Excite Holidays, in collaboration with Visit California, are nearing the end of their ’45 Days of California Dreaming’ campaign.

From West Hollywood to Orange County, San Francisco to the North Coast, and San Diego to Palm Springs, they’ve (almost) covered everything from surf to snow, city to desert, and everything in between.

And while you can grab your sweet curated guides here, today we’re telling you why the final guides – San Diego and Palm Springs – are ace ways to experience the state. These guides have been created especially for agents to help them create the ultimate trip for their client’s.

Oh, and did we mention that agents can WIN!? All you need to do is make a paid California booking between 24 April 2017 and Sunday 4 June 2017, and you’ll automatically go into the draw to win California-inspired prizes such as a bike, cooking class, scooter, and so much more.

But enough chitchat, here’s our ultimate guide to the Californian outdoors:

1. Sunset Cliffs

Take a stroll along the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs and take in the natural beauty of this San Diegan gem.

Stretching along the Pacific Ocean, bordering the western edge of Point Loma, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre resource-based park perfect for a late afternoon hike.

The park’s landscape features intricately carved coastal headlands, arches and sea caves, not to mention stunning ocean views, where you can even spot California Gray Whales migrating each year.

2. Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

The Indian Canyons are made up of Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and the Murray Canyon, each boasting their own natural beauty.

Twenty four kilometres long, Palm Canyon is one of the most breathtaking areas in Western North America, and is frequented by travellers who picnic by the stream, or take part in meditation, exploring, hiking or horseback riding.

Andreas is more of a lush oasis, with scenic trails winding through 150-odd plant species, making it perfect for photography and bird-watching.

Murray Canyon is an easy to moderate hike south from Andreas Canyon. Foot and equestrian trails take visitors to beautiful recreation areas featuring many palm trees.

3. Joshua Trees, Palm Springs

Joshua Tree National Park is located about one hour from Palm Springs, where the Mojave and Lower Colorado deserts join to form the park.

On clear days, the vista from Keys View extends beyond Salton Sea to Mexico.

If you have part of a day, begin your tour at a one of the Visitor Centres.  With limited time you may want to confine your sightseeing to the main park roads, but if you’ve got the time, there are twelve self-guiding nature trails.

You can also plan an all-day hike into the backcountry, or experience the desert from the seat of a mountain bike. Joshua Tree is also a popular rock climbing area.

4. Surfing in San Fran

Like to hang 10 on your OS trips? Why not get outdoors in the most unreal way possible by going for a surf as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge looms over you.

Located just inside the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is the place to be. All you have to do is park your car and walk to down the rocks to paddle out. And while there’s a few slippery rocks to watch out for, this cove is a great surf spot for intermediate to advanced surfers.

5. Don’t want to get wet? Bike across the bridge

Experience one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, by taking a leisurely bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge where you’ll see some of the best views of the city and bay.

Just over three kilometres, the bridge ride is perfect for a photo op and something the whole family can enjoy! Keen to explore beyond the bridge? Head downhill into the charming seaside town of Sausalito.

Here you can enjoy a bite to eat, a spot of shopping and relaxation, and take in Sausalito’s famously fabulous weather!

6. North Coast

Beyond the iconic Golden Gate Bridge lies an idyllic oasis filled with redwood forests, rugged terrain, and crashing waves. Largely untouched, the North Coast of California is home to an array of family-fun activities and unique outdoor experiences.

Be sure to check out Del Norte County, part of America’s Wild River Coast and located in the most north-western corner of California, it certainly is renowned for its natural beauty.

Boasting breathtaking ancient redwoods, pristine waters and an abundance of wildlife, a visit to Battery Point and St. George Reef Lighthouses is a must.

Lake County is another outdoor winner on the North Coast. Approximately two hours drive from both Sacramento and San Francisco, Lake County is a haven for water sports such as boating, and fishing, as well as hiking, cycling and the nearby wine regions.

Grab a pair of binoculars and go for a birdwatching adventure – you might even spot an American Bald Eagle!

When it comes to shopping, restaurants, family fun, entertainment, culture, and the outdoors, the Excite Holidays team have picked out the best of the best to help agents design the trip of a lifetime for their clients.

Be sure to visit this page here to score big and create the best itineraries for your California-bound clients.