When to go to California?
→ The detailed month-by-month page, with real weather records
Best time: April to June and September to October
At a glance
Why go to California?
California alone distils a good share of the American dream: the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see, thousand-year-old redwoods, lunar deserts and creative cities. From San Francisco to San Diego, the variety of landscapes and moods makes every road trip unique. It is the state of gentle excess, where you go from beach to mountain in a single day.
The car is king here and the road a pleasure in itself. The legendary Highway 1 runs along spectacular cliffs, while the interior hides some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. The mild climate for much of the year invites you to live outdoors, between surfing, hiking and sunny terraces.
California is also a laid-back, innovative culture, from Silicon Valley to the Hollywood studios. You eat well, drink excellent wines in the Napa Valley and find unspoilt nature just minutes from the big cities. A concentrate of bright, generous America.
Map of California: what is where?
The map shows the 6 places covered in this guide, to picture the distances and plan your route.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Yosemite Valley
- Hollywood
- Big Sur
- Lake Tahoe
- Death Valley
How much does a trip to California cost?
California is an expensive destination, between car hire, fuel, accommodation and park fees. The budget climbs fast in the big cities.
| Style | Per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €90-140/day | Motel or hostel, shared car, simple meals and takeaway food. |
| Comfort | €180-280/day | Mid-range hotel, hire car, restaurants and park fees. |
| Premium | €400+/day | Lodges and resorts, renowned restaurants, wine tastings and guided experiences. |
The US dollar (USD) is the currency; cards are accepted everywhere, allow for a 15 to 20% tip in restaurants and get an America the Beautiful pass for the parks.
Is California safe?
California is generally safe for travellers, but a few habits are a must. Never leave anything visible in a parked car, as smash-and-grab thefts are common in the big cities and at tourist car parks. Some neighbourhoods of San Francisco and Los Angeles are best avoided at night. In the parks and deserts, follow the safety advice on heat, water and wildlife.
What to see and do in California
- Los Angeles and Hollywood
- San Francisco and the Golden Gate
- Yosemite
- Highway 1 and Big Sur
- the beaches of Malibu
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco's icon, this orange-red bridge has spanned the entrance to the bay since 1937. Admire it from the viewpoints at Battery Spencer or Crissy Field, often draped in morning fog. Crossing it on foot or by bike is an experience in its own right. The bridge is one of the most photographed monuments in the world.
Yosemite Valley
The jewel of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley unfolds giant granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Its waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, drop several hundred metres in spring. The hiking trails suit every level. It is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States.
Hollywood
A legendary district of Los Angeles, Hollywood embodies the global film industry. You admire the famous sign perched on the hills, walk the Walk of Fame and its stars and tour the studios. The nearby Griffith Observatory offers a superb view over the city and the sign. A must for film lovers.
Big Sur
The most spectacular stretch of Highway 1, Big Sur unrolls cliffs plunging into the Pacific. Bixby Creek Bridge and the ocean viewpoints are legendary. You hike through redwood forests to waterfalls tumbling onto the beach. Drive slowly and stop often for photos along the coast.
Lake Tahoe
A vast, intensely blue alpine lake on the border with Nevada, Tahoe is a four-season paradise. In summer you swim and sail; in winter the nearby ski resorts draw powder lovers. The beaches of Emerald Bay are among the most beautiful. Crystal-clear water and snowy peaks make a postcard setting.
Death Valley
A national park of records, Death Valley holds the highest temperatures on the planet. Its desert landscapes are mesmerising: the Mesquite Flat dunes, the Badwater salt flats at 86 metres below sea level, the coloured rocks of Artist's Palette. Sunrise and sunset there are unreally beautiful. Visit preferably outside the scorching summer months.
How many days, and which itinerary?
Allow 10 to 14 days for a full road trip between San Francisco, the national parks and the south of the state.
🗺️ Day-by-day itinerary · 📓 Free printable California guide (PDF) · 🌍 All of the American West
The legendary coast (7 days)
From San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1: the Golden Gate, Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara and then Hollywood. The essence of California's coastal scenery.
Cities and parks (10 days)
Add Yosemite and a detour to Death Valley or Lake Tahoe. You alternate big cities, ocean and grand nature.
Grand tour (14 days)
From San Francisco to San Diego via the Napa Valley, Yosemite, the Sierra, Los Angeles and the deserts. The ideal itinerary to take it all in without rushing.
Getting there and getting around
A hire car is all but essential: distances are long and public transport is limited outside the cities.
Set up offline navigation and stop regularly for fuel, especially before crossing the deserts and parks.
In San Francisco and Los Angeles, trams, metro and ride-hailing help you avoid expensive parking.
Domestic flights quickly link the north and south of the state if you are short on time.
Where to stay in California?
Roadside motels and hostels: around €70 to €120 a night, practical for a road trip.
Mid-range hotels in town or near the parks: €130 to €220 for a double room.
National park lodges and charming hotels on the coast: €250 to €400 a night.
Resorts and design addresses in Los Angeles, Napa or by the sea: €450 and up a night.
Our places to stay, stop by stop, at three budgets →
What to eat in California?
Tacos and Mexican food everywhere, often excellent and cheap, especially in the south of the state.
Gourmet burgers and food trucks, the mainstays of relaxed Californian eating.
Healthy food, bowls and organic produce, a reflection of the sunny local lifestyle.
Napa and Sonoma wines to taste on a winery visit.
Entry requirements
UK, Australian and most EU passports need an ESTA, applied for online before departure, for stays of up to 90 days. Bulgarian, Cypriot and Romanian citizens need a visa. Canadians need neither, and can usually stay up to six months.
Rules change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions about California
When is the best time to visit California?
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Avoid Death Valley in summer, and be aware that coastal fog is common in San Francisco in July-August.
How many days should I allow for a road trip?
Allow at least 10 days to link San Francisco, one or two parks and Los Angeles, and 14 days for a grand tour down to San Diego without rushing.
What daily budget should I plan for?
Around €90 to €140 a day as a backpacker, €180 to €280 for a comfortable stay, and more with resorts and renowned restaurants.
How do I get around California?
A hire car is essential for most of the state. In town, rely on public transport and ride-hailing to avoid parking charges.
Where should I base myself in California?
Base yourself in San Francisco for the north and Los Angeles or San Diego for the south, and book national park lodges ahead, as they are often full.
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