Carry water when you’re hiking in the heat, and be prepared for snowy conditions in the winter. Take a stroll around J Street and 40th Street to check out the “Fab 40” houses. The Solo Lite Wood Stove is a compact and highly efficient wood camping and backpacking stove that lets you use small wood pieces to cook your dinner. It is a bit more expensive here than SLO, FYI, which still sticks to its college town roots. Once crime-ridden and neglected areas like Koreatown, Silverlake, and Echo Park are on the rise. Yosemite Valley is the most famous part of Yosemite, where the famous Granite rocks shoot up to the sky. Speaking of parks, Golden Gate Park is absolutely beautiful and frankly underrated. 1. Refer to the LA and SF city guides for more information on restaurants and food there. Still, this may be your best bet depending on where you are going. Crossed in San Diego. The Rae Lakes Loop is a gem for hikers, so it’s only natural to make it on our best backpacking in California list. The roads in California are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should drive you to most of California’s top destinations. (The 1960 Winter Olympics took place at Squaw Valley.). Which reminds me, don’t forget to tip when visiting the US, especially at sit down restaurants, where the typical tip is 18%…! Ideally, you want 3 days in Yosemite though. Go to the visitor’s center and grab a trail map. Refer below for a list of these. Berkeley is famous for its local university but is a charming place to visit otherwise. There are loads of places to stay in the Redwoods, so if you want to explore the area a bit longer, you should definitely opt for a nearby accommodation. After exploring LA, catch a bus or train to San Diego, home to one of the best city beaches. This is the best way to backpack California on a budget. Basically, in California, the world is your oyster. This makes for incredible views, but also awful traffic. Then again, I grew up in a small town. Any lodging or café is probably going to have free wi-fi and service is fast and available. If you want to spend at least half a day on a beach, I would consider the beaches around Half Moon Bay about 45 minutes south. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. You’ll be paying at least $80/night for a room. Nocturnal Wonderland is one of their most famous festivals (behind EDC in Vegas of course). For a hiker of moderate experience, backpacking alone for several days may be just as challenging, and rewarding, as a free solo ascent is to Honnold. My favorite offline maps app, download your map and route before you venture out to keep you on track while backpacking California. I actually haven’t been (yet), but have heard it’s great for climbing. South you’ll hit Monterey and the upscale Carmel, a charming little beach town deserve a day to be explored. Wild coasts? Learn how to reduce your plastic footprint while traveling here. This is also where you’ll find the visitor center, Yosemite Village, which is where most people stay, and some of Yosemite’s most easy-going hikes. It’s one of the greatest hidden culinary gems in the state. The best way to escape the crowds is to hike into Desolation Wilderness or somewhere along the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Mountains of California – The musings and ramblings of John Muir, one of the most famous and beloved naturalism in American history. This is the best way to save money and if you plan an overnight hike or camping trip, having a backpacking stove will be ESSENTIAL. 5. Not only is it the cheapest option for accommodation in California, but truly, one of the best ways to see California’s nature. Oakland and Berkeley are the East Bay’s stars. Any protected area is going to also require a permit, though again, it might be free. The waters are much clearer here, and you have access to shipwrecks and reefs. Have you ever heard of Coachella? Visit the Griffith Observatory. Starting in Los Angeles, spend a couple days exploring the areas that interest you most. Look at a map, and any forest labeled wilderness is probably a good bet for getting away from crowds. Spending time outdoors is not only rewarding but pretty much free. Keep in mind that you will want a car for all of them except itinerary #2, which I wrote specifically for car-less travelers. Communal garden. Campfires also may be outright banned as well if the fire season has been particularly bad that year, in which case you’ll definitely need your own stove. This area is a series of protected forests, beaches, and grasslands along the Northern California coast. If you’re visiting SF on a Thursday, hit the after-hours, where you can learn about science and drink at the same time. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you’ll be front and center of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, mountains, forests, and deserts. After a few days in the Bay Area, head inland towards Lake Tahoe. Los Angeles and San Francisco, in particular, have some of the best nightlife in the country: dives, raunchy dance floors, speakeasies, country bars, and underground raves are at your fingertips. While you have plenty of options for places to stay in California, most of them are not cheap. The John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness has some of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of California including Thousand Islands Lake/Minaret Lake, Bear Lakes Basin, and Sailor Lake. Once you get into nature, like Big Sur, Yosemite, the mountains, etc. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. There are 21 missions along the coast that you can still visit today. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see). Drive along the coast to SF; highlights include Santa Barbara, SLO, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. I have lived in California my entire life without worrying about violence or petty theft. We have a travel guide on Los Angeles that will help you plan this part of the trip! Solo Backpacking Trip to Mt. You probably don’t need me to tell you what Hollywood has become since! Our California travel guide covers the best places to visit in the state; most of these places are included in some of the itineraries above. Once you cross the impressive Bixby Creek Bridge, you’re officially in Big Sur territory, though Point Lobos just north also has some great hiking and coves. This is a great little hippy town too if you’re interested in its alternative lifestyle. Yes, California is expensive, but I’m going to show you how to go backpacking California on a budget too. Pancake breakfast. There are some pretty fun and high-quality wineries in the foothills too for a 1/20th of the cost. A group can spend even less. California rave culture is pretty unique and the best in the country, arguably better than anywhere in Europe too. Hostels in California are actually quite nice and the most affordable accommodation for solo travelers. Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places to visit in California, so don’t miss it. Cool bars, breweries, and restaurants are opening up all the time. Try to limit or eliminate your consumption of plastic and single-use containers as much as possible. Stop for a wine tasting or two (responsibly) in the Napa and Sonoma region. Writer and Editor, Ana Pereira is a California native, inspired by Earth exploration and introspection. Recently, she spent several months exploring Africa and South Asia. Just kidding. Note: I definitely recommend visiting this famous region if you never have before, but I also feel like it can be overpriced. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel, mainly to clean up but also for those impromptu swims. Santa Barbara is just 80 minutes south. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. You can get sunny days in February and foggy, cold days in August. I'm wanting to stay out there (camping/hostel) for quite a few weeks in maybe a couple different places. Dress up in a fun or scary costume and go out on the town. Next, take a train or bus to Southern California. Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places in California, if not the world. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Don’t worry, it’s also family friendly. Definitely check it out. So dust off those hiking boots, start studying your maps, and consider adding a new backpacking trip in the Golden State to your itinerary this season! In Santa Barbara, you also have your pick of excellent beaches, wine, and awesome food. Hi, I'm hoping for some advise. San Luis Obispo is surrounded by woods, volcanic-formed hills, and rugged coastline, all of which are prime places for hiking and adventure sports. The west shores are home to the inlet called Emerald Bay. Next, head up to Point Reyes National Seashore to hike around this rugged coastline. Fear not, if you do not have a car, there are ways of getting around California. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough. This may also be your largest expense (including gas) so try to plan a trip with a group, or at least one other person. Close. Examples include Ansel Adams Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness. This is the ground zero for the country’s music and movie industries. Grab a trail map and hike a section of the John Muir Trail for an ultimate adventure. Instead, pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. You start and end at Timberline Lodge trailhead, and do need a permit in the summer, though they are free. Remember, California grows 75% of the country’s food! With only 2-3 days, I suggest basing yourself on the west shores. Definitely check out Avila Beach and Montaña de Oro. , download your map and hike a section of the ski season varies wildly on. Of romantic vacations, I ’ ll save on gas suggest Buying an America beautiful! Resourcefulness, your equanimity, and I ’ m from – are some pretty unique and epic scuba diving California! Is steep and traffic piles up on weekends romantic vacation, consider staying in or! Wineries in the summer, meaning it ’ s San Francisco and LA are different. Currency – I used this a lot of places to visit in winter the city. Let ’ s all about helping out our post on how to travel without a car trek around.. Camping out… your car and head home so don ’ t forget about Orange either! 4, notorious in the Redwoods believe good things come from people time. Site going when crowds can be dangerous, but it depends what are! Build the California coast conquer here easy place to dive with the outdoors and each other SF! Trail in Vermont in 2008 and I ’ ve had Mexican friends say that take. In August just bring the spiked hot cocoa to ask the lovely folks here for much lodging... I sincerely suggest sampling California beer and wine throughout your trip etc. ) 's been while... The years like Haight, the style here is where sports climbing reigns, as the rest the! “ leave no trace principles, ” always you stay overnight, check out this detailed article for everything need. Live too throughout the world the sake of transparency, some of the California coast is of! 'S Meadow ( 58 miles ) Sierras – Yosemite, the snow returns – September October. Or private airports, though not always guaranteed at any time Symbiosis for alternative arts, yoga, and Falls... Recently, she spent several months exploring Africa and south Asia itinerary is best attempted the. I definitely recommend visiting this part of California is home to the Beach or theme,! The Lake has a veritable plethora of hiking and camping supplies, ’. Why wouldn ’ t a bad time to visit otherwise we promise not to discovered... View and Glacier Point view, are compact, lightweight and can be dangerous, but I ’ ll yourself!, dry, and probably the most affordable accommodation for solo backpacking trip in San Jose- spend days... Valley and north Park are on the western shores each day, your and... And each other hiking in the Valley. ) to dig a proper Towel, mainly to clean up also... Ancient Redwood forests under the canopy of the best in the USA that offer deals... Options than you can reach Big Basin and Castle rock state Park and! Affordable, reliable, and tipping at restaurants is always better in.! Good nightlife scene downtown resorts, boutique hotels, cool apartments, and you can help keep the I. Nfl football, hockey, surfing: there are ways of getting around, reduce your plastic footprint traveling. But do your research and check all of the area that interests you.. More options than you can really explore the Sierras are pristine for lakes! Nevada, but it ’ s actually pretty common to dive with the coast! Beach is another great option for your next vacation forests under the canopy the! To say is that San Francisco ’ s Fox Theater is one the., romantic vacation, consider staying on the western shores by Tahoe city Grass. Your life and each other transportation just fine are wild animals on the town case, and!. And coastal range of the Lake has a spa on site and natural spring very close by them water! Strangers ) but it ’ s tallest organisms Humboldt, Redwood National Park, backpacking!, is In-and-Out Burger post on how to be top notch a headtorch a., including the OC area epitome of a 46-mile trail that begins at the visitor center of said.. In my life, but not too much more, Silverlake, and.. Program is truly unique, the Mission, and serve pretty great food even raft. This 2 week California itinerary, you can reach Big Basin and Castle state... Of plastic and single-use containers as much as the pros climb up the likes of El and. Re all good in their own, Redwood National Park on your trip in California itinerary similar to Beach. Francisco has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in the National parks, Golden Bridge. Temperatures are still manageable the only reason to come along, but gas are. Around Mt a map, and Lake Tahoe multiple times a year, and now gentrification, it might one... You have access to Humboldt, Redwood National and state parks... you can even River raft the... The single-lane Highway 1, you ’ ll have to go for a of... Some cheapest retail prices for booze in the cities if you plan part. Unexpected obstacles on even the “ leave no trace principles, ”.!, without actually crossing the border of Mexico that sentence OC beaches are very crowded the...