California welcomes over 260 million visitors every year who are drawn to the Golden State for its Hollywood history and world-renowned theme parks. For many American families, a road trip through California is at the top of their travel bucket list. California offers something for every type of traveler, from the original Disneyland Park to the Golden Gate Bridge and Yosemite National Park.
It’s easy to spend weeks in California, exploring the state’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the best ways to make the most out of your time in California is to use the best car shipping service to bring your vehicle to the West Coast. It can help you maximize your time at Disneyland while giving you the freedom to explore California beyond its iconic theme parks. In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips on how to prepare for your California road trip.
1. Essential Packing Tips for a California Road Trip Adventure
Planning ahead is crucial for any road trip, but especially if you’re navigating around California. It’s the third-largest state in the U.S. with the largest population, stretching almost 900 miles with famous destinations dotted throughout. While your road trip will likely focus on locations within California’s Central Valley, planning your itinerary in advance will help you pack the essentials to make your road trip more comfortable and help you get the most out of your experiences.
Although California is known for its hot weather, November to March can bring cooler conditions. Depending on when you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to pack clothes to suit different weather conditions. While you can expect warmer conditions in the afternoon, it may be cooler in the morning and evenings. Extra layers, like a sweater or cardigan, can also keep you comfortable when driving with your AC on. You’ll always want to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles year-round.
If you’re driving through California, you could be spending hours at a time in your car. Keep a spare phone charger in your vehicle, along with extra snacks and a first-aid kit. A roadside safety kit can also give you extra peace of mind if your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident.
When packing your main luggage, consider the practical things you’ll need for your itinerary. Ponchos are a great option for staying dry on the water rides at theme parks, while comfortable walking shoes are a must-have for any adventure in California.
If you’re flying into California, you can use the best car shipping service to deliver your vehicle to the starting point of your road trip, with the option of sending most of your luggage inside your vehicle.
Also Read: Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make When Preparing for a Road Trip
2. Maximizing Your Theme Park Experience in Southern California
California is home to dozens of theme parks, from Disneyland Resort to LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and Universal Studios Hollywood. While these theme parks are all different in their own way, the same advice works for each of them. You always want to plan your park days, including booking your tickets early and checking if there’s a reservation system in place.
Most theme parks have their own apps, giving you real-time wait times, show schedules, and the option of mobile ordering food. Spend a little time getting familiar with the app before your road trip, including familiarizing yourself with the park layout using the in-app maps. Some of the busiest theme parks also offer paid express passes to skip the queue at popular attractions if you want to maximize your park time.
Theme park days aren’t like spending time at the beach. You can expect to easily hit over 15,000 steps during a theme park day. It’s a good idea to give yourself a rest day between park visits and use electrolytes to keep you hydrated, especially during the peak summer season.
Do you want to maximize your theme park schedule with park hopping? Having your own vehicle means you don’t have to rely on hotel transport or ride-share apps. You can easily hop between theme parks, whether you want to rope drop the opening of the Disneyland Park or have dinner at Universal’s City Walk.
3. How to Choose the Best Car Shipping Service for Your California Journey
Bringing your vehicle to California is the best way to explore the state, whether you’re planning to hike through national parks or if you want to eat a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar on Main Street. The best car shipping service will offer transparent pricing and flexible delivery to your starting destination.
It’s a good idea to start researching vehicle relocation services when you’re booking your flights. Focus your search on reputable car movers that are fully insured with customer testimonials and reviews available online. To get the best availability and package rates, try to schedule your cross-country auto shipping two to three months prior to your road trip.
Finding a car shipping service that specializes in long-distance routes and provides a door-to-door service is a must-do if you’re based on the East Coast. Don’t forget to check the cancellation policy before confirming your car transport reservation, as this is just as important as purchasing your own travel insurance.
4. Exploring Scenic Coastal Routes and Hidden Gems Beyond the Parks
Spending a day at one of California’s theme parks can be exhausting and expensive. You can drive through picturesque coastal towns, take part in outdoor activities, and explore California beyond the parks with your car delivered right to your starting location.
One of the most well-traveled road trip routes is the Pacific Coast Highway, which connects places like Santa Barbara and Malibu over 656 miles of California coastline. You’ll find plenty of small towns along this route that serve classic coastal cuisine, or you can explore the great outdoors at Joshua Tree National Park.
Prepping ahead is the key to a successful California vacation. Get the most out of your West Coast road trip by booking the best car shipping service to maximize your theme park days and explore California beyond the parks.