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Planning a Trip to California: Cost-Saving Tips

Planning a trip to California? Make sure to read this!

Oh, California! What a beautiful land!

After many years residing in the state, I feel truly blessed to live in a place so full of natural beauty, top-notch metropolises, and unparallel diversity.

In this site, I have made my best to encourage you to visit my home.  I have written itineraries, guides, and specific pieces.

Today, I want to give you a good idea on what to expect when planning a trip to California

I am providing details on what to bring, what to expect when eating out and how you can save money on accommodation, transport, food, and activities.

Is there something else you want to know about California?

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Sightseeing Gear

Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear.  Here is a list of the items I pack to explore cities and towns in California.

General Info

Tip 1

California occupies an enormous area (163,696 m2).  To put it in perspective, the state is the same size as Germany or twice the size of the United Kingdom.  

I have noticed a lot of visitors want to cram too many things to do and see on a limited amount of time.  This may be a recipe for disaster since the trip may end up not being enjoyable (or being disappointing).

If you want to see the big cities in the state, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, I recommend 3 to 4 days per city.  That time may include a day trip and/or commuting time.

To do the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa), it is advisable to allocate 4 to 5 days.  That does not include time on the two end cities. A week to see the two cities AND enjoy the in-between makes sense.

If you have a week and do not want to do a road trip, pick two cities (San Francisco / Los Angeles or Los Angeles / San Diego) and spend your time discovering those.

In summary, you may not be able to even scratch the surface on a single visit to California.  However, do enjoy the time you have by choosing the destinations and activities wisely.

Tip 2

In this article, I am going to mention San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego a lot.  I do not want to give the impression that those cities should take priority over other parts of California.  There is a crazy amount to see outside the cities.

I will be mentioning those cities since they are hubs and good bases to explore the surroundings.

Tip 3

And, talking about size, do your research on how long it takes to drive or move from one point to another.  As mentioned, the distances are long.

Also, remember to research driving time at peak hours.  That may make a lot of difference.

Tip 4

The Los Angeles metropolitan area counts with 5 airports: LAX (the main one), Long Beach, Ontario, Burbank and John Wayne (located in Orange County).

You may find airlines offering low fares to small airports.  Before cashing on that “great deal,” research how much it is going to cost you to get to the area you are going to stay.  After factoring that, the deal may not be that sweet.

LAX is located close to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.  Burbank is a good option for Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena.

The other airports are located a bit away from the core attractions. John Wayne works well for those who are planning a Disney focused vacation.

Tip 5

The above concept applies to San Francisco.  In there, you have the San Francisco (the central one), Oakland and San Jose airports.  

Do your homework to see if flying to an airport outside the city make sense from a money perspective.

Tip 6

The San Diego Airport is not a big flying hub as Los Angeles or San Francisco.  A lot of people find it cheaper to fly to LAX and drive to San Diego (the drive is less than two hours without traffic).

Tip 7

I get a lot of questions about safety in California.  

As in other places in the world, you should not let your guard down in a place you do not fully know.  

However, I can assure you things are very chill in California.  You do not have to worry about violent crime or feeling threatened.  

Planning a Trip to California: Transportation

Tip 8

California counts with a good highway system.  We call 4 or 5 lane thoroughfares freeways and they are truly free.  You are not going to find tolls on them.

Now, there is the option to pay for the use of toll roads or lanes.  This exists in some metropolitan areas. For visitors, I do not think there is a necessity to use these.

Let me mention, you do have to pay a toll to use two of the most famous bridges in California: the Bay and Golden Gate (both located in San Francisco).

For the Bay Bridge, you pay when crossing from the Oakland side.  The Golden Gate Bridge has an electronic toll. You can pay before crossing or you will receive a bill on the mail if you do not pay before crossing.

Tip 9

Los Angeles has the worst traffic in the entire world.  San Francisco is not much better in this aspect.  It usually makes the top 10 list every year.

Unless you want to experience the maddening effects of traffic, stay away from from the freeways during rush hours.  If you need to travel between cities, do this really early or after 7:00 p.m.

Keep in mind you may still be stuck on the freeway at non-peak times.

Tip 10

San Francisco is fairly compact and public transportation options are effective.  You will be ok without a car (if you are sticking to the city).

Tip 11

On the contrary, Los Angeles is a monster in terms of size.  A car is recommended if you are planning to do a good amount of sightseeing.

If you are visiting for a weekend (3 days) or staying put in an area, I do not believe you need a car.  Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood are not that far from each other. Downtown LA can be accessed by train from the beach.

Tip 12

Same thing with San Diego.  A car would not be needed for a short weekend if you want to explore Little Italy, Gaslamp Square, and Balboa Park.

Having a car would allow you to explore beyond Downtown.  Driving in San Diego is a breeze.

Tip 13

Parking in San Francisco can be a nightmare.  Finding a spot may take time and prices may be unreasonable.  This applies to the Downtown and Embarcadero areas. Attractions on the Golden Gate Recreational Area have free parking lots.  

Tip 14

In San Francisco, parking is usually not included in hotel rates.  If you do not take this into consideration at the moment of booking, you may end up with a $20-$25 additional daily fees.

Make sure to read the hotel fine print related to parking before booking.  Try not to stay at a place that DOES NOT offer parking options.

Planning a Trip to California: Attractions and Costs

Tip 15

The cost of living in California is high.  As a consequence, you are going to feel this as a visitor.

If you are coming from areas with a similar cost of living (New York, London), you may not feel a big difference.  If this is not the case, be prepared to pay a higher cost for goods and services.

Tip 16

Also, keep in mind the living costs in California are increasing at a fast pace.  In the last two years, housing and prepared food costs have gone through the roof.  New service costs are appearing on bills.

Prices will keep going up as new laws kick in next year.  Base your research on actualized sources. Refrain from using guides that were written 2 or 3 years ago.

Tip 17

In terms of money saving tips, my biggest advice is to make up most of the free attractions, sights, and events.  I am convinced you can have a great vacation in California without spending (or spending little) on sightseeing.

To make my point stronger, let me tell you I work for a talent acquisition organization.  When recruiters are selling the Los Angeles location, they “advertise” a zero entertainment budget to candidates. Why? Because we have gazillions of places to go and multiple free events every weekend.

The same applies to other locations.  And, let me tell you, I know what I talking about.  I am on the road once per month.

The thing is that California is big on breathtaking natural attractions, cultural institutions, food markets, and events.

Tip 18

To further my point about free attractions, I have several low budget itineraries on the blog.  I can show you how to do the most popular cities and attractions for next to nothing. If I feel like an attraction is worth paying for, I disclose that. Check out the following:

Los Angeles Itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 Days in Los Angeles

San Francisco Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in San Francisco

Los Angeles to San Diego Drive: A Road Trip Itinerary

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive: A Road Trip Itinerary

5-Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Note: When I refer to free entertainment, I am referring to things to see and do.  I am not including eating and drinking on that bucket.

Tip 19

If you want to experience a paid attraction, check for available discounts before paying face value.  I recommend checking sites like Groupon, TravelZoo and Goldstar.

You may even find tons of ideas on what to do in a particular area.

Tip 20

I am not a big fan of discount cards or passes.  First, they cover a set number of attractions (you can select from a list on some).  Second, I do not believe the attractions covered give you a good feel of what the main California cities have to offer.

But, it is your trip, not mine.  I understand each particular situation is unique.  If you are interested in visiting theme parks, museums, tours, and hop-in, hop-off buses, these may save you money.

In Los Angeles, you can have options such as Go Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Sightseeing Pass, CityPASS, and Starline Hollywood Pass.

In San Francisco, you have Go San Francisco, The San Francisco Sightseeing Pass, the Explorer Pass, the San Francisco Sightseeing FlexPass, San Francisco Mega Pass, iVenture Card, CityPASS, Pier 39 Attraction Pass, Viator 3-for-1 Pass, and Big Bus Deluxe.  In addition, there are combos to see Alcatraz combined with other attractions.

In San Diego, you can buy the Go San Diego Card or the Balboa Park Explorer Pass.

Tip 21

All popular places count with a good number of touristic traps.  Cities in California are not an exception. I am not going to go into specifics but try to avoid these.

In Los Angeles, there are many around Hollywood and in San Francisco, they are concentrated in the Embarcadero. My advice is to stay away from places that charge high prices and offer little or no value.

The same goes for restaurants.  Check places with good reviews. If you do not trust the Internet (because even Yelp gets things wrong), ask the locals.

If a place is empty, outdated and unattractive, keep looking (more when other places around are buzzing with activity).

Tip 22

For those who want to get the real deal about San Francisco, take into consideration a free tour.  These are not 100% free since you have to tip at the end of the tour. However, it may be the best (in terms of prices) option to get to know the city.

Currently, a company called Free Tours by Foot offer several tours around the city (including San Francisco in One Day).

Other affordable options include Free San Francisco Tour (they have a tour in Spanish), L.A. Conservancy Walking Tours ($15 per person) and LA Art Tours (different tours but they can be as low as $12 per person).

Public buildings may offer free tours to visitors.

Tip 23

In terms of museums, there are several free of charge.  Other may offer free entrance a day or the week or month.  You can use the following resources to find museums to visit:

SoCal Museums

Museum Free Days in Southern California

San Diego Museums Free Days

Free Museums in San Francisco

Just be aware that some museums listed as free require online reservations (like The Broad in Los Angeles) or a parking fee (like The Getty).  Special exhibitions may not be free.

Tip 24

Visitors Center and Touristic Bureaus may offer a discount on certain attractions and restaurants.  I would visit them before starting my sightseeing.

Tip 25

If you are planning a wine-themed vacation, look for “2-for-1” deals at the visitors center.  Or, check if the wine region you are visiting has a seasonal or yearly pass. These deals can provide huge savings.

Tip 26

Other than the big cities, costs are relatively elevated on well-known destinations such as Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Napa, Sonoma, Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.

The cheapest costs in the coast are found in San Luis Obispo County (Pismo Beach, Morro Bay).

Ski destinations are expensive too (Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes).

Planning a Trip to California: Food

Tip 27

To give you an idea on food prices, an entree in a casual restaurant costs $10 to $15.  It is getting harder and harder to find an entire meal for less than $10. Even the breakfast and lunch prices are surpassing the $10 mark in some places.

Tip 28

There are still restaurants offering combos or family deals.  As an example, my husband and I tend to get a roasted chicken, two large sides, two soups and sauce for the chicken for less than $20 at a local Peruvian restaurant.

Another place close to the house has fish tacos, burritos and wraps for less than $10.  A grilled salmon plate with two sides is $12.

So, yes, you can find deals on meals but these tend to be located on places away from the touristic trail.

Tip 29

Food portions in California restaurants can be huge.  You can save money by not ordering a main dish for every member of your party (especially kids).  Having a family-style meal (where dishes are shared) can leave everybody in your party more than satisfied.

You may notice menus do not include the price of drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic).  This is because businesses do not want you to see how much you are paying for those.

Tip 30

A non-alcoholic drink can cost $4 to $5 each.  Alcoholic drinks are priced between $7 and $12 (or more depending on the type of liquor).  Avoiding these during meal times can save you tons of money (I mean, you can have these at more reasonable prices somewhere else).

Tip 31

Almost every cool, trendy and fashionable restaurant in the big cities offers a happy hour menu.  This makes sense for a lot of economic and branding reasons.

To clarify, the term happy hour does not refer solely to alcoholic drinks.  Many restaurants offer a decent array of dishes at discounted prices. For example, they may have appetizers at half price, a “buy one – get one free” deal or exclusive dishes offered only during this specific time of the day.

Happy hour deals occur weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Some places may have a shorter window or end at 6:00 p.m.  Other places have happy hour deals even on the weekends. You can Google the exact details.

I have tried a lot of great dishes on awesome restaurants using this technique.  Since you are eating early, you may want to have a small snack before going to bed.

Lately, I have been noticing some restaurants not sharing happy hour menus with customers.  Ask about those menus if you know the restaurants offer deals.

Tip 32

Expect to pay a 7.25% to 10% sales tax in California.  Taxes are not included on prices stated for goods and services.  Food (cold, not served as a meal) is not taxable (it is more complicated than this but this is not the forum to discuss it).

Tip 33

An 18% to 20% tip is expected at sit-down restaurants where you are receiving the service of a waiter or waitress.  Even places where food is sold to go are presenting you the option to leave a tip at the moment of payment.

Coastal view seen from the San Simeon Pier, Things to do in San Simeon

Planning a Trip to California: Weather

Tip 34

California is known for its good year-round weather.  In theory, you can jump onto the road anytime. But, let me give you some facts that may affect you when planning a trip to California.

During the months of May, June, and July, the state experiences a phenomenon called June Gloom.  A thick marine layer covers the coastal areas from sunrise until about 1:00 p.m. In other words, there is not going to be plenty of opportunities for clear photos during this time.

Tip 35

During daylight saving time (winter), it starts to get dark at around 5:00 p.m.  You will have about 10 hours of daylight for sightseeing.

On the contrary, during summer, you will have more than 14 hours of daylight.  It is important to factor this when deciding on a time to visit.

Tip 36

The rainy season goes from December to early April.    February is the wettest month. There is this notion that it never rains in California but that is not completely true.

As mentioned, we do have a rainy season.  However, this season is different every year.  We had 7 years of dry weather followed by 3 years of rain.  I am not talking about showers for an hour and sun after that (like in tropical weather).  Storms can affect several regions for days.

Now, it is very rare to see rain outside the rainy season.

Redondo Beach Pier, Sunset

Tip 37

I recommend bringing a sweater or jacket even if you are visiting the state during summer.  Temperatures can drop, especially close to the beach when the sun goes down.

Tip 38

As a long time resident, I have discovered the famous California good weather applies to coastal communities.  Several areas in Los Angeles County, the San Joaquin Valley and the desserts get burning hot during summer.

High areas in the Sierra (Sequoia, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe) can get very chilly even during summer.

So, always check the weather before heading to a destination and pack accordingly.

Tip 39

Always wear sunblock when you are sightseeing outdoors.  Protect yourself from the sun even if is overcast. Do not forget about your ears and lips.

La Purisima Mision in Lompoc, California, Things to do in Lompoc

Planning a Trip to California: Accommodation

Tip 40

To save on accommodations, book way in advance if you are staying in the big cities.  Each city has a limited number of budget options that are booked fast. Do not leave things for the last moment.

Stays outside big cities are not necessarily cheaper.  You will find better rates during weekday

Ideas

If you are interested in learning more about California, you can check these posts full of ideas.

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

Inspiration Point, Emerald Bay, Pictures of Lake Tahoe

Hope this article has provided insight into California.  See you soon!

What other things do you want to know about planning a trip to California?  Let me know below.

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Travel tips and ideas for #SanFrancisco, #LosAngeles and #SanDiego - I want to give you a good idea on what to expect when planning a trip to #California. I am providing details on what to bring, what to expect when eating out and how you can save money on accommodation, transport, food, and activities. In addition, I have weather-related tips. #USA
Travel tips and ideas for #SanFrancisco, #LosAngeles and #SanDiego - I want to give you a good idea on what to expect when planning a trip to #California. I am providing details on what to bring, what to expect when eating out and how you can save money on accommodation, transport, food, and activities. In addition, I have weather-related tips. #USA

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Russian River Brewing Company has become world-famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, hailed by many aficionados as the best beers in the world (Pliny the Younger is brewed once a year and is an especially hot ticket to enjoy). But they offer more than just IPAs, as their sours (named Consecration, Supplication, and Temptation) are world-class. Russian River now offers two locations in Sonoma Valley, including their original taproom in Santa Rosa and a new brewery and brewpub in Windsor. The Santa Rosa location can get packed in evenings, but they offer excellent pizzas and wings to pair with the beers. The Windsor location has a little less traffic and offers a broader menu, plus you can take a tour of their brewery. Visit the Mystery Spot By Rosie from Popcuria The Mystery Spot is a fun and quirky addition to any California trip and a great activity for all ages. This classic roadside attraction is now a California Historical Landmark and worth a stop on any drive up Highway One. Tucked away in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA, the Mystery Spot is home to strange gravitational anomalies that will make you question your own eyes. Take the Mystery Spot’s guided tour and experience this supernatural phenomenon for yourself. Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best McArthur-Burney Falls, Places to Visit in California: Bucket List for TravelersPlaces to Visit in California: Bucket List for Travelers Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, California Lakes in Southern CaliforniaLakes in Southern California: Ideas for your Next Gateway! Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles, Solvang, The Santa Ynez ValleyWeekend Getaways from Los Angeles

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  1. Patrick Weseman says

    Hate to be a killjoy but San Francisco is “smash and grab” central when it comes to cars. I work in the city and it is really bad. The police barely come out and file a report. If you can, avoid driving and parking in San Francisco.

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