First Trip to Disney Land-San Diego or San Fran?

[DisneyFans4]

Okay everyone---change in plans. Instead of starting in San Diego and ending in DL your thoughts on not doing SD and starting in San Fran and ending in DL?

After all the research and talking to the family we're wondering why are we going to San Diego just for the zoo and Sea World? We want to see something different and DH loves San Fran after a business trip there once and says I would love it there.

Thoughts please

 

[Disney Anna]

I have lived in both San Diego and the SF Bay Area. Both are beautiful areas, but my strong preference is for San Diego. But it depends on what you like.

San Diego is a much better (IMHO) area to live in. Much, much better climate (warmer, less rain/fog) and easier to commute, etc.

San Francisco area is also very pretty, but I think a "more difficult" place to live in. Harder to travel (more traffic), harder to park (by light years) and much, more expensive. And the weather stinks in comparison.

I think as a city, SF may be prettier. There are beautiful sights. San Diego's beauty lies more in the beach and the gorgeous climate.

For things to do, San Diego primarily offers the zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, the beaches, Legoland and Old Town. San Francisco offers cable cars, Pier 39, the Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge.

Pragmatically, it is easier to travel between SD and DL. I live in East San Diego and it's a 99 mile drive. It would take all day to get from DL to SF.

I don't think you could go wrong either way. Purely a personal choice.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Remember I'm on vacation and have never seen California so San Fran sounds like something I'd like. I'd love to visit the vineyards as well. I'm not a beach person so even though I would like to visit at least once it's not the priority.

It's more like seeing things I've never seen before. After all, could be a once in a lifetime trip for me.

My boys are older as well 18 and 20 and the older one is a culinary student so I think he would love San Fran as well.

 

[ter-moo]

Fly into San Francisco, spend a few days there and maybe in Napa, too, if you want to see Wine Country. (It's about an hour's drive between the two)

Then take TWO days to drive down to Anaheim, along Hwy. 1. It's absolutely beautiful--all along the Pacific Ocean--but it's slow and winding. You can stop overnight in San Simeon (or better yet Cambria) and take the time to visit Hearst Castle.

This whole trip might take a week and a half or two weeks if you're planning to spend a few days in Disneyland. But it it's your one chance to see California, that would be seeing it at its best.

 

[jonsmom57]

My head is spinning!!!!

 

[lovedoggies]

Fly into San Francisco, spend a few days there and maybe in Napa, too, if you want to see Wine Country. (It's about an hour's drive between the two)

Then take TWO days to drive down to Anaheim, along Hwy. 1. It's absolutely beautiful--all along the Pacific Ocean--but it's slow and winding. You can stop overnight in San Simeon (or better yet Cambria) and take the time to visit Hearst Castle.

This whole trip might take a week and a half or two weeks if you're planning to spend a few days in Disneyland. But it it's your one chance to see California, that would be seeing it at its best.

This would be a great trip, if you have enough time. The trip down Hwy 1 is long and winding, and lots of areas where you have to really slow down. BUT its gorgeous! Lots of great places to stop along the way. You'll be passing Monterey (great aquarium), Big Sur (spectacular big pine trees right along the ocean), then its about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive right along the coast until you hit San Simeon/Cambria. Hearst Castle is a good place to stop & I agree staying in Cambria would be fun. Then you could continue on down the coast. Morro Bay, then Pismo Beach.. then Santa Barbara, which is a great spot to stop and eat/shop/walk around. From here on out the freeway is much faster, and more straight through. Stay on the 101 and then get onto the 5 south and you'll end up at Disneyland. We have done this drive a few times and its gorgeous! You do need to have some time, its a pretty slow going drive.

If you dont have enough time for all that, you could get down south much faster by just taking the 5. Probably take 7-8 hours depending on traffic and weather. Boring drive, but much faster than taking the coast.

San Diego is MUCH closer!

 

[Karebear]

Based on your interests and your children's ages, I would vote for San Francisco--I lived there for 15 years and it is a great city. It would take about 7 hours driving (depending on traffic) from San Francisco to Disneyland if you take highway 5. You don't really need a car while you are in San Francisco as it is really compact and you can walk or take cabs everywhere. The cable car is fun, but it is expensive. There is a culinary institute in San Francisco that does tours and the food is good too. Good luck in your decision!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Sorry, double post.

 

[disney-super-mom]

If I were you, and considering your family (all adults), I would totally visit San Francisco instead of San Diego.

San Francisco is a beautiful city!!! There's so much to see there. Besides what everyone else mentioned, you could also tour Alcatraz (very interesting and a little creepy) and possibly visit Chinatown.

 

[JollyHoliday23]

The Exploratorium and Golden Gate Park (museums, aquarium) is a great place to take kids. The San Francisco Zoo is fun also.

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

I think SD is an easier drive to DL by a long shot & I'm not sure of your kids ages but not only is a shorter drive favorable but there's more to offer for children in SD.

Last time I visited SF was 9 yrs ago & DD was a baby, it was a great area & I'd love to see it again, but as a family w/ young children, it doesn't seem to have much to offer. I'm sure if I researched I'd find some great parks or museums but let's face it, a 9 & 3 yo would much rather go on rides.

I'm not a lover of SD. We had a horrible time last trip bc we made the mistake of renting a house in Mission Beach (never again) RIGHT after graduation season. Ugh. So even tho it's not my favorite place from a vacay gone bad...I would choose it over SF.

EDITED TO ADD:

I of course posted this BEFORE I read your kids ages. Silly me.

Ter-Moo & lovedoggies gave a great itinerary. They're right on all accounts. I've seen most of the places they've mentioned & they ARE worth the time it takes to see them. If you can take the time - by all means do it. So since your kids are older, scratch my idea about SD & go for SF.

 

[Hound 109]

Fly into San Francisco, spend a few days there and maybe in Napa, too, if you want to see Wine Country. (It's about an hour's drive between the two)

Then take TWO days to drive down to Anaheim, along Hwy. 1. It's absolutely beautiful--all along the Pacific Ocean--but it's slow and winding. You can stop overnight in San Simeon (or better yet Cambria) and take the time to visit Hearst Castle.

This whole trip might take a week and a half or two weeks if you're planning to spend a few days in Disneyland. But it it's your one chance to see California, that would be seeing it at its best.

I agree with SF / Monterey / Central Coast / LA / Disneyland for a possible "once in a lifetime trip" to CA. (& you can do SD on your next "once in a lifetime" trip to DLR ).

I agree with ter moo's post...and:

- I agree that Cambria is great & is only 5 -8 miles from San Simeon (Hearst Castle)

- You can ALSO visit winery's on your way (as opposed to detouring for a day or two to Napa). There are dozens winerys (you can visit) south of San Luis Obispo & also near Santal Maria & Santa Barbara (which are essentially ON THE WAY).

Also,

- I would spend the night in Monterey (as opposed to blowing through this area). & SEE Carmel, 17 mile drive, the Cannery, Pebble Beach etc. To me (a male) two days & one night worth of things to see and do.

- If you dump SD, you might have a day or two to explore LA. (Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice etc. etc. etc.)

Have you seen (read) Spartan Girl's Trip Report? If not, I'll locate & link. Fabulous pics in SF, Monterey, Highway 1, Hearst, SB, LA, & of course... Walt's Park.

 

[Dragonfly*Tink]

Barging in ... I am planning a trip myself and driving the Hwy 101 just for the view and the beaches - great tips on places to stop! Thank you!

As your kids are older, I have been to SD with mine and they are middle to late teens - they were only interested in the Zoo and Seaworld. If you are driving and have an extra day - you can always take in SD for a day trip, it's completely do-able, but it sounds like San Fran would be a better choice for your kids, althought I have not been yet, I hear the food is awesome!

Have a great time!

 

[Dobie]

I would definately take San Francisco. It is so very different from LA, very easy to get around by walking/public transportation, and absolutely beautiful. You would get two totally different flavors.

You can drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles in a very long day on the 5. It's pretty boring, though. Or, as other posters said, you can take the long, coastal highway. Or, you can fly.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Thanks so much everyone for your ideas and agreeing with me that we should see SF rather than SD. I didn't realize there was a zoo in SF.


Karebear---culinary institute? Perfect! My DS is a culinary student so this would be perfect. What is the name of it and where is it?

I'm a Starwood member so I looked for all of their hotels in SF and found the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel. By the name it sounds like it's right in the heart of everything. Am I right.

If I start out in SF do I need a car? I heard parking and parking fees are high so do I really need it? To get to Alcatraz I know you have to take a ferry so would I need a car to get to it. Would cabs be cheaper than renting a car? This is what I need to know.

Now after our trip to SF and when we head down to DL is their a train available or should I fly? My TA mentioned we could take a plane from SF to LA for maybe $69.00 per person so maybe that would be the better way to go but I would also like to see the sights so maybe the train would be better.

Decisions, decisions......

Keep the info and ideas pouring in guys...you have no idea what a help all of you have been.

 

[audrabolster]

You can get great flight deals from San Francisco to LA.

I recently moved to Orange County from the bay area, and I would choose going to SF instead of San Diego. I personally really didn't like San diego.

There is a lot to do in San Francisco and it really is a beautiful city- plus they have pretty good public transportation. I don't think a car would be all that necessary, depending on the number of peopel you have in your party, you could take the bus, the trolley, etc

 

[DisneyFans4]

There are 4 of us and my DS are 18 and 20. That is why I feel we could all enjoy starting out in SF better rather than SD.

Now another question is how many days do I need to truly enjoy all SF has to offer

 

[tinkermell]

There are 4 of us and my DS are 18 and 20. That is why I feel we could all enjoy starting out in SF better rather than SD.

Now another question is how many days do I need to truly enjoy all SF has to offer

Good morning!

I'm not sure on the amount of days to stay, but I did want to encourage you to drive down to DL. You have the time, and the scenery is beautiful. I would not skip on this. At least go to Carmel and the 17 mile drive, Hearst Castle, the sea lion harem is right there along the highway, Cambria, and down to Pismo Beach. It is one of the few beaches you can drive a car on. Eat at Splash Cafe in Pismo. Very famous and yummy! Don't be put off by the lines out the door. Our favorite everytime we go. Also Hot Licks is there too. It was on the Travel Channel. They have candy with bugs in them. Then on down to Santa Barbara and Stern's Wharf Pier. A must do too if you ask me. If you are still traveling the coast, stop at Neptunes in Malibu. This is also a very famous and established eating joint. Not fancy at all. Just picnic tables and alot of fun. From there, you can either keep going or start heading east towards DL.

One other word on the beaches. The beaches up north are way different than down south. Don't think because you have seen one you've seen them all. The whole atmosphere changes the farther down south you go. I can't imagine your sons getting bored!
(By the way.........can you tell I love the coast? We take our annual vacation every year near Santa Barbara at a beautiful state park called Refugio.) If you drive down the coast you would drive right by it.

And there is a train that goes down the coast to DL. It's called the Amtrak Surfliner. It goes by our campground all the time while we are at Refugio. The train is nice, BUT you would miss out on all of this stuff if you took it.

Once again............Happy planning. And go check out the California and West Board. There is a ton of info there!

 

[ter-moo]

The Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf is in a great location in answer to your question. It's within walking distance to the Alcatraz Ferry, and most other attractions could be reached by bus or cable car.

The Culinary Academy is located at 625 Polk St. Here's their website:

http://www.baychef.com/about.asp

I'd still recommend you drive Hwy. 1 and 101 down to DL, if this is truly a once in a lifetime trip. But if you can't, SW often has very good deals on flights between SFO and SNA (Orange County Airport) or between Oakland and SNA. They can go as low as $34 each way, depending on the time of year.

As far as trains go, the Amtrak Coast Starlight runs from Oakland to Los Angeles and is supposed to be a beautiful route. I've never taken it, but I just looked at the map and it does go through some nice scenery--ALTHOUGH, nothing like it would be to drive it, and probably more expensive!

Hope this helps!!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Thanks guys! More info for me to look into and trust me, I am taking in everything all of you are telling me.