California Packing List (17 Things to Bring, By a Local)

👉 Jump to: California Packing List | Clothing to Pack | Outdoor Essentials | Packing Tips | Get Printable Checklist

The rumors are true – the perfect California vacation requires the perfect California packing list. California is full of fun outdoor excursions, coastal beaches, and big-name cities. What to pack depends on what activities you want to do in the Golden State and which regions you want to visit.

As a California local, I’ve explored most of the state from the desert to the mountains, the awesome California national parks, and everything in between. I’m here to help you pack the best and most complete California travel suitcase.

In this article, I’ll spill the beans on the essential items you must bring for your trip to California. I’ll go over what layers you’ll need for California’s many climates, and I’ll recommend my favorite outdoor gear for all your beach, mountain, or countryside excursions. Let’s pack!

My California Packing Checklist

🖨️ Get a printable version of this checklist

Flip Flops

Flip-flops are the most convenient travel sandals. Nearly everyone in California wears them, especially in coastal areas. Take your flippies to the beach, use them in your hotel shower, wear them in lieu of water shoes… the list goes on.

Amazon Essentials Flip Flops are some of the most affordable flippies on the market. They conveniently come in a pack of 3 so you can have backups in case one gets carried away in a rip tide.

Toiletry Bag

Avoid a mess in your travel pack with an organized toiletry bag. The REI Co-op Shower Roll is the perfect bag that you can hang from a shower hook, tree branch, or car handle for travel convenience.

This toiletry bag can be packed down to a small carry-on size or expanded to fit all your travel goods. I love this bag for tent camping in California.

Travel Backpack

Traveling is so much simpler when you only bring the essentials. Who wants the hassle of lugging around a huge suitcase when you visit California?

It’s impossible to overpack with the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. This pack is the perfect size for all the essentials and fits perfectly in the overhead storage on a plane. The Porter 46 pack also saves you the stress of waiting for your checked bag on the conveyor belt, not knowing if it arrived at your destination with you.

Lightweight Jacket

During most seasons in California, the only jacket you’ll need is a light jacket. The weather is pretty temperate in most areas of the coast, save for some chillier cities in the far north.

The Cotopaxi Abrazo Hooded Full-Zip Jacket is both fashionable and functional. The fleece material keeps you warm but is still lightweight enough to layer with a down jacket. This jacket also features 100% recycled fabric, making it a superior lightweight jacket.

Waterproof Phone Case

When in California, exploring the beautiful SoCal beaches is essential. And if you want to take pictures of a gorgeous ocean sunset, you’ll want a waterproof phone case.

Protect your phone from salty sea water with the Newppon Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch. You can even take photos underwater with this durable 2-pack waterproof phone pouch.

Power Bank

While some larger California cities may have charging stations scattered around town, in most places outlets are scarce. Stay connected on the go with the Zippo Heatbank 3.

This unique power bank is also a hand warmer, the best two-in-one combination possible for outdoor travelers.

Bathing Suit

It’s impossible not to go swimming at California beaches. If beaches aren’t your thing, the hot temperatures also make hotel swimming pools more than desirable on summer days.

Out of all the bathing suits I’ve tried throughout my 26 years, I always find myself coming back to the Zaful Bandeau Bikini. There are plentiful colors available to compliment every skin tone and the bra pads are removable, making this a super comfy bikini set.

Sun Hat

California’s sun can be scorching hot, especially in the desert areas of Southern California. Protect yourself from the heat during your trip to California with a wide-brimmed sun hat. Scala Levanzo Raffia Big Brim Sun Hat is the perfect hat to keep your shoulders, neck, and head safe from harmful sun exposure.

This sun hat is also foldable and can be packed into the smallest bag or suitcase. I highly recommend this hat for backpackers who don’t have a lot of storage space.

Sun Protection

Thinksport Zinc Sunscreen is my all-time favorite sunscreen. I use it in every outdoor scenario when I know I will be exposed to the sun all day.

The high amount of zinc in Thinksport sunscreen ensures that your skin won’t easily burn at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or just walking around cities.

Day Pack

A good day pack really makes a difference when it comes to utmost comfort while traveling. The Osprey Daylite is Travel Lemming’s go-to day pack because it’s lightweight and durable.

My favorite aspect about the Daylite is that it’s made from recycled materials and helps reduce my carbon footprint!

Water Filtration Bottle

California is full of water refill stations and water fountains, and tap water is safe to drink in most cities. Skip the single-use plastic by using a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your trip to Southern or Northern California.

Lifestraw Go filtration bottles convert dirty water into safe, drinkable water. Not only does this save you money on buying plastic water bottles, but it is also eco-friendly.

Earplugs

I’ve camped alone and with friends, but no matter the situation, the equipment that gets me through the night is a pair of earplugs. 

Lysian Foam Earplugs are great to use while camping in the woods, in a noisy hostel room, or when trying to get some shut-eye on the flight to California. The soft foam material of the Lysian plugs won’t leave your ears ringing the next day.

Beach Towel

Beach towels can be practical in more ways than one. A lightweight towel like the Slowtide Backstage Beach Towel can be used to dry off from the ocean, to lounge on the sand, or in lieu of a coverup.

I own this towel and love to sport it as a sarong after a day of surfing. Not only is it stylish, but it also dries you as you wear it.

Travel Insurance

Anything can happen on the road. Consider if travel insurance is right for your trip.

Clothing to Pack for California

California has varied terrain, different ecosystems, and vastly different climates throughout the state. The clothing you should pack is different for each California region, but some standard California packing list items include a bathing suit, a quick-dry towel, hiking sandals, a rain jacket, and a good pair of jeans.

You will most likely need beachy and other hot-weather items if traveling to the south, and warm layers and jackets if traveling to the north.  

So what clothing should you pack for California? Here is a quick clothing checklist for California:

• 2-3 lightweight t-shirts
• 2-3 tank tops
• Sandals
• Bathing Suit Coverup
• 1-2 Lightweight Jackets
• 1 Heavier Jacket (for mountain weather, or Northern California in the winter)
• Rain Jacket
• Beach Towel
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of hiking pants or shorts
• 1 sundress
• 1 dress shirt
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks

This list is standard for most destinations in California. Be sure to check the weather before you pack — winter in California can be deceptively chilly, especially in Northern California.

👉 Get a Printable Version of this Checklist Here

California Outdoor Essentials

Hiking Boots

Hiking is one of the top activities in California. From high-altitude mountain peaks to alpine lake trails, hikes through springtime wildflowers, and hikes throughout the hills of major metropolitan areas, there is no shortage of hiking in California.

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots are the sturdiest pair of hiking boots for any terrain. Fully waterproof with Gore-tex technology, these boots allow you to explore the best CA trails. 

Quick-drying Towel

Use this quick-drying towel after the shower, at the beach, or after a waterfall hike in California. The PackTowl packs down to take up essentially no space.

The microfiber blend of this towel is soft to the touch and can absorb 4 times its weight in water. The towel also folds directly into its attached pouch for travel convenience.

Sleeping Bag

California is perhaps most famous for its outdoor opportunities, from picturesque coastline to forested mountains. Camping is one of the best ways to explore California’s National and State Parks. Camp in the desert, by the ocean, or in the thick of the pines in California.

The North Face Inferno -20F Sleeping Bag is the best accompaniment to the perfect California camping trip. The bag is rated 20 degrees which is perfect for the mild California climate.

👉Pro Tip: For camping in colder places like the California national parks, I recommend pairing your sleeping bag with a sleeping bag liner. This sleeping bag liner adds the perfect amount of warmth to your overnight adventure.

Camping Stove

Cooking your own meals is the best way to save money on an epic California road trip. As the name implies, the Jetboil Flash boils your water in a flash so you can appease your hunger in no time.

Out of all the different stoves I’ve tried, the Jetboil is not only the most efficient but also the most lightweight and worth every penny.

Headlamp

Planning on exploring the great California outdoors? Headlamps are one of the main camping essentials. I’ve used my Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp for hiking local California peaks and high mountains around the world. 

The best feature of this headlamp is the rechargeable battery. It can run up to 110 hours on the low light setting and even has a fissure for AAA batteries for backup. This Petzl headlamp is one of the best on the market and is essential for a complete California packing list.

Hiking Sandals

Teva sandals are my go-to travel sandals. They can be worn as water shoes in the Pacific Ocean, as hiking sandals on an epic San Francisco hike, or as everyday wear while exploring San Diego or Los Angeles.

The Teva Tirra Sandals are the most comfortable Teva model and they also come in fun colors. Teva Strata Universal Sandals are the most comfortable Teva men’s sandals.

Gloves

California may be known as a hot, beachy state but the winters do receive pretty cool weather. Waterproof gloves are an essential piece of equipment for visiting California.

The best aspect of REI Co-op Gauntlet Gloves is their Gore-tex property, meaning they are both waterproof and water-resistant. They are also big enough to layer with other fleece gloves or down mittens in extreme conditions.

Hiking Pants

With an abundance of awesome hiking trails in California, you will want to have a good pair of hiking pants in your California suitcase. I’ve hiked in my Kuhl Frost Soft Shell Pants all over the state and cannot recommend them more.

From hilly trails in San Francisco to coastal San Diego and Santa Barbara hikes, the Kuhl soft shell pants are suited for any terrain.

👉 Get a Printable Version of this Checklist Here

Other California Essentials to Pack

• Sunglasses
• Reusable coffee mug
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Passport & license
• Binoculars
• Cell Phone charger
• Reusable bags
• Camera
• Cross-body bag

California Packing Tips

Pack Layers

Northern and Southern California weather can be unpredictable at times. Even if the forecast is a brisk 45 degrees in Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe, you can heat up quickly in the California sun. Pack layers to stay as comfortable as possible on your trip to the Golden State.

I like to layer in the morning with a short sleeve, a long sleeve, and one good jacket. I can always take off and add layers whenever necessary. Read here to navigate the best time to visit California.

Maximize Your Suitcase Space

Choose the packing list carefully for your upcoming California trip. You never want to stuff your suitcase (or backpack) full without leaving room for souvenirs.

These nifty packing cubes help maximize the storage space in your bag so you don’t have to skim on the essentials. They’re also a great way to keep your suitcase organized and help you find what you need faster. 

Consider Your Activities

What you pack depends on what activities you want to do. For example, you can probably leave the hiking boots at home if visiting big cities or hitting the beach is your main priority. 

Most of the items in this perfect California packing list are universal and can be used for a variety of activities, but consider what specific activities you want to do in California and pack the necessary gear.

Utilize Multi-functional Clothing

Like the beach towel cover-up, many clothing items can be multi-functional. A scarf is a great item to pack because it can also be worn as neck protection, a beanie, a top, a skirt, and even a dress.

The Coolibar Scarf is one of my favorite versatile travel scarfs. It can be used in all of the mentioned ways and is also SPF-protected.

Prioritize Safety

California is generally a safe place to travel but you must still consider your safety in California. Pack a first aid kit, a multitool, and pepper spray to ensure your utmost safety while on vacation.

***

That’s it for our ultimate packing list for California! Remember you can also get the printable version here.

Keeping this California packing list in mind, you are sure to have a perfect California trip! Be sure to also check out my best towns in California guide to hit all the top spots in the Golden State!  

🖨️ Get a printable version of this checklist