megan_ilko

My boyfriend and I are going to California between August 23rd-Sept 2nd. Our trip begins in San Fran which we would like to spend at least 2 days. We plan on travelling the coast and end up in L.A. I'm trying to plan this trip..but need a bit of advice. I'm trying to look for somewhat cheap deals for hotels & B&b's. We would like to spend under $100/night. ($100 max). Also wondering if there are places to visit that's a "MUST"..Thanks!

ElendilPickle

What are your interests? There is a wide variety of things to do along the coast.

Lee Ann

megan_ilko

Well, we're very open and always willing to try new things..I'd love to go hiking, swimming, visit a vineyard..typical things I suppose a couple would enjoy lol

MmePerdu

Have you looked here?
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...sa/california/

It would save you time here if you narrowed it down a bit.

tenthumbs

To research hotels/B&Bs within your price range, try kayak.com.

StuDudley

Here are my ideas of things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area/wine country/Carmel/Big Sur.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

PS - don't call it Cali of Frisco.

Stu Dudley

Underhill

Or, for that matter, San Fran.

logandog

Or, for that matter, "Cali".

StuDudley

should be "or Frisco"

Stu Dudley

suze

Loads of beautiful and fun things to see and do around Santa Cruz area.
Any and all of the California missions are interesting to see.
Winchester Mystery House in San Jose
Hearst Castle in San Simeon

I think the biggest challenage is going to be your nightly budget. Especially in San Francisco or Los Angeles, I'm just not sure that will be possible.

MmePerdu

To stay on budget use Airbnb for your accommodations. You should find plenty of nice places all over the state. I'm a user of the site as well as a host in California. Choose carefully and I think you'll be pleased: https://www.airbnb.com/

vjpblovesitaly

and don't say Vacay

suze

ah come on now people, please give this newbie a break, and a nicer welcome to these forums. suze

MmePerdu

I restrained myself from scolding for the silly nicknames for our beautifully named places. Maybe the best defense is a good offense. Maybe start threads about Flori, NoCar, SoCar, Okla, and Colo.

tenthumbs

Keep in mind you will be travelling over Labor Day weekend, which my further limit your accommodation possibilities.

Stu Dudley always has excellent recommendations for San Francisco, so be sure to check out the link he provided.

Rastaguytoday

suze - the newbe should do some research before mangling the state and The City names.

suze

There is NO requirement to so "research" before posting on this forum. People come here to DO their research. That's why they are asking us questions. And I think regular posters could be a little kinder, that's all.

tenthumbs

Many people are unaware that locals find certain names for their town/city/state annoying unless someone points it out to them. It never hurts to point it out kindly. We were all newbies once..........

november_moon

Eh, moving on...

Yes, this will be over the Labor Day weekend, so the coast will be busy and lodging may be difficult to come by. Also, many hotels will have a 2 or 3 night minimum over the weekend. So definitely get the itinerary and lodging settled as soon as you can.

The per-night budget for lodging is pretty low, but perhaps workable.

tomfuller

Fifty miles south of San Francisco. Pigeon Point Lighthouse HI Hostel http://norcalhostels.org/pigeon
It is much less than $100/bed. Ask for a lower bunk.
You can't beat the scenery or the price.
There are several other Northern California HI Hostels including 3 in San Francisco