Help with provisional California itinerary!

[loladelorean]

Hi there!
I live in Scotland, and am a regular visitor of Disneyland Paris. I've also been a WDW a couple of times as a child.
Now I'm graduating university and have secured a good job, I can start planning my dream trip for April or May 2012 - California!
I'll be travelling with my cousin, and we have a list of places we would like to visit but don't know much about the area at all so I would love some advice on how long to spend in each place, what order to do the trip etc.
(Obviously!) Disneyland
Hollywood
San Francisco
Las Vegas (obviously not in California, but a must-visit for us!)

So these are just the obvious ones - any other destinations we should fit in? We are not really interested in visiting beaches, but we like to do cultural things during the day, and would like good nightlife as well.
Most importantly, what would you say is the minimum amount of time to spend at Disneyland?
Thanks for any advice anyone can offer! As you can tell, I'm starting completely from scratch here.

 

[LavenderPeach]

San Diego is really nice. There's Old Town, Balboa Park, you can look at the hotel del coronado, USS Midway air craft carrier tour and of course the zoo.

A place that I think is overlooked by people visiting california is Pasadena. They have the Huntington Library and Gardens which is a huge property with lots of different gardens to walk around as well as a Library that has exhibits in it (they have a Guttenberg bible and other historical things like that), and they have some art galleries there. Also in Pasadena is the Gamble House which you can take a tour of. It was built during the Arts and Crafts movement (same style the Grand Californian was based on) and it's interesting to hear about all the design work that went into that house. There's also the Norton-Simon Museum which has art in it and there are lots of shops and restaurants in the main "downtown" area of Pasadena.

Personally I would skip Hollywood just because there's not much to see there and although it's been cleaned up in recent years, it's still not great but I can understand people wanting to see it for themselves.

Most people say minimum amount of time at DLR is 3-4 days.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi there. It will be hard to answer everything in one post so since you are starting this so far in advance hopefully this will become a dialogue.

1. Mary Jo's sticky thread at the top has a lot of good resources as does the Menu Bar along the top with Disneyland Info

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

2. This link does not toally apply to you but I think you will get a lot out of it

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

3. Be aware that a major new area is coming to DLR called CarsLand and it will likely be open in the May/June 2012 time frame. It is likely your time frame will result in you just missing it. See http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2577307

4. Some days in April or May are off-season and you should choose your days carefully - see "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

5. You really should dedicate at least four days to DLR

6. You could easily spend a month in California and still have just scratched the surface. Other things to consider doing in no particular order except a general north to south trend (some of which are easier to do the closer you get to summer and summer weather):

• Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks - Yosemite remains the most beautiful place I have seen on this planet and I have been to a lot of place in a lot of countries.
• Big Sur - coastline of California between south of San Francisco Bay area
• San Simeon and Heart Castle
• Lake Tahoe
• Catalina Island
• Santa Monica Pier
• Extended Hollywood - see live tapings of television shows
• Universal Studios Hollywood - yes another theme park but also a live working studio
• Newport Beach boardwalk
• San Juan Capistrano - early mission founded by the Spanish and not that far from DLR
• La Brea Tar Pits - a natural area with research and a museum where many now extinct species got ensnared and preserved - very interesting and different
• San Diego
• Sea World in San Diego
• La Jolla (in San Diego) - beach, restaurants and shopping
• Balboa Park (in San Diego)
• Grand Canyon (in Arizona - next state over from California - and something you can do from Las Vegas by airplane or helicopter - it is not that far away)

 

[loladelorean]

Wow fantastic advice and lots to look into, this is exactly what I was looking for, thank you
Sounds as if there is a lot to do in San Diego, and maybe we should spend just a couple of days in Hollywood if its not all its hyped up to be!
I was thinking 3 days for DLR...my cousin is into the idea of visiting Disney but she's definitely not in my league of Disney-geekery.
Shame we might miss CarsLand because I love Cars! It seems that flights are going to be considerably cheaper if we come in late Spring rather than summer though, and this could be a good excuse for a return visit in future
Seriously grateful for your help so far, off to browse those links now!

 

[loladelorean]

OK, I've just read through your post "A DLR guide for WDW Vets", Hydroguy, and needed to say a special thank you. A very concise, well written and helpful post!
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much DLR appears to have in common with my beloved Disneyland Paris (besides obviously the European weather, but that's not something I'm going to miss...)
Our Parc Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios are also right next to each other, and the whole experience at DLP is more compact but I get similarly defensive about assertions that bigger = better in terms of comparison to WDW! I'm not sure how familiar you are with DLP, but reading through your guide I kept thinking "Just like Paris!". Obviously there are also many differences between Paris and California and I look forward to finding them out.
This provides a great start to my research, I'm looking forward to the months of planning ahead.

 

[Hound 109]

The only things I would add to Hydroguy's advice is if you do head up the coast (or down the coast) from Monterey to SLO or Santa Barbara, plan on a night in Cambria. Many people blitz thru this amazing Central Coast but to do it right, you should take two days to enjoy it right & see all there is to see. The road is beautiful & curvy between Big Sur & Cambria & 60 miles takes 2 hours. Just before Cambria see the Elephant seals & take a Castle tour the following morning.

Then from Santa Barbara/Ventura....take the PCH thru Malibu (with a couple of stops) & into Santa Monica.

You've gotten advice & links from the guru. Definitely look at ALL of Hydroguy's tip threads in his signature.

I would plan on at least 3 nights / 4 days at DLR (maybe 4 nights/5 days).

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[loladelorean]

The only things I would add to Hydroguy's advice is if you do head up the coast (or down the coast) from Monterey to SLO or Santa Barbara, plan on a night in Cambria. Many people blitz thru this amazing Central Coast but to do it right, you should take two days to enjoy it right & see all there is to see. The road is beautiful & curvy between Big Sur & Cambria & 60 miles takes 2 hours. Just before Cambria see the Elephant seals & take a Castle tour the following morning.

Then from Santa Barbara/Ventura....take the PCH thru Malibu (with a couple of stops) & into Santa Monica.

You've gotten advice & links from the guru. Definitely look at ALL of Hydroguy's tip threads in his signature.

I would plan on at least 3 nights / 4 days at DLR (maybe 4 nights/5 days).

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

Thank you! I know nothing about the area at all, so tips like this are great. I guess over here in Europe we only know about the obvious places, but I don't want to miss the real gems of California.
I've got a big list of places and attractions to look into now....my cousin doesn't quite know what she's let herself in for agreeing on a trip with me
Oh, and if any of you need any advice visiting Paris....or Scotland for that matter, give me a shout! lol

 

[Hound 109]

Do you know how many days total that you are touring Cal/Vegas?

As HG said, you could spend a month (or a year) & not see it all. Kind of like if i was to post "What should i see in Great Britain?.....going next year & I'd like to see everything". You'd need to know how long I was staying.

Here's my opinion on how long I would dedicate to different areas to do them right:

- DLR (4 nights/5 days....includes seeing some of OC if you want).
- Vegas (2 nights max....assuming you like nightlife).
- San Diego (2 nights / 3 days)
- Southern Orange County (Laguna/Balboa etc.) A day & a night.
- Hollywood/Greater LA (a day & a night....make it two days & two nights if you combine with Santa Monica/Venice/La Brea)
- Up to Monterey & back down the Central Coast (a 1/2 day up to Monterey....spend 2 nights, see Carmel, Monterey, Pebble & the 17 mile drive, do it all. Early the next morning drive the Central Coast to Cambria..maybe doing the castle that afternoon)
- One full final day from Cambria to Santa Monica with stops in Morro Bay, SLO, Pismo, Santa Barbara, & Malibu.

If you have over 2 weeks, add these:

- Yosemite/Sequoya (sp) (a day up & 2 nights/2 days minimum & a day back....but you could dedicate 7 days if you wanted to).
- San Francisco (min. 2 nights/3 days, but you could easily do 5/5). note - you'd incorporate (add) this onto your Monterey 2-3 day run.

I would do ALOT of research on all of the above (& in all of HG's links).....figure out about how many days you'll have to dedicate.....then post back & we'll offer lots of advice.

You might check out the Trip boards since ALOT of folks make DLR as part of their 1 or 2 week vacation. Final tip.....save DLR for last....it'll be the highlight.

 

[loladelorean]

Do you know how many days total that you are touring Cal/Vegas?

As HG said, you could spend a month (or a year) & not see it all. Kind of like if i was to post "What should i see in Great Britain?.....going next year & I'd like to see everything". You'd need to know how long I was staying.

Here's my opinion on how long I would dedicate to different areas to do them right:

- DLR (4 nights/5 days....includes seeing some of OC if you want).
- Vegas (2 nights max....assuming you like nightlife).
- San Diego (2 nights / 3 days)
- Southern Orange County (Laguna/Balboa etc.) A day & a night.
- Hollywood/Greater LA (a day & a night....make it two days & two nights if you combine with Santa Monica/Venice/La Brea)
- Up to Monterey & back down the Central Coast (a 1/2 day up to Monterey....spend 2 nights, see Carmel, Monterey, Pebble & the 17 mile drive, do it all. Early the next morning drive the Central Coast to Cambria..maybe doing the castle that afternoon)
- One full final day from Cambria to Santa Monica with stops in Morro Bay, SLO, Pismo, Santa Barbara, & Malibu.

If you have over 2 weeks, add these:

- Yosemite/Sequoya (sp) (a day up & 2 nights/2 days minimum & a day back....but you could dedicate 7 days if you wanted to).
- San Francisco (min. 2 nights/3 days, but you could easily do 5/5). note - you'd incorporate (add) this onto your Monterey 2-3 day run.

I would do ALOT of research on all of the above (& in all of HG's links).....figure out about how many days you'll have to dedicate.....then post back & we'll offer lots of advice.

You might check out the Trip boards since ALOT of folks make DLR as part of their 1 or 2 week vacation. Final tip.....save DLR for last....it'll be the highlight.

Oh dear, can't believe I forgot to say how long we were going for, the most basic bit of information! It will most likely be 2 weeks because we would struggle to get any more time off work than that. I'm going to need to look into how feasible it will be to hire a car, as I assume the itinerary you've outlined above entails driving? I think I was picturing using public transport, and maybe even flying between destinations and having maybe 3 hotel bases, but is this not practical?
My cousin doesn't drive, I do, but I'm only 23 and have never driven abroad before, don't think I would be very confident.

 

[HydroGuy]

OK, I've just read through your post "A DLR guide for WDW Vets", Hydroguy, and needed to say a special thank you. A very concise, well written and helpful post!
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much DLR appears to have in common with my beloved Disneyland Paris (besides obviously the European weather, but that's not something I'm going to miss...)
Our Parc Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios are also right next to each other, and the whole experience at DLP is more compact but I get similarly defensive about assertions that bigger = better in terms of comparison to WDW! I'm not sure how familiar you are with DLP, but reading through your guide I kept thinking "Just like Paris!". Obviously there are also many differences between Paris and California and I look forward to finding them out.
This provides a great start to my research, I'm looking forward to the months of planning ahead.

You are right that DLR and DLRP have a lot in common in that way. WDS was built around the same time as DCA and under the same poor leadership - and both parks have a poor reputation - at DCA they are doing something about it with CarsLand and everything else.

The DTD at DLR is similar to the Disney Village at DLRP, and parkhopping in Paris is of course really, really easy.

Have a great trip!

 

[LavenderPeach]

My cousin doesn't drive, I do, but I'm only 23 and have never driven abroad before, don't think I would be very confident.

If you're not confident in driving here then I would suggest not driving PCH (hwy 1) along the coast, even if you get brave to drive other places. It's narrow and curvy and up along a cliff for a big part of it. It's beautiful but a bit scary, imo.

You should be able to plan your trip in a way that won't require a car but it will take more planning.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

If you're not confident in driving here then I would suggest not driving PCH (hwy 1) along the coast, even if you get brave to drive other places. It's narrow and curvy and up along a cliff for a big part of it. It's beautiful but a bit scary, imo.

You should be able to plan your trip in a way that won't require a car but it will take more planning.

That sounds like driving in the UK *at least England* narrow, dark, twisty roads ~ no convenient exits/exit signs - it's crazy! My fiance *who is from/lives in England ~ till 2/26* loves driving in the states, he says we have such wide, straight roads. So if the OP can handle driving at home I'm sure she'd be fine in CA - however we do drive on the opposite side of the road/car.

 

[cloudconnected1039]

What I notice on here is that the biggest focus is on Southern California. Now, as beautiful and attraction-ridden as it is, there really is nothing like Northern California. Mostly because I'm biased and I lived there for most of my life But it really is very very VERY different from Southern California.

If you can venture up to San Francisco, head up to the Redwoods and Napa/Sonoma. They're not that far from the bay area. And if you're really going to have a good amount of time up there, attempt to see Lake Tahoe. It's beautiful and something you really can't get from Big Bear in SoCal. You can zipline, parasail, jetski, go on a sailing tour, etc. There's SO much to do there!! And a big plus is the fresh, clean air At least compared to SoCals

But all in all, it really depends on the kind of vacation you want to have. When I was growing up, my dad refused to call them "vacations" but rather "trips", mostly because we didn't like to just sit around and be lazy (even though that's what I'd rather do now most of the time!! )

Either way it'll be a blast I'm sure!!

 

[loladelorean]

Thanks everyone! Yeah I'm used to twisty roads alright, having driven in Scotland for 6 years lol. But its the whole "other side of the road, totally different system" thats kind of scaring me.
But I'm worried if we DON'T get a car, we might miss out on taking in a lot of these great sounding destinations.
Having had a *very quick* look at things today, and exchanging a few texts with my cousin, we are thinking 5 nights Northern California, 5 nights Southern California and 3 nights Las Vegas. I know a few friends who have visited San Francisco and I've heard great things about it, so I definitely want to include it in the trip.
We've found a local travel company here who do great deals with connecting flights etc, so I think we would take Anaheim and San Francisco as our two bases in California, and hopefully explore the other parts of the region by bus/train/maybe car if I can be brave enough!
Thanks so much to everyone for a great start to my planning, its really been very helpful. I'm sure I'll be back often with lots of questions.
Oh, one more question for now, is Irvine worth visiting?! It's just that we are from an old seaside town in Scotland called Irvine, and we think its so funny that there's one in California! If its easy to get to from Disney, we absolutely have to go! I am willing to bet its a lot more interesting and attractive than our Irvine... you probably pronounce it differently too, we say "Urr-Vinn".

 

[LavenderPeach]

Thanks everyone! Yeah I'm used to twisty roads alright, having driven in Scotland for 6 years lol. But its the whole "other side of the road, totally different system" thats kind of scaring me.

Yes, other side of the road + narrow curvy roads + cliffs + unfamiliar area = scary (at least it sounds scary to me anyway, lol)

Oh, one more question for now, is Irvine worth visiting?! It's just that we are from an old seaside town in Scotland called Irvine, and we think its so funny that there's one in California! If its easy to get to from Disney, we absolutely have to go! I am willing to bet its a lot more interesting and attractive than our Irvine... you probably pronounce it differently too, we say "Urr-Vinn".

Irvine (pronounced UR -vine) is nice but it isn't really a tourist destination. If you really want to go see it, I would recommend the Irvine Spectrum which is actually pretty fun. There are lots of shops and restaurants there as well as a movie theater. I think there might still be Dave and Busters? I haven't been over there in a few years but you should be able to google it to find their website and see what's there. It sort of reminds me of Downtown Disney only its bigger than the DTD at DLR.

 

[DahliaRW]

I'm assuming you won't be 25 yet. It is VERY hard to rent a car when you're not 25. Places will do it, but you pay something like $20+ more a day than just renting once you're 25. And I don't know what being from another country will do for the rates either. So I'd look into that carefully and read the policies.

 

[Kelsers!]

I'm a native southern California girl, but I went to university in Santa Cruz, so here's my advice on California:

Southern California:
Its sunny, exciting, and trendy. Nightlife is great, both in Downtown Disney at House of Blues and nearby at clubs and pubs. To easily see socal you really need a car. Since you might not have one, things are going to get a bit more difficult.

With Anaheim as your home base:
Most local hotels have shuttles to the park, so that will be easy. To get around town you'll be using OCTA the public bus system. It takes forever so find the time schedule online and plan ahead. To get to neighboring cities you'll take an OCTA bus to a Metrolink train (the nearest train stations are the Orange train station and Katella stop-both roughly 4 miles away). Metrolink can take you to the beach (I recommend Laguna Niguel-the train station is very close) and LA. There's a bunch of stops in Hollywood. Again, you'll have to look at maps and plan ahead. This will leave you on foot in LA. Wear walking shoes and don't have all the cash you have in your wallet. Leave it in a safe in your hotel room. You can do Hollywood in a day. Get to the Hollywood & Highland mall- it is really central to all the touristy things. Right across the street is Graumman's Chinese Theatre with the handprints. There are lots of bus tours. Universal Studios is easily accessible by train, but it really isn't a very good theme park. If you're looking to do a studio tour the Warner Bros tour is the best.

Nor Cal:
Nor Cal is like So Cal's big brother. Its bigger, cooler, and isn't even trying. To get there I cannot recommend highly enough flying into San Jose. You can get tickets from Long Beach to SJO for 45$ on JetBlue. Why San Jose? Public transit in Nor Cal is bomb. From San Jose it is really simple to take a shuttle to the metro to a bus and boom: you're in Santa Cruz. The chillest city ever. I know you said you're not one much for beaches, but Santa Cruz is so much more than a beach town. It has a fantastic literary tradition- you can catch special readings at the Santa Cruz bookshop and there is always art exhibitions going on. You'll get to see the redwoods and won't need a car. You can get anywhere by bike or bus. The Boardwalk is great at night. After Santa Cruz, take a bus (17 Amtrack) back to the train station and catch the metro up to San Francisco. San Francisco is much larger than Santa Cruz and a bit harder to navigate. You'll want to take the trolleys around town. Check out Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and Lombard Street.

Las Vegas:
To get here you either need to fly or find a tour bus. Luckily almost everything is on the Strip and Fremont Street is a short taxi ride away.

Have fun!

 

[loladelorean]

I'm assuming you won't be 25 yet. It is VERY hard to rent a car when you're not 25. Places will do it, but you pay something like $20+ more a day than just renting once you're 25. And I don't know what being from another country will do for the rates either. So I'd look into that carefully and read the policies.

This is what I'm concerned about - I don't think it is going to be feasible for us to hire a car. Thanks for the info!

 

[HydroGuy]

This is what I'm concerned about - I don't think it is going to be feasible for us to hire a car. Thanks for the info!

The USA in general and California in particular is built on transportation by car. You will have to do some work to get around otherwise - and spend some money on taxis. For example, you can take a train to San Diego but once you are there you will need to hire taxis or learn their local bus system - which will also take extra time for buses and waste vacation time.

So think of it this way: a rental car is often $50 a day. Since you will not have a rental you can spend that on taxis when needed. Put that in your budget and you won't feel so bad hiring taxis a lot of the time.

You also will need to sign up for bus tours if you want to do anything like Big Sur California coastline or Yosemite.

 

[loladelorean]

I'm a native southern California girl, but I went to university in Santa Cruz, so here's my advice on California:

Southern California:
Its sunny, exciting, and trendy. Nightlife is great, both in Downtown Disney at House of Blues and nearby at clubs and pubs. To easily see socal you really need a car. Since you might not have one, things are going to get a bit more difficult.

With Anaheim as your home base:
Most local hotels have shuttles to the park, so that will be easy. To get around town you'll be using OCTA the public bus system. It takes forever so find the time schedule online and plan ahead. To get to neighboring cities you'll take an OCTA bus to a Metrolink train (the nearest train stations are the Orange train station and Katella stop-both roughly 4 miles away). Metrolink can take you to the beach (I recommend Laguna Niguel-the train station is very close) and LA. There's a bunch of stops in Hollywood. Again, you'll have to look at maps and plan ahead. This will leave you on foot in LA. Wear walking shoes and don't have all the cash you have in your wallet. Leave it in a safe in your hotel room. You can do Hollywood in a day. Get to the Hollywood & Highland mall- it is really central to all the touristy things. Right across the street is Graumman's Chinese Theatre with the handprints. There are lots of bus tours. Universal Studios is easily accessible by train, but it really isn't a very good theme park. If you're looking to do a studio tour the Warner Bros tour is the best.

Nor Cal:
Nor Cal is like So Cal's big brother. Its bigger, cooler, and isn't even trying. To get there I cannot recommend highly enough flying into San Jose. You can get tickets from Long Beach to SJO for 45$ on JetBlue. Why San Jose? Public transit in Nor Cal is bomb. From San Jose it is really simple to take a shuttle to the metro to a bus and boom: you're in Santa Cruz. The chillest city ever. I know you said you're not one much for beaches, but Santa Cruz is so much more than a beach town. It has a fantastic literary tradition- you can catch special readings at the Santa Cruz bookshop and there is always art exhibitions going on. You'll get to see the redwoods and won't need a car. You can get anywhere by bike or bus. The Boardwalk is great at night. After Santa Cruz, take a bus (17 Amtrack) back to the train station and catch the metro up to San Francisco. San Francisco is much larger than Santa Cruz and a bit harder to navigate. You'll want to take the trolleys around town. Check out Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and Lombard Street.

Las Vegas:
To get here you either need to fly or find a tour bus. Luckily almost everything is on the Strip and Fremont Street is a short taxi ride away.

Have fun!

Some more brilliant advice, thanks so much especially for the transport info!
Looks like through this travel agent we will be flying to Vegas first, then to San Francisco then to Southern California. Really appreciate your local knowledge, I'm taking notes from everybody who replies here

The USA in general and California in particular is built on transportation by car. You will have to do some work to get around otherwise - and spend some money on taxis. For example, you can take a train to San Diego but once you are there you will need to hire taxis or learn their local bus system - which will also take extra time for buses and waste vacation time.

So think of it this way: a rental car is often $50 a day. Since you will not have a rental you can spend that on taxis when needed. Put that in your budget and you won't feel so bad hiring taxis a lot of the time.

You also will need to sign up for bus tours if you want to do anything like Big Sur California coastline or Yosemite.

Bus tours sound like a good idea - particularly a bus tour of the coastline as that eliminates the possibility of getting lost.
I have two friends around my age who have done a similar trip, but I can't remember the details of how they got around, so I'll send them an email and ask about their trips!
Thanks again HydroGuy, you've been super helpful. In a few short days my trip has gone from a vague idea into something resembling a plan!