For those seeking an unforgettable vacation destination with plenty of sun and sea, iconic landscapes and natural wonders, diverse culture, vibrant cities, and so much more, you’d be hard pressed to find a better location than California. “The Golden State” presents a golden opportunity for travelers to take advantage of the many offerings that make it such a world-famous tourist hotspot.
Here are some of the secrets to planning a memorable California vacation.
California is a vast wonderland of exciting destinations, incredible sights and venues, amazing attractions, and more offerings than one could ever check out in a single trip.
Having an idea of what you’d like to do or see, and the experience you seek is the first step in arranging a useful itinerary. Start by taking stock of important travel details that will inform the rest of your holiday, such as:
These questions and more will inform how your itinerary is organized, and keeping these in mind will help you design the best travel itinerary for your individual trip.
California is replete with world-renowned destinations and attractions, and compiling a list of some of these can help you narrow down your dream itinerary. Do you want to lounge by the beach? Are you seeking a family outing packed with adventure? Perhaps a romantic excursion is what you and your loved one crave.
Here are some popular destinations and activities to consider:
Whether you plan to spend all your time in Los Angeles or San Diego, or you want to travel across the state, be sure to plot out enough time to really enjoy your destination.
Lounge on one of the state’s legendary beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or stroll down the boardwalk and peruse the local shops. Pamper yourself with a spa or massage and indulge in some luxury amenities. Go sightseeing at one of California’s famous landmarks, or take a nature hike and get lost in its many magnificent parks and nature preserves.
Ideally, you should schedule at least two weeks for your visit, enabling you to explore your chosen destinations without rushing to fit them all in. Plan enough extra time to deviate from your itinerary if you see something interesting along your journey.
In addition to the duration of your stay, determining the optimal time of year to visit California will also help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. This will largely depend on travel specifications, such as exactly where you plan on visiting, and what experience you’re after.
While it’s a phenomenal place to visit year-round, base your ideal travel window on your preferences for weather, crowd sizes, and prices.
The summer season brings warm and welcoming weather, but because it is a popular travel period, this is when you’ll usually find larger crowds and higher prices.
Californian winters are milder and prone to rain and storms. Expect smaller crowds and reduced prices, with the exception of holiday periods.
You can generally find the right balance of good weather, less crowds, and lower costs during the shoulder seasons extending from April to May and September to October.
No California vacation is complete without partaking in some of the state’s world-class cuisine and engaging with its unique and diverse cultural offerings.
Learn the history of the region by visiting a museum, take in the art scene with a visit to a local concert, art gallery or exhibit, or see some of the iconic historical and cultural landmarks that set California apart, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Falls, and its many national and state parks.
California is also a popular culinary destination, boasting some truly incredible restaurants and eateries. From enjoying some quality local street food, to dining at a five-star restaurant, or going on a market or wine tour to explore the local flavors, California has it all!
California is a massive, sprawling state, with an overwhelming amount of things to do and see— so much so that planning it all can be a challenge. The best way to navigate this and ensure you get the best quality trip possible is by enlisting the help of a certified travel professional.
InteleTravel Advisors possess detailed knowledge of countless destinations around the globe, will work with you to arrange the perfect itinerary according to your specifications and preferences, and will be available to provide support along every step of the way.