Most California vacationers will visit at least one of these major spots, and the ambitious may trip to do them all.
Use these resources to discover more about each location. We've also thrown in a little information about how long each one might take.
Later, we'll fill you in on some of the best places in California that you may not know about.
Southern California
Disneyland?Many people plan as many as five days at the Disneyland Resort, which includes Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Unfortunately, they stand in line so much that they only get three days' enjoyment. Use our tips and secrets to stay out of the lines, and you can do it in two to three.
Hollywood?
Did you know that Hollywood isn't a city at all? It might be best described as a concept rather than a place, but geographically speaking, it's a section of Los Angeles. You can see all the tourist sights here in a day. Add one more day if you want to visit Universal Studios.
Los Angeles?
Besides Disneyland and Hollywood, the rest of Los Angeles could take a day or a month, depending on your interests. Add two days for a side trip to Catalina Island.
San Diego?
Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park will take a day each. Allow at least half a day for Tijuana and half a day each for Old Town, Seaport Village and the waterfront or Coronado.
California Seasons
A few general guidelines may help you decide when to go to California. Winter is the rainy season, with most of it falling between November and March. The rest of the year, you're much less likely to get caught in a downpour. Summer is the busiest tourist season, but weather conditions conspire to blanket the coast in fog all day long for much of June and into July. In the same time period, inland temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees. Your best bet for fewer crowds and best weather is April, May, September and October.
Northern California
San Francisco
You'll need at least two days in San Francisco just to get started. Three is better. For a thorough look, plan five days.
Yosemite
Allow three days for a trip to Yosemite, including travel time to and from San Francisco. This will give you time the see the Yosemite Valley and the high country.
Wine Country
Wine Country can be visited as a one-day side trip from San Francisco, or settle in for one or two days for a more relaxing sojourn.
Monterey and Carmel
Monterey and Carmel are also possible as a San Francisco side trip, but the best you'll get is a cursory look. Each town can take up to a day on its own. Allow an extra least half day for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
