Yes, there is. And it’s even legal to run on it. So if you’re headed to California, you might as well start planning your trip around the gas stations. Here’s what you need to know about driving in California and how to make your vehicle more energy efficient.
Know Your Car’s Gas Mileage
Since the California car market is one of the most competitive in the country, you might be prone to buy a more expensive vehicle just to save a few MPG. But what you need to know is that all cars are different and some fuel more efficiently than others. Find out how your specific vehicle performs by visiting My Clean Cars and entering your vehicle’s make and model. Also, be sure to fill up at the right place – not all gas stations are created equal, and some are much more expensive than others. So shop around before you fill up.
License And Registration
Speaking of costs, you’ll need to register your vehicle in California and pay a small fee. But here’s the thing: even if you’re a frequent flier, you’ll only pay a maximum of about $500 per year. Of course, if you’re driving on a highway, you’ll need to have your license renewed every year. But other than that, you don’t really have to do much else aside from pay the registration fee.
Where Do I Eat And Stay
When you’re in California, you’ll need to consider eating well and getting plenty of rest, as both are essential for having a high rating on your trip. It’s best to avoid areas with a lot of crime – especially traffic-related crimes. Don’t expect to find many safe and secure places to eat and stay in California, especially in larger cities. That being said, you’ll find many restaurants and coffee shops that are open 24 hours, which can be a lifeline if you’re running on little sleep. If you’re looking for a decent place to stay, try searching Airbnb or booking a house-share for a reasonable price. If you decide to stay in a hotel, make sure to get the best one in your area – something with a pool, a gym, and a business center, if possible.
What Should I Bring
Now that you’re aware of the basics of driving in California, it’s time to start packing. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, an ID card that includes your picture (not visa or passport), a credit card, a printout of the confirmation of your booking with Airbnb or a similar lodging service, and $500 in cash, in case you run out of credit at a gas station. Feel free to bring your laptop, tablet, and smartphone to enhance your traveling experience. Remember to pack things like mosquito repellant, travel alarm, car charger, and a first aid kit. You may also need a translator, especially if you’re driving on unfamiliar roads – to ensure you don’t get lost, of course.
An SUV is the perfect car for traveling in California. Not only will you have more than enough room for all your belongings, but you’ll also have better traction on the road. The gas mileage of an SUV is usually higher than that of a car, and many models are efficient enough to achieve an environmentally-friendly rating.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
Tourism in California is a billion-dollar industry, drawing visitors from all over the world. Summertime is usually the best season to visit, as the temperatures are comfortable and there are plenty of outdoor activities available. Be mindful of the fact that a lot of the state is covered in snow at this time of year, so if you want to go skiing, you may need to make the trip during the warmer months.
There are a lot of exciting things to do in California, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. Be sure to visit some of the state’s most iconic landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you have a history buff in the family, be sure to visit some of California’s most historic sites, like L.A. Live, Bakersfield’s Heritage Square, and San Francisco’s Fort Mays. If you can’t make it to California in person, there are many scenic drives that you can take that will give you a taste of the California sun and lifestyle. Book your hotel room early, as there’s always something more going on in California, making it a great place to be occupied.
To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a travel guide to give you a head start on your journey – from how to get there to what to do when you arrive.
Getting To California
You can get to California from almost anywhere – from the Midwest to the East Coast, and even from Canada. The most economical option is to fly or drive, as there are many daily flights from major cities to the state. Flying is also the most convenient option, as there are many direct connections to major cities.
If you’re driving, try to get onto the I-5 North or South, as these highways lead you to the Golden State. If you’re driving from the Midwest or the Northeast, the best route is the I-70 West, as this highway leads you directly to California. For those traveling from Canada, go via the Trans-Canada Highway (highway #1), as it connects to the I-5 in California. You should not travel at night or in bad weather conditions, as there are traffic officers who check for motorists violating California traffic laws. These laws are mostly focused on keeping cars safe and clean – so you won’t get a ticket for speeding, though it’s illegal to do so, nor will you get a ticket for running a red light.
What To Do Once You’re There
Once you arrive in California, the first thing you should do is register your vehicle and look up an address for the vehicle license bureau. This should be done as soon as possible, as they will send you a notice in the mail once it’s registered. You will also need to renew your vehicle registration every year, as above.
The next step is to get your driver license and ID card. These are very straightforward documents to obtain, and you’ll only need to show proof of identity and a current address – the rest is up to you. If you plan on renting a car, that is also registered in California, getting a driver license and ID card is required for renting one. If you already have a license and ID card from another state, you can use this to obtain a California license and ID card, as long as you notify the DMV in advance of your travel plans.
What kind of car do I need to rent in California? Any vehicle that is appropriate for the area will do, as long as it’s equipped with a credit card.
An SUV is the perfect car for traveling in California. Not only will you have more than enough room for all your belongings, but you’ll also have better traction on the road. The gas mileage of an SUV is usually higher than that of a car, and many models are efficient enough to achieve an environmentally-friendly rating.
Where To Eat
The most popular restaurants in California will change your opinion of what a fast food restaurant should look like. Instead of greasy fries piled high and a messy burger, you will find a wide selection of high-quality, freshly-cooked food items at upscale eateries. It’s well worth the trip to California just to try some of the restaurants there. You may also get a chance to try the famous Mexican food, which you can’t get at home – except maybe in a burrito or taco shop. When it comes to hotels, the breakfast buffet at Fairmont Hotel & Marina will redefine the concept of what a luxuriesome meal should be. The food and service at this iconic hotel are to-die-for.
Where To Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to the airport and has a train station nearby, consider staying at a hotel in Oakland – as there’s an Amtrak stop right outside the door. You won’t have far to go to reach downtown San Francisco, which is connected to the airport by San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Another option is to stay at a hotel in Santa Clara – as it has a major sports arena and multiplexes nearby. If you’re a fan of the San Francisco 49ers, you may choose to stay at the New 49ers Hotel & Stadium, as it’s only a 10-minute walk to the stadium and has all the amenities you could wish for. If you prefer to stay in San Francisco, there are many other luxury hotels in the city.