MAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP A CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the majestic redwoods of the North, the Golden State needs no intro. Its cities are vibrant hubs of innovation and culture, with San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Los Angeles's star-studded Hollywood. Food lovers flock here for world-renowned wine regions and a world-class food scene, while adventurers have everything from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park and Death Valley to explore.
WHY CALIFORNIA?
California has a deep sense of place, vibrant food culture, strong creative scenes, and unique local makers — the things that make a destination magical. Our California vacation planning services can help you have the trip of your dreams, no matter if you're traveling with young children or a large group.
UNIQUE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL ITINERARIES
We craft curated travel experiences throughout California. Our clients go skiing in the Eastern Sierra or helicoptering through Santa Barbara, on oyster farm visits in Morro Bay, private wine tastings in Sonoma, food tours in Los Angeles, and hands-on cooking in San Francisco.
As a top travel agency in California, we can plan trips everywhere but mostly often focus on:
California Highway 1 & Big Sur | Monterey, Carmel, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles
Los Angeles | WeHo, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Universal Studios
Orange County | Laguna, Newport, Santa Ana, Dana Point, and Disney Resorts
San Diego | La Jolla, Oceanside, Encinitas, and Downtown
San Francisco Bay | Oakland and San Francisco
Wine Regions | Napa, Sonoma, Temecula, Santa Ynez, Mendocino, and Santa Barbara
Yosemite & Sierra Nevada | Mariposa, Oakhurst, Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe
California Travel PLANNING Services
Need help to plan a trip to the California? Want to get a taste of the Golden State? Our team of travel experts has 10 years of experience providing 5-star customer service for California travelers.
We are a group of travel advisors (based in California!) who aim is to plan your perfect trip. Our team members have lived or worked in California and love helping travelers explore it.
We can help with unique takes on bucket list items, bespoke wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes, or active adventures from surf lessons and horseback riding to hot air balloon riding.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL EXPERTS
Because we are based in California, we know the state intimately. We not only live here but regularly head on California road trips.
Our boutique travel agency has an extensive network of food and travel professionals, creatives, and guides to give you amazing trip.
We're certified travel agent (in fact, each of us is a FORA advisor), so we can help with the basics like hotels and car rentals. We know the details that make for a special experience, like private tours, the top restaurants, and the best routes.
What Our Past California Travel PLANNING Clients Have To Say
“HIGHWAY 1 & YOSEMITE CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP...
We knew we wanted to road trip through California for our honeymoon, but we didn’t know where to eat or what to do. The Salt & Wind Travel team worked with us to create a custom itinerary, arrange restaurant and winery reservations, and even provided us with a map of suggested photo opportunities at each stop. Their planning helped us be in the moment as we traveled!”
“SAN FRANCISCO, NAPA, & SONOMA CALIFORNIA WINE TOUR..
I’m not an inexperienced traveler and have spent hours planning travel for myself and my friends. Salt & Wind Travel curated the best trip with my preferences in mind.
The app provided seamless progression over the 12 days and kept us on track. I would use these services again and recommend them to any traveler. We had excellent accommodation, wine and food were all fantastic! Never a bad experience!!
”
FREE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS WEBINAR
Need some travel advice? Click below and enter your email for access to our FREE California travel tips webinar that includes unique itineraries, a bucket list, and our clients’ favorite travel resources.
MORE California Travel ADVICE
To get you excited for your trip to the Golden State, here are a few of our most popular articles about California travel, from what to eat to California road trip driving tips!
California Travel FAQs
Below you’ll find answers to general travel questions our travel planning services ask about California travel. For questions on a specific region of California, please email us at travel@saltandwind.com.
GENERAL CALIFORNIA TRAVEL INFORMATION
How do I start planning a trip to California?
Well, the path of least resistance would be to contact us and have us plan your trip for you. If you want to do some research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our California road trip travel guide and our California wine country travel guide.
What are the best apps for traveling to California?
Here are a few of our go-to apps when we travel around California:
Curb The easiest way to hail a taxi in California is to use this app.
Google Maps Use the “offline” function to navigate a map without using up your data plan.
Google Translate download the languages you want to go between, and you’re all set!
QuickMap If you are driving in California, you’ll want to use this app to stay on top of road conditions.
Uber or Lyft These are the primary rideshare services available in California.
XE Currency Converter Use this app to keep track of the exchange rate.
When is the best time to travel to California?
California is a state the size of Italy with a ton of geographic and topographic diversity. That means the weather varies a lot, from the snowy weather in the Sierra to the extreme heat of Death Valley. In general, you can travel to California any time of year so long as you’re prepared for the weather in the region where you’re headed.
These are our favorite times to travel in the significant parts of California:
Napa and Sonoma: If only for the beauty of the vines, we like wine country best from early Spring through harvest in the Fall. Winter can get rainy and colder across this part of the state; however, it is pretty quiet, so it can be an excellent time to travel if you want to avoid crowds.
Summer is hot and busy across most of Napa and Sonoma but knows that the areas near the ocean (namely, Carneros and the Sonoma Coast) can get foggy and chilly almost any time of year.
San Francisco: The biggest mistake we see non-locals make when they travel to San Francisco? They visit in the summertime expecting it to be balmy and sunny.
The city by the bay is often socked in with fog for most of the summer, with temperatures in the low 50s and a good deal of wind. Our favorite time of year to travel to San Francisco is in the Fall, from September through November, when the weather is often warm and sunny.
Big Sur And California Highway 1: Of all the regions we work in California, Big Sur has been the hardest hit by overtourism. Therefore, we highly recommend you follow all road signs and not pull off or walk any marked paths. And please don’t stop to take a photo of the Bixby Bridge unless you can safely pull aside and stay out of the way of oncoming traffic.
To contribute to the local economy, we highly recommend you eat, shop, and stay overnight at one of the many local businesses in the region. Though most people travel to this region in the summer, the weather can be pretty foggy from late May through late July. So, if possible, we recommend you visit the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.
Santa Barbara and Paso Robles: We’re always fans of visiting the central coast wine regions of Santa Barbara and Paso Robles, as the crowds and weather are relatively consistent throughout the year. However, the weather is best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.
Los Angeles: The issue with the enormous metropolis that is Los Angeles is not when to visit (the weather is pleasant year-round) but how to deal with getting around as it’s large and doesn’t have excellent public transportation. Check out our tips for driving in California for a bit of insight.
Palm Springs: As it’s a desert climate, Palm Springs's weather can vary drastically from winter to summer. The weather can get quite frigid in the winter (with frost at night) and unbearable in the summer (with triple digits temperatures), so we recommend you visit in the Spring or Fall.
San Diego: The weather is nice in San Diego year-round, but we feel it’s best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.
Do I need a passport to travel to California?
Foreign travelers going in and out of California must have valid passport and any necessary visas.
Do I need travel insurance to travel to California?
It’s not required by law, but we always suggest you have travel insurance. There are various services for providing trip insurance, and note that many credit cards (such as Chase Sapphire and AmEx) include travel insurance as part of a trip purchase. Check with your credit card to confirm.
What is the time zone in California?
The whole state of California is in the Pacific Time Zone in the United States, meaning it is 3 hours behind the East Coast. From March through October, California follows Daylight savings. Also, in California, the 12-hour clock is used, meaning that we use both AM and PM for times.
What are the electrical outlets in California?
Voltages and frequencies are the same in California as they are across the United States (110 volts). You'll need a three-prong plug and use a power adapter if coming from almost anywhere outside North America.
CALIFORNIA ETIQUETTE TIPS
So long as you conduct yourself as you do at home, you should be good to go. Here are some specific tips:
Dos and Don’ts
Do learn some English as many locals don’t speak a second language.
Do always have a valid driver’s license and insurance if you plan to drive a car.
Do always carry a valid I.D. on you (a photo of your passport is adequate)
Do be careful when crossing the street as crosswalks are often ignored by motorists.
Don’t be a jerk. Do drugs. Start fights. Display public drunkenness. Urinate in public. Jump in fountains. Climb on monuments. Litter. You get it.
Don’t forget to tip. In the United States, we tend to tip even if we don’t love the service!
MONEY MATTERS
How much does a trip to California cost?
That depends on the type of trip you’re doing (budget or luxury or adventure or lounging around). However, we suggest budgeting about $2,500 for a solo traveler from the United States looking to do a week-long midlevel trip as follows: $400 for flights, $200/day for lodging, $600 for meals for the week, and a few hundred dollars for activities or tours. Of course, these prices will increase or decrease depending on if you’re sharing lodging, if you need a rental car, and what sort of meals and activities you plan.
What is the currency in California?
The standard unit of currency in California is the US Dollar. For the most up-to-date exchange rate, visit www.xe.com (Universal Currency Converter). You'll want to bring along money and credit cards for any extra purchases on your trip (we don’t rec using traveler’s checks as they’re obsolete these days). See tips on ATMs and credit cards below.
Do I need cash when I travel in California?
More and more businesses are going cashless in California and opting to use solutions including credit cards, Apple Pay, and more. Even so we always recommend you travel with a bit of cash on you (say US$50 or less) in case you need it to tip, pay road tolls, or come across a business that prefers cash.
Can I use credit cards in California?
Heck yes! Most businesses in California prefer credit card or debit cards these days. The most widely accepted credit card tends to be VISA but American Express is also widely accepted. Also, as opposed to places like Europe and Mexico where they charge your credit card tableside, it is common practice in the United States for a server to take your credit card away from the table to charge it.
How much should I tip in California?
In general, tips are always recommended when traveling to California. When you pay a bill by credit card, they will present you with a slip where you can often add in the tip after your credit card is charged. While you don’t need to tip for every last interaction, there are times when it is expected.
Cafes and Bars: It is common to tip US$1 for every drink you order.
Hotels: Throughout the United States, it is common to tip the porter if they have helped with your luggage and the cleaning staff. We recommend US$1 per bag (a max of US$10) and to tip the cleaning staff at least US$2 per day of your stay ( more like US$5 per day for luxury hotels). If you ask for any other services at the hotel such as room service, spa services, etc, you will also be expected to leave a tip of 10% or higher.
Restaurants: Most often tip is not automatically added to your restaurant bill and you can add it after your credit card has been charged. However, for larger groups (often 6 or more), you might find that a tip is included. We tend to leave 15 to 20% tip at most restaurants. If you have lackluster service, it is still expected that you leave a tip but it can be significantly less.
Taxis And Ride Shares: Tipping is always expected when you use a taxi or ride share service in California.
Valets: When you pick up a car at a valet at a restaurant or other venue, is it expected that you leave a tip of a dollar or two. If you are staying at a hotel, you can either tip the valets a dollar or two each time they help you or give them one large tip before you depart.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Is environmental pollution an issue in California?
In general, yes, environmental pollution is an issue. Particularly in Los Angeles, the air quality can get to be bad enough that it bothers people with allergies or asthma. We recommend you check the air quality before your trip so you can pack any allergy medicines or other prescriptions as needed.
Does California have earthquakes?
Yes, very much so. California has one of the biggest faults in the United States and it is located near two tectonic plates so earthquakes are very much a thing. We recommend that you keep your hotel or apartment keys, wallet, phone charger, and a pair of shoes near your door so that, in case of emergency, you can easily leave. Also, be sure to pack any specific medications (prescription or OTC) you may need.
Is the coronavirus an issue in California?
Like the rest of the world, California has had to contend with COVID-19 since early 2020. Howeever, we are still providing our concierge travel planning services to California. Please email us at travel@saltandwind.com with any specific questions.
GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY
Is it safe to travel in California?
All in all, yes, California is a safe state to visit. As you would in any big city, do your best to stay aware of your wallets, cell phones, pockets, and bags when you’re in crowded areas like downtown San Diego or Sacramento.
And, when traveling, there is always a possibility of theft. While you're enjoying the sights, remember to stay alert and always be aware of your immediate surroundings, especially in crowded locations and tourist areas. The best rule of thumb is to carry only the cash you need for the day, along with a copy of your passport on your phone (leave your hard copy passport at the hotel!), and leave the rest in a locked safe in your room.
Can I travel alone in California?
Yes! California is a great place to go on a solo travel adventure. The Salt & Wind Travel team is majority women and we often work and travel throughout the state on our own. Of course, we think it best for you to keep your wits about you and to be particularly diligent at night. For more specific tips on traveling solo as a woman, check out this article.
Can I drive in California?
That depends on where you’re going! We generally find that driving on the highways and smaller towns is doable for most travelers but driving inside of the bigger cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be overwhelming for visitors.
And, of course, we do have varying terrain and climates so you may deal with wind, snow, or rain depending on where you drive in California. Check out our tips for driving in California or email us at travel@saltandwind.com and we’ll help you decide.
Are you a California road trip planner?
Why, yes we are! We’re a boutique travel agency in California and our primary focus is on arranging small group tours of California wine country as well as on road trips across the state. Our California road trip planner services include help with classic itineraries like California Highway 1 and Big Sur as well as to lesser-known areas like the Eastern Sierra.
How do I reach the police or authorities in case of emergency when I’m traveling in California?
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Have any additional questions?
Contact us at travel@saltandwind.com