Hello Everyone! I am planning a 6 day trip (10/29-11/3 fly out 11/4 at 4:30 PM) to Southern California. I have a meeting in Irvine the morning of the 29th, and I have a conference on 10/30 in Pomona from until 3 PM. And on the night of Halloween, I would like to check out Hollywood for a friend's party. I will rent a car and fly into and out of Long Beach.
I would love to hear your suggestions and help with planning. I want to see a few beaches. A day trip to San Diego, some highlights of LA, a little bit of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.
I am traveling alone as a woman and a little worried about hiking alone and safety (will probably take a ranger tour).
Please advise on your favorite places for a 6 day trip! I love beaches, palm trees, and nature but dont want to miss a little bit of LA. if this is too much, I can do San Diego on another trip. Thank you!!

In Pomona you've got 40 minutes of your drive from LA to Palm Springs behind you, so you might want to continue west for the evening. Leave right at 3pm sharp however as traffic will be approaching from the east.

That puts you at Joshua tree for Sunday morning with a long drive back to Hollywood for your Halloween party, however. You'll want to get to Hollywood before dark as it gets a little crazy there afterwards (on Halloween).

I don't know about a day trip to San Diego--it is very spread out city with quite a few attractions.

If you've never driven Highway 1 north, that is the direction I would send you.

However, considering your stated interests, I suggest you drive to San Diego and then on to Palm Springs via Julian and the Anza Borrego Desert. Return to Long Beach via a detour through Joshua Tree NP.

HTTY

Thank you!!!

Thank you so much! I had a lovely time driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, and Malibu was amazing, especially the view from Pepperdine College.