The Best California Cities to Spend the Summer: And How to Move There Efficiently

Looking to move to California for the summer instead of just visiting? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau migration report, California remains one of the top relocation destinations in the U.S., especially during the summer months when seasonal moves spike by over 30%. Whether you’re relocating temporarily for the summer season, setting up a remote work base, or exploring new places to stay in California, this guide breaks down the best cities, beaches, and national parks, plus the smartest way to move with help from Best California Movers.

Why Visit California during the Summer a good idea?

Summer in California means blue skies, endless beach days, and national park adventures. According to the California State Parks Department, June through August is the ideal time to visit for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re heading to southern California for surf vibes or northern California for redwood serenity, the state offers limitless places to explore.

Planning a move during the summer months? Let Best California Movers handle the logistics so you can focus on making memories.

We Gathered the list of Best California Cities for a Summer Stay?

City	Pros	Cons
San Diego	World-class beaches, zoo, great weather year-round	High rent in some neighborhoods
Santa Barbara	Scenic coastline, charming Funk Zone, wine culture	Limited affordable housing
Lake Tahoe	Beach, hikes, late summer events	Crowded during holidays
Laguna Beach	Artist colony feel, boutique shopping, Pacific Ocean views	Traffic can be heavy in summer
Sacramento	Budget-friendly, rich history	Hot, dry climate in July

Moving to Lake Tahoe or Santa Barbara? We’ve got specialized packing services to keep your summer gear in perfect shape.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in California This Summer?

San Diego (★★★★★)
Home to Legoland California Resort, the San Diego Zoo, and miles of pristine beaches. A top destination for families, surfers, and food lovers.

Santa Barbara (★★★★★)
A luxurious coastal city offering wine tasting tours, beach sunsets, and the vibrant Funk Zone district.

Laguna Beach (★★★★☆)
Famous for art festivals, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque coastal cliffs. Ideal for a relaxed getaway.

Lake Tahoe (★★★★☆)
Located in Northern California, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and beach relaxation amidst alpine scenery.

Sequoia National Park (★★★★☆)
Home to the world’s largest trees and scenic trails, providing an ideal setting to reconnect with nature.

The Most Popular, Must Visit Places in California?

Living here means every weekend is a photo op. These places to visit in California will elevate your feed:

Highway 1
This iconic coastal highway offers some of the most breathtaking road trip views in California, with the Pacific Ocean as your constant backdrop. Photographers and travelers alike value this route for its dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks, and unforgettable sunset shots.
El Matador Beach
Famous for its striking sea caves and large rock formations, El Matador Beach is a prime spot for golden hour photography. The warm light at sunset creates magical reflections and shadows, perfect for capturing dramatic, natural coastal beauty.
McWay Falls
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto the sandy beach and into the ocean. Its unique setting makes it one of California’s most photographed natural wonders, especially during morning light.
Funk Zone, Santa Barbara
This vibrant district blends street art, galleries, wine tasting rooms, and trendy coffee shops. Funk Zone offers an urban yet artsy atmosphere with colorful graffiti walls that create an ideal backdrop for creative photography and leisurely exploration.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge is particularly striking in foggy mornings when its iconic silhouette emerges dramatically from the mist. The surrounding vantage points offer perfect frames for capturing its architectural beauty and natural setting.

What If You’re planning a temporary Summer Move?

Summer moves don’t need to be permanent to be life-changing. You can rent for three months and experience California beaches like a local.

Short-term leases are available in coastal cities like Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach.
Many travelers choose vacation rentals through Airbnb or Vrbo with discounted long-stay rates.
Zillow allows monthly leases in areas like San Diego and Paso Robles.

Need help moving into your temporary place or vacation rental? Our team handles short-term and long-term moves with precision. Get a free quote now!

Common Myths About Moving in Summer

Myth	Reality
“Summer is the best time to move for everyone”	It’s the busiest and most expensive season, but you can book early to secure your date.
“It’s easy to move on your own”	Not in California heat, especially if you’re tackling multiple floors or long distances.

Avoid summer move chaos. Book professional movers who know how to handle California summer challenges. Contact Best California Movers to secure your move.

Help Yourself Move to California the Smart Way

Follow these steps for a seamless summer relocation:

Plan Early: Summer dates book fast, especially in June, July, and August.
Sort & Purge: Keep only summer gear and essentials. Leave winter coats behind.
Use a Moving Checklist: Track utilities, leases, and local registrations.
Choose Local Experts: We know the best entry points, permits, and time windows for all California cities.
Stay Hydrated & Protected: California sun is no joke—pack sunscreen, water bottles, and avoid midday loading.

Take the stress out of your move. Our Best California Movers team will handle the heat while you enjoy your new view.

Final Travel Itinerary Advice for Summer in California

You don’t have to choose just one destination—you can experience multiple places to visit in California from your summer home base. Create a travel itinerary with:

Weekend escapes to national and state parks
Day trips to wine regions like Paso Robles
City visits to explore places like San Diego or Santa Monica

Building your summer dream life starts with the right move. Best California Movers can help you make it happen on time, on budget, and on the coast.

Conclusion: Why Moving to California Is the Best Way to Spend Summer

The ultimate way to embrace summer? Move to California and make it yours. Whether you’re drawn to the ocean breeze of Laguna Beach, the mountain air near Lake Tahoe, or the serenity of Sequoia’s forest trails, this state isn’t just for visiting—it’s for living.

At Best California Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of families relocate during peak summer season. Our trained professionals know how to handle everything from coastal beach homes with sandy pathways to mountain cabins in remote, high-altitude locations. We move fast, even in triple-digit heat, and protect your belongings from sun, sweat, and stress.

Let us take care of the logistics—so you can dive straight into your new summer chapter.
Book your move with Best California Movers today—and start living the California summer lifestyle.

Mover carefully loading professionally packed furniture into a moving truck as part of full-service packing assistance

FAQ

Can I move to California just for the summer and still get moving help?

Absolutely. Many moving companies, including Best California Movers, offer flexible short-term relocation services. Whether you’re staying for 2 weeks or 3 months, we tailor your move to fit your timeline, not the other way around.

What are the most pet-friendly cities in California for summer stays?

Cities like San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Carmel-by-the-Sea are extremely pet-friendly, offering dog beaches, pet-friendly rentals, and outdoor dining options. We also offer pet-safe transport recommendations and can help you move your gear for a seamless transition.

Is it possible to rent furniture for a summer relocation in California?

Yes, furniture rental services are common in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. If you’re moving temporarily, you can avoid the hassle of moving heavy items by combining short-term leases with local furniture rentals. We can help with delivery coordination if needed.

How much does it typically cost to move to California for the summer?

Costs vary depending on the distance, size of your move, and service level. On average, short-distance summer moves within California start around $1,000–$2,500. Long-distance or full-service moves may run higher. Get a custom quote from Best California Movers to budget accurately.

Do I need a permit to move into certain California cities during the summer?

Yes, some cities—especially in high-traffic zones like San Francisco, Santa Monica, or downtown LA—may require moving permits or designated time slots. Our team handles all the logistics, including permit coordination and parking, so you don’t have to worry.

Are there any California cities that are better for remote workers during the summer?

Definitely. Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Palo Alto are top picks for remote workers thanks to excellent internet infrastructure, co-working spaces, and beautiful environments that promote work-life balance. We move work-from-anywhere setups with care, including desks, chairs, and monitors.

What’s the best way to move eco-friendly in California this summer?

Opt for reusable packing supplies, consolidate shipments, and choose local routes to reduce carbon emissions. Best California Movers offers green moving tips and eco-conscious materials for clients who care about their environmental footprint.

How early should I book movers for a summer relocation in California?

Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Summer is peak moving season, and availability fills up quickly—especially in tourist-favorite areas. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have in choosing your ideal move-in date and services.