CA- Central Coast & L.A. areas
Feb 1st, 2011, 12:11 PM
#1
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CA- Central Coast & L.A. areas
We have two business meetings in California next month- one in San Luis Obispo (SBP) and the other in Santa Monica.
I'm trying to decide whether we should fly into SBP and book our hotel stay there for the whole duration (5 days), using it as a homebase for sightseeing and to drive south for our other meeting; OR to fly into SBP, stay there for 2 or 3 nights, drive south, stay a few days in the Santa Monica area, and then fly out of SBA or LAX.
We have family driving down from SF to join us, so I was thinking it would be more convenient for them to meet up with us in San Luis Obispo, and then hop in with us when we head south.
They've been having trouble with their car, so we thought we'd suggest sharing the cost of a rental car. They could get the car in SF, drive down the coast, and pick us up at the airport.
Some of the things we might like to do during our visit: walk along beaches, hike any nearby trails, have a picnic, drive by Hearst Castle, drive thru L.A., walk down Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Any thoughts/suggestions? Thank you in advance!
Boots
I'm trying to decide whether we should fly into SBP and book our hotel stay there for the whole duration (5 days), using it as a homebase for sightseeing and to drive south for our other meeting; OR to fly into SBP, stay there for 2 or 3 nights, drive south, stay a few days in the Santa Monica area, and then fly out of SBA or LAX.
We have family driving down from SF to join us, so I was thinking it would be more convenient for them to meet up with us in San Luis Obispo, and then hop in with us when we head south.
They've been having trouble with their car, so we thought we'd suggest sharing the cost of a rental car. They could get the car in SF, drive down the coast, and pick us up at the airport.
Some of the things we might like to do during our visit: walk along beaches, hike any nearby trails, have a picnic, drive by Hearst Castle, drive thru L.A., walk down Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Any thoughts/suggestions? Thank you in advance!
Boots
Feb 1st, 2011, 01:53 PM
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You won't see much of Hearst Castle with just a driveby. Nice park on Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria for a picnic. Nice trails in Montana de Oro State park near San Luis. Also Pismo Beach for beach walking. If you want to do some wine tasting/winery visits many opportunities in SLO area along with Santa Maria and Santa Barbara areas. If you have a history interest, don't mission the Missions in SLO, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Others in San Miguel, and near Lompoc.
Given the distance and driving time involved, I'd be inclined to fly to SBP and then fly out of one of the LA airports.
Given the distance and driving time involved, I'd be inclined to fly to SBP and then fly out of one of the LA airports.
Feb 1st, 2011, 04:29 PM
#4
I don't think that five days, with two business meetings in there, is enough time to enjoy both the Central Coast and Santa Monica/Los Angeles. Sounds pretty rushed. But you say you might stay in San Luis Obispo for three nights and then spend "a few days" in Santa Monica. How many days do you have to play with, total? Is it 5 days including the two travel days, or what?
Feb 2nd, 2011, 07:51 AM
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Thanks for the tips. I think we will fly into SBA or SBP and then out of LAX. And we will check out some of the parks, trails and wineries you mentioned.
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>>I don't think that five days, with two business meetings in there, is enough time to enjoy both the Central Coast and Santa Monica/Los Angeles. Sounds pretty rushed...How many days do you have to play with, total? Is it 5 days including the two travel days, or what?
Yes, it's 5 days including the two travel days. It is kind of rushed but we're happy to have what little time we do to see some of the sights and enjoy our family's company.
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I think I might try Priceline or Hotwire to book our rooms. I see options for 3* upscale for the San Luis Obispo area on PL.
I'm not sure which location we should book a room in for the L.A. part of the trip. Any suggestions on which locations are best and which to avoid? A 3 or 4 star would be preferable.
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>>I don't think that five days, with two business meetings in there, is enough time to enjoy both the Central Coast and Santa Monica/Los Angeles. Sounds pretty rushed...How many days do you have to play with, total? Is it 5 days including the two travel days, or what?
Yes, it's 5 days including the two travel days. It is kind of rushed but we're happy to have what little time we do to see some of the sights and enjoy our family's company.
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I think I might try Priceline or Hotwire to book our rooms. I see options for 3* upscale for the San Luis Obispo area on PL.
I'm not sure which location we should book a room in for the L.A. part of the trip. Any suggestions on which locations are best and which to avoid? A 3 or 4 star would be preferable.
Feb 2nd, 2011, 08:39 AM
#6
If your meeting is in Santa Monica, I'd try for Santa Monica or Westwood. Traffic from other areas can be pretty bad. A bit farther out, Marina del Rey or Century City.
It's also worth checking a website like Expedia to see if you can find some specials on a known hotel. EG Hotel Angeleno wouldn't be bad and they often have sales. There is also a Holiday Inn Express in West LA that is convenient and a good value.
It's also worth checking a website like Expedia to see if you can find some specials on a known hotel. EG Hotel Angeleno wouldn't be bad and they often have sales. There is also a Holiday Inn Express in West LA that is convenient and a good value.
