Druff and or other SoCal folks

[LegalizeMeth]

Planning a week out in Cali in a few weeks, gf wants to fly into LA, spend a couple days, hit up the channel islands, then debating whether to remain in LA for week or rent car and drive up coast and fly out of San Fran. Any suggestions with places to stay/go/not go or any tips to avoid potential blunders before I book anything would be greatly appreciated. Dont really want to rent a car, but from what I am reading public transpo in LA is mostly trash so not sure I can get around it, although would be fine with uber and walking. TIA

[Dan Druff]

Planning a week out in Cali in a few weeks, gf wants to fly into LA, spend a couple days, hit up the channel islands, then debating whether to remain in LA for week or rent car and drive up coast and fly out of San Fran. Any suggestions with places to stay/go/not go or any tips to avoid potential blunders before I book anything would be greatly appreciated. Dont really want to rent a car, but from what I am reading public transpo in LA is mostly trash so not sure I can get around it, although would be fine with uber and walking. TIA

100% rent a car

Have you booked a trip to the channel islands in advance? Even I have never been there, and they aren't particularly easy to visit. Coincidentally, I made a thread asking about going there, but go no response.

Catalina Island, however, is much easier to get to. It's a lot more touristy, though.

If you drive from LA to SF, do NOT take I-5, as that drive is ugly and boring. Instead, take US-101, as you will be along the coast for a lot of it. It will also take you through Santa Barbara, and you won't be too far from "wine country" in that area, if that interests you.

If you remain in LA for a week, have a plan as to what you want to do, and what you're interested in doing. The LA area is geographically large, and it can also be slow to travel within the area because of traffic, so come in with a plan. Also be aware that the ocean is NOT warm in California -- it's under 70 degrees for most of the summer.

I would suggest some of the state/national parks in central CA, but most of them are probably jam packed with tourists this summer.

[LegalizeMeth]

sounds good Ill check it out, I think she wants to take a ferry out to some national park on one of the islands but not sure I will mention the Catalina idea to her, ty

[JoeD]

Do NOT stay in a hotel in downtown LA - lol at people I see walking around with suitcases in the downtown area.

Uber and Lfyt are ok. Public transportation is a no.

Don't go to Venice Beach - has always been overhyped in my opinion but right now due to homeless issues it's a big no as well.

Dodger stadium or Universal City Walk are always good.

[tgull]

If you are leaving out of San Fran, get there a day early and visit Alcatraz, great national park. Although Newsome might have closed it, not sure.

[Dan Druff]

Yeah in SF, here's some suggestions:

- Ride the cable car, and hang off the side if they still allow it. It's surprisingly fun.

- Drive down Lombard street (the winding, super steep road)

- Drive the Golden Gate bridge, and stop off at a park on either side of it for views and pictures

- Visit Fisherman's Wharf if you don't mind the touristy stuff there

- Visit Alcatraz if it's open and take a tour

- Have a meal in Chinatown

- Go to a Giants game if they're home, and if you're interested in baseball

[Dan Druff]

Regadring staying in Hollywood, note that Hollywood is half dity/scummy and half touristy. There are a lot of good restaurants in West Hollywood, but obviously that's a different area. But you may want to try a meal at one of those.

Hollywood can be interesting to see for a day as a tourist, but I wouldn't allocate anything more than that. You'll get sick of it fast, and the bums/weirdos in the area will get to annoy you quickly.

I agree with JoeD about Venice -- it's really gone to shit.

Oh, and the weather in LA is probably different than you expect. By the coast it's usually cool (sometimes it doesn't even reach 75 in the summer), and inland is hot. Downtown/Hollywood is kind of in the middle, weather-wise. But it's not uncommon to drive 30 miles within southern CA and see the temperature change 25 degrees during the day in the summer.

If you'd like a nice view of LA, take a drive on Mulholland:

[Dan Druff]

Also if you're going to stay in Hollywood, make sure you read reviews first, and run far away from any hotel with a lot of bad ones.

Trust me on that one especially.

[Dan Druff]

Oh, and a word about traffic.

You want to avoid driving any real distance from 7-9am or 4-6:30pm, unless it's a weekend. But keep in mind that traffic also can suck big time on the weekends, so really the only times you can be sure traffic will be decent would be night or very early morning.

In general, the traffic backs up going toward downtown LA in the morning and away from it in the afternoon.

[v12cl]

Not sure why anyone would voluntarily visit SF at this moment in time, unless your definition of "vacation" is witnessing human despair and addiction.

If you just have to come, make sure to bring some pepper spray, and don't leave anything in your rental car, or you can kiss it goodbye. Yes, even the trunk.

Also, bring some extra shoes just in case you step in human feces.

Alcatraz might be cool, it's the one place in the city the drugged up fentanyl zombies can't get to.

[tgull]

Not sure why anyone would voluntarily visit SF at this moment in time, unless your definition of "vacation" is witnessing human despair and addiction.

If you just have to come, make sure to bring some pepper spray, and don't leave anything in your rental car, or you can kiss it goodbye. Yes, even the trunk.

Also, bring some extra shoes just in case you step in human feces.

Alcatraz might be cool, it's the one place in the city the drugged up fentanyl zombies can't get to.

Alcatraz is definitely a great time, especially if you watch the Clint Eastwood movie right before. Like I said, I have no idea if its still open anymore, Pelosi might have ordered it closed in a Defund the Police movement. It would not surprise me in the least if it gets demolished soon and a turned into a Green Park.

[LegalizeMeth]

You think I’m better off staying in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica versus Hollywood? Just looking to be sort of centralized but def away from the seediness and bums if possible

[Sanlmar]

You’re really not listening are you legalize? There is probably nothing I can do to change your mind about LA but I feel an obligation.

How about NAPA? Book a tour that includes a balloon ride with a pilot that gives a good narrative. That would be memorable and different.

I’m not a wine guy but I saw the movie Sideways. The wine biz is interesting. Great food opportunities.

I wonder how the drought is affecting all that. Has it burned down? Maybe they are converting to the coffee crop.

[dwai]

Not sure why anyone would voluntarily visit SF at this moment in time, unless your definition of "vacation" is witnessing human despair and addiction.

If you just have to come, make sure to bring some pepper spray, and don't leave anything in your rental car, or you can kiss it goodbye. Yes, even the trunk.

Also, bring some extra shoes just in case you step in human feces.

Alcatraz might be cool, it's the one place in the city the drugged up fentanyl zombies can't get to.

Alcatraz is definitely a great time, especially if you watch the Clint Eastwood movie right before. Like I said, I have no idea if its still open anymore, Pelosi might have ordered it closed in a Defund the Police movement. It would not surprise me in the least if it gets demolished soon and a turned into a Green Park.

[LegalizeMeth]

Dude LA is the second biggest city in our country with some of the most famous locations in the US….you’re telling me it’s not even worth a one time visit? I’ve been to San Diego, thought it was awesome but even there I thought the bum situation was out of control compared to Boston and NYC. But it wasn’t intolerable IMO

Will prob spend a day or 2 in LA then a night in Santa Barbara before we get to San Fran which I’ve never seen either

[Jayjami]

Oh, and a word about traffic.

You want to avoid driving any real distance from 7-9am or 4-6:30pm, unless it's a weekend. But keep in mind that traffic also can suck big time on the weekends, so really the only times you can be sure traffic will be decent would be night or very early morning.

In general, the traffic backs up going toward downtown LA in the morning and away from it in the afternoon.

You used to be able to reasonably navigate LA between 11 and 3. Those days are long gone.

[Jayjami]

Dude LA is the second biggest city in our country with some of the most famous locations in the US….you’re telling me it’s not even worth a one time visit? I’ve been to San Diego, thought it was awesome but even there I thought the bum situation was out of control compared to Boston and NYC. But it wasn’t intolerable IMO

Will prob spend a day or 2 in LA then a night in Santa Barbara before we get to San Fran which I’ve never seen either

If you’re going from LA to SF, driving up Hwy 1 is mandatory. Hearst Castle, Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and spectacular scenery:

[hutmaster]

Planning a week out in Cali in a few weeks, gf wants to fly into LA, spend a couple days, hit up the channel islands, then debating whether to remain in LA for week or rent car and drive up coast and fly out of San Fran. Any suggestions with places to stay/go/not go or any tips to avoid potential blunders before I book anything would be greatly appreciated. Dont really want to rent a car, but from what I am reading public transpo in LA is mostly trash so not sure I can get around it, although would be fine with uber and walking. TIA

It’s worth spending a day in Hollywood, walking Hollywood Blvd, seeing the Chinese Theater, Celebrity handprints, etc. I’d stay a night at the Historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and take an Uber in the evening to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s an outdoor amphitheater, most pack their own picnic meals and some wine and enjoy the show. Not much reason to stay in Hollywood for more then a day.

Leaving Hollywood, you can be at Universal Studios in 20 minutes. Some nice hotels there in Universal City or a few miles down the road in Studio City.

If you like museums the Getty is highly recommended. Reservations are usually required due to their parking situation. The Huntington in Pasadena is also amazing. It’s one part world class art museum, one part acres and acres of spectacular gardens (jungle, desert, rose, Japanese, Chinese….) and also has the largest collection of ancient manuscripts in the world. Things like 1st editions of The Canterbury Tales, originals of the Magna Carta, etc. The Autry in Griffith Park is also with seeing if you like Western Cowboy Culture. They often have special events…like getting to shoot authentic weaponry from the 1800’s. If in Griffith park check out the laser show at the observatory.

If you decide to travel up the coast. Stop in SImi Valley and visit the Reagan Library. From there Santa Barbara is about an hour away. Walk State Street in Santa Barbara for some cool shopping and dining. Beaches there are nice too. Another hour north and you will find buellton, solvang, Santa ynez. Big area for wine tasting with wineries everywhere. Solvang is like an old Danish town with quaint shops. Some good dining and 10 minutes from the Chumash casino.

Hollywood Bowl


Hollywood Roosevelt

[dwai]

Dude LA is the second biggest city in our country with some of the most famous locations in the US….you’re telling me it’s not even worth a one time visit? I’ve been to San Diego, thought it was awesome but even there I thought the bum situation was out of control compared to Boston and NYC. But it wasn’t intolerable IMO

Will prob spend a day or 2 in LA then a night in Santa Barbara before we get to San Fran which I’ve never seen either

If you’re going from LA to SF, driving up Hwy 1 is mandatory. Hearst Castle, Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and spectacular scenery:

did you take this pic? it looks.... enhanced

[Dan Druff]

You think I’m better off staying in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica versus Hollywood? Just looking to be sort of centralized but def away from the seediness and bums if possible

If you can get a hotel in BH for a reasonable price, yes, that's preferable over Hollywood. BH way more centrally located, and in fact isn't that far from Hollywood (it directly borders West Hollywood).