Trip to California... need tips
Jan 15, 2001 | 12:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 57
Trip to California... need tips
I am planning a 8 day leisure trip to california during April 2001. I have never been there. Need tips on places to see and the approx time it would take to look around. Thanks.
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Jan 15, 2001 | 2:34 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVP Gold, AA Life Plat, Marriott Life Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, Hilton/Hyatt Diamond, Radisson Gold
Posts: 137
California's a big state. If I were you, i wouldn't try to cover the entire state in only 8 days. So, you'll have to narrow it down a bit before we can give you specific tips. For starters, are you traveling to Northern CA or Southern CA? Lots of Californians will tell you that it's almost like two different states. 
[This message has been edited by blackfur (edited 01-15-2001).]
[This message has been edited by blackfur (edited 01-15-2001).]
Jan 15, 2001 | 2:42 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 57
I do not know what will be better... nothern half or the southern half. That is where I need input from you guys. I would like to visit the most interesting places, that I can cover in 8 day. Also preferably everything by road. Thanks.
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Jan 15, 2001 | 2:45 pm
#4
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
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I think it would be a good idea to focus on either the north or south, rather than zip through the entire state in 8 days. If you're up north, you can choose between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mendocino, and on and on. Plenty for 8 days. You could even head further north to Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park. Really depends what interests you, so you need to provide more info.
Jan 15, 2001 | 2:46 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Everywhere
Programs: UA MM; DL SPG HH Gold
Posts: 635
Well, it really depends on what you're into. I mean, are you looking at an "outdoorsy" vacation? Are you looking to do tons of shopping? Looking for beaches? Looking for movie stars? Theme parks?
I mean, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway. You can check out the latest latin dance moves at the clubs in LA... See the Golden Gate.
Give us some more direction on your preferences and I'm sure we can be of better help...
I mean, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway. You can check out the latest latin dance moves at the clubs in LA... See the Golden Gate.
Give us some more direction on your preferences and I'm sure we can be of better help...
Jan 15, 2001 | 4:48 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 57
Just looking for good sight seeing, beaches, visit a place that might be famous for something. General look around. People talk a lot about Califonia. Need to see why it is so popular. Heard from a friend that Yosemite is a real beautiful place. Looks like northern california is going to be a good choice. So let me know of what all I will be able to cover in Nothern half and where should I give more time. Also, what should be a good starting point (where should I fly into)
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Jan 16, 2001 | 12:47 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: SFO
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Posts: 2,686
Jan 16, 2001 | 12:52 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Sacramento area, CA USA
Programs: UA Gold Million Miler, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,858
Fly into San Fran or San Jose, whichever is cheapest for you. April will be lovely (maybe a little rain) and green. The waterfalls at Yosemite should be starting. Are you rich? Stay at the Ahwanee! Camping will be VERY cold. Tahoe - want casinos, go south shore; serene natural beauty - north shore. Have a couple of bucks to spare? Stay at Hyatt in a cottage at the water's edge. Worth cashing in Hyatt points. You probably could ski Tahoe area then, if you like. Take a balloon ride in Napa. If you land in SJ, go south to Monterey - take the 17 mile drive. Gorgeous in April with ice plant blooming along the ocean in Pacific Grove. There are B&B's along the ocean and a number of chains: Hyatt, Marriott, Doubletree, etc. Asilomar in the woods. See the aquarium and walk along Cannery Row. Believe me, your eight days will fly. Naturally, you will want to ride cable cars in SF...when you get home, tell everyone that the smog burned your eyes and you were scared stiff over earthquakes. We have plenty of people here already!!!
Jan 16, 2001 | 10:13 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVP Gold, AA Life Plat, Marriott Life Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, Hilton/Hyatt Diamond, Radisson Gold
Posts: 137
Something to keep in mind if you're looking forward to walks along the beach, maybe even a quick swim or two...
In Northen CA you'll freeze your *** off if you try it! We've got some beautiful beaches up here, but especially that time of year, you need a wetsuit to brave the waters. Great for surfers, lousy for swimmers. If you're looking for a good beach experience, you'll need to head down south to San Diego, Los Angeles, etc.
As far as attractions go, tom911, 0524, and Karen2 have given a pretty good rundown of major spots. You're best shopping is likely to be in San Francisco and maybe Carmel, depending on what you're looking for. Have tea in the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Have a drink at the Top of the Mark in the Mark Hopkins Hotel Intercontinental, or the Cityscape at the top of the San Francisco Hilton & Towers. Monterry Bay Aquarium is definitely worth a stop, especially for the jellyfish exhibit!
And, of course, if you like wine you've got to go wine tasting. Actually, if you're only so-so on wine, it might be worth it as well; going on wine tasting trips is how I gained my appreciation of good wine. Napa Valley has a lot of good wineries and tends to have the best tours, but my partner and I tend to prefer Sonoma Valley wineries. They're less crowded than the Napa wineries, and most of them still don't charge for tastings. Sonoma gives a more relaxed experience, and you're more likely to get into an engaging conversation about the wine -- and the person behind the counter is more likely to be the owner of the place -- than in Napa. Actually, our favorite wineries are in a little spur of Sonoma called Alexander Valley. Along that route, we especially like De Lorimier, Field Stone, and Sausal. You might also want to spend the night before or after tasting at one of the B&Bs in Napa, Sonoma, or the Russian River area. By the way, Monterrey and the Santa Cruz Mountains have some great wineries as well, but they tend to be smaller and tastings are more likely to be by appointment only.
In Northen CA you'll freeze your *** off if you try it! We've got some beautiful beaches up here, but especially that time of year, you need a wetsuit to brave the waters. Great for surfers, lousy for swimmers. If you're looking for a good beach experience, you'll need to head down south to San Diego, Los Angeles, etc.
As far as attractions go, tom911, 0524, and Karen2 have given a pretty good rundown of major spots. You're best shopping is likely to be in San Francisco and maybe Carmel, depending on what you're looking for. Have tea in the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Have a drink at the Top of the Mark in the Mark Hopkins Hotel Intercontinental, or the Cityscape at the top of the San Francisco Hilton & Towers. Monterry Bay Aquarium is definitely worth a stop, especially for the jellyfish exhibit!
And, of course, if you like wine you've got to go wine tasting. Actually, if you're only so-so on wine, it might be worth it as well; going on wine tasting trips is how I gained my appreciation of good wine. Napa Valley has a lot of good wineries and tends to have the best tours, but my partner and I tend to prefer Sonoma Valley wineries. They're less crowded than the Napa wineries, and most of them still don't charge for tastings. Sonoma gives a more relaxed experience, and you're more likely to get into an engaging conversation about the wine -- and the person behind the counter is more likely to be the owner of the place -- than in Napa. Actually, our favorite wineries are in a little spur of Sonoma called Alexander Valley. Along that route, we especially like De Lorimier, Field Stone, and Sausal. You might also want to spend the night before or after tasting at one of the B&Bs in Napa, Sonoma, or the Russian River area. By the way, Monterrey and the Santa Cruz Mountains have some great wineries as well, but they tend to be smaller and tastings are more likely to be by appointment only.
Jan 16, 2001 | 1:30 pm
#12
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
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Posts: 16,127
Originally posted by blackfur:
Lots of Californians will tell you that it's almost like two different states.
Lots of Californians will tell you that it's almost like two different states.
Jan 16, 2001 | 3:03 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Sacramento area, CA USA
Programs: UA Gold Million Miler, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,858
In April, you cannot swim in the water of Southern CA either - trust me. The Atlantic would even be cold in April and the Pacific is notorious for being colder than the Atlantic.
In defense of So CAL: Land in SJ, drive to Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur on State Route 1. Spend the night, eat dinner at Nepenthe. Wend your way to San Simeon, take in the Castle. Check out the boat trips out of Ventura to the islands. Lunch in Malibu at Wolfgang Puck's Granita restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway. Spend the night en route to the awesome Getty Museum in LA. Maybe Nanook's husband will give you a rate! Go to a play - sometimes they have last minute tickets for the Mark Taper or Doolittle for only $10. Many times these plays are pre-Broadway and a real bargain. Check out the Huntington Museum and Gardens (reservation mandatory on Sundays) after elegant brunch at the Huntington Ritz Carlton (has quite an interesting history). See the usual tourist sites: Mann's Chinese Theater, Hollywood and Vine. See Sue, the giant T Rex, at the Museum of Natural History. Watch a 3 D IMAX next door. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits where huge wooly mammoths once roamed and its Page Museum. Disneyland if you are interested in that sort of thing. Queen Mary also in Long Beach.
Then gorgeous San Diego with its raft of museums and the awesome Wild Animal Park - you will think you are in Africa. Hop down to Tijuana for shopping and street food if you dare! Take the trolley and walk across. Do NOT take a car - takes forever to return through immigration. Stay at the Horton Grand - another old hotel with history. Eat at one of the Pacifica restaurants. Del Mar has a great view.
Out to Death Valley and, if early enough in April, the wild desert flowers. Play golf i Palm Springs if it is not too hot yet and take the tram to the top of the mountain. See King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks en route to Yosemite and back for your flight out of SJ (naturally, being so close, you might want to trip up to SF...).
Just asking: where are you living now???
In defense of So CAL: Land in SJ, drive to Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur on State Route 1. Spend the night, eat dinner at Nepenthe. Wend your way to San Simeon, take in the Castle. Check out the boat trips out of Ventura to the islands. Lunch in Malibu at Wolfgang Puck's Granita restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway. Spend the night en route to the awesome Getty Museum in LA. Maybe Nanook's husband will give you a rate! Go to a play - sometimes they have last minute tickets for the Mark Taper or Doolittle for only $10. Many times these plays are pre-Broadway and a real bargain. Check out the Huntington Museum and Gardens (reservation mandatory on Sundays) after elegant brunch at the Huntington Ritz Carlton (has quite an interesting history). See the usual tourist sites: Mann's Chinese Theater, Hollywood and Vine. See Sue, the giant T Rex, at the Museum of Natural History. Watch a 3 D IMAX next door. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits where huge wooly mammoths once roamed and its Page Museum. Disneyland if you are interested in that sort of thing. Queen Mary also in Long Beach.
Then gorgeous San Diego with its raft of museums and the awesome Wild Animal Park - you will think you are in Africa. Hop down to Tijuana for shopping and street food if you dare! Take the trolley and walk across. Do NOT take a car - takes forever to return through immigration. Stay at the Horton Grand - another old hotel with history. Eat at one of the Pacifica restaurants. Del Mar has a great view.
Out to Death Valley and, if early enough in April, the wild desert flowers. Play golf i Palm Springs if it is not too hot yet and take the tram to the top of the mountain. See King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks en route to Yosemite and back for your flight out of SJ (naturally, being so close, you might want to trip up to SF...).
Just asking: where are you living now???
Jan 16, 2001 | 4:56 pm
#14
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Escondido CA USA
Programs: AS, UA, HY, Hil, Merr
Posts: 3,332
If you are serious about getting input, I suggest you provide the following:
How many traveling and ages
General interest
Were you live know and if you ever lived on a coast.
Type of travel (one flight, or a few, driving or renting a camper)
Per diem
How many times do you plan to come back
Great input so far but not meaningful to do wine tour if you are a family with 3 children etc.
San Diego, Orange/LA, Santa Barbara/Ventura, San Ynez valley/San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Tahoe/Reno all can take 8 days each.
How many traveling and ages
General interest
Were you live know and if you ever lived on a coast.
Type of travel (one flight, or a few, driving or renting a camper)
Per diem
How many times do you plan to come back
Great input so far but not meaningful to do wine tour if you are a family with 3 children etc.
San Diego, Orange/LA, Santa Barbara/Ventura, San Ynez valley/San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Tahoe/Reno all can take 8 days each.
Jan 16, 2001 | 7:08 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 57
THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!!
To all you wonderful people!!! This is just great. I Love this forum. I shall compile all the information given by you, keep in mind all the tips and hope to have a wonderful time there. We will be party of 7 (4 Senior Citizens, 2 in late twenties and 1 one year... my son!!!)
I shall also visit the website addresses given to me.
Hedoman, If only AAA book could have given this type on information!!! I have taken some trip in the past... AAA book has never been useful.
I am not sure right now if I will fly in or drive down there. With 7 people, Driving will be much cheaper!!! I Hope I can get some extra vacation days.
blackfur, unfortunately none of us take any kind of liquor... So no wine tour for us... But hey, thanks for that info... I shall pass it on to my other friends who love wine.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN GUYS... You are the best!!!
[This message has been edited by lovelydeals (edited 01-16-2001).]
To all you wonderful people!!! This is just great. I Love this forum. I shall compile all the information given by you, keep in mind all the tips and hope to have a wonderful time there. We will be party of 7 (4 Senior Citizens, 2 in late twenties and 1 one year... my son!!!)
I shall also visit the website addresses given to me.
Hedoman, If only AAA book could have given this type on information!!! I have taken some trip in the past... AAA book has never been useful.
I am not sure right now if I will fly in or drive down there. With 7 people, Driving will be much cheaper!!!
I Hope I can get some extra vacation days.blackfur, unfortunately none of us take any kind of liquor... So no wine tour for us... But hey, thanks for that info... I shall pass it on to my other friends who love wine.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN GUYS... You are the best!!!
[This message has been edited by lovelydeals (edited 01-16-2001).]