If we needed to see a few things in LA and also go to Hollywood, is it best to stay in LA or stay somewhere nearby and go for the day?

You are VERY wise to stay in Anaheim during the convention. It is no picnic commuting in OC let alone from beach communities during rush hour. And don't stay at the hotel in San Clemente- railroad tracks practically run through it.

Yes, The Del is a historic beauty but you'll pay to stay there. If nostalgia is your thing you'll see the value in staying there, if it isn't, you won't. Know during the summer it is packed with non hotel guests.

I think before anyone can offer anymore suggestions they need to know how many days do you have AFTER Disneyland/Anaheim? 10 days- 2 weeks total? 5 free days?

And I would fly into SNA unless you are saving a bundle. It is sooooo much more pleasant than LAX and less of a drive.

SOCALOC:
The price to SNA seems to be the same as the price going to LAX. So I will attempt to fly into there. I was thinking of flying out of San Fran going home and just driving up the coast and staying a few places along the way. I do need to head over to LA and Hollywood (I think for the day?, not sure if that is enough time?)
As far as time goes, the convention is Aug 19-21. I was thinking of getting there maybe the 17th so we could enjoy Disneyland a couple of days before it starts. Then, I was thinking of flying home around Aug 27. I am just really confused as to where to stay or if I should skip the San Fran part and just head down to San Diego. Help!!! lol
Any help would be greated apprciated!

Can you do LA as day trip during the convention?

If your main goal is taking a scenic drive along the coast I'd say it's doable but I'd fly out of San Jose instead of SFO.

You could:

Leave 21st PM after the convention and stay in Ventura. This will help avoid the OC/LA/Ventura county AM traffic quagmire. Wake up, eat breakfast and hit the road early AND relaxed. I'm suggesting Ventura since accommodations are much more affordable than Santa Barbara and you only need a place to rest your head anyway. Plus, you really want to see THE drive to SB during the day.

22nd-Stop by Santa Barbara/Pismo Beach etc. Stay overnight in Cambria/San Simeon.

23rd-All day on Highway 1. Stay in Carmel, Monterey etc area

24th- Sight see in the vicinity.

25th- fly home.

If LA needs to be crammed in somewhere in the above itinerary- it's going to be pretty stressful IMO. San Diego would be easier but it sounds like you vision heading north. I love San Diego but you are talking about two entirely different experiences. Good luck Mers and ask away! :)

SOCALOC:
Thank you for all your suggestions. Yes, I think we are going to have to skip going south of Disney. I think we will also stay in San Fran for a couple of days. As far as staying in Carmel or Monterey, do you recommend one over the other?

I'm not a big fan of Monterey. I would stay in Carmel if you like cute towns, shopping, wandering in villages, large sandy beaches. Or Pacific Grove if you want to stay in a Victorian B&B, close to the ocean/bay.

Stu Dudley

<<<I'm not a big fan of Monterey. I would stay in Carmel if you like cute towns, shopping, wandering in villages, large sandy beaches. Or Pacific Grove if you want to stay in a Victorian B&B, close to the ocean/bay.>>>

That said, they're all within 5 or so miles of each other. In fact, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is physically partly in Monterey and partly in Pacific Grove.

We would probably like Carmel then. Any recommendations on very nice hotels? Is one night enough? or two better?

Depends what you plan to do while there -- for example, if you're going to spend 3 hours at the Aquarium (see other thread entitled "Northern California Trip"), you might need more time. If you're going to hike in Pt. Lobos, you'll need more time. If you're just going to drive down the coast to see the views, turn around and come back, less time.

So:

Aquarium
Wharf
Boat tour
Kayaking
Pt. Lobos/Hiking
Pfeiffer Beach (don't know how it's affected by the road limitations)
Town of Carmel
Pacific Grove walk/bike path

You certainly couldn't go wrong with two nights.

We will not do aquariums, or hiking, or anything like it. We just want to enjoy the views, and maybe do some shopping. We will go up the coast but then fly home from San Francisco.

If all you're doing is driving up the coast from Monterey to San Francisco, with a little eating and shopping on the way, one day should be fine.

Thank you! I will look into hotels in the area. Thanks again for all the help!

any suggestions on hotels in San Francisco? Maybe in an area that you can leave the hotel and walk instead of driving somwhere?

"<i> Maybe in an area that you can leave the hotel and walk instead of driving somwhere?</i>"

No one needs a car in SF.

What is your budget?

I will have a car because I need to drive up from the LA area along the coast. Should I return the car somewhere in SF when I arrive? I probably will stay 2 nights then fly out of SFO.
As far as budget, I would probably go up to 400-500 per night per room, (I think I need 2 rooms because there will be 5 of us).

$400-500 per night per room? There is absolutely no reason to spend that much on a hotel here - this is not Manhattan or London! What would you like to be near -- shopping (Union Square) , beautiful views and near the bay (my person preference - the Embarcadeo), touristy areas (Fisherman's Wharf), top of the [quite steep] hill (Nob Hill)?

I like the Embarcadero (check out the Hotel Vitale) because you can walk everywhere - you are within 20 minutes walk of Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, etc..

What are your dates here? I just randomly checked the Hotel Vitale ($339) and the Hotel Monaco ($251) for July 20-22..

"<i>Should I return the car somewhere in SF when I arrive?</i>"

Normally I'd say yes because parking is sooooo expensive. But w/ that budget, that $45-$50+ a day may not make you blink.

So maybe keep the car in your case -- pick a nice hotel, pay to park the car and still have change from your $400+ a night.

oops-didn't mean to hit submit . . .

But myself, even w/ that budget, I'd probably drop the car downtown (where partly depends on which hotel you choose) and take a cab to SFO on your departure day.

I am looking around Aug. 22-24. I priced the Hotel Vitale, and it will be around $400 per night. I had originally priced the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghiradelli Square. I can get a 2 bedroom city view for $750 per night (instead of getting 2 rooms), or a bay view 2 bedroom for $950 per night. Not sure if this location is any good, or if it is better to stay in the Embarcadeo area or the Union Square area.

Also, if it's better for me to get rid of the car, I can do that. I heard it's kind of crazy getting around SFO airport?