CALIFORNIA ✦ TRIP PLANNING

Last Updated On: February 24, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

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About California:
The Golden State

California is called the Golden State because of its golden foothills and sunny climate. It’s the most diverse state in the country, with its population composed of nearly every major ethnic and racial group with an equally diverse landscape: from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east and the Redwood Forests in the north to the Mojave Desert in the south and a coastline dotted with picturesque beaches.

Located on the West Coast of the US, California sits next to the states of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and also shares a border with Mexico. Along the coast you’ll find the Pacific Ocean as well as some of the most iconic cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles (LA) and San Francisco (SF).

Some fast facts about California:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Capital: Sacramento
• Largest Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento
• Currency: US Dollar
• Climate: Mediterranean climate in the coastal regions, to alpine and arid climates in the central and eastern parts of the state
• Size: The size of the state of California is almost the same size as the country of France. To drive from Southernmost tip to Northernmost tip covers 1,100 miles or 1763 km and will take about 18 hours straight!
• Neighboring states & cities: Las Vegas – Nevada, Phoenix – Arizona, Portland – Oregon

Brief History of California

You may have picked up how California’s cities and towns somewhat sound Spanish. That is because they are! California was first colonized by the Spanish in the late 18th century and later on, became part of Mexico. In 1850, it became the 31st state of the United States. The culture and landscape reflect this history with many Mexican-inspired food like tacos and burritos being popular as well as cities named after Spanish cities and states. Its capital, Sacramento, is named after the city of Saint Sacrament in Mexico.

crash course on the geography & geology of California

It’s always good to get a general overview of a place before you start detailing your itinerary – this way you can efficiently plan your vacation by having a good sense of where everything is geographically. Pro tip: one thing I like to keep handy while I read through articles and itineraries is Google Maps – where I can plot every single place I’m interested in in real time to go back to after.

Big Cities in California

These major cities are the most popular destinations to visit in California due to their attractions and activities and are your best options as starting points on your trip. They are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento.

National Parks in California

California is the state with the most national parks in the United States with 9 out of 63 (as of 2022)! It goes without saying all of these places are absolutely worth a visit but if you don’t have at least a couple of weeks to drive around, keep reading to know which of these are my absolute MUSTS.

• Yosemite National Park
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Sequoia National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park

5 California Bucketlist Places

With so many incredible places to explore, it can be hard to narrow down which ones should make it onto your California bucketlist, especially when you’re on a limited timeframe so here are the best of the BEST places to include in your epic California itinerary.

big sur

I personally feel that there is no other place that best visually encapsulates California as Big Sur. This stunning stretch of coastline along Highway 1 is really one of the most beautiful places in California with its rugged cliffs and breathtaking views. It’s one of the best places in California to go on a road trip or a camping adventure.

• Region: Central California, south of San Francisco
• Best Time to Visit: April and May are the best months for visiting Big Sur for less crowds and better chances at clear weather
• Dayrip-able?: Yes, but it’s best experienced on a multi-day drive
• Recommended # of days: 2D1N
• Activities: Sightseeing, camping, hiking, photography
• Must see: Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls and Point Lobos
• Nearby cities: Monterey, Santa Cruz and Cambria

yosemite national park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in not just California but the entire United States and is a must-visit for any first-time visitor. With its stunning views of cascading waterfalls, towering granite peaks and lush meadows, it’s easy to understand why this park attracts millions of visitors each year. What’s great is you don’t need to do strenuous hikes or trails to get the best views so even if you have very little time to spare for a trip out here, I highly recommend that go for it!

• Region: Central California, east of San Francisco
• Best Time to Visit: Between April and October when the weather is warm and clear. Springtime to see the waterfalls in full force!
• Dayrip-able?: Yes, but best experienced in at least 3 days
• Recommended # of days: 3D2N
• Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, camping, photography, stargazing, rock climbing
• Must see: Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
• Nearby cities: Mariposa, Groveland and Oakhurst

sequoia national park

Another incredible national park in California is Sequoia National Park. Home to the world’s largest trees – the giant sequoias, this park is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. Not only will you stand in awe of these towering giants, but also have stunning views of deep ravines and jagged peaks to take in as well. Experiencing the scale of these trees in person is truly one of the best experiences you can have in California.

• Region: Central California, east of Fresno
• Best Time to Visit: Between May and September when the weather is warm and dry
• Dayrip-able?: Yes
• Recommended # of days: 2D1N
• What to do: Hiking, camping, wildlife watching, photography
• Must see: General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log
• Nearby cities: Three Rivers, Lemon Cove and Visalia

lake tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in California – even for locals. This clear blue lake surrounded by mountains and forests is perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, and swimming. It’s also a popular winter destination for snow sports.

• Region: Northern California, along the border of Nevada
• Best Time to Visit: June to August are the best time to visit to enjoy the warm waters of the lake and hike some trails
• Dayrip-able?: Yes, but best experienced in at least 3 days
• Recommended # of days: 3D2N
• Activities: Water activities in the summer, winter activities in winter, camping, hiking, photography
• Must see: Emerald Bay, Rubicon Trail, Secret Cove, Pebble Beach
• Nearby cities: South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Incline Village

san francisco

No trip to California would be complete without visiting San Francisco. This vibrant city has tons of attractions, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island and the historic cable cars that take you across the city. Among all major cities of California, San Francisco, in my opinion is potentially the most exciting – visually and historically. Enjoy the colorful architecture and the steepest hills you’ll ever see in a city!

• Region: Northern California, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean
• Best Time to Visit: Summer to Fall months for less rain and milder temperatures
• Dayrip-able?: Yes, to see highlights but best explored in at least 2 days
• Recommended # of days: 3D2N
• Activities: Sightseeing, dining, shopping, photography
• Must see: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street
• Nearby cities: Sausalito, Oakland and San Jose

BONUS: disneyland california

For families or those young at heart, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to Disneyland. This is not the biggest Disneyland in the United States, but it’s the very first. Here you’ll see the original Cinderella castle and even some of the original rides. Did you know this was the only Disneyland theme park overseen by Walt Disney himself? I mostly go to Disneyland for the snacks (post on this coming soon) but the addition of the new Star Wars neighborhood definitely brought in more exciting things to do in the park.

• Region: Southern California, about an hour from Los Angeles
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, major holidays for themed decorations (these days tend to be the busiest too)
• Day-trippable?: Yes
• Activities: Rides, dining, photography
• Must see: Star Wars, parade, fireworks
• Tickets: Disneyland Theme Park Tickets & Reservations
• Nearby cities: Los Angeles, Irvine, Laguna Beach

How to Plan a Trip to California

By now you probably already have a good idea about the size of California and the things you’re more interested to do. Trying to set-up your itinerary can be a bit overwhelming but with a little planning and research, you can easily make the the most out of your trip. The wealth of beautiful scenic views sprinkled throughout the state makes California a great destination for road trips and long drives – so if your schedule allows, take the scenic route and travel by land! Generally with as little as two weeks of time, you can explore a bit of everything from Southern to Northern California, but any less than that I would recommend focusing on a specific region or a few highlights to explore.

Driving in California

Unlike other cities in the US such as New York City or Washington D.C. which may be easier to navigate via public transport, not all of California is as easy to travel around especially if you want to visit several regions and national parks. So if you are planning on exploring all of California, it is recommended to get a rental car. Most airports have car rental options and you can also rent cars from local dealerships (airport deals are usually better). Make sure to do your research beforehand and compare prices to get the best deal. Expedia is a great place to start your search.

Make sure to check the rental company’s requirements before booking – this means looking into the cancellation policies, driving age requirements, insurance add-ons, etc. In general, you should be able to legally drive in California with a foreign license/out of state license – translations required if your document is not in English. When driving in a foreign place or country, make sure you are familiar with the traffic laws, road signs and speed limits to prevent costly fines. And always make sure to secure a rental with insurance for safety!

Where to Stay in California

When it comes to where to stay in California, you have a wide range of options depending on how much you want to spend and how far from the cities you want to be. Hotels are plentiful, especially near the major cities, but if you want more remote options, camping or AirBnbs work too. California has so many unique accommodations in the forest, desert, or beach and I always enjoy a bit of “window-shopping” accommodations myself to bookmark for future travel! Camping and RV rentals are also a very good option if you want to fully immerse yourself in nature.

California Tours

You’ll find so many tours from outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and skiing in the mountains, to inner-city exploration for those who love food, nightlife, and culture. To get the most out of your stay in California, you can considering booking some tours or day trips with companies that specialize in guided trips throughout the state. I personally prefer DIY trips as these allow the best flexibility in time and budget, but I also completely understand the allure of pre-booked tours. Trafalgar is always incredibly reliable for long, muti-day tours but can also be quite pricey. For a nice balance of flexibility and convenience, you can also consider having a “homebase” and book 1-2 day excursions at a time for harder to reach destinations. For these types of short tours Viator, GetYourGuide, or even Airbnb Experiences are great for more personal tours.

good things to know before you plan your trip to california

Language
The official language spoken in California is English. Most people also speak Spanish, but it varies depending on the region.

Currency & Payment Modes
The currency in California is the US Dollar and you can use your debit/credit card almost anywhere. Some smaller establishments will even be cashless, meaning you can only pay via card/contactless. It’s good to be prepared with both. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted – while some establishments may not accept AMEX. ATMs are common and major banks are Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.

Local Sim Card & Wi-Fi
Local sim cards can be purchased in most airport vending machines. They usually come with a certain amount of data and voice/text minutes included. Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, restaurants, and parks, but it’s always good to have your own data connection when in California as some more remote places might not have access to public Wi-Fi. Prepaid sim cards are available at T-Mobile.

Healthcare & Insurance
When it comes to vaccinations or health care, for most travelers, you should be good to go with your regular vaccinations. These can be different depending on your country of origin so always check ahead of time. Healthcare is also very expensive in the US so it’s also important to secure a travel insurance policy before you go in the case of unfortunate accidents or medical emergencies. And if applicable, always bring your prescription medication with you from your country of origin to avoid complications while in the US.

IDs & Identification
The drinking age in California and the US is 21 years old. Make sure to bring a valid form of identification with you to be able to purchase alcoholic beverages. Some establishments will require an ID with your date of birth, even if you look way past the age requirement – as protocol! To avoid disappointment, always be prepared.

Tipping
Tips are, in legal terms, not mandatory in the US but are somewhat expected especially for sit-down dining, as courtesy to individuals in service who are unfortunately paid minimum wage in the United States. Usual recommended tip is generally 15-20% of your pretax bill. Check your bill for any gratuities already added to your bill. In this situation you are not expected to tip, but are welcome to top-up if you really enjoyed the service.

Shopping & Tax
The sales tax rate in California is 8.75% and there may be additional county or city taxes depending on where you are staying.

Safety
When traveling to a foreign place, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautionary steps for safety. For California, the same applies – keep your valuables safe, stay with a companion or group at night and check out local travel advisories before exploring new areas. For outdoor excursions and activities, always check the governing website if applicable for any important announcements.

how to save money while exploring california?

The US can be an expensive place to travel and California prices relative to other states is also unfortunately more costly especially when it comes to food and gas! Below are some ways you can secure great deals and avoid unnecessary costs.

Online bookings
Save money by booking your accommodations & car rental EARLY. Not just a month, but WAY earlier if possible. You can always opt for free cancellation bookings in case of any changes to your trip.

Accommodations
If you’re flexible about your sleeping arrangements, consider staying in hostels or Airbnb options to save some money. Hotels can also be cheaper for larger groups as 2-person rooms can cost the same as 4-person rooms.

Parking
Bigger cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are notorious for their expensive parking. You will often run into parking spaces or garages with double digit fixed rates which may be convenient if you’re in a hurry or are a big group splitting between a number of people, but you will usually find free parking or metered parking spaces in adjacent streets which will cost you for much much less – think US$30 vs US$2! But, as always, it’s important to consider the security of your environment where you park – do the necessary research beforehand and always read any parking signs to avoid any fines.

Gas
If you’re driving, plan where to fuel up! Everywhere you go, always compare prices at different gas stations as this can save you a lot of money. Avoid more expensive areas of town like in the city – more suburban areas will usually have cheaper gas while remote locations with fewer gas stations such as inside national parks will also be more expensive so try to plan your fuel mileage accordingly.

Food
If you’re buying snacks for the road, consider grocery stores like Target or Walmart. These are some local stores with cheaper items and are pretty common in big towns. There are so many great places to eat, from food trucks to brunch cafes to fine dining. It’s always nice to find some balance especially when you’re always on the road without having to sacrifice experience.

California road trip itineraries at a glance

Planning a roadtrip in California is so much fun! If you ever decide to go this route (which I highly recommend), make sure to create an itinerary that allows plenty of time for sightseeing, breaks and activities along the way. It’s always good to allow some downtime to take in the views and really experience a place! Below are 3 iterations you can start to build on depending on how much time you have.

For 7 days –

Day 0-1: Los Angeles
Day 2-3: Big Sur
Day 4-5: San Francisco
Day 6: Yosemite National Park
Day 7: Los Angeles

For 10 days –

Day 0-1: Los Angeles
Day 2-3: Santa Barbara & Big Sur
Day 4-5: San Francisco
Day 6-7: Lake Tahoe
Day 8-9: Yosemite National Park
Day 10: Los Angeles

For 14 days –

Day 0-1: Los Angeles
Day 2-3: Santa Barbara & Big Sur
Day 4-5: San Francisco
Day 6: Napa Valley
Day 7-8: Lake Tahoe|
Day 9-10: Yosemite National Park
Day 11-12: Los Angeles
Day 13: Laguna Beach / OC
Day 14: Los Angeles

There can be SO many different iterations to this depending on how much time you want to spend in each place! Coming soon is my post on California Itinerary Ideas, where I go more into detail about these 3 options.

frequently asked questions

my go-to travel planning resources in the United States

conclusion

Planning a trip to California can be overwhelming but also incredibly exciting! From creating an itinerary and booking flights, to finding the best hotels or campgrounds and preparing for your travel insurance needs – there are so many factors that go into planning a successful trip. With careful research and preparation, you can make sure your California vacation is one for the books 😉