California Travel Forum

Hi Everyone,

We're planning a trip to California in February 2010. Our two main destinations are San Diego and LA. I know it's not a long drive between the two cities, but we are traveling with an infant and would like to stop somewhere in between if there is anything advisable to see. Any thoughts?

Thanks :)

Hello VTrs...this is part two of my LAX postings. From your suggestions in my earlier post, I have come to this Itinerary. I need you comments/suggestions. I also need to ask you a sensible budget, daily budget.

Day 1 half day in LAX
Day 2 More of LAX / pick up our car / afternoon drive towards SFO(planning to spend the night halfway through...thinking around/nearby Hearst Castle...your suggestions please)
Day 3 SFO (GG Bridge / Alcatraz ...)
Day 4 SFO - OYS Yosemite
Day 5 OYS - LAS (via Death Valley...??? your suggestions. If not what is our alternative route)
Day 6 LAS - LAS (any of you tried those crazy rides up the tower?)
Day 7 LAS - GCN - LAS
Day 8 LAS - SAN (aside from the Zoo what can we do in San Diego in a day?)
Day 9 San - LAX
Day 10 - Day 14 Will be in LAX the last 5 days

I will be travelling with 4 others / we are plannin gto rent a car form Day 2 to Day 10 and just use public transport in LAX.

How much do we budget for fuel cost fot he amoutn of driving we are planning. How about our daily budget (just food and necessities..). Kindly give me a rough idea of how much we need to budget per day while we are in the US.

Unfortunately the planning has been left on my already tired shoulders...so will be very grateful for your help..any help... Thanks again...

Going with my family, we'll be there December 31st to Jan. 4th. (30th and 5th are the day we arrive and leave respectively). We were thinking about celebrating the New Year at Disneyland since they keep the park open until late at night for that, but I'm not sure if it'll be TOO cramped? We also don't want to be there all day, it would be ideal to get there in the afternoon (say, 2, 3 PM?) and stay there until 12:30 a.m. or so. Or if there's any other better ideas about what to do in New Year's Eve in L.A.

That leaves four other days to figure out what to do, too. We were thinking about going to San Diego for a day, take the train early in the morning, come back late afternoon, but we're not really sure what we would do once we're there. Any suggestions? I saw Seaworld and the Zoo, not sure if those would be the ones to see? Or, Santa Barbara. Although I'm not sure what we could do in Santa Barbara either.

We were also thinking about either going to a Lakers game, or a Dodgers game if they're not too expensive. And try to attend either a Late Late show or Tonight Show taping (if we get tickets only), but that would have to be January 4th, and I'd guess they won't be filming shows that week.

Other points of interest: The Observatory, Rodeo Drive, one or two shopping malls/areas for my mom, Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier.

But we really haven't figured out an itinerary, so I was hoping you guys could help me out there to get a better idea of what to do, and when to do it since I don't know what's close to what. And taking into account that most things will be closed on January 1st.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/community/forum.cfm/united-states/california/visiting-la-decemberjanuary-need-planning-trip#ixzz0VrPsjYHe

Let me share with you my experience in Las Vegas. All my colleagues had to go Vegas for a seminar. I was given the responsibility of making arrangements for transportation. I went online and looked for passenger van rentals. Give me advice………!!!!!!!

I need to get to Quebec, Canada from Hawaii but I don't really have the budget to fly. Since I'm in Hawaii I figured getting to Cali for free might be a good place to start. I'm ready to take on any travel conditions as long as I get there. If you've got a tip for me please reply to this post. Thank you!

Just wondering if there are any especially great places to eat that aren't too expensive in Manhattan Beach? I'm wondering if there are places so good here that people come from miles around to eat at a place here in MB?

I live in Phoenix and my 18 yr. old grandaughter wants to go shopping at the Alley. I read where it is the same merchandise at a lower price near the alley. Can you give me the address of the best deals. My grandaughter wants to go to Johnny cupcakes. Also where can we stay that won't be high end. I checked LaQuinta and it is about 9 miles from Melrose Ave.

We are taking a cruise out of Long Beach, CA in December and are spending the day before in LA. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a reasonably priced place to stay that would be easy to get to from the airport, the best way to get to visit Beverley Hills and also the best way to get to the Long Beach Cruise ship terminal.

Okay, well I know no one has a crystal ball, but if I were to look into coming to Lake Tahoe for a ski trip, when might be the time to come when there will be snow, good conditions, and minimal crowds? Appreciate your help. Thanks.

I am going to be in Las Vegas for a week next week and would like to take a trip for a couple of days north or west of there. Any suggestions from anyone? We are considering Death Valley, Sequoia, or possibly California Coast. How far is it to the coast, or Sequoia?
Thanks
D

I've been reading reviews of this place. Sounds like the somewhat quirky, private places we like to stay but there are reports of "rowdiness." Any one have experience with this Inn? Thanks again, Valerie

Having travelled Highway 1 many times both ways LA/SF, I know a lot about that trip but next year my family and I (2 adults, 1 young child and 1 baby) have 5 days to spend on a road trip from Santa Monica to San Diego and back to LAX.

Any advice appreciated on places worth seeing on the way to San Diego such as Long Beach, Newport, Oceanside and stuff to do for families in these places and in San Diego itself.

Cheers

Hi!
What is the best to do.. the west shore or the east one?? or is not a place to visit in January??
I will be coming from Joshua tree Nal Park and going to San Diego through Anza Borego.

Hello,

I have 9 hours to spend in LAX while waiting for the next connecting flight. Like to find out if there is any baggage storage in LAX?

I'm thinking of going to Hollywood of Frame, is there any shutter from/to LAX? Is it feasible with such timeframe?

How about Venice Beach Boardwalk? Can I do it within few hours.

I will arrive 1pm, and fly out at 10pm.

Thanks

What is the name of the landscape architect that designed and built the landscaping?

Just wondering what your experiences are like with SuperShuttle and the other shuttles for the ride home from LAX.

I live in SLT, would like to know If someone knows (Date now is 10/23/09)how to get to Kings Beach by bus, and a bus that will take us to Kings Beach but will not bring us back in till the next day?

Has anyone stayed at Joshua Desert Retreats before? (It is somehwat near 29 Palms I believe). Any other recommendations for great places to stay near the park? We are two adults, a college sophomore, and a ten year old. Thanks for your help!

Hi,

Looking at stuff to see in the SFO, Chabot Space and Science Center looks very entertaining and interesting. However, I am finding difficult to figure it out how to get there by using BART. A vt member mentioned that the only way to go there is by car or riding a bike. Do you know how to get there if I am a happy pedestrian?

Thank you in advance!

I'm visiting SF with my family in November. I have a 7 years old daughter..
what places we could visit in SF that would be fun for her?

Hi Vters...

I will be Truckee for about 3 weeks in December 2009 for visiting my best friend..

I can see a lot of helpfull tips from other members.. Anyone can give me additional tips.. during my stay there..

It will be my 1st time to in that area.. I know December would be cold...!

thanks
Arini

any Vters lives there?.. hope we can meet up!!

I'm looking for a quality health retreat located in northern California. A place where they offer only healthy foods, provide exercise programs, counseling and pleasant surroundings. If you know of one could you let me know?!

The rate is affordable. And i would like to know if it is in a good area?

Travelers Inn Lawndale
14808 Hawthorne Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260

Has anyone seen/stay this hotel? Is it nice?

Hello All :)

I have a few questions, my husband and I are hoping to travel to LA during our winter break (here in Canada) December.

Not sure if its worth the trip.. as I'm abit worried about the weather.. could anyone living there or someone who has travelled there during December tell me what the weather is usually like at that time?? This would be our first time going there and hope to experience it all :) we're planning to go to Disneyland (ofcourse) and some city tours. Any information would be greatly appreicated.

Further we might be staying at Holiday Inn and Suites in Anaheim - any reviews on that??

Thank you to everyone in advance for your help :)

howdy all and thanks in advance. I think the Macys personal shopper service is free but am in need of some tipping advice - would an amount indicative of the time spent be appropriate OR a percentage of purchases?

My female friend is going to SFO, either end of October or end December, for 7 days. It will be her first time in the city (though she'd been to the US twice before) and will be on her own. She's looking for a hotel US$100 or below per night in an area that is commuter-friendly as she'll most likely go to popular tourist spots and shopping areas.

Thanks.

Hello,

I will be attending a conference in late October (23-28 to be exact) and would like to get some advice on what to wear for outdoors from local residents in Monterey.

Besides the conf, I will be taking a whale watching trip on Sunday morning, hope to see a humpback whale or two. Hopefully will have a chance to do some other activities (visiting the aquarium, sightseeing, etc.) as well.

What's the best whale watching co. to take the trip w/?

I'm also thinking about taking a short steam engine train trip to the beach? Will that be worthwhile? Or is that tailored for tourist mainly?

Mei
from the coastal region of SC

Can anyone tell me what is the best seafood restaurant in San francisco. hopefully somewhere near fisherman's wharf.

I am looking for some hotels not too far from Pebble Beach during the US Open in June but hoping not to pay too much since it is a gift for my father for his 60th birthday. We will be flying him in to Pebble Beach plus tickets and looking for something reasonable in pricing even though I'm sure hotels will jack up the price because of the event. I'm sure he will be willing to drive 30 min to an hour. Just seems ridiculous to pay over $350 for a 2 star motel. I'm not familiar with Pebble Beach and the surrounding area so any help and info is much appreciated. I would like to book asap since prices of motel and hotels look like they've already hit the roof.

I am going to San Francisco for the first time, and was wondering what would the best area to stay at where I can be close to all the attractions and transportation.