Far North Alaska
The lonely ocean leads to the far corners of Alaska’s North, where the wind bitten tundra scars the horizon and stepping foot on land seems like stumbling into...
Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to California
America’s promise land has been encouraging the great migration for decades. The Golden State as she is fondly known, California is miles upon miles of sundrenched coastline, Hollywood mansions, mystical redwood forests, and spectacular city lights. From the sculpted green vineyards of Napa Valley to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Fran, the star flooded hills of Hollywood and the wild and untamed scene down in the south– California has a million moods. As a yacht charter destination, California knows how to hit plenty of high notes – the city littered coastline ensures a sparkling new stop each day and whether you are in the mood for Steinbeck inspired adventures or Hollywood happenings -you can take your pick.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in California
Hollywood History
Actors and artists all flock to California, lured by the bright lights of LA or the sublime property scene dotting the coastline of Monterey. Taking a yacht charter around California is a fine way to fully immerse yourself in the star-studded history. Around Newport Beach you will find historic ports where Lauren Bacall, Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart all used to keep their boats. You can drop anchor at the bluffs where Cleopatra and Jaws were filmed. And of course, you can head into Hollywood itself to dine and dance beside the stars.
Fine Wines
Wine connoisseurs and lovers of fine food should be sure to leave their yacht in the bay as they take a scenic short helicopter flight over to Napa Valley. The ultimate weekend getaway, Napa Valley is both home and host to the finest wining and dining scene in the USA. Explore the open cellar doors, book a table at the fabulously famous French Laundry, and book into one of the five-star signature spas to celebrate a few days of absolute indulgence.
Coastal Cool
nowhere captures coastal cool quite like California. The laidback love affair lends a perfect slant to the yacht charter lifestyle. From the epic Burning Man festival to the surf scene, there is something about the Golden State that oozes stress free fun. It’s a place where the art scene is booming, the club scene is sultry and hot, and cities like San Fran are forward thinking.
Historic Heartlands
California isn’t all about the modern buzz, yacht charters cruising this coastline will find footprints that have shaped the history of the United States. The gold rush, the great depression, the birth of Silicon Valley, the film industry – historical significance abounds at every turn. In San Fran you can visit Alcatraz, wander old missions in San Diego, and swing by the homes of famous writers like Jack London’s historic park and the pint-sized property where Kerouac penned On the Road.
Where to Visit in California
Newport Beach
The golden glory days are captured in the super rich sophistication of Newport Beach – yacht charter guests are sure to feel right at home. The marina is stuffed with the slickest white yachts, the finest designer fashion malls are filled with high-class spenders and the beaches laced with surfers. The resort at Pelican Hill is a must for those intrigued in trying the famed amber gold signature massage at the most lavish luxury spa in the whole of the Americas. Yacht charter guests wanting a break from the glamour will also find the Crystal Cove State Park an immaculate place to play.
San Francisco
San Fran needs little introduction, yacht charter guests looking to lose themselves in the fog of fun and frolics. The Bay is famous for its savvy restaurant scene, iconic bridge, Alcatraz island, and sea lions that like to congregate around Fisherman’s Wharf. Shoppers will delight in the wares on offer at Union Square and ditching your fear of heights to ride the cable car is an absolute must for climbing above the breakneck hills.
Napa Valley
America’s own version of the rolling hills of Tuscany, Napa Valley is premier wine and dine country with a millionaire twist. Popular with the private jet set elite who escape to these cool vine clad hills for lazy long weekends filled with Michelin starred lunches and gold standard cabernet sauvignon tastings, this is the place to get your fill of finery. Be sure to sip and swill in the famous Monticello Winery, sample eclectic cuisine at Celadon, and pay a visit to the Culinary Institute of America at the Greystone Campus.
When to Charter a Yacht in California
The golden coast of California makes a mesmerising yacht charter destination any time of year. However, guests wanting to surf in bikinis may find the winter months bring cooler ocean temperatures. Between the months of May and October the water and weather temperatures are warm and buttery. Those wanting to avoid the crowds can set sail late November and early December, and those wanting to get the best flavours in Napa Valley will find September or March a high point.
