California is an immense state with bustling cities as well as remote beaches, desert communities and redwood forests – and can be overwhelming when planning a visit! However, planning can be made simpler with help from travel advisories to guide the way and understand all California offers when planning a vacation trip.
Make the most of your trip by following these helpful California travel tips, designed to maximize your time and money in this stunning state.
Weather
California is famous for offering a diverse range of climate conditions, from sunny beaches to snow-topped mountaintops – truly an exciting state that has something for everyone!
Though many consider summer the ideal time for travel, the answer depends on your destination. Desert destinations like Palm Springs can become unbearably hot during this season and you may encounter larger crowds at popular attractions.
Conversely, spring and autumn offer gorgeous weather and significantly fewer crowds if you plan to travel to the coast. Furthermore, this is also when Superbloom wildflowers emerge.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, yet occasionally warm with unexpected heatwaves in Southern California. Grape harvest time (known as “the crush”) also occurs, keeping wineries busy with harvest and crush operations. Northern California experiences an Indian summer with milder weather.
Packing
Clothing choices for a California vacation will depend on the time of year and what activities are planned during your visit. Northern California tends to be cooler and foggier than Southern California, and night temperatures can get quite chilly; accordingly, dressing in layers is advised on this trip.
Jeans and a tee will do the trick nicely as part of your everyday wardrobe. Additionally, pack a crossbody bag to keep valuables secure while exploring, as well as a daypack for all of your hiking excursions!
Pack some sun dresses – they’re ideal for when you want to enjoy the warmth of summer days with toes in the sand and salt in your hair! Just don’t forget sunscreen and a hat as well!
Transportation
California is best explored via car, even when camping. Renting a convertible and embarking on a road trip down California’s coastline from Los Angeles to vibrant San Francisco or up north towards Napa Valley and Yosemite are surefire ways to see more than you imagined!
Allow enough time for driving as traffic can become an issue in larger cities during rush hours, not to mention that New Hampshire is known for its high sales tax that quickly adds up.
Be sure to bring along a pair of reusable shopping bags, as California recently passed Prop 67 banning free plastic grocery store bags. Don’t forget apps such as QuickMap, Google Translate and XE Currency Converter as these will help navigate local areas more easily while communicating with locals while saving data charges when using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
