Ricardo Sandoval

Hello fellow travelers!

I have ten days of vacation coming up in February and I'm a bit strapped for cash so international travel is out of the question. I've decided to take some day trips in California and perhaps to Baja California (Tijuana, Rosarito,etc.)

Any suggestions on cities I should visit within California? Specific places that I should visit in these cities?
My preference is a small town where the pace of life is slower and more relaxed but I'm open to any suggestion.

I live in Southern California and I'll be driving to each destination in a rented car. I'm not opposed to spending the night in a destination if the drive time is over 4 hours. However, I won't be spending more than two days in any one city.

My budget for all ten days is around $500 to $700.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Pat

Julian is a small old mining town in San Diego county. Nice for a short vivit if you've never beer there.

don

One of my favorite places that I have visited in southern California was Catalina Island, not only different from California but from anywhere that I have been in the continental U.S.

Eric

Dude, Catalina would be awesome! I have been to Rosarita and Tijuana, and they are trashy, but if you are into the whole bartering-for-a-blanket kick, go for it. First, there are cool places to visit in the LA/So Cal area, like Griffith Park (the observatory is closed), the Arboretum, the Hollywood walk (especially the "mall" at Hollywood and Highland where you can see the Hollywood sign from one end and downtown LA from the other, Huntington Library, and Balboa Park. Remember, Las Vegas isn't that far away, either. You could also check out the Crystal Palace, Santa Monica Promenade, and Venice Beach. Some cities that would be great are Santa Barbara, Carmel, Pismo/Shell Beach, and San Luis Obispo; these are "small" with a relaxed atmosphere, but I am sorry, I do not know where to stay there.

Woody

Ricardo: I suggest getting a copy of today's (1/5/03) L.A. Times "Travel" section. The lead article is entitled, "What's new to do near you," and is written for those not planning any big trips in 2003 due to the economy, lack of time, and terrorism fears. It covers day trips and weekend trips to Mammoth, Tahoe, Orange County, San Francisco, San Diego, casinos in San Diego County, Phoenix, West Coast cruises, Redding, Half Moon Bay, Las Vegas, and L.A.

Have fun.