11 things you need to know before visiting California

15.09.2023 - 14:49 / lonelyplanet.com / Joshua Tree

As a newbie California resident keen on exploring as much of my adopted home as possible, I was struck by how geographically diverse the Golden State is, the impracticalities of making a "quick trip" to one part of the state from the other end of it, and its surprisingly variable weather.

Gleaned over nearly 20 years of West Coast living, these tips and good-to-knows will help you travel to and within California with ease and confidence. We’ll start with logistics and other practicalities before moving into considerations for booking cultural attractions and activities, and the best way to explore our incredible parks, beaches and mountain regions.

From frothy coastlines to scenic deserts, expansive mountain ranges, buzzing metropolitan cities and more remote corners, California really has it all. Its terrain covers more than 1000 miles from north to south, and its diversity means there’s always more to explore no matter how much time you have planned.

Consider focusing your trip on a few regions, or planning your trip by theme, such as national and state parks or a coastal road trip along Highway 1.

A week in the Golden State presents opportunities to combine urban exploration with nearby picturesque jaunts. You could spend several days in San Francisco, then commune with ancient redwoods in Muir Woods another day, before cycling along Half Moon Bay the next. From a home base in Los Angeles or San Diego, a week affords a few overnight stays in Temecula Valley’s wine region, desert vibes in Joshua Tree, or the mountain towns of Big Bear, Idyllwild, and Julian.

Californians joke that pricier, well, everything, is the trade-off (colloquially known as the sunshine tax) for our idyllic weather. In other words, there’s a level of acceptance travelers would benefit from before arriving. California has the highest sales tax rate in the country, among others, so be prepared to fork over more than in other states for lodging, food, fuel, entertainment and parking.

California is endowed with lots of sunshine, but you may need more than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to navigate all that the state offers. Pack for colder temps during California’s winter season at elevation, like Mammoth and Tahoe. The coast is typically a bit cooler than inland regions, and generally, a light sweater or jacket may be required once the sun sets.

Yosemite’s imposing granite walls and Joshua Tree’s alien-like cacti and dark skies draw millions of travelers to California each year. Secure your spot in these popular parks and book campsites and entrance reservations up to six months in advance. Also, be mindful of seasonality. Reservations for parks in desert regions like Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree fill up for the winter and