California Vacation

[Stazy]

My brother ditched on going to Japan so we've decided to go to California instead. Right now our plan is to fly into San Francisco and then drive down the coast to San Diego over the course of two weeks.

That being said, I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth going all the way to San Diego. Would our time be better spent between San Francisco & LA with one or two beach towns thrown in as well?

Also, its been years since I've been to California, and never as an adult, so any general tips would be appreciated...

 

[impolyt_one]

You could rent a fun to drive car and drive down PCH, I would find that enjoyable, myself.

 

[Stazy]

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

You could rent a fun to drive car and drive down PCH, I would find that enjoyable, myself.
I'm under 25 so no one will rent me a "fun car".

 

[Manton]

SF to LA = 400 mi. LA to SD = 120 mi. SD is cool so you may as well go all the way.

The best way to do this trip is in a boat but that is impractical.

Highway 1 between Carmel and Morro Bay is spectacular but slow going. One lane each direction.

 

[tesuquegolfer]

Tough question as it depends on the things you like to do. There is a lot to do in SF for sure. I would probably spend 3-4 days in SF, 3-4 days traveling to LA with stops in Monterrey, and spend the rest in LA & OC. To me LA is kind of a dead city, or at least it was in the late 80s. I remember going to the Jewelry Mart downtown on the weekend and it was dead, hardly any people. Santa Monica is a fun place, with Malibu, Westwood, and Beverly Hills near by, and my favorite is Orange County. I love Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach is my all time favorite. However, Newport Beach and Laguna are totally different beaches and each has a different vibe. Oh yeah, don't forget Venice, which is like no other. Anyway, check the internet for things to do in SF, LA, and in between to see if you would want to spend time there. SD is nice but I am sure you can find similar things along the way. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[tesuquegolfer]

Originally Posted by Stazy

I'm under 25 so no one will rent me a "fun car".

Hard to believe as a lot of places are renting Mustang convertibles or something similar as a typical standard sporty vehicle. However, it has been a while since I was 25.

 

[impolyt_one]

Originally Posted by Stazy

I'm under 25 so no one will rent me a "fun car".

That's true, but there are often 'conditions' that allow you to (that usually means cash money, or the assurance of someone who has cash money in case you wreck a rental)

 

[Stazy]

So, does this sort of itinerary make sense? San Francisco (4 days) Santa Barbara (2 days) Santa Monica (2 days) Los Angeles (3 days) San Diego (3 days)

Originally Posted by Manton

SF to LA = 400 mi. LA to SD = 120 mi. SD is cool so you may as well go all the way.
Yeah that's a good point. 120 miles isn't really that big of a deal.

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

That's true, but there are often 'conditions' that allow you to (that usually means cash money, or the assurance of someone who has cash money in case you wreck a rental)
My bargaining skills suck but I'll see what I can do.

 

[mordecai]

You don't need 3 days in San Diego. It's good for an afternoon. I'd actually cut a day out and hug the coast on the way down with a morning in Big Sur or something. Santa Cruz is good for a day too.

The Zoo in Santa Barbara is nice. SO is the mission. Not a whole lot else to do there besides the beaches.

 

[Manton]

There is no functional difference between Santa Monica and LA. It's all one great mass.

For a first time tourist, I would plan on stopping in Monterey/Carmel. You can skip Santa Cruz unless you like hippie beach towns.

San Simeon, which you will pass if you take the 1, has Hearst Castle, which is very memorable.

 

[Stazy]

Originally Posted by mordecai

You don't need 3 days in San Diego. It's good for an afternoon. I'd actually cut a day out and hug the coast on the way down with a morning in Big Sur or something. Santa Cruz is good for a day too. The Zoo in Santa Barbara is nice. SO is the mission. Not a whole lot else to do there besides the beaches.
Okay, thanks for the advice. If there is nothing to do in Santa Barbara we'll probably just spend the night to break up the drive. As for San Diego, we can shorten that up and spend more time along the coast.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by mordecai

The Zoo in Santa Barbara is nice. SO is the mission. Not a whole lot else to do there besides the beaches.

One day in SB is plenty. Walk up State Street. See the pier. See the Mission. Move on.

 

[kwilkinson]

should spend one day in wine country imo. only 90 minutes from sf

 

[shellshock]

o hai stazy, see you at disneyland?

also +1 on what kyle said

also go to monterey to the aquarium its the best!

 

[mordecai]

Originally Posted by Manton

San Simeon, which you will pass if you take the 1, has Hearst Castle, which is very memorable.

Oh yeah, do this.