California
1,100 kilometres of coast, three world cities and nine national parks.
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Good to know
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…
The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Risk levels section – removed the advisory to avoid non-essential travel to the Northern Gulf coast…
California is a driving state. Distances are long, Los Angeles to San Francisco is around 6 hours on Interstate 5, and Highway 1 doubles that but is the reason to come.
Coastal fog burns off late morning in summer. San Francisco in July is often colder than San Diego in January.
Tipping is expected rather than optional. Budget 18 to 20 percent for table service, a couple of dollars a drink at a bar, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis.
Prices on shelves and menus exclude sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state and city.
Local knowledge
Contributed by guides, operators and creators on the ground. Community advice, kept separate from official sources.
Going south puts you on the ocean side of the road, so every pull out is a right turn and you never cross traffic for a view.
Top destinations in California
Frequently asked questions
Outside central San Francisco, yes. Los Angeles and San Diego are built around driving, and the coastal and national park routes have no useful public transport.
April to June and September to October give warm days, thinner crowds and clear coastal air. July and August are busiest and foggiest on the coast.
Ten to fourteen days covers San Francisco, Highway 1, Los Angeles and San Diego without rushing. Seven days means picking two of the three cities.
Yes by US standards. Budget 200 to 300 USD per person per day mid-range in the cities, less inland and in the desert.
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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Travel information last reviewed 16 October 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and Tourpublish Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.
Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.
Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.
Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).