need help: so cali week long trip
Apr 17th, 2010, 09:00 PM
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need help: so cali week long trip
i am planning an upcoming trip to southern california. Its a leasure trip and will be flying into and out of San Diego Intl. I will be arriving 6/19/10 and leaving 6/26/10 (both dates are saturdays).
During this trip I plan to see many attractions in and around the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego including but not limited to: Graumann's Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame, San Diego Zoo, Whaley House, San Pedro Port of Call, Queen Mary, Santa Monica Pier.
I will be getting a rental car. I am staying in a resort in Palm Springs, Ca..which I realize is far, but I am getting a great deal on a 5 star luxury resort, so I couldnt pass it up.
Because of the distance from my hotel in Palm Springs to where I will be sightseeing, I am planning each day of my venturing to attractions that are withing close proximity of each other.
For example: On one day, I will venture to just Long Beach/San Pedro and make a day out of that and see attractions in and around that area. On another day, I will venture to Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica/ San Fernando Valley, etc, etc.
Ive already came to the conclusion that it will probably be best to sightsee San Fernando Valley/Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica on Sunday June 20th, since this is on a weekend day and traffic density on area freeways will be far less congested than if I was to go there during a weekday and have to deal with Mon-Fri business traffic.
On 6/19/10 when I fly into San Diego, I am deciding to make that my "San Diego day", since my flight will be arriving around 11am. The only two attractions in San Diego that really interests me is the San Diego Zoo & The Whaley House. If I have enough time left in the day, Id also like to take in one of San Diego's beaches as well. If I dont have enough time, its not a dealbreaker for me, as I can simply enjoy another beach on different day in either Los Angeles or Orange County.
I need advice and also suggestions on area attractions in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County. In addition to this, I could also benefit from which routes are best to take, and what sights are best to see, and at what times of day, and any other advice you feel I could greatly benefit from.
Id like to know which beaches are the best to see in either Los Angeles or Orange County?
As far as cuisine Im open to suggestions. Im traveling with a friend who has been to Southern California before, but has been a while and she was trying to recall the exact name of a great seafood restaurant thats located in San Pedro that brings you a hefty plate of crablegs. This restaurant has outdoor seating as well, and covers your table with newspapers. They bring crablegs in a big metal bucket to your table and dump it on your plate. Anyone have the vaguest of ideas of what restraurant this could be?
I do realize that theres so much to see and do in LA alone, and am open to the option lodging in the LA area for one night to save me from having to drive back to Palm Springs.
I am also interested in knowing if theres anything to see or do immediately around Palm Springs, or surrounding communites? Im am curious about the Salton Sea and am wondering if theres anything to see or do around that area as well?
Any and all suggests and advice on either attractions and/or places to eat or shop is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
During this trip I plan to see many attractions in and around the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Diego including but not limited to: Graumann's Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame, San Diego Zoo, Whaley House, San Pedro Port of Call, Queen Mary, Santa Monica Pier.
I will be getting a rental car. I am staying in a resort in Palm Springs, Ca..which I realize is far, but I am getting a great deal on a 5 star luxury resort, so I couldnt pass it up.
Because of the distance from my hotel in Palm Springs to where I will be sightseeing, I am planning each day of my venturing to attractions that are withing close proximity of each other.
For example: On one day, I will venture to just Long Beach/San Pedro and make a day out of that and see attractions in and around that area. On another day, I will venture to Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica/ San Fernando Valley, etc, etc.
Ive already came to the conclusion that it will probably be best to sightsee San Fernando Valley/Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica on Sunday June 20th, since this is on a weekend day and traffic density on area freeways will be far less congested than if I was to go there during a weekday and have to deal with Mon-Fri business traffic.
On 6/19/10 when I fly into San Diego, I am deciding to make that my "San Diego day", since my flight will be arriving around 11am. The only two attractions in San Diego that really interests me is the San Diego Zoo & The Whaley House. If I have enough time left in the day, Id also like to take in one of San Diego's beaches as well. If I dont have enough time, its not a dealbreaker for me, as I can simply enjoy another beach on different day in either Los Angeles or Orange County.
I need advice and also suggestions on area attractions in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County. In addition to this, I could also benefit from which routes are best to take, and what sights are best to see, and at what times of day, and any other advice you feel I could greatly benefit from.
Id like to know which beaches are the best to see in either Los Angeles or Orange County?
As far as cuisine Im open to suggestions. Im traveling with a friend who has been to Southern California before, but has been a while and she was trying to recall the exact name of a great seafood restaurant thats located in San Pedro that brings you a hefty plate of crablegs. This restaurant has outdoor seating as well, and covers your table with newspapers. They bring crablegs in a big metal bucket to your table and dump it on your plate. Anyone have the vaguest of ideas of what restraurant this could be?
I do realize that theres so much to see and do in LA alone, and am open to the option lodging in the LA area for one night to save me from having to drive back to Palm Springs.
I am also interested in knowing if theres anything to see or do immediately around Palm Springs, or surrounding communites? Im am curious about the Salton Sea and am wondering if theres anything to see or do around that area as well?
Any and all suggests and advice on either attractions and/or places to eat or shop is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
Apr 17th, 2010, 10:06 PM
#2
Only time for a couple of comments right now - I (and others) can probably address some of your issues later.
BUT -- "I am getting a great deal on a 5 star luxury resort, so I couldnt pass it up. "
Um -- there is a reason you got such a 'great deal'. Summer in PS is the very lowest of low seasons for a reason. It will be extremely hot. But you won't be spending any time there so maybe that doesn't matter to you. Your plan to use PS as a base for LA, Santa Monica, San Diego etc is pretty nutty IMO.
You know it is a lot of driving so you are planning to lump >>San Fernando Valley/Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica
BUT -- "I am getting a great deal on a 5 star luxury resort, so I couldnt pass it up. "
Um -- there is a reason you got such a 'great deal'. Summer in PS is the very lowest of low seasons for a reason. It will be extremely hot. But you won't be spending any time there so maybe that doesn't matter to you. Your plan to use PS as a base for LA, Santa Monica, San Diego etc is pretty nutty IMO.
You know it is a lot of driving so you are planning to lump >>San Fernando Valley/Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica
Apr 17th, 2010, 11:00 PM
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ok. well, thus far looks like we may have to divide the san fernando/beverly hills/hollywood/santa monica from being into one day, into two different days then.
im also planning to dedicate a single day apartheid from the two days aforementioned just for venturing into long beach & san pedro.
my total length of stay is 7 days, so that alone should give me time to see and do many things.
im also planning to dedicate a single day apartheid from the two days aforementioned just for venturing into long beach & san pedro.
my total length of stay is 7 days, so that alone should give me time to see and do many things.
Apr 18th, 2010, 07:29 AM
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Have you looked at a map? This is one of the worst travel plans Ive ever seen posted on here. It will be well over 100* in Palm Springs and you're planning to drive to LA and San Diego each day?
I dont think you're going to get help with this one here because no one who lives here would do this. Please cancel your reservation in PS and book other accomadations.... some in SD and some in LA.
Please
I dont think you're going to get help with this one here because no one who lives here would do this. Please cancel your reservation in PS and book other accomadations.... some in SD and some in LA.
Please
Apr 18th, 2010, 07:56 AM
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Did you book this as a timeshare or are you staying at the hotel? If it is the hotel and you can cancel - PLEASE do - as mentioned this is one of the worst ideas I have seen.
If you are intent on doing this...
The day you arrive I would head directly to the zoo and enjoy the day there. The Whaley House is open till 9:30 and takes very little time. Not that interesting imo (having been there) - have dinner in Old Town and head out to Palm Springs after. Now, if you finish with the Zoo (I recommend taking the double decker bus and sitting on top to get an excellent overview of the zoo) - and the whaley house early - head to La Jolla - and have dinner @ Georges upstairs on the patio - and walk around the cove - check out the sea lions @ the children's pool.
I recommend the tour of the Midway - I think it is far more interesting than the Queen Mary - but jmo. That is also in San Diego.
Palm Springs is a very quiet area with not a ton to "do" or see imo. We own a timeshare at the resort you are going to but spend our time @ the spa, my dh golfing, dining and relaxing by the pool.
You would be far better off (Just the money you spend in gas alone is going to be crazy and would make up for any money you are saving on hotels) staying in San Diego and LA.
If you are intent on doing this...
The day you arrive I would head directly to the zoo and enjoy the day there. The Whaley House is open till 9:30 and takes very little time. Not that interesting imo (having been there) - have dinner in Old Town and head out to Palm Springs after. Now, if you finish with the Zoo (I recommend taking the double decker bus and sitting on top to get an excellent overview of the zoo) - and the whaley house early - head to La Jolla - and have dinner @ Georges upstairs on the patio - and walk around the cove - check out the sea lions @ the children's pool.
I recommend the tour of the Midway - I think it is far more interesting than the Queen Mary - but jmo. That is also in San Diego.
Palm Springs is a very quiet area with not a ton to "do" or see imo. We own a timeshare at the resort you are going to but spend our time @ the spa, my dh golfing, dining and relaxing by the pool.
You would be far better off (Just the money you spend in gas alone is going to be crazy and would make up for any money you are saving on hotels) staying in San Diego and LA.
Apr 18th, 2010, 08:41 AM
#7
Sunday the 20th is the only good idea I see in a bad plan....even if you've paid for that night in Palm Springs, you might consider a room near LA on that night to make a two day trip of it. There are basic $60 rooms available in the LAX airport area on Sundays, generally, just don't choose a place with a $30 parking fee. Back and forth to Palm Springs on Sun/Mon will cost you $40 in gas anyway, so it's a no-brainer.
On other days, either leave Palm Springs at 6am or wait until 9am....and at the end of your days don't head back until at least 7:30pm.
On other days, either leave Palm Springs at 6am or wait until 9am....and at the end of your days don't head back until at least 7:30pm.
Apr 18th, 2010, 10:17 AM
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Onemoney - I totally understand. I think this beats one day in each city in Europe in 2 weeks. ;-)
Really, we are trying to help you orchid. I looked @ your profile - if that is a photo of you - you are a young woman - stay in the gaslamp in San Diego - and do priceline for Santa Monica... promise you will have a better trip.
Really, we are trying to help you orchid. I looked @ your profile - if that is a photo of you - you are a young woman - stay in the gaslamp in San Diego - and do priceline for Santa Monica... promise you will have a better trip.
Apr 18th, 2010, 01:29 PM
#10
"my total length of stay is 7 days, so that alone should give me time to see and do many things."
Not really. Most of those are weekdays and the traffic will be very bad. Now you are talking about using 3 days to drive to the western side of the LA basin. Palm Springs to those places is NOT a good plan. Unless you have pre-paid for your accommodations, you really should consider canceling and finding other places to stay.
Everyone who has posted to help you live in California. We know how difficult your plan is. Unfortunately it sounds like the 'good deal' on the hotel has persuaded you that this is workable. It isn't - honest.
If you can't cancel your room - then you are in a bit of a hole. But if it is cheap enough, maybe you could 'eat' a night or two and stay in a hotel in San Diego one night and somewhere in the Santa Monica/LAX area one night.
Not really. Most of those are weekdays and the traffic will be very bad. Now you are talking about using 3 days to drive to the western side of the LA basin. Palm Springs to those places is NOT a good plan. Unless you have pre-paid for your accommodations, you really should consider canceling and finding other places to stay.
Everyone who has posted to help you live in California. We know how difficult your plan is. Unfortunately it sounds like the 'good deal' on the hotel has persuaded you that this is workable. It isn't - honest.
If you can't cancel your room - then you are in a bit of a hole. But if it is cheap enough, maybe you could 'eat' a night or two and stay in a hotel in San Diego one night and somewhere in the Santa Monica/LAX area one night.
Apr 18th, 2010, 03:04 PM
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With your plan to stay in PS, you will spend hours and hours and hours for days and days driving on freeways and fighting the inevitable incidents of traffic congestion. Your plan sounds like a total nightmare to me. Since the driving in So Cal is so aggravating, you should minimize it by staying very close to your sightseeing spots.
Apr 18th, 2010, 03:44 PM
#13
I agree with all the previous comments. I'll add that, IMO, Ports o' Call in San Pedro and the Queen Mary in Long Beach aren't worth the drive. I realize this is YOUR wish list, not mine, but these two destinations don't relate geographically to anything else on your list and are truly, again IMO, forgettable.
Apr 18th, 2010, 04:58 PM
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Jean - I had meant to add that as well. I was just in Long Beach for the weekend a few weeks ago - dd had an event there - and I do not see it was a destination for a drive from Palm Springs... jmo of course. We had a nice few days but *had to be there. So many other choices in Southern California - spend the day in Laguna beach 
Apr 18th, 2010, 10:11 PM
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ok. to clarify, im simply seeking things to do in san diego, orange county, and los angeles county. everyone keeps getting so hung up on the fact im staying in palm springs-and commuting back and forth to there, so just dismiss that aspect, and focus your thoughts on just providing me with ideas on what to see and do in los angeles, san diego, and orange county.
Apr 18th, 2010, 10:29 PM
#19
"so just dismiss that aspect,"
Sorry - can't really do that. You simply won't have the time or energy to see many of the amazing things in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. You are totally discounting the terrible logistics of staying in Palm Springs.
I'd suggest you just buy a guide book and after you've read it, decide what to try to see . . . .
That may sound rude - but most things we'd recommend are too far away for you.
Sorry - can't really do that. You simply won't have the time or energy to see many of the amazing things in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. You are totally discounting the terrible logistics of staying in Palm Springs.
I'd suggest you just buy a guide book and after you've read it, decide what to try to see . . . .
That may sound rude - but most things we'd recommend are too far away for you.
Apr 19th, 2010, 05:20 AM
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osakaorchid:
For your day in San Diego, I'd recommend the ZOO, Coronado Island (The Brigantine's fish tacos),seeing the Midway,Balboa Park and an evening downtown in the gaslamp quarter and as suggested or maybe up to George's in LaJolla for dinner. You will have time for one of those activities with you 11 AM arrival.
How late do you mind getting back to your hotel? Will you be having your evening meals at your hotel, McDonald's in the car or will you be staying on the coast for dinner and then returning to your hotel?
You'll have maybe five hours each day to play and the rest of the time be in your car commuting. On the other hand... this will give you a GREAT idea of our freeway systems in Southern CA!
Have you purchased that map yet?
For your day in San Diego, I'd recommend the ZOO, Coronado Island (The Brigantine's fish tacos),seeing the Midway,Balboa Park and an evening downtown in the gaslamp quarter and as suggested or maybe up to George's in LaJolla for dinner. You will have time for one of those activities with you 11 AM arrival.
How late do you mind getting back to your hotel? Will you be having your evening meals at your hotel, McDonald's in the car or will you be staying on the coast for dinner and then returning to your hotel?
You'll have maybe five hours each day to play and the rest of the time be in your car commuting. On the other hand... this will give you a GREAT idea of our freeway systems in Southern CA!
Have you purchased that map yet?
