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Ordinary Traveler - Adventure Travel Blog

California Travel Guide

California Destination Guides

California By Region


Planning a trip to California? Let us show you some of our favorite spots to visit, where to stay, road trip guides, budget tips and more! Covering over 160,000 square miles, California is the third largest state in the US. Here’s a breakdown of California by region:

  • North Coast: Stretching along the Pacific from the Bay Area to the Oregon border, the North Coast features small coastal towns where you can indulge in activities including kayaking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. Highlights include San Francisco, Fort Bragg, Bodega Bay, The Redwoods, and Shelter Cove.
  • South Coast: The South Coast is perhaps the most exciting region in California because of the Southern California beaches. Besides Los Angeles and San Diego, we highly recommend making stops in Orange County to visit places like Laguna Beach and Dana Point and making a trip out to the Channel Islands. Just two hours from the South Coast is where you will find Joshua Tree National Park.
  • Central Coast: The Central Coast provides a slower experience compared to the North and South Coast. Places like Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Cambria, Morro Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur are highlights of this part of California.
  • The Mountains: There are two major mountain ranges in California – the Sierra Nevadas and Coast Ranges. Top destinations in the mountain region of California include Mount Whitney (a must-do for serious hikers), South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Alabama Hills, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

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Destination Guides


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TRAVEL GUIDES

San Diego Travel Guide

Travel Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend

Death Valley National Park Travel Guide

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PACKING GUIDES

Northern California Packing Guide

Packing Guide for Southern California

The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park

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NORTH COAST

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

The Best Free Campgrounds in Northern California

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SOUTH COAST

Top Things to Do in San Diego

Best Spots to Photograph in San Diego

Where to Stay in San Diego

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CENTRAL COAST

Top Things to Do on California’s Central Coast

CA Central Coast Road Trip

The Best Big Sur Campgrounds

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BUCKET LIST

The Best Beach Towns in California

South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

CA Pacific Coast Road Trip Guide

California Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit California?

California is beautiful year round, but the best time to visit depends on which destinations you want to explore and your ideal activities. Summer can be hot in some parts of the state, so this is a great time to visit the coastal towns.
 
Spring and fall are my favorite times to explore California. Spring will bring gorgeous wildflowers and the fall usually means warmer ocean temperatures. If you’re planning to camp in the mountains, keep in mind that many of the campgrounds are usually only open from about May to mid September.
 
Winter is obviously good for snow sports and, depending on the year, you might also get lucky with some 70 degree Fahrenheit winter days on the coast.

What is the weather like in California?

The weather for the northern areas of California is more extreme than the southern parts. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the closer you stay to the coast, the cooler it will be. During the winter, the temperature drops significantly, so pack accordingly – especially if you are visiting the mountain areas!

Southern California is obviously known for its perfect temperatures year round. That being said, if you’re visiting the desert (places like Joshua Tree), it will get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

As is the rule for all coastal areas, the cool winds tend to make the evenings a bit chilly in nearly every season.

25 Best Things To Do In San Diego In 2023 (A Local’s Guide)

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From whale watching and stunning beaches to the best local spots, here are my picks for the best things to do in San Diego!

View Post 25 Best Things To Do In San Diego In 2023 (A Local’s Guide)Continue

The Most Beautiful Oceanfront Hotels in California (2023)

The Most Beautiful Oceanfront Hotels in California (2023)

ByChristy Woodrow October 26, 2022December 18, 2022

Searching for the best oceanfront hotels in California? These hotels feature some of the most beautiful views and beaches in the state!

View Post The Most Beautiful Oceanfront Hotels in California (2023)Continue

22 BEST Places to Photograph in San Diego in 2023 (Local Tips)

22 BEST Places to Photograph in San Diego in 2023 (Local Tips)

ByChristy Woodrow August 9, 2022December 19, 2022

These are THE BEST spots to photograph in San Diego County to get the most instagrammable shots — hand-picked by local photographers!

View Post 22 BEST Places to Photograph in San Diego in 2023 (Local Tips)Continue

The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip Guide

The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip Guide

ByChristy Woodrow June 22, 2022October 19, 2022

How to road trip California on a budget: save on gas, accommodation and food — and stop at the most budget-friendly destinations!

View Post The Ultimate Budget-Friendly California Road Trip GuideContinue

12 Best Beach Towns in California in 2023 (And Where to Stay!)

12 Best Beach Towns in California in 2023 (And Where to Stay!)

ByChristy Woodrow July 16, 2019December 18, 2022

This guide to the best small beach towns in California covers the coolest places to stay in each town, the top things to see and more!

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Where to Stay in San Francisco 2023 (Best Hotels in Each Area)

Where to Stay in San Francisco 2023 (Best Hotels in Each Area)

ByChristy Woodrow April 15, 2019December 18, 2022

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View Post Where to Stay in San Francisco 2023 (Best Hotels in Each Area)Continue

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