California
Dec 13th, 2015, 05:48 PM
#1
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California
What are the "must experience" destinations in California, between San Diego and San Francisco. Our primary loves are nature and history. We also appreciate finding the very best of local wherever we go...places to eat, things to do, and places to stay.
Dec 13th, 2015, 06:10 PM
#3
I'm always puzzled by requests from those who choose a destination and then try to extract from it something that interests them. Of course California "between San Diego and San Francisco" has nature and history. But those categories are so wide-ranging, and often interests more focused, for instance Civil War history, or a particular aspect of "nature". This sort of planning almost sounds as if any history or any nature will do and is there any of that there?
I don't mean to belittle your request, Travellovers6, but, I must ask, exactly why did you choose California? What do YOU think is here that you'd especially like to see? Or is it a sort of nature and history shopping trip and perfect strangers can pinpoint what may be best for you to buy/see?
I hope you understand what I'm asking and don't take it personally. I wonder the same thing here often, just am finally asking about the phenomenon now. Not as a rebuke, but to understand your process. I understand, too, if you ignore me.
And by the way, there's a good chance it will be raining. At least for our sakes we hope it will be. Not the best time of year, this year.
I don't mean to belittle your request, Travellovers6, but, I must ask, exactly why did you choose California? What do YOU think is here that you'd especially like to see? Or is it a sort of nature and history shopping trip and perfect strangers can pinpoint what may be best for you to buy/see?
I hope you understand what I'm asking and don't take it personally. I wonder the same thing here often, just am finally asking about the phenomenon now. Not as a rebuke, but to understand your process. I understand, too, if you ignore me.
And by the way, there's a good chance it will be raining. At least for our sakes we hope it will be. Not the best time of year, this year.
Dec 13th, 2015, 06:51 PM
#4
San Diego to SF up the coast is about 600 miles w/ literally hundreds of 'best' things to see/do . . . depending on your specific interests.
How long do you have? Hwy 1 is not a fast drive and is downright snail paced in a winter storm. Do you mind driving hundreds of miles in pouring rain?
Get a guidebook - come up w/ a basic plan and then we can help you refine it.
How long do you have? Hwy 1 is not a fast drive and is downright snail paced in a winter storm. Do you mind driving hundreds of miles in pouring rain?
Get a guidebook - come up w/ a basic plan and then we can help you refine it.
Dec 14th, 2015, 09:03 AM
#5
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I don't mean to belittle your request... Disparagement, in this instance, is inadvertent.
Some travelers like Universal Studios. I don't. Some travelers don't like LA. I do.
The one attraction that appeals to almost everybody is the drive on Highway 1 from Moro Bay to Monterey--even when it's wet.
For history, include visits to San Simeon and some of the missions.
Here is a link that lists some of the things that interest visitors to California: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html
HTtY
Some travelers like Universal Studios. I don't. Some travelers don't like LA. I do.
The one attraction that appeals to almost everybody is the drive on Highway 1 from Moro Bay to Monterey--even when it's wet.
For history, include visits to San Simeon and some of the missions.
Here is a link that lists some of the things that interest visitors to California: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html
HTtY
Dec 14th, 2015, 09:53 AM
#6
"Disparagement, in this instance, is inadvertent."
I accept that. I could have used fewer words and less attitude. But my puzzlement and desire to know why the OP chose CA remains. They and I can learn something.
I accept that. I could have used fewer words and less attitude. But my puzzlement and desire to know why the OP chose CA remains. They and I can learn something.
Dec 14th, 2015, 07:25 PM
#8
Who's traveling? Two young adults, two older adults, a family with young kids, a family with teens, a multi-generational group????
Are you flying into San Diego and out of San Francisco, or do you need to return to San Diego?
You mentioned "nature and history" as your primary interests. Unfortunately, January isn't necessarily the best time for seeing nature. Mountain areas might require chains (which most rental car companies prohibit). FYI, Yosemite National Park requires that you have snow chains before entering the park, and you won't be able to enter or exit the park from the eastern side. The coastal towns and roads might have glorious, clear and sunny weather. Or nasty, mud-slide-producing downpours. The deserts could also have wonderful weather or terrible storms. If the weather forecasts are correct, we're expected to have a very wet winter.
History in California is longer and deeper than most visitors realize. You should do a little research to know what aspects of California's history you'd like to explore. Here's an overview:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_California
Are you flying into San Diego and out of San Francisco, or do you need to return to San Diego?
You mentioned "nature and history" as your primary interests. Unfortunately, January isn't necessarily the best time for seeing nature. Mountain areas might require chains (which most rental car companies prohibit). FYI, Yosemite National Park requires that you have snow chains before entering the park, and you won't be able to enter or exit the park from the eastern side. The coastal towns and roads might have glorious, clear and sunny weather. Or nasty, mud-slide-producing downpours. The deserts could also have wonderful weather or terrible storms. If the weather forecasts are correct, we're expected to have a very wet winter.
History in California is longer and deeper than most visitors realize. You should do a little research to know what aspects of California's history you'd like to explore. Here's an overview:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_California
Dec 15th, 2015, 11:58 AM
#10
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Definitely give us more information to go on: what are your likes and dislikes, what is the composition of your group (family with kids, senior couple, young couple no kids, group of 30-something friends...), and what drew you to CA to begin with?
So far we have SD to SF, January 5-15, love nature and history.
A rough itinerary, without knowing your specific interests, could look like this:
1/5-1/6: In SD
1/7-9: LA area
1/10-1/12: Coastal drive between LA and SF, 2 nights en route.
1/13-1/15: In SF
Then based on your interests, you could fill in the activities for SD, LA, and SF and choose your overnight stops for the coastal drive.
Or if LA doesn't interest you (if you want more nature), then you could spend less time there or skip it entirely and spend more time on the coast or maybe add Yosemite to the mix.
So far we have SD to SF, January 5-15, love nature and history.
A rough itinerary, without knowing your specific interests, could look like this:
1/5-1/6: In SD
1/7-9: LA area
1/10-1/12: Coastal drive between LA and SF, 2 nights en route.
1/13-1/15: In SF
Then based on your interests, you could fill in the activities for SD, LA, and SF and choose your overnight stops for the coastal drive.
Or if LA doesn't interest you (if you want more nature), then you could spend less time there or skip it entirely and spend more time on the coast or maybe add Yosemite to the mix.
Dec 15th, 2015, 01:01 PM
#11
In January, it would be easy to experience 'nature' in/from San Diego and L.A.
Obviously, the San Diego Zoo. La Jolla beaches are less than an hour from S.D. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is about 2 hours from S.D. and has lots of hiking trails and wildlife. But check weather and road conditions before you go.
The Santa Monica Mountains are a few minutes from anywhere in L.A. Lots of trails and ocean and city views, and you might see some wildlife. Angeles National Forest and Lake Arrowhead are within 2 hours of L.A. The Catalina Express ferry operates most days during your dates.
Joshua Tree National Park is equal driving distance from S.D. and L.A.
Obviously, the San Diego Zoo. La Jolla beaches are less than an hour from S.D. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is about 2 hours from S.D. and has lots of hiking trails and wildlife. But check weather and road conditions before you go.
The Santa Monica Mountains are a few minutes from anywhere in L.A. Lots of trails and ocean and city views, and you might see some wildlife. Angeles National Forest and Lake Arrowhead are within 2 hours of L.A. The Catalina Express ferry operates most days during your dates.
Joshua Tree National Park is equal driving distance from S.D. and L.A.
Dec 15th, 2015, 02:14 PM
#12
10 days, and coming up soon. My suggestion is to get the book put out by the California State Parks called "California Historical Landmarks" (you can purchase on Amazon and often they have it at your local Auto Club). Use it to plot out destinations between San Diego & San Francisco. This will necessarily include our missions, which is part of our history. It includes state parks, and other things that might be really interesting (and sad) from an historical perspective like our Japanese internment camps.
When we drive in California, we always take this book with us, which is organized by county, and check out the landmarks along the way.
I'm not sure what you mean by "best" local places to stay, eat, and do, because that means something different to everyone. It could be a cool hole in the wall café or dive bar; a little cabin on a stunning lake that John Steinbeck may have stayed in a night. Which is where my head is describing the word "best". Or, for you, it could mean the Ritz Carlton & French Laundry.
When we drive in California, we always take this book with us, which is organized by county, and check out the landmarks along the way.
I'm not sure what you mean by "best" local places to stay, eat, and do, because that means something different to everyone. It could be a cool hole in the wall café or dive bar; a little cabin on a stunning lake that John Steinbeck may have stayed in a night. Which is where my head is describing the word "best". Or, for you, it could mean the Ritz Carlton & French Laundry.
Dec 15th, 2015, 06:36 PM
#13
Here are 54,300 other posts on the subject (really):
http://www.fodors.com/search/results...ia+Coast+Drive
http://www.fodors.com/search/results...ia+Coast+Drive
Dec 15th, 2015, 07:12 PM
#14
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I love your attitude towards travel! There is a lot to cover between to San Diego and San Francisco. I'm from LA and I can recommend some places to check out while you're in the LA area. These are places that I enjoy going to and whenever I have guests, I like to take them there.
You may catch some rain in January. But honestly, I still think it’s a great time to visit. The weather will be cooler, so check the weather before you guys arrive. I will say the day time may be warm if it’s sunny, but at night temperatures drop. So pack layers!
It looks like you guys are in California for 10 days, which is a bit of time crunch to try to see everything.
"Los Angeles" is a large city with different, distinct areas. There isn't really an official "this is LA" area. Let me break down the areas for you.
Downtown LA- in the past few years, Downtown LA has had quite the transformation. Lots of apartments have been built and many people have moved in. It's revived the area quite a bit. Many new restaurants, bars and shops have also opened up. This is a great area to go to morning, afternoon or evening.
Here are some places I'd recommend:
- Grand Central Market: It's a large indoor market with lots of vendors. You'll find great food, coffee, desserts and groceries. Some vendors have been there for years and others are new. My personal favorites are McConnells Ice Cream, G&B Coffee (if you love coffee, you must go here. They make their macadamia milk in-house. Try their hot macadamia coffee!), Egg Slut is a popular breakfast spot (heavy though), Wexler's Deli (delicious sandwiches! They're most popular is the Rueben sandwich, which sells out quick), Stick Rice (delicious Thai food). Those are just a few, but definitely check out their website for more vendors lists.
- Next to the Grand Central Market is the Bradbury Building. It's a historic and beautiful building. I believe several movies were filmed here and Charlie Chaplain had his offices here. Now the upstairs is private and you can't go up but you can definitely explore the 1st floor. The architecture is beautiful. Your time in there will be short because there isn't a lot of space to explore, but it's beautiful and definitely worth checking out.
- For a really good Italian dinner (and not pricey either!) - I would recommend Maccheroni Republic. Really solid, hole in the wall Italian place.
-There are many great coffee shops throughout Downtown LA. Resources such as EaterLA and other food-finding apps will give you a great list of recommendations.
Little Tokyo/Arts District Area
Next to Downtown LA, there's another area that's got lots of great food and things to check out.
- If you like ramen, there are a few key ramen places here that are very popular. Daikokuya is a very, very popular spot. They are cash only and most likely there will be a long line. Another popular spot is Shin Sen Gumi - it's a different style noodle. They accept credit cards. But you may also have line here too. There are a few others that aren't as popular as those two that you can check out too. But I always think it's worth trying the spots locals are willing to wait in a line for.
- There is a little village of shops in Little Tokyo that's cute and worth checking out. There are some good, authentic sushi spots in this area as well as a great (but pricier) shabu shabu place.
Right down the street from Little Tokyo is the Arts District. It's a smaller area, but again - the locals enjoy this area.
1) Wurtskuche - a German-inspired, indoor beer garden. It's definitely a local establishment! They have delicious sausages, Belgian fries, and an awesome selection of beer. Their sausages are quite interesting. Everything from traditional Bratwurst to rattlesnake!
2) Umami burger is also next door. Delicious burgers. But, you can find this burger spot elsewhere in the LA area. And, there are so many good burger spots as well, you don't have to go to this one.
3) There are some fun, cute shops next to the Wurstkuche such as Poketo (a local favorite). There's also a nice coffee shop called Blacktop there, which is next to another cute shop. (There's a Warby Parker shop in that shop, if you're looking for a new pair of glasses)
Explore that block. There is a lot of fun stuff to check out.
If you drive a couple blocks away from that area, you can check out some other spots such as:
1) Church & State: beautiful interior. Delicious French food.
2) Bestia: a very popular Italian restaurant in LA. You'll need reservations for sure.
3) Stumptown Coffee: great coffee from Portland. Worth checking out their coffee and awesome space if you want some more coffee!
4) Pizzanista: really good pizza. You can buy pizza by the slice here.
5) Next to Pizzanista there is a really, really good taco stand. In the evening, the restaurant sets up a taco stand. I really don't know the name of it, but if you see a taco stand near Pizzanista, that's the spot. Get the Al Pastor taco there. Seriously - so good.
6) There's a new bar that just opened up in that block across the street from Pizzanista. Really cool space. A lot of young, locals are there. Great cocktails, fun space. It can get very crowded on weekend nights, but my husband and I like to go here on weekday evenings for a couple cocktails and some tacos after! The bar is called Everson Royce. It's behind or next to the Silver Lake Wine building. It looks a little confusing.
Some other places that are scattered around the LA area I would recommend are:
1) Father's Office - get the burger and fries. That's what they're famous for. Awesome selection of beer here as well. Go to the location in Culver City. That's a great local experience. The Santa Monica location is the original, but it's small, crowded and the atmosphere is very different.
2) Mozza Pizzeria and Mozza - Nancy Silverman's restaurant. It's so delicious here. Monza and Monza Pizzeria are separate, but next to each other. My husband and I like to
3) Ink Sack - you must try their take on the bahn mi sandwich. Really delicious.
4) Philz Coffee - a different take on iced coffee. There are 3 locations in the LA area (Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and Pasadena). There are a few locations up in northern california
—
Some other places worth checking out
1) Griffith Observatory - go around sunset. The view of LA and the sunset is beautiful
2) Huntington Library - a beautiful garden in San Marino.
3) Getty Center (Los Angeles) or Getty Villa (Malibu)
Personally, I like the Getty Center more. The architecture is incredible and beautiful. There are free architecture and garden tours there. Very informative and great docents. You can take some food and picnic there as well. Tickets are free but they charged $15/car. I would go in the afternoon, have a picnic on the lawn, go on an architecture tour and garden tour. And catch the sunset. The sunset is really beautiful here. You need to make a reservation before going to the Getty Villa.
Other posters have suggested some good nature suggestions such as Joshua Tree and Santa Monica mountains.
I do think that 10 days to see all of SF will be challenging. You would have to consider the time it takes to drive places as well. I would suggest doing 1 trip traveling through Southern California (LA-San Diego). And another trip exploring Northern California. California is a really large state with so much great stuff to explore. It all depends on what you guys are most interested in and where you want to spend the most time.
Please do ask if you have any more questions or need more ideas! Happy planning!
You may catch some rain in January. But honestly, I still think it’s a great time to visit. The weather will be cooler, so check the weather before you guys arrive. I will say the day time may be warm if it’s sunny, but at night temperatures drop. So pack layers!
It looks like you guys are in California for 10 days, which is a bit of time crunch to try to see everything.
"Los Angeles" is a large city with different, distinct areas. There isn't really an official "this is LA" area. Let me break down the areas for you.
Downtown LA- in the past few years, Downtown LA has had quite the transformation. Lots of apartments have been built and many people have moved in. It's revived the area quite a bit. Many new restaurants, bars and shops have also opened up. This is a great area to go to morning, afternoon or evening.
Here are some places I'd recommend:
- Grand Central Market: It's a large indoor market with lots of vendors. You'll find great food, coffee, desserts and groceries. Some vendors have been there for years and others are new. My personal favorites are McConnells Ice Cream, G&B Coffee (if you love coffee, you must go here. They make their macadamia milk in-house. Try their hot macadamia coffee!), Egg Slut is a popular breakfast spot (heavy though), Wexler's Deli (delicious sandwiches! They're most popular is the Rueben sandwich, which sells out quick), Stick Rice (delicious Thai food). Those are just a few, but definitely check out their website for more vendors lists.
- Next to the Grand Central Market is the Bradbury Building. It's a historic and beautiful building. I believe several movies were filmed here and Charlie Chaplain had his offices here. Now the upstairs is private and you can't go up but you can definitely explore the 1st floor. The architecture is beautiful. Your time in there will be short because there isn't a lot of space to explore, but it's beautiful and definitely worth checking out.
- For a really good Italian dinner (and not pricey either!) - I would recommend Maccheroni Republic. Really solid, hole in the wall Italian place.
-There are many great coffee shops throughout Downtown LA. Resources such as EaterLA and other food-finding apps will give you a great list of recommendations.
Little Tokyo/Arts District Area
Next to Downtown LA, there's another area that's got lots of great food and things to check out.
- If you like ramen, there are a few key ramen places here that are very popular. Daikokuya is a very, very popular spot. They are cash only and most likely there will be a long line. Another popular spot is Shin Sen Gumi - it's a different style noodle. They accept credit cards. But you may also have line here too. There are a few others that aren't as popular as those two that you can check out too. But I always think it's worth trying the spots locals are willing to wait in a line for.
- There is a little village of shops in Little Tokyo that's cute and worth checking out. There are some good, authentic sushi spots in this area as well as a great (but pricier) shabu shabu place.
Right down the street from Little Tokyo is the Arts District. It's a smaller area, but again - the locals enjoy this area.
1) Wurtskuche - a German-inspired, indoor beer garden. It's definitely a local establishment! They have delicious sausages, Belgian fries, and an awesome selection of beer. Their sausages are quite interesting. Everything from traditional Bratwurst to rattlesnake!
2) Umami burger is also next door. Delicious burgers. But, you can find this burger spot elsewhere in the LA area. And, there are so many good burger spots as well, you don't have to go to this one.
3) There are some fun, cute shops next to the Wurstkuche such as Poketo (a local favorite). There's also a nice coffee shop called Blacktop there, which is next to another cute shop. (There's a Warby Parker shop in that shop, if you're looking for a new pair of glasses)
Explore that block. There is a lot of fun stuff to check out.
If you drive a couple blocks away from that area, you can check out some other spots such as:
1) Church & State: beautiful interior. Delicious French food.
2) Bestia: a very popular Italian restaurant in LA. You'll need reservations for sure.
3) Stumptown Coffee: great coffee from Portland. Worth checking out their coffee and awesome space if you want some more coffee!
4) Pizzanista: really good pizza. You can buy pizza by the slice here.
5) Next to Pizzanista there is a really, really good taco stand. In the evening, the restaurant sets up a taco stand. I really don't know the name of it, but if you see a taco stand near Pizzanista, that's the spot. Get the Al Pastor taco there. Seriously - so good.
6) There's a new bar that just opened up in that block across the street from Pizzanista. Really cool space. A lot of young, locals are there. Great cocktails, fun space. It can get very crowded on weekend nights, but my husband and I like to go here on weekday evenings for a couple cocktails and some tacos after! The bar is called Everson Royce. It's behind or next to the Silver Lake Wine building. It looks a little confusing.
Some other places that are scattered around the LA area I would recommend are:
1) Father's Office - get the burger and fries. That's what they're famous for. Awesome selection of beer here as well. Go to the location in Culver City. That's a great local experience. The Santa Monica location is the original, but it's small, crowded and the atmosphere is very different.
2) Mozza Pizzeria and Mozza - Nancy Silverman's restaurant. It's so delicious here. Monza and Monza Pizzeria are separate, but next to each other. My husband and I like to
3) Ink Sack - you must try their take on the bahn mi sandwich. Really delicious.
4) Philz Coffee - a different take on iced coffee. There are 3 locations in the LA area (Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and Pasadena). There are a few locations up in northern california
—
Some other places worth checking out
1) Griffith Observatory - go around sunset. The view of LA and the sunset is beautiful
2) Huntington Library - a beautiful garden in San Marino.
3) Getty Center (Los Angeles) or Getty Villa (Malibu)
Personally, I like the Getty Center more. The architecture is incredible and beautiful. There are free architecture and garden tours there. Very informative and great docents. You can take some food and picnic there as well. Tickets are free but they charged $15/car. I would go in the afternoon, have a picnic on the lawn, go on an architecture tour and garden tour. And catch the sunset. The sunset is really beautiful here. You need to make a reservation before going to the Getty Villa.
Other posters have suggested some good nature suggestions such as Joshua Tree and Santa Monica mountains.
I do think that 10 days to see all of SF will be challenging. You would have to consider the time it takes to drive places as well. I would suggest doing 1 trip traveling through Southern California (LA-San Diego). And another trip exploring Northern California. California is a really large state with so much great stuff to explore. It all depends on what you guys are most interested in and where you want to spend the most time.
Please do ask if you have any more questions or need more ideas!
Happy planning!
Dec 16th, 2015, 08:23 AM
#16
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I agree with a lot of leejoy's suggestions, but in particular wanted to say that dinner at Maccheroni Republic is not only reasonably priced, it was great (the best squid ink pasta I've ever had, an addictive sauce)
Dec 16th, 2015, 03:22 PM
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If you get a chance to drive through the central coast of Cali, I'd recommend going to Hearst Castle. It's a beautiful place with some interesting history about William Hearst. I'd also check out some wineries in Paso Robles which isn't too far. As far as local foods, don't know any other than Firestone for tritip sandwiches when I last visited. I'd recommend checking out Tripext. It's an app that gets you connected to locals for their advice. It's really new but I've used it a few times here in SF and got some good results.
Dec 17th, 2015, 11:12 AM
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Please, Firestone for tritip? The best are in Santa Maria which made them famous. Unfortunately Santa Maria now has a serious crime problem, so for a good substitute, try Jocko's in Nipomo. I have only been there for lunch which is great, they do not fire up the red oak BBQ until 4pm.
