I’ll say it. I’m from Jersey, and I’ve always had a soft spot for the East Coast — it’s just how it is. So, heading to California? Let’s just say I knew it was going to be a culture shock from the get-go.
In California, you go from dense forests to open deserts on a single road trip. That’s wild coming from Jersey, where it feels like every part of the state is a little variation of the same vibe.
I’ve always been a big planner, so I learned early on that Cali isn’t really one destination — it’s like the whole country squeezed into a single state. What you see depends on how you plan, so here’s a peek into my trip, along with some personal takeaways.
Traveling to and Around California
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Direct Flights Rule: From Newark to San Francisco or Los Angeles, direct flights take about six hours. If you’re landing anywhere coastal, aim for early flights so you have a full afternoon to explore. Jet lag is manageable; California is just three hours behind.
- Rent a Car: Bigger cities have Ubers and public transport, but you absolutely need a car to explore iconic road trip spots like Big Sur or Lake Tahoe. Out West, freedom to roam is everything.
One unexpected thing I noticed right away was the sheer scale of California. It makes the stretch from Hudson to Long Island feel like an easy jog. And while the vibe in California is definitely chill, the cities — be it SF or LA — can get overwhelming fast.
Two reminders I wish someone had hammered into my head before visiting:
- Pack Layers: California’s diverse climates can surprise you. Evening chills in Yosemite and midday heat in Palm Springs are worlds apart — be ready for both.
- Plan Rest Stops: Don’t cram your days too full. You’ll burn out before you fully take in the incredible scenery.
California’s Must-See Destinations
Yosemite National Park – Jaw-Dropping & Soul-Lifting
I can throw every superlative at Yosemite and still feel like I’m underselling it. Driving into the park had me gripping the steering wheel in pure awe. El Capitan rises so sharply over the valley — it genuinely took my breath away.
Not everything here is rugged or tough — you can enjoy Yosemite without being a hardcore hiker. I’m more of a “mid-level adventurer,” but these stood out to me:
- Tunnel View: One of the most famous lookouts and, honestly, totally worth the hype. It perfectly frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.
- Lower Yosemite Falls: Easy enough to tackle with kids or beginners. The thundering sound of the water just stays with you.
If you want to stretch your limits (and legs), head for the Mist Trail. The steady spray as you get closer to Vernal Falls left me drenched, but it’s refreshing on a summer day.
Key Highlight: Sunset at Glacier Point was next level. Watching the dying light paint Half Dome in rosy hues felt almost surreal. Bring snacks and settle in—sunsets are worth lingering for.
Big Sur – California’s Coastal Masterpiece
Check this out. I’m driving along Highway 1, and the cliffs just drop to my right while waves crash onto jagged rocks far below. That’s Big Sur. And no matter how many pictures you’ve seen, none will prepare you for the real thing.
Big Sur is one of those places where I didn’t mind stopping every 10 minutes just to take photos. But my top moments weren’t just about the visuals — they were the peaceful pauses in between.
Here are a few can’t-miss stops which you can use to break up the drive:
- Bixby Bridge: It’s “that bridge” from every road trip photo you’ve seen. And it’s even better in person.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Here’s where you’ll find McWay Falls cascading into the ocean — it’s as picturesque as they say.
- Nepenthe Café: Their Ambrosia Burger was worth every penny, especially with those breathtaking clifftop views.
Pro tip? Avoid the summer weekends. Traffic builds up, and part of Big Sur’s appeal is feeling like you’re miles away from everyone else.
San Francisco – Brimming With Charm
OK, I admit it — SF surprised me. I expected a sprawling tech-focused city, but what I found was this quirky, layered creativity hub. Walking through neighborhoods like Russian Hill or Hayes Valley was a treat.
Yes, I did the touristy Golden Gate Bridge walk — definitely a must-do, but be ready for some strong winds. But the lesser-traveled paths to the Presidio became one of my favorite routes.
Here are a few things I absolutely loved about my time in San Francisco:
- Alcatraz Night Tour: This was one of the most chilling and memorable experiences I had in the city. The atmosphere was electric, adding a spooky twist to the history.
- Mission District Burritos: I couldn’t stop raving about these burritos. They are some of the best I’ve ever had — full of flavor and seriously satisfying. Makes me wonder if New Jersey restaurants can keep up. Check out this list of the top NJ food spots to decide!
- Cable Cars: Yep, cheesy but delightful. It was a fun way to take in the city, and honestly, who can resist the nostalgia?
Fun Fact: I didn’t expect Golden Gate Park to feel that large — or to fall in love with the Conservatory of Flowers.
Lake Tahoe – A Year-Round Slice of Heaven
Lake Tahoe is one of those spots you almost want to keep secret because it’s so perfect. Arriving here from Sacramento brought this calmness I hadn’t felt anywhere else in California. The water is bluer than any Instagram filter could edit.
If you visit during late summer, kayaking and paddleboarding are a must. I also spent too much time dipping my toes in, marveling at the clarity of the lake.
For winter travelers, though, make no mistake — Tahoe rivals Colorado for its ski scene. Northstar Resort looked ready for a Hallmark movie when I passed by.
Key Highlight: I could’ve stared at Emerald Bay’s sunset forever. Mountains cloaked in deep greens, reflecting off shimmering water — it was postcard-level brilliant.
Palm Springs Meets Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs is a design lover’s wet dream — retro hotels, palm-lined streets, and boutique-filled neighborhoods. It was such a stark contrast from Yosemite or Tahoe.
I indulged in a spa day that left me feeling brand new. And nothing quite beats lounging poolside while desert winds sweep by.
On the flipside, Joshua Tree was about quiet adventure. Climbing those massive rocks made me feel small in the best way, and when night fell? The stars truly stole the show. I thought Jersey had some dark patches, but Joshua Tree’s clear desert skies were otherworldly.
Your must-do? I say pack a picnic, find a quiet trail, and just be — that kind of peace feels rare these days.
Los Angeles – The City of Stars and Adventures
LA is like peeling an onion—each neighborhood reveals a new layer with its own unique vibe. My favorites? Griffith Observatory at twilight (predictable tourist pick, I know) and Venice Beach, , perfect for some prime people-watching.
I also expected to find LA exhausting (big cities often do that to me), but it grew on me by the day. Plus, who can resist a selfie with the Hollywood Sign in the background?
Pro Tip: If you’re driving here, prepare for serious traffic headaches. You’ll definitely experience some standstills, so just take a deep breath and roll with it.
Takeaways From My Golden State Adventure
California was a lot to take in but in the best way possible. From the towering pine forests in Lake Tahoe to the wine tastings in Napa (which I regrettably didn’t squeeze in this trip), this state really has it all.
I’m more accustomed to New Jersey, where life can feel tighter and more congested sometimes, so the sheer openness of California was like a breath of fresh air. I didn’t feel like I was just traveling — I felt like I was discovering little pieces of myself in every corner.
Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely. Jersey will always be home, but California? I’m definitely coming back. Honestly, I’m left wondering what took me so long to get here in the first place!
