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California

Golden State of Endless Experiences

California stretches along the Pacific coast with varied landscapes from sandy beaches to mountain ranges and fertile valleys. The state’s climate supports many different crops, making agriculture a major part of its economy. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco serve as cultural hubs with diverse communities and strong tech industries. Outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing and skiing are popular year-round due to the mix of coastal areas, deserts and highlands. California’s influence extends across entertainment, innovation and food culture nationwide.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.8

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language everywhere, and service staff are generally fluent. In most tourist areas, Spanish and Chinese are also commonly spoken, making communication very easy for most international visitors.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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California Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

World-class for diverse landscapes and coastal cities. Surf on Pacific beaches, visit famous cities, explore national parks and enjoy wine regions and scenic coastal drives.

Place score

8.7

Best at:

Sea

Forests

Art

Van travel

Stargazing

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

💻 9

Digital Nomads

🌈 9

LGBTQ+

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for California, United States

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

🔥

Jun

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Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary a lot by region: coast best for beaches June to October, Sierra Nevada for skiing December to March and hiking June to September, deserts best November to April, cities good for sightseeing spring and autumn

Death Valley and inland deserts: extreme heat June to September, dangerous for outdoor activities

Wildfire season July to November, smoke and road or park closures possible

Tioga Pass road into Yosemite's high country usually closed November to May

Don't miss

🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
🎬 Visit Hollywood and walk the famous Walk of Fame
🍷 Taste world-class wines in California’s Napa Valley

You've been here?

Why travel to California?

Whether drawn by the laid-back vibes of coastal towns, the adventure of Yosemite’s granite cliffs or the creative pulse of cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, California delivers diverse and unforgettable experiences. From Hollywood glamour and Silicon Valley innovation to rustic Gold Rush towns and centuries-old redwoods, there’s truly something for every kind of traveler.

However, be prepared for higher travel costs, regional droughts and sometimes heavy traffic in urban areas – challenges that come with this popular and bustling state.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 San Francisco
One of America's most innovative cities, San Francisco defines California with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and steep hills. Despite tourist crowds near popular viewpoints, visitors should explore quieter neighborhoods like Mission Dolores for authentic local culture away from the main drag.
2 Los Angeles
One of the world's most populous cities, Los Angeles defines California with its sprawling freeways and iconic Hollywood sign. Beyond tourist traps, seek out hidden gems in Silver Lake or Griffith Park to escape the crowds while experiencing genuine local culture.
3 Yosemite National Park
Vast granite cliffs rise above crystal‑clear rivers and ancient forests. Iconic landmarks include El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, photography and stargazing in a protected wilderness spanning over 1.2 million acres.
4 San Diego
A coastal city on California's southern shore offers year‑round mild weather, iconic beaches, a historic naval base and vibrant neighborhoods. Visitors enjoy surfing, museums and diverse culinary scenes amid a relaxed atmosphere and tourism for families and solo travelers.
5 Santa Barbara
Coastal city on California’s Pacific coast offers a blend of Mediterranean climate, iconic pier, vibrant art scene and nearby wine country. Visitors enjoy beaches, historic architecture, outdoor activities in the Santa Ynez Mountains for tourists.
6 Death Valley National Park
This vast desert park in Nevada features dramatic rock formations, salt flats and unique geological wonders. Its arid landscape offers stark beauty with towering peaks and ancient dunes that define this iconic American wilderness experience perfectly today.
7 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These twin parks in California's Sierra Nevada offer majestic granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias and alpine lakes. Visitors can hike through dense forests or drive to scenic viewpoints. The area feels vast and peaceful despite its popularity, providing a perfect escape into nature's grandeur.
8 San Jose (California)
Tech hub of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers a mix of innovation centers, cultural venues and nearby natural parks. The city hosts diverse communities, modern architecture and easy access to coastal beaches and mountain trails.
9 Joshua Tree National Park
This desert park features iconic rock formations, unique flora and vast skies that attract photographers and hikers from around the globe. It offers quiet solitude away from crowds, but can feel busy in popular areas near scenic drives and campgrounds.
10 Santa Monica
This iconic beach town features golden sands, dramatic cliffs and a vibrant pier. Surrounded by palm-lined avenues and celebrity homes, it offers stunning ocean views, world-class dining and endless outdoor activities perfect for any season.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Disneyland
2 Hearst Castle
3 Lake Tahoe
4 Napa Valley AVA
5 Golden Gate Bridge
6 Alcatraz Island
7 Hollywood Boulevard
8 Big Sur
9 San Diego Old Town

🎡Places for activities

1 Chinatown
2 Monterey Bay Aquarium
3 Laguna Beach
4 Santa Monica Pier
5 Universal Studios Hollywood
6 Yosemite Valley
7 Venice Beach Boardwalk
8 Sequoia National Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Mojave Desert
2 Channel Islands National Park
3 Lake Tahoe
4 Point Reyes National Seashore
5 Redwood National and State Parks
6 Muir Woods National Monument
7 Alila Ventana Big Sur

🛍️Shopping

1 South Coast Plaza
2 Westfield Century City
3 The Grove
4 Old Pasadena
5 Santana Row
6 Third Street Promenade
7 Rodeo Drive
8 Fashion Valley Mall

🎈Events

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Napa Valley Harvest
San Diego Comic-Con
Rose Parade
Monterey Jazz Festival
Outside Lands Music Festival
Los Angeles Pride Parade
California State Fair
SF Chinese New Year Parade
Palm Springs International Film Festival

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light layers; California weather varies widely across regions.
Reserve accommodations early during peak summer months, especially near coastal and national park areas.
Use public transit or rideshare for city travel to avoid parking hassles in major urban centers.
Explore lesser-known state parks like Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness for scenic hikes away from tourist crowds.

How to travel to California

California is well connected internationally via major airports like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and San Diego (SAN). Amtrak trains and long‑distance buses such as Greyhound also serve the region. Cruise ships dock in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.

Access summary

Via Los Angeles (LAX): Major international gateway; metro, bus, rideshare into city.
Via San Francisco (SFO): Northern hub; BART train or shuttle downtown, 30–45 min.
From Las Vegas: Popular I-15 road trip to Los Angeles, around 4–5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in California

Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels and boutique inns in cities to beachside resorts and rustic lodges near national parks. Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak summer or during major festivals.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

9.1

Treasure Island TI Las Vegas - Handwritten Collection

8.2

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

Four Queens Hotel & Casino

8.2

Paris Las Vegas

8.1

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

8.8

ARIA Resort & Casino

8.6

The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

9.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around California

California is best explored by car, as distances between highlights can be vast and public transit is limited outside major cities. Rideshares and regional airports offer additional flexibility. In cities, local transit options like BART (Bay Area), LA Metro and trolleys in San Diego make urban travel easier.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+11 %

Daily expenses in California are around 11% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£79	£210	£606
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£120	£338
🍝 Food per day	£35	£81	£237
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£8	£31

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£31
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£9.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£12
☕ Cappuccino	£4.30
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£6

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.80
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£18
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.95

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£85
🤧 Cold medication	£7.50
💇 Basic haircut	£18

Safety information overview

General safety

Major tourist areas are generally safe, but exercise caution in urban centers at night and be mindful of petty theft. Wildfire and earthquake risks exist, so stay informed during your visit.

Health & Medical

Medical care is high quality, though expensive without travel insurance. Tap water is safe. Be aware of sun exposure, seasonal poor air quality and allergens in some regions.

Accessibility

Cities and attractions are generally accessible, with good infrastructure for travelers with mobility needs. Some beaches, old mountain towns and natural parks may have limited accessibility.

Tap water

Tap water is safe throughout California, with public fountains available in cities and major attractions. Bring a reusable water bottle, as some rural or remote areas may lack refills.