Trip to So Cal

oompaloompa · #1 04-26-2013

so we just got invited to a wedding next month, (short notice for me) in S. Cali

I have not been there for 10 years, but always meaning to go back, so am going to make a 2 week trip of it.

last time I stayed in the hills and everything was organised for me, this time it is down to me, I am thinking of doing San diego for one week and one week in santa monica or laguna or santa barbara, malibu but cannot decide....I need the calmest water...

these will be where I mainly stay and use as a base, as I dont want to drive around too much and I have a youngster...

will be wanting to go in to LA and beverley hills etc just for a day, last time I went we just drove in and parked, is that still ok to do, cos I know things change....

**aspkin** · #2 04-26-2013

Lucky you! I wish I was heading to California this time of the year..

GreenBean · #3 04-26-2013

Weather is just starting to get warmer. May still be snow on the Sierra Nevadas.

San Diego has the Fleet to amuse you

Not sure you would need a week there. Maybe a suburb closer to LAX.

There's other beautiful places like San Juan Capistrano and any of the other 'old' Missionary towns.
Santa Monica was a bit of a dive last time I visited. There are heaps of places to stay.
Where is the wedding?

Like aspkin, I wish I was a'going too. Love CA in May.
( or any other month)

oompaloompa · #4 04-26-2013

the wedding is in san diego, there is the zoo there to visit, what is the fleet? unsure about the beaches there as never been but I agree a week may be too long, I have to have at least 4 days there as there are various meet-ups in the days prior to the wedding...

I want to then go and relax on a long wide non-crowded beach, with nice restaurants..no dives! maybe malibu....

golden_monkey · #5 04-26-2013

beach? SO CA? stay out of the water..... wouldn't want to get poked with glass or needles.

dirty water on that coast :-(

GreenBean · #6 04-26-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by oompaloompa

the wedding is in san diego, there is the zoo there to visit, what is the fleet? unsure about the beaches there as never been but I agree a week may be too long, I have to have at least 4 days there as there are various meet-ups in the days prior to the wedding...

I want to then go and relax on a long wide non-crowded beach, with nice restaurants..no dives! maybe malibu....

San Diego is home to the Pacific Fleet.... town is full of sailors. Old stomping grounds

Certainly not ideal for longer stays. Move on after the wedding.

Have you ever swum in the waters of the West Coast? Not the best. Worse than Brighton Pier

golden_monkey · #7 04-26-2013

Sandy D · #8 04-26-2013

San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in the US.

Being an ocean lover I too wont stray much into the Cali waters.

Then again I am a short drive from 3 of the top beaches in the USA here in Florida and we swim and body surf all day long and never an issue so far.

But Cali it unique in itself and has lots of things to see and do.

As GB said for sure head out to see the Navy areas, awesome display if they are in port etc.

slim jim · #9 04-26-2013

San Diego was real nice. You don't have to worry about rain there which is perfect for a vacation. If you are a baseball fan you could always catch a baseball game while there. We stayed at the hard rock which was real nice

AuctionsDenied · #10 04-26-2013

Lots of places to see in San Diego. San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Pacific Fleet (referred by GB), about 1/2 hour away from Legoland (depending on how old your youngster is.
Disneyland is about an hour away.

Depending on you time of day and which day, it would take you about 2 hours to get Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood area at best. With traffic up to 4 hours.

Depending on what you really want to do, I can throw some tips your way since I am out here.

lightmaria · #11 04-26-2013

San Fransisco and San Diego are my two favorite places :D

San Fran city is the best but the weather in san diego is totally better =) And the piers are way less populated.

golden_monkey · #12 04-26-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy D

Then again I am a short drive from 3 of the top beaches in the USA here in Florida and we swim and body surf all day long and never an issue so far.

the sharks sure seem to be taking a liking to tourists these days.

shark attack 50/50 surfer or flailing tourist.

MM78 · #13 04-26-2013

If you go to San Diego, go to Sea World, were headed there in a few weeks.

Sandy D · #14 04-26-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden_monkey

the sharks sure seem to be taking a liking to tourists these days.

shark attack 50/50 surfer or flailing tourist.

Mostly on the ocean side which I am not a big fan of.

Best beaches are on the gulf side by far.

Gamefreak · #15 04-26-2013

S cali.. its So cal or Cali..

Weather is great right now. Nice and warm if you like that

GreenBean · #16 04-26-2013

Albert Hammond - It Never Rains In Southern California - YouTube

golden_monkey · #17 04-27-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy D

Mostly on the ocean side which I am not a big fan of.

Best beaches are on the gulf side by far.

but the whole point of the beach is playing in the waves!!!

oompaloompa · #18 04-27-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuctionsDenied

Lots of places to see in San Diego. San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Pacific Fleet (referred by GB), about 1/2 hour away from Legoland (depending on how old your youngster is.
Disneyland is about an hour away.

Depending on you time of day and which day, it would take you about 2 hours to get Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood area at best. With traffic up to 4 hours.

Depending on what you really want to do, I can throw some tips your way since I am out here.

thanks, I will just do Bev Hills probably, I have been invited to a restaurant meet up there and then take in some shopping...knowing where to park would be handy for good access...?

other thing is the zoo, will be doing that. Not bothered about disneyland/seaworld and legoland, have done them already, just not in Cal.

GreenBean · #19 04-27-2013

Sea World and The Zoo in San Diego are special.

Mini-me would love there

What part of Beverley Hills is the restaurant?

cherrqell · #20 04-27-2013

Definitely go to Tijuana, and eat at In and Out Burger!

Sandy D · #21 04-27-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden_monkey

but the whole point of the beach is playing in the waves!!!

Exactly.

We have waves on a gulf side but not as large as the ocean side.

But, the ocean side beaches are not even close to being as nice as the gulf.

You cannot have everything but it is much nice to have clean beaches, white sand and still get to body surf.

AuctionsDenied · #22 04-27-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by oompaloompa

thanks, I will just do Bev Hills probably, I have been invited to a restaurant meet up there and then take in some shopping...knowing where to park would be handy for good access...?

other thing is the zoo, will be doing that. Not bothered about disneyland/seaworld and legoland, have done them already, just not in Cal.

Beverly Hills has alot of public metered parking on street and public lots. If you are hanging out in Beverly Hills, you are also 20 minutes away from Hollywood, and there is also Universal Studios and Universal City which is a nice place to visit.
Goings towards the beach about 10 minutes away from Beverly Hills is Century City, which is also a shopping mall.

Let me know which areas you are going to visit and I can throw pointers your way.