# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Maps

How to Find an Address in California

Finding an address in California seems like a simple task if you are local. In this age of mass transit and cross-continental travel, however, this task might be a bit more difficult for persons out-of-state. The state of California covers a large land area, so even locals lack complete familiarity with neighboring addresses. Technology advances in travel have made long distances short and convenient, and it has done the same for how you can get address information.

Pen and paper (optional)
Cell phone with Internet access (optional)

Instructions

Look up an address
- 1
  Dial 411 on your telephone or cell phone keypad to reach directory assistance. Ask the operator if he or she has access to listings for all of California, particularly if you are out-of-state; some databases search local listings only, while others search nationwide. Tell the operator the name of the person or business, then wait for the address.
- 2
  Open the Internet browser on your desktop, laptop or cell phone. Type in a link to a people or business listing website. Type in the name and state, "California" or "CA," in the blank boxes. Click the search button to find the address. (See the link in the resources section for a list of websites: "Columbia University: Telephone Directories [People, Business, etc."])
- 3
  Find a telephone book if you are in California, such as at a hotel or airport. Look up the name of the person or business to find the address.
Get directions to an address
- 4
  Dial 411 on your telephone or cell phone keypad to reach directory assistance. Tell the operator that you wish to get driving directions and ask if he or she has access to that tool. After you get affirmation, give your starting point and destination; he or she may need extra time to look up the precise address and plot directions. The turn-by-turn directions will be read to you. This type of service is called enhanced directory assistance.
- 5
  Open the Internet browser on your computer or cell phone. Click on the link to your favorite search engine, such as Google, Microsoft and Yahoo. These websites offer "portals" to other services as well as searching queries. Click the "Maps" link on the search engine's homepage, then click "Driving Directions." Type in your starting point and ending point, then click the "Get Directions" or press the "Enter" key on your keyboard.
- 6
  Press the button on your cell phone or smartphone to access applications (apps) in the online store offered by your cell phone carrier. Browse for the apps that offer "mapping" or "GPS" features for driving directions. After you download and install the map app to your cell phone, type in your starting point and destination to get directions to your address.