The best time to visit California is during the shoulder seasons of September to November and March to May, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months of June to August offer warm beach weather, but also larger crowds and higher prices. We visited in September.

What to pack for California depends on the region you are visiting and the time of year. Generally, bringing comfortable, casual clothing, including shorts, t-shirts, and jeans is a good idea. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for protection against the strong California sun, as is a light jacket.  Feel free to check out our amazon storefront to see what we used on our trip to California.

Whether you're a budget traveler or simply want to find the best deal on your flights, we highly recommend using Skyscanner to book your next trip. This site is an excellent tool for finding affordable flights as it searches hundreds of airlines, travel agents, and booking sites to find the best deals available.