Discover the Golden State’s major cities, national parks, beaches, and hidden gems. From San Francisco’s urban landmarks to the natural wonders of Yosemite and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway road trip, our guides showcase the best of California. Planning a wine country weekend or a family theme park visit? Find destination-specific tips and highlights in our California travel guides

Ready to travel further afield? Learn about top destinations from California — whether it’s quick getaways to neighboring states like Nevada or Oregon: or international hotspots in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. We provide context on popular routes, for example, flights from California to Japan or Mexico) and what to expect when you venture beyond U.S. borders. These destination guides help Californians connect with the wider world, highlighting cultural attractions and travel requirements for various countries.

California is home to several major international airports (like LAX, SFO, and SAN) that connect travelers to the world. Find information on choosing airports, booking flights, understanding baggage rules, and tips for a hassle-free airport experience. For travel within the state, consider short domestic flights (like SFO to LAX) and learn about regional airports that might save you time.

The state’s highways are legendary – think Highway 1 along the coast (more on Highway 1) or historic Route 66. If you prefer to drive, check out our guides on road trip itineraries, car rental tips, and California driving regulations. We also cover traffic patterns, scenic byways, and essential apps (for navigation or road safety) to help plan your journey by car.

Not driving? No problem. Learn about California’s public transportation options including intercity trains like Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, long-distance bus services, and local transit in big cities (like BART in the Bay Area, or Metro in Los Angeles). We also discuss the expanding high-speed rail projects and how to use commuter services to efficiently explore different regions.

Depending on your trip, you might consider ferries (for example, to Catalina Island), cruise ships departing from California ports, or even cycling and hiking for local exploration. This section provides guidance on these alternative modes, ensuring you know all the options for getting from point A to B in California and beyond.

California’s hotel scene ranges from luxury resorts (think Napa Valley spa retreats and Disneyland adjacent hotels) to budget-friendly motels on classic road trip routes. Learn how to find hotel deals, what amenities to expect, and tips for booking during peak season. We also feature reviews of notable accommodations, from chic San Francisco boutiques to family-friendly Anaheim resorts.

For the outdoorsy traveler, California offers campgrounds in state and national parks, cabin rentals, and RV parks with stunning views. Find guides on securing campsite reservations in popular parks like Yosemite National Park or Big Sur, what gear to bring for a comfortable stay, and how to follow Leave No Trace principles. We’ll also point you to glamping sites and campervan routes if you want a mix of nature and comfort.

Interested in something less traditional? Explore vacation rental options such as beachside cottages, mountain cabins, or city apartments through services like Airbnb or VRBO. Our tips cover how to choose safe and well-located rentals, understanding local regulations for short-term rentals, and even unique stays (treehouses, houseboats, or converted vans) that can make your trip memorable.

Start here for guidance on building an itinerary. Learn how to research destinations, create a balanced schedule (mixing must-sees with downtime), and use travel planning tools (like Google Travel or TripAdvisor). We provide checklists for pre-trip planning (from booking flights to arranging pet care) and advise on the best times to visit popular spots to avoid crowds.

Travel smart by budgeting wisely. Find tips on estimating costs for California road trips versus international travel, saving on airfare (including using flight comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner or tracking fare sales), and getting the best rates on hotels or car rentals. We also highlight local discounts, free attractions, and ways to stretch your dollar (like city tourism cards or off-season travel deals).

Never over-pack or under-prepare. We offer packing guides that consider California’s varied climates — you might need layers for San Francisco’s fog, swimsuits for San Diego’s beaches, or sturdy boots for Sierra Nevada hikes. Get advice on travel gear (from luggage recommendations to must-have gadgets and apps for travelers) and packing lists for different trip types (camping trips, business travel, international journeys).

Stay safe and healthy on the go. This part of our tips covers topics like travel insurance, health precautions (including any current travel advisories from the CDC or vaccination requirements), and personal safety best practices. Whether you’re hiking in remote areas or navigating a foreign city, we provide strategies to protect your well-being and secure your belongings. We’ll also update you on California travel regulations or global travel alerts that might affect your plans.

Springtime brings wildflower blooms and comfortable weather statewide. Our spring guide points to wildflower trails (like Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve or desert super-blooms after rainy winters) and spring break ideas for families. We discuss the best spring festivals (Coachella, anyone?), spring training baseball trips to Arizona via California, and tips for enjoying California’s national parks in spring before the summer rush (waterfalls in Yosemite are fullest in spring). It’s the season of renewal, and a perfect time for both cultural city trips and outdoor exploration.

Summer in California means peak travel season. Explore guides to summer road trips (like cruising the coast or exploring national parks), beach vacations on the SoCal coast, and events like outdoor music festivals or county fairs. We also address summer travel challenges such as crowd management and heat, with tips like visiting popular attractions early in the day and staying hydrated during desert outings.

In autumn, California offers cooler weather and beautiful scenery. Learn about fall foliage drives in the Sierra, harvest season in wine country (think vineyard tours and grape stomping events), and fewer crowds at major attractions. Our fall guide suggests ideas like attending pumpkin festivals, exploring coastal hikes with mild temperatures, and enjoying Dia de los Muertos cultural events in Southern California.

California’s winter is dual-sided – snow in the mountains and mild sunshine along the coast. Find information on ski and snowboard trips to Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, or Mammoth Lakes, including when the slopes open and how to get deals on lift tickets. For those looking for warmer winter retreats, we highlight Southern California beach towns and desert destinations like Palm Springs (great for winter hiking and spa getaways). Holiday travel tips (Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year period) are also included, covering light festivals, parades, and navigating airport crowds during the holidays.

California’s airports like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and San Diego (SAN) serve as key gateways to international destinations. Learn about the facilities and services at these airports, the busiest international routes, and insider tips (for example, how early to arrive for an international flight or using Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to speed through security). We also cover other departure points such as cruise ports in Los Angeles/San Pedro and San Francisco for those considering cruise vacations.

Where do Californians travel abroad? Find profiles of popular destinations reachable with nonstop or one-stop flights from California. This includes Asia-Pacific destinations (Japan, China, Australia, Hawaii – yes, still U.S., but a long flight away), European cities (London, Paris, Rome often top the list), and Latin America getaways (Mexico, Costa Rica, etc.). Each mini-guide touches on why these spots appeal to travelers, any seasonal considerations (e.g., monsoon season in Asia or summer crowds in Europe), and how to adjust after a long flight (jet lag tips)

International travel comes with extra preparation. We break down the essentials: passport validity rules, visa requirements for various countries (and how U.S. travelers can obtain visas or travel under visa-waiver programs), and health documents (like vaccinations or COVID-19 related entry rules if applicable). You’ll also find guidance on customs regulations for when you return to California (what you can bring back duty-free, how to declare items at U.S. Customs).

Flying out of California often means long flights over the Pacific or Atlantic. Our experts share advice on surviving long-haul flights — from choosing the best flight times and seats to staying comfortable and beating jet lag. We discuss in-flight essentials, connecting flights at major international hubs, and even strategies for adjusting to different time zones quickly. Additionally, find information on travel insurance options for international trips and how to stay connected (phone plans, Wi-Fi) when you’re overseas.

Discover the most photo-worthy locations in California and beyond. We highlight scenic backdrops like the Golden Gate Bridge or Joshua Tree National Park’s desert landscapes, L.A.’s street art murals, and secret vistas known to locals. Get tips on how to capture the perfect shot (time of day, vantage points) and be mindful of ethical photography (respecting wildlife and private property while shooting).

Join our very own social media campaigns #BeyondCaliforniaToday and #ShareCaliforniaToday, where we showcase breathtaking travel destinations worldwide. These initiative encourage travelers to share their photos and stories from trips within and beyond California. Follow the hashtags to see a stream of global adventures curated by our team and readers – it’s a great way to get ideas for your next international trip and to contribute your experiences to our community.

We curate advice and hacks from seasoned travel bloggers and influencers (packing hacks, finding cheap flights, offbeat attraction recommendations) that have gone viral on social media. Learn about trends like "vanlife" road trips in California, sustainable travel challenges, or foodie trails discovered via YouTube vlogs. Each tip is vetted for practicality – beyond the glossy photos, we tell you what really works.

Lastly, we offer guidance on using social media during your travels. This includes suggestions for travel-friendly apps (for photo editing on the go or finding attractions via social geotags), tips on avoiding roaming charges when posting updates from abroad, and advice on digital etiquette while traveling (like when it’s okay to drone for that aerial shot, and local rules you should know). Social media can greatly enrich your travel experience when used wisely, and our guide ensures you do just that.