Los Angeles
The film capital and cultural crossroads, Los Angeles blends Hollywood, Santa Monica beaches and creative neighborhoods like Venice Beach and Downtown.
California
Between the buzz of Los Angeles, the hilly charm of San Francisco and the wild expanses of the Sierra Nevada, California offers unmatched diversity. Pacific beaches, deserts, vineyards and legendary national parks combine into an unforgettable road trip across the state.
Why visit California?
California brings together cultural megacities, iconic national parks such as Yosemite and Death Valley, and hundreds of miles of Pacific coastline. This geographic diversity lets travelers combine city life, nature and beach in a single trip. It is also one of the birthplaces of cinema, tech and American surf culture.
What to discover in California?
California's major cities each have a distinct identity. Los Angeles sprawls across neighborhoods from Hollywood to Santa Monica and Venice Beach, while San Francisco charms visitors with its hills, Victorian architecture and the Golden Gate Bridge. Further south, San Diego enjoys mild weather year-round, long beaches and a strong Hispanic heritage, while the capital Sacramento retains a more historic, institutional character.
Beyond its cities, California is crossed by remarkably varied landscapes. Yosemite National Park reveals granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias, while Death Valley offers an arid desert with striking rock formations. The Pacific coast, especially along Highway 1, winds past cliffs, wild beaches and villages such as Big Sur and Monterey. Further inland, the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe draw hikers and skiers, while Napa Valley is renowned for its vineyards. Further south, Joshua Tree's desert boulders and the giant trees of Sequoia and Kings Canyon round out a state where the scenery rarely repeats itself from one region to the next.
Cities to visit in California
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
California in pictures
Don't miss
A few highlights to help you plan your trip to California.
San Francisco
A city of steep hills, famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, its historic cable cars and bay views, from Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf.
Yosemite National Park
Granite cliffs, dramatic waterfalls and giant sequoias make up this iconic national park in the Sierra Nevada, a paradise for hikers.
Highway 1
This legendary coastal road follows the Pacific Ocean past spectacular cliffs, wild beaches and picturesque villages like Big Sur and Monterey.
Death Valley
An arid desert with striking rock formations, this national park boasts extreme heat, colorful badlands and stunning, almost lunar landscapes year-round.
Napa Valley Vineyards
Renowned worldwide for its wineries, Napa Valley offers wine tasting, rolling vineyard landscapes and fine dining just north of San Francisco Bay.
Practical information
- Capital
- Sacramento
- Area
- About 423,970 km²
- Population
- About 39 million
- Language(s)
- English, Spanish widely spoken
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Time zone
- UTC-8, UTC-7 during daylight saving
- Climate
- Mediterranean on the coast, desert inland
- Best season
- April to June and September to October
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit California?
Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds across the state. Summer remains very busy and hot inland, while winter mainly suits skiers heading to the Sierra Nevada.
How long should a California road trip take?
Plan at least two weeks to connect the major cities and a few national parks without rushing. The state is vast, and distances between sites can mean several hours of driving.
Do you need a car in California?
Yes, it is almost essential outside city centers and major downtown areas. Public transit remains limited between cities, and a car lets you freely reach national parks, the Pacific coast and remote villages.
What are California's must-see cities?
Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego cover most major urban highlights, each with its own distinct identity and atmosphere. Sacramento, the capital, and Santa Barbara are also worth a quieter, more relaxed stop.
Which national parks should not be missed in California?
Yosemite, Death Valley and Joshua Tree are among the most iconic, offering strikingly different desert and mountain landscapes. Sequoia and Kings Canyon stand out for their giant ancient trees and rugged mountainous terrain.
Do you need a visa to travel to California?
European travelers on a short tourist trip can generally apply online for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) instead of a visa. It is best to check current entry requirements before departing for the United States.
Plan your trip to California
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
