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3 day trip, deciding between SF / SD / LA
Budget:
Planning a vacation for 3 days, really just want to focus on just relaxing. Budget is there for overages but mostly plan to use reward points to cover stays. I am debating between SF/LA/SD So, in summary which city to go with?:
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When is this trip being planned for? Last time I was in San Diego a few years ago, it wasn't really warm enough for beach weather but quite pleasant for walking around and sitting outside for some sun, maybe twice warm enough to sit in hot tub in the afternoon. One nasty rainy day and as there had been a lot of rain in the weeks prior, there were parts of Balboa Park and La Jolla that were closed off as there had been damage.
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San Diego is a fun city with lots to do and see. It will be warmer than the other two. You can visit many sights by using the San Diego Trolley, a streetcar system. Balboa Park has the world-famous zoo. Old Town has historic adobe buildings housing some great Mexican restaurants and Presidio Park. The Embarcadero is along the harbor and fun to wander around. Take a walk at Torrey Pines State Park. Very scenic La Jolla Cove is in a nature park where you might see seals and sea lions. The best beach may be La Jolla Shores beach but the water may be too cold in which to swim but one can sunbath and beachcomb. Other places to visit include Little Italy, Chinatown, the Gaslight Quarter, Belmont Park and the Maritime Museum.
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You should find lodging within your budget before deciding on "near Santa Monica." Generally, the closer to the ocean, the higher the rates. Also, what exactly would you be doing in Santa Monica? If you're just thinking beach, pier, either/both Getty museums, ok. Otherwise, although you could take the train to travel between SM, Exposition Park and DTLA, it would be easy to blow the Uber budget if you're going to criss-cross L.A. to see major attractions not on the Expo rail line.
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First 2 days, I will be covered because of free nights I have for the hotel, so not worried about first 2 nights, last night I would stay near LAX because that is fairly cheaper. Now this would be different if I stayed somewhere out of the area like for example Long Beach.
Which I guess other alternatives to Santa Monica would be Hermosa / Redondo / Manhattan Beach |
It just depends on what you plan to do/see, where you plan to go...
FWIW, staying "near LAX" can be rather bleak depending on what you mean by "near." |
They are all fine cities but totally different. Santa Monica isn't what I think of as "Los Angeles" but it is very nice. I'd want to go downtown myself. I grew up in LA. Neither of these would be my pick for 3 days just to "relax". And I definetly would not stay by LAX even for one night.
San Diego is a pretty city. But as others mentioned, what is the month of travel? It is not beach weather there year round. I don't see an $ allowance for a car rental? You need one for either LA or San Diego. Hermosa / Redondo / Manhattan Beach - OK that's entirely different. But for sure you need a car for those. Again what month? What weather? As far as airfare, you don't say what your home airport location is. For a trip as short as 3 days, and no car, San Francisco makes the most sense. Very interesting city. But again, not really what I think of as a place to "relax". Your hotel budget is too low for the heart of the city. I see you have a similar question about Mexico but again only for a short 5 day trip. |
I do not think of any of your possible destinations as a place to relax. You really need a car for LA or San Diego. Time of year? You are thinking about 4 nights to give you three days?
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Originally Posted by Jean
(Post 17620487)
It just depends on what you plan to do/see, where you plan to go...
FWIW, staying "near LAX" can be rather bleak depending on what you mean by "near."
Originally Posted by suze
(Post 17620510)
They are all fine cities but totally different. Santa Monica isn't what I think of as "Los Angeles" but it is very nice. I'd want to go downtown myself. I grew up in LA. Neither of these would be my pick for 3 days just to "relax". And I definetly would not stay by LAX even for one night.
San Diego is a pretty city. But as others mentioned, what is the month of travel? It is not beach weather there year round. I don't see an $ allowance for a car rental? You need one for either LA or San Diego. Hermosa / Redondo / Manhattan Beach - OK that's entirely different. But for sure you need a car for those. Again what month? What weather? As far as airfare, you don't say what your home airport location is. For a trip as short as 3 days, and no car, San Francisco makes the most sense. Very interesting city. But again, not really what I think of as a place to "relax". Your hotel budget is too low for the heart of the city. I see you have a similar question about Mexico but again only for a short 5 day trip.
Originally Posted by mjs
(Post 17620516)
I do not think of any of your possible destinations as a place to relax. You really need a car for LA or San Diego. Time of year? You are thinking about 4 nights to give you three days?
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ok, appreciate the input but please just stop.
Usually people post here to receive input. That's the purpose of this forum. And happens the three cities you asked about, I lived in one for years, and visited the other two many times. apparently, I need $5000 budget, 25 days off, a perfect time of year even though both cities get over 200 days of sun and I need a rental car to get anything done even though driving would waste about 6 hours a day. No one said any of those things. |
Originally Posted by suze
(Post 17620593)
Usually people post here to receive input. That's the purpose of this forum. And happens the three cities you asked about, I lived in one for years, and visited the other two many times.
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Originally Posted by suze
(Post 17620593)
No one said any of those things.
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San Diego.
There is also Balboa Park to visit. There are a handful of hotels at Liberty Station that are within your budget assuming you mean a winter stay. |
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