California | Voyager Guru

California

Welcome to our California travel guide

California spans 900 miles of coastline on the west coast of the United States. Given its enormous size, California offers just about everything, from the tallest building west of Chicago, to towering Saguaro cacti, to epic surf waves. Well known for its laid back attitude, California offers visitors a slower pace of life than its opposite coast of New York. Delicious avocados and fresh farm produce make up the revered California Cuisine that many top restaurants around the world now serve. Keep in mind, however, that given California’s massive size, the farther north you go the colder it gets!

California winters are the best kind of winter - in one weekend, you can ski, snow kite AND hit the beach if you’re lucky. This week is the official start of the @epicpass season so I hope you all get to hit the slopes ASAP! By the way, swipe to check out our first day snowkiting in Tahoe! @iqui_us is running an awesome giveaway- go give them a follow and you’ll be entered to win an IQUI of your own! . . . . . . #winteriscoming #skiseason #epicday #powderday #bestplacestogo #adventuretravel #beautifuldestinations #skibum #snowkite #snowday #california #calilife #californiadreaming #laketahoe #iquispin

Dec 10

CRE-ATE (verb): to bring something into existence. Max and I have always loved to create, to design, to visualize something and make it come to life. The new @iqui_us has been a blast for us to reimagine how we create and how we visualize our world. Seeing life from a different perspective is what it’s all about so SWIPE to check out how we see our world through the IQUI! And be sure to check it out on Amazon - our 10% off discount code is still active until the 10th so it’s not too late to gift this beauty for the holidays! Use the code: 10SKKDKP . . . . . . . . #beautifuldestinations #amazingadventures #beaches #calilife #california #norcal #iquispin #holidaygift #bestgifts #techtoys #wonderfulplaces

Dec 5

We didn’t get any Yuletide Logs in the Maldives, so we decided to book a last minute weekend in Squaw Valley when we got back to get our fill, all thanks to @hoteltonight 🙌🏻. . . . #sponsored who here needs a little getaway? Check out the HotelTonight mobile app for amazing last minute deals near you. Max and I have been using HotelTonight since 2013! No joke! We booked our first hotel on the app on New Years Eve in NYC and got a ridiculous deal at a beautiful hotel. We were hooked. We’re so excited to partner with them to show you how amazing it really is. You don’t always have to plan every trip 6 months in advance- take a chance and unplan your 2020 with us :). Where would you go this weekend? Let us know in the comments! . . . . . . . . . . #ad #unplan2020 #myhoteltonight #squawvalley #laketahoe #northlaketahoe #squaw #hyatt #resortatsquawcreek #newyearsresolution #lobbygoals #hotelgoals #beautifulhotels #beautifuldestinations #skidestination #mountainlife #mountaingirl #hotellife #viewgoals #luxuryhotels #california #californiaskiing

Jan 16

I might sound like a little old lady, but I’m perfectly happy with a glass of wine and a rocking chair in the sun 😂. Do you agree or are you more of a party animal?. . . . . . . @carnerosresort #carnerosnapa #napavalleyluxury #luxuryworldtraveler #luxwtprime #luxuryhotels #napavalley #carnerosresort #femaletravelblogger #napahotels #california #vineyard #luxuryresorts #beautifulhotels #bestplacestogo #beautifuldestinations #travelandleisure #virtuoso #countryhotels #boutiquehotels #besthotels

Aug 28

Cheers to love ❤️. Whether it’s a person or a hobby, loving something feels so good 🥰. Nurturing that love and watching it grow is one of the most fulfilling things in my life. In my case, I love Max, the man behind the lens, more than anything in the world. Every adventure we take around the world is filled with joy and love and makes life so much sweeter. - - Thanks, @ritzcarltonhmb for hosting us at this spectacular birthday dinner at Navio. The setting, the champagne, the tasting menu with @georgedingle were incredible. . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #halfmoonbay #california #ritzcarlton #ritzcarltonhmb @ritzcarlton

Apr 13

Springtime in California is one of my favorites 🌸. The days get longer, the flowers start blooming and the weather gets better. We may have snuck into this orchard on the side of the highway, but it was worth it 😉. We were driving back from a Tahoe day trip full of skiing and passed the most incredible orchards along the highway. We pulled off to take a look and it was so magical 😍. Sometimes, the risk is worth the reward. What do they say, “ask for forgiveness- not permission?” . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #california #springtime

Mar 26

Beautiful sunsets with my beautiful man at @ritzcarltonhmb 😍. Beard brought to you by @beardbrand 😉. . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #RCpartner #RCmemories #hmb #halfmoonbay #california #calilife #beard #menwithbeards

Mar 22

Merry Christmas, friends! We hope your 2019 will be filled with snuggles, pillow fights and pineapple shorts. We love and appreciate you all on this beautiful Christmas Day ❤️. . . . . . . . . . . @staypineapple #staypineapple #staypineapplesanfrancisco #sanfrancisco #california #christmas #calichristmas #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers

Dec 25

This is my favorite time of year: twinkling trees filled with memories in the shape of ornaments, the sound of “merry Christmas” from total strangers and loved ones alike, and a nice glass of wine by the crackling fire. I want to bottle this season and carry it with me all year. Thanks, @fitvine_wine for being part of my favorite season with your Holiday Red. . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #ad #fitvinewine #fitvinewineclub #staypineapple #california #sanfrancisco

Dec 24

Holiday cheer at @staypineapple San Francisco 😍. There’s nothing like the soft piano and a beautiful Christmas tree to make me feel so cozy in the beautiful decorated lobby! Cheers to the holiday season and my favorite time of year 🎄❤️. . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #sanfrancisco #california #eleganthotels #staypineapple #staypineapplesf

Dec 22

#ad I’ve spent a lot of time in airports this past year and I’d have it no other way. The constant bustle of people experiencing new places for the first time makes me so excited, every time. I love the planes taking off, the happiness that people feel when they greet the new city and I love that everytime I land somewhere new, it’s like every day feels ten times as long. Thank you @TravelproIntl, for being part of that journey. #gettheupgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #travelpro #airports #sfo #sanfrancisco #california

Dec 10

Things to See and Do in California

Head to Muir Woods to see the largest redwood trees in the world
Spend a few days in Yosemite National Park, known for its jurassic-park-esque views and waterfalls
Stay in Santa Monica, rent a car and explore the Hollywood Hills
Spend a day in Venice Beach, known for its laidback lifestyle and adorable (cough cough multimillion dollar) cottages
Explore the San Diego beachfront of La Jolla
Take a hot air balloon in Temecula

“Swimming pool at Carneros Resort in Napa”

What to know

You will find anything from big brand hotels to small mom-and-pop boutique hotels in California. Prices range dramatically between weekdays and weekends in most of the cities and towns. Here are our favorite hotels going down the coast:

Napa: Carneros Resort & Spa

San Francisco: Hotel Vitale or Grand Hyatt

Half Moon Bay: Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Carmel: Tradewinds Carmel

Los Angeles: Shutters on The Beach, Santa Monica

San Diego: The US Grant, a Luxury Collection

California is home to Uber and Lyft, making these services an easy option in every major city. If you plan to explore more of California, make it a road trip and rent a car. California is easy to get around, just expect traffic along the major cities.

California Cuisine is arguably some of the best in the country. Between the diversity of cultures within the state and the fresh food sources, you can find incredible, delicious cuisine even in the smallest of towns. With the Asian, Latin American and Indian influences in the state, California has seemingly endless world-class restaurants. Not to mention, California is the 4th largest wine business in the world!

California has a high sales tax, one of the highest in the country, at 7.25%, with local regions adding their own taxes, making shopping often cost you up to 10% extra. This is important to remember if you’re looking to buy luxury goods.

California is known by many as the laidback friendly state and you will find a stark contrast to other places around the country. People are generally friendly, open-minded and just trying to live their best life. California has such an eclectic mix of cultures and diversity, making it an incredibly easy place to fit in. Even major cities have distinct neighborhoods, catering to every type of interest, cuisine and culture.

Articles to read

Our favorite West Coast ski destinations

Living in California is amazing for a million reasons: temperate weather, “chill” people and sunsets that never end.

Typical costs

As with most major cities, everything will cost money: transportation, lodging, meals, etc. When booking hotels, the majority of the rates do not include breakfast.

Car rentals typically range from $20 USD per day to $60 USD per day depending on the type of car and demand. Uber and Lyft ranges typically from $30-40 to and from the major airports.

Typical food & beverage costs range depending on how high-end the hotel brand is, but we typically budget $300 per day for food & alcohol. Transfers to & from the hotel to the airport range as well, but we typically budget $30-40. Be sure to budget for exploring the cities and surrounding areas.

When to TravelCalifornia Seasons

While it totally depends on what you're going for, the best times to visit California as a whole for good weather are May, June, July, September and October. Winter months bring great snowfall to the Sierras around January and February most years.

Travel Tips

Rent a car – Drive from LA up to San Francisco and stop in Santa Barbara, Carmel and Half Moon Bay along the way.
In Los Angeles – Be sure to stay on Santa Monica beach for the typical LA experience
Lake Tahoe area – Rent a glass-bottom kayak for epic views of the lake
Nom on some tacos – Don't skip the amazing Mexican food in San Diego!

Ten years ago, I stayed at Shutters on The Beach in Santa Monica when I was looking at colleges with my mom and I’ve been…

Keep Reading…

How to plan your trip

California is an amazing road trip destination. Driving up or down the coast can be an incredible way to experience California and all it has to offer. Start planning by picking your favorite destinations in California: LA? San Francisco? Napa? Ojai? From there, establish whether or not you want to explore the surrounding area.

Our recommendations:

If you have 1 week, pick a main hub such as San Francisco or LA. Explore the city and plan day trips from there.
If you have 2 weeks, pick up a hub and do a roadtrip for 4-5 nights to explore more of the beautiful state.