With family and grandchildren across the country, I’ve perfected what to pack for seven to 14 days in Southern California (which works for any warmer climate destinations and seasons, too). My daughter asked for help in Los Angeles with her toddlers while her husband is away on business. Say no more! I got here last week and Howard joined me this past weekend.
Also, today we have travel wardrobe advice from three of stylish friends, Cindy, Annie and Susan. Their links are at the end of the post.
I’m showing what I packed such as outfits for playing with the kids and slightly more elevated for shopping and dinner out. But it’s all fairly California casual for this winter trip.
Vacation Packing Tips
- Pack Light: Southern California’s casual laid back vibe means you can keep your wardrobe relaxed. I am fortunate that I will be able to use my daughter’s washing machine.
- Versatile Pieces: Choose items that can mix and match easily to create different outfits.
- Check the Weather Forecast: While California is known for its sunshine, weather can vary. Check the temps before packing. This week it’s in the mid-60’s and 70’s.
What’s In My Suitcase, 10 Day California Packing List
- Dress or Skirt (two): Opt for breezy fabrics like cotton for comfort during warm days and cool evenings.
- Denim and Casual Pants (Three Pairs ) including the jeans from the airplane. Perfect playing in the park with young children.
- Blouses and T-shirts: (Five short or long sleeve tops) that pair well with jeans or skirts.
- Light Jacket or Sweater (one or two cardigans and one jacket): Evenings can get chilly, especially near the coast. Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater for layering.
- Comfortable Shoes Sneakers or stylish walking shoes are ideal for sightseeing and playing with the grandkids. Don’t forget a pair of sandals and dressier flats.
- Sun Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the California sunshine with a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and stylish sunglasses.
- Crossbody Bag or Backpack: A convenient way to carry essentials.
- Sunscreen: California sun can be strong year-round. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
- Travel-size Toiletries (like toothbrush and face wash), underwear, socks, pajamas and a few accessories (like a scarf and necklace). Put any prescription medicines in your carry-on.
- Presents For The Grandkids or you can ship something there, but it’s fun to have them look in your suitcase with you…which might mean you have to size up your suitcase, but it will be lighter on the way home!
If you use my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Mix and Match Comfortable Travel Outfits Over 50
For this trip, I took layers of mixable colors: khaki green, blue, red and white. There are all different price points.
cropped barn jacket • Perfect cashmere cardigan • roll neck cable knit pullover (I have this, new at J. Crew–cotton and it’s a perfect casual look for California) • blue cap • thicker tee almost like a light sweatshirt • blue charm necklace that goes with everything (I wear mine all the time and my daughter has even asked to borrow it) • Fresh hydrating shine in rose (good on the airplane) • denim shirt dress (easy to throw on and go) • tee shirts in white, striped, red (I have this and like the looser fit) •Quince polarized sunglasses • favorite loose jeans • dark denim (in place of black jeans) • white skirt • khaki pants (I got the regular size and rolled the cuffs but they come in petite and tall, too) • spectator flats (for a dressier look) • red sneakers • black sandals (similar to mine – sold out) • faux croc belt (I want this–on sale) • Quince woven leather bag (I love mine)
This AYR tee-shirt is thicker and nice quality. The Mother jeans have a really nice stretch. I am careful about not washing them too often.
Having fun with Louisa in my favorite loose jeans, cashmere cardigan and Quince woven leather crossbody.
Gifts In My Own Suitcase
Leo (18 months): toys First Baseball Velcro Glove • Louisa (3.5 Years): Princess dress and accessories • Alexandra (my daughter): This is a splurge but she mentioned that she loves this scent in the recent guest post that she did here. Maison du Roc Mousse du Cuir
What To Pack In
Here are my favorite travel items.
- Lots of airport terminals have free filtered water dispensers. So bring a reusable water bottle like this Swell one.
- My favorite suitcase is a Quince expandable carry-on. It can work for seven days but for 14 days I would probably size up to the lightweight medium Quince checked suitcase. Away commuter backpack with compartments for all my gear like my laptop, purse, snacks and water bottle. It has a sleeve that slips on to the suitcase’s extended handle. It’s been on several trips and still looks great.
- This Calpack clear cosmetic medium case is great for seeing all your travel size ingredients and makeup. It’s sturdy and I take mine on all my trips.
- A portable phone charger is a good idea. For my Iphone 16, I like mine from Clutch, it’s small and gives you some peace of mind about recharging your phone. Make sure you buy the right one for your phone model. Also I love my Airpod Noise Cancelling headphones.
- I always use compression packing cubes to organize my clothing and create space.
You may also like Travel Wear For Summer In Portugal – Over 50 Style and What To Pack for A Week In Southern California.
And now advice from my Stylish friends:
Cindy Hattersley Design – Cindy
Most Lovely Things – Annie
Une Femme x Susan Blakey
My oldest son lives in Vista, North San Diego County. I have found I have to change my clothes three times a day as I find it chilly and foggy in the morning and hot in the afternoon and again at sunset it get chilly again. It is so different from here in Southern Colorado. So in the winter I would add some warm sweats from Gap for morning walks and tea outside in their backyard. Tee and jeans or ponte knit pants for afternoon and a sweater just in case and a jacket as it gets cooler. I do love the green and flowers that we don’t have here. You have it in Jacksonville as well, very green. Your outfits are perfect to travel with for two weeks.
Great points!
YOU ALWAYS HAVE GREAT TRAVEL TIPS! I THINK I NEED THAT CLUTCH CHARGER! THOSE KIDS ARE SO ADORABLE!
Hi Mary Ann,
Great choices and lovely colors thank you for the post. Beautiful pictures of you and your family! Can’t wait for grandchildren….have a wonderful time!
Mary Ann, those photos of you and Louisa make my heart melt! Love that stripe tee from AYR!
xx
Hi Mary Ann, your selections are perfect for Southern California! You’ve really nailed our Classic Casual vibe. Thanks again for putting this together!
What a sweet grandma who picked out lovely surprises for your grands and your daughter to find in your suitcase. How fun! Great tips for your travel essentials. I tend to overpack.
When I told my daughter what I was writing about she said “be sure to tell them to pack Advil, a back brace and patience!” Ha! They are heavy kids. But I do feel I packed just the right amount.