Disneyland California, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica Beach Holiday

 

How to Experience Disney, Universal & Santa Monica in One Amazing Trip

Planning a holiday that combines theme parks, city attractions, and beach relaxation can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Our California itinerary makes it easy to enjoy Disneyland California, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Santa Monica beach in one seamless trip, perfect for a family holiday during the August school holidays.

Getting there is simple with direct flights from London to Los Angeles, and Manchester departures available subject to cost. Once you touch down, private return airport transfers ensure a smooth start and finish to your adventure. No fighting traffic or juggling taxis – just comfort and convenience from the moment you arrive.

The first stop is the magical world of Disneyland California. You’ll spend 5 nights at the Hilton Anaheim, giving you prime access to the parks. With Disneyland California 4 Day Park Hopper tickets, you can move between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park each day, enjoying everything from iconic rides and character meet-and-greets to parades and spectacular nighttime shows. This part of the trip is ideal for families looking for California disney and universal fun, combining thrilling attractions with nearby, comfortable accommodation.

After Disneyland, it’s time to head to Hollywood for 3 nights at Hilton Universal City. With 2 Day Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, your family can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, ride high-speed rollercoasters, watch live shows, and take the world-famous Studio Tour. Staying so close to the park lets you maximize your time inside and return to the hotel for a break whenever needed. This combination makes it easy to plan a trip for those searching for California disney and universal with beach stay, blending the excitement of the parks with a later beach escape.

Finally, wind down with 6 nights at the Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica. Santa Monica is famous for its sandy beaches, picturesque pier, cycling paths, and relaxed coastal vibes. Spend mornings building sandcastles, afternoons strolling the promenade or shopping, and evenings enjoying gorgeous sunsets over the ocean. The beach stay offers a perfect contrast to the bustling energy of Anaheim and Hollywood, giving families a chance to recharge before heading home.

Booking with Charter Travel ensures peace of mind, with ABTA and ATOL protection, the ability to book as a complete package, and a best price guarantee. Every trip is tailor-made, so itineraries can be adjusted to suit your family’s preferences, whether you want more time at the parks or longer beach stays.

By combining Disneyland, Universal, and Santa Monica in one trip, you get the best of California in a single adventure. Families can enjoy magical parks, Hollywood thrills, and relaxing beach days all in one itinerary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re searching for California Disney and Universal this holiday package is designed to give your family the ultimate California experience. Make your next holiday truly unforgettable with magic, movies, and sun-soaked beaches.

Top 5 Things to Do in Santa Monica

Relax in the great outdoors with a holiday trip to Santa Monica. Dubbed California’s Boho beach city, Santa Monica is notorious for its sandy beaches, bustling city scene, vibrant nightlife, and sunny tourist attractions.

Santa Monica’s beach was once voted amongst the best globally by National Geographic. In addition, the city boasts over 400 restaurants and an overwhelming number of bars on the night scene, making it one of the significant holiday stopovers in California.

Santa Monica is a beehive for family holiday fun activities like soaking up the sun at the beach, swimming, setting up picnics, enjoying a meal at family-friendly restaurants, and learning new things. Here are the top activities you can do in Santa Monica during the holidays.

Top Things to Do in Santa Monica

Go to Santa Monica State Beach
In 3.5 miles of shoreline, you get to enjoy a fun holiday enjoying the countless fun activities Santa Monica State Beach has to offer for the family. One of the top activities to do in Santa Monica is going to the State Beach with family and spending the day enjoying water sports, strolling around the beach, building sandcastles, and relaxing in the sun.

Find some unique amenities like the Original Muscle Beach, a beach park with old-fashioned gym equipment from the early 20th century.

 

Ride a Bike on the Marvin Braude Beach Trail
Santa Monica’s sunny weather and wealth of trails make it an all-year-round dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Discover the Marvin Braude Trail, also known as “The Strand,” amongst the locals at the heart of Santa Monica and enjoy a bike ride through the city’s picturesque streets.

Some of the streets you might encounter include Main Street and San Vincente Boulevard.

Visit the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is the city’s most famous landmark. If you are moved with the children, the Pier is one of the destinations we recommend. The Pier offers a wide range of fun activities to do with families, like enjoying a ride at the roller coaster, perhaps the Ferris wheel in Pacific park, exciting games, shopping, street music, and bike riding.

Pick up a souvenir for each family at one of the beach shops or souvenir shops to have something to remind you of your fun experiences at this destination. The Pier also has a rich history that you can learn about and a world-famous boardwalk where you can all enjoy a walk with the family and do some people-watching.

 

Visit the Pacific Park and the Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the kids to the Pacific Park and enjoy the different rides, including the roller coaster and the colorful Ferris wheel. Pacific Park is an amusement park fronting the ocean.

Circle around the Pier on the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, play one of the classic games like Whac-A-Mole and enjoy the day. Learn about the aquatic life in Santa Monica Bay at Heal the Bay Aquarium and see exhibits of over 100 local species. In addition, their aquarium offers daily educational programs like discussions with aquarium scientists and animal feedings.

Shop at Third Street Promenade
Take a stroll downtown with family and have fun shopping at this uniquely California shopping hub in a traffic-free part of the city. The Third Street Promenade is an open-air shopping, dining, and doing some urban sightseeing space. It offers three blocks of shops, eateries, and stores where you will encounter familiar retail outlets, chain restaurants, and local businesses in an outdoorsy shopping space.