Several of us have had the same dream: to take a road trip across America in a top-down car with the wind in our hair and a sense of freedom in our soul. California is often a state at the top of the bucket list, but is it really that easy to make our way through The Golden State? These are the best ways to get around California.

By plane
Having five major international airports and several domestic locations means that traveling around California by plane is one of the best options out there. Thankfully, there are plenty of budget airlines on the menu, meaning people don’t always have to fork out for a plane ticket. However, airport regulations and the need for ID means flying might not be the best option for everyone, especially if you have a lot of things or you want to fly carry on only and have restricted items.
By car
There is a reason that California has so many cars: it’s a huge state. Without them, people simply wouldn’t be able to move around at all. Although parking is easier in smaller towns – and usually free – it can be tough to find anywhere to leave your car in bigger cities, let alone afford the space. Believe it or not, but people can drive a car in the state for 12 months on their home state license but will have to apply for something more permanent after a year.

By train
Traveling by train isn’t always the fastest way to get around California, but it does come with plenty of upsides. For one, we can sit back and relax as the train does all of the hard work. Plus, many come with dining carts, meaning we don’t have to stop to grab a snack or something to drink. As if that wasn’t enough, there are several discounts on offer for people of certain ages or people buying their ticket online.
By ship
Okay, traveling around California by ship won’t get you to every part of the state, but it can help people get around various parts of California. San Francisco is one of the best places to rely on water travel thanks to the bay and various islands that surround the city. The best bit? San Francisco, Long Beach, and San Diego all have international cruise ship docking points, too, meaning you can travel the world from the comfort of California.

By public transport
One of the best ways to get around California is public transport, especially in the major cities. LA’s Metro Rail network is one of the most stable across the nation, but that’s not the only public transport on offer. Other cities all have their own unique system, such as the streetcars in San Francisco, and extensive bus networks to take people from stop to stop.
These are the best ways to get around California if you want to enjoy as much as there is on offer without worrying about how you will get there.