The best time to visit is not really an easy question to answer.

It basically depends on what you are looking for. I generally prefer spring, since the grass is green and the flowers are blooming. Later in the year things will change, grass will become brown. 

One of my favorite places is Yosemite National Park. The park is most beautiful in early spring, when the waterfalls are full and not so many tourists are around. Later in the year the park will be one big traffic jam and it is not nearly as beautiful in the valley. You can still find good places in early summer in the backcountry though.

Spring can be a bit of a gamble sometimes as some roads into Yosemite or Sequoia NP may still be covered with snow. At least its not as hot as it gets here in summer. 

There are many things to see here, again depending on how much time you have and what your preference is. I like to go to Northern California. There are less people here and the Nature is very beautiful.

You should not miss San Francisco (I bet you knew that), Yosemite (at least in spring or early summer) and of course the coast. You can drive all the way from San Diego to Oregon along the coast. This is possibly one of the most beautiful drives there is.

Andre Check out my Photos

How long would it take to drive from L.A. to San Francisco on the coast?

Mike 

Depends on your driving style I would say, LOL. There are multiple routes. The fastest and least appealing is Interstate-5. It will probably take you about 6-7 hours if you drive fast. The most interesting drive is along Hwy1. Although you can make it in a day, I do not advice to plan for it like this. The drive is very beautiful and you will probably want to stop for pictures. You could stay overnight in San Simeon. There are lots of Hotels there and if you don't travel on the weekend you may just be able to get a room without reservation.

I guess on Highway 1 you have to plan at least 12-13hrs so it is a gorgeous two day trip.

Andre Check out my Photos

Thanks Andre.

I would like to visit L.A., San Diego, San Francisco. I will be in California for 3 days and then continue up north. Sounds like I should plan more time then?

How much time would you recommend?

You can make it in 3 days if you don't mind driving a lot.

No-op

You can make it in 3 days if you don't mind driving a lot.

I strongly disagree. You should plan much more time:

San Diego - at least 1 day

L.A. - at least 1 day

Driving to SF - 2 days

SF - at least 1 day

Driving to Oregon at least 1 day

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6 days total

There is simply too much to see and to do along the way. If you drive straight through on I-5 you can probably cross California in 1 day but what is the point. You will want to see something right?

Check out the my California Photo Galleries to get some idea. I haven't been to all the places either.

Andre Check out my Photos

I've been thinking of going to vegas for a while - think I might get a bit bored of gambling after a while! i've been looking at all the other things to do in california within driving distance of vegas. Found a good guide to things to do in and around vegas, like visit the hoover dam, and the grand canyon. If I rent a car, how many days should I set aside to travel to see the hoover dam and the grand canyon? I'm planning on going to vegas for 2 weeks.

James