10 Things to Know Before Doing a California Road Trip

After spending time road-tripping through some of California’s most popular places myself, I put together 10 things I wish I had known before going. Hopefully these tips help you plan a smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable adventure.

1. San Francisco is Cold in Summer

Before my trip, I checked the San Francisco weather forecast obsessively: 18–22°C! This didn’t sound bad at all. But wow, I was surprised at how much colder it felt than the numbers suggested.

If you’re from the area, you’d know that fog rolls in daily, especially in the mornings, and the wind makes everything chillier. Many locals even wear coats in summer! Hence I’ll gladly pass on to you what I learned too late: Locals consider October to be the warmest month in San Francisco, not the “classic summer months” of June–August.

Lesson learned: If you’re visiting San Francisco in summer, pack warm layers. Don’t be fooled by the forecast!

2. Restaurants Close Early

Something that really surprised me over and over again: many restaurants in California, even in big cities, close by 9 or 10 PM. Coming from Switzerland, where restaurants are often open until midnight even in small villages, this was somewhat that I didn’t expect.

This is important to know ff you’re road tripping, since you might arrive late to some places after a long day of driving.

Lesson learned: Plan your dinners ahead! Don’t assume you’ll be able to grab a late-night bite everywhere after a long drive.

3. Pacific Coast Highway Closures Are Common

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is stunning, but it’s also prone to closures — especially after harsh winters. Landslides and road damage often block sections of the route, making it impossible to continuously drive from San Francisco to LA (or vice versa) along the coast.

When my family visited in summer 2023, parts of the PCH were still closed due to storm damage from earlier that year. That meant that we had to turn around halfway, and head inlands instead.

Lesson learned: Always check the California Department of Transportation road conditions before setting out!

4. Napa Valley Traffic Is Real

Napa Valley is famous for its wine, but not so much for its traffic. When we arrived in the morning, it was peaceful and beautiful. But by late afternoon (around 3 or 4 pm)? We were completely stuck in traffic. Our GPS estimated 40+ minutes just to leave the valley!! And the worst part is, since Napa only has a few exit routes, there’s no real detour.

Lesson learned: Plan your Napa Winery visits from inside out. End your day at the winery closest to the exit instead of one deep in the valley. This will save you time (and nerves).

5. Get to National Parks Early

Visiting California’s national parks (especially Yosemite!!!) was one of my highlights, but parking and traffic can be a nightmare. Public transport options are limited, so most people have to drive there.

Lesson learned: If you want a parking spot in the summer, aim to arrive before 9 AM (8 AM on weekends). After that, it’s pure luck. On the bright side, mornings also bring cooler weather and fewer crowds, so it’s worth the early wake-up call.

6. Lake Tahoe Water Is Freezing

When my family said we’d be visiting Lake Tahoe, I pictured swimming and lounging by the water. But wow — the lake is icy cold, like limb-numbingly cold! And again, I’m saying this as someone who lives in Switzerland and is no stranger to a dip in a mountain like! 🙂

Lesson learned: If you’re hoping for a nice, relaxing dip in the lake you’ll be disappointed 🙂

7. Morning Fog on the Pacific Coast Highway

One thing I definitely wish I’d known before visiting: the PCH is often covered in fog during the mornings, especially in the northern sections.

If you start your drive too early, you’ll miss out on some of the jaw-dropping views of cliffs, beaches, and ocean vistas.

Lesson learned: If you want great pictures, waiting until mid-morning to visit your favourite destination is worth it for clear skies and better visibility!

Morning Fog on The Pacific Coast Highway — Morning fog on the Pacific Coast Highway

8. California Beaches Have Big Waves

It might seem obvious since California is a world-class surf destination, but the waves here are really big, even at regular beaches with no surfers around.

This is obviously great for surfers but not ideal if you’re planning a calm beach holiday with kids. If your idea of a beach trip is floating peacefully in the water, California might not be the best choice.

Lesson learned: Don’t expect Caribbean style calm waters in California! If you’re looking for a true beach trip, check out my Florida itinerary!

9. Spend More Time in Small Towns and Nature

Sure, San Francisco and Los Angeles are world-famous, but honestly? I’d recommend spending more time in the small coastal towns and natural parks instead.

The national parks, coastal towns, and hidden gems felt way more rewarding than battling traffic in the big cities.

Lesson learned: If you’re short on time it’s okay to skip LA and/or SF altogether and focus on the hidden gems along the coast.

10. Seals in Monterey Are Active at Night

If you love wildlife Monterey is a must-visit. There’s a well-known seal viewing area right near the pier (with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby).

But here’s the key: go around sunset, that’s when the seals are most active. You’ll see them swimming, climbing rocks, and making plenty of noise.

Lesson learned: Don’t go seal watching in the morning because they will be sleeping (which is not that exciting).

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the things I learned on my California road trip. Of course, there are countless other tips out there, but hopefully this helps you avoid a few of the surprises that I faced.

Have you done a California road trip yourself? Drop your own tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!