Where to Travel to in California: Your Ultimate Guide to the Golden State

California, a land of endless sunshine, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, truly offers something for every traveler. From the iconic beaches of Southern California to the majestic Redwood forests of the north, planning a trip to this vast state can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you navigate the Golden State and discover the perfect destinations for your next adventure.

The Best Time to Visit California

Sunset casting a warm glow over Big Bear Lake in California, surrounded by pine trees and silhouetted mountains.

One of the best things about California is that there’s really no bad time to visit. However, the best time depends on your interests and where you plan to go.

• Fall (late September/October): Arguably the best time for a statewide road trip. Desert towns cool down, Southern California beaches remain perfect, and Northern California experiences its “Indian Summers” with clear days and pleasant beach weather. Plus, you’ll encounter fewer tourists and potentially lower accommodation prices.
• Summer: Ideal for Southern California beaches, but be prepared for intense heat in desert destinations like Death Valley and Palm Springs. Northern California can be foggy during the summer months.
• Winter: The time to visit if skiing or snowboarding is on your agenda.
• Spring: A beautiful season, especially if you’re interested in witnessing the famous Superblooms.

Remember to research specific destinations to understand local weather patterns and plan accordingly.

Understanding California Weather

California boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. However, the sheer size of the state means that weather can vary significantly depending on location.

• Northern California: Expect frequent fog in the mornings, typically burning off by midday.
• Southern California (coast): Enjoy mild temperatures year-round, with highs in July/August and cooler temperatures in winter.
• Inland California: Experiences the most extreme temperature variations, with scorching summers in the deserts and freezing temperatures in the mountains during winter.

Seasonal Breakdown:

• Summer: Peak season with hot weather, especially along the coast. Southern California can reach the 80s and 90s, while inland areas can exceed 100 degrees. “June Gloom” can bring gray, overcast days to the Southern California coast.
• Fall: Ideal weather across much of the state. Southern California stays warm into October, and desert areas cool down. Northern California often enjoys sunny days in early autumn.
• Winter: The wettest season, with cooler temperatures, especially along the coast. Expect lows in the high 40s to low 50s in Los Angeles, with highs up to 69 degrees. Snowfall is common in the mountains.
• Spring: Wildflowers bloom, and temperatures range from 50-70 degrees.

Getting Around California

A long, straight paved road stretching through the arid landscape of Death Valley, California, under a clear blue sky.

California is perfect for road trips, but remember it’s a big state. Driving from top to bottom takes about 12 hours (without traffic), so covering the entire state in a week isn’t realistic.

• Road Trip: Fly into a major city (San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Francisco) and rent a car. Rentalcars.com is a popular option for rentals.
• City Exploration: Public transport and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) can work, especially in San Francisco. However, a car is generally recommended for Los Angeles and San Diego.
• Southern California City Hopping: Consider the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak train which runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with stops in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

What to Pack for California

Layers and a laid-back style are key for packing for California. Think shorts, long pants, light jackets, sweaters, tanks, tees, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.

• Warm Weather Essentials:
  • 2-3 t-shirts and/or tank tops
  • 1 long sleeve shirt
  • Jackets/sweaters
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Denim shorts
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • Flip flops
  • Flat sandals
  • Walking shoes
  • Swimsuit
  • Beach coverup
  • Sundresses
  • 1-2 nicer outfits
  • Crossbody bag/tote
  • Day backpack
  • Smaller bag for evening
  • SPF
  • Insulated water bottle
  • Beach towel/blanket
  • Book
  • Hiking shoes
  • Yoga pants/athleisure
  • Makeup/toiletries
  • Body lotion
  • Socks
  • Underwear/bras
  • Hair ties
  • Pajamas
  • Camera
• Winter Essentials:
  • Layers (t-shirts, tanks)
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Warmer jackets (leather, peacoats, shearling)
  • Cozy sweaters
  • Sunglasses
  • Winter hat (for mountains/high desert)
  • 1-2 pairs of jeans/pants
  • Boots
  • Winter boots (for mountains)
  • Walking shoes
  • 1-2 nicer outfits
  • Crossbody bag/tote
  • Day backpack
  • Smaller bag for evening
  • SPF
  • Insulated water bottle
  • Book
  • Hiking shoes
  • Yoga pants/athleisure
  • Makeup/toiletries
  • Body lotion
  • Socks (wool socks for mountains)
  • Underwear/bras
  • Hair ties
  • Pajamas
  • Mittens (for mountains/high desert)
  • Camera

Budgeting for Your California Trip

California isn’t a cheap destination, especially if you plan on staying in hotels, eating at nice restaurants, and enjoying various activities.

• Accommodation: Expect to spend at least $100/night for basic lodging. Design-centric hotels and high-end resorts can cost $300+/night.
• Food: Dinner at a nice restaurant in Los Angeles can easily exceed $60/person. Lunch and breakfast options can range from $20-$30.
• Daily Budget: Aim for a minimum of $200/day, factoring in accommodation and planned activities.

Estimated Prices for Popular Attractions:

• Yosemite National Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle
• Disneyland day passes: Start at $139/person
• Alcatraz tour: Approximately $78/person
• Hearst Castle tours: Starting at $25/person
• Napa wine tastings: Average cost is about $20 per tasting/person
• Skyspace Los Angeles tickets: Start at $28/person
• Sequoia National Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle
• Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle

Tips for Planning Your California Itinerary

1. Start with the Fixed Details: Dates, booked flights, available time.
2. Create a California Bucket List: Use Google Maps as a trip planner to visualize locations and proximity.
3. Piece Together Your Itinerary: Factor in driving times (essential for California trips).
4. Whittle Down Your List: Prioritize and edit your itinerary based on available time.
5. Spend at least 2 Nights in Each Area: Avoid driving fatigue and allow time for exploration.

Driving Times Between Popular Destinations:

• Los Angeles to San Diego: 120 miles (about 2.5 hours)
• Los Angeles to Palm Springs: 105 miles (about 2 hours)
• Los Angeles to Big Sur: 297 miles (5.5 hours)
• Los Angeles to Santa Barbara: 95 miles (about 2 hours)
• Los Angeles to San Francisco: 387 miles (about 5 hours, 40 minutes)
• San Francisco to Napa: 50 miles (1 hour)
• San Francisco to Yosemite: 200 miles (3.5 hours)
• San Francisco to Big Sur: 146 miles (2.5 hours)
• San Francisco to the Mendocino Coast: 163 miles (about 3 hours)
• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe: 272 miles (4 hours, 20 minutes)
• San Diego to Joshua Tree: 166 miles (2.5 hours)

Finding the Best Accommodation in California

The exterior of the Cuyama Buckhorn roadside motel in Cuyama, California, showcasing its renovated facade and desert setting.

California offers a wide variety of accommodation styles, from hotels and home rentals in major cities to quirky motels and bed and breakfasts in smaller towns.

• Diverse Options: Sprawling resorts, rustic cabins, trendy Airbnbs (especially in Joshua Tree), lodges, traditional camping, and glamping options (yurts, airstreams).

Recommended Accommodation Booking Sites:

• Booking.com: Wide variety of options with extensive filters.
• Airbnb: Home rentals ranging from treehouses to luxury villas.
• Hotel Tonight: Last-minute deals on top-rated hotels.
• Plum Guide: Curated selection of unique and beautiful vacation rentals.

California Travel Dos and Don’ts

The Dos:

• Factor in traffic when calculating driving times (especially near Los Angeles). Use Waze.
• Pack layers.
• Allow time for spontaneity.
• Plan using Google Maps trip planner.
• Purchase an America the Beautiful annual parks pass if visiting 3+ National Parks.
• Budget some wiggle room.
• Tip appropriately (20% standard).
• Embrace California’s healthy lifestyle (farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, yoga).

The Don’ts:

• Try to do it all.
• Forget that it snows in parts of California.
• Fall for tourist traps.
• Pack your days too tightly.

Where to Visit in California Based on Your Travel Style

A woman relaxes in a deck chair outside a tiny cabin at Getaway House Big Bear, surrounded by trees and nature.

Top Activities to Check Off Your California Bucket List

1. Venice Beach Boardwalk, Los Angeles
2. Alcatraz, San Francisco
3. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
4. The Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
5. Disneyland, Orange County
6. Yosemite National Park
7. Salvation Mountain, Calipatria

A vibrant photo of Salvation Mountain and a painted car at its base, showcasing the colorful folk art installation in Calipatria, California.

8. Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
9. McWay Falls, Big Sur
10. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park
11. Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel

A view through the iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes, California, with sunlight streaming through the trees and creating a picturesque scene.

12. Badwater Basin, Death Valley
13. Pioneertown
14. The Santa Monica Pier
15. Historic Route 66
16. Griffith Park Observatory, Los Angeles
17. Wine Tasting
18. The Painted Ladies, San Francisco
19. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Los Angeles
20. Joshua Tree National Park

My Personal Favorite Areas of California

• Venice Beach: Quirky beach town with creative energy. Visit the Venice Boardwalk, Great White (for breakfast burritos), and Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
• Palm Springs: Chilled-out desert escape with mid-century modern architecture, hiking, and hip restaurants.
• Joshua Tree: Like Palm Spring’s funky cousin. Take in the landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, explore Pioneertown, and enjoy local diners and cafes.

A vibrant street scene in Palm Springs, California, featuring palm trees, colorful buildings, and a clear blue sky.

• Death Valley National Park: Varied landscapes, perfect for photographers. Climb the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, explore Badwater Basin, and watch the sunset over Zabriskie Point.
• Big Sur: Rugged coastline, forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
• Trinidad: Beautiful coastline and access to Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t miss College Cove and Moonstone Beach.
• Laguna Beach: SoCal surfer vibes with stunning beaches, beautiful weather, and a relaxed atmosphere.

5 Epic California Road Trip Ideas

• The Desert Road Trip: Los Angeles, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Salvation Mountain, Death Valley, Alabama Hills
• The Coastal Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco, Point Reyes, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Trinidad

A view of Fern Canyon in Northern California, with lush green ferns covering the canyon walls and creating a magical, natural tunnel.

• Pacific Coast Highway From Los Angeles to Big Sur: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, Carmel
• Central Coast Loop: Ojai, Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles

A group of women enjoy a wine tasting at Twomey Vineyards in Paso Robles wine country, California.

• The National Parks Road Trip: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yosemite

With its diverse landscapes and endless possibilities, California promises an unforgettable adventure. Use this guide as a starting point, and tailor your itinerary to your interests and travel style. The Golden State awaits!