Whether you want to sample the finest wines in wine country, soak up the sun’s rays on a glorious golden beach or take in the views of the mountains, California is the perfect place for a vacation, whether as a couple or with the family.
There is so much to do and see in the golden state that there can be a tendency to try and squeeze too much in. If you haven’t visited the area before, it’s hard to understand just how big it is and how far apart some of the major sights are. Here, we share a few tips to help you to really make the most of your visit to California.
Momster Zippy at the end of the trail
Where to stay
The best way to find quality vacation accommodation is to check out an apartment guide. Have a think about what you want to get out of your trip – are you hoping to pay a visit to Disneyland with the kids, or are you wanting to visit the famous Laguna beach? If a bustling city is more your thing, head towards San Francisco. Outdoorsy types might want to look towards Yosemite National Park.
When to visit California
California is a great place to visit at any year, but depending on what you want to do, it’s worth having a think about which season you visit in. If you’re going to see the waterfalls at Yosemite, it’s best not to go after the spring thaw, when they slow down to a mere trickle. At the end of the summer, San Diego is packed with people from Arizona, escaping the fierce heat. Talking of heat – Death Valley might be one to avoid in the height of the summer, with temperatures reaching an incredible 115?.
How to get about in California
Because of the sheer size of California, most people use a car, whether their own or a rental car, especially as the Route 66 experience is not one to be missed. However, if you can’t drive, or don’t want to drive, the transport system there is superb. Many of the trains and buses don’t need you to book in advance so you can rock up on the day you want to travel without worrying about paying extortionate last-minute fares. The only time it may be an issue is on a long weekend or a national holiday. Airplane travel can be a little more expensive, particularly if you have luggage, and it often takes longer than using the train network.
Eating in California
This very much depends on which part of the state you decide to visit. While famous for its super healthy smoothies, salads, and juices, Californian cuisine is so much more than that. San Francisco is so diverse and offers food from all over the world, particularly Italy and China. San Diego is the place to head for Mexican food and for something a bit fancy, Los Angeles is where to go.
Hopefully, some of these tips will be useful when planning your vacation to California!
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