HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA?

CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE

A state on the west coast of America, where ocean and desert, palm trees and giant sequoias intertwine… California is the third largest state in the USA, a huge state stretching along the Pacific Ocean. While one end extends to its neighbor Mexico, the other end extends to Oregon with its lush forests and mountainous structure. Whatever your interests or travel style, you can definitely find a route worth planning here. The heart of the movie industry , Los Angeles , San Diego, San Francisco , fairytale beach towns, vineyards, desert oases and endless coastal roads…

My love for California began with my first road trip. The sights I saw along the way, the friendly people I met, and the changing atmosphere in each city made this state not just a route, but an experience . If you are planning a California trip or wondering where to go, this guide is for you.

In this article, I will explain all the details such as when to go to California, what places to see, what route to follow, how many days to spend where, combined with my own experiences. If you are ready, let's set off together to the most colorful and diverse state in America! 🚗✨

California will become one of your favorite places in the world! 🌞

✨ CALIFORNIA TRIP PLAN:

How to travel, how many days and how should transportation be?

California is one of the best places in America for an epic road trip. But remember, this is a state that takes a serious amount of time to get from one end to the other! When you look at the map, it may seem like “Oh, everything is close together,” but even if you drive non-stop from north to south, it takes about 12 hours—assuming you don’t get stuck in traffic!

So if you are planning on doing just one week, don’t set a goal like “I can do all of California in one trip” ; you will get tired and won’t be able to enjoy the places you visit. It is best to choose few but meaningful stops and travel slowly!

Start with these questions:

• Do you have specific vacation leave dates?

• Have you purchased your plane ticket or are you starting from a specific city?

• How many days in total will your trip last?

Once you have these constants figured out, you can easily tailor your trip to everything else. Then make a list of places you want to see in California. I usually use Google Maps for this step. Visually planning the entire route by marking them on the map helps you understand which cities are close to each other.

If you want to start somewhere; first decide whether you will start from the north or the south. Then review the places you marked in terms of duration and route. Because realistically, if you set out with the goal of seeing everywhere in California, most of your vacation will be spent on the road, and you may need to simplify your route by eliminating some stops. Yes, it will be difficult because every place on this route is beautiful!

Let me give you a tip: I try to plan a minimum of 2 nights for each city. This is the ideal amount of time to both avoid getting lost on the road and to “really” explore the place I’m going to. Because California is not a place you can just “pass through”; each city has its own spirit, energy and hidden corners.

Let's not forget: California is a beautiful but expensive destination. But it's all about budget management. You can have a luxurious vacation or spend legendary days in a camping tent. So don't think "it's expensive, you can't go"; the experience is completely shaped by what kind of vacation you want.

Don’t get bogged down in the details when planning, but do have a general framework. California is a place that welcomes spontaneous exploration—sometimes the best moments are the ones not on the map!

In summary; Start with the dates you have, determine the stops you dream of on the map, then shape your journey step by step by dividing it into days. Don't forget to take into account transportation time, time spent on the road and breaks. If there are many places to visit in California but your time is limited, it is essential to determine and simplify your priorities.

📅 How Many Days Should I Allocate for California?

California is a big state and offers a variety of experiences. The recommended times below are ideal for a classic route:

Area	Recommended Day
Los Angeles	3-4 days
San Francisco	2-3 days
San Diego	2-3 days
Yosemite or Joshua Tree	2 days
Highway 1 (Coastal Road)	2 days
Total Recommended Time: 10-14 days

🏙️ California City by City: Places to Visit

California is such a state that each city has its own character, spirit and story. Some smell of the sea, some are surrounded by red trees. Some have Hollywood glamour, while others have coffee sipped in shabby cafes. Let's explore the most popular cities in California now!

🌴 Los Angeles: Capital of Dreams

When you think of LA, the Hollywood sign, rollerbladers on the coastline, and giant palm trees immediately come to mind, but the city is much more than that.

📝 Places to Visit:

• Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach

• Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

• Griffith Observatory (Best view for a Hollywood article!)

• The Grove open air shopping area

• LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

🌉 San Francisco: Dream on the Hills

With its bridges, foggy mornings, hilly streets and vintage streetcars, San Francisco is one of California's most iconic cities.

📝 Places to Visit:

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf

• Alcatraz Island

• Mission District & mural street art

• Painted Ladies

🎲 San Diego

• Balboa Park: Gardens, museums, San Diego Zoo

• La Jolla: Beaches and sea caves

• Old Town: Historic district with Mexican influences

  
  

🌺 Santa Barbara: American Riviera

With its historic Spanish architecture, vineyards and bohemian atmosphere, Santa Barbara is both a romantic getaway and a pleasant break.

📝 Places to Visit:

• Boutique tour on State Street

• Mission Santa Barbara

• Art galleries and wine tasting in the Funk Zone

• Sunset at Hendry's Beach

🎒 Solvang: California's Danish Village

Pastel colored houses, mills and butter cookies... If you want to get a European feel without going to Europe, Solvang is waiting for you.

📝 Places to Visit:

• Danish Village Bakery

• Elverhoj Museum

• Wine tasting rooms

🌲 Big Sur: Nature, Sea, Silence

Perhaps the most stunning part of the California coast, it’s a fascinating experience with winding roads that wind between the mountains and the ocean.

📝 Places to Visit:

• Bixby Creek Bridge

• McWay Falls

• Pfeiffer Beach

• Henry Miller Library

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🛣️ How to Travel?

If you want to turn your dream California trip into a road trip , the best thing to do is fly into a big city like San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Francisco and rent a car from there. Our favorite for car rentals is Rentalcars.com —it’s easy to compare prices and reliable.

But let's say you're only going to stay in one city and don't want to bother with renting a car, no problem! Especially in big cities, you can get around very easily thanks to public transportation and apps like Uber and Lyft .

The best city in California for public transportation is definitely San Francisco. You can explore the city easily by subway, tram, bus. But in more spread out cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, I would definitely recommend renting a car. You will save time and you will be able to change direction freely when you say “should we go there?”

If you don’t want to drive but still plan on getting between Southern California cities, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a great alternative. This train line runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, stopping in cities like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara along the way. The scenery is beautiful and the ride is fun!

🚗 Transportation in California: Is Renting a Car Necessary?

Let's face it: California is not an easy place to get around without a car. Especially if you're planning a travel route, public transportation is often inadequate. And when I was going to get my American visa, when they asked me where I was going specifically, and I said California, they asked me if I was planning on renting a car. Since we had already planned our trip when we applied for the visa, my answer was yes. When I thought about it later, the real purpose of this question was to ask whether I knew that this state was impossible to get around without a car, whether I had really researched it.

Therefore, I think the answer to the question “ Is it necessary to rent a car? ” is clear: Yes!

Why Should You Rent a Car?

• Distances are long. Even places that appear close to each other on the map can take 2-3 hours to drive.

• The scenic roads are amazing. Especially routes like the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) are not just transportation, they are an experience in themselves!

• Flexibility. You see a view and you want to stop and take a photo… or you want to leave early in the morning. Public transport doesn’t really cater to that.

• Small coastal towns, national parks, vineyards, etc. are places that are hard to reach by public transport or tours. With a car, you can explore at your own pace.

What You Need to Know When Renting a Car

• Automatic transmission is standard. Even if you drive a manual in Turkey, almost all the cars here are automatic.

• A driver's license is sufficient. You can rent a car for short trips with a Turkish driver's license. However, check in advance as it varies from company to company.

• Insurance is important. If your credit card provides insurance, you may be able to avoid paying extra fees. However, be sure to check the coverage.

• Age restrictions. Drivers under 25 years of age are generally charged an additional fee.

Driving Tips

• In California, the roads are wide, the signs are clear, and the driving culture is pretty laid back.

• Apps like Google Maps or Waze are a lifesaver for planning routes—especially since they show traffic conditions.

• City parking can be expensive and limited, and parking apps (like SpotHero, ParkWhiz) can make things easier, especially in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

• Gas stations are few and far between along the Pacific Coast Highway (especially around Big Sur), and prices are high, so keep an eye on your fuel levels.

Alternative Transportation Options

If driving the full route seems daunting:

• You can consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another (one-way rental), but be aware that this may incur additional fees.

• There are also Amtrak trains between major cities , but the routes are limited and inflexible in terms of timing.

• Tours or shuttle services are available in some areas but can make spontaneous planning difficult.

Driving times between popular destinations can help you better understand distances in California.

🚗 Driving Distances and Times:

• Los Angeles ➝ San Diego : 193 km – approximately 2.5 hours

• Los Angeles ➝ Palm Springs : 169 km – approximately 2 hours

• Los Angeles ➝ Big Sur : 478 km – approximately 5.5 hours

• Los Angeles ➝ Santa Barbara : 153 km – approximately 2 hours

• Los Angeles ➝ San Francisco : 623 km – approximately 5 hours 40 minutes

• San Francisco ➝ Napa : 80 km – approximately 1 hour

• San Francisco ➝ Yosemite National Park : 322 km – approximately 3.5 hours

• San Francisco ➝ Big Sur : 235 km – approximately 2.5 hours

• San Francisco ➝ Mendocino Coast : 262 km – approximately 3 hours

• San Francisco ➝ Lake Tahoe : 437 km – approximately 4 hours 20 minutes

• San Diego ➝ Joshua Tree National Park : 267 km – approximately 2.5 hours

These estimated times are based on traffic conditions. Please note that these times can be significantly longer during rush hour, especially around Los Angeles and San Francisco. When planning your trip, it’s important to factor in factors such as traffic, rest stops, and scenic stops.

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🗺️ Traveling in California: What is the Most Beautiful Route?

In a vast state like California, choosing the right route directly affects the quality of your trip. Because this is a place where you can watch the sunset by the ocean on one day, hike in a desert valley on the next, and then climb up into the mountains and see the snow. That’s why there’s no “one right route” in California—but my favorite route is the famous road that follows the coastline: Pacific Coast Highway!

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1): A Legendary Route 🚙

This coastal route, which stretches from Los Angeles to San Francisco and intertwines with the ocean, is, in my opinion, the best way to truly experience California. Each stop along the way has a different view, and each town has a different spirit. If you have time, I would definitely recommend taking this route in , not as a day trip .

Route suggestion:

• Start: Los Angeles (Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu)

• Stop 1: Santa Barbara – Pastel buildings, vineyards, and beaches await you in this city known as the “American Riviera.”

• Stop 2: Solvang – Like a small European village!

• Stop 3: Pismo Beach – Famous for its clam chowder soup.

• Stop 4: San Luis Obispo – Colorful night market, Madonna Inn.

• Stop 5: Morro Bay – Giant cliff and a cute port town.

• Stop 6: Big Sur – Dreamy landscapes, redwood forests and cliffs.

• Stop 7: Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey – Art galleries, cute cafes, historic streets.

• Finish: San Francisco – Golden Bridge, Alcatraz, slopes and much more.

Who is this route suitable for?

• It is perfect for those who come to California for the first time because it is a combination of nature, city life and coastal towns.

• For photography lovers, the landscapes are magnificent, you may want to stop and capture a frame at any moment.

  
  

Alternative Routes?

If you are planning a nature-oriented route:

• I recommend the Yosemite – Sequoia – Lake Tahoe route, which is especially great in the spring or fall.

For those who love desert air:

• The Palm Springs – Joshua Tree – Death Valley trio offers an experience that is both photogenic and mystical.

For Northern California's wine route :

• Napa & Sonoma Valleys are a great alternative for gastronomy and grape harvest lovers.

• Temecula, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Ynez Valley

  
  

Northern California Coastal Journey;

Perfect for nature lovers! This route includes stunning coastlines and giant sequoia forests.

• San Francisco → Point Reyes → Mendocino → Fort Bragg → Trinidad

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📍 Places to Visit in California Based on Your Travel Style

❄️ Best Routes for Winter

• Big Bear

• Mammoth Mountain

• Lake Tahoe

🌊 Beautiful Beach Getaways

• Mendocino

• Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Catalina Island

• Trinidad

• Laguna Beach

• Point Reyes

• Big Sur

🌵 Desert Inspired Places

• Joshua Tree

• Palm Springs

• Death Valley

• Red Rock Canyon State Park

• Anza Borrego State Park

🌄 Hidden Places (Far from the crowds, for exploration)

• Los Alamos

• Cuyama Valley

• Alabama Hills

• Fort Bragg

• Idyllwild

• Elk

🌿 Peaceful Escape Points

• Ojai

• Big Sur

• Malibu

• Carmel-by-the-Sea

🏞️ National Parks

• Death Valley

• Joshua Tree

• Yosemite

• Redwood National Park

• Channel Islands

• Sequoia

• Kings Canyon

• Pinnacles

• Lassen Volcanic National Park

🎶 Music Festivals

• Coachella

• Outside Lands

• FYF Fest

• Stagecoach

• Lightning in a Bottle

• BottleRock Napa Valley

• CRSSD Festival

• KAABOO

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☀️ California Climate and Weather: When to Go?

California has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. But the state is so large that you can expect foggy mornings in the north and hot enough to swim in the sea in the south.

☁️ Northern & Southern California Weather Differences

Morning fog is common in Northern California—especially in San Francisco. But it usually clears by midday, giving way to clear skies. San Francisco can be chilly even in the summer, so keep a cardigan in your bag for all seasons!

Southern California is relatively mild year-round, with daytime temperatures along the coast generally ranging from 20–30°C, though nights can be a bit chilly.

Inland California, temperature differences are even more pronounced, with desert areas scorching hot in the summer (Death Valley has the highest temperature ever recorded) and high desert and mountain areas experiencing freezing temperatures in the winter.

But let's not forget this: California is a huge state and the weather can vary greatly from region to region. The further south you go, the summer weather will be there, the further north you go, the more you'll need a coat. So be sure to check the weather conditions of your planned stops before you go.

Generally speaking, there is no “bad time” to travel in California. Yes, some months are better for certain areas, but almost any time of year is open for exploration.

🍁 Autumn (September – November)

My favorite time of year in California is fall . While the desert towns cool down in late September through early October, Southern California is still great for swimming. This is also when hotel prices drop and crowds are thinner—it’s both affordable and relaxing. San Francisco has what’s called an “Indian Summer,” and you’ll get some of the sunniest days in the city. You can still experience beach weather in October. A fall hike in Yosemite Valley is also a great idea!

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Southern California during the fall is to attend one of the many food festivals. Two of my favorites are the California Lemon Festival in Goleta in October and the Taste of Downtown in San Diego in early September.

You can also research the Queen Mary Dark Harbor event.

🌸 Spring (March – May)

Spring is the mildest and most peaceful time in California. The tourist crowds have not yet started, prices are more affordable and nature is awakening. April is the time when the desert regions experience a “Superbloom” or an explosion of wild flowers!

Museum Day Live , organized by Smithsonian magazine, takes place throughout Los Angeles in mid-March and offers free admission to many museums.

Festival season starts early here! Coachella and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, held in inner-Los Angeles in April, are two of the spring’s highlights. Lesser-known but equally enjoyable, the Rooftop Cinema festival brings classic films to moviegoers on rooftops throughout Hollywood throughout April.

Don't miss the three-day Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo event in San Diego! It offers an unforgettable experience with its colorful atmosphere and energetic celebrations.

☀️ Summer (June – September)

Summer starts a bit late in California. You might be surprised by the cool and misty weather in May and June . The real heat comes between July and September . However, if you are thinking of going to desert areas in July and August, be careful - or don't go :) Places like Palm Springs or Death Valley can be extremely hot.

This is the peak tourist season in California because the state’s popular beaches experience the warmest weather. Temperatures in Southern California typically reach 26-35°C, while inland areas can reach over 38°C. Southern California experiences a weather phenomenon called “June Gloom” at the beginning of summer. During this time, the coast can be gray and overcast in the morning, and can clear up during the day, sometimes making the entire day gloomy. Remember, it can be cool along the coast at night.

❄️ Winter (December – February)

Winter in California is relatively mild compared to most states, but it is also the time of year when precipitation is heaviest. Coastal cities don't get much snow, but ski season begins in high-altitude areas like Big Bear, Lake Tahoe, and Mammoth.

Southern California is sunny in the winter too! Daytime temperatures can reach around 20°C. And yes, some days you can wear a t-shirt even in the middle of winter. Heat waves, especially in mid-January, can be surprising. One of the things you should definitely try during the winter months: whale watching tours . Between December and March, tens of thousands of gray whales pass off the coast of California.

The festival atmosphere is also not missing in the winter with the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It is possible to find film, art, culture and sun all together. The Palm Springs International Film Festival, which starts in January, opens the festival season. This event, which is a favorite of industry insiders, is a must-see experience for movie enthusiasts.

In short, there is no bad time to explore California. But if you ask me, the best time is fall: the weather is great, the crowds are less, and the prices are more reasonable.

However, it is still useful to adjust the time according to your route:

• If you want to ski in winter, go north,

• If you want a beach holiday, go south in the summer,

• If you want to see nature at its most beautiful, head towards spring.

But no matter what month you go, the weather can be variable . It's a classic California situation to go out in the morning with the sun and search for a coat in the evening.

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🌟 Accommodation in California

There are accommodation options in California that appeal to every taste and budget. In big cities, there are many hotel and house rental options, while in smaller towns, more intimate motels or local bed & breakfasts are usually prominent. The booking sites I use and recommend most when traveling in California are: Booking.com , Airbnb

These two platforms cater to every travel style and budget in California. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay in nature or in the city, you can book your stay with confidence.

🌴 Different Accommodation Styles:

• Large resorts abound in California.

• A rustic chalet (cabin) atmosphere is also possible.

• Places like Joshua Tree , in particular, have become famous in recent years for their cool Airbnb homes with unique architecture and a desert spirit .

🏕️ Accommodation surrounded by nature:

In nature-oriented destinations,

• Rustic mountain cabins ,

• Classic camping areas ,

• Or you can find a more comfortable option called glamping (luxury camping) . (Yurts, Airstream caravans etc.)

When deciding where to stay in California, there is accommodation for every type of traveler, whether you are looking for a peaceful campground in the middle of nature, a modern hotel in the heart of the city, or a quirky and creative Airbnb home.

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🧳 Packing & What to Wear for a Trip to California?

When planning a trip to California, packing your suitcase requires some strategy because the weather in this state varies from region to region and can even change during the day. It can be cool in the morning, hot in the afternoon, and windy and cool in the evening. People here generally dress in a relaxed and casual manner. So unless you plan on attending the Oscars, there’s no need to pack too formal or extravagant clothes. In fact, you’ll see people wearing jeans even in the most luxurious restaurants in Los Angeles. Comfort is a philosophy of life here!

👕 What to Wear?

• T-shirts & Undershirts: You should wear light clothes while enjoying the sun during the day. A jacket or light sweater that is compatible with thin pieces such as T-shirts and undershirts and that you can wear when necessary should definitely go into your suitcase.

• Thin Jacket / Sweatshirt: This will come in handy especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Jeans & Comfortable Trousers: The most life-saving pieces for both city trips and travels.

• Comfortable Shoes: Exploring California means lots of walking. Sneakers are a must.

• Beachwear: Depending on the season you will be going, bikinis, swimsuits and flip-flops should be put in your suitcase.

• Chic but Simple Outfits: If you are going to a restaurant or event in the evening, a simple but stylish combination will suffice. Even in LA, you will see many people wearing blazers over jeans.

🧢 Must Haves

• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Hat, Small Backpack or Waist Pack

💡 A Little Note From My Own Experience

When I pack my suitcase, I put clothes in groups according to my route. For example, creating separate combinations for the desert region and the beach region makes my job much easier. In this way, it is also faster to make a choice according to the weather of the day, and if you are going to the desert regions in the summer, I recommend that you choose clothes that are breathable and suitable for extreme heat . That heat is on another level!

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California Travel Tips

California is a fascinating, colorful, huge state… But the truth is, in order to experience these beauties comfortably, it is necessary to know a few critical details before setting off. Here are some tips from my experiences and research:

🚗 Renting a Car Is Like a Must

In California, public transportation is possible but limited between cities. If your plan is to explore the coastline, hit hidden beaches, or watch the sunset over the mountains, renting a car definitely makes the most sense.

📍 Extra note: If you are going to drive on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), it is more advantageous to rent a car from north to south (like San Francisco → Los Angeles). This way, the ocean is always on your right!

• Parking: Pay attention to parking rules in the city!

  
  

⛽ Be Smart About Gas

Gas stations can be hard to find—or expensive, especially in isolated, nature-filled areas like Big Sur. So map out spots where you might run out of gas beforehand and fill up whenever you can.

🧥 Weather is Changeable, Dress in Layers

California weather can be beachy in the morning, T-shirts in the afternoon, and jackets in the evening. Especially in northern cities like San Francisco, the weather can change in an instant. Pack both summer and a few seasonal items. Keep sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen in your bag for all seasons!

🍽️ Food and Drink Paradise: But Look Before You Go

From vegan menus to taco trucks, farm-to-table restaurants to Michelin-starred cuisine, California has something for every palate—but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance, especially for popular restaurants.

📱 Internet & Navigation

Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze are lifesavers. However, in rural areas, internet reception may not be available. So I strongly recommend downloading offline maps. It is especially useful in places like Big Sur and Joshua Tree.

🧾 Get Ready for the Tax and Tip System

In California, the prices you see in stores do not include tax. An additional 7-10% tax is added at the checkout. Also, tipping is very common in places like restaurants, cafes and bars. Leaving a tip of 15-20% is considered an expected behavior.

Credit Cards and ATMs: You can pay for almost anything with a credit card in California. ATMs are common , and most businesses accept Mastercard, Visa, and American Express (AMEX) .

📸 Photo-Stopping Landscapes

Especially when driving on Highway 1, you will often see signs saying “View Point” or “Scenic Stop”. At these points, pull over to the right and stop. Because these views are truly unmissable! Looking out over the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets is an indescribable feeling.

🌴 Early Reservation for Accommodations

In popular cities, and especially in areas with fewer hotel options like Big Sur, it’s a good idea to book months in advance. During the summer months or special times (like festivals), hotels fill up quickly and prices skyrocket.

🎡 Know Your Peak Seasons

June through August is the busiest time in California. Beaches are crowded, hotels are expensive, and traffic can be annoying in some places. For a quieter experience, September through October is a great time. The weather is especially pleasant in the north during Indian Summer. If you’re prepared, California isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience where you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.

🧭 Sockets; The socket types used in the USA are Type A and Type B. The standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz . I recommend that you bring a universal socket adapter with you (especially make sure it has overcurrent protection ). You may need to use a converter for high-voltage appliances such as hair dryers or straighteners.

🛎️ Safety; As is the case throughout the US, safety is relative. For example, in some major cities like Los Angeles , it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and use common sense. However, California is generally a safe travel destination . If you are traveling by car, it would be a good idea to take extra precautions and let someone close to you know where you are and when you plan to arrive . I can't say the same for San Francisco, we have heard many stories of car windows being broken and items inside being stolen, but to be honest, it didn't happen to us, but for this reason, we always parked our cars in secure parking lots while driving around the city, never on the side of the road.

❄️Don't Forget It's Snowing

Yes, it snows in California! Roads can be closed in the winter, especially in high altitude areas like the Sierra Nevada mountains and Yosemite . Check ahead of time to see if the passes are open based on your travel dates.

🎭 Don't Fall for Tourist Traps

Coming to LA and only seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign ? 🙄 Please don’t. These are classic and maybe fun, but they don’t reflect the true California spirit . Explore local neighborhoods, beaches, cafes — you’ll get a real sense of LA life in places like Silver Lake , Abbot Kinney , Echo Park .

🌅 Don't Overfill Your Daily Schedule

California cities can be big and traffic-heavy (especially Los Angeles ). Plan your day around a specific neighborhood so you can really explore instead of driving all day or wasting time in traffic. If you want to make the most of your trip, a concise route , real experiences, and lots of flexibility** is the best recipe.

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BONUS

🚗 10 Day Cali Travel Plan

🔁 Round Trip: Starting and Ending in Los Angeles

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles + Santa Monica & Venice

• Landing at LAX Airport, car rental

• Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach trip

• Evening: Sunset beach walk, dinner on Third Street Promenade

  Accommodation: Los Angeles

  
  

🗓️ Day 2: Hollywood & Beverly Hills

• Close walk to Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign

• Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills tour

• Evening: City view from Griffith Observatory

  Accommodation: Los Angeles

  
  

🗓️ Day 3: Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Studio Tour

• Full day theme park or film studio tour

  Accommodation: Los Angeles

  
  

🗓️ Day 4: Travel to Monterey via Pacific Coast Highway

• Early morning departure, heading towards Big Sur via the coastal route

  • Stopover points: Malibu, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Bixby Creek Bridge

• Evening: Accommodation in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea

  Accommodation: Monterey/Carmel

  
  

🗓️ Day 5: Monterey – Transition to San Francisco

• Monterey Aquarium or beach walk

• Arrive in San Francisco in the afternoon

• Evening: Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz tour (advance ticket required)

  Accommodation: San Francisco

  
  

🗓️ Day 6: San Francisco Exploration

• Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown

• Alamo Square – Painted Ladies houses

• City tour by cable car

  Accommodation: San Francisco

  
  

🗓️ Day 7: Crossing to Yosemite National Park

• Early morning departure (takes approximately 3.5-4 hours)

• Trips to Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan and Half Dome

• Evening camping or accommodation near the park

  Accommodation: Yosemite area

  
  

🗓️ Day 8: Yosemite Trip and Return Trip

• Morning hiking trails (example: Mirror Lake Trail, Lower Yosemite Fall)

• Return to LA in the afternoon (5-6 hour drive)

  Accommodation: Outside of LA (e.g. near Fresno/Bakersfield)

  
  

🗓️ Day 9: Transfer to San Diego

• Morning LA to San Diego (2 hours)

• La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park

• Relaxing on the beach in the evening

  Accommodation: San Diego

🗓️ Day 10: San Diego & Return

• Morning short city tour (Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter)

• Return to LA in the afternoon (depending on flight time)

• Vehicle return and return flight from LAX

  
  

✈️ Transportation Information

• Car rental: We recommend planning a 10-day car trip along the entire route.

• Total driving distance: Approx. 2000 km (may vary depending on route order)

• Road conditions: Highways are wide and well maintained; parking is charged in cities.

  
  

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