9 Basic California Travel Tips You Need To Know!

As travelers who have traveled to California for a long time, we want to share some of the best tips we have for visiting the state. The state of California is an amazing vacation destination and one that is well worth exploring. The region is home to tons of fun attractions, including amusement parks, waterfalls, beaches, great restaurants, and the best hotel in Bakersfield , California and other cities of California. Throughout this post, we will provide ten tips that will hopefully be useful to you when you go out planning your trip.

Best Tips for Traveling to California

The State Of California Is Huge!

First of all, California is an enormous state. A drive across it from north to the south might take 12-13 hours without stopping. Even exploring the LA area alone would take a week. I would suggest that you don’t try to do too much on your trip unless you’re used to long drives and rushed activities. It might be worth considering a week in the northern part of the state, including San Francisco, Napa, and Yosemite. Then another week in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Joshua Tree.

Moreover, some people think they can drive the Pacific Coast Highway in one day from LA to San Francisco. This is technically feasible, but you won’t be able to stop and explore. During your trip, don’t try to do too much and you’ll have a great time!

Renting a Car Is a Good Option

A rental car is probably the best option when visiting California. In California, especially in LA, it is difficult without a car to see much, especially since public transportation is not excellent. It is possible to stay in San Francisco without a car if you want to stay within the city limits. BART and public transportation, including cable cars and buses, are easy to use from the airport. Download the Uber / Lyft apps if you do not plan on renting a car, as many people use those apps to get around urban areas.

Make Sure You Plan Extra Time Each Day

Los Angeles traffic is pretty terrible. Therefore, it can take an hour to get to a destination that is only five to ten miles away, depending on the time of day. Getting out of and back into San Francisco can be a challenge during rush hour as well. Furthermore, the Pacific Coast Highway has quite a few two-lane roads, so the drive often takes much longer than expected. As a rule, it can be a hassle to drive in the state because of traffic. Plan your driving times accordingly.

California is Expensive

The state of California is known for its high cost, and it is important to know this going in. If you come from a place where tipping is not customary, there is a state tax on food and items that you purchase. Additionally, parking in tourist areas and hotels in San Francisco is expensive at $30-$40 per day. Gas is also expensive in California, as the state has some of the highest gas prices in the country. Additionally, if you are planning to visit multiple locations in a city, it may be possible to get a discount online.

National Park Pass

Purchasing a national park pass is the best option if you intend to visit multiple national parks. Several other parks also cost $30, including Yosemite itself. When you plan on visiting more than two places, purchasing a year pass for $80 is cheaper than paying for each separately. There are nine national parks in California, as well as many other places where the pass is accepted for discounted entry. A pass is an excellent option for many people visiting the state, and you can obtain one online or at the first park you go to.

Weekend Trips to Popular Spots

Weekends are crowded at popular places like Disneyland; however, if you can travel during the week, you can visit them without crowds. You can also use crowd calendars online to plan your trip to places like Disneyland, and they help you choose the right time to go.

Campsites and Hotels: Book Early

If you are visiting a national park, make sure you book ahead. When Yosemite releases its campground reservations, it does so six months in advance. Take note of these dates if you are planning a trip so you can get online and try to get a spot. While big cities like Bakersfield usually have the best hotels close to when you are visiting, I recommend booking online in advance so you have peace of mind. In addition, I also booked the best hotel in Bakersfield, California with the help of an online booking site during my trip.

Food Tips

It’s true that California has it all when it comes to food. It’s easy to get most cuisines and dietary restrictions in big cities. Smaller towns may not have this option, but most have at least one. My girlfriend is vegetarian, so finding food when we travel is never a problem. Here are a few things you should try in California.

1. In-N-Out burger
2. California burrito
3. Clam chowder in a bread bowl
4. Fish tacos
5. Donuts

Embrace the Moment and Enjoy It

As a final tip, we’d like to emphasize that you shouldn’t try and do too much on your California trip. Over a week, visit San Francisco, Napa, and Yosemite in Northern California. If you wish, you can return and visit Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Diego, and Joshua Tree again. Consider driving the Pacific Coast Highway for 3-4 days and then heading to Las Vegas afterward. Although this is my recommendation, you may plan your itinerary according to your expectations.

Final Words

All in all, these tips will be helpful to you, if you are planning a visit to the beautiful city of California. The tips are based on my personal experience. By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to enjoy your entire trip, especially if you book the best hotel in Bakersfield, California, as it is a worthwhile investment.