California's a big state. If I were you, i wouldn't try to cover the entire state in only 8 days. So, you'll have to narrow it down a bit before we can give you specific tips. For starters, are you traveling to Northern CA or Southern CA? Lots of Californians will tell you that it's almost like two different states.

[This message has been edited by blackfur (edited 01-15-2001).]