THE WEST COAST

The West Coast, encompassing California and Nevada, is a region of dramatic contrasts. California, historically influenced by Spanish exploration and the Gold Rush, boasts everything from rugged coastlines and towering redwoods to arid deserts and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Nevada, known for its vast desert landscapes and the vibrant entertainment of Las Vegas, was shaped by mining booms and its unique legal framework. Together, they form a dynamic blend of natural wonders, diverse cultures, and economic powerhouses.

Region: North America (Western United States)

Capital: No single capital (Sacramento for California, Carson City for Nevada)

Official Language: English (de facto)

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal precautions. Be aware of varying conditions; urban areas may have higher petty crime, and natural areas require preparedness for weather and terrain.

A map of North America with Southwest highlighted in green.

Why Visit California and Nevada?

Scenic Road Trips: From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this region offers unforgettable drives.

World-Class Cities: Explore the diversity of Los Angeles, innovation in San Francisco, and the entertainment capital of Las Vegas.

National Parks & Nature: Experience Yosemite, Death Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Redwood forests all in one region.

A rugged coastline with a sandy cove, turquoise water, and palm trees.

Cultural Diversity: Discover Latino culture in East LA, Asian enclaves in SF, and Gold Rush towns across the Sierra foothills.

Wine & Culinary Scene: Napa Valley, Sonoma, and farm-to-table cuisine in coastal towns provide a foodie paradise.

Outdoor Adventure: Surf in Malibu, hike in Joshua Tree, ski in Tahoe, or camp under the stars in Big Sur.

A view of Santa Monica Pier and beach with waves crashing.

Essential Trip Information

The U.S. has strict entry requirements. Check your eligibility for the ESTA visa waiver program or apply for a B-1/B-2 tourist visa if needed.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Be prepared to show proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds at immigration.

ESTA approval costs US$21 and must be obtained at least 72 hours before departure.

The U.S. uses the U.S. Dollar (US$). Bills range from US$1–100; coins from 1¢ (penny) to US$1.
Best Ways to Handle Currency

Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount. ATMs offer better rates than exchange counters.

During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (e.g., Bank of America, Wells Fargo). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; keep US$20–50 cash for tips or smaller purchases.

What to Avoid: Currency exchange kiosks (high fees), dynamic currency conversion (always choose USD).

English is the official language. Spanish is commonly spoken in California.

Useful phrases: “Where’s the nearest bus stop?”, “Can I get this to go?”, “How much is it?”

Generally safe for travelers, but use caution at night in downtown areas of major cities.

Avoid leaving valuables in cars—vehicle break-ins are common in tourist spots.

Emergency number: 911

No special vaccinations are needed.

Travel insurance is highly recommended—U.S. medical care is expensive.

Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are everywhere.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the region.

California: Car is the best option for coastal drives, wine country, and national parks.

Cities: San Francisco has cable cars and MUNI; LA has buses and metro (limited reach); Vegas has monorail and taxis.

Western Nevada: A car is essential for exploring outside Las Vegas.

Biking/walking: Great for beach towns and city centers like Santa Monica and downtown SF.

California and Western Nevada are known for higher travel costs, especially in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/motels (US$70–140/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$160–280/night)

  • Luxury: 4–5 star hotels (US$350+/night in hotspots like Napa or Beverly Hills)

Food

  • Quick eats: Food trucks, taco stands (US$8–15)

  • Casual dining: Diners, bistros (US$20–40/person)

  • Fine dining: Upscale restaurants (US$70+/person)

Drinks

  • Beer: US$6–10 (bars), US$2–4 (supermarkets)

  • Cocktails: US$12–20

Transportation

  • Public transit: Buses/metros US$1.75–3.50/ride (day passes around US$7–15)

  • Uber/Lyft: Short rides from US$10–30

  • Rental cars: US$40–80/day (essential in national parks and coastal routes)

  • Gasoline: Around US$4–6/gallon, varies by city

Money-Saving Tips

  • Buy city passes (e.g., Go City) for discounted attraction bundles.

  • Visit state parks and beaches—many are free or low-cost.

  • Dine in ethnic neighborhoods (e.g., Koreatown in LA, Mission District in SF) for delicious, affordable meals.

Explore California and Nevada

Located in Northern California, this iconic city is known for its Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, vibrant neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, and hilly streets offering stunning bay views. A cultural melting pot with a unique charm.

Situated in Southern California, Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world. Explore Hollywood, stroll along the beaches of Santa Monica, visit world-class museums, and experience the diverse culinary scene.

Found in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. Famous for its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. A must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.

Straddling the border between California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This large freshwater lake is renowned for its clear blue waters, surrounded by majestic mountains, offering year-round outdoor activities from skiing to water sports.

Located in the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada. The “Entertainment Capital of the World” is famous for its dazzling casinos, world-class shows, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. A city that never sleeps.

Primarily in Eastern California, extending into Nevada. The hottest, driest, and lowest national park in North America. Features unique desert landscapes, salt flats, colorful badlands, and incredible stargazing opportunities.

North of San Francisco in Northern California. These adjacent valleys are globally renowned for their world-class vineyards and wineries. Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet dining, and beautiful rolling landscapes.

A rugged and majestic stretch of coastline in Central California, along Highway 1. Known for its dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, winding roads, and breathtaking ocean views. A truly iconic scenic drive.

Located in Southeastern California, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Famous for its unique Joshua trees, rock formations, and clear night skies perfect for stargazing. A haven for climbers and desert enthusiasts.

Found in the White Mountains of Eastern California, near the Nevada border. Home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth, these ancient bristlecone pines offer a surreal landscape and incredible panoramic views.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Death Valley National Park: Ideal for exploring in cooler temperatures (average 60ºF/15ºC).
  • Palm Springs: Enjoy warm desert escapes with fewer crowds (average 70ºF/21ºC).
  • San Francisco: Experience a cozier city vibe, often with misty charm (average 55ºF/13ºC).
  • Lake Tahoe (non-ski): Peaceful, scenic, and less crowded before peak ski season.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Spring Mud Season (higher elevations)
  • Still some closures in higher elevations early Spring

Key Regions:

  • Southern California Coast: Perfect beach weather without summer crowds (average 70ºF/21ºC).
  • Wine Country (Napa/Sonoma): Beautiful vineyards, pleasant temperatures (average 75ºF/24ºC).
  • Yosemite National Park: Waterfalls are at their peak in spring; stunning foliage in autumn.
  • Las Vegas: Comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and surrounding areas (average 80ºF/27ºC).
  • Big Sur: Scenic drives with fewer cars, vibrant spring wildflowers or autumn hues.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Peak Ski Season (February-March)

Planning Your Trip

Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants; $2–5 for valet or hotel staff.

Casual Vibes: Even upscale spots often allow casual-chic attire.

Parking Etiquette: Always check for signs—street cleaning and permit zones are strictly enforced.

Recycling: California emphasizes eco-friendliness—separate your trash.

Marijuana: Legal for adults 21+, but not allowed in public places or federal lands (e.g., national parks).

Diversity: Embrace multicultural communities—food, language, and customs vary widely by city.

Accommodation: Hostels ($40–70), hotels ($120–300+), luxury resorts ($450+).

Food: Food trucks/tacos ($10–15), sit-down meals ($20–40), tasting menus ($100+).

Transport: Car rental ($40–70/day + gas), gas (~US$4.50/gallon), public transit ($2–5/day).

Activities:

  • Free: Beaches, hiking trails, street art walks.
  • Paid: Wine tastings (US$25–50), theme parks (US$100+), national park entry (US$35/vehicle).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$90–120 (hostels, fast food, public transit).

  • Mid-range: US$180–280 (mid-range hotels, casual dining, attractions).

  • Luxury: US$400+ (spa resorts, fine dining, private tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most cafes, hotels, and airports.

SIM Cards: Prepaid from AT&T, T-Mobile (US$30–50 for ~10–15GB).

eSIMs: Compatible with most U.S. carriers; Airalo and GigSky are good for travelers.

Mobile Coverage: Excellent in cities; spotty in remote parks (Yosemite, Death Valley).

Highly recommended, especially for rental car coverage and outdoor activities.

U.S. Healthcare: Very expensive—ensure medical emergencies are covered.

Adventure Activities: Confirm coverage for hiking, skiing, surfing, etc.

Natural Hazards: Wildfires and flash floods can disrupt plans in summer/autumn—insurance can help with delays.

From beachfront stays to mountain lodges, the West Coast has it all.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Beverly Hills Hotel (LA), Fairmont San Francisco.
  • Mid-range: Kimpton (urban areas), Best Western (national park gateways).
  • Budget: Motel 6, Super 8 (clean but basic).

Hostels:

  • HI San Francisco, Samesun Venice Beach (social, budget-friendly).

Vacation Rentals:

  • Airbnb/VRBO ideal for groups—look in Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, or Palm Springs.

Unique Stays:

  • Glamping in Joshua Tree, historic lodges in Yosemite.

Tip: Book national park lodges 6+ months ahead—they sell out fast.

The West Coast is vast—transport depends on your itinerary.

Car Rentals:

  • Essential for national parks (Yosemite, Death Valley) and scenic drives (Pacific Coast Highway).
  • Gas is expensive (US$4–6/gallon); book rental cars early for best rates.

Trains:

  • Amtrak’s Coast Starlight (LA to Seattle) for stunning views.
  • Regional routes (e.g., San Diego to LA) are affordable but slower than driving.

Buses:

  • Greyhound connects major cities; FlixBus offers budget options.
  • Local transit (e.g., BART in SF, Metro in LA) is useful in cities.

Flights:

  • Domestic flights (Southwest, Alaska) save time for long distances (e.g., LA to Las Vegas).

Rideshares/Biking:

  • Uber/Lyft work well in cities; bike rentals available in coastal towns.

Tip: Avoid LA traffic—use Metro for short downtown trips.

Handy Tips

The U.S. uses the U.S. Dollar (US$). Bills come in $1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and $100 denominations; coins include pennies (1¢), nickels (5¢), dimes (10¢), and quarters (25¢).

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange kiosks (high fees). Use ATMs or bank branches for better exchange rates.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted—even food trucks often take Apple Pay. Carry small bills for tips, tolls, or small-town spots.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is expected (15–20% is standard).

    • Restaurants/Bars: 15–20% (check if gratuity is included in LA/SF restaurants).

    • Taxis/Rideshares: 10–15% or round up.

    • Hotel Staff: $1–2 per bag for porters; $2–5/day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: $5–10 per person for group tours.

English is the main language across the region. However, California is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the U.S.

  • Common helpful phrases:

    • “Where’s the nearest BART/Muni/LAX terminal?”

    • “How much is parking here?”

    • “Can I split the check?”

  • Spanish is widely spoken—especially in Southern California and Central Valley areas.

  • Pro Tip: Californians are laid-back but fast-paced—keep it casual but efficient.

The region is generally safe, but use common sense in crowded cities (e.g., LA’s Hollywood Blvd or SF’s Tenderloin district at night).

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 911: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).

    • 311: Non-emergency local services (noise, graffiti, potholes).

    • Wildfires/Earthquakes: Stay updated via Cal Fire or the MyShake App for alerts

The U.S. uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs (two flat pins or three-pronged).

  • International travelers will need an adapter; most electronics (phones/laptops) don’t need a voltage converter.

Tap water is safe to drink in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

  • In desert areas (e.g., Death Valley), carry extra water, especially during hikes.

  • Restaurants serve free tap water by default—just ask for it.

Public offices, many attractions, and some businesses close on:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • 3rd Mon in Jan: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

  • 3rd Mon in Feb: Presidents’ Day

  • Last Mon in May: Memorial Day

  • Jul 4: Independence Day (epic fireworks over San Francisco Bay & LA beaches)

  • 1st Mon in Sep: Labor Day

  • 2nd Mon in Oct: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

  • Nov 11: Veterans Day

  • 4th Thu in Nov: Thanksgiving

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day
    Note: National parks remain open, but expect large crowds on long weekends.

Stores: 10:00–20:00 (malls often open till 22:00; small-town shops may close Sundays).

Pharmacies: CVS/Walgreens often 24/7 in urban centers.

Farmers’ Markets: Weekends. Don’t miss:

  • Ferry Plaza (SF)
  • Santa Monica Market
  • Davis and Ojai weekend markets

California Burrito: A San Diego staple packed with carne asada, French fries, cheese, and salsa.

Fish Tacos: Best in Southern California—grilled or battered, topped with cabbage slaw.

In-N-Out Burger: Legendary fast food chain—order “Animal Style” for the full experience.

Sourdough Bread: San Francisco’s iconic tangy loaf—try it with clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Cioppino: Italian-American seafood stew from San Francisco, with crab, mussels, and white fish.

Korean BBQ: Huge in LA—DIY grilling with kimchi, short ribs, and banchan sides.

Dungeness Crab: West Coast specialty, especially in winter—sweet and tender.

Ghirardelli Chocolate: Try a sundae at the original San Francisco factory.

Huckleberry Pie: Found in Oregon and Northern California—tart, sweet, and deeply regional.

Mexican Pan Dulce: Sweet pastries from LA’s Latino bakeries—conchas and empanadas shine.

Ube Desserts: Purple yam treats from Filipino-American communities in LA and the Bay Area.

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon: World-famous full-bodied wine—tasting rooms in Napa & Sonoma.

Russian River Pinot Noir: Elegant, fruity red from Northern California.

Paso Robles Zinfandel: Rich and bold—perfect with BBQ.

Lagunitas IPA: Popular hoppy beer from Northern California.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: Classic craft beer from Chico, CA.

Deschutes Black Butte Porter: Smooth dark beer from Oregon.

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA: San Diego-born with tropical hops.

Cold Brew Coffee: A West Coast obsession—especially strong in Portland and LA cafes.

Boba Tea: Asian-inspired drink with tapioca pearls—huge in California’s multicultural cities.

Horchata: Cinnamon-rice drink found in Mexican eateries across California.

Kombucha: Fermented, fizzy tea with probiotic kick—brewed locally throughout the coast.

Agua Fresca: Fruit-infused water—watermelon and hibiscus are most popular.

Golden Gate Bridge – Walk or bike across for postcard views.

Alcatraz Island – Book ahead for day/night prison tours.

Yosemite National Park – Granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.

Mission San Juan Capistrano – One of California’s oldest missions.

Hollywood Sign – Best viewed from Griffith Observatory.

Asian-American Heritage – Visit SF Chinatown or LA’s Little Tokyo.

Indigenous Culture – Learn about native tribes at places like the Autry Museum.

Spanish Colonial History – Santa Barbara’s architecture and Old Town San Diego.

Historic Route 66 – Explore roadside diners and classic motels.

Burning Man – Radical self-expression festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert (August).

Beach Days – Venice Beach (LA), Santa Cruz (NorCal), or Lake Tahoe’s sandy coves.

Hiking – Try Runyon Canyon (LA), Muir Woods (Bay Area), or Yosemite’s Mist Trail.

Theme Parks – Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Outdoor Concerts – Hollywood Bowl or Stern Grove (free summer shows in SF).

Sports Events – NBA, MLB, and NFL teams abound (Lakers, Giants, 49ers, etc.).

Sunset Drives – Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Big Sur is jaw-dropping.

Desert Stargazing – Anza-Borrego and Death Valley offer clear skies.

Hollywood Tours – Classic studio backlots or celebrity home sightings.

Art Scene – The Broad (LA), SFMOMA (San Francisco), or Nevada Museum of Art (Reno).

Street Fairs – Eat See Hear in LA, or SF’s Sunday Streets.

Smuggler’s Cove (SF): Legendary tiki bar with over 400 rums.

The Varnish (LA): Speakeasy-style cocktails hidden behind Cole’s sandwich shop.

Top of the Mark (SF): Classic cocktails with a skyline view.

Sunset Cliffs Bars (San Diego): Casual beachy vibes with stunning Pacific sunsets.

Broken Shaker (LA): Rooftop bar with tropical vibes and craft drinks.

The Spare Room (Hollywood): Vintage bowling + cocktails at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Whitechapel (SF): Gin-focused bar with steampunk décor and massive selection.

The Varnish (Los Angeles): Hidden speakeasy in Downtown LA serving masterfully crafted classic cocktails.

Smuggler’s Cove (San Francisco): Multi-level tiki bar with hundreds of rum options and immersive island décor.

Sunset Tower Bar (West Hollywood): Glamorous bar with Hollywood views—ideal for celebrity spotting over martinis.

Tower Bar (San Diego): Retro-cool lounge with jazz nights in the iconic Lafayette Hotel.