California

California has a variety of climates, making it a great year-round destination, but conditions vary by region:

• March–May (Spring): Best for wildflowers, fewer crowds, and moderate temperatures.
• June–August (Summer): Ideal for beaches, road trips, and amusement parks (but expect higher prices and crowds).
• September–November (Fall): Great for wine country, coastal drives, and pleasant weather.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for skiing in Lake Tahoe, exploring Death Valley, and holiday festivities.

• Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco) – One of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
• Yosemite National Park – Home to majestic waterfalls, giant sequoias, and towering cliffs.
• Hollywood & Walk of Fame (Los Angeles) – The heart of the entertainment industry.
• Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) – The happiest place on Earth, great for families and Disney fans.
• Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – A scenic coastal drive with breathtaking ocean views.
• Big Sur – A rugged stretch of California’s coastline with dramatic cliffs and beaches.
• Death Valley National Park – The hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S..
• Lake Tahoe – A year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and lake activities.
• Napa Valley & Sonoma – World-famous wine country with vineyards and fine dining.
• Joshua Tree National Park – A desert paradise known for its unique rock formations and stargazing.

• In-N-Out Burger – A legendary California fast-food chain known for its fresh burgers and “animal-style” fries.
• Fish Tacos – A Southern California staple, best enjoyed fresh by the beach.
• Sourdough Bread (San Francisco) – A crispy, tangy bread that pairs perfectly with clam chowder.
• California Sushi Rolls – A modern take on sushi featuring avocado, crab, and cucumber.
• Cioppino (San Francisco) – A hearty seafood stew with clams, shrimp, and fish in a tomato broth.
• Avocado Toast – California is the avocado capital, so it’s a must-try here!
• Wine & Craft Beer – Napa Valley and Sonoma are known for wine, while San Diego is famous for craft beer.
• Mission-Style Burritos (San Francisco) – A giant, stuffed burrito filled with rice, beans, and meats.

• Flights: Major airports include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), and Sacramento (SMF).
• Car Rentals: The best option for road trips and exploring national parks.
• Amtrak & Train Travel: The Pacific Surfliner offers scenic coastal train rides.
• Public Transit: Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have metro and bus systems.
• Bikes & Scooters: Available in many cities for short trips and beach paths.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available statewide.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions.
• ATMs are available throughout California, including at airports, hotels, and tourist areas.
• Currency exchange services are available at international airports and major banks.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish is widely spoken in California, especially in Southern California.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Californians are friendly, casual, and laid-back—dress comfortably!
• Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Traffic can be heavy in major cities, so plan accordingly.
• Environmental consciousness is big—many places have bans on plastic bags and straws.
• Beach towns and national parks encourage a “Leave No Trace” policy—clean up after yourself!

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak seasons (Summer & Holidays): Book 3–6 months in advance for flights and accommodations.
• For Disneyland & Theme Parks: Book at least 3 months ahead, and get tickets early.
• For national parks (Yosemite, Joshua Tree, etc.): Book 6 months in advance for camping and lodges.
• For wine country (Napa & Sonoma): Book tasting tours at least 1–2 months in advance.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for updates before traveling.
• Reservations may be required for national parks during peak seasons.
• Beach towns and ski resorts have limited parking—plan ahead or use shuttles.
• Wildfire season (July–October) can impact travel plans—check local alerts.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com