Overview

California is a land of contrasts and dreams. From the misty forests of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, and from world-class cities to majestic national parks, the Golden State truly has it all. Whether you’re chasing stars in Hollywood, hiking in Yosemite, or enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in wine country, California offers endless ways to explore and enjoy life.

  • Capital: Sacramento
  • Largest Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno
  • Population: ~39 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8) / PDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Varies by region — Mediterranean along the coast, desert in the southeast, alpine in the mountains

Top Destinations in California

Los Angeles

A global hub for entertainment, fashion, and art, with sunny beaches, Hollywood, and world-famous attractions.

San Francisco

A cultural and tech powerhouse with iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and hilly Victorian neighborhoods.

San Diego

Laid-back vibes, family-friendly beaches, great weather, and a world-famous zoo make this a top southern California escape.

Yosemite National Park

One of America’s most beloved parks — known for granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Napa & Sonoma

Wine country at its finest — with rolling vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and charming small towns.

Must-See Attractions

  • Golden Gate Bridge – A symbol of California and one of the most photographed bridges in the world
  • Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) – The original Disney theme park and a magical place for all ages
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame – Star-studded sidewalks and the heart of LA’s entertainment industry
  • Big Sur Coastline – A dramatic, rugged stretch of Highway 1 with unbeatable views
  • Lake Tahoe – A year-round alpine playground for skiing, boating, and hiking

Things to Do

  • Surf or sunbathe at iconic beaches like Santa Monica, Huntington, and Venice
  • Tour wine country in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, or Temecula
  • Go hiking or camping in national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree
  • Experience tech culture in Silicon Valley
  • Explore arts & museums in LA, San Francisco, or Sacramento

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco International (SFO), San Diego International (SAN), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF)

Transport

  • Amtrak and Metrolink connect many cities and towns
  • Public transit available in major cities (BART, Muni, Metro, etc.)
  • Rental cars are ideal for road trips and national park visits
  • Coastal drives along Highway 1 are a must

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers, ideal for national parks
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak tourist season, beach weather
  • Fall (Sep–Nov): Grape harvest season, fewer crowds
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Great for skiing in the Sierras or mild SoCal getaways

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: A fusion of global influences, fresh produce, seafood, and cutting-edge trends
  • Specialties: Fish tacos, sourdough bread, tri-tip, In-N-Out Burger, avocados, burritos, and California rolls
  • Drinks: Local wines, craft beers, green juices, and California-style cocktails
  • Events & Festivals:
  • Coachella Music Festival (Indio)
  • San Diego Comic-Con
  • Napa Valley Wine Auction
  • Outside Lands (San Francisco)
  • Rose Parade & Rose Bowl (Pasadena)

Souvenirs from California

  • Napa or Sonoma wines
  • Surf gear or beachwear
  • Hollywood and movie memorabilia
  • Handmade crafts from local markets
  • Local olive oils, almonds, and dried fruit

Fun Facts

  • California is the most populous state in the U.S.
  • Home to Hollywood, the Silicon Valley, and more national parks than any other state
  • The Sequoia trees in California are among the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth
  • It was once its own independent republic before becoming part of the U.S.
  • You can surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon — all in one day

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Coastal Getaway

  • Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco – explore Fisherman’s Wharf + Golden Gate views
  • Day 2: Drive down Highway 1 to Monterey + Big Sur
  • Day 3: Spend the day in Santa Barbara before flying out of LA

5-Day California Highlights Tour

  • Day 1: San Francisco – city tour + Chinatown + sunset cruise
  • Day 2: Napa Valley – wine tasting + hot air balloon ride
  • Day 3: Yosemite – hiking and waterfalls
  • Day 4: Drive to LA – stop in Santa Barbara
  • Day 5: Explore LA – Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory

Cities

  • Los Angeles