Planning a trip to San Francisco late August, we are 2 adults and 4 year old, 7 year old and 10 month old.
I REALLY REALLY want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles.
Please give me tips on things that are must see, eat and any travel tips there.
Ideally I would like to fly into SFO and get a rental. Spend one or 2 days in San Francisco and do the Big Sur drive. Spend 2 days in LA and fly back to NJ from LAX.
THAT IS…if it works out ok pricewise with rental car. Some charge $100+ fee for dropping off at different location.
If so then I am better off driving back and spending an extra night on the way back.
So please advise must see places (besides Disney) in:
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Along the drive on Pacific Coast Highway. I have been told a 1-2 night stay along the Pacific Coast highway is a must, in Monterey, Carmel etc.
but thats my fav more for cultural reasons. After nyc it surely has the most diversified one
2 days for SF is good enough as you'd be most likely be visiting famous places.
Check out these:
1) Golden gate
2) Fisherman's wharf or Pier 39
3) Downtown/union sq. (Be very very careful in downtown, dont roam around in night)
4) Goldengate park
5) Many museums esp there is a science museum very good for children
6) Oakdale bridge in night time, dont remember wut its called
7) Cable car is a must to sit in.
8) Alcatrez island if you guyz hv some interest
Should be enough for two days. A couple of things to remember. You gotto be careful in evenings when you are in downtown. Second, there's some catch when you use a rental car and goto the golden gate bridge, related to the EZ-pass. So get that info from the rental company. Also what we did, we got the 3 day city bus tour. That helped a lot. you can take it for 2 days.
There are very good halal places too in the city. My fav of them is "Oasis" right by Oracle's office in downtown.
And if you have more days, you can try going all the humongous parks of cali too.
I would check out Viator.com and look for passes. You can get really good deals and buy passes to the main attractions so you can save yourself quite a bit of money and avoid standing in ticket lines.
I used this website when I went to NYC few weeks ago and it was a great way to see the city's main sites.
If you drive the PCH all the way between SF and LA, its going to be over 12 hours of just driving time. Big Sur coast is amazing. It's the best part of the drive. Great place to break the trip and spend a day - unfortunately not a lot of affordable options unless you want to go the cabin in the woods or camping way. There are a few quieter coastal towns south of Big Sur. But for four days... you'll have tons to do in SF and LA.
packing both SoCal and NorCal in 5 days is injustice to both the places.....I covered NorCal and SoCal separately , each trip was around 5 days and believe me all those 5 days were super packed.
Theres so much much to do at these places.
I would advise you cover one of these places for 3 days and then reserve the last day for the big sur drive and back
Sorry to hijack the thread......but quick question.
How bad is the Big Sur drive for someone who is scared of heights? It has been on one of my to-go places since forever.....but people have scared me and told me that I won't be able to properly enjoy it
In Los Angeles, you might want to check out Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. They have all the fancy name brand stores, and there is always a pretty good chance that you will see some Hollywood stars walking around.
In Los Angeles, you might want to check out Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. They have all the fancy name brand stores, and there is always a pretty good chance that you will see some Hollywood stars walking around.
Ali khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Yaar Ali, you guys have all the intel. Can you figure out when Angelina Jolie or Mila Kunis will be there. I will plan ahead for that. As a token of my appreciation I will buy you one of those dark glasses that intelligence types wear. Deal?
PS: all the other Centcoms, thus offer us open only to Ali.
PS2: you guys can win goodies too, tell me what you can do for me. :-)
I am now thinking to drive up from LA to San Fran as getting better prices.I Love the idea of camping cabins by the redwoods, but goodness even those are around $195 for some I found online. We have a total of 8 days including flight time from east coast.In terms of scenic beauty what are must stop points along the big sur/ pacific coast highway.Anyone took a wine tour in Napa Valley? Travel agent told me tour is worth it even if you dont drink as they have ciders and scenery?SID NY - Is it tough to get to hotel without rental and only get car rental when ready for drive? I mean is easy to get car rental from local inner city as it is by the airport.I do not want to drive back but some hefty charges from car rental company for one way destination charges....grr...so confused.
In Los Angeles, you might want to check out Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. They have all the fancy name brand stores, and there is always a pretty good chance that you will see some Hollywood stars walking around.
Ali khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Yeah! but dont fall for the paparazzi-for-hire guys... its just some guy/girl with a lot of money with their own paparazzo for a day.
For the PCH drive, I wouldn't recommend doing it all the way between LA & SF with young kids in tow. They will get bored. Instead, try a trip to Santa Barbara if driving from LA or a trip to Montrerey if driving from SF. Maybe you can make a day trip out of it and then just get on I-5 for commute between LA & SF.
I personally like the PCH drive from LA to San Deigo, though.
No, I don't have any information regarding there whereabouts on any given day. But like I said, the area attracts a lot of celebrities, and they are often seen there shopping.:)