CA Road Trip Report
Sep 14th, 2006, 05:04 AM
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CA Road Trip Report
After all of the great advice I received on this board, a trip report is the least I could do. Thanks again for all of the wonderful information! Be warned, it's long!
OK, so the first thing I learned on my California trip was:
10 hour flight + driving on the wrong/right side of the road + automatic car + 6 lane freeways= getting lost
Yes, the Irish have arrived in L.A!
Seriously, after a (ahem) slight detour, we finally made our way to Santa Monica,
for the L.A leg of our journey. Absolutely loved this place – just what I needed for the first few days of my holiday – miles & miles of inviting sand & great weather. The beach is heaven! Rented some bikes and cycled to Venice Beach & around the “canals” by Venice. Stayed at Ambrose hotel – fabulous hotel. Rooms were extremely comfortable & breakfast was yummy. Only drawback was that it was about 20 (boring) blocks from the beach. Would recommend it though, and would certainly stay there again, as it was much cheaper than hotels of similar grading in the area.
Whilst in Santa Monica, we used it as a base for L.A. sightseeing:
Did the Warner Bros VIP tour – great tour. I highly recommend it. Sat on the “Friends” Couch in the Central Perk and was “sorted” into Gryffindor, much to my delight! DB was most impressed with the two bat-mobiles.
Did the Hollywood thing – the area is a bit run down, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Arnie’s hands are so small! Pressed my nose against the store windows on Rodeo Drive – but alas, didn’t make any purchases.
Ate at Ocean Avenue Seafood one night- was disappointed. I am a big fan of seafood and have to say this was one of the worst meals we had on our trip. Ate at this great café called 17th Street Cafe – excellent food and cheap compared to Ocean Ave Seafood. Huge portions too!
Hit the outlet stores at Camarillo on the way out of here – I found some good bargains, and managed to do some serious damage to my credit card in the process!
Took the short drive to Santa Barbara. What a cute town! Stayed at the Marina beach motel – superb & just like a motel from the movies! Great location and the rooms were comfortable & well equipped. Ate at the Waterfront Bar & Grill – Brophys had a long wait -good “traditional American food”. Again, rented some bikes and cycled around the pier, Courthouse & Mission, as well as down State St. Highlight was definitely the Courthouse.
Took the scenic winery route out of S.B through Los Olivos, as suggested on my original post. Unfortunately, we were too late for wine tasting (which finishes at 4.30 – who drinks in the am?), but the scenery was great here.
Next to San Simeon. Not much to say about this place – basically a strip of hotels catering for Hearst Castle. Stayed and ate at the Best Western Cavalier. Room was a bit outdated but fine. Food was good. One of the highlights of my trip was here though – the hotel have chiminees which they light at sunset. It was amazing just sitting out at the ocean by firelight, listening to the waves crash in.
Hearst Castle is a must see – got some great interior design tips – now, anyone selling Spanish Antique ceilings on Ebay? Did tour 2, which has a lot less people on it than tour 1 (only 12 people on our tour). Our guide was excellent, and very knowledgeable. We stopped at the Piedras Blancas Seal Rookery and saw (and smelt) the elephant seals – a first for me. Definitely worth a stop.
From here, we commenced our drive up the Big Sur. Wow. What a drive. Amazing views. We stopped at Limelkiln State Park & Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, as well as a lot of the turnouts. Did the horse back riding trip in Andrew Molera. Great park, but we had some “excitable horses”, to say the least. Got a bit of a fright when the horse galloped off with me, whilst trying to get me off his back. Needless to say, won’t be trying my hand at this for a while! The parks were nice, but nothing compared to Point Lobos or Yosemite, as mentioned further on. Ate at Cielo’s for lunch – food just ok, but nice views.
Stayed at Lucia Lodge. Nice views, but something about the rustic charm didn’t appeal to me. The food was so-so at dinner, but breakfast was hearty. We had some plumbing problems, where our toilet overflowed onto the bathroom floor!
Our next night was spent in Carmel. This was such a quaint little place. Very quiet, but picturesque. Stayed at the Lobos Lodge, which was lovely, and very spacious! We ate in this little Thai restaurant across the street from the hotel – yum! Went to Point Lobos – I was blown away. Did the Cypress Grove Trail, the Sea Otter Trail and the Bird Island Trail. A beautiful place, with some great treks and lots to see. Took a visit to Carmel beach which is spectacular, and then exited through the 17 mile drive, as the BF is a keen golfer. Went onto Monterey, visited the aquarium. I really enjoyed this, especially the sea otters –they are so much fun!
Eventually made it to San Francisco, after another slight detour! Stayed at the Nob Hill Motor Inn – great place, with such helpful staff! Spent the first day wandering around – took in Chinatwown, North Beach, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Fishermans Wharf. Took the Alcatraz trip which was superb – the audio tour was the best I have ever heard. Cycled over the golden gate bridge and took the ferry back from Sausilito. Took the cable car ride– had the most hilarious driver who had us giggling all the way – brilliant. Ate at the Slanted Door – this was absolutely delicious and I highly recommend this to anyone visiting San Francisco. Great views of the Bay Bridge at night too.
Five hours after leaving S.F.O, we were in Yosemite. Entered via the “Priests Grade” – a zig zag road not for the faint hearted! This place is out of this world. Hiked to Sentintel Dome and then down to Glacier Point and back. Highlight was definitely standing on top of Sentinel Dome looking down – amazing! Rented bikes in the Valley and cycled around the Valley Floor, stopping at Mirror Lake & the Happy Isles.
Went to Mariposa Grove and did the tram tour. Then relaxed at the river by the Swinging Bridge at Wawona.
Ate at the Wawona Hotel, Mountain Room and Degnans Pizza – Mountain Room was by far the best.
We left Yosemite by the Tioga Pass, stopping to climb Pothole Dome and also to relax by Tenaya lake. This is so different to the other parts of the park, but equally as beautiful.
Had lunch at the Whoa Nelly Deli – fish tacos – yum! Spent a delightful night in Bishop (Best Western Creekside Inn). Just chilled out by the pool which was much needed after all of the activity at Yosemite. At at the Whiskey Creek Inn and sampled some of their home brewed beer – delicious on both counts.
From here we made a fleeting stop in Death Valley, which was much to hot for my liking. Unfortunately, we didn’t hang around and see the sights, as we Irish aren’t used to those temperatures! Drove from Death Valley to Las Vegas.
Needless to say, I lost money gambling, but enjoyed the experience of Vegas. Did the casinos and the shopping thing. Flew over the Hoover dam and the grand canyon in a sightseeing plane- not for those who don’t like flying as there was lots of turbulence due to the air pockets created by the canyons (so we were told). Flew over the strip at night on the way back, which was pretty cool.
Flew from Vegas to N.Y. where we took in the sights – Empire State, USS Intrepid, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockerfeller Centre, Battery Park, Financial District, Central Park and of course, some obligatory shopping.
Then home
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to California (Nevada, Arizona and NY)- I will most definitely be back, if only to drive Highway 1 one more time!
OK, so the first thing I learned on my California trip was:
10 hour flight + driving on the wrong/right side of the road + automatic car + 6 lane freeways= getting lost
Yes, the Irish have arrived in L.A!
Seriously, after a (ahem) slight detour, we finally made our way to Santa Monica,
for the L.A leg of our journey. Absolutely loved this place – just what I needed for the first few days of my holiday – miles & miles of inviting sand & great weather. The beach is heaven! Rented some bikes and cycled to Venice Beach & around the “canals” by Venice. Stayed at Ambrose hotel – fabulous hotel. Rooms were extremely comfortable & breakfast was yummy. Only drawback was that it was about 20 (boring) blocks from the beach. Would recommend it though, and would certainly stay there again, as it was much cheaper than hotels of similar grading in the area.
Whilst in Santa Monica, we used it as a base for L.A. sightseeing:
Did the Warner Bros VIP tour – great tour. I highly recommend it. Sat on the “Friends” Couch in the Central Perk and was “sorted” into Gryffindor, much to my delight! DB was most impressed with the two bat-mobiles.
Did the Hollywood thing – the area is a bit run down, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Arnie’s hands are so small! Pressed my nose against the store windows on Rodeo Drive – but alas, didn’t make any purchases.
Ate at Ocean Avenue Seafood one night- was disappointed. I am a big fan of seafood and have to say this was one of the worst meals we had on our trip. Ate at this great café called 17th Street Cafe – excellent food and cheap compared to Ocean Ave Seafood. Huge portions too!
Hit the outlet stores at Camarillo on the way out of here – I found some good bargains, and managed to do some serious damage to my credit card in the process!
Took the short drive to Santa Barbara. What a cute town! Stayed at the Marina beach motel – superb & just like a motel from the movies! Great location and the rooms were comfortable & well equipped. Ate at the Waterfront Bar & Grill – Brophys had a long wait -good “traditional American food”. Again, rented some bikes and cycled around the pier, Courthouse & Mission, as well as down State St. Highlight was definitely the Courthouse.
Took the scenic winery route out of S.B through Los Olivos, as suggested on my original post. Unfortunately, we were too late for wine tasting (which finishes at 4.30 – who drinks in the am?), but the scenery was great here.
Next to San Simeon. Not much to say about this place – basically a strip of hotels catering for Hearst Castle. Stayed and ate at the Best Western Cavalier. Room was a bit outdated but fine. Food was good. One of the highlights of my trip was here though – the hotel have chiminees which they light at sunset. It was amazing just sitting out at the ocean by firelight, listening to the waves crash in.
Hearst Castle is a must see – got some great interior design tips – now, anyone selling Spanish Antique ceilings on Ebay? Did tour 2, which has a lot less people on it than tour 1 (only 12 people on our tour). Our guide was excellent, and very knowledgeable. We stopped at the Piedras Blancas Seal Rookery and saw (and smelt) the elephant seals – a first for me. Definitely worth a stop.
From here, we commenced our drive up the Big Sur. Wow. What a drive. Amazing views. We stopped at Limelkiln State Park & Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, as well as a lot of the turnouts. Did the horse back riding trip in Andrew Molera. Great park, but we had some “excitable horses”, to say the least. Got a bit of a fright when the horse galloped off with me, whilst trying to get me off his back. Needless to say, won’t be trying my hand at this for a while! The parks were nice, but nothing compared to Point Lobos or Yosemite, as mentioned further on. Ate at Cielo’s for lunch – food just ok, but nice views.
Stayed at Lucia Lodge. Nice views, but something about the rustic charm didn’t appeal to me. The food was so-so at dinner, but breakfast was hearty. We had some plumbing problems, where our toilet overflowed onto the bathroom floor!
Our next night was spent in Carmel. This was such a quaint little place. Very quiet, but picturesque. Stayed at the Lobos Lodge, which was lovely, and very spacious! We ate in this little Thai restaurant across the street from the hotel – yum! Went to Point Lobos – I was blown away. Did the Cypress Grove Trail, the Sea Otter Trail and the Bird Island Trail. A beautiful place, with some great treks and lots to see. Took a visit to Carmel beach which is spectacular, and then exited through the 17 mile drive, as the BF is a keen golfer. Went onto Monterey, visited the aquarium. I really enjoyed this, especially the sea otters –they are so much fun!
Eventually made it to San Francisco, after another slight detour! Stayed at the Nob Hill Motor Inn – great place, with such helpful staff! Spent the first day wandering around – took in Chinatwown, North Beach, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Fishermans Wharf. Took the Alcatraz trip which was superb – the audio tour was the best I have ever heard. Cycled over the golden gate bridge and took the ferry back from Sausilito. Took the cable car ride– had the most hilarious driver who had us giggling all the way – brilliant. Ate at the Slanted Door – this was absolutely delicious and I highly recommend this to anyone visiting San Francisco. Great views of the Bay Bridge at night too.
Five hours after leaving S.F.O, we were in Yosemite. Entered via the “Priests Grade” – a zig zag road not for the faint hearted! This place is out of this world. Hiked to Sentintel Dome and then down to Glacier Point and back. Highlight was definitely standing on top of Sentinel Dome looking down – amazing! Rented bikes in the Valley and cycled around the Valley Floor, stopping at Mirror Lake & the Happy Isles.
Went to Mariposa Grove and did the tram tour. Then relaxed at the river by the Swinging Bridge at Wawona.
Ate at the Wawona Hotel, Mountain Room and Degnans Pizza – Mountain Room was by far the best.
We left Yosemite by the Tioga Pass, stopping to climb Pothole Dome and also to relax by Tenaya lake. This is so different to the other parts of the park, but equally as beautiful.
Had lunch at the Whoa Nelly Deli – fish tacos – yum! Spent a delightful night in Bishop (Best Western Creekside Inn). Just chilled out by the pool which was much needed after all of the activity at Yosemite. At at the Whiskey Creek Inn and sampled some of their home brewed beer – delicious on both counts.
From here we made a fleeting stop in Death Valley, which was much to hot for my liking. Unfortunately, we didn’t hang around and see the sights, as we Irish aren’t used to those temperatures! Drove from Death Valley to Las Vegas.
Needless to say, I lost money gambling, but enjoyed the experience of Vegas. Did the casinos and the shopping thing. Flew over the Hoover dam and the grand canyon in a sightseeing plane- not for those who don’t like flying as there was lots of turbulence due to the air pockets created by the canyons (so we were told). Flew over the strip at night on the way back, which was pretty cool.
Flew from Vegas to N.Y. where we took in the sights – Empire State, USS Intrepid, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockerfeller Centre, Battery Park, Financial District, Central Park and of course, some obligatory shopping.
Then home
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to California (Nevada, Arizona and NY)- I will most definitely be back, if only to drive Highway 1 one more time!
Sep 14th, 2006, 08:31 AM
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Glad you enjoyed your visit to CA jools! I would agree with not staying in San Simeon to visit Hearst Castle. Every time I see that recommendation, I shake my head. But different strokes for different folks! Thanks for the post!
Sep 14th, 2006, 09:45 AM
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Great trip report! Great trip! I think you did a lot of fun things, I am an ocean person so much of it sounded good to me.
I travel to Ireland alot as my mother lives in Co. Roscommon! LOve it there!
Talk about beautiful seascapes!
Alas, I live in the desert....we are only 1.5 hours from Death Valley and tour buses stop in my town on their way there....its interesting but since I'm a beach person I'm not a hugh fan but we do take any tourists who come to visit us...which are few and far between-not too many desert lovers! (at least not many that we know!!).
Anyway, I identified with a lot of your trip!
Thanks for all the great details!
Shadow
I travel to Ireland alot as my mother lives in Co. Roscommon! LOve it there!
Talk about beautiful seascapes!
Alas, I live in the desert....we are only 1.5 hours from Death Valley and tour buses stop in my town on their way there....its interesting but since I'm a beach person I'm not a hugh fan but we do take any tourists who come to visit us...which are few and far between-not too many desert lovers! (at least not many that we know!!).
Anyway, I identified with a lot of your trip!
Thanks for all the great details!
Shadow
Sep 14th, 2006, 10:05 AM
#6
Thanks for reporting back. I remember your trip planning thread. This is a good one for others to follow. I have stayed in both San Simeon and Cambria. Cambria is a little bit more of a destination (not much IMO)and has some better choices for eating, but San Simeon is fine if you just want to sit on the balcony at night and take off first thing the next morning for Hearst.
Well done.
Well done.
