first time in california
 

Hello<BR>I am wondering whether anyone, with a good knowledge of the area, could give me some advice in our planning for a visit to California in July?<BR><BR>If you were first time visitors, and had only two weeks in California, and you had two children what "must sees" would you recommend?<BR><BR>We would like a mixture of beach, nature, and city.<BR><BR>Thank you in anticipation.<BR><BR>Steve Lyon

Disneyland would be one place that I think every kid would want to visit in California.

I'd hit the highlights up or down the coast such as San Diego (the zoo and Sea World), Newport Beach (tie in with Disneyland of course), maybe Universal Studios, then up to Santa Barbara (gorgeous!), then to Monterey/Big Sur,Giant Sequoias (the beautiful nature part of your trip), maybe Hearst Castle in San Simeon, then up to San Francisco.Loads to do there! California is a huge state. From San Diego to San Francisco really only covers 1/2 the state but these are the highlights. You could also of course visit Lake Tahoe if you want some more beautiful scenery and great mountains (had the winter olympics there once). California is really a magnificent state and I try to visit whenever I can. You could easily spend a month there and still have not seen all the highlights. Carrie

I live here and have not seen it all. You need to buy a guide book and start narrowing down some choices then come back on line with specific questions. You do not say if the kids a 2 and 4 or 15 and 18. That makes a difference also.

My husband and I went to California for the first time one week ago. It's such a big state you'll have to take driving time into consideration too. We focused on LA area and San Diego.<BR><BR>Nature - Venice Beach and canals, Santa Monica Mts. Scenic drives along Pacific Coast Hwy. San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.<BR><BR>City - Universal Studios, California Adventure, Hollywood's Mann Theatre, Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museums.<BR>J. Paul Getty Museum (need parking reservations during week) fantastic views. Also you may choose to visit Queen Mary ship. A guidebook will help you decide. <BR><BR>You'll find two weeks go by fast.<BR><BR>

Hi Steve!<BR><BR>California native here. 2 weeks in California for anyone should include Yosemite!

Well I'm also a native Californian. Grew up in Venice, CA have lived in San Diego for 15 years. I hate to admit that I've never been to Yosemite! Yikes! <BR><BR>I recommend spending time in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco

If you are looking for plenty of sun, great beaches, and a city atmosphere, Los Angeles and San Diego can't be beat. You might also want to consider a drive up Highway 1 to Hearst castle (www.hearst-castle.org),Big Sur,and Monterey/Carmel(www.monterey.com