All about California
When to visit
You may hear it often, but in California, it’s true: There’s never a bad time to visit. There are, however, general guidelines to follow. Spring is ideal for getting outside—think desert wildflower season and Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on the planet. Summer brings the tourist crush, more festivals, and the best beach weather in the US. Ski season typically runs from November to March but often starts early and stays late.
Getting around
The California road trip is alive and well. Highways 1, 5, and 101 cover large swathes of the state: Interstate 5 along the interior, while state and US routes 1 and 101 follow the scenic coast. If you have time, road-tripping is an essential California experience. The California Amtrak train system can get you around, but it is slow and not particularly affordable. To travel quickly between metro areas, flying is your best bet.
Traveler tips
Think of California, and you’ll likely picture postcard-worthy beaches up and down the rugged coast. While beautiful beaches are everywhere in the Golden State, those north of the Central Coast have chilly Pacific waters that may feel too cold for swimming. To take a dip without a wetsuit, make southern California, toward San Diego, your destination where the water will be warmer—places like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Drake’s Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California known for?
Natural beauty. California is home to rugged coastlines hugging the Pacific Ocean, age-old redwood and sequoia trees, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite and Death Valley are must-see national parks. Hollywood is the seat of the American entertainment industry, while Silicon Valley is the center of global technology.
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in California?
By the numbers, Disneyland® Park is the top attraction. The Los Angeles amusement park draws about 18 million visitors annually. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, perhaps the state’s most recognizable attraction, falls second with about 10 million visitors annually. Yosemite National Park rounds out the top three.
What is something unique you might see in California?
Among its wonders are Death Valley with its salt flats and the lowest point in North America. In San Francisco, there’s the world’s last manually operated cable car system. General Sherman in Sequoia National Park is thought to be the largest giant sequoia. Don’t miss Lassen National Park’s volcanic, Mars-like landscapes.
What kind of activities can you do in California?
There’s plenty of things to do in California. Outdoorsy types can surf, kayak, hike, scuba, ski, and sun-worship year-round. Culture mavens can visit world-class museums—from the Getty Center to the deYoung museum and SFMOMA. Wine tasting is a year-round affair; high-end shopping is a favorite Los Angeles diversion.
What is the prettiest place in California?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has an immaculate downtown, European-style courtyards and alleyways, and a bevy of art galleries. Point Lobos nearby is a California postcard, with Monterey cypress trees framing the shimmering Pacific Ocean. The Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is peace on earth.
What can you do in California right now?
Year-round things to do in California include wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma counties; driving down 600 coast-hugging miles (900 kilometers) on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1; surfing rugged, pristine shorelines; and checking out Disneyland® for family fun.