Rules of the road
Before you set out on any driving tour it's worth making sure you're up to speed (no pun intended) with the rules of the road in your destination, and California is no exception.
Firstly, make sure you always wear a seatbelt and never talk on the phone while driving. The default urban and suburban speed limit is 25 miles per hour (40 kph); freeway speed limits are usually 55, 65, or 70 mph (approximately 90, 100, and 110 kph). And keep in mind the "Right on Red" rule that's in place across the States: drivers can turn right on a red light at a junction if the way is clear (but never left!).
Pay attention to the curb when parking: if it's painted red that means no parking, blue is for disabled drivers. Green means it's ok to park for a short time, and yellow and white are solely for loading or unloading passengers.
When it comes to alcohol – and it might do when on a road trip in California through all those world-famous vineyards – it is obviously illegal to drink while driving, and it's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol percentage higher than 0.08%. Police can pull you over whenever they wish, so better not to risk it.
If paying for gas (petrol), most pumps take card and have pay-at-the-pump facilities (these usually ask for your post code, so if you're from outside the US, you may have to go inside to pay), but if you're paying in cash, most gas stations will expect you to pay at the cashier before you pump.
At most rental companies you must be 21 or over to rent a car, although some state the lower age limit as 25. You can use your home country's driving license to rent a car – you don't need an IDP (international driving permit) or a California state license.
The best routes for a California road trip
Route 1: The Pacific Coast Highway
Many people class as the ultimate road trip in California, and it's easy to see why. This route is not only the most famous, but one of the most beautiful anywhere in the USA. The best way to tackle the PCH is to start in San Francisco and head south to San Diego, as mist-lined rugged shores turn into glistening
golden beaches.
Highlights of course include Big Sur – fully open once again after serious landslides in 2017 closed sections of the road. Make sure to visit McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge, and eat at Nepenthe for some serious coastal cliff views and delicious grub. South of Big Sur, the many beach towns each with their own personalities, like Santa Cruz, Monterrey, Carmel and Santa Barbara all deserve your attention. And then there's LA. You might technically be able to do this drive in a day, but that would be certifiably insane; slow down, take in the views and make sure you soak up this quintessential California journey.
Distance: 600 miles
When to do it: Year-round