{"id":127469,"date":"2020-01-01T09:00:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-01T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=127469"},"modified":"2022-07-17T13:55:14","modified_gmt":"2022-07-17T13:55:14","slug":"backpacking-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue skies and endless coastlines: The ultimate guide to backpacking California"},"content":{"rendered":"

All about that SoCal surfing style? Or maybe you\u2019re keen to mingle with the cool kids in San Francisco? Wherever your interests lie, California\u2019s diversity makes it a fantastic spot for every kind of traveller. You could visit the West Coast state ten times and still have something completely new to experience. Whether you\u2019re a foodie fanatic, love thrift shopping, call yourself a history buff or can\u2019t resist hiking up a lung-busting mountain, backpacking California should be top of your USA travel<\/a> list.<\/p>\n

\"backpacking<\/p>\n

Santa Monica, <\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@vivirishe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Jump straight to:<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. When’s the best time to visit California?<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Best places to visit in California<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Best backpacking itineraries in California<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Backpacking California budget<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      When\u2019s the best time to visit California?<\/h2>\n

      California weather is much more moderate than that in many other parts of North America, so there\u2019s really no wrong time to plan a trip. Temperatures are hottest during the summer, but it\u2019s also busier and more expensive. The weather in Southern California (LA, San Diego) is generally toasty year-round.<\/p>\n

      The weather in Northern California can get quite nippy in the winter, with average temperatures in San Francisco around 14\u02daC (57\u02daF) in December and January. For the best of both worlds when it comes to affordability and good weather, consider backpacking in California in the spring or autumn.<\/p>\n

      Best places to visit in California<\/h2>\n

      Whether you\u2019re a first timer to the region or you\u2019ve been to the Golden State a dozen times before, there\u2019s an endless list of places to visit in California. Here\u2019s just a handful:<\/p>\n

      1. San Francisco<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/h3>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@jemimamforbes<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      The City by the Bay is one of those places that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. It flourished during the California Gold Rush back in the 1850s and is now one of the largest, wealthiest and coolest cities in the USA.<\/p>\n

      As well as travel hotspots like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Pier 39, there are heaps more offbeat spots to add to your itinerary, too. Don\u2019t miss the colourful Castro neighbourhood in the shadow of the Twin Peaks, Haight-Ashbury\u2019s vintage shops or the stunning Palace of Fine Arts<\/a> on the edge of the Marina District. You also have to ride on an old-fashioned streetcar \u2013 it\u2019s only $2.25 a ticket.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/strong> Welcoming Pacific Tradewinds Hostel<\/a> has a friendly vibe and dorm beds for \u00a325 a night. If you\u2019ve got more cash to splash, book a private room at hip Music City Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in San Francisco<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      2. Monterey Bay<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@jemimamforbes<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      A couple of hours by road from San Francisco is where you\u2019ll find this vast bay on the Big Sur coastline that\u2019s teeming with stunning natural attractions, bustling seaside cities and some truly amazing wildlife. The city of Monterey itself is best known for Cannery Row, an area of former canning factories which was the focal point of a John Steinbeck novel of the same name.<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re a fan of the Big Little Lies <\/em>TV series, you might just recognise the area around busy Fisherman\u2019s Wharf from your screen. Monterey Bay is also famed for its ocean inhabitants – humpback, blue and grey whales all migrate to the region throughout the year, while seals, sea lions and sea otters can be spotted swimming just offshore.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/b> HI Monterey<\/a> is within strolling distance of all the major attractions in Monterey and has a great outdoor social space.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Monterey<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      3. Santa Cruz<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park,\u00a0\ud83d\udcf8:@jemimamforbes<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      The northern edge of Monterey Bay is where you\u2019ll find Santa Cruz \u2013 California\u2019s answer to the classic British seaside resort. On the old-fashioned beach boardwalk you\u2019ll find vintage fairground rides and the scent of candyfloss, while the pier (the longest on the West Coast) is worth strolling down to see dozens of seals perched on wooden rafters near the waterline. According to the locals, you can even see whales leaping out of the water at the end of the pier during autumn!<\/p>\n

      A short drive inland from Santa Cruz along Route 9 takes you to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park,<\/a> where you can wander among towering sequoia trees and get a taste of the Wild West at Roaring Camp, an heritage station with daily steam train rides through the forest.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/b> Lodged in an historic row of pretty beach houses near the boardwalk, HI Santa Cruz<\/a> is a great hostel for surfers and adventure seekers.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Santa Cruz<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      4. Lake Tahoe<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      @stp_com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      Lake Tahoe has long been a popular spot for spring breakers<\/a> \u2013 and for good reason. The waters of this beauty are every shade of blue and it\u2019s surrounded by the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, a haven for hikers and skiers alike.<\/p>\n

      The lake is the second deepest in North America and a playground for backpackers<\/a> passionate about the outdoors. In the summer, you can take to the water on boats and kayaks or explore the 72-mile-long shoreline by foot or bike. The east side is technically in neighbouring Nevada, while the south shore (close to South Lake Tahoe) is livelier and dotted with historic points of interest.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/strong> Camping is popular in the warmer months, although you\u2019ll find a few hostels in South Lake Tahoe, including the cosy Mellow Mountain Hostel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Lake Tahoe<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      5. Yosemite National Park<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@travelinaday<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      One of the best national parks in California and perhaps the most famous in the USA, Yosemite is a paradise for those after adventure. Its sheer rock faces are a climber\u2019s dream, while its valleys are carpeted in wildflowers and snaked with crystal-clear streams.<\/p>\n

      Highlights of Yosemite National Park include Half Dome, El Capitan (both rock formations are famous among the world\u2019s free climbing community) and the tumbling Yosemite Falls. Mirror Lake is also a gorgeous spot, while Glacier Point offers up the best vistas of Yosemite Valley.<\/p>\n

      The National Park can normally only be visited between April and October, as snow makes the roads impassable in the winter. If summer is your chosen season, be warned that it can be busy and you\u2019ll need to book your accommodation \u2013 whether that\u2019s a lodge, hostel<\/a> or campsite \u2013 well in advance. Whatever time of year you visit, there\u2019s no doubt that Yosemite will be one of your highlights when backpacking California.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/b> Sleep surrounded by 50 acres of forest at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Resort<\/a>, which boasts a wellness centre and its own nature trail.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Yosemite National Park<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      6. Joshua Tree National Park<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@tmycrl<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      Another one of the nine national parks in California, Joshua Tree in the south is named after the gnarled trees which grow there. Its sparse landscapes have been a source of fascination for decades, and there\u2019s over 300 miles of beautiful hiking trails to explore. Rock climbing more your thing? There are plenty of opportunities for that too.<\/p>\n

      First time visitors may want to make a beeline for the Joshua Tree Visitor Center on its western border or the Cottonwood Visitor Center to the south. Joshua Tree National Park is just over two hours by car from LA.<\/p>\n

      7. Sacramento<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@wilstewart3<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      This is the official state capital of California and often overlooked in favour of other cities. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a good pitstop on a backpacking trip<\/a> for those hoping to swot up on California\u2019s American Gold Rush history.<\/p>\n

      Step back in time in the Old Sacramento district, where the streets are lined with quaint wooden sidewalks and restored heritage buildings, including a couple of saloon bars. There are loads of great museums in Sacramento too, like the California State Capitol Museum<\/a> and Sutter\u2019s Fort State Historic Park<\/a>, which even puts on costumed re-enactments that\u2019ll speak to your inner geek.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/b> Complete your history tour of Sacramento by staying at HI Sacramento<\/a>, a hostel housed inside a restored Victorian mansion.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Sacramento<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      8. Big Sur<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@mcsheffrey<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      This stretch of coastline is found just below Monterey Bay and it\u2019s a real jaw-dropper. It\u2019s been a rural retreat since the 1950s and it\u2019s not an overstatement to say it\u2019s an untouched area of natural beauty.<\/p>\n

      The pinnacle of the Big Sur stretch has to be Bixby Bridge (another Big Little Lies<\/em> scene stealer \u2013 just watch the opening credits). Pfeiffer Beach is also visually stunning thanks to its dramatic rock formations and purple sand. If you\u2019re craving a scenic drive, add Big Sur to your California backpacking agenda.<\/p>\n

      9. Pismo Beach<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@kalebtapp<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      Halfway between Monterey and LA, Pismo Beach is a must for those after a glimpse of old-school America. Much of the seaside city has remained unchanged since the 1950s and, like so many California coastal enclaves, it\u2019s great for surfing.<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019re passing through Pismo Beach in the winter, don\u2019t miss the Monarch Butterfly Grove that\u2019s typically aflutter with hundreds of butterflies who migrate from up north during the cooler months.<\/p>\n

      10. Los Angeles<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udcf8:@giorgiapasquali_<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      The City of Angels and the home of some of the world\u2019s biggest stars, LA needs no introduction. While the city may seem to stretch on forever, it\u2019s the areas beyond the busy Downtown district and flashy Beverly Hills which make it worth visiting.<\/p>\n

      Climb up into the Hollywood Hills or to the Griffith Observatory early morning for uninterrupted views and great photo ops, before heading to Venice Beach for a slap-up brunch. Surfing paradise<\/a> Huntington Beach is a good spot for evening exploits \u2013 think micro-breweries and beach shack bars.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay:<\/b> Stay in the heart of Venice Beach at boho Samesun Venice Beach<\/a>, party by the pool at Freehand Los Angeles<\/a> from the Generator Hostel Group<\/a>, or snooze within walking distance of the Hollywood Walk of Fame at USA Hostels Hollywood<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in Los Angeles<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      11. San Diego<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      \ud83d\udccd ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      Located just 15 miles from the Mexican border, San Diego has a much more Latin-influenced culture than other cities in California. It\u2019s the perfect place to end a backpacking trip thanks to its collection of beaches, laidback lifestyle and consistently warm climate. Plus, you could carry on right into Mexico!<\/p>\n

      Beyond the sand and surf, the city is packed with cultural allures such as the museums at Balboa Park, which even include a surfing museum. San Diego has over a dozen different neighbourhoods<\/a>, each with their own unique character. Check out the Gaslamp Quarter for a dose of history, Pacific Beach for fun tiki bars and North Park for vintage stores and food markets.<\/p>\n

      Where to stay: <\/b>Bed down for the night right next to Pacific Beach at chilled-out ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCompare all hostels in San Diego<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      Best backpacking itineraries in California<\/h2>\n

      1. Route One (or the Pacific Coast Highway)<\/h3>\n

      \"backpacking<\/p>\n

      Los Angeles, <\/em>\ud83d\udcf8:@joelmott<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

      The Californian coastline is one of the most varied and scenic on the planet \u2013 think stretches of golden sand that wouldn\u2019t look out of place on a tropical island, plus dramatic cliffs and tumbling waves littered with pro and wannabe surfers.<\/p>\n

      Route One (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) is the longest highway in the region and a ready-made road trip<\/a> route if you\u2019re hiring a car. While it technically begins in Leggett, you can join it in San Francisco and then make your way south towards Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

      You\u2019ll hug the coastline for most of the way and cruise through some stunning, undeveloped areas right by the sea. Note that there are long stretches (especially between San Francisco and Santa Cruz) where there are very few places to stop for food or petrol.<\/p>\n

      Must-see stops:<\/b><\/p>\n