California dreaming on such a winter’s day
Find houses for rent in California
Staying in a holiday homes rental in California is more comfortable than staying at a hotel. If you rent a vacation home, you get to visit the city like a local and benefit from unique amenities. If you book a room for rent, you have the opportunity to stay with a local and ask them their recommendations and advice. Holiday rentals are more like a home away from home. In addition, short-term vacation rentals are cheaper than traditional hotels without sacrificing any comfort. You can find rentals by owner that included linens, appliances, and even a washer and dryer. Whether you want to stay downtown at apartments in California or beach house rentals on the Pacific coast, compare California vacation rentals from top websites. Discover magnificent homes for vacationers like you, overlooking the ocean or a National forest.
Weather & Climate in California
California, being such a long state, has a wide variety of climates. What to pack depends greatly on which cities you want to visit and what time of the year. It is best to wear layers as temperatures can change during the day and can vary greatly after traveling a few miles. Californian fashion is very laid-back so pack some versatile basics such as jeans, white top, sneakers, a sweater, jacket and scarf. Sandales, a hat and sun screen are a good idea if you'll be on the beach or in the desert. It rains often in San Francisco so pack an umbrella! Southern California weather has hot desert to polar temperatures. Death Valley is known as the hottest place on Earth! Along the coast, near Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills has a Mediterranean climate (warm, dry weather in the summer and cool, wet weather in the winter).
Remember to pack light and don't bring things you can buy once you arrive, such as snacks and sunscreen. Also, if you plan on buying a souvenir hat or t-shirt, don't pack the same items or you'll end up with unneeded extras. Keep in mind, if you book a vacation rental home with amenities, you can always wash there!
How to get to California
California airports
Flying is a great way to get to California, especially if you don't live near the West Coast. There are several international and domestic airports across the state. The international airports are:
LAX Los Angeles International Airport
SFO San Francisco International Airport
SAN San Diego International Airport
OAK Oakland International Airports
On the road
California's cities and suburbs are very spread-out and planned for cars. Other than big urban cities such as San Fransisco or Los Angeles, most tourist areas are only accessible by driving. Most people who fly to California choose to rent a car upon arrival. It is the easiest, quickest, and safest way to get around. In addition, it is a great way to travel from city to city and see all the natural changing landscapes. If a road trip is up your alley, drive along the scenic Highway 1 to hit all the beautiful coast destinations. It is also possible to travel between cities by bus with Greyhound or Megabus. You can save money by purchasing your tickets in advance.
Trains in California
Trains are option for those who may not want to drive. Amtrak is the company which manages trains to major cities. Tickets can be purchased up to 11 months in advance, by phone, online, or at a train station. Fares will be higher during the summer but seniors and students can get a discount. Buy tickets to specific cities or buy the Amtrak California Rail Pass ($159 for seven days of travel within a 21-day period). The Pass can be used on most trains and connecting Thruway buses. Pay attention though-pass tickets must be reserved in advance and passengers need hard-copy tickets before boarding!
Where to stay
Most Popular Cities in California
California is a huge state full of beautiful landscapes and buzzing cities. It is a perfect blend for nature and city lovers. It borders the Pacific Ocean and has several national and state parks. Being the third largest state, its diversified natural beauty is incomparable and offers opportunities for many sports activities. It is also famous for being a cultural hub with cities that offer larger than life experiences. Enjoy the relaxed beach vibes or animated urban life in some of the greatest cities in the world.
Los Angeles
L.A. is a dynamic, energetic city where visitors, locals, and celebrities walk the streets together. It is the second-most popular city in the country after New York. The largest city in California, it has much to offer from behind-the-scenes Hollywood tours, to shopping, museums, cultural and prestigious events year-around.
San Francisco
The birthplace of counterculture, home of the cable cars, fickle weather, fog and a strong LGBTQ community. San Francisco, cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California, offers an assortment of attractions for a diverse crowd. Enjoy the bay breeze and open-minded spirit as you eat seafood and visit national treasures.
Santa Monica
Near Los Angeles, oceanfront, and a perfect climate makes this famous resort town perfect for a beach vacation. Find elegant dining, shopping and entertainment for the whole family.
San Diego
Another costal city with some of the best beaches in the world. The landscape varies in within a few miles, on can visit the seaside, downtown, valley, mountain, and desert.
Palm Springs
This desert resort city offers luxury and scenic views. Nearby, go hiking or climbing at San Jacinto Peak or along the Cactus to Clouds trail.
Attractions
California tourism definitely includes something for everyone! Thousands of travelers from around the world visit each year. From glamorous, to cultural, to outdoorsy, here is our list of the best things to do in California:
Love amusement parks? Here you'll find some of the best. Head over to Disneyland in Anaheim. Santa Monica Pier is a state landmark for over a century Feel like a kid again as you grab a hotdog and enjoy the solar powered Ferris wheel.Take the family to Universal Studios in Hollywood for rollercoasters and Harry Potter.
Find apartments for rent in San Francisco now and discover the dynamic city. Walk across the emblematic Golden Gate bridge. San Francisco Bay is the world's largest landlocked harbor. Visit the former house of the most notorious criminals, including crime lard Al Capone. Alcatraz is located on an island in the Bay. Walk down Pier 39 for the best panoramic views of both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, if you are in the city, you must ride a traditional San Francisco Street Cable Car.
Take a photo at Hollywood Hills, one of the most iconic structure in the world. Window shop at Rodeo Drive shopping district in Los Angeles County. Book houses for rent in Los Angeles and soak up some sun like a celebrity at Venice Beach. Visit one of the most popular zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo. Home to almost 4,000 animals, you can observe rare and endangered species. See breathtaking artwork such as Van Gogh's Irises paintings at The Getty Centre.
Annual events
Book apartments for rent in California and visit during some of the best annual events in the country:
Where California music festivals are concerned, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is by far the biggest and most well-known. Coachella Valley is nicknamed "The Date Capital of the World" and "The Playground of Presidents." You may not find a president at the festival, however, you can see concerts by world renowned artists such as Beyonce or spot a celebrity wandering through the crowd.
Head to L.A. for annual art, design, and fashion events such as, L.A. Art Show, and Art Los Angeles Contemporary. The most popular event in Souther California is the Los Angeles Auto Show. Another unmissable annual event in the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival. Visit Hollywood during entertainment industry events such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, and BET Awards.
The largest fairs in California are the Orange Country Fair and the Los Angeles County Fair. The largest three-day rodeo in the nation is held at Tehema County Fairgrounds in Red Buff. Check out San Diego Comic-Con, also known as Comic-Con International. Plan your trip and catch the biggest and best annual California parades such as the Tournament of Roses, West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval, and the L.A. Pride Festival & Parade.
Beaches
California beaches are some of the best in the world, a true paradise. For your next beach vacation, rather than staying at overpriced oceanfront resorts, book a beachfront villa for a luxury vacation in Southern California. Enjoy relaxing at beach vacation rentals or visit some of the spectacular Cali beaches. In Orange Country, head over to Laguna Beach to swim in the clean water and sunbathe on the white sand. If you are visiting the Los Angeles area, be sure to visit Long Beach and Santa Monica. Also, check out Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Stay in the city and enjoy the vibrant, bohemian Venice Beach along the boardwalk. This area is not lacking un urban Cali coast charm. Walk along the boardwalk, grab a bite to eat, shop in the boutiques or roller-skate along with the locals. In San Diego, stroll Coronado Central Beach's 1.5 miles along Ocean Boulevard. Here you can watch sand sculpture as they create their masterpieces or go boogie boarding. For a quite, smaller beach, try La Jolla Cove. A photogenic gem of the southern coastline, it is ideal for snorkeling and scuba-diving. For a romantic getaway in any of these locations, you can rent a secluded condominium with a jacuzzi or beach cottage for a charming and luxurious dream vacation.
Parks and outdoor activities
National Parks in California are the perfect destination for nature-lovers. The state boarders the ocean for almost 900 miles and includes beaches, forests, mountains, and the desert. Reserve cabins in California for a weekend getaway or family vacation. Go climbing, mountaineering, biking, or camping near a water fall. Try hiking some of the many trails and escape the hectic city life.
Yosemite National Park is the most iconic park where you can enjoy hiking and river rafting. The most popular time to visit is June to August though to see wildlife, the best is during springtime (March to May). See the tallest trees on Earth at the Redwood National and State Parks. Hike up the tallest mountain on the mainland, Mount Whitney, at Sequoia National Park. Walk through giant sequoia trees, enjoy the beautiful California wildflowers and take a tour of Crystal Cave. The lakes in Kings Canyon National Park are perfect for kayaking or canoeing.
If you prefer desert camping and hiking, view the geologic wonders and signature trees at the Joshua Tree National Park. Visit one of the hottest places on Earth, Death Valley National Park. Walk the sand dunes at the Mojave National Preserve. If you really love hiking and have a few months to dedicate, you can try walking the Pacific Crest Trail. It runs from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in Washington, that's 2650 miles (4265km)! There are also several California State Parks just waiting to be explored! Whether you want a lakefront home or a hideaway chalet in the woods, save money and enjoy the comforts of home at your home rental.
Food and drink in California
Californian dishes, like most American dishes, are a combination of other cultures. When you think of California, of course you think about the rolling hills covered by vineyards. Along the north coast, try cioppino, an Italian based dish that combines the leftovers from a fisherman's catch (in the best way possible). The dish includes fish, tomatoes, herbes and wine. In the south, try a classic Mexican-American burrito, stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, rice, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Another to try is the fish taco. Sourdough bread became popular during the Gold Rush and can be found at local bakeries. Another misattributed dish to try-the Fortune Cookie! Though debated who created it first from Oakland, Rocky Road ice cream is a Cali tradition. Taste the state fruit at the Avocado Festival in Fallbrook, or "Avocado Capital of the World," where the most avocados are produced in the nation.
Drinks
There's a reason California is known as wine country. It grows more than 300,00 tons of grapes each year and produces more than 17 million gallons of wine annually! If you enjoy wine, take a day for a wine tasting in Napa Valley. Not a fan of wine? Don't sweat it! California is also home to several micro-breweries. Also, Californians claim to have invited the martini. Whether you believe the legend or not, you can always try one at a local bar.
Tipping
When eating out at a restaurant, it is customary to tip 15% of the bill and 20% is the service was very good. Bartenders are tipped at least a dollar per drink. The drinking age in California is 21 year old (to order or drink alcohol) and customers must show a government ID.
California Facts
Nicknames: The Golden State, The Grape State, The El Dorado State, and The Land of Milk and Honey
Abbreviation: CA
State Capital: Sacramento
Largest city: Los Angeles (second in the country after New York City)
California is the most populous state (so you are sure to find a great vacation rental!)
The highest point, Mount Whitney (14,495 ft), and the lowest point, Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level), in the state are also the highest and lowest points in the continental United States. In addition, they are within 100 miles of each other!
State song: "I Love You, California"
State motto: "Eureka!" which is Greek for "I have found it" and comes from the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada. Officially adopted in 1849.
Time zones: Pacific Time Zone
Standard time PST (UTC-8)
Summer time PDT (UTC-7)