First time to California
 

My husband and I are going for the first time to Los Angles and San Francisco. We are not sure what area to stay in . We are willing to take subways etc to get around. But would like to stay in a nice area and fairly central. Also the sam in San Fran.Any sugges
tions of hotels etc. Thank you for your assistance

Budget? Hotel style? Interests?

In LA you will need a car to get to the popular sites. In San Francisco, you can get around by walking, using buses, Cable Cars, and ferries.

Here is something I wrote awhile back:

San Francisco Hotel Locations

San Francisco Hotel Areas
It seems that about once every week, there is a discussion about “where to stay” while visiting San Francisco – especially for first timers. Most people ask about either the Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, or the Marina hotel areas. Here are some thoughts, with a little of my bias thrown in:

1. Union Square - This is downtown’s fashionable shopping/dining/hotel area. The “Grand” hotels are here, and a few blocks north on Nob Hill (very steep to walk there, however). The big department stores are close by, along with many smaller shops and “boutique” hotels. It is also next to the theater district. Perhaps our most “elegant” restaurants are in this area (Fleur de Lys, Farallon, Masa’s, Ritz Carlton, Michael Minna, etc). There are fewer “simple”, “Mom-n-Pop”, or ethnic restaurants than you will find in other parts of the City – except a little west in the Tenderloin, which might scare a few first timers at night. The Cable Cars run by Union Square, so you can get to the Wharf area quickly. You can get off the Hyde St C.C. line at Union St for a walk downhill to Union St/Chestnut St (Cow Hollow/Marina). The major drawback is it’s proximity to the gritty Tenderloin, which is immediately west & south of Union Square. I don’t know if crime rates are higher, but you will feel a little more threatened than you will in the other three districts I’ll describe. There are many high-rise buildings, so there’s a little less sunlight than you will find elsewhere. Union Sq. is perhaps not as “family oriented” as the other hotel areas. It gets more business travelers, and people who want a little more “luxury” in their hotel. Union Square is a bit “dead” on Sundays, and not as lively as the other places in the evening. I don’t enjoy strolling after dinner in this area as much as I do on Union St/Chestnut St. If you have a car, you will regret it. Parking is very expensive ($50 per night or so), and driving is difficult.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf is mostly inhabited by tourists. Plenty of souvenir shops selling T-shirts & other things to remind you of your visit to SF. Local entertainment includes a wax museum, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not, and now a Hooters – things kids might enjoy (except for the Hooters). You won’t find many locals in this area (and if you did – they wouldn’t admit it). Most restaurants are tourist oriented, and most locals feel they are mediocre at best. Good proximity to the Cable Cars, which is a plus. Nice views out into the Bay. It’s also within walking distance of North Beach, which should be on everyone’s agenda for at least one Italian dinner and “people watching” evening. With the Cable Cars, it’s quick to get downtown, but you might have to wait in line for 30 mins or so at peak times. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Union St/Chestnut St areas (see 4th option for description). The Wharf is a perfectly safe area (from crime, vagrants, etc). Hotels usually charge $25-$40 per day for parking. Lively (with tourists) every day. If you want to stay in a typical non-San Francisco environment, this is a good choice

3. The Embarcadero This area is directly on the waterfront at the “foot” of Market St. It’s on the eastern edge of the Financial District – so it’s quite active on work days. This area is great for public transportation because the cable car, Muni Metro, normal Muni, and BART are close by. The Ferry building is located here, so it’s great for taking the ferry to various locations around the bay. There is a Farmers Market on Saturdays & Tuesdays at the Ferry Building, and food stalls & restaurants inside the Ferry Bldg which are open every day. It is an easy walk or public transportation to the other hotel areas - except a little difficult for the Marina & Union St. If you like to be near the water & out of the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area, then this would be a great choice. Lots of restaurants in this area. If you like to take long walks or jog, the Embarcadero is perfectly flat, so it is great for a morning or evening walk/stroll/jog.

4. Marina. There are many motels along Lombard St, which are (in general) cheaper and much more simple than the ones you will find in the other districts. The main advantage to this area, in my opinion, is that it has more typical SF “flavor” than the other spots. Lombard St is one block from Chestnut St, and three blocks from Union St. Both these streets are loaded with boutiques, restaurants, and buildings with unique architecture (Victorians on Union, Art Deco on Chestnut). When we first moved to San Francisco almost 35 years ago, I remember a poster that said “If you left your heart in San Francisco, you will probably find it on Union St”. This is a residential area and you will find many locals doing their daily “stuff.” On a Sunday morning (especially if it’s sunny) you will see many folks going to the exercise studio, having breakfast at one of the many outdoor café’s, and standing on the street with their “lattes” and chatting with friends. There are no “elegant” restaurants in this area, but many of the type that locals enjoy (Isa, Betelnut, Balboa Café, A16). This is a good area for strolling during the day, before dinner, and after dinner – it is quite lively, especially on weekends. It’s about a 30 min walk to the Wharf, where you can catch a Cable Car (or walk up Union St to catch the CC). East of the Union St shopping area, (just past Van Ness) is Polk St, where there are more nice shops & restaurants. Also on Polk St is La Folie, which is one of my favorite restaurants (if someone else is buying) and also one of the highest “rated” in the City. This is a perfectly safe area. One of it’s best advantages, is that you can park a car free at many of the Motels. Also, it is an easy area to drive in (although there are steep hills just south), and it’s a quick trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to my favorite view in all the Bay Area (GGNRA, just north and to the west of the Bridge).

Stu Dudley

We have always been happy with a downtown location in Los Angeles. The city center is compact and totally walkable: the financial district, the cathedral, the historic pueblo, the leftovers of historic downtown, the impressive civic center, the covered market, the spectacular opera building, the hotels...

Last time we stayed at the Biltmore - got an excellent weekend rate. Even if you stay elsewhere: a tour through the Biltmore's public areas is a must.

For San Francisco, read this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu's description of the hotel "areas" in San Francisco is excellent, although I would make Nob Hill a "5th" such area rather than lumping it together with Union Square. It's only a few "blocks" (on the map) from Union Square but a world apart in ambiance, plus, as he said, it's at the top of some very steep hills.

In LA I would stay in Santa Monica and in SF I would stay in Noe Valley or the Haight. The typical tourist areas in SF such as Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf (blech) are not really that interesting.

Thank you both for the very useful informaion. We are also going to drive along the coast, I have a few places that I want to see but not sure where to stay overnight. Any thoughts?

If you drive north along the coast from LA, some places to stay are Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Carmel, Monterey.

Staying in Big Sur is another good choice.

Since you already plan to stay in large cities (SF & LA) I would choose smaller venues.
After LA:
- Night 1 in San Simeon & visit Hearst Castle
- Night 2 in Big Sur. Explore the coastal lookouts & visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park, Pfeiffer beach, lunch or dinner at Nepenthe
- Night 2 & 3 in Carmel, visiting beautiful Pt Lobos on the way to Carmel, Carmel beach, Aquarium , browsing shops & interesting houses in Carmel. Spanish Bay in Pacific Grove, bay around Pacific Grove.

2 1/4 hrs to SF if you miss commute traffic.

Stu Dudley

You are a wealth of information.

Thank you

Sandy

I would stay downtown SF, somewhere nr Union Square -- then you are centrally located to everything. The Sir Francis Drake is a decent hotel in a great location, and usually has good rates. You might also check some of the Kimpton properties, like Hotel Palomar, for something reasonable, stylish, and good location. If budget is no issue, I'd stay the the Fairmont, the Palace (St.Regis) or W.

Just to clarify, the "Palace" is the Sheraton at Market & 2nd Street. The St. Regis is at Market and 3rd, next to MOMA.

Any suggestions on places to stay in Los Angles, maybe by the water?
Thank you

Places by the water can be pricey in LA. Lowe's in Santa Monica is nice and right on the beach.

Thank you

If you want something really reasonable in Santa Monica you might like The Sea Shore Motel

http://www.seashoremotel.com/

It is on Main street at the southern end of Santa Monica close to the much more expensive Loews, Shutters, etc. but better located in my opinion because it is right across the street from the Farmers Market which happens once or twice a week and only 1/2 block to the beach. There are great restaurants up and down Main and you aren't up on the cliffs like you are further north in Santa Monica. And a huge plus in the other compared to other hotels-they have free parking and free Wifi. We live in LA. and it is a place we recommend a lot to visitors.

It is very simple-not fancy and no pool. Oh and agreat little Italian cafe called Amelia's that is a hit with locals for coffee and breakfast is right out front. There is also a new place down the street called the Grand Orange that makes these incredible homemade English muffins and sea salt chocolate chips cookies.

http://www.lagrandeorangesm.com/

Again this is a very simple place-kind of old style Santa Monica from the 60's but it is family owned and well kept. They also have suites with a more beds and an kitchenette I believe.

Another option on the beach in greater L.A.:

http://www.beach-house.com/hermosa-beach-hotels.html

And another option, although more expensive and a few blocks from the beach:

http://www.shadehotel.com/

Lastly, the budget option:

http://www.theseaviewinn.com/index.htm

just to throw in one more option yet - Orange County. The coastal cities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar,
Huntington Beach. Orange County will be the southern coastal cities from the areas and options mentioned above. There are many restaurant options, both fine and casual dining. Laguna Beach has the feel of a small upscale beach town that has a lot of small art galleries, small stores that sell unique ( ? this is relative, i must say ) items, cafes and non chain but good restaurants. Depending on when you are coming, Laguna Beach is also home to Pageant of the Masters. Pageant... is an exhibit of well known masterpieces i.e. Velasquez's Las Meninas, da Vinci's Mona Lisa, etc that have live people posing frozen to replicate the original work. There's also the Sawdust Festival which is an art festival. Huntington Beach has the surfing culture and feel of a surf city and has the widest beach among all Orange County beach cities. You will find surfers and lots of sun worshippers here. On weekends, there is flea market type tents set up by the beach where you can buy all kinds of beach/surf related items and much more.

If Disneyland is a possible destination for you, it's also in Orange County, a little bit on the inland part. The hotel connected to Disneyland, The Grand Californian, is a nice hotel that has the ambience of an upscale lodge and has a good restaurant ( Napa Rose ) that features a wide selection of Napa Valley wines and offers California cuisine. Orange County is "centrally located" if you're going to San Diego, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm (another amusement park)

For hotel recs, OC has both large 5-star hotel chain properties such as St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Montage as well as smaller, really nice hotel such as Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach.

What are your interests and what types of activities do you enjoy? Do you seek good restaurants in your destination (aka are you a foodie? )

Do you suggest that we take a tour out or should we do everything oursleves. We will have a car but I heard parking can be difficult. We wanted to see shows ie the Jay Leno etc but I know that come the summer most shows are no airing. Is there a good website that you can suggest?
thank you. Yes we love good food not expensive.

How do you get tickets for the tv shows. I realize that it will be in July when most shows are not tapeing.

www.tvtickets.com
www.tvtix.com
www.ocatv.com

Great!

Listen to Stu

Forgot to mention about the TV taping schedules. They only post them about 30 days in advance, so keep checking back regularly.

I think you can only get Jay Leno tickets if you show up and stand in line the day of the show. You can, however, see his stand-up routine where he tries out his jokes at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach on most Sunday nights.
www.comedyandmagicclub.com

We are staying at the Sofitel at 8555 Beverly Blvd and La Clenega Blvd. I know there is a big mall accross the street (yes) but what about any good restaurants especially for breakfast? Thanks

The Beverly Center is across the street..
Sofitel is a nice luxury hotel and centrally located.
Here is some breakfast ideas from Yelp in BH.
Love the Polo lounge and Joan's on Third..lots of celebrity sightings.
TV shows, I would try Ellen at Warner Brothers and Price is Right at the CBS studios.
Go to the Grove Shopping center next door..fun center


www.yelp.com/c/beverly-hills-ca/breakfast_brunch

A great start.

Thornhill-if you are a foodie, one of the hot new restaurants in LA is just 1/2 mile further south on La Cienaga, The Bazaar. Here is a link on yelp:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bazaar-los-angeles

I haven't tried it yer but want to :)

We went to the Leno show a few years ago without tickets. The Leno tickets are free, but you have to order them in advance. A lot of people order more tickets than they actually need because someone usually backs out at the last minute. The Leno show line starts forming around 11:30 or so. The first 24 people in line with tickets are the ones that get to shake his hand at the beginning of the show. We got in line about 11:30 and some nice person gave my wife and I two tickets and we were within the forst 24 in line so we got to shake his hand.

Thanks great info. What time does the actual show start. Is this a whole afternoon affair?

Are there any outlet malls in the LA area?

This outlet mall is huge. It's on the east side of L.A., right next to the 5 Freeway.

http://www.citadeloutlets.com/index.cfm

You better check to see if California is open when you come.
I heard we may close down for a week or two to save money.
:O) :O) :O)

SF is far from LA. Planning to drive there? I was just in LA and San Diego. Tour was on Coronado Island. Wow, nice bridge. The hotel was real grand.
In LA, was on Santa Monica. The beach was empty for some strange reason. Walked on the pier. 3rd Ave shopping was unimpressive. Too many homeless, but the view was nice.
Went to Venice Beach. Saw that black guy on skates in a silver costume playing his guitar. Now that's the place to check out the weirdos.
Basically, LA is too fractured to even call it a city; it's more like a collection of hoods, cities within a city.
I'd definitely go back to LA, unlike Maine, Vermont, Amish country, Foxwoods.

Where is the best spot to be in LA on July 4th?

You don't want to have to go very far on a holiday weekend because traffic will be a bear. Are you wanting to see fireworks? There will be several municipal shows, but there is no "best spot" IMO.

Can you splurge? I'd go see Vince Gill at the Hollywood Bowl. Music, fireworks AND the Hollywood Bowl! There are tickets available, and that would be a night to remember.

The Rose Bowl fireworks show ("Americafest 2010") in Pasadena is one of the biggest celebrations in the area. Pasadena is about a 20-25 minute drive northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Here's a link:
http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.htm