TravelPirates
Profile

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .

You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .

Current Deals for Your Next California Vacation

Vacation in California: Plan Your Trip through the Golden State

When you think of California, you often think of  Hollywood,  beaches,  surfing, and an America where every dream can really come true. A country where it is still possible to go from rags to riches. Well, that's all true to a certain extent, of course, but the "Golden State" of California has so much more to offer! The land of unlimited possibilities. Find out more about vacations in the USA here.

Check out our guides for top cities in California, like San Francisco and Los Angeles

Car Rental in California

From San Francisco to Santa Ana - you shouldn't miss this trip. Of course, you can fly the route. Much nicer, however, is a drive on the famous Highway #1 along the Pacific Ocean. Of course, it also makes sense to integrate the flights into a classic round trip through the Southwest of the USA from the outset.

In our rental car price comparison, you will find all the important providers for a rental car. Make sure all insurance policies are selected with no excess and that you have extended liability insurance (minimum $1 million) with you. There is no one-way rental fee within California with any of the providers known to us. However, as always, pay attention to the fine print.

Domestic Flights California - Between Cities

Depending on what you intend to do, you can look around for a suitable vehicle in our rental car price comparison.

Of course, it is much more comfortable to travel by plane between the cities, since relatively large distances are covered here. Just look for something suitable in our flight search. As soon as there are special offers for domestic flights in the USA, we will, of course, inform you about them. It is best to subscribe to our newsletter.

Climate & Best Travel Time for California

California is generally regarded as the sun state of the USA. However, California is also huge, and not all regions are warm and sunny all year round. Winter snows in some parts of California, but not in others. We have summarized the most important climate information by region for you.

1. Climate in Northern California (e.g. Sacramento)

  • Warmest months: July and August (both 90°F)

  • Coldest months: December and January (each 37°F)

  • Sunniest months: June and July

  • Rainiest months: July and August

2. Climate in Southern California (e.g. San Diego)

  • Warmest months: July, August, and September (77°F)

  • Coldest months: December and January (both 48°F)

  • Sunniest months: July and August

  • Rainiest months: June, July, August, and September

3. Climate in Death Valley

  • Warmest months: July and August (up to 115°F)

  • Coldest months: December and January (each 34°F)

  • Sunniest months: June, July, and August

  • Rainiest months: May and June

4. Climate in the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada, the tallest and longest mountain range in the United States, is a special case. The climate here is very different. At high altitudes, there is heavy snowfall in the cold winter, while summer and winter are quite mild in the west of the mountains. In the east, on the other hand, it gets very warm in summer and cool in winter. In general, there is less precipitation in the south than in the north.

Conclusion

Despite the temperature differences, we can state that the summer months are the warmest and the winter months are the coolest in all regions. Especially on a trip to Death Valley, you should avoid the extremely high temperatures in July and August and switch to spring or autumn instead.

Best Travel Time for California

The best time to travel to California is generally from May to September. That's when it's nice and sunny and warm in California, but please consider that July and August are the peak travel season for California and it can be correspondingly more expensive and the sights can be overcrowded. We therefore particularly recommend May or September for your vacation. Then there are pleasant temperatures and there are good opportunities for travel bargains. Rain is not to be expected during this time either.

In the following, we will show you when is the best travel time for which type of vacation or activity in California - depending on the region, of course.

  • Visiting Death Valley: October/November and March/April

  • Yosemite National Park: May to July

  • Beach Vacations: June to September

  • Winter Vacations and Winter Sports: October to April

  • City Break: March, April, May, and October

Best Travel Time for Whale Watching

You can also watch whales very well in California. However, the best travel time for whale watching depends entirely on the region. Therefore, we have listed for you where you can best see gray whales, humpback whales, fin whales, or blue whales.

  • Santa Barbara: Gray whales (January to mid-April), humpback and blue whales (June to November (especially June to September))

  • Monterey: Humpback Whales (March to November), Gray Whales December to April), Blue Whales (May to September)

  • San Diego: Gray Whales (December to March), Blue and Fin Whales (May to November)

  • Mendocino: Gray Whales (November to April)

  • San Francisco: Gray Whales (December to May)

Highlights & Sights in California

Which Cities Should You Definitely Visit in California?

Interesting places in California always feel like they're just a stone's throw away. The two most famous and popular travel destinations in California are definitely Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, there are so many other cities worth visiting. The beauty of California is that no matter where you are, the sun is not only in your heart but is always shining on your body. That's why this corner of the USA is so popular for road trips. In addition, most of the cities in the sunny state are close to the best surfing spots in California, so you can experience the perfect "California feeling" on your road trip.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels. No other city in the world pulsates so much with show business. The density of stars and starlets is unbelievable and anyone who is interested can choose from one of umpteen tours that drive past the villas of the stars through Beverly Hills or Malibu. And that brings us to the next topic. If you are vacationing in Los Angeles, you should definitely book a rental car. The city is incredibly spacious and without really good bus and train connections. It's also not easy to explore the area on foot unless you stay within a few blocks. So better get in the car and drive down the dead straight road from LA.

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman's Wharf. Ride up and down the mountains with the famous cable cars everywhere, and the trip through San Francisco is complete. Or? You definitely didn't experience everything that this pearl of the west coast has to offer so quickly. Of course, you shouldn't miss these highlights, but in San Francisco, there really is something to discover around every corner. The former "capital of the hippies " and the alternative scene still has a very special character and an attitude to life that makes it one of the most unique cities in the USA and the whole world. Read more about vacations in San Francisco here.

Other Cities Worth Visiting

  • San Diego

  • Sacramento

  • South Lake Tahoe

  • Monterey

  • Fresno

The Main Attractions in California

  • Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

  • Hollywood in Los Angeles

  • Yosemite National Park

  • The Big Sur Coast

  • Death Valley National Park

  • Joshua Tree National Park

  • The Prison Island of Alcatraz

  • Cable Cars in San Francisco

  • Painted Ladies in San Francisco

  • Redwood National Park

Content missingContent missing

You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content

National Parks in California

The US has a huge number of national parks across the country. California parks inspire by their untouched nature, size, and diversity. With a total of nine national parks, California is the state with the most of these important and beautiful facilities. Visit for example:

  • Yosemite National Park

  • Joshua Tree National Park

  • Death Valley National Park

  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Vacation in Hollywood

Sure, what would a trip to California be without a detour to glamorous Hollywood? Here you can find out what you absolutely must not miss during your vacation in Hollywood.

  • Hollywood Landmarks

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame

  • Hollywood Sign (best admired from Canyon Lake Drive, beautiful Insta photos guaranteed)

  • Grauman's Chinese Theater (also full of hands and footprints)

  • Kodak Theater or Dolby Theater, where the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are presented

  • Be there live while shooting a series (tickets for an audience seat are often free)

Surfing in California: The Best Surf Spots along the West Coast of the USA

Dozens of great spots are distributed along 200 miles of coast, which you can best discover on a tour of California. The relaxed surf vibes from the 70s can still be felt here. The locals are friendly and will welcome you with open arms as long as you follow surfer netiquette. Because if you steal waves here, you won't be seen with pleasure, which is understandable. Otherwise, nothing stands in your way. So off to the California adventure!

Surfing at Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach - the surf city of the USA - has to be mentioned when it comes to the best surf spots in California. The city has a certain reputation as a party center since the US Open of Surfing has been held here annually since 1959, which is also part of the World Surfing Championship at that time the city is really crowded with party surfing tourists, but you should still Give Huntington Beach a shot on your California surf tour. It's hard to find a city that values ​​and celebrates surfing more than Huntington.

Getting to Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is almost 36 miles north of Los Angeles and with a rental car you can get from Los Angeles Airport to Surf City right on the Pacific Ocean in just under 45 minutes.

The connection is not too difficult, since the airport leads directly onto Interstate 405, which takes you almost all the way to Huntington Beach.

The Surf Spot

You can find great waves all year round in Huntington Beach. Although the line-up can get crowded, there are still enough waves for every surfer as the beach and surf spots are very spacious. It doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, everyone will find the right wave class on sandy bottom here.

  • For beginners & advanced

  • Wave height: 3 - 9 feet

  • Beach break

  • Surf season: all year round

Surfing in Mavericks

The world-famous surf spot Mavericks can be found in Half Moon Bay, near San Francisco. The surf spot is not for beginners, because XXL waves break here, as they are in the book. The Hollywood blockbuster "Chasing Mavericks" with Gerard Butler even focuses on the spot and the young surfer Jay Moriarity, who became world-famous through the giant wave. Nevertheless, you have to be lucky to watch this spectacle, because the waves rarely break and even in winter. But when it does, it delivers a show better than any Hollywood movie.

Getting to Mavericks

Half Moon Bay is 30 miles from San Francisco. It takes about 40 minutes - depending on the traffic - to travel south on the peninsula. From the airport, it is only a half-hour drive and 20 miles to Mavericks.

The Surf Spot

With waves up to 82 feet high, Mavericks is only for real big wave surfing pros. From the cliff in front of the surf spot you can watch the spectacle from a safe distance and although you are not in the cold water, your heart will beat faster with these waves piling up in the sea.

  • Only for real professionals

  • Ground: Rocky

  • Wave height: 10 - 82 feet

  • Surf Season: Winter

Surfing in Santa Barbara

Our final stop on our California surf road trip is Santa Barbara. Here you will find one of the best surf spots in California. Namely Rincon. Rincon not only produces world-class shafts but is also beautiful to look at. Uneven rocks meet a crescent-shaped bay kissed by a river mouth. Oh yes, there is something special about nature in California.

Getting to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is approximately 94 miles west of Los Angeles. Depending on the traffic, it will take you almost two hours to get from the City of Angels to surf in Rincon by rental car.

The Surf Spot

Rincon is the classic California point break, which is spread over three spots, which are more suitable for the advanced surfers among you. The three surf spots are Indicator, River Mouth, and the Cove. Waves here can reach nearly 13 feet when the right swell hits Rincon.

  • For advanced

  • Point break

  • Three spots: Indicator, River Mouth & the Cove

  • Wave height: 3 - 13 feet