How to plan a trip to California?

California is a fascinating destination that shines with its sunny coastlines, towering mountains and fertile valleys covered with vineyards. In addition, in this state you can visit iconic cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming, that’s why we at Passporter have set out to help you plan your trip to California, so that everything goes smoothly.

When organizing your trip you will have questions such as where to stay, what are the must-sees, or how to get there, among many others. In this post you can read many travel tips based on our own experiences that will help you get the most out of your next vacation.

1. Prepare the documentation you need to travel to California

Traveling to the United States can be more or less straightforward depending on where you are coming from and how long you want to stay in the country as immigration controls are quite strict. If you are traveling for tourist purposes, you will need to apply for the ESTA, a document that guarantees your entry to the country for 90 days.

The application can be submitted online through the official website of the U.S. Embassy, and it is recommended to do it at least 72 hours prior to your trip. The processing fee is 14€ and once approved, the ESTA is valid for two years. You will also need a return ticket to prove that you will be leaving the country.

In addition, to access the country you will need a biometric passport with at least six months validity from your entry. And in case you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days for reasons other than tourism or business, you will need to apply for a specific visa. If you are traveling from Spain, you will have to do it in person at the U.S. embassy in Madrid, where you will be interviewed.

It is also possible that when applying for the ESTA you will be asked to have an interview if you have dual nationality or have visited any of the countries that the United States has vetoed such as Iran, Iraq or Cuba. The interview does not guarantee that you will be granted an ESTA.

If you wish to drive during your stay you will need to apply for an international driving permit, which is valid for one year in most countries around the world. The fee for this is 11€.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to California

While California’s climate is generally mild (near the coast) and any time of year is good for traveling, there are some periods of year that are more inviting than others.

If you travel to the south, we recommend avoiding summer time, as you will find desert areas where temperatures can be very high. And if you travel to the north, in the mountainous area you may find the opposite, a really cold climate.

So, if you want to travel to the natural parks we recommend going in spring or summer, and if you want to enjoy the coast any time is good, although the best time is spring, when there are fewer tourists and temperatures are pleasant. We traveled in June and were able to enjoy both the beaches and the mountainous areas without getting too cold.

3. Find out how to get to and around California

There are several airports in California that receive local and international flights, although in general, the best connected to Europe are Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may have to make a stopover, although there are direct flights from many European cities.

Direct flights take about 11 hours and you can choose from a number of airlines such as Iberia, America Airlines or British Airways. Prices vary greatly depending on the time of year, a ticket can cost between 300 and 1,000€.

Once you land in California you will be able to get around the state by:

• Airplane: you can take local flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles airports, and to smaller airports such as San Diego, San Jose, Oakland or Sacramento.
• Train: although not the most efficient option in terms of speed, it can be the most rewarding as you can enjoy the scenery during your trip.
• Bus: Companies such as Greyhound, California Shuttle and Megabus connect California cities with each other and with other states. The network is very complete and will allow you to move between cities and with the natural parks. Some agencies also give the option of buying passes for unlimited travel for a certain period of time.
• Car: renting a car is an option to explore the state at your own pace, without depending on schedules. It’s perfect when you plan to tour the country. Just remember that you’ll need to apply for an international driver’s license and calculate that the distances are very long.
• Boat: There are cruise ships arriving in California ports such as Los Angeles and San Francisco from other destinations, which will allow you to get around the coast.

We remind you that if you travel with the Passporter App you can buy and manage your airline tickets directly through the App with Skyscanner. It is an efficient way to have all your documents located.

4. Compare and find accommodation with Passporter

California is huge and there are plenty of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. With the Passporter App you can compare and book your accommodations through Booking, and read about reviews from other travelers.

Here are the most recommended cities to stay and which are best connected to the main points of interest:

• Los Angeles: the best neighborhoods are Downtown L.A., Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
• San Francisco: the best areas are Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, SoMa (South of Market).
• Sacramento: We recommend staying in Midtown where you’ll find a multitude of trendy restaurants, bars and boutique stores.
• South Lake Tahoe: access to Lake Tahoe and outdoor activities.
• Monterey: downtown you’ll be close to the waterfront.
• Fresno: from the center you’ll have access to the national parks.
• San Diego: The best areas are Ocean Beach and La Jolla and Downtown San Diego.

Around the national parks you’ll find plenty of accommodations in cities like Sonora, Yucca Valley or Las Vegas. And if you’re looking for another, more economical option, you can stay in motels.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in California

California offers a lot of possibilities for both beach and relaxation lovers, as well as for the more adventurous willing to venture into its incredible natural parks. There is a lot to see and it is not easy to plan a trip to California if you want to see it all. That’s why we encourage you to check out other travelers’ routes on the Passporter App before creating your own itinerary.

Here’s our top 10 places to see in California, but there’s plenty more:

• Yosemite National Park: famous for its stunning waterfalls, valleys and giant sequoias. Ideal for hiking, rock climbing and admiring nature.
• San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge: an iconic city known for its Victorian architecture, streetcars, steep slopes and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
• Los Angeles and Hollywood: the heart of the entertainment industry, with the Walk of Fame, movie studios and sun-drenched beaches like Santa Monica.
• Sequoia National Park:Home to some of the world’s largest trees, the park is a testament to natural splendor.
• Death Valley National Park: known to be one of the hottest places on Earth, it offers unique desert scenery and natural phenomena.
• The Big Sur Coast: a breathtaking stretch of Highway 1 that offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and access to beaches and hiking trails.
• Napa Valley: world-renowned for its vineyards and wineries, it’s the perfect place for wine and food lovers.
• San Diego and the San Diego Zoo: a city with beautiful beaches, a vibrant historic district and one of the most famous zoos in the world.
• Lake Tahoe: a popular destination in both winter for skiing and summer for water activities, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
• PJoshua Tree National Park: known for its unique rock formations and iconic Joshua trees, it is a paradise for climbers and wilderness lovers.

Here you can read more about everything to do in California: What to see and do in California

6. Where and what to eat in California

California cuisineincorporates influences from diverse cultures, including Mexican, Asian and Mediterranean, resulting in a diverse and creative culinary offering. These are some of the most typical dishes of its cities, which, as you can see, are heavily influenced by other cultures:

• Sushirrito: fusion of sushi and burrito, it represents the combination of Mexican and Asian cuisine in a burrito-sized sushi roll.
• Fish tacos: a staple in the California diet thanks to the large Mexican population and the abundance of Pacific Ocean resources.
• Roast Potato Chips: Originating in San Diego, they combine chips with carne asada, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
• Pho: Vietnamese noodle soup that has gained popularity for its comforting and healing properties.
• Burrito: a classic Mexican cuisine adapted in California, commonly stuffed with meat and other ingredients wrapped in a tortilla.
• Santa Maria-style tri-tip: a grilled cut of meat typical of the Santa Maria region, usually served as a barbecue.
• Cioppino: fish stew originating in San Francisco, which combines seafood and fish in a tomato base.
• Los Angeles chicken and waffles: sweet and savory combination that has become popular in the city, offering a unique experience of flavors.

In the cities you will find a very varied offer and for all budgets. In the itineraries that other travelers have created in the Passporter App you can read about their opinions on some restaurants and see photos of the dishes.

California is also famous for its wine industry, with Napa Valley and Sonoma County leading the way, producing some of the best wines in the world. In addition, the trend for healthy and organic food has a strong foothold here, reflecting the conscious and sustainable lifestyle of its inhabitants.

7. Organize a trip with friends to California

Sharing a trip with friends is a fun and exciting experience that will allow you to explore new places with good company. It is also an advantage on an economic level as it can make the trip more affordable by sharing accommodation, transportation and meal expenses. And in case of any inconvenience, you can always count on mutual support.

However, coordinating with several people when traveling can also be a challenge as everyone may have different interests and expectations about the trip. That’s why we encourage you to organize your trip with friends with the help of Passporter. With their App you can all add your preferences to the itinerary and share your experiences through photos of the trip. In this post you can read more about the advantages and disadvantages of traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to California

• The currency of the United States is the dollar.
• We recommend that you take out cash or pay with an international card during your stay. Avoid exchanging money at the airport or exchange houses where the cost may be higher.
• Investigate safe areas and neighborhoods to stay in
• There is a 6 to 9 hour time difference between the United States and Spain.
• Remember that in the United States measurements are in miles, gallons and pounds.
• Yes, California water is potable.
• Pack appropriate clothing for the weather, especially if you’re traveling in winter.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out information about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as for example the one provided by Mondo.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our California travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to California

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to California.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to California