California's distances are deceptive on a map — driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes six to seven hours without stops, and San Diego to the Oregon border is a full day. A car is nearly essential outside the major cities, though LA and the Bay Area have transit systems worth using for day-to-day travel. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner is a scenic and practical option along the coast. For cross-state hops, budget airlines between the major airports are often faster and cheaper than driving.