Our first time to Disneyland - Can't wait!

[summertime85]

Hi everyone,

We're planning a trip to California for 3 weeks in July/Aug 2010 (San Francisco - LA - San Diego). It'll be our first trip to the West coast and we can't wait to visit. We've been to WDW in Florida 3 times so thought it was about time we check out Disneyland for a change.

I'm going to read as many threads as possible on the DIS boards as I'm bound to pick up some really useful info from here.

If anyone can also help me with some useful websites or recommend places to visit in San Francisco and San Diego then I'd be really grateful.

 

[Brady's Mom]

Hi everyone,

We're planning a trip to California for 3 weeks in July/Aug 2010 (San Francisco - LA - San Diego). It'll be our first trip to the West coast and we can't wait to visit. We've been to WDW in Florida 3 times so thought it was about time we check out Disneyland for a change.

I'm going to read as many threads as possible on the DIS boards as I'm bound to pick up some really useful info from here.

If anyone can also help me with some useful websites or recommend places to visit in San Francisco and San Diego then I'd be really grateful.

Congrats on your trip!! Some of the places we love in San Francisco - Exploratorium (a hands on science museum), Natural History Museum (which just had a huge restoration/upgrade and added an aquarium), the Cable car museum, fortune cookie factory in Chinatown, Chinatown, Muir Woods (on the Northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge), Alcatraz and/or Bay Tours, Golden Gate Park. There is tons to do in San Francisco and the surrounding area. We love to fly kites on the beach or at the Marina and see the Sea Lions at Pier 39. The beaches in San Francisco are COLD. You will definitely want a coat - especially in the summer! And if you are taking any sort of boat ride on the Bay - don't be a tourist and wear shorts - long pants, coat and hat!!!

One other suggestion since dining choices in San Francisco are vast and varied - use yelp.com to help you choose. They have reviews by local people and are a very good resource for any sort of food choices. You can select types of food that you want to try in the area and they even show price categories - which can be very helpful!

 

[PrinceGrumpy]

I agree Exploratorium is a must in S.F. Check out the chinese garden too, I have wonderful memories from this place as a child. The S.F. zoo is nice too.
The sea food is very fresh at Pier 39 but if you don't like crowds this is a place you could skip.

In San Diego I would definalty plan some beach time. Mission beach is great for pics and they have a few good restraunts near by. Sea World is fun but not everyone likes it. It does kill a day or two though. They have a great zoo too. Like more expensive for zoo day though. (used to Denver, great zoo for unbelievable price, so SD zoo doesn't compare) It would still be a nice visit.

Have a safe and fun trip !! and of course Disneyland is a MUST !!

 

[JohnZ46]

Here's a good overall visitor site for San Diego.

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

If you feel comfortable PMing me your address I can pick up some brochures for you the next time I visit the military travel office.

 

[Hound 109]

Hi everyone,

We're planning a trip to California for 3 weeks in July/Aug 2010 (San Francisco - LA - San Diego). It'll be our first trip to the West coast and we can't wait to visit. We've been to WDW in Florida 3 times so thought it was about time we check out Disneyland for a change.

I'm going to read as many threads as possible on the DIS boards as I'm bound to pick up some really useful info from here.

If anyone can also help me with some useful websites or recommend places to visit in San Francisco and San Diego then I'd be really grateful.

Welcome to the DL board!

Since you're WDW vets, I highly recommend that you take a look at HydroGuy's tip threads. All can be found here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

Print the first link & then start reading them in order. It's the primer for the first time visitor to DLR.

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


Regarding travel from DLR to SF.....I highly recommend planning a drive up (or down) Highway 1 between Santa Monica (next to LA) & Monterey (just south of SF). Plan at least two nights & enjoy an amazing drive & lots of sites to see.

 

[summertime85]

Thanks very much for advice everyone it's a great help.