Festivals in California are a popular draw to the state and they can be the high point of your visit, especially if you time it right. Major music and art festivals like Coachella in April or the Monterey Jazz Festival in September are accessible during specific cruise excursions. Plan your trip to catch a festival either before your cruise embarks or extend your stay in California after your cruise wraps up for even more fun.

National parks are another year-round attraction. However, if you want to avoid snow in higher elevations like Yosemite, it’s best to visit between May and October. The mild weather during these months makes it perfect for hiking and exploring the diverse landscapes. Although you won’t have time to visit any of the national parks during a port stop, they can be a fun adventure to add before or after your cruise.

Here are some national parks in California and the best times to visit them: 

Yosemite National Park: May to October

Joshua Tree National Park: October to April

Sequoia National Park: June to October

Death Valley National Park: November to April

To witness the grape harvest, visit in the fall, particularly from September to November. This is when the vineyards are most active and the scenery is breathtaking. Princess Cruises’ Pacific Wine Country cruises are tailored to enrich this experience. 

These excursions not only allow you to witness the harvest process but also offer tastings of some of the world's finest wines directly from the source. Stops typically include renowned wine-making regions such as Sonoma and Napa Valley, where you can interact with winemakers and learn about the craft behind their prestigious vintages.

Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego have their charms year-round, but visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can help you avoid the heavier tourist traffic and typically higher accommodation rates. Plus, the mild Mediterranean climate remains favorable for all kinds of exploration in these metropolises.

If you have time during a day at port, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in California. The late spring through early fall is an ideal time to go hiking, kayaking or mountain biking. The ideal months are from late April to early June and again from late September to early November. During these months, the weather is typically mild, avoiding the summer heat and before the cooler, wetter weather of late fall and winter sets in.

While you won’t be able to visit Disneyland during your cruise, extending your stay in Los Angeles allows you to explore the park before or after your time at sea. The best times to go are typically January and February or September and October when the park is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy more attractions with shorter wait times.

California is a popular vacation destination, attracting visitors from around the world year-round. To enjoy everything this state has to offer with fewer people around, consider these tips: 

Travel during off-peak times: Late fall through early spring (excluding holidays) generally sees fewer tourists, especially at major attractions and cities.

Explore lesser-known spots: California is full of hidden gems. Instead of heading to the usual hotspots, try exploring lesser-known areas like Tuolumne Meadows instead of Yosemite Valley or Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara's rich wine country, instead of the more famous Napa Valley.

Aim for early mornings or late evenings: Many attractions are less crowded early in the morning or later in the evening. When your cruise itinerary allows, try to plan activities for the beginning or end of the day.

Book excursions through Princess: Take advantage of the organized excursions offered through Princess Cruises. These can offer a more exclusive experience of California’s most sought-after attractions —and with our Guaranteed Return to Ship, you can explore with peace of mind that the ship will wait if your tour runs late.

Although you won’t be able to avoid crowds entirely, you can expect fewer people when you don’t travel during major holidays and vacation periods.

California’s climate means that the four seasons are not as dramatically distinct as they are in other destinations. However, there are certain advantages to enjoying a cruise during each season. 

Winter (December to February): This season is a good time for whale watching or exploring the desert landscapes at lower elevations. Cities like San Francisco and San Diego offer holiday festivities that light up the cooler days.

Spring (March to May): Witness the state turn into a range of colors with its famous wildflower blooms, especially in the Central Valley and along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Summer (June to August): The classic California season, summer offers endless beach activities, outdoor concerts and food festivals. It’s also the best time for water sports and enjoying the boardwalks of beach cities.

Fall (September to November): Experience the grape harvest in the wine country and enjoy the fall foliage, particularly in the northern parts of the state. Fall’s cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring the natural beauty without the summer heat.

No matter when you decide to cruise with Princess, California's varied climates and activities ensure that there’s always something exciting to explore.

California’s diverse attractions mean there is always something exciting to do, no matter when you visit. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders unlike anywhere else, Princess Cruises provides an enriching journey alongside the coast of California with different shore excursion offers.

Ready to explore the Golden State in style and comfort? Book your California cruise with Princess Cruises and discover why any time is a golden time to experience this state.