It’s called the Golden State for a reason…
California will always hold a special place in our hearts because it’s where we met and fell in love! Scott’s from Huntington Beach, just southeast of Los Angeles, and Megan moved to Laguna Beach to pursue a career in fashion before our travel blogging days!
You can learn all about our time in California and what lead to our travel blog on our About Page, but California is where our love story all started and where we had one of our weddings on one of our favorite beaches by Megan’s old apartment.
Given that we’ve both spent significant chunks of our lives getting to call California home, we can safely say there’s a reason people flock here and want to stay! And despite now living on the East Coast, we make frequent trips back.
Because it’s such a long state (if you look at a map of the west coast, about 1/4 of the US coastline is shared between Washington and Oregon and then 3/4 is all California), there’s truly something for everyone. And anything we don’t have covered throughout our California travel guides, its on our to-do list!
There’s seriously so much to do and see in California, that even we, who collectively have lived here for a good portion of our lives, have so many more places to visit!
Quick Tips for Visiting California
When is the best time to visit California?
The best time to visit California is really any time of the year. California receives an average of 260 to 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places on the earth!
Keep in mind that Northern California and Southern California’s weather is very different. Northern California generally has a cooler, more temperate climate with frequent fog and cooler summers, while Southern California typically experiences warmer temperatures with less fog and milder winters, characterized by Mediterranean-like weather with dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
The least busiest times of year to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Keep in mind in Southern California, the months of May and June can by a bit gloomier! They are even nicknamed, “May Gray” and “June Gloom.” While I’d still say these are great times to visit, it might not be the sunny Southern California you’re thinking of during this time of year!
How much time do I need to visit California?
How much time you need for a visit in California depends on what you’re wanting to do and area you want to cover. California is a BIG state.
If you’re only visiting a city like San Francisco or Los Angeles, you can easily have a trip as little as 3-4 days. If you’re trying to do a California Coast road trip, you need a minimum of a week (if not more) to make stops at a comfortable pace.
We recommend spending no less than 7 days in California to plan an ample amount of sightseeing.
And just know, that even as locals and people who still frequent California, we still haven’t seen it all! So know that you’re going to always want to come back!
What is California most famous for?
California is famous for its diverse attractions, from stunning beaches along the Pacific Coast to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood sign.
California’s cities offer endless entertainment, cultural experiences, and a fantastic culinary scene. The state’s natural beauty encompasses 9 majestic national parks, scenic drives, world-class vineyards, mountains, islands, and MORE!
What’s the best way to get around California?
The best way to get around California is by car. This is definitely a driving destination and a HUGE state! You’re going to want the freedom of seeing the beauty of California, no matter which area you visit, by having a car.
There are a few exceptions, visiting San Francisco, you can use the local transportation and it is almost advised not to have a car in the city. Visiting places like Catalina Island, you won’t be permitted to bring a car.
However, for Los Angeles, since so much of the city and attractions here are spread out, we’d recommend having a car. Just avoid rush hour at all costs! (avoid driving around LA from 7 AM – 10 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM unless you don’t mind sitting in traffic).
Los Angeles also has an easy-to-use Metro Rail that’s affordable and an efficient way to get around the city to avoid traffic.
Trains are also an option, there’s the Pacific Surfliner and Amtrak that connect destinations in California. This is a nice way to get to a populous area, but anywhere else you’ll surely want a car to explore.
Must Try Food in California
California is a HUGE state so you can imagine the culinary offerings vary from city and region. I know I will miss a few here, but these are the dishes we recommend trying known to California.
San Francisco is famed for its sourdough bread, crafted using local yeasts and a process dating back to the Gold Rush era, the best place to get this is in Fisherman’s Wharf and trying a sourdough breadbowl with clam chowder.
Southern California, particularly Los Angeles and San Diego, is celebrated for its food truck scene, offering an array of cuisines like Korean tacos and gourmet burgers.
Napa Valley, renowned for its wineries, offers exquisite wine tastings and farm-to-table dining experiences. But Napa Valley isn’t the only place to enjoy wine in California, you also have excellent wine areas like Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Temecula to name a few.
Along the Central Coast in places like Monterey and Santa Barbara offer great fresh seafood, including abalone and local catches like Monterey Bay sardines. As you get further south, trying fish tacos is a must.
Throughout California, one of my favorite foods of all time are a staple, avocados! The state produces nearly 90% of the U.S. crop, making them a must-try in dishes ranging from guacamole to California-style sushi rolls.
And if you’re road tripping one of the BEST food stops around the entire state is In N Out Burger! Try one of their classic burgers, like a double double (double patty + double cheese) or their famous not-so-secret, secret menu.
Explore by AREA
California Road Trip
The state of California is one of the best road-tripping destinations in the world! Enjoy a California coast road trip from Northern California down to sunny Southern California.
Along the way stop at some of the most majestic California lighthouses, visit cool beach towns in California, and be sure to check out any of the nine national parks California has to offer.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most unique cities in the United States and truly one of our favorite city breaks. Not only is this a great starting point for exploring Northern California or making your way South, but San Francisco is home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz!
Be sure to take time to explore the great neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and Chinatown but you’re in for a treat when it comes to great seafood and sourdough bread, plus so much more!
Los Angeles
The city of angels! Home to Hollywood and so much more from great beaches, nightlife and entertainment, amusement parks, museums, and amazing viewpoints including spots like Griffith Park!
This city is huge and spread out, so you’ll want to use our guides to carefully plan what you’ll tackle on your visit including some of the most popular areas to visit like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills to name a few!
Orange County
Our old home! Orange County is just south of LA County and home to a more laidback, beach town vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
You’ll find some of the best beach towns the Golden State has to offer in this county from Seal Beach down to San Clemente. From spots like the surf scene at Huntington Beach, the ritz and glamour of Newport Beach, the incredible beaches of Laguna Beach, to the scenic views at Dana Point – there’s plenty of coastline to enjoy!
And don’t be afraid to head inland, spots like Costa Mesa offer a diverse array of dining options and shopping, Irvine for great shopping, and San Juan Capistrano for its historic Spanish Mission and charming town. Oh, and Disneyland is in Orange County in Anaheim!
Catalina Island
One place we return to over and over again when we visit California is Catalina Island, part of the Channel Islands and home to rugged nature, the adorable town of Avalon, and the resort town of Two Harbors.
While many people can enjoy a single day trip to Catalina Island, but the magic really happens when you slow down and come and spend a few days on the island. There’s so much to love here from the outdoors, watersports, views, food, and a small town that feels like you’re in a time capsule!
Palm Springs
Another place near and dear to us is Palm Springs, the oasis in the Sonoran Desert and a playground for celebrities during the mid-century.
Consider Palm Springs a mid-century time capsule with its impressive collection of MCM architecture, celebrity homes, and luxurious resorts.
There’s no shortage great outdoor activities to enjoy too with mountains and hiking nearby, easy access to Joshua Tree, and an easy visit to quirky California destinations like the Salton Sea.
San Diego
The most laidback city in California is without a doubt, San Diego! Located at the southernmost border with Mexico is this vibrant seaside destination full of activities to enjoy for all ages from family-friendly fun at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, fun nightlife around the Gaslamp Quarter, and traditional and historic sites around Old Town San Diego!
And don’t miss other incredible destinations in San Diego County along the coastline like Encinitas, Carlsbad, and the charming town of La Jolla.
Central California
Whether you’re doing a California road trip or looking to experience another great epicenter for wine in California, you won’t want to miss Central California!
Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you’ll find incredible outdoor destinations including Yosemite National Park and the cool, old gold mining towns around Tuolumne County.
Along the coast you’ll find cool spots in San Luis Obispo which has historic sites including Hearst Castle and its own wine country!
The Great Outdoors
Whether you’re into water sports like surfing, scuba diving, or fishing or mountainous outdoor activities from hiking, skiing, and biking California has it ALL.
With nine diverse national parks like Yosemite and its glorious valley, the desert landscapes of Death Valley, the unique trees at Joshua Tree, the marine sanctuary and otherworldly islands at the Channel Islands – there is no place on earth like California when it comes to nature!
