What to do in Pacific States

Universal Studios is one of the oldest working studios in Hollywood. Its doors first opened to paying guests in 1915, when enterprising studio founder Carl Laemmle charged people 25 cents to see silent films being made. You can still see real film-making in action, but there’s so much more to discover and enjoy. Feel your pulse quicken on one of the high-speed thrilling rides.

It may sound like a cliché, but Waikiki really does epitomise the picture-postcard perfection of Hawaiian beach life. Palm-fringed sands, crystal-clear waters and endless azure skies provide the backdrop for the beautiful people to show off their toned bodies and sporting skills, or just lie back and soak up the sun.

Kids will see the famous click-and-build toy in a whole new scale when they visit the magical LEGOLAND® California Resort. Over 60 rides, shows and attractions celebrate the colourful LEGO blocks that have found a home in toy boxes all over the world for nearly 65 years.

Disney California Adventure® became neighbour to the original Disneyland® in 2001. The concept of this park is to celebrate California’s history and culture in a way that's playful and accessible to all and to present some of Disney’s more recent creations. Certainly, if you've got children in your party, this is likely to be one of their favourite experiences of the holiday. The good news for parents is that Disney California Adventure® is often educational too. Spend at least a day working your way through the rides and activities of this 27-hectare wonderland.

Get your explorer’s hat on when you visit the San Diego Zoo! Situated in Balboa Park, this 40-hectare site houses almost 4,000 animals from across 650 species and sub-species. Roam through the park past the open air exhibits showcasing natural habitats from all over the world, and you’ll understand why this zoo attracts 5 million visitors a year.

With its shimmering waters and clean white sand, it’s little wonder that Kaanapali Beach is considered one of the best shorelines in all of America. Found on the west coast of the island, it is the ideal destination for a relaxing day at the beach – just pack a towel and head over to lounge under the palm trees and splash about in the warm shallows.Ancient Hawaiian Monarchs used to visit Kaanapali Beach to swim, canoe and feast for weeks at a time. These days, it is a luxury holiday resort for tourists from around the world with deluxe condos and 5* hotels looking out over the Pacific from the length of the seafront. Water sports are still popular here, with kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling all available. Thrill seekers should book in for an adrenaline-spiking session of parasailing. A more relaxing afternoon is offered by the two local golf courses, with smooth greens and a spectacular outlook.Kaanapali Parkway offers upmarket boutiques and restaurants serving traditional American fare as well as local sweets and the freshest fish imaginable. Nature lovers will enjoy poking around the museum dedicated to the humpback whales which pass through these waters on their annual migration route. During the winter months, you can follow this up with a boat trip from the beach to watch the whales as they head through.If you’re interested in the area’s history, pick up a leaflet and take yourself round the Kaanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour. Entirely self-guided, this trail will lead you to some of the area’s most fascinating historical hotspots. For a more in-depth taste of the local culture, the local Kaanapali Beach hotel offers further courses in everything from basket weaving to playing the ukulele as well as Hawaiian language lessons and traditional music and story recitals.As the sun begins to set, head to the sacred Puu Kekaa – or Black Rock – to watch the cliff-diving ceremony. Individuals dive off the rock into the sea in memory of the Hawaiian monarch King Kahekili, whose jumps inspired respect and devotion from his subjects. Watching this evening torch-lit ritual is the perfect way to round off a day at the beach.

Redwood National and State Parks is a fascinating natural destination. Gaze up at tall centuries-old redwood trees, explore rugged Pacific Coast beaches, camp beneath the stars and spot myriad wildlife. The parks cover 133,000 acres (53,800 hectares) and stretch for 40 miles (64 kilometers) along California’s picturesque northern coast.

Walk all the way west from the heart of town and soon you’ll reach Seattle’s western border, the waterfront alongside Puget Sound with its islands and mountains beyond. This three-kilometre coastline is home to shops, piers and public spaces where you can wander and savour the sea air or taste some of the freshly caught fish on offer all around.