What comes to your mind when you think of a road trip? If it’s swaying palm trees, pleasant weather, and scrumptious Mexican food, then California should be on the top of your list.
The Golden State promises uninterrupted scenic landscapes – from coastal highways to serene redwood forests – there’s something for everyone.
Before you hit the road, we’re sharing a few things that will help you along the way. Take a look.
Be Selective
From incredible surfing spots to dazzling alpine scenery, California has a lot to offer. Unless you have the time and budget to cover the entire state, we suggest being selective with the places you can include in your itinerary.
It’s always better to leisurely explore a few places instead of rushing through and not enjoying anything. Moreover, you should leave some room in your itinerary for spontaneous plans.
Avoid Rush Hours
Are you planning to start your road trip or drive through one of the busiest cities like LA? Make sure you drive before or after rush hour. Rush hour traffic can be brutal, especially on weekdays. Unless you want to waste your time sitting in traffic, remember to avoid rush hour in big cities.
Make Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready
Even if your car is working fine, it doesn’t hurt to do a basic check before leaving for the road trip. In particular, take a look at the car’s fluids and tire pressure. In case there is any rattling or strange noise coming from the vehicle, get it checked by a mechanic.
Are you planning to go camping or surfing? If the answer is yes, then you probably need to bring along bulky gear or a surfboard. You should consider renting a spacious SUV for a comfortable experience.
Learn Local Driving Laws
While major driving laws are the same across the country, there are certain local Californian driving laws you should know.
Specifically, you should not use hand-free devices when driving. Texting or talking on your phone will lead to hefty fines. Additionally, sheriffs notoriously hide behind bushes to catch speeding drivers. Therefore, it’s best to drive within the speed limit even if the roads are vacant.
Don’t fret if you end up getting a traffic or parking ticket. Fighting a traffic ticket in California is easier than you think.
Curate the Ultimate Playlist
A road trip is incomplete without a playlist! You and your friend should put together the ultimate playlist for your Californian road trip. Besides music, you can also look for entertaining podcasts and audiobooks.
We suggest downloading your music and podcasts, so you’re not dependent on cell reception.
Visit State Parks
California is full of state parks as well as national parks you can’t miss out on. These parks include everything from magnificent mountains to waterfalls and deserve to be on your itinerary. Our top picks are Crystal Cove State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, and Limekiln State Park.
Look At the Weather Forecast
Though many cities in California are blessed with pleasant weather, it can still be unpredictable. Instead of braving unexpected thunderstorms, remember to check the weather forecast when planning your getaway.
Pack Light
Try to keep your luggage to a minimum. And you don’t need much if you’re planning a summer road trip. Just remember to bring sunscreen!
Beware of Reckless Drivers
The rumors are true – California drivers indeed drive extremely fast, especially on freeways. That’s something you should keep in mind when driving. If you are not too keen on driving too fast or over the speed limit, we suggest sticking to the right so other drivers can pass you.
Wrapping Up
A little bit of planning goes a long way, especially for a road trip. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you plan an unforgettable getaway.
