A Few More Tips From Our Baja Trip
In general, gas in Baja was about the same price as California and at times slightly cheaper. Food was about half the price as you would find in California. Also, it is widely known in Mexico that driving during the day is safer than driving at night. In our two weeks in Baja California, we learned to always do three things.
- First, always make stops at local mechanics to ask questions about the health of your vehicle. The roads in Baja are rough. Mechanics helped us with loose shocks, leaking oil, and other questions we had about fluid levels.
- Second, we learned to always agree on the price of a service before the service is completed. This seems intuitive but it can be difficult to remember. If you forget, you are likely to be charged a lot higher and if your Spanish is not great it will be even more challenging.
- Third, we learned to always buy fruits and veggies from farm stands on the side of the road. It is usually cheap, delicious, and supports local farmers.
Stay tuned for additional blog posts documenting our trip in the next few months. Next, we will document our time in the beautiful Mexican coastal states of Nayarit and Oaxaca.
*Check out our first post and video about our van build here: How to Build a Surf Van and Travel to Mexico
Big ups to the Lush Palm family for collaborating on this guest post. You can follow my online community at healthmusicspirit.com.
Written by Beignet Storey
California State Beach Camping
Most all beach campsites or campsites near the beach that you’ll find in Northern and Southern California are state-run. Because they are state-run, you will need to make reservations ahead of time, as they get very crowded during the summer, and you will need to pay in advance.
While having to pay might throw some people off who come from different states or regions in California where camping is open and accessible, the beauty of these state-run beach campgrounds is that they are very well taken care of.
You’ll find tons of amenities, such as bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, trailer hook-ups, and more.
All reservations can be made on ReserveCalifornia.com Booking campsites is more accessible than it ever has been. Just make sure to do it long before you want to go, as many beach campsites in California fill up fast.
Best Places To Paddle Board In California: Ultimate Guide
California. The Land of Milk and Honey bordering the Pacific Ocean. Everyone knows that stars are born and dreams are made in the Golden State, but California also boasts some of the most beautiful nature and waterways in the country.
And this state sure doesnt fall short when it comes to places to paddle board. California has some of the best locations to SUP in the world. From lakes and reservoirs to bays and caves, paddle boarding adventures abound in California.
So if youre lucky enough to find yourself in California and asking yourself: what are the best places to paddle board near me? We have done the research and compiled the ULTIMATE California Paddle Boarding Guide. Discover epic locations, explore famous waters, and paddle with diverse marine life. Here are the best places to get in the water and SUP California.
Places Covered in this Article
You May Like: Best Satellite Internet For Camping
Lunazul Surf Camp Sayulita Mx
- From $375/person for 3 nights, lunazulsurfing.com
Tucked amidst the jungle north of Puerto Vallarta, the colorful beach town of Sayulita is known for its surf. Lunazul Surf Camp will teach you to ride the waves like a pro, with attentive instructors, cozy beach bungalow accommodations, and 24-hour access to surfboards in case you want to catch a midnight wave.
Teaching English In California
Are you a native English speaker looking to earn cash whilst traveling the world? Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent incomefrom anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.
Depending on your qualifications you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another persons language skills! Its a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online.
In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.
Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL , to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.
Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Keen to live the digital nomad dream while travelling the world? Who the hell isnt?
Teaching English online is a surefire method to earn a consistent income on the road. Work from anywhere, change some lives, and earn some dollaridoos while you do it!
Read Also: Best Places To Go Camping In Pa
Where To Travel In California
As I mentioned above, this is one of the most diverse places on earth. Want to lounge on glamorous beaches in California, surf in winter, and eat fish tacos to your hearts content? Head down to San Diego near the border of Mexico. Want to get down and dirty in Los Angeles music scene, catch a live show and then nurse your hangover at one of the many, many organic brunch spots?
How about a laidback surf trip? Wild coasts? Foggy forests? Head to the northern coast.
Are you an adventurous traveler looking to hike in John Muir country, climb granite among world-class rock climbers, or go skiing in the Sierras? Head east to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lake, Yosemite, and beyond.
Desert dweller? You can star gaze among Joshua Trees and sleep amongst Death Valleys dunes. Road trip through the Eastern Sierras and take a dip in one of the natural hot springs.
Are you planning to wine and dine in Napa Valley? Its pretty epic, but if staying in Napa is too expensive, Ill show you something better on the Central Coast.
Then, of course, theres San Francisco and the Bay Area, which Ill cover in detail later.
Basically, in California, the world is your oyster. Ill cover the best places to visit in California below, but first, lets cover some awesome travel itineraries for backpacking California.
Discover The Best Surfing In California: Beach Glamping Rentals Nearby Ready To Book
Searching for cool places to stay near the beach? Camping & surfing California is one of the best things to do in the US. The waves in California are like no other, so it is no wonder why it is the best surf spot in North America. Check out this list for the best beach camping for surfing in California, glamping style of course! If you are traveling in a group with surfing abilities starting from amateur to professional then check out Huntington Beach for waves ranging from three to 12 feet tall, so everyone can enjoy the water. Windansea Beach in La Jolla, Swami’s in Encinitas, and Trestles in San Clemente are all excellent options as well! Or head to Venice Beach where beginners can test the waters in the mellow tides, before jumping into the deep end with the larger waves. After a long day of surfing and exploring the waters, what better than to retire on the beach in one of these awesome beach camping spots? Don’t worry if you don’t want to travel far, we’ve listed the best beach camping near me. CA surfing should be enjoyed wherever possible. Fall asleep listening to the calming waves and wake up knowing you’re only a stone’s throw away from hitting the water again. So what are you waiting for? Discover the best surfing in California & beach glamping rentals nearby today!
Don’t Miss: Camping World In Tallahassee Florida
Dockweiler State Beach Rv Park
Camp while jumbo jets fly overhead at LA countys only camping beach.
Self-contained RVs only so no tent camping. Three rows of RV spaces with full hook-ups. RV sites are $75 a night for a premium ocean view sites $70 a night for the middle row and $65 for the back row.
Located at 12001 Vista del Mar.
Nearby: LAXLost Angeles International Airport
Steep Ravine Campground And Cabins
- Location: Near Stinson Beach, Marin County
- Type: Drive-in tent camping or basic cabins
There are cabins at Steep Ravine, but this isnt a glamping experience. Just steps from the shore in Mount Tamalpais State Park, the 10 primitive structures have no running water, electricity, or en suite toilets. Youll need to bring your own sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and other essentials. There are, however, vault toilets, drinking water, and an old-fashioned stove in each cabin that you can use to warm them up with firewood.
Time your visit to coincide with a negative tide to soak in the hidden Steep Ravine Hot Springs right by your cabin. These geothermal vents on the beach at the base of the cliffs are only exposed during low tides. You can dig out your own little bathtub on the beach, or head to the hot springs grotto, maintained by locals. Word of warning: The grotto is clothing optional.
Also Check: Joshua Tree Rv Camping Airbnb
Slab Creek Reservoir Sacramento
If you are a beginner paddler or just looking for a relaxing spot, then Slab Creek Reservoir is perfect for you. The remote serenity will amaze you and wash all your woes away. The surrounding forests are pretty idyllic mirrored in the perfectly calm waters.
This is the place to go for a complete switch off from the world and have your moment of peace in nature.
The Best Surf Towns In California
- 5 minute read
This is our guide to the best surf towns in California.
Whether youre looking for the perfect spot to catch some waves, somewhere to find your feet on the swells, or simply some of the best surf scenes, California has, without a doubt, the best surf towns in the US. But, which one is right for you?
Here, were going to look at the best surf towns in California. No bickering about northern or southern, were going to have the best spots from all parts of the state, telling you about just what makes each of them as popular, iconic, and perfect for surfers as they are.
You May Like: Camping In The Everglades Safe
Leo Carrillo State Park
With 1.5 miles of beach, Leo Carrillo is a favorite. It also features tide pools, coastal caves, and reefs to explore. Park rangers hold Junior Ranger programming and campfire talks. And find backcountry hiking.
Campsites are tree-shaded and tents sites are $45 a night. RV sites with electricity only are $65 a night. The RV length limit is 31 feet.
Located at 3500 W. Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
Off The Beaten Path In California
California is an absolutely massive state and there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path. Basically, you should get away from the coast stretching from LA to SF to get off the beaten path, but even then there are plenty of hidden beaches and towns.
If you want to get really off the grid, hike along the Lost Coast near Eureka. The Lost Coast is one of the most underdeveloped and remote places in California, so rugged they had to abandon plans to build the Highway along this section of the coast. Really though, anywhere this far north can be considered off the beaten path, so much so this area is notorious for attracting people trying to escape their past and get off the grid.
Look at a map, and any forest labeled wilderness is probably a good bet for getting away from crowds. Examples include Ansel Adams Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness. Ansel Adams was a famous landscape photographer and John Muir is the legend who helped preserve Californias nature.
The John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness has some of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of California including Thousand Islands Lake/Minaret Lake, Bear Lakes Basin, and Sailor Lake.
Anywhere in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas is also pretty off the grid. Travel between Lone Pine and Bishop for the best of the Eastern Sierra.
For more inspiration, here are 50 of my favorite places to visit in California.
You May Like: Best Camping In Dc Area
Santa Barbara Surfing Breaks
Long before it was a world-recognized sport, surfing was a cornerstone of Santa Barbara culture. Today, the cozy beach town is home to both epic surf breaks and some of the sports most notable names. Wander down the streets of Santa Barbara and discover what inspired the late Bruce Brown, filmmaker of Endless Summerand Endless Summer II. Ten-time world champion Kelly Slater frequents his place in Montecito. Surf legend Pat Curren calls Santa Barbara home while his son, Tom, transforms the up-and-comer surf scene along with fellow locals, Conner and Parker Coffin. For the ultimate surf legend sighting, you might catch a glimpse of Shaun Tomson, a South African professional surfer, former world champion, environmentalist and author who now calls the SB breaks home.
Whether youre learning to surf in Santa Barbara or want to ride some of the best breaks on the West Coast, Santa Barbara is the ideal wave-lovers base camp with mild tides and moderate ocean temperatures. The season begins to ramp up in the fall but local breaks offer something for every ability level year-round.
The Best Surf Schools In California
It doesnt get more California than sunshine and surfboards. When it comes to shredding waves, California is a well-known hub of some of the worlds best surf spots. Whether youre brand new to the sport, or youre just looking to dust off the cobwebs, a surf school will bring your surf game to the next level and get you ready for an exciting ride in the Pacific. What about the kids? Maybe you need an activity for summer break? Get them in the water, learning to surf in a safe and supportive environment. These surf schools are simply the best in California:
Read Also: Rv Camping Near Newberg Oregon
Two Harbors And Parsons Landing Campgrounds
- Location: Catalina Island
- Type: Hike-in tent camping
Tucked away just off the beach at the resort town of Two Harbors in Catalina Island sits the Two Harbors Campground. With views of the harbor and Pacific Ocean, its an idyllic beachside campground but also close enough to town and the ferry from San Pedro for easy accessibility, even on an island that prohibits visitors from driving cars. Campers can choose between renting a basic campsite and setting up their own equipment or reserving one of Two Harbors 12 tent cabins, which come equipped with cots, a two-burner stove, and fully charged lanterns.
For a more adventurous experience, campers can head to Parsons Landing Campground, a secluded, on-the-beach campground on the northeast side of Catalina that you can only access by hiking or kayaking. Shade and water are not provided, but you can preorder a locker with firewood and water for $20 and spare your back the extra weight.
Pescadero Surf Camp Baja California Mx
- From $60/one hour, pescaderosurf.com
Just north of Cabo San Lucas, the sand-bottom Playa Los Cerritos is the ideal spot to paddle out. The vibe at nearby Pescadero Surf Camp is low-key and friendly, offering no-frills accommodations, gear rentals, and private instruction to visitors of all levels. Plus, with an outdoor kitchen and a BYOB swim-up bar, its the perfect place to unwind after a day on the water.
Read Also: Lake Thunderbird Rv Camping Map
How To Book A Tent Or Campsite
You can reserve a campsite or one of Treebones yurts or tents directly on its website, treebonesresort.com. Yurts begin at $320 per night while bring-your-own-tent campsites start at $95.
- Location: Big Sur, Monterey County
- Type: Drive-in tent and RV camping
If youd rather opt for a more traditional outdoor experience in Big Sur, Kirk Creek Campground is your car camping destination. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it has spots for tent and RV camping. Each of the 40 sites holds up to eight people and two cars and is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The best campsites are numbers 822, which are closest to the ocean and furthest from Highway 1. This is a dry campground with vault toilets, so youll need to bring your own water.
Santa Barbara Surf School
Santa Barbara has many things to offer its community with its quick access to mountains and surf. Since 2002, Santa Barbara Surf School has been the premier surf school in the area. Whether you choose a private or group lesson, you will learn key surfing strategies to get you paddling out and catching waves faster than you can say stoked. Learn various water safety techniques, identify prevailing currents, how and where to paddle, and surfing etiquette.
Surfing is a sport like no other, bringing a huge rush to everyone that tries it. Santa Barbara Surf Schools surf camp is perfect for kids that are looking to get a lot of surfing in and be completely focused on surfing for a three-day or full week half-day camp.
Where: Santa Barbara
You May Like: American River Camping And Rafting
Days In California: Cities
California might be one of the best places to go on a road trip, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. If you are a solo traveler, or you are simply more interested in exploring Californias awesome cities, this itinerary is for you.
I specifically put this together for people who cannot travel in California with a car.
Starting in San Francisco -you can fly into SFO, Oakland, or even SJC in San Jose- spend 3 days exploring the city. There is plenty to do among all of the neighborhoods refer to the places to visit in California section below.
Essentially, SF is the best city to walk around and explore its distinct neighborhoods, indulge in the multi-ethnic food scene, and have a picnic at one of the many green spaces.
I suggest allotting half a day to exploring Oakland and Berkeley in East Bay if you are into food and art.
If you do not have a car, consider biking out to the , though I do not suggest riding past the viewpoint on Highway 1 without experience. It is steep and traffic piles up on weekends. Bike across the bridge and then up to the Marin Headlands bunkers for the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can then bike to the bayside, charming town of Sausalito for a bite to eat and then ferry back to the SF piers. This is another great way to spend a day around San Francisco without a car.
Visit Balboa Park and La Jolla to check out the sea caves, eat fresh fish tacos on Pacific Beach, and check out the Gaslamp or Mission districts bar scene.