Hello!

we are a 28 year old couple from Brazil and we're going to be in California for 13 days during this summer. I am going to participate in a sports competition on the day 9 and 10, which is why from day 1 to day 8 we will be staying in San Diego (training, and getting to know the region, shopping, etc), and from day 8 to the midday of day 10 we will be staying in Long Beach (because of the competition). From day 10 to day 13 we want to make a mini road trip. Our plane leaves on day 13 at 11 PM from LAX

Some places that I would really like to know are Yosemite and Big Sur... I know that they are both kind of far, and that I would probably have to choose one, if that. Our time is kind of short, and researching is making me wish so bad that we had at least a couple of days more.

So what i am looking for are tips as to what we can do while in San Diego (and area), what we can do when we are in Long Beach (we will be busy with the competition, but there will be some free time) and during the last 3 and a half

We prefer small towns and villages, and nature. We also want to stay away from huge highways and stick to smaller ones, if possible. We also want to stay away from huge crowds if possible. All recomendations and tips are welcome!!

Thank you very much...

Oh and I would also like to say that we will be with a car the whole time, and we can also make small day trips when we are sleeping in san diego!! thanks

I am sorry but you do not have the time for Yosemite and Big Sur this trip - to drive Highway 1 requires at least one overnight and two is usually recommended. Also Yosemite lodging books up to a year in advance.
What about a day or overnight trip to Julian out of San Diego? It is a nice small town in the mountains. Or maybe go to Temecula and do some wine tasting. Temecula Creek Inn is a nice place to stay, and has a golf course if interested. There are also several nearby Indian casinos, Pechanga is the closest.

You have 3 nights available, right? That's enough time for either Yosemite or Big Sur but not both. I would check Yosemite lodging availability first as that will be harder.

We used info here for our first trip to San Diego; found it very informative and helpful.

http://www.localwally.com/

wtf my comment just disappear! why?

Someone must have thought you were advertising. When a new poster puts a link to a business in their 1st post, it raises suspicions.

thank you very much for the info so far!! please keep them coming