Orange County-John Wayne Airport is much closer to Disneyland than LAX, but the latter isn't difficult if you'll have a car anyway, so go by price and schedule (including car rentals).

Oh, sorry, should ask - why 4 or 5 days at Disneyland? Disneyland is not like Disneyworld. You can easily do all of Disneyland and California Adventure in a couple of days.

Agree with sf7307, 2-3 days tops is enough for Disneyland and California Adventure. There is so much to see and do in CA you can put those two extra days somewhere else if you want.

We weren't sure how many days to allow in Disneyland. We will be attending the D23 expo which is at the convention center for 3 days. My daughter's artwork was chosen to be displayed there so that's why we are going. Then, I was thinking we needed another day or two to go to Disneyland and California Adventure? Maybe we can take some day trips from there?

Ideas for traveling from LA to SF.

If you want to stay on the Coast:
Solvang http://www.solvangusa.com/

Hearst Castle http://www.hearstcastle.org/

Monterey & the Monterey Bay Aquarium http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dkotarek/1/1303552298/tpod.html

If you want to travel inland:

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Yosemite National Park http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm which is always beautiful!

The Gold Rush, Mother Lode Country, Historic California Hwy 49 http://www.historichwy49.com/

Utahtea

Thank you, I will check out those places.

Hit Laguna Beach if you need to hang around the Anaheim area for a while. Consider staying in Laguna for a night or two - especially if your daughter is an artist.

Here are my ideas for the San Francisco area.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/san-francisco---stu-dudleys-recommendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

Thank you for your suggestions. Do you think it's best to stay 2 nights in Laguna?

Yep. Staying near Disneyland is boring, IMO.

Stu Dudley

The only reason to stay near Disneyland is because you're going to be spending time AT Disneyland, so it's convenient. It's not attractive, in any way upscale, etc. Just lots of hotels and motels and chain restaurants on some pretty major streets. Laguna Beach on the other hand, is a quintessential California beach community. On nice days, everyone is out and about, sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, playing beach volleyball, eating at beachside (or at least view) restaurants, shopping in "beachy" stores, etc. So combine the two and you'll have a great trip!

Any hotel suggestions in Laguna? I am also going to drive up to San Fran so any other suggestions to stop along the way would be great. I need to do my homework on California, I haven't been back there in a long, long time! I'm sure my girls would like to see Hollywood, Beverly Hills, etc.
Is Carmel a good place to stop also?

My choices for overnight stops would be Pismo Beach or Cambria, and then Monterey.

Santa Barbara is great too, but probably too far south for the first night - it would make a good lunch stop though.

Pismo Beach is beachy and casual. Cambria is artsy with a beautiful coastline.

Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel are all close together, so you can stay in which ever one suits you best. Monterey is more lively, Carmel is quiet and upscale, Pacific Grove is a small town with a casual vibe.

You should also stop in Santa Cruz on your way from Monterey to SF.

I am wondering if I am trying to cram to much into ten days. Do you think I am better off just staying south of LA. Maybe going down to San Diego instead?

San Diego is great too. I don't think you would go wrong with either choice.

If you go up to SF along the coast, you will have a road trip - moving from place to place, a night or two in each location, seeing a good variety of things along the way.

Going to San Diego - you could stay in one hotel and have that as a base for sightseeing, relaxing, hanging out.

Just depends on what sort of trip you want.

As an OCer myself I can say Anaheim is pretty boring outside of Disneyland. Suggestion for a less expensive hotel that is right on the water and one if my familys favorites is The Beachcomber in San Clement. Check that out, it is the next beach to the south of Laguna.

I meant San Clemente...oops

I will defintely need to stay in Disneyland for around 5 nights. So that doesn't leave me too much time to go to both San Francisco and San Diego area. I wanted to go for around 10 days. I think I will either need to make it 2 weeks or just pick one or the other. Is the Hotel Del Coronado nice? I read mixed reviews? or is it better to stay in San Diego?

>>San Clement. Check that out, it is the next beach to the south of Laguna.<<

What happened to South Laguna, Dana Point, and Capistrano Beach???

Stu Dudley

Yes, the Hotel Del is definitely nice, however I think the mixed reviews come from the fact that it is an old hotel and that always comes with some issues. The location is fabulous.

The Hotel Del is on Coronado, which is an easy drive over a bridge from SD - 5-10 minutes and you are in downtown.

If we needed to see a few things in LA and also go to Hollywood, is it best to stay in LA or stay somewhere nearby and go for the day?

You are VERY wise to stay in Anaheim during the convention. It is no picnic commuting in OC let alone from beach communities during rush hour. And don't stay at the hotel in San Clemente- railroad tracks practically run through it.

Yes, The Del is a historic beauty but you'll pay to stay there. If nostalgia is your thing you'll see the value in staying there, if it isn't, you won't. Know during the summer it is packed with non hotel guests.

I think before anyone can offer anymore suggestions they need to know how many days do you have AFTER Disneyland/Anaheim? 10 days- 2 weeks total? 5 free days?

And I would fly into SNA unless you are saving a bundle. It is sooooo much more pleasant than LAX and less of a drive.

SOCALOC:
The price to SNA seems to be the same as the price going to LAX. So I will attempt to fly into there. I was thinking of flying out of San Fran going home and just driving up the coast and staying a few places along the way. I do need to head over to LA and Hollywood (I think for the day?, not sure if that is enough time?)
As far as time goes, the convention is Aug 19-21. I was thinking of getting there maybe the 17th so we could enjoy Disneyland a couple of days before it starts. Then, I was thinking of flying home around Aug 27. I am just really confused as to where to stay or if I should skip the San Fran part and just head down to San Diego. Help!!! lol
Any help would be greated apprciated!

Can you do LA as day trip during the convention?

If your main goal is taking a scenic drive along the coast I'd say it's doable but I'd fly out of San Jose instead of SFO.

You could:

Leave 21st PM after the convention and stay in Ventura. This will help avoid the OC/LA/Ventura county AM traffic quagmire. Wake up, eat breakfast and hit the road early AND relaxed. I'm suggesting Ventura since accommodations are much more affordable than Santa Barbara and you only need a place to rest your head anyway. Plus, you really want to see THE drive to SB during the day.

22nd-Stop by Santa Barbara/Pismo Beach etc. Stay overnight in Cambria/San Simeon.

23rd-All day on Highway 1. Stay in Carmel, Monterey etc area

24th- Sight see in the vicinity.

25th- fly home.

If LA needs to be crammed in somewhere in the above itinerary- it's going to be pretty stressful IMO. San Diego would be easier but it sounds like you vision heading north. I love San Diego but you are talking about two entirely different experiences. Good luck Mers and ask away!

SOCALOC:
Thank you for all your suggestions. Yes, I think we are going to have to skip going south of Disney. I think we will also stay in San Fran for a couple of days. As far as staying in Carmel or Monterey, do you recommend one over the other?

I'm not a big fan of Monterey. I would stay in Carmel if you like cute towns, shopping, wandering in villages, large sandy beaches. Or Pacific Grove if you want to stay in a Victorian B&B, close to the ocean/bay.

Stu Dudley

<<<I'm not a big fan of Monterey. I would stay in Carmel if you like cute towns, shopping, wandering in villages, large sandy beaches. Or Pacific Grove if you want to stay in a Victorian B&B, close to the ocean/bay.>>>

That said, they're all within 5 or so miles of each other. In fact, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is physically partly in Monterey and partly in Pacific Grove.

We would probably like Carmel then. Any recommendations on very nice hotels? Is one night enough? or two better?

Depends what you plan to do while there -- for example, if you're going to spend 3 hours at the Aquarium (see other thread entitled "Northern California Trip"), you might need more time. If you're going to hike in Pt. Lobos, you'll need more time. If you're just going to drive down the coast to see the views, turn around and come back, less time.

So:

Aquarium
Wharf
Boat tour
Kayaking
Pt. Lobos/Hiking
Pfeiffer Beach (don't know how it's affected by the road limitations)
Town of Carmel
Pacific Grove walk/bike path

You certainly couldn't go wrong with two nights.

We will not do aquariums, or hiking, or anything like it. We just want to enjoy the views, and maybe do some shopping. We will go up the coast but then fly home from San Francisco.

If all you're doing is driving up the coast from Monterey to San Francisco, with a little eating and shopping on the way, one day should be fine.

Thank you! I will look into hotels in the area. Thanks again for all the help!

any suggestions on hotels in San Francisco? Maybe in an area that you can leave the hotel and walk instead of driving somwhere?

" Maybe in an area that you can leave the hotel and walk instead of driving somwhere?"

No one needs a car in SF.

What is your budget?

I will have a car because I need to drive up from the LA area along the coast. Should I return the car somewhere in SF when I arrive? I probably will stay 2 nights then fly out of SFO.
As far as budget, I would probably go up to 400-500 per night per room, (I think I need 2 rooms because there will be 5 of us).

$400-500 per night per room? There is absolutely no reason to spend that much on a hotel here - this is not Manhattan or London! What would you like to be near -- shopping (Union Square) , beautiful views and near the bay (my person preference - the Embarcadeo), touristy areas (Fisherman's Wharf), top of the [quite steep] hill (Nob Hill)?

I like the Embarcadero (check out the Hotel Vitale) because you can walk everywhere - you are within 20 minutes walk of Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, etc..

What are your dates here? I just randomly checked the Hotel Vitale ($339) and the Hotel Monaco ($251) for July 20-22..

"Should I return the car somewhere in SF when I arrive?"

Normally I'd say yes because parking is sooooo expensive. But w/ that budget, that $45-$50+ a day may not make you blink.

So maybe keep the car in your case -- pick a nice hotel, pay to park the car and still have change from your $400+ a night.

oops-didn't mean to hit submit . . .

But myself, even w/ that budget, I'd probably drop the car downtown (where partly depends on which hotel you choose) and take a cab to SFO on your departure day.

I am looking around Aug. 22-24. I priced the Hotel Vitale, and it will be around $400 per night. I had originally priced the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghiradelli Square. I can get a 2 bedroom city view for $750 per night (instead of getting 2 rooms), or a bay view 2 bedroom for $950 per night. Not sure if this location is any good, or if it is better to stay in the Embarcadeo area or the Union Square area.

Also, if it's better for me to get rid of the car, I can do that. I heard it's kind of crazy getting around SFO airport?

If you're planning on sightseeing IN the city, you don't need a car (although there are some areas of the city that are more easily accessed by car, such as Land's End). Since you will only have two days, I'd think it better to ditch the car, and stay where you can walk. You haven't answered what it is you want to do/see while you're here. Ghirardelli Square is Fisherman's Wharf -- that wouldn't be the first choice among people on this forum who live here, but it's very popular among tourists, and not inconvenient. It's just hard to say where you should stay until you tell us your criteria!

Not sure what you mean about SFO -- it's not a very large or inconvenient airport at all -- if you're returning a car, you return it to an off-property car rental center, and then take the airtrain to the terminal.

Oh, and I checked the rates at the Monaco (which is just off Union Square, the prime downtown shopping area), and it's much less expensive for your dates than the Vitale. Again, what kind of neighborhood experience are you looking for?

Although I do usually like to stay in the shopping areas, I think going to there I it would probably be nicer to stay closer to the Bay? I really just want to stay in the a nice neighborhood. It would be nice at night to just walk back to the hotel. Is it not that nice near Fisherman's Wharf? or is it nicer in the Embarcadeo area?
I will probably just sight see around the major areas and not venture too far. Although, we will be going to the Walt Disney Family Museum while we are there.

I'd highly recommend the Embarcadero area (there are other hotels besides the Vitale --- the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, the Orchard are a couple). Fisherman's Wharf is fine, it's just that it's not a real "working" San Francisco neighborhood, which the Embarcadero, and even Union Square, are. I work a block from the Hotel Vitale, and can tell you it's a really pleasant place to "be" -- the bay, the Ferry Building, loads of restaurants, busy but not nutty.

>>Is it not that nice near Fisherman's Wharf? or is it nicer in the Embarcadeo area? <<

It depends on how you define "nice"

If you have read any of my past posts - you'll know that I am not a fan of Fisherman's Wharf at all. Very touristy/tacky & un-San Francisco.

Here is what the Fodor's '09 guide to San Francisco has to say about the wharf:

page 16
Once part of a thriving fishing industry, Fisherman's Wharf has deteriorated into a giant harpoon aimed straight at your wallet. Throngs from all over the world come to watch the floping, barking, or napping sea lions; buy cheap T-shirts, and chow down on overpriced, mediocre food. It's all an utter mystery to locals, who don't come here. Ever. See the magnificent historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, then take your money and run.

page 96
It may be one of the city's best known attractions, but the wharf is a no-go zone for most locals, who shy away from the difficult parking, overpriced food, and cheesy shops at third-rate shopping centers like the Cannery at del Monte Square. If you just can't resist a visit here, come early to avoid the crowds and get a sense of the wharf's functional role - it's not just an amusement park replica.

Most of the wharf is shlocky and overpriced, with one notable exception: the splendid Musee Mechanique.

End of quotes from Fodor's


Here is something I posted on Fodors several years ago:

I'm not a fan of the Wharf at all. I advise vacationers to visit other spots instead. The Wharf is OK for a place to stay, but IMHO it's the tackiest place I've ever visited (we vacation in Europe & other places 2-3 months each year). I was down there recently for a survey. It's worse than I remember from my last visit (I’m a SF native, and have lived in SF or very close by, for 34 of my 62 years). The storefronts were loaded with bracelets, hair bands, key chains, placards, etc with people’s first names on them. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I claim that more than 50% of the shops are T-shirt stores. On the main “Boardwalk” (on Jefferson between Leavenworth & Taylor) there are the trinket shops, the T-shirt stores, a McDonalds, In-N-Out Burger, Hooters, Wax Museum (featuring a wax statue of Brittany Spears out front), a Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not , a place called “Rainforest Café” that looks like a theme restaurant, but when I looked in all I could see was t-shirts. I’m not just “cherry picking” the most “gawd-awful” places and describing them here – what I just mentioned accounts for probably 85% of the stores along the Wharf Boardwalk. I did not make it over to the Ghirardelli Sq – I hopped on a cable car & got away from the Wharf as fast as possible. Also, there seems to be a lot more parking lots right in the middle of the Wharf than I remember – not very scenic at all.

End of past post.

Stay along the Embarcadero near the Ferry Bldg.

Stu Dudley

The Wharf is schlocky -- sure, everyone needs to go there once. But to stay there -- ESPECIALLY w/ a budget like yours is just not on.

The Embarcadero or Union Square would be much better. I personally love the Embarcadero area. I used to always stay around Union Sq. I only live 90 miles from SF and over a 20 year period visited for overnights 6+ times every year. For the last 10 years I haven't spent as much time in the city - over night once or twice a year, but the Embarcadero is now my 1st choice.

ok sounds like I need to stay away from the Wharf except for a quick morning trip. Sounds more like the Seaside Boardwalk in New Jersey with all those T-shirt stands. I will stay in the Embarcadero area. Is the Vitale Hotel in the best location there? I am guessing it's best to get a bay view room over a city view room?

The Vitale is great. The Hyatt is good because it is taller and the views can even be a better than the Vitale.

http://jdvhotels25-px.trvlclick.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/vitale/guestrooms

http://sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/gallery/photos.jsp?hotelId=2227&start=11

I'd be happy at either - The Vitale is special, but the Hyatt is very nice too.

The two are within a block of each other so they're essentially in the same location. City views are nice, bay views are beautiful ( I have a bay view from my office, which is right next door to the Hyatt)

Thank you for all your info! Does the Vitale have an area to walk around at night with some nice restaurants? or do I go to another area for that, like Union Square? also, how is the Nob Hill area? is that just a financial area?

>>Does the Vitale have an area to walk around at night with some nice restaurants?<<

Yep - lots of restaurants - too many to name

>> or do I go to another area for that, like Union Square?<<

Nope - no need t go to Union Square. There are probably more restaurants in the Financial District & close to the Vitale.

>> also, how is the Nob Hill area? is that just a financial area?<,

Nob Hill is not a financial area - mainly upscale hotels & some upscale restaurants.

Stu Dudley

Nob Hill does have several upscale hotels, but it is primarily a [very] upscale residential neighborhood.

As Stu said, you won't have to go far from the Vitale to eat, from burgers to very upscale.

ok, so it seems like the Vitale is a great place to stay. Thank you for all your help! I'm sure we will love it.

Now, one more question....where to stay on the way to San Francisco. We will be at Disneyland for 4 nights then Simi Valley (to visit friends) for 2 nights (we will take day trips from there to Hollywood and LA), then we need to pick one place to stay overnight on our trip up to San Francisco.

Is Carmel a good town to stop along the way? I saw a place called the Tickle Pin Inn that looked nice. Would Monterey be better? If so, any hotel suggestions?

Carmel is a great place to stop over and the Tickle Pink is very nice.

I thought it looked very nice. Do you think Carmel is an area that is good to stay a couple of nights? or is one night enough?

W/ only one night you won't have any time in Carmel -- it will take more than 6 hours to drive the 'fast' route and longer if you stick to the scenic route along the coast. So basically an all day drive if you stop at all.Then the next morning you'd leave for SF.

So if you are driving from Simi Valley > Carmel you'd want two nights.