laguna Beach is a famed coastal gem known for its stunning cliffs, sandy coves, and vibrant art scene. Explore tide pools, hike scenic trails, or browse local galleries. Oceanfront cafes and sunset views create a relaxed yet upscale vibe, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back California escape.
Where to shop
Since experiencing California’s shopping culture, we’ve never quite looked at UK stores the same way. Simply put, California dominates when it comes to retail therapy - no surprises there. The thrift and vintage scene is next-level, with LA hotspots like 2nd Street and Wasteland offering unmissable designer steals, rare Y2K gems, and curated pieces you won’t find anywhere else. From sun-soaked malls to tucked-away boutiques, the state turns shopping into a spiritual experience.
Los Angeles
Melrose Avenue
A meander down Melrose never goes amiss. Explore the bountiful boutiques, thrift shops, consignment stores and cool-girl cafes. An afternoon in LA well-spent.
Ventura Boulevard
LA is so big that it's nearly impossible to walk from place to place. However, Ventura Boulevard is easy to stroll down in certain places if you don't have a car. Enjoy pitstops in Goodwill, 2nd Street and Wasteland on your way.
2nd Street
2nd Street is a secondhand store that will remain burned in our minds for quite some time. This saturated gem of a consignment store is bursting with valuable finds. From Supreme to Gucci, Louis Vuitton to Bathing Ape, Ralph Lauren to Miu Miu and so much more, the shop is top of our list to visit when we return to the West Coast.
Wasteland
Wasteland is one for designer fashion fiends. The buy-and-sell store houses rare Givenchy pieces, quirky Heaven by Marc Jacobs tees, fresh-off-the-runway Coperni picks, divine Telfar totes, and many other covetable collectibles.
Hidden Treasures
This Topanga gem is quite the shopping experience. Beloved by Kate Hudson, the kaleidoscopic vintage store mirrors the town’s hippie aura. A colourbomb of antique garments and knick-knacks, the store will help you curate your Age of Aquarius wardrobe of dreams.
Silverlake Flea
Y2K girlies, listen up. Silverlake Flea has got your early 'Aughts wardrobe covered. From ethereal floral blouses to uber-cute mini skirts, cowboy boots and so much more, this weekly vintage flea is dangerous for you wallets, but oh-so worth it.
Rose Bowl Flea
One for the furniture enthusiasts, the Rose Bowl Flea occurs every week come rain or shine. Renowned worldwide for its unique charm, top-tier vendors, and diverse crowd of shoppers, the Rose Bowl offers an unmatched outdoor experience. Where better to spend a day?
Buffalo Exchange
A brilliant mixture of graphic Y2K tops and romantic vintage nightwear (how very Sabrina Carpenter), Buffalo Exchange is a popular haunt for those visiting LA. Double up on the dollars and head through the door.
Simi Valley
Boot Barn
Cowboy couture is back baby and we could not be happier about it. Kick back in a pair of classic knee-high cowboy boots or opt for some girlish glamour with a sprinkling of floral embroidery or rhinestones. And don’t miss the baby cowboy boots - cute enough to melt even the least broody hearts.
Where to eat
It's no secret that California is unmatched when it comes to food. The state's food scene is a dazzling mosaic of flavours, celebrated worldwide for its diversity and innovation. From bustling taco trucks to high-end fusion restaurants, cities like LA and San Diego honour both tradition and trend. Mexican cuisine is the heartbeat of the state, with vibrant street tacos, fresh salsas, and rich moles shaping its culinary identity.
Los Angeles
Inn of the Seventh Ray
Nestled in the idyllic Santa Monica Mountains, Inn of the Seventh Ray is the most romantic date night find. Relax under the twinkling fairy lights and indulge in creamy truffle risotto, char-roasted chicken, and yellowfin tuna crudo.
Cara Hotel
Nestled at the foothills of Griffith Park in Los Feliz, Cara Hotel has quickly become a chic hotspot. Its serene courtyard, centred around a sleek pool, sets the scene for indulgence. The menu offers standout Californian dishes like Cali Cobb salad, black truffle pappardelle, and charcoal mushrooms.
Geoffrey's
Head to Geoffrey’s in Malibu for a true A-list experience. Overlooking the Pacific, diners can enjoy classic Californian dishes beneath golden fairy lights woven through the foliage. The oceanside setting, paired with thirst-quenching cocktails, makes for an unforgettable evening.
Bacari
Silverlake's Bacari, a humming alfresco destination with Venetian flair, draws the city’s most stylish crowd. Savour dinner beneath the stars at this photogenic gem - just be sure to reserve a courtyard table ahead of time. Be sure to check out the sister restaurant on Ventura too.
Bel-Air Hotel
The introverted sister of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, Hotel Bel-Air is luxury personified. The space is a secluded oasis in the heart of the Bel-Air canyons. Dive into a romantic dinner while sheltered underneath luscious green foliage - a mecca in the bustling city. VIP clientele include King Charles III,Princess Grace of Monaco, Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor and Carly Simon.
Where to chill
Huntington Beach
Cradled along the sun-drenched coast of Orange County, just 35 miles south of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach captures the quintessential spirit of Southern California. With its golden, 10-mile stretch of uninterrupted shoreline and year-round Mediterranean warmth, the city is an ode to oceanfront ease and timeless surf culture.
Lined with luxurious resorts along Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach is where barefoot living meets elevated indulgence. Mornings begin with paddleboards cutting across glassy waves; afternoons drift into leisurely bike rides and golden-hour cocktails overlooking the Pacific. Beyond its postcard-perfect sands, the city hums with a sense of effortless cool.
From serene coves for quiet sun-seekers to lively stretches for surfers chasing the next great swell, Huntington Beach offers a coastal experience as diverse as it is iconic - a true embodiment of laid-back California glamour. (Hey Siri, play The Beach Boys.)
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Kick back and relax at the Paséa Hotel & Spa - a modern oasis mere steps from the white sandy swathes of Huntington Beach. Guests can enjoy generously sized rooms with a contemporary feel, a humming bar scene, a serene spa retreat and endless sun-soaked views looking out over the ocean.
Delve into locally-produced California costal cuisine at the hotel's restaurant Lōrea - where hand-crafted cocktails complement hearty, healthy dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. A nominee for the 2025 Surf City USA Foodie Awards, it's well worth a visit.
Yoga on the Beach
Enjoy a moment of calm with Yoga on the Beach - a peaceful experience that allows for one hour of inner reflection and zen. The perfect way to start the day, the experience is led by welcoming, certified instructors who guide guests through soothing movement, breathwork, and meditation. Set against a sweeping ocean backdrop, the session promises pure serenity - melting stress away with every stretch and every view.
The International Surfing Museum
For a dive into surfing’s golden legacy, the International Surfing Museum is a must. Its latest exhibit, Duke’s Dream: Surfing’s Road to the Olympics, pays tribute to Hawaiian icon Duke Kahanamoku’s Olympic vision. Highlights include the record-breaking 42-foot surfboard ridden by 66 surfers, plus the pioneering legacy of Peter 'PT' Townend - surfing’s first IPS/ASP world champion turned cultural figurehead.
Private Wine Sunset Charter in Huntington Harbour
A world away from the surf’s electric pulse, Huntington Harbour offers calm canals, glassy waters, and elegant waterfront homes - the city’s affluent yet hidden enclave of serenity. Glide through this picturesque haven aboard a private Prince Charters cruise, a local favourite since 1965, for an intimate glimpse of residential coastal luxury.
LSXO
Hidden behind an unmarked door within Bluegold at Pacific City, LSXO is Huntington Beach’s best-kept culinary secret. With just 28 seats and stunning ocean views, this Michelin-recognised gem serves delectable Southeast Asian flavours in a romantic, speakeasy-style space. An unmissable highlight of the trip. (The sticky rice will remain forever burned in our mind.)
Surf Lesson with Corky Carroll
Get up early and head to the beach because it's time to shred some 'gnarly' waves. Established in 1996 as Huntington Beach’s inaugural surf school, Corky Carroll’s continues the legacy of the legendary surfer himself. Family-owned and steeped in over two decades of expertise, the school combines ocean know-how and personalised instruction, offering a safe, fun, and unforgettable surfing experience for enthusiasts of every level. If you're lucky, you might even spot some pelicans or baby dolphins during your surf.
Open Market OC
Update your summer wardrobe with a helping hand from Open Market OC, a marketplace which showcases the talent of local makers. Filled with adorable pieces from knitwear to denim, accessories, natural beauty products and more, the store offers an intimate, playful shopping experience.
For more details or to plan your stay, visit surfcityusa.com.
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