please help!

[momjkm]

Hi all... need some opinions on my trip to Southern California this summer. It will be just me and my 17 yr old dd. Graduation gift My tentative plan is to fly into San Diego on a Wednesday or Thursday, rent a car and stay in the area until Saturday AM. On Saturday AM, drive north to LA/Hollywood Area... do Chinese theatre, walk of fame ect in that area on Saturday. Stay overnight, and do Universal on Sunday. Drive to Anaheim early Monday AM and stay there, do disney Mon-Thursday and on Friday AM, drive to coast for 3 nights, flying home on Monday AM.

I am flying into San Diego as it is cheaper to fly into that LAX and rental car is cheaper. But don't have my heart set on seeing San Diego.. the only thing I know at this point is I would want to see the zoo. With a 17yr old girl, would 2 days there be enough?

Would I be better off flying into LAX since I DO want to spend more time in that area?

2nd question: I plan on being in Hollywood are on weekend to minimize time in traffic. Is this a good plan? Or would it be worth it to get a hotel in Anaheim and just go back/forth those 2 days? (ie go from San Diego to LA on Sat AM, spend day there and then to Anaheim Saturday night and do a tour from Anaheim to Universal on Sunday or Monday?)

If I stayed in Hollywood an extra day, what time would be good to head out to Anaheim to minimize traffic on a monday in July?

I don't mind driving but want to minimize it as much as possible---

Please don't be shy--tell me what I need to know, avoid...ect...
thanks so MUCH!
Jill

 

[sonnyjane]

I've never done Universal so I can't help with that part other than I know it's a bit of a drive to Anaheim, especially if there is traffic. Since I live in San Diego, though, I can help with that part!

Most people down here like to do the zoo and Sea World. The zoo is a full-day affair for sure. If you only want to see the zoo but not Sea World, then one day is enough. This is not to say there isn't a lot to see here, because there is plenty, but if you only wanted to see the zoo, then you don't need two full days.

I'll give you this caveat: If you haven't booked your dates yet, June is known to be foggy, cool, and gloomy here in SoCal with highs only in the 60's. It's called "June Gloom" in fact. If you could wait until July, it will increase the chances of sunny, warm weather on your trip, but if not, it's nothing horrible - just not postcard sunny California weather. Just wanted to warn you so you're not disappointed!

Let me know if you have any zoo questions, as I work there, or just questions about San Diego in general

 

[NStramler]

Plans look good but I think I would look at flying into Long Beach and see what the price difference is...

As far as doing Universal then staying the night and driving to Anaheim the next day... I would probably just spend the one night there, do Universal and drive to Anaheim that evening. That way you are there and rested, instead of up and driving again.. I also think you might have less traffic that night that on a weekday morning...

 

[momjkm]

Thank you both for your responses.... so many decisions.... but better ones that my day to day life has lol!Jill

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I live in Burbank - by Universal and Hollywood.

As long as you get on the road to Anaheim before 7am on Monday morning, you will be fine. Traffic will be mild for the most part and against traffic once you get past downtown. It picks up again south of Anaheim, but if you are stopping there, it's all good.

Frankly, it might be worth your while to review the pricing difference on the flights and see how much your time value is worth. Review your plans to wither adjust your schedule so your San Diego day is the day of or before your flight or see if the stress of getting on the road to SD to be to the airport in time will be worth it. If traffic goes bad, the supposedly 2 hour drive can become 4.

I would price Long Beach, Santa Ana, Burbank, and Oakland airports and see which gives you the best price. All are convenient and easy access to LA area. Burbank is only a couple miles from Hollywood and Universal, too.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I would price Long Beach, Santa Ana, Burbank, and Oakland airports and see which gives you the best price. All are convenient and easy access to LA area. Burbank is only a couple miles from Hollywood and Universal, too.

Did you mean Ontario? I'm assuming you didn't mean Oakland since that would be neither easy nor convenient to the LA area, lol.

 

[StageTek]

2nd question: I plan on being in Hollywood are on weekend to minimize time in traffic. Is this a good plan? Or would it be worth it to get a hotel in Anaheim and just go back/forth those 2 days? (ie go from San Diego to LA on Sat AM, spend day there and then to Anaheim Saturday night and do a tour from Anaheim to Universal on Sunday or Monday?)

If I stayed in Hollywood an extra day, what time would be good to head out to Anaheim to minimize traffic on a monday in July?

Traffic is unpredictable. If there is an accident the day you travel
the traffic will be terrible. If not the difference will be at the most
10 to 15 minutes. Maybe 20.

No matter which day you choose or which hour you choose to leave
Los Angeles area for Anaheim it will take you between 40 minutes
and 55 minutes - assuming normal, non accident, conditions.

I do it often. I have left LA at 6AM and 8AM and 9AM and 10AM and
11AM and... well you get the idea. Sometimes the traffic between
Hollywood and downtown is a nightmare and then from downtown
to Anaheim it's 65 all the way. I've left Hollywood at 7AM on a
Monday and it takes an hour. The next Monday at 7AM it takes 35
minutes.

My advice, from a Hollywood local who travels to DLR regularly, is
it not even think about the traffic. You can't save much more than
15 minutes no matter what plans you try.

I do understand - there is always the hope that there is some little
trick than can shave 10/15 minutes off the drive. But there really
isn't.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Did you mean Ontario? I'm assuming you didn't mean Oakland since that would be neither easy nor convenient to the LA area, lol.

You are quite correct. I'm home sick and had a bit of a delusional moment!

 

[NStramler]

I would still look at driving to Anaheim on Sunday evening. That way you can check into the hotel when you get there instead of waiting until later in the day on Monday to check in. Whatever you decide I hope you and your daughter have a wonderful time!

 

[momjkm]

Thanks everyone--- I looked into the other area airports--- never even know about the john wayne one... I need to use southwest (free ticket and a $100 credit) and San Diego had the best flight times- one stop with no plane changes.... and best price, even when I added car rental costs....
The idea of being near the airport the day I fly is a good idea and I am looking into it (staying the night before). My dates have shifted a little. my other child has a conflict I need to be home for so San Diego may be the weekend visit and LA during week. I think I will leave San Diego area around 9am and stop along way for lunch.. along coast, Getting to La hotel around 2-3pm. Thinking traffic that may be in the area will be going out, not in.

thank you again...
Jill