California
On this page you’ll find information about California, its different regions, and the most interesting places to visit.
Our family has lived in California for over 12 years, and during that time we’ve explored the state’s highlights more than once. We’ve visited all of California’s national parks and driven the famous Pacific Coast Highway from end to end.
California is the most populous state in the United States. It’s located on the West Coast along the Pacific Ocean. The state is especially known for its film industry in Hollywood and its tech companies in Silicon Valley.
One of its most important industries, however, is agriculture. California produces two-thirds of all the vegetables, fruits, and nuts in the United States. It’s also the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, and as much 81% if U.S. wine comes from California.
Regions
California has always attracted travelers because there truly is something for everyone. Broadly speaking, the state can be divided into Northern California, Southern California, and the Central Valley.
The most interesting places for visitors can be found along the coast as well as in the inland mountain regions. Wine lovers will find numerous wine regions throughout the state.
From a tourism perspective, California’s best-known cities are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. All of them are located along the coast, surrounded by beautiful scenery. California’s scenic coastal rod, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), is also on many bucket lists.
Inland, the landscapes are completely different. You’ll find mountains, green forests, giant redwoods, and sandy desert. The most famous of California’s national parks is probably Yosemite, but it’s just one of many spectacular parks.
Climate
Because of the ocean and the mountains, California has a microclimate. The weather can vary significantly even between nearby areas. During a ten-minute drive, temperatures can change by as much as 10 degrees. That’s why dressing in layers is always a good idea in California.
We always encourage our guests to bring a hoodie or jacket on day trips, even if it’s hot at home. San Francisco in particular is famous for its cold wind and quickly rolling for (Karl the Fog). The Pacific Ocean is also quite cold, so swimming is usually comfortable only during the warmest months of the year.
My favorite season in California is fall. It’s still warm but not too hot, and the harvest colors are beautiful everywhere.
In winter, from December to February, rainfall can be heavy depending on the year.
Spring is also a great time to visit, especially if you want to see waterfalls. Snow falls in the mountain during winter, and when it melts, it fills the waterfall in the parks.
In recent years, summer travel has been affected by severe wildfires. Even if you’re not near an active fire, smoke can travel long distances with the wind. Wildfire season typically lasts until October. Otherwise, summer is a lovely time to be in California.
Safety
California is relatively safe to visit. Like most large cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles both have their “rougher” areas.
In recent years, the number of homeless people has increased dramatically, and certain neighborhoods have become filled with drug use. These areas are not pleasant to walk in and can feel unsafe, especially in the evenings. Car break-ins are common, particularly in tourist areas and major cities.
For that reason, don’t leave anything visible in your rental car. If you must leave something inside, cover it with a blanket or keep it out of sight.
When choosing accommodation, read reviews carefully and pay attention to the neighborhood. Otherwise, in California, as elsewhere in the United States, common sense goes a long way.
Getting around
A car is an American’s best friend, and that’s true in California as well. Getting around without your own car is difficult, or at least very time-consuming.
Public transportation in the United States is not at a European level. While you may be able to get around large cities by train, metro, or bus, you won’t truly experience California without a car. We definitely recommend renting a car on for your trip.
Capital: Sacramento
Currency: U.S. dollar
Language: English
Nickname: The Golden State
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🇺🇸 OUR USA TRAVEL RESOURCES 🇺🇸
🗝 Hotels & Vacation Rentals: We usually find the best hotel deals here and also check this site.
Vacation homes and condos we book through VRBO.
🚗 Car Rentals: We compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars to find the best deals worldwide.
🗺 Tours & Activities: We usually book tours through Viator or GetYourGuide.
Both have huge selections and easy cancellation.
🎫 Concerts & Events: We buy event tickets through Ticketmaster, one of the most reliable platforms.
✈️ Flights & Online Security: We use VPN when searching for flights.
It can sometimes help finding better prices and also protects Wi-Fi when traveling.
📞 Travel eSIM & Data: For mobile data abroad, we use Yesim so we can navigate and stay connected.
🩹Travel Insurance: We always travel with insurance and use SafetyWing on our trips.
