11 Essential Insights for Your California Visit

As a newcomer to California eager to explore my new home, I quickly realized how geographically varied the Golden State is, the challenges of making a 'quick trip' from one end to the other, and the surprisingly fluctuating weather conditions.

Drawing from nearly two decades of living on the West Coast, these tips and insights will help you navigate your travels to and within California with ease and confidence. We’ll begin with logistics and practical advice before diving into how to book cultural attractions and activities, as well as the best ways to experience our stunning parks, beaches, and mountain areas.

1. Don’t attempt to see it all at once

From picturesque coastlines to scenic deserts, vast mountain ranges, bustling cities, and hidden gems, California truly offers a little bit of everything. Stretching over 1,000 miles from north to south, its diverse landscape means there’s always more to discover, no matter how much time you have.

Consider narrowing your trip to a few specific regions or organizing it by theme, such as national and state parks or a scenic coastal drive along Highway 1.

2. Refine your itinerary

A week in the Golden State offers a chance to blend urban adventures with charming nearby excursions. You might spend a few days in San Francisco, then immerse yourself in the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods, followed by a bike ride along Half Moon Bay. From a base in Los Angeles or San Diego, a week allows for overnight trips to the Temecula Valley wine region, the unique atmosphere of Joshua Tree, or the mountain retreats of Big Bear, Idyllwild, and Julian.

3. Be ready for higher prices

Californians often humorously refer to the higher costs of living as the 'sunshine tax,' a trade-off for our beautiful weather. Travelers should be prepared for this reality before arriving. California has the highest sales tax in the nation, among other costs, so expect to spend more on accommodations, food, gas, entertainment, and parking compared to other states.

4. Bring layers

California enjoys plenty of sunshine, but a simple t-shirt and jeans won’t cut it for all activities. Be prepared for chillier temperatures during California’s winter months at higher elevations like Mammoth and Tahoe. The coast tends to be cooler than inland areas, so a light sweater or jacket is advisable for after sunset.

5. Reserve campsites ahead of time

The majestic granite cliffs of Yosemite and the otherworldly cacti of Joshua Tree attract millions of visitors to California every year. To ensure you secure your place in these sought-after parks, make campsite and entrance reservations up to six months in advance. Keep in mind the seasonal demand: parks in desert areas like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree are especially busy in winter and early spring, while coastal campsites fill up quickly during the summer.

6. Utilize accessible attractions

California strives to ensure that everyone can enjoy its many offerings, continually improving accessibility for individuals with diverse physical and cognitive needs. Disneyland features a Disability Access Service that allows eligible guests to book return times for certain attractions and provides a comprehensive guide outlining each experience’s sensory characteristics, from sound levels to distinct smells.

Legoland has a similar initiative, offering an Assisted Access Pass that enables guests to enjoy their preferred rides without waiting, along with scheduled access for other attractions and designated quiet zones.

Museums across the state provide various accessibility options, including wheelchairs and assisted listening devices. Notable examples include the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) and the Broad, a contemporary art museum located in Los Angeles.

Outdoor lovers will discover paved pathways at beaches such as Oxnard Beach Park and June Lake in the High Sierras. Cities are also making strides; for instance, Visalia, a central California city that serves as an ideal gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, has been recognized as a Certified Autism Destination.

Many of its hotels and family-friendly attractions meet the standards needed to provide a comfortable experience for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. In southern California, Palm Springs is working towards expanding the number of certified attractions, including the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert.

7. Discover award-winning dining outside urban areas

California's major cities are known for their outstanding, award-winning cuisine, but travelers can also discover fantastic dining options in suburban and rural areas. Michelin-rated restaurants can be found at Petiscos, a Portuguese small plates venue in San Jose; Bombera, a Mexican eatery in Oakland; Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea; Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa; and Valle, a modern Mexican restaurant in Oceanside.

In addition, James Beard America’s Classics-recognized establishments showcase tasty home-cooked meals in lesser-known regions of California, such as Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks and Pho 79 in Garden Grove.

8. Make the most of year-round peak produce

California’s farmers markets provide a vibrant way to explore fresh, seasonal produce and understand why the state is known for its top-quality fruits and vegetables. Besides visiting farms directly, these markets allow you to connect with an industry that supplies over a third of the United States’ vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. Each market is unique and often features prepared foods, handmade goods, live music, and fun activities for children.

9. Discover California’s islands

California's islands deserve a visit of their own. There’s an island suited for every type of adventurer, whether you're after luxurious resort amenities or a more rugged experience. For the adventurous, the wild Channel Islands await, while Catalina Island offers a blend of upscale hotels and outdoor activities. A bridge from San Diego leads to Coronado Island, boasting wide, soft beaches ideal for building sandcastles and relaxing in front of a historic Victorian hotel.

10. Honor wildlife and marine life

While rare, you might occasionally spot a mountain lion, coyotes at dawn and dusk, or snakes along the trails. Beaches and harbors often feature seals and otters. Always keep your distance, as you may be too close if they become aware of your presence. For emergencies, call 911, and report other incidents to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

11. Recognize California’s original caretakers

Indigenous communities play a vital role as stewards of California's abundant natural spaces. Initiatives and collaborations like the Reexamining Our Past Initiative aim to acknowledge and honor these communities' history and culture. This includes practical actions such as renaming Sue-meg State Park in Humboldt County and expanding exhibits that highlight the native community’s contributions, as seen in Old Town State Historic Park in San Diego.