Planning a CA coast trip, mid June. 3 of us traveling togehter... early 30s... we like to see and do it all. A restful, peaceful trip is NOT in our plans. Looking for rec'd on things to do & places to stay... not looking for luxury, we don't plan on being in the room much. Safe and clean is fine. Mom & pop type motels are fine as long as safe and clean.

Tentative itinerary:
Day 1
FLY to SAN FRANCISCO, rent car, drive to 1st stop

STOP #1: 1 NIGHT, PETALUMA/SONOMA/NAPA - which is best for a taste of wine country? Can you rent bikes and ride to a couple of wineries?


STOP #2: 3 NIGHTS, SAN FRANCISCO
Where is best to stay Union Square, Financial District, North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf area?

Tentative plans:
Golden Gate Bridge – walk or bike across?
Golden Gate State Park
Lombard Street
Fisherman’s Wharf
Alcatraz
Cliff House – lunch @ the Bistro?
Maritime Museum - I know it's closed for restoration, but can you get on the ships to explore?

Muir Woods (30 min from SF)- is this the best place to see redwood along my route?

STOP #3: 1 NIGHT, CARMEL/MONTEREY
Monterey Bay Aquarium

STOP @ HEARST CASTLE

STOP #4: 1 NIGHT, SAN LUIS OBISPO
Stay at Madonna Inn - looks cute? anyone ever been?


STOP #5: 2 NIGHTS LOS ANGELES
stay in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or in Hollywood???
Tentative plans:
Griffith Park Observatory
Mann’s Chinese Theatre
Walk of Fame
Santa Monica Pier
Studio tour - any rec'd?

STOP #6: 2 NIGHTS, CARLSBAD/SAN DIEGO
we're staying with a friend here

you might also enjoy a tour of the budweiser distillery at fairfield from SF/ wine country - or even the jelly belly factory!

SF would either stay at Union Square or the wharf - the wharf is a complete tourist trap, but fun! There's a good mexican restaurant in the cannery with great margarita's!

for something a bit different try the alcatraz trip at night, it's very eerie.... but it's a must do.

I like Santa Monica for LA, but depends what you'll be doing while you're there?

You have to pre book the observatory now since they re-opened you can't just turn up.

The Warner Brother's tour is great, have done it a couple of times and saw different things each time. Also went to Universal and did the backlot tour, again they do vary the route from time to time - but got to see Wisteria Lane ! (for Desperate Housewives fans!)

I believe the Griffith Park Observatory is now open without need for reservations.

SF--Save at least $50/nt and stay just south of SF proper. Comfort Suites in So San Fran is right on the rail line. Public trans is cheap and efficient, especially in a driver unfriendly city where parking rates are oppressive. See Alcatraz. Drive over Golden Gate Bridge enrout to Muir Woods. Stop at Berkeley on the way back. See a theatre show.

Palo Alto--Take tour of Stanford Univ. Beautiful campus and artwork.

Monterey Peninsula--After driving through Monterey, Take 17 mile drive ending at Pebble Beach Golf Club.

San Simeon--Hearst Castle a must.

LA--Rent cd or upload podcast of stars homes tour. Walk Rodeo Drive. Go to Venice Beach and Santa Monic Pier. Eat on Melrose. Walk Rodeo. Dodgers game at Chavez Ravine. Eat lunch at Homeboy Cafe in East LA then drive around Echo Park. Eat Dim Sum in Rosemead near Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. Take a tour at Warner Brothers studio. Take a boat, or better yet, a helicopter excursion to Catalina Island.

SD--Point Loma, La Jolla snorkeling, Hotel Coronado tour, great theatre, Padres at Petco.

Check "Calendar of Events in towns you'll be near. If you like theater or sports, you be feasting in SF, LA and SD in June.

Be safe and have a great time!

"Maritime Museum - I know it's closed for restoration, but can you get on the ships to explore?" - yes, it's called "Hyde Street Pier" a block or 2 away from the museum building.

Yeah, Madonna Inn is cute, don't miss the restrooms, they are special Each room has a different theme.

I cannot agree that you should stay south of San Francisco. The area is charmless and you miss the experience of being in the city. It is worth the money to spend your San Francisco days and nights IN the city. I am adament.

For safe & clean I would choose Columbus Motor Inn or Buena Vista Motor Lodge in San Fran, the first one is a little better located. Parking is included which can be $25-$35 a night elsewhere.

In Los Angeles, given what you want to see and do Hollywood is probably best, or West Hollywood. SunsetPlazaHOtel, HotelCelebrity or FarmersDaughterHotel