Why Go

• L.A.’s forecast: 72° and sunny, with stars out all day
• Driving a convertible between San Francisco and Santa Barbara
• You some how scored reservations at the French Laundry

Facts

Language:  English
Capital City: Sacramento
Population: 33.8 million
Telephone Calling Code(s): 1
Electricity: 110-120V, 60Hz
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
 

Entry Requirements

Passport required.  Must be valid for six months after return date of travel.
Check with your travel professional or local consulate for entry visa requirements.

When To Go

California’s climate is so varied that it’s impossible to generalize about the state as a whole. San Francisco’s temperate marine climate means relatively mild weather year-round. In the summer, temperatures rarely top 70°F (21°C; pack sweaters, even in Aug), Southern California including Los Angeles and San Diego is usually much warmer and it gets significantly more sun. Even in winter, daytime temperatures regularly reach into the 60s (15°C-20°C) and warmer. Summers can be stifling inland, but Southern California’s coastal communities are always comfortable. The deserts, including Palm Springs and the desert national parks, are sizzling hot in summer; temperatures regularly top 100°F (38°C). Winter is the time to visit the desert resorts (and remember, it gets surprisingly cold at night in the desert).

What To See

The San Diego Zoo-This world-famous zoo houses more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals. The botanical garden contains over 6,500 species of exotic plants a visit here will make for a day filled with fun memories.  The vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, and stunning Mount Shasta is a must on any Californian itinerary. In the High Sierra, a visit to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks is not to be missed.