Would just love to get some input on a week-long trip to Cali - furthest north we'll go is Malibu (have to see the beaches)... furthest south, san diego. We're beach lovers but want to see a little of the cities since we've never been.

We're staying on Sunset Beach, just north of huntington, just south of Long Beach. Here are our tentative plans:

*Like I said, visit Malibu - which beach? I've heard that you can hang out on Carbon below the tide line and marvel (subtly) at the crazy homes there. Would Zuma be better?

*Drive Mulholland Drive

*Spend some time on Hollywood Blvd (parking in highland shopping center)

*Explore Rodeo Dr briefly - anyone know about free 2-hr. valet parking - i believe 5 rodeo dr.??

*Husband surfs a little, I'd like to learn. Possibly on Sunset Beach? I know that Huntington surfers aren't so keen on beginners or out-of-towners, so probably want to avoid that.

*La Jolla Caves Kayaking - anyone have advice on which company to go with?

*Explore La Jolla beaches

*Go into San Diego - info on Old Town? Good, cheap Mexican restaurants?

*Coronado Beach?

We will have a car the whole time, so parking/driving tips would be great as well. I'm used to Boston driving.

Thanks for your help!

I have some input on Malibu, but not the rest of your trip.

Malibu doesn't look like much as you drive through it on Pacific Coast Highway, you mainly see the backs of houses. Zuma would be a good choice to spend some time on the sand, very long beach, clean water, plenty of parking. It's difficult to find beach access through the expensive homes, in most places they are gated and the beach is walled off.

For a scenic Mulholland drive, try the western part through the Santa Monica mountains. From Zuma, you can head south on Pacific Coast Highway and turn left on Las Virgenes Canyon. This takes you through a very pretty coastal canyon. Then, you can turn right on Mulholland and continue until Topanga Canyon, either turning right to head back to the beach or left to the San Fernando Valley and the 101 freeway.

I didn't know anybody was used to Boston driving!!

Can't you still pluck long-missing tourists from the middle of those round-abouts in Boston?

Sounds like you're going to have a fun trip no matter how you plan it. All of those names you only hear about in movies and on TV, right before your eyes.

San Diego is great too! Old Town/ "The Gas Lamp District" is awesome in the evenings. I'd eat at Croce's there given the chance (but it is neither cheap nor Mexican).

Sounds like you'll get your fill of beaches there all right!

I have the feeling that you won't want to meticulously PLAN too many hours of each day, because the spontaneous ideas you won't have until you get there will be irresistable!

Walking around Hollywood and seeing the walk of fame might inspire a pedestrian detour for hours. Then of course you'll have many more hours of driving around simply LOST, which is a California tourist tradition.

Suddenly I'm curious as to how someone who is "used to driving in Boston" has to let-up when driving in the rest of the country. Plan your daily activities to avoid driving very far in the 3-7pm timeframe if at all possible.

You simply can't go wrong with your desired destinations. Enjoy!

Don't overlook coastal North County (San Diego) - too many people do. The beach towns have a more laid back, old time California atmosphere that can give one a differeent perspective than the more well known So Cal beach towns. As soon as you hit SD county, head to PCH in Oceanside. You'll drive through Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, each town with its own distinctive flavor. There are many good restaurants along the way, as well as good beaches.

In Carlsbad or Cardiff (restaurant row) try Las Olas for mexican, in Encintias try one of the many italian restaurants along PCH (most owned by italians) like Vigilucci's or i Triulli. Also in Cardiff, Pipes for breakfast can't be beat - a great local spot where you get lots of food for a great price. In Solana Beach, Zinc Cafe on Cedros in the design district. So many spots . . . Have fun

thanks everyone.

pmccallum, we were definitely planning on the drive to san diego by way of the PCH, so thanks for the heads up on the towns/eateries.

Forgot to mention the Beach Grass Cafe in Solana Beach - any meal is good there. Also, it is race season (Del Mar) so restaurants in Del Mar and Solana Beach will be busy after 7 pm every day except either Tuesday or Monday - the one day of the week it is closed (sorry I can't remember but I think it's Tuesday). Also Robbie's Roadside Grill in Leucadia is casual but good. Davina's (mexican) in Leucadia above Ponto Beach has gotten good reviews from my friends, although I have never been there. Siamese Basil in Encinitas has good Thai food. There are restaurants right on the beach in Cardiff, but, with the exception of Las Olas, I wouldn't recommend them. The views can't be beat, but they are expensive and just so-so. If you are craving pizza, East Coast Pizza in Cardiff (by the slice if you just want a quick snack) is good or Pizza Port in Solana Beach and Carlsbad for fresh brewed beer and pizza. Bon Apetit!

If you love beaches be sure to stop between Malibu and San Diego in Newport and Laguna Beach you could drive the Pacific Coast highway and stop at Reef Point--and in Laguna Beach--absolutely beautiful.

Both La Jolla and Coronado are awesome (the bridge to Coronado- woo-hoo! ....check out Hotel del Coronado- Very historic/neat.Fantastic hand made ice cream shop in bottom near pool!

Definitely don't miss GLQ- I'm sure you'll find a great, cheap mexican place there


NW Male- How's Croce's? I really wanted to eat there last time I was in SD, but didn't realize they didn't serve lunch on weekdays! Very sad.

Summerdae- if you like ships/maritime stuff- SD Maritime museum is a can't miss!

like pccallum said- take time on small coastal communities- often overlooked but wonderful.

Have fun!