A Weekend Guide to Backcountry Hiking in Yosemite
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California Travel Guide
As a native Californian, I’m a bit biased, but believe it’s the most exciting state to visit in the USA. There is a reason why California is often romanticized in movies and popular culture – this place is bursting with sunshine and a sense of adventure! From great weather, fantastic theme parks, fascinating history, stunning National Parks and adventurous hiking spots – there is so much that this spectacular place has to offer!
You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the Redwood forest, Joshua Tree, and Big Sur. And you’ll love exploring major cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Add to that great food, amazing road trips, cool camping spots, and incredible sightseeing opportunities – California is one of my favorite places in the world.
Best Time To Visit
California actually has a late summer, so you’ll be surprised with some colder weather in May and June. July to September is when things start to heat up. October is my all-time favorite month in Southern California. You get the BEST sunsets and have a nice balance of warm and cool weather.
Festival season starts in April with Coachella and Stagecoach, but runs pretty much all year long! There’s also Lightning in a Bottle, Outside Lands, CRSSD Festival and KAABOO. Aside from music festivals, you’ll find everything from the Hot Air Balloon Festival in my hometown, Temecula to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Don’t let the winter months put you off visiting – California has the best weather in the USA year-around!
Check out The Best Time to Travel to California for complete details!
What To Expect
Language: English is the main language spoken in California, however, it’s a huge melting pot of cultures. Spanish is spoken widely, especially in Southern California.
Currency: The currency used in California is the US Dollar.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can pay for pretty much everything with your card in California. There are plenty of ATMs around, and most stores accept Mastercard, Visa and AMEX.
Plugs: The plugs in the USA are Type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Safety: Safety anywhere in the USA is relative. There are definitely some cities like Los Angeles where you need to be aware of your surroundings and use your best judgment. However, as a general rule, it’s a safe destination to travel! If you’re going to road trip around the state, always take extra precautions and let a friend or family member know where you’re headed and when you expect to arrive.
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