California Newbees

[diswix]

We are looking at booking the flights today to Los Angeles for the end of August. We know Orlando inside out but are totally in the dark about the logistics in LA. Can anyone spend a little time advising us.
We love to go to the theme parks, eat out in cheap buffet restaurants, go to walmart, TJ mcs, relax by the pool, go for a stroll at night- nothing too expensive.
We have 20 nights and have thought about staying in Annahiem for 7-10 days in a hotel such as Super 8.
Where could we go after for a little R and R for the rest of the stay? We will hire a car. Is San franscico a long way away to drive?

 

[Ryan120420]

San Fransisco is a 6 hour drive from LA.




Since you like theme parks, there are several within a 2 hours drive from Disneyland:

Knotts Berry Farm- 10mins

Universal Studios Hollywood- 60min

Six Flags Magic Mountain- 90min

SeaWorld San Diego- 90mins



https://www.knotts.com/

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

http://seaworld.com/

 

[d1gitman]

You could also look into the Citipass and the GoSanDiego card for ideas on activities.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Are you traveling with children? Las Vegas is a 4 hour drive and there's lots to do there too. We make that trip often - on the way to Las Vegas is an outlet mall in Barstow. Las Vegas is geared towards adults but there's lots to do for kids too. TONS of buffets, shows and fun things to do. Circus Circus is fun for kids (and adults). I think the 4 hour drive is worth it if you have that many days.

 

[KCmike]

San Fran is a bit of a drive North (6+ hours or so). I would stick with setting up in Anaheim for several days and taking your time with Anaheim and Disneyland. I would highly suggest San Diego and if you could spring it (gonna take some bucks) going to the Hotel Del Coronado. You could hit Sea World and San Diego Zoo down there if you wanted as well. Like someone else stated you could do the SoCal City Pass. Make sure you take some days to relax on the beach and soak in the gorgeous blue pacific.

 

[TravelingCoopers]

I would highly recommend going to San Diego and the zoo. The beach quality there is also much better than in or around LA (mainly because of all the tourist in LA and population). Also, it might be a bit hard to get to the stores you like in LA itself. You are better off finding walmarts in the Anaheim and San Diego areas. they exist in LA but with traffic, parking and stuff it's better to go while you are in other cities.

I don't know of any hotels off the top of my head but I'm sure just a simple search will yield a lot of results. There are quite a lot of good budget hotels in these areas but obviously, the closer you are to the beach or attractions like Disneyland, the more expensive.

I hope you like LA and SoCal in general. Contrary to what others have said above, San Francisco is worth the 6 hour drive (make sure to bring something warm though!). It's a really unique city.