Each destination on this site has its own detailed guide. This page covers the things that are the same across California — what it costs, how tipping and tax work, which passes save money, and how to deal with wildfire smoke, heat and the occasional earthquake.
Entry and documents
Most visitors need either a visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, plus a passport valid for the length of the stay. Requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time; check the official US government sources and apply for an ESTA only on the official site. Carry your passport or a copy when buying alcohol — staff may ask anyone for ID, and the legal drinking age is 21.
Money, tipping and sales tax
The currency is the US dollar. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips, parking and small vendors.
Prices on shelves and menus do not include sales tax, which is added at the till. California’s rate varies by city and county and is roughly 7–10% in most places visitors go. Hotel bills carry a separate occupancy tax, often 10–15%.
Tipping is expected for service. As a guide: 18–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants with table service, a dollar or two per drink in bars, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping and 10–20% of the tour price for guides. Some restaurants add a service charge automatically — check the bill before adding more.
What a trip costs
California is one of the more expensive US states. Accommodation is the biggest cost, especially in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Big Sur and anywhere near a national park in summer. Car hire, fuel and parking add up, and city hotels often charge for parking by the night.
You can keep costs down by travelling in spring or autumn, staying in gateway towns rather than resort areas, using supermarkets and food trucks for some meals, and booking attraction tickets online in advance.
National park passes
Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Death Valley and Joshua Tree each charge an entrance fee per vehicle that is valid for several days. The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry to all US national parks and many other federal recreation sites for a year for the pass holder and the passengers in one vehicle. If your trip includes three or more parks it usually pays for itself; check the current price on the National Park Service website.
A pass covers entry only. It does not replace any timed-entry or day-use reservation that an individual park requires, nor camping, tour or permit fees. Reservation systems have been introduced, changed and suspended several times in recent years, so check each park’s official page for your dates.
Theme-park ticket strategy
Tickets for Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are sold for a specific date and priced by demand: weekends, summer and holidays cost more. Disneyland also requires a park reservation for the day you visit, made when you buy.
Decide whether you need a park-hopper ticket (both Disney parks in one day) or one park per day, which is cheaper and less tiring with young children. Paid queue-skipping services cost extra and vary in price by day. Arrive before opening, do the most popular rides first and take a midday break. Multi-attraction city passes for Los Angeles and San Diego can save money if you will genuinely use them — add up the individual prices first.
Wildfire season and air quality
Wildfires are a normal part of California’s climate, most frequent from about July to November and at their worst in dry, windy autumn weather. Most trips are unaffected, but fires can close highways and parks at short notice and send smoke hundreds of kilometres.
During your trip, check the Cal Fire incident map, Caltrans road conditions and the AirNow air-quality index. If air quality is poor, limit strenuous outdoor activity and consider moving on to the coast, where the air is usually cleaner. Never ignore an evacuation order, and follow all fire restrictions — campfires are often banned in summer.
Earthquakes
Small earthquakes are common in California and nearly always harmless; large ones are rare. If the ground shakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy table and hold on until it stops. Stay indoors until the shaking ends, and afterwards keep away from damaged buildings and be ready for aftershocks. On the coast, move to higher ground if a tsunami warning is issued.
Everyday safety
California’s visitor areas are generally safe, but car break-ins are a real problem in San Francisco, Oakland and at some trailheads and viewpoints. Never leave bags, luggage or electronics visible in a parked car — ideally leave nothing in it at all.
Use ordinary city sense at night, and expect to see homelessness in parts of central San Francisco and Los Angeles. In an emergency dial 911.
Nature causes more trouble than crime. Summer heat in the deserts and Central Valley is dangerous: carry far more water than you think you need and do not hike in the middle of the day. Pacific water is cold with strong rip currents; swim near lifeguards. In bear country, store food in the lockers provided.
Health and insurance
Medical care in the United States is excellent and very expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance with generous medical cover is essential for foreign visitors. Pharmacies are widespread, and urgent-care clinics handle minor problems more cheaply than hospital emergency departments. Tap water is safe to drink.
Phones, internet and power
Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main highways and patchy or absent in Big Sur, Death Valley, much of the Sierra and inside most national parks. Download offline maps before you go. A US eSIM or prepaid SIM is the simplest way to stay connected. Electricity is 120 V with type A and B plugs.
What to pack
Layers, whatever the season. A day that starts in fog on the coast can reach 35°C (95°F) an hour inland, and mountain and desert nights are cold. Bring a warm jacket for San Francisco even in July, sun protection, sturdy shoes for the parks, a refillable water bottle and, in winter, proper cold-weather clothing for the Sierra.
Accessibility
Under US law, hotels, museums, public transport and most attractions must provide access for disabled visitors, and standards are generally high. The national parks have accessible viewpoints, some paved trails and accessible shuttle buses; the Access Pass for permanent residents and citizens with disabilities does not apply to most foreign visitors. San Francisco’s hills and historic cable cars are a challenge; buses and BART are accessible.
Food and drink
California’s cooking is driven by its farms and its mix of cultures: Mexican food everywhere (try fish tacos in San Diego and a Mission-style burrito in San Francisco), sourdough bread and Dungeness crab on the northern coast, Korean, Chinese, Thai and Japanese food in Los Angeles, and farm-to-table restaurants in wine country. Portions are large, tap water is free, and dinner tends to be early — many kitchens close by 9 or 10 pm outside the big cities.
Laws and etiquette
Smoking is banned in restaurants, bars and many outdoor public places. Cannabis is legal for adults aged 21 and over under state law, but it is illegal to consume it in public, to drive under its influence or to take it across state or national borders, and it remains illegal on federal land — which includes the national parks. Using a phone in your hand while driving is against the law.
Practical FAQs
How much should I tip in California?
About 18–20% in restaurants with table service, a dollar or two per drink at a bar, and 15–20% for taxis. Tipping is not expected at counter-service places, although card readers often suggest it.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it?
Usually, if you visit three or more national parks in one trip. It covers entrance fees for one vehicle but not reservations, camping or tours.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, throughout the state. Carry a refillable bottle; water refill stations are common in parks and airports.
Do I need to worry about earthquakes?
No more than residents do. Serious earthquakes are rare. Know the basic response — drop, cover and hold on — and carry on with your trip.
What is the legal drinking age?
21. Bars, restaurants and shops routinely ask for photo ID, and foreign visitors should carry a passport or other official ID.
