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Ultimate Packing List for California + Free PDF Checklist [2025]

a black suitcase on the floor next to a laptop and sunglasses.
Affiliate Disclosure.

We compiled your ultimate packing list for California.

You’ve come to the right place because I’ve been living and traveling all over California since 2001! I’ve lived in two parts of this vast, glorious state — Northern and Southern California — so you might say I know a thing or two (or 35!) about making a great packing list for California.

While many consider California one giant beach with perfect warm weather all year round, this state is so much more than that.

In the weather department, we have everything from deserts to ski slopes and all those beautiful California beaches.

Our Pick
Picture of a Water-To-Go Bottle - Black and Grey Travel Bottle

Water-To-Go Bottle

The #1 California pack list essential?

A Water-To-Go Bottle — which both keeps you hydrated and filters your drinking water!

What I mean by the statement above is that your California packing list will look different from your Los Angeles packing list, and your Los Angeles packing list will be very different from your San Francisco packing list. 

Before you get overwhelmed, know that this article covers all the top California travel destinations and what to pack for each. From California beach vacations and what you’d want to have for going to the beach in Southern California to what you’d pack for California cities and colder climates — it’s all here.

🌟BONUS! Grab your FREE FILLABLE packing list for California travel below for all the best California packing tips in one place.

3 Packing for California Quick Tips:

A woman sitting on the beach fully clothed working on a laptop and leaning again a large suitcase.

1. California is big

Before getting into the specifics of packing lists for California, consider California’s size. California is the third-largest state in the US and the fourth-largest economy globally.

To provide some context, imagine you’re offering packing advice to your European friend who plans to visit the United States. The first questions would be: “Which specific location in the U.S. are you planning to visit?” and “During which time of the year are you intending to go?” 

These details are crucial as your packing choices would significantly differ depending on whether you’re heading to Austin during the summer or Colorado during the winter.

The same is true of California; coastal California has a very different climate from central or Eastern California. The same can be said when comparing Northern California to Southern California.

For this reason, make sure you do your research on California weather before packing. General Packing List for California

Check out our guide for the best California day trip from Northern and Southern California.

2. Southern Californians dress differently from Northern Californians

While it is true that Californians dress very casually, Northern California is a tad more conservative. It’s a bit more sophisticated than the dress you see in SoCal. People wear more black and darker colors in general. In LA — anything goes, really. Very few restaurants will tell you how to dress in LA. 

NorCal has a colder and wetter climate, so folks there tend to dress warmer. They own umbrellas in Northern California and many different jackets for when the weather changes drastically. It can get quite cold, damp, and chilly up north, which is one of the reasons I don’t live there anymore.

In Southern California, people wear shorts, often. In NorCal, they rarely wear shorts. On most beaches up north, though, like San Francisco, Stinson, Carmel, and Monterey Bay, I usually see people in sweaters; it’s that chilly, even during the summer.

3. Layers, Layers, Layers

The most helpful advice when packing for a trip to California – northern or southern- is to bring comfortable layers.

In summer in Los Angeles, it will be chilly when you step into that five-star restaurant because the air conditioner will be blasting.

The temperature will have dropped ten degrees when you step outside after dinner in San Francisco. And after being in the sun all day at the beach, you’ll be cold on the ride home.

People make the mistake of thinking just because it is usually sunny in California that’s it’s also always warm. That is not the case.

Pack all kinds of materials and sweaters, shirts, and jackets with different heft to them. Your trip will be more enjoyable if you aren’t struggling to be warm.

General Packing List for California

Woman sits with her back to us on a California beach in a pretty dress.

RELATED ARTICLE 🐻50 Tips for California Travel from a Long-Term Resident

Travel Document & Cards

Below is a list that everyone will want to pack when traveling to California, regardless of where in the state you’re traveling to. Think of these 30 things as your general California packing list must haves. 

1. PASSPORT & COPIES (ONLY APPLIES IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE US)

According to the U.S. State Department, 300,000 Americans report a lost or stolen passport yearly! So what can you do before traveling to handle losing your passport in a foreign country?

Check out the four tips below ⤵

  • Capture an image of page 2 of your passport, which contains your photo and information. Email it to yourself and save a copy as a photo on your phone.
  • Make two color copies of your passport. Carry one of these copies with you while traveling, and leave another copy with a trusted family member or friend for safekeeping.
  • For those who prefer to be extra cautious, bring two additional passport-sized photos that meet regulation size requirements. Many CVS stores offer photo services for around $15.
  • Organize all these items, including your passport and other essential travel documents, in one secure place. Consider using a dedicated travel wallet to hold passports and important documents, ensuring they are easily accessible and well-protected.

2. CREDIT CARDS

It’s wise to have at least two credit cards when you travel. One to keep on you and another hidden in your suitcase or safe in your hotel room in case you lose your wallet or are pickpocketed.

3. DEBIT CARD

You will want to bring a card that gives you access to cash. In California, cash is king, and widely used everywhere, especially with all the tipping going on for valet services. 

4. DRIVER’S LICENSE

Those planning to rent a car can use their U.S. driver’s license to drive in California. You can also use it as a valid ID (pretty much) anywhere you go in California, so you can leave your passport back at the hotel, hostel, or Airbnb.

OUR TOP Pick

🏆 BEST LOS ANGELES CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking your Los Angeles car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both international corporations and local LA companies, so you get the best deal.

5. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Looking for an extra layer of security and tranquility during these uncertain times of travel? Just as you safeguard your car, home, and personal well-being, you can also protect your luggage, belongings, and health while on a trip.

Drawing from my extensive experience in solo travel, I can confidently assure you that mishaps are bound to occur! And most likely when you least expect them to.

For this reason, I have a whole article dedicated to travel insurance in California, because it’s just that important. If California travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below ⤵ from World Nomads and SafetyWing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

  • World Nomads: Ideal for general and adventure travelers
  • SafetyWing: Ideal for long-term travelers and digital nomads

6. LUGGAGE TAGS

Remember to tag your bags with a luggage tag. The best luggage tags are dependable, durable, and worthy of your luggage.

If the unfortunate happens, losing your bags (this has happened to me, and it’s a horrible feeling), you have a better chance of getting your bags back if they are appropriately tagged!

Travel Gadgets & Electronics

1. VPN (VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK)

VPNs allow you to create a secure network connection over a shared network. When you’re in a coffee shop and using their WiFi, for example, you’re digitally connected to all the other people in the cafe on the same network. This puts your private information, like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and cryptocurrency, in jeopardy of being hacked.

Not having a VPN on your phone, tablet, or computer makes information like login passwords vulnerable to hackers who often target people at cafes and gas stations.

I use NordVPN. I love it! It’s simple to use for non-techie people like me. With one account, you can put it on several devices and share it with family members. I set it up in 15 minutes.

I hear other travelers complain, “My VPN is glitchy.” In the six months I’ve been using NordVPN, I’ve never had a problem connecting to it, and the connection is fast.

2. MULTI-PLUG OUTLET EXTENDER

You never know how many outlets your hotel will have or how many will be available at the airport. I always travel with this PowerPort Cube with USB & 5-foot Extension Cord.

Picture of a PowerPort Cube with a smartphone charging on a bedside table next to a bed with grey sheets.

3. EXTRA LONG 10-FOOT CHARGING CABLE

You never know how far the outlet will be from where you’re sleeping, and if you need to wake up at a certain time, you’ll want your phone alarm close. Pack this extra-long charging cable. 📱Cable for iPhone📱Cable for Android.

4. EXTERNAL BATTERY TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE ON THE MOVE

While traveling, you tend to use your phone for high battery-usage activities, such as using map apps for navigation, more frequently than in your daily routine.

You may often find yourself in locations without access to power outlets for recharging. In such situations, having an external battery becomes crucial. 🪫Anker Portable Charger

Known as a power bank, portable battery charger, or portable charger, it offers the ideal solution for when you run out of juice and aren’t anywhere near an outlet.

Power Back portable charger.

6. WIRE NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES

If you don’t have wireless headphones, now is the time to upgrade. You may want to drown out the screaming baby on the plane, nap, or go to bed early at a hotel. Noise-canceling headphones will help you get much-needed rest when traveling. 🎧 Soundcore Anker Life receives good reviews.

7. SPACE SAVER PACKING CUBS

These Space Saver Packing Cubes from Bagail are a neat freak’s dream come true 🙋🏻‍♀️. They compact your clothing by compressing them to a fraction of the size and help you stay organized on the road.

They come in four different sizes, so you can pack all your shirts in one, your pants in another, and all your underwear and socks in the third. These are packing game changers.

Two space saver by Bagail, for saving space in your suitcase.

8. WINDPROOF TRAVEL UMBRELLA

A travel umbrella will come in handy for the rain…but also somewhere less obvious, combating the California sun. The sun is so intense in Southern California that locals walk around shading themselves with an umbrella.

During summer, especially in Los Angeles, the sun is very intense. To stay out in it longer, stay in the shade with a Windproof Travel Umbrella. ☔️⛱️

9. TRAVEL NECK PILLOW

Neck pillows are game changers for long plane rides, so you don’t start or end your vacation with a crink in your neck. They are also great for long car rides, which you most definitely will experience when in California. When traveling in California, you need a car, and often, there’s a lot of traffic. 

This Ostrichpillow Go – Luxury Travel Pillow with Memory Foam is my go-to. You won’t travel without it once you try this pillow. As a small person, it’s nice to have something adjustable for size.

An adjustable grey neck pillow with specs.

10. BENDABLE TRIPOD PHONE HOLDER

This bendable tripod phone holder is the easiest way to capture Insta-worthy shots on the go. It’s small and light so it won’t weigh you down or take up too much space in your suitcase.

A bendable tripod for a smartphone.

California Travel Safety Items

1. ANTI-THEFT PURSE

When traveling to a new place, we can get distracted. Tourist spots are usually crowded, so it’s good to travel with a bag you can carry crosswise, so you know where it is at all times. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag has a cross-body strap and other specs that make it an excellent travel bag, for those moments when you’re in awe and distracted by the Golden Gate Bridge. 🌁

✓ RFID Blocking Pockets: Prevents against electronic identity theft with RFID blocking card slots and pockets. So hackers can’t swipe account numbers and passwords off your phone.

✓ Locking Compartments: Prevent pickpockets from getting into your bag with locking zipper pulls.

✓ Slash-Resistant Fabric: The bag has a slash-resistant mesh barrier for two layers of protection.

✓ Slash-Resistant Straps: Straps have a stainless steel wire inside, to prevent against grab-and-go thieves

✓ Lockdown Straps: Strap lock secures bag to a stationary object or chair, to prevent against grab-and-go thieves.

It’s not bad looking either, especially in black. ⤵ 👜

Anti-theft bag by Travelon in black.

2. ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK

If you don’t want to carry a purse, this Cheruty Anti-Theft Backpack has features similar to those of an anti-theft purse. I like using a backpack when I travel; it’s less wear and tear on my shoulders when the weight is evenly distributed, which is hard to do with a purse. 

A brown leather anti-theft backpack, an essential item for trading in California.

3. SECURITY TRAVEL SCARF

This innovative and stylish Zero Grid Security Scarf is brilliant in that it has a hidden zipper and pocket for extra security. When traveling, it’s a good idea to keep credit cards and cash in a few locations just in case you are a victim of theft. 

4. FAKE WEDDING RING

This may be silly, but my mom had her wedding ring stolen from her in NYC. It’s best to leave valuables at home. 💍 This Silicone Wedding Band is also great for female solo travelers not looking for a date while traveling.

5. SECURITY DOOR STOPPER AND ALARM

It’s always better to prioritize safety over regrets. Although it may be uncommon, it’s important to acknowledge that multiple individuals, including hotel staff, guests, and Airbnb hosts, may possess a key to your room. Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm with Siren gives you peace of mind when sleeping in an unfamiliar place. 

To address this concern, security door stoppers offer a practical solution. These devices not only acts as a physical barrier to prevent unauthorized entry but also comes equipped with a sound alarm feature. 

In the event of someone attempting to enter your room, a powerful 120-decibel alarm will sound, alerting you to the intrusion and providing an additional layer of security.

California Packing Essentials for Eco-Travel

1. WATER-TO-GO FILTERABLE WATER BOTTLE

Wondering if you can drink the water in California? Of course, you can. I wouldn’t. The Water-To-Go Bottle isn’t just a travel essential. It’s my regular life essential. I drink a lot of water when I’m traveling and when I’m out and about around town. This water bottle filters and cleans water from any source, so you know what you’re drinking is safe for your body.

  • It eliminates up to 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants, including parasites, viruses, toxins, microplastics, and more, according to their site.
  • It eliminates single-use plastics with disposable water bottles.
  • Most tap water isn’t safe to drink, but it can be with a Water-To-Go Bottle.

Picture of a Water-To-Go Bottle - Black and Grey Travel Bottle
WATER-TO-GO-BOTTLE ➜

3. ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE SUNSCREEN

Planning to spend time on the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara, stay on the cliffs in Pismo Beach in a luxury hotel or take the Catalina Express Ferry to Catalina?

If so, you’ll need some sunblock. The sun is intense in California.

Do your part to maintain California’s natural beauty with eco-friendly sunscreen. ☀️ Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50.

  • All Natural
  • Water Resistant
  • Moisturizing
  • Biodegradable
  • Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB
  • Ocean Friendly
  • Mineral Sunblock from Reef Repair

4. ECO-FRIENDLY BUG SPRAY

Occasionally we have bugs at the beach, it’s rare, but it happens. This eco-friendly brand is DEET-free and plant-based. Repel Insect Repellent has a pleasant eucalyptus and lemon scent.

5. ANTI-MOSQUITO BRACELETS

Cliganic bracelets are great for kids (or adults) who don’t like to be sprayed with bug spray, and they come in fun colors and are easy to slip on. (DEET-free and Waterproof)

Cliganic Mosquito Repellent brackets.

6. REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG

In 2016, California voters banned single-use plastic carryout bags. A reusable shopping bag that folds into a tiny pouch is ideal for travel.

After being folded into its smallest form, you can conveniently attach the bag to the side of your purse, giving you plenty of space for the great items you find when shopping in California. 

7. REFILLABLE TRAVEL CONTAINERS

I love skin care products, sustainable living, the environment, and travel, which is why I love this site of the best travel bottles that are refillable.

Toiletries & Meds to Pack

1. HANGOVER MEDS

In both San Francisco and Los Angeles, they take their craft cocktails seriously.

Numerous lounges, rooftop bars, and speakeasies are scattered throughout Los Angeles.

If you’re visiting San Francisco, you’ll most likely head to Sonoma and Napa Valleys, where you’ll most likely indulge in several wine tastings.

Bring these Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Packs if you plan on drinking or spending a lot of time in the sun. They come in convenient packages. Just pour into some water and drink. Ingredients include antioxidants, herbs, and homeopathic ingredients.

Liquid I.V. for hydration.

2. GENERAL MEDICATIONS

When traveling in California, you can get anything at the local CVS or cannabis store. Beyond prescriptions, it’s good to travel with headache meds, like Advil or Aleve.

3. EAR PLUGS

If you know you’re a light sleeper (or even a medium sleeper), you should travel with Noise Reduction Ear Plugs for Sleeping. It will save you a trip to the store and some grumpiness if you have them in your bag to block out the noise from the occasional loud tourist in the room next to yours or on top of yours.

4. HAND SANITIZER

What was once merely a suggestion has now become an essential travel item. To ensure continuous usage throughout the day, consider acquiring a sanitizer pouch that can be securely clipped onto the exterior of your purse. By keeping it in plain sight, you’ll be consistently reminded to utilize it, fostering a habit of frequent sanitization. 🧴Hand Sanitizer Bottle with Keychain.

5. DRY SHAMPOO

Dry shampoo is a convenient option for individuals who prefer not to wash their hair while on vacation or seek to maximize suitcase space by carrying a single product instead of separate bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and a hair dryer. It offers the advantage of refreshing your hair without washing it, making it a practical choice for travel. Acure Dry Shampoo 💆🏻‍♀️

Acute Dry Shampoo.

6. SMALL PACK OF TISSUES

I carry a pack of tissues in my bag wherever I go. They always come in handy for someone and many things. You never know when a ladies’ restroom will be out of toilet paper. 🤧 Travel Tissues.

7. FACIAL SPRAY FOR HYDRATION

Traveling makes skin dry and thirsty, especially on the plane. This Mario Badescu spray doesn’t have an overpowering scent. The smell is light and cucumbery, perfect for the plane and light enough not to annoy other passengers. I spray it on my face at the beginning of a trip and during the flight, and when I’m about to land. It makes you feel refreshed and ready to go! Your skin thanks you. Mario Badescu Facial Spray 🧴

Mario Badescu Hydration Face Spray.

8. MASSAGING SHOE GEL INSERTS

During your travels, you’ll likely find yourself walking significantly more than your usual routine. Unfortunately, a common mistake made by many travelers is overexerting themselves on the first day, resulting in discomfort and pain for the remainder of their trip.

To ensure the well-being of your feet, consider incorporating Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Inserts. By utilizing these inserts, you can prevent painful blisters and alleviate muscle soreness and leg cramps. This simple step will enable you to enjoy your journey without unnecessary foot-related discomfort.

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Inserts.

Packing List for Los Angeles and other Southern California Cities

All the items above are a general packing list for California. The next part is all about packing for each region in California.

As you can imagine packing for Northern California will be different from packing for Southern California because the weather varies between the two regions.

The information below applies to packing for Southern California. Southern California includes some of the biggest tourism destinations — Los AngelesSan Diego, and Orange County — as well as smaller areas like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Santa Barbara.

Southern California is known for its pleasant and mild climate, which is largely influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the presence of several geographical features. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEATHER

Chart tracking Los Angeles high and low temperatures during a single year.

What to Wear in Southern California: Spring & Summer

As you can see, temperatures dip into the 40°Fs during the winter and climb to the 80°Fs during the summer and mid-60°Fs during the spring. Depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Southern Californians are casual dressers. They go from a day at the beach to a nice restaurant in jeans, shorts, and a T-shirt. Most people wear flip-flops or wedges in the summer. There is no dress code here; it’s casual, comfortable, and usually high-end.

UGGS are still popular in Los Angeles. They are the perfect footwear to slide on after a day at the beach when temperatures can plummet at night.

For the most part, you can go most places in the same outfit from day to night, if you wanted to. 

For a night out on the town, a summer dress or jeans with flats work well. Just remember to bring a cardigan or light jacket because nights get chilly.

What to Wear in Southern California: Fall & Winter

During winter, temps can drop to low 40°Fs in Southern California, and it rains in February. If you are traveling to Southern California in the fall and winter, bring a jacket and UGGS or boots to keep you warm and dry when it rains.

When the colder months arrive, it’s essential to have suitable footwear throughout the day, such as sneakers, to ensure comfort.

A cardigan or chunky sweater, paired with a lightweight scarf, can provide sufficient warmth during the daytime. 

However, as the evening gets chillier, it is advisable to have a coat or puffer jacket for added protection against the cold.

Opt for jeans or thick leggings for versatile attire, both day and night, which keep you comfortable and stylish. Pack warm-weather socks, a beanie hat, and cozy pajamas to enhance your comfort during your stay.

Packing List for San Francisco and Northern Towns

City Packing List: Safety Items

San Francisco is more of a typical city atmosphere with all the same characteristics as most big cities.

These include: 1) there are parts you should avoid, like the Tenderloin and Market Street at night, and 2) petty crimes like cell phone pickpocketing do happen, especially on the bus or Metro. Overall, San Francisco’s public transportation is very safe. 

💡Travel Tip: Take Lyft over public transportation. SF is so small the fees will be lower than taking a Lyft in Los Angeles.

For those concerned about safety in San Francisco, here are a few extra things to pack for your trip: 👜 Anti-Theft Purse, 🎒Anti-Theft Backpack, 🧣Secret Hidden Pocket Travel Scarf, and ⏰ Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm with Siren.

What to Wear in Northern California: Spring & Summer

While SoCal peeps have a more relaxed surfer vibe — even in the cities — San Francisco is more conservative and sophisticated in their attire. They dress up a bit more for meals out on the town. And like all cities, they wear a lot of black and dark colors. 

It is much colder in Northern California, even in the summer. Jeans and leggings, and comfortable shoes work well in Northern California. Always bring a jacket when you go to Northern California. It gets chilly at night. During the summer, restaurants will be chilly, and you’ll be surprised how cold it is in August.

What to Wear in Northern California

Pack a variety of warm clothing options, such as sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, thermal tops, and thermal leggings. 

Layering is key to adjusting to different temperatures throughout the day.

Bring a versatile jacket or coat suitable for cooler weather; waterproof or water-resistant option is recommended, as Northern California can experience rain during the winter months. And it is really cold walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. 🌁

packing list for california

Packing List for Southern California Beaches

Wondering what to pack for your vacation on a Southern California beach? California has some of the best beach destinations in the world, like Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego beaches, but packing for your trip requires some planning.

California Beach Packing: Clothes

Beach towns tend to be less conservative than cities, and in some of the most bohemian beach towns like Santa Barbara, Malibu, and Laguna – anything goes.

If you want to walk around in a bathing suit, you can. Most people throw a cover-up over their suit, add flip-flops (or UGGS, body temp drops after a day in the sun) and go out for dinner or a drink. I’ve done it many times.

California Beach Packing: Accessories

Wondering what accessories you should pack for a California beach?

Some accessories to pack for California include a good beach bag, sun hat, flip-flops, waterproof cellphone case, sarong or cover-up, hair ties for messy beach up-dos, and of course, sunglasses and sunblock. 

As a general rule when heading to the beach, don’t bring anything you don’t want to lose — because let’s face it, sun + fun + drinks on the beach = lost stuff.

California Packing List: FAQs

The beach in Santa Monica in summer with the Santa Monica Pier in the background.

What every Californian needs?

Every Californian needs a water bottle, sunblock, fantastic sunglasses, and UGGS. One minute, you are in the sun sweating. The next, the temperature drops ten degrees, and you run to the car for your UGGS.

What should I pack for a California coast trip?

The number one mistake people make when visiting California is not bringing a jacket. The temperature drops at night in California; it’s chilly—pack layers to be safe.

How do I pack light for a week in California?

Pack your suitcase full and then take out half. You don’t need much when visiting California. You need two pairs of pants — make sure one is a pair of jeans, that’s all we wear here — a pair of shorts, two short sleeve shirts, one long-sleeve shirt, a sweater, and a jacket. Please, bring a jacket, it’s chilly at night, even in the summer. Remember your bathing suit and sunglasses.

What is the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule?

One hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear.

How much money do you need per day in California?

For an average California trip, you can anticipate a cost ranging from $150 to $350 per person per day.

While there are opportunities to reduce expenses and spend less, this suggested budget allows for a balanced approach where you can economize in certain areas while indulging in others. It offers flexibility to allocate funds based on your priorities and preferences.

What month is best to travel to California?

The most popular time to visit California is June through September when the weather is warm for the beach and summer festivals abound. California has excellent weather year-round, so when you visit depends on what you like to do and see. If you want fewer crowds and are okay with cooler beach days, come in spring or fall.

What to wear when traveling to California?

Visitors’ biggest mistake when traveling to California is thinking they don’t need a sweater or jacket. Even in Southern California, it gets chilly at night, especially after you’ve been in the hot sun all day. Temps drop at night, bring a cardigan or light jacket — like a jean jacket, linen, or cotton.

How do I pack for California in the summer?

In summer, plan for hot weather clothing — shorts, bathing suit, flip-flops and t-shirts — plus light layers suitable for a cool summer nights. Think sundress, sneakers, and a denim jacket for San Diego, and then add leggings and a light sweater as you make your way north to San Francisco and Napa Valley.

PACKING LIST FOR CALIFORNIA

Is it safe to travel to California right now?

Short answer: Yes. Traveling to California is safe.

Long answer: Safety is tricky because each person has different projections and experiences. No place is 100% safe.

For a deep drive into this topic, check out Is California Safe For Travel Now?

PACKING LIST FOR CALIFORNIA

FREE FILLABLE Packing List for California

Need a fillable California packing list? The items covered in this article are on this 3-page California packing checklist. ⤵ enter your email below, click “send me the fillable guide,” and grab the FREE packing list for California!

This checklist for traveling to California covers everything you’ll want and need to bring, from clothing to travel documents. This travel checklist lets you check off the items as you go so you don’t forget anything when packing for California.

Final Thoughts: Ultimate Packing List for California

The main things to consider when making a packing list for California is the weather, what you’re doing in California, your personal comfort needs, and travel safety.

You’ll pack very differently for a hiking trip in Joshua Tree than packing for a beach vacation in California, like visiting the fantastic beaches in Santa Barbara or Malibu.

Northern California tends to be colder than many parts of Southern California, with a more laid-back beach vibe compared to the sophistication of San Francisco and Napa Valley. Southern California has a desert climate, so hot days and cool (even cold 🥶) nights.

The biggest mistake visitors to California make is not knowing it’s chilly here at night, especially in NorCal.

Beyond the weather, think of everything you’ll need for any special events or outings.

Considering your itinerary, the local weather where you’re headed, your creature comforts, and California travel safety items — will make coming up with your own packing list for California easy!


Read More About California

California Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?

For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

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