My friend and I are from Lincoln, Nebraska. He was moving down to Los Gatos, California, and I decided to go with for a week. I'd never been to California at all before, so it was definitely different when we got here. While he's been doing his own thing, I've been having my own adventures, and falling in love with California. I'm staying at a rundown motel in San Jose, and I've been taking the bus to Santa Cruz almost every day, to find new adventures. Today is my 4th day here, and I have done so much and met so many cool people. I started thinking about moving to California and backpacking up and down the coast, and into other states/countries, like I've seen so many people do so far. My question is, what are any tips you'd have for someone in my situation. Where to or not to go on or near the west coast, roads to take, places to see/go, services, tips and tricks, stores for equipment, travel/life hacks, etc... I've got a lot of it figured out already but it never helps to get some insider advice. Thanks in advance!
TL;DR I decided to start backpacking through California and surrounding states/Mexico and am asking for any type of advice.