California in
July

• There is virtually no chance of rain in California in July, so you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather for your holiday 
• July is one of the warmest months of the year in California, making it a perfect destination for a sun-filled break
• American Independence Day falls at the start of July and is one of the USA’s best and biggest public holidays

The best way to find cheap flights to California is to start searching between 2 to 4 months before you travel, looking at prices from different providers. Check out the best deals for flights on Skyscanner below:
• Cheap Flights to Los Angeles from the UK
• Cheap Flights to San Francisco from the UK
• Cheap Flights to LA from other cities in the US
• Cheap Flights to San Francisco from other cities in the US

Yosemite National Park

One of the most popular attractions in California is Yosemite National Park, home to the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains alongside a host of other incredible natural wonders. If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views and unforgettable hiking trails, then this is definitely the place for you. 

July is a great month to visit Yosemite because it’s one of the driest parts of the year, which is ideal for those who want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. Bear in mind however that this dry weather can also bring incredible heat with it, and temperatures can sometimes reach the low thirties during the day in the park.

If you’re planning on hiking or camping, bring lots of water and sun protection, and try and stay out of the heat in the middle of the day. It can also be a good idea to hike as part of a group tour with an experienced ranger who knows the area well and will ensure you don’t run into any problems as you explore.

Suppose you want to make the experience even more special. In that case, you can take part in a private hike with a professional photographer, capturing every moment of your journey and leaving you with lasting memories of this stunning part of California.

Paso Robles

If you’re a wine fan visiting California, you might have considered going to places such as Napa or Sonoma County to enjoy the produce of some of America’s finest vineyards. These areas tend to be incredibly busy in the summer months however, and a brilliant alternative is Pasa Robles, California’s new up-and-coming wine country.

This beautiful, rural area was first made popular by its natural hot springs and now offers a much more laid back wine region experience to visitors along with a host of different things to see and do. July is one of the best times to visit Paso Robles because the weather will be so good, and it’s worth booking accommodation well in advance as more and more people start visiting this area of California in the summer.

A wine tour around this area is the best way to sample the best of Paso Robles’ vineyards, especially if you book a small group tour that allows for an intimate and informative experience of winery tours and tasting sessions.

California is a large state with plenty of different accommodation options across the towns and cities suitable for all kinds of travellers.

Browse a selection of top-rated hotels in San Francisco here.

• citizenM San Francisco Union Square: A colourful and ideally located hotel that is a great option for shorter trips

• The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square: Luxurious, 5-star hotel only 2 minutes from the beach

Browse a selection of top-rated hotels in Los Angeles here.

• Kimpton Everly Hotel: Stylish, 4-star hotel in central Hollywood

• Hotel Erwin: Beachfront accommodation with sea views

Browse a selection of top-rated hotels in San Diego here.

• Sonder Bonair Way: Holiday apartments with multiple beaches nearby
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar:5-star resort in the Carmel Valley

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

There is so much to see and do in California in July that trying to choose a single destination for your holiday can seem like an impossible task. A solution to this, and a great way to avoid getting stuck in a city that is heaving with summer tourists, is to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway that runs between San Francisco and San Diego. 

Roads can be busy in July, but there’s no need to rush as you travel along this beautiful stretch of road that lines the coast of California. The whole trip takes 10 hours, but we recommend that you plan overnight stops to really enjoy the journey and can experience a range of the country’s towns and attractions as you drive. 

Escape to Joshua Tree

You might want to avoid crowded cities and tourist traps altogether whilst visiting California in July, in which case we recommend that escape to Joshua Tree National Park and disconnect from the rest of the world in this stunning desert. The area is made up of two quite different deserts, the Mojave and Sonoran, which offer both a dry and sparse expanse of sand and a greener and more rocky stretch of landscape.

 The desert can be daunting when you’re exploring on foot, so if you want to see a lot of Joshua Tree without having to trek through the heat in July, a guided driving tour is a fantastic option.

Joshua Tree is a fantastic place for hiking and rock climbing, and there are nine different campsites for visitors as well as more luxury accommodation options and a range of motels in the area. The most stunning aspect of this part of the country is the incredibly clear night skies that stretch out over the desert every evening and are famous for their unbeatable stargazing opportunities.  

The summer season in California is the country’s busiest time for tourism, as thousands of people flock to the coast and cities to enjoy the good weather and make the most of their summer holidays. Prices for flights and accommodation will be at their peak during the month, and you’ll need to book your holiday quite far in advance as many popular places can fill up quickly. 

American Independence Day

Wherever you are in America in July, the 4th of the month is always going to be a big day of celebration. This annual federal holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is perhaps the biggest national celebration of the whole year. 

The 4th of July is often celebrated with fireworks displays, and there is a huge range of these across California that are well worth a watch. Live music and entertainment are also often included in larger events, or you can just kick back with a beer and a barbeque for a more relaxed celebration.

California State Fair

The California State Fair was first held in San Francisco in 1954 as a farming event and has now grown into a huge event that not only celebrates the country’s agriculture, but also features live entertainment, sports, a fairground and culinary displays. Held in the Cal Expo fairground in Sacramento, it’s a brilliant day out that is particularly suitable for families, where you can enjoy a range of different competitions, food tastings and demonstrations.

Is July a good time to visit Los Angeles?

The summer months are some of the busiest of the year in Los Angeles, so if you’re not a fan of crowds or don’t fancy sharing your trip with hundreds of other tourists, you might be better off visiting in the spring or autumn instead.

What is the hottest place in California?

The hottest place in California is Death Valley in the southeast of the country, which currently holds the record for the highest temperature recorded on earth. 

California is one of the USA’s most exciting states with a huge variety of different experiences on offer for a wide range of travellers. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a fan of classic cinema or you’re seeking a SoCal beach break, there’s nowhere better than this vibrant and diverse part of the world.

Want to find out more about the top destinations in America to visit in July? Read our guides to Colombia and Tahiti, or take a look at our rundown of Where to Go in July.