California Road Trip

[bearette]

I know it is sad but I have lived in California all my life and have seen very little of it. (At least that I remember). My husband and I don't have a lot of time to get away so I would prefer something with a shorter drive (3-4 hours 5 at the most)from LA area for a weekend trip (Fri-Sun). Where should I go? What should i do? I would like to make it a cheap trip so camping is good (I have to have shower access though!) and cheap (but nice) hotels are good too. I haven't been on a road trip since I was a kid so I don't know where to go that isn't Las Vegas! Thanks for all the advice in advance!

 

[Magix]

4-5 hours from LA? I'd recommend San Luis Obispo. Plenty of hotels at reasonable rates. You can see SLO, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach. Plus, on the way up the 101, you pass through Santa Barbara.

Be sure to have dinner at F McLintock's Steakhouse & Saloon in Pismo Beach (technically Shell Beach). Might have a long wait for dinner, but it's always worth it. Also, visit Avila Beach. I've only been there once, but it was a terrific day visit. You'll be fairly close to Hearst Castle, too, so you can see that. I recommend Bubblegum Alley in SLO, if you can find it off the main shopping drag, but some people think it's too gross. Just a little alley-type walkway between two shops that folks have been covering in bubble gum for decades. Add your own and take photos!

 

[bearette]

Another friend recommended that area too so i think that is where we will go. We wanted to do something different and we are always talking about going to see Hearst Castle so this sounds perfect!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I would even consider spending one night in Santa Barbara!...one of my favorite places.

 

[fairycat]

In that area you can also do a day trip to Solvang. Its a fun walk around town with fun little shops and lots of wine tasting in tour and right outside of town.