California is one of the most diverse and exciting places in the United States. With its stunning coastline, world-class cities, incredible natural parks, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no wonder that California is a must-visit on many traveler’s lists.
If you’re planning your first trip to California, there are a few things you should learn first, so you can have an amazing time without having to learn these lessons DURING your trip.
Since this is such a large and diverse state, you’re going to need to be armed with the best travel tips that will help you get around safely and easily, without mishaps. Here are 15 California travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure.
» You might be interested in Southern California vs Northern California: Which Destination is Right for You?
California Travel Tips
Don’t Try to Do Everything
California is a huge state and there is so much to see and do. If you’ve started planning a trip, you already know this. The distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles is 6 hours of driving, without traffic, and without stops.
If you’re thinking you can see it all, you’re going to be disappointed when Google tells you otherwise. My best tip for new visitors to California is “don’t try to do everything“.
I know that seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people try to plan a crazy trip that leaves them dissatisfied with the experience – and maybe even blaming California for it. I mean, that traffic!
Instead of rushing, pick a few key places you really want to visit and take the time to enjoy them. Road trips in California are usually designed so you can see a lot of things between 2 major cities. Here are a few of ours you might enjoy.
- 12 Epic California Road Trip Routes
- The Perfect San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- The Perfect Northern California Road Trip
- The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Plan According to the Season
California is vast and its weather can vary significantly from region to region. Coastal areas tend to have moderate temperatures year-round, while inland regions can experience scorching summers and cold winters.
Research the areas you plan to visit, including what the weather is both day and night. You might want to change your plans depending on the heat in a particular location. For instance, it can be quite cold in Joshua Tree in the winter, but it gets up to 100 degrees F during the summer. Maybe you want to go there during the shoulder season instead of July.
If you’re visiting Disneyland, remember that there are school holidays that make visiting there not so fun. Be sure to check school calendars and their own events calendar to know what you’re getting into.
Some areas in Northern California get a lot of snow during the winter and the season starts earlier and goes later than you might think. Be sure to check whether it’s likely your destination will have snow when you visit so you can plan accordingly.
- When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?
- When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
- When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
Rent a Car or RV
Public transportation can be limited, especially outside of major cities. If you plan on exploring multiple areas, you’ll need to rent a car for the most flexibility. Even inside of major cities, like Los Angeles and San Diego, the public transportation options are slim. You won’t necessarily be able to get around on foot or even by bus.
If you’re not sure, try to plan your city itinerary with public transportation options only, then you can add in a car for the days you think you might need to leave the city, or to see other areas further outside the city.
Since it costs quite a bit to park at hotels in the city, you might want to build your itinerary so that you will have a few car-free days in the city first, then rent a car for the day trips you might take later on.
We also recommend renting an RV if you’re planning to do California on a budget and stop at RV parks and campgrounds along your route.
Visit the National Parks
California is home to several national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree. Each park offers unique landscapes and activities, so try to visit at least one during your trip.
- National parks attract a huge number of visitors, so it’s best to arrive early so you can take in the scenery before the park fills with people and/or the parking lot fills up.
- If you plan to camp you should always book in advance. Few parks can accommodate last-minute bookings as they are already full.
- If you’re planning to visit a lot of California State Parks, you can save money by getting a California State Parks Pass in advance. Most parks charge $8-10 a day for parking. If you plan to visit many parks, it might be more economical to buy the pass for $125.
» You might be interested in the Best Stops on a San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip.
Respect the Environment
California is known for its commitment to sustainability. As a tourist, it’s your responsibility to maintain that standard where ever you’re visiting. You also need to be aware of any issues that a place may have and do your best to observe best practices.
In California that means you need to do your part to minimize water usage. There has been a drought in California for many years and even with recent rainfall levels, there is still a chance that drought continues. Residents are often under a water usage restriction, so you should be also.
Another important thing to remember when you’re hiking in California is to stay on marked trails and always leave with anything you brought. Leaving trash on the trail isn’t responsible or respectful. Trampling the wildflowers is also not respectful.
Try Local Cuisine
California is a food lover’s paradise, thanks to its diverse cultures and rich agricultural resources, from fresh seafood in coastal towns to Mexican food in Southern California and farm-to-table dishes in wine country. Here are some of the best places to visit and their local dishes:
- Los Angeles: Known for its multicultural food scene. Visit food trucks for authentic tacos and try Korean BBQ in K-town. Don’t miss out on the city’s famous sushi restaurants, and do try the French dip sandwich, a local classic.
- San Francisco: Known for its fresh seafood and unique fusion cuisine. Enjoy Dungeness crab, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and the iconic Mission-style burrito.
- Napa Valley: This area is renowned for its gourmet food scene to match its world-class wines. Dine on farm-to-table cuisine, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced dishes.
- San Diego: Famous for its Mexican-inspired cuisine. Try the local fish tacos, carne asada fries, and California burritos.
- Santa Barbara: Known for its fresh seafood. Enjoy local spiny lobster, sea urchin (“uni”), and Santa Maria-style BBQ, a local style of barbecue featuring tri-tip steak.
- Sacramento: Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento’s local cuisine is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Explore the Cities
As you know, California has many big cities that are actually some of the best cities to visit in the United States. I would recommend that you don’t just stick to one city during your visit. Each has its own vibe and attractions that make it unique and interesting.
San Francisco has its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Los Angeles is known for Hollywood and its beaches, while San Diego is famous for its beautiful harbor and world-class zoo.
Here are some of the city guides we’ve made so you can know what to see and do in each city.
- San Diego Trip Planner
- How to Spend 2 Days in Los Angeles
- How to Spend 2 Days in San Francisco
- How to Spend One Day in Santa Barbara
Book Accommodation in Advance
California is a popular tourist destination and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. While it might seem attractive to just arrive with a road trip plan and wing it as far as where you’ll stay each night, it’s not a great idea.
I get the appeal of wanting to stay flexible and just stop for the night when you feel like it, but that can lead you to have no place to stay in some areas. It’s better to build a rough daily plan for yourself and at least book the accommodations you need in each area.
- Best Disneyland Hotels Within Walking Distance
- Luxury Hotels in Santa Barbara
- Where to Stay in Yosemite
Don’t Miss the Coastal Drive
Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers one of the most scenic drives in the world. It hugs the coastline all the way up the state, with views you won’t believe until you see it for yourself.
If you ask me, this is one of the best road trips you can take anywhere in the United States. If you are looking for a great way to see California and haven’t settled on anything yet, I’d recommend this Highway 1 road trip website.
Plan for a slow drive, with plenty of stops to admire the views. If you can swing it, plan for 1-2 full weeks to really discover the best of the best along this route.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Traveling in sunny California requires some preparation to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Here are some tips:
- Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and remember to reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible to protect your skin. Clothes with a tight weave are better at blocking UV rays.
- Hats and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat can protect your face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays can protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them.
- Shade: Seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, remember that you can still get sunburned in the shade or on a cloudy day due to UV reflection.
- Hydrate: The sun and heat can dehydrate you quickly, especially when you’re active. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to stay hydrated.
- Check the UV Index: The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun.
Take Advantage of Free Activities
There are many free things to do in California. Enjoy a stroll on the beaches, visit free museums, or explore the many vibrant neighborhoods.
Prepare for Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a part of life in California. They’re usually small. In fact, I’ve lived here for a while and I still haven’t felt one in person. But that doesn’t mean the big one won’t happen while you’re visiting. It’s important to familiarize yourself with safety procedures, in case it does.
- Familiarize yourself with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol. If you feel shaking, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck (and as much of your body as you can) under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Know the safe spots in each room (under sturdy furniture, against inside walls) and danger zones (near windows, mirrors, or heavy furniture that could fall).
- Know the emergency procedures at your hotel or the place you’re staying. Identify safe places to meet outside, and establish a way to contact family or friends to let them know you’re safe.
- Consider having an emergency kit with you that includes items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a multi-tool, a portable charger for your phone, and any essential medication.
- There are several apps that provide real-time alerts about earthquakes, which can give you a few extra seconds to get to a safe spot.
- Before your trip, learn about earthquakes and what to do in the event of one. The more you know, the better you can react in a real situation.
Enjoy Local Wine
California is one of the top wine-producing regions in the world. There are so many of them that it would take quite a while to travel to them all. I know, we’ve tried.
Take the time to visit a winery, tour the vineyards, and of course, taste some wine. Wine tasting, though it can be expensive, is a time honored pastime in California. When the sun is out and the vineyard is full of ripe grapes, there’s just nothing better.
You might try booking a wine tasting tour. Santa Barbara has some great ones. Check them out here.
Here are a few of our favorite wine regions to visit in California:
- Where to Go Wine Tasting in Sonoma
- Where to Go Wine Tasting in Napa
- Wine Tasting Tours in Santa Barbara County
- The Best Wineries to Visit in Paso Robles
- Wineries to Visit in San Luis Obispo
- 10 Great Los Olivos Wine Tasting Rooms to Visit
Don’t Skip the Hike
California is nothing if not an outdoor paradise. The weather is great almost year round in many spots, particularly Southern California. Because of this, and the incredibly varied terrain, there are numerous options for hiking, no matter where you are.
We always recommend building a few hikes into your itinerary, even if you’re in the city. Did you know there are lots of hikes within a short distance of Los Angeles? You can go hiking in Yosemite or Joshua Tree, you can go hiking near San Diego, or near Santa Barbara. There are dozens of possibilities.
Enjoy the Beaches
California’s beaches are world-famous, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. Here are some tips:
- Choose the Right Beach: California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, and every beach has its own charm. Do some research to find a beach that fits your interests – whether that’s surfing, wildlife spotting, family activities, or simply relaxing.
- Safety First: Always pay attention to posted beach safety signs and flags. Watch out for rip currents and only swim in designated areas when lifeguards are present.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense on the beach. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapply regularly, and don’t forget your sunglasses and hat.
- Pack a Picnic: Many of California’s beaches have picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Explore Beyond the Sand: Many beaches are near hiking trails, parks, or towns with shops and restaurants. Consider renting a bike to explore the area or check out local wildlife on a nature trail.
- Leave No Trace: Help keep California’s beaches beautiful by packing out all trash and belongings at the end of the day.
- Plan for Weather: Even in sunny California, beach weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and be prepared with layers.
Visiting California for the first time is an exciting experience. With so much to see and do, it’s a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. These tips will help you plan and enjoy your trip to this beautiful and diverse state. Safe travels!
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.