Anyone been to California?????

[DisdreamerUK]

Hi...........

Well after much deliberation we have booked our hols for my 40th (yikes!!) next year.........

Nearly having a coronary over the August Florida prices - we changed tack completely and have booked to go to California 6th to 20th April..............
we fly into San Fran, 4 nights there, then drive down to LA via Route 1 stopping overnight at Monterey and Pismo Beach. 7 nights at LA to do Disney/Universal and will probably have a night at San Diego for Seaworld or the Zoo.

If any California experts have any must-see's or must-do's would love to hear them. Any good child friendly restaurant tips, or what not to do in any of these places??

Thanks guys..............

 

[Shane]

Hiya Jen, we went to california last year and had an amazing time, we traveled to San Fransisco to L.A to Grand Canyon and then to Las Vegas. I have tried to compile of a lists of musts and sights/tours etc. Although ,I cant remember as much as I wish I could!


San Fransisco - We spent the first three days in San Fransisco and was totally amazing experiance. Be prepared for alot of fish markets around and lots of friendly seals. It's quite amusing just walking the streets, you get alot of strangers doing tricks/comedy acts on the side, I remember one man would hide behind 2 potted plants and then jump out at people as they walked by, very very funny! The main attraction, alkatraz is an amazing attraction and I personally think its best seen at night, although its still amazing in the day, It's a must for any one who has the chance to visit such an amazing city with a classic history. The tours on the island are also a must, there are guided and audio tours which you can do at your own pace, be prepared to walk alot though . I remember there being a few attractions for children, specially in the main shopping area but more of the attractions are tours and sight-seeing rather than actual "Theme Parks". There are alot of shops to buy gifts from, all along the main road, you could spend a whole day shopping. The variety of food they sell in san fransico is crazy, they have everything from Maxican, American food to Fish, Chinese, Indian, there will be something for everyone! Are personal choice was the Hard Rock Cafe whats always fun, specially for the kids. There are alot of tours that you can purchase and I highly reccomend as many as you can fit into your visit. You get to learn about the city a whole lot more on these tours, including where they filmed Mrs Doubtfire . There are some amazing gardens and buildings in San Fransico and on the yours, I remember they took us to one of the highest points in the City and you could see everything, amazing experiance and defently worth taking a photo (Will post one later if i can find it ). Overall I think its a great attraction in itself even if you have kids or are on your own, dont miss out on the tours

L.A - L.A was another amazing experiance full of fun! Firstly, there are alot more attractions in L.A including theme parks such as "Unverisal Studios" what we acutally did, even though its basically the same as the Florida version, it was still another great experiance. Although there alot more attractions we only did Universal Studios as we did not have alot of time in L.A. Again, the tours and the sights seeing is what made it such a fantastic trip. The sights I suggest to visit are, Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign (You can get pretty close), The highly exspensive shopping streets, you see alot of stars and of course Beverly Hills. Although I do suggest doing the tours which acutally take you to all these places and even let you visit all the celebs homes etc. I do not have much information on the food as we generally eat in the hotel but from what I could see and smell there seemed to be alot of variety like San Fransico.

Grand Canyon - The Grand Canyon was a trip in itself, truly an amazing experiance and a MUST see if you have the time. If you do have the time to visit such an amazing sight I suggest seeing it from the air with the Helicopter Tour, although you do drop 5,000 feet what made me bring up a cream egg. The food and attractions are at a limit here but still have a good variety for the kids but I suggest if you are taking the little ones not to spend more than 3 days here, they can get quiote bored . Be prepared to see anything though, we even had snow and saw some maniacs climbing around the canyon, too risky for me!

Las Vegas - Wow, Las Vegas, another trip in itself, the lights the sounds the taxis . Where do I begin.... The casinos, there are many to visit and many to gamble in, alot of them are great to visit because of the shows and animals within them, its not just all gambling in Las Vegas. They even had a mini Sea World with dolphins and sharks and whales . The nightlife in Las Vegas is generally better as you probs have heard, the water shows are a must see, they are truly amazing. Us and are tours, we did another tour within a Helicopter over Las Vegas at night for my sisters birthday, if you can do this I highly reccomend it, will be somethign I will remember for ever. Although I cant think of the name of the top of my head you MUST visit the building where the roof is painted like the sky and you actually feel your outside . Gotta head out now. Again, the variety of food is great, alot like San Fransisco, although the nightlife can get the kids tired easily. Wish I had time to tell you more and will hopefully post some pictures later on or you can PM me.

If you have any specific questions, please let me know!

Have Fun

 

[alisonbestford]

Not much advice really but, when I was pregnant with DD (now 7) we (myself , DH , DD 13 and DS 9) went to Disney, LA and San Diego.

We loved our time at Disney but, completely, underestimated how much we would enjoy San Diego
We spent a week there but, quite easily, could have spent longer, enjoying the US lifestyle

I would have loved to drive around but, unfortunately, hadn't passed my test at that time

Sounds like Shane has some valuable tips to give - might 'pinch' a few myself................................

 

[wideeyes]

Hi, we are going around the same time and we are doing 11 nights at Newport Beach in OC which will be our base for DL,US etc then we will be doing 3 nights at San Diego which has The zoo, legoland, sea world also from my research it has some fantastic beach where you can see lots of wild life.
and then we are spending 2 nights in beverly hills.

For restaurants there is the usual stuff you'd find in Orlando ie Cheesecake factory, Hard Rock cafes, you have City Walk and DTD.

 

[Magix]

In San Francisco, if you're renting a car, I'd recommend driving over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands. It's just a curvy road that goes up the side of a hill on the Marin side of the bridge, but it affords fantastic views of the bridge, with the city behind it. Great for photography! There's also a little fort-thingy at the top of the road, which is an interesting stop.

In Pismo Beach (actually Shell Beach, which is pretty much the same place), you MUST have dinner at F. McLintock's Steakhouse and Saloon. This has been a favorite for my family since I was a little kid. Fantastic place, but be prepared for a long wait. Also, while in Pismo, head over to San Luis Obispo. On the main shopping street there, if you look carefully, you'll find Bubblegum Alley. A unique little alleyway between two stores (connecting a parking lot in back with the street in front), where for many decades people have been sticking their gum to the walls. Sometimes people spell things out in gum, or attach things to the wall with gum. I've left some there myself over the years. Gross but unique and fun.

The Apple Farm in SLO is a great place for breakfast. You might want to take a look at the Madonna Inn, as well, although it's not the place it once was. Each room there is different and some are quite wildly decorated. The dining room has great hot turkey sandwiches.

Also while in Pismo, I'd recommend spending part of a day in Avila Beach. Just a nice little fishing town, right on the water.

In Monterey, be sure to hit the Aquarium, of course. A drive along the road from Fisherman's Wharf to Pacific Grove is always lovely.

On your way down Hwy 1 from San Francisco, I highly recommend a stop in Santa Cruz. My favorite place in all the world! Still very much a hippy town. If you like rollercoasters, you MUST ride the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk. It's over 80 years old now and just as great as ever! Also, I always like to have dinner at the Saturn Cafe. It's a vegan place with really tasty creations (and great french fries) - the fakin' bacon BLT is my favorite. Have a cup of decaf Chai with it. Then, for dessert, stop at Marianne's Ice Cream on Ocean street (just a few blocks from the Hwy1/Hwy 17 junction). Fantastic ice cream, particularly the "Alice B Toklas Fudge Brownie". Get 2 scoops. If you have time to shop, visit Pacific Garden Mall - an open air street mall. Bookshop Santa Cruz is a favorite of mine. You can pick up some salt water taffy at Marini's, if you don't buy it at their primary location on the Boardwalk.

And, finally, in San Diego, I particulary recommend a visit to the Maritime Museum. The best I've been to, yet. They have something like 6 boats there, including the Californian (official tall ship of the state of CA), The Star of India (a huge steel-huled ship, with great exhibits in the holds) and the HMS Surprise from "Master & Commander".

You can't tell what state I live in, can you?

 

[DisdreamerUK]

Cheers everyone....

and thanks for the great advice, it's always good to hear views of people who have actually been, or live around there.

We plan to do all the touristy stuff in SF, obviously in LA visit Disney & Universal. We plan to hit a couple of the beaches - which would be best?
Long Beach, Santa Monica??

And we've heard so many good thing about San Diego, we didn't want to miss it, so will probably spend a couple of days there too.

If anyone has visited in April, what sort of weather can we expect??

Jen

 

[Minniespal]

As you can see from my countdown we are off to some of the destinations.

If you can wait till we come back I will post a trippie for you.

 

[fizz13]

I did go on a road trip to LA, and SF a few years ago but its kind of foggy now. Really enjoyed just walking around SF, taking the tram, Fishermans Wharf and the pier, and I know we went over the Golden gate Bridge to this exclusive little town on the other side with some very upmarket shops, sorry can't remember the name.
In LA, Santa Monica Pier and Venice beach are good to go and have a look at, and being a gossip/celebrity lover, we did the minibus tour of the stars homes, quite fun actually. there is so much to see and do you will have a great time, can't wait to read the reports when you get back,
claire xx

 

[Magix]

I did go on a road trip to LA, and SF a few years ago but its kind of foggy now. Really enjoyed just walking around SF, taking the tram, Fishermans Wharf and the pier, and I know we went over the Golden gate Bridge to this exclusive little town on the other side with some very upmarket shops, sorry can't remember the name.

The name is Sausalito.

For the OP - in April, you should expect mild temperatures (60s to 70s) and some rain off-and-on. Typically, it's pretty nice, though.

For beaches in the L.A. area, I'd recommend Venice/Santa Monica. Good beaches and Venice is quite a show along the shopping area! In the O.C. area, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach are probably the nicest.

If you're in the Long Beach area the 3rd week of April, you might want to look into the Long Beach Grand Prix. It's a yearly Champ Car race that's quite a street party. A great, great event, if you have any interest at all in auto racing (open wheel). A nice look at a true Southern California-style event.

 

[master101]

Yes, I have been to Cal! I got there by the Dinsey Magic! It was the Panma Canal cruise! I think Disney World is better then Dinsey Land! Disney Land walk ways are smaller than Dinsey Worlds. The one thing that I like about Disney Land is the goat carts! The goat carts are bigget then Disney World's. We stayed at a very nice motel! That night when we came in to the room. Our beds were un made! It was just like Disney Magic!

 

[JayS]

Jen -

In San Francisco, depending on the kids ages, there a museum in Golden Gate Park (South end of Golden Gate Bridge). If memory serves me correctly, it is a Science museum, with lots of hands on activities. Great for techie type adults and most kids.

Driving down the 1 from SF to LA, you will pass through San Simeon, which is where you can find Hearst Castle. Depending on the age of your children, and family physical health, you might enjoy a tour of the legacy that Hearst built. There some amazing sights there, but lots of walking, and fair amount of stairs.

Weather along the California coast in April is going to be cool to cold at night, and usually mid 70s for highs during the day, and of course the possibility of rain.

As for a good beach, I was never a fan of the sand, regardless, the Pacific ocean never gets real warm, especially not in April, so you may want to pick one of the beaches with other things to do besides sand and water. (I'll leave that to the others to suggest...)

Down in San Diego, if you and/or your kids like Legos, or other building blocks, check out LegoLand. If you thought you could build a great castle, check out their work. Of course, they have an umlimited supply of every size and color brick...still amzaing to see an entire city rebuilt with legos!

I'm pretty sure the museum has a website, and I know Hearst Castle and Legoland have them for more information.

 

[Queenie]

How far is Disneyland from Universal and from the sea?

 

[JayS]

It is about 35 miles from Universal to Disneyland.

As for how far they are to the sea, as the crow flies Universal is about 15 miles from the sea, but there is no straight route for that. Disneyland isn't much farther inland. For reference, I used Manhattan Beach, which is 25 miles to Universal and under 35 miles to Disneyland.

Each of those routes would take about 45 minutes to an hour during morning or evening traffic.

For reference, Disneyland to San Diego is about 95 miles.
San Francisco to Disneyland is over 400 miles.
Finally, Disneyland to Las Vegas is over 260 miles.

Cheers!

 

[Frances999]

We've been to San Francisco twice this year since finding out we will be relocating there for 10 months later this year. Unfortunately we haven't had a chance to visit other CA areas yet (we're saving those until this summer ) but here is some information about San Francisco.

Definitely see the Golden Gate Bridge and make time for wondering around the Fishermans Wharf area - there is a great aquarium and Pier-39 is worth visiting too. The "believe it or not" museum and wax museums are both here as well and they are also worth visiting if you have the time. The shopping opportunities are exceptional - Macy's have their flagship store in San Francisco. The Westfield shopping mall is worth visiting too - it's huge but very pleasant to walk around and has lots of wonderful shops.

We spent a lot of time in the Marin County and totally fell in love with it. It's not far from downtown and the scenery is breathtaking, and there are incredible restaurants and nice little craft/antique shops in the different cities. They also do a great wine tasting tour at Ross Valley. It is really such a nice area and I would definitely try to take some time out of the main downtown area to go and have a look around (a car would be required).

We also visited Alcatraz which was fun, but not so interesting for our children. The audio tour, however, was one of the best I have experienced.

Youngest DS and DD enjoyed visiting a place called Fairyland, which is a very small-scale/low-key "theme" park for younger children. It was nicely kept and the staff were great, but there wasn't very much to see.

When DH and I visited by ourselves, we enjoyed the Wine train which runs through the Napa Valley. They serve a delicious meal (lunch or dinner) and the scenery and views are wonderful.

If you have any questions, just ask.