2025 California Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#transportation Planning a trip to Yosemite? From scenic drives to shuttle hacks, here’s how to get around smart, so you spend more time chasing waterfalls and less time chasing parking spots 👇 🚗 Driving Yourself (Most Common Option) Yosemite is driveable, but it’s also popular — expect crowds, especially spring–fall. ✅ Ideal for early risers and folks with flexible schedules 🅿️ Main areas like Yosemite Valley fill up by 9 AM in peak season! 💡 Driving Pro Tips: Download offline maps before entering — signal drops fast Fill up on gas before the park — none inside Yosemite Valley Bring $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass OR get the America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 (worth it if hitting 3+ parks) 🚌 Yosemite Valley Shuttle (Free & Easy) 🟢 Runs year-round in Yosemite Valley 🛑 Stops at key spots like: Yosemite Falls Half Dome Village Mist Trail Mirror Lake trailhead 🎯 Perfect for ditching the car once you’re parked — hop on & off all day 🕒 Runs approx. every 10–20 minutes during the day 🚐 Other Free Seasonal Shuttles: 🚌 Mariposa Grove Shuttle (May–Nov) Runs from Mariposa Welcome Plaza to giant sequoia grove 🚌 Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle (summer only) Great for high-country hikes on Tioga Road 🚆 Don’t Want to Drive? Take Public Transit! Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System connects from Merced, Fresno, Mammoth Lakes, and more 🚍 Great for car-free travelers, especially in summer when parking is rough 🚐 Campervans & RVs ✅ Allowed in the park but trickier to maneuver 🅿️ RVs can park in Yosemite Valley day-use lots ⚠️ Some roads have length limits — check before driving in 🛻 Reserve campgrounds well in advance if sleeping in your rig! 🧭 Transportation Tips at a Glance: ✅ Arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM for easier parking ✅ Stay inside the park or nearby for better access ✅ Check road conditions online — snow & fire impact access ✅ Electric vehicle? There are chargers in Yosemite Valley! ✅ Yosemite Valley = most traffic. Want fewer crowds? Try Tuolumne Meadows or Hetch Hetchy

Drive the iconic Highway 1 from Dana Point to Leggett, with stunning ocean views, cliffs, and beach towns. Key stops: Malibu, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco. Best in spring or fall. Drive north to south for the best ocean views. Highlights by Region: 1. Southern California: • Malibu – Surf culture, beaches, celebrity homes. • Santa Barbara – Spanish architecture, wineries. • Pismo Beach – Cliffs, dunes, and classic beach town vibe. 2. Central Coast: • Big Sur – Iconic rugged cliffs, Bixby Bridge, redwoods. • Carmel-by-the-Sea – Fairytale town with artsy charm. • Monterey – Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive. 3. Northern California: • Santa Cruz – Boardwalk fun and surf. • Half Moon Bay – Coastal trails and pumpkin farms. • San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant neighborhoods. • Mendocino – Dramatic cliffs, quaint coastal village. #旅行酷体验 #thingstodo #seascapes #staycation #Drive

The Christmas spirit is alive at Disneyland! Visiting right at the start of the Christmas season on a weekday to avoid the crowds, I was surprised to find it still bustling with people. Unfortunately, there was no quick strategy to navigate through the crowd. Watching the parade is a must (shows at 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM), and it's truly worth it. Both the daytime and nighttime parades have their unique charm, and no matter how many times you watch, the music always brings tears to your eyes. I secured a spot early for the fireworks, but they were canceled due to strong winds. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas month! #BayAreaLife #ChristmasMarketVisit #BayAreaWeekend #SnowmanPhotoOp #CaliforniaDisneyland #LADisneyland #DisneylandChristmas #CaliChristmas #ThemeParkTips #ChristmasOutfitIdeas

Take advantage of the Christmas season and head to California Disneyland, where there are so many limited-time activities that it's hard to experience them all. Since it's my second visit, I bought a 1-day 2-park ticket. During the holidays, there are a lot of people, so you have to make choices. To experience each park, you need at least one day. 🎄Christmas Season: 11/15-1/6, open from 8 AM to 12 AM 🎆Special Activities: Castle Park 1. Fireworks have been changed from weekends to every night at 9:30 PM, but they will be canceled if the weather is bad 2. Christmas parades are held twice in the afternoon and evening 3. The castle is dressed in winter attire, with two light shows at night Adventure Park 1. The water screen show has been transformed into a Christmas-themed light show, and you need to book a virtual queue on the app 2. Santa Claus meet-and-greet is at Redwood Creek 3. There are also some Christmas song and dance performances 🔔Rides: Start with Adventure Park, which closes at 11 PM, while Castle Park closes an hour later, and there are more activities at night. Adventure Park 1. Radiator Springs Racers: Super fun! It's California's sunset roller coaster. The line is long all day, but the single rider line is about 20 minutes faster than the regular line, or you can buy a fast pass. 2. Guardians of the Galaxy Drop Tower: Both thrilling and fun! Personally, I find this more interesting than other Disney parks 😄 3. Pixar Pal-A-Round: A bit thrilling and quite long, the tunnel is very distinctive, and there's a single rider line. 4. Soarin': Over the Horizon, every time I watch it, I'm grateful we live on such a beautiful planet 5. Monsters, Inc.: Ride a little car to see the scenes, quite cute 6. Grizzly River Run: You'll get wet, and California's current temperature makes it a bit cold when wet, so remember to bring a raincoat if you ride 7. The Little Mermaid: Ride in a shell to see story scenes 8. Ferris Wheel: Two types, swinging and non-swinging, you'll be stuck halfway in the air with cold wind blowing, and the grid makes it hard to take photos, not a great experience 9. Goofy's Sky School: A very shaky small roller coaster, not fun 😂 Castle Park 1. Haunted Mansion & It's a Small World: Two classic attractions have holiday editions, with exterior decorations and interior scenes changed, very exquisite~ 2. Star Wars Land: Recreates movie scenes, both attractions are very cool, rode each twice, and the crispy ball milk cap coffee is delicious! 3. Runway Railway: Thought it would be boring for kids, but it was quite interesting! 4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Ride a boat to see story scenes, not much different from other places 5. Roger Rabbit: Story + little car, a bit boring 🥱 🌭Food: Didn't find anything particularly delicious, except for the turkey leg, bacon hot dog is okay, the rest are mostly burgers, fries, pizza, and sweets. #HolidayDestinations #CaliforniaDisneyland #Disneyland #ChristmasSeason #ChristmasLimitedEdition #DisneylandChristmas #CaliforniaDisneylandAdventurePark #DisneylandPhotos #DisneylandGuide #ThanksgivingActivities

#onthemove California, the Golden State, is the ultimate road trip destination, offering everything from sun-kissed beaches and rolling vineyards to towering mountains and iconic cities. Ready for an adventure? Let’s hit the road! Start in San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge stands as your gateway to the journey. Grab a coffee in North Beach, snap a photo at Alamo Square’s Painted Ladies, and fuel up on clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf. Then, head south along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Your next stop: Big Sur, a stretch of coastline so beautiful it’ll make you pull over at every turn. Drive across the dramatic Bixby Creek Bridge, hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and don’t forget to check out the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach. From there, cruise into Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera.” Wander the palm-lined beaches, sip wine in the Funk Zone, and explore the iconic Spanish-style architecture. Next, head inland to Yosemite National Park, a natural wonderland filled with towering granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and serene meadows. Take a hike to Glacier Point or gaze up at El Capitan and feel small in the best way possible. Continue south to Death Valley National Park, a surreal desert landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, and vibrant canyons. Visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and catch a sunset at Zabriskie Point. Wrap up your road trip in Los Angeles, the city of dreams. From the glitz of Hollywood to the beaches of Santa Monica, LA offers endless opportunities to soak up the California vibe. A road trip through California is more than just a journey—it’s a sampler of the state’s diverse beauty and culture. Bring your sunglasses, sense of wonder, and a playlist for the ride!

The drive gives you the very best views of the California coast. For a fee of $11 the drive takes you around the Monterey Peninsula. The fee allows you to go as often as you like on that day and we took full advantage of that. The scenery is truly spectacular. Follow the red dashed path and see stunning shorelines, birds, gold courses and phenomenal mansions. You do not want to rush this drive, take the time to stop and take it all in. We caught the sunset at the Lone Cypress; AMAZING!! Highly recommend and would do this drive again. High season be prepared for lots of traffic. #thingstodo #myitinerary #Coastal drive #california #17 mile drive #seascapes #naturalwonders

#bestsunset There’s something magical about watching the sunset in California. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the coastline. Whether you're on a beach in Malibu, perched on a cliff in Big Sur, or simply taking in the view from a quiet spot in the Bay Area, California’s sunsets never disappoint. It’s a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and feel the beauty of nature at its finest.

#100WaysOfTravel I recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Los Angeles and Huntington Beach! The journey began with a thrilling visit to Dodger Stadium, where I cheered on the Dodgers amidst a sea of passionate fans. Next, I strolled through Beverly Hills, soaking in the luxury and stopping at the iconic hotel from "Pretty Woman." The adventure continued at Huntington Beach, where I basked in the sun, watched playful seals, and was amazed by sightings of dolphins and a majestic blue whale. This trip perfectly blended the vibrant energy of LA with the serene beauty of the California coast—truly a dream holiday!

☀️The sunny California coastline, the winding Highway 1, the charming beaches and the vast Pacific Ocean, this is the dream place in the hearts of countless travelers. A self-driving tour of the West Coast of the United States is not only a close contact with natural beauty, but also a wonderful journey to explore diverse cultures and historical customs. Recommended classic routes: 🛣Highway 1, San Francisco → Monterey → Carmel → Big Sur → Solvang → Santa Barbara → Malibu → Los Angeles. Highway 1 is one of the most famous self-driving routes in the United States, connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. The total distance is about 840 miles. The recommended travel time is 10 days. Recommended attractions along the way: 🦞San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. Fisherman's Wharf is famous for its abundant seafood and beautiful ocean views. Visitors can taste fresh crabs, clam chowder, and visit the sea lions on Pier 39. 🎨American Palace of Fine Arts: The Palace of Fine Arts was built during the Panama Pacific International Exposition in 1915 and has now become one of the landmark buildings in San Francisco. The elegant Romanesque domed building is surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, perfect for walking and photography. 🌉Golden Gate Bridge: As one of the most famous landmarks in San Francisco, this suspension bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait with a total length of about 2.7 kilometers. The Golden Gate Bridge is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a great place to take photos and enjoy the view. 🏛San Francisco City Hall: This magnificent building is the political center of San Francisco, and its towering dome is one of the largest in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the historic building and municipal functions. 🌆Twin Peaks: This is one of the highest points in San Francisco. From here you can overlook the panoramic view of the entire city, especially at sunset, the scenery is breathtaking. 🏕Seventeen Mile Bay: This scenic private toll road winds along the Pacific coastline, with multiple viewpoints along the way where you can see the blue sea, sky, cliffs and luxurious beachfront villas. 🏞Big Sur: The coastline here is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Big Sur Beach Park offers spectacular ocean views, hiking trails, and camping spots. ⛲️Beverly Hills: This is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Los Angeles, known for its lavish shopping streets and celebrity homes. Visitors can shop on Rodeo Drive or take a tour of celebrity homes. 🏖Santa Monica Beach: Home to the famous Santa Monica Pier and Ferris Wheel, it is a great place for relaxation and entertainment. The beautiful views of the beach and ocean make it a great location for photos. 🎢Universal Studios Los Angeles: This is one of the most famous theme parks in the world, where visitors can experience immersive movie special effects and exciting rides. 🛸Griffith Observatory: This observatory not only provides the opportunity to observe the stars, but also overlooks the entire city of Los Angeles. Its location and facilities make it a great place for both education and entertainment. 💫Hollywood Walk of Fame: This is one of the most symbolic landmarks in Hollywood. The names of hundreds of stars are engraved on the Walk of Fame, making it a must-see for movie lovers. 😊Through the West Coast self-driving tour, you will be able to deeply experience the natural beauty and unique cultural customs of the West Coast of the United States. Whether it is the prosperity of the city or the magnificence of nature, it will bring you an unforgettable self-driving experience. 📆Preparation before departure Before traveling to the United States for a self-driving trip, you need to make some necessary preparations. First, make sure you have a valid driver's license and bring an English translation of your driver's license. At the same time, the driver also needs to hold a passport and an international credit card. In addition, you also need to download some useful applications such as Google Maps, Roadtrippers, GasBuddy, etc. to navigate, plan routes and find gas stations.

The brilliance of Sunshine Coast, the urban allure of Brisbane, and the irresistible oceanic charm of Gold Coast – all distilled into an unforgettable culinary expedition orchestrated by the incomparable nellyslife__. ☀️👯♀️ From the delicate art of savoring Brisbane's best-kept gastronomic secrets to luxuriating in the sun-soaked embrace of Gold Coast's coastal splendor, this sojourn emerged as a vividly woven tapestry spun from the threads of flavors and friendship. The cities' vivacity and energy effortlessly mirrored the warmth and camaraderie of a cherished friend, rendering every delectable bite and shared moment eternally memorable.

The Ferris wheel, the representative photo zone of Disney Adventure Park! In addition to the photo zone, I recommend the must-ride fun rides in Adventure~ 1. Radiator Springs Racers⭐️ 🎞️ Rides 👑 TOP3 ❌ Genie Plus not applicable ($18) The quality is so good that it looks like it came out of a real movie and the speed is so good that it feels like you're actually racingㅠㅠ Of course, it's important to be thrilled and fun, but the quality of the details in the rides makes you think, 'Oh, this is why it's Disneyland~' and understand the expensive ticket price... 2. Incredicoaster 🎞️ Rides 👑 TOP3 ✔️ A super thrilling roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees 3. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! 🎞️ Amusement rides ✔️ Similar to Gyro Drop 4. Soarin Around the world⭐️ ✔️ You can experience travel destinations around the world in 4D ✔️ My personal pick for the best attraction It was so realistic and spectacular that I cried when I saw it.. If people stood up and applauded at the end, that said it allㅠㅠ ​5. Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure 👑 TOP3 ✔️ It's not an amusement ride, but an experience attraction They say you have to split into teams to shoot spider webs, so I skipped it because I thought it wouldn't be interesting 📍Disneyland Park, LA Anaheim USA 92802 California, Anaheim #USA Travel

Sequoia is a land of giants. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. It is located in California, USA. I visited this place in winter. #mountain #winter #california

Location: The Coffee Company at Westchester Neighbourhood LA Address: 8751 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States (Right next to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)) We visited this Neighbourhood while we had a stop over at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Neighbourhood is about 15mins walk from our hotel and there is designated Pedestrian pathway to get there hence overall a safe walk. We chanced upon a coffee place that has been around since 1978 right along the main street. Both the exterior and interior has been filled with green making this place very welcoming. The restaurant serve a variety of brunch item such as pancakes, crepes, toast etc. A must mention is the champagne on their menu for those who desire them. Overall food is average but the service and experience are worth the visit. #createwithtrip

Location: 7-11 located at Westchester Neighbourhood LA Address: 9210 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States (Right next to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)) We visited this Neighbourhood while we had a stop over at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Neighbourhood is about 15mins walk from our hotel and there is designated Pedestrian pathway to get there hence overall a safe walk. We chance upon a 7-11 located at a corner and to our surprise the snacks and drinks selection is extremely extensive. Not only do they offer the usual gulp, slushie and coffee, you can find pizza, bread, hotdogs and even cookies. There is even a promotion for pizza if you get at between 3 to 6pm. #createwithtrip

Location: The Book Jewel at Westchester Neighbourhood LA Address: 6259 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States (Right next to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)) We visited this Neighbourhood while we had a stop over at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Neighbourhood is about 15mins walk from our hotel and there is designated Pedestrian pathway to get there hence overall a safe walk. We also found a hidden gem that not only sell book but is a spot where the local community have book launch and meet the author. Apart from books, there also have a selection of toys for children as well as board game, gift sets and a sofa next to the fire place for you to browse some of their books. #createwithtrip

Location: Westchester Neighbourhood LA Address: Right next to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) We visited this Neighbourhood while we had a stop over at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Neighbourhood is about 15mins walk from our hotel and there is designated Pedestrian pathway to get there hence overall a safe walk. Despite being next to airport, you will find plenty of store such as Target, trader's Joe, Kohl, Rose etc. There is also abundance of dining options from IHOP at the extreme end of the street to food truck located at each corner. If you are looking for a quick bite or drink, there is a well stocked convenient store 7-11 providing you with Just what you might need there. #createwithtrip

The RMS Queen Mary is a gigantic ocean liner that used to sail the waters between America and Great Britain. She was retired in the 1960s, but instead of scrapping her for parts, the California government decided to turn her into one of their most unique attractions. Today, the RMS Queen Mary functions as a hotel, museum, restaurant and shopping plaza that bobs right in the harbor of Long Beach. There are lots of things to see on the ship. From ballrooms to workout rooms, there’s a little something for everyone. You could eat, shop and tour this massive 1,000-foot vessel for an entire weekend without seeing everything that it has to offer. To experience the best of California, you need to know how to plan a trip with the right accommodation. Choose the RMS Queen Mary for fun and function under a single roof. When you’re done fluffing the pillows under your porthole window, you can hit the deck for all kinds of seaside adventures. Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States

Serving food from across the Middle East, from Israel to Tunisia to Yemen, Bavel feels bright, fresh, and unique. The vibe will remind you of the grandeur of the spa at La Mamounia, the legendary hotel in Marrakech. Don't skip the signature dish—the malawach, essentially a Middle Eastern roti, which is served with grated tomato, dill crème fraîche, soft-boiled egg, and an oh-so-Californian strawberry zhoug. People talk a lot about the meaty dishes, but we love the mushroom skewers just as much. Don’t forget to order the silken hummus with duck nduja—and some desserts, of course. #café

Best Western Escondido Hotel is ideal for anyone wanting to take full advantage of the area. The hotel provides you with convenient features, including a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi in the rooms and public areas. The hotel is tastefully furnished, with air-conditioned bedrooms and reasonably-priced suites that are nice for families. Before starting your day, enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel’s cafe. You can unwind after a day of activities at the out #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest State Park in the country and here is where you will find the Waddell Creek Watershed. This area was formed when the rim was uplifted and the centre eroded, leaving the beautiful bowl shaped area you can see today. #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Sturtevant Falls are located in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. The falls themselves are fifty foot in height and look exceptionally beautiful due to the moss and algae that grows on the cliff. This makes the colours you see as the water runs distinctive and mesmerizing. #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

South Coast Plaza is the most lucrative shopping mall in Costa Mesa, California in Orange County. It is the largest mall on the west coast with sales of over 1.5 billion dollars which is highest in the United States. The mall boasts over 250 internationally recognized retail shops including Macy's, Sears, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Highly recommended to locals and tourists alike! 😌 #summervacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

We stumbled upon Bird Island when visiting Point Lobos in California. As the name suggest, it is full of birds, mainly pelicans, but there were also many harbour seals on its beaches. #beautifulsunsets #birdisland #pelicans #california #beautifulsunsets#seasidephotoguide#naturalwonders

1. Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park just 75 miles from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C, and more than 500 miles of hiking trails. The park consists of 200,000 acres of protected lands that are home to deer, songbirds, and a clear, star-speckled night sky. 2. Halema'uma'u Trail, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park just let u getting up close and personal with the extreme heat of a volcano.  3. Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Here, hikers can experience the raging Potomac River and the rocky crags of Great Falls.  4.Chautauqua Trail, Chautauqua Park It offers views of the Flat Irons and Boulder, before moving onto more challenging trails. 5.South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park there are easy vista point hikes at the canyon’s edge (like the South Rim Trail) and expert-only hikes from rim to rim. The canyon provides stunning views for miles above the rim and sights that must be seen at the base, where the Colorado River rages through.

#happynewyear

#holidayvacation Exciting, beautiful, breathtaking scenery unlike any other! Always fascinating and fun to discover and take in everything around you. Historical buildings and timeless landmarks and boardwalks full of all walks of life.

Amazing spot to go hiking 🥾 you might be aware of people that are trying to take pictures as well! #hiking #sandiego #awesomepic #instagramworthydestinations #mynovgetaway#thanksgiving

We just completed our 2nd jump in California, amazing how different it was compared to the first time a year ago. I felt calm and aware, it was great! Can’t wait for the next time.