California road trip advice

Hi, in a week and a half I'm going to California for the first time. We are going to be driving from Los Angelos to San Francisco along the 101 and have 3 weeks out there. I would really appreciate any advice anyone has on places to visit, cool places to eat, where to avoid and especially any craft/scrapbooking stores that are worth a visit, thanks!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
9 replies since 17th July 2011 • Last reply 17th July 2011

Reply #1:

I live in the south bay. I'd say Santa Cruz should def. be on the list. San Jose, tons of shit to do there.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

Drive really early in the morning! If you drive after about 10am, you're going to hit a ton of traffic!

Huntington Beach is def. worth visiting. It's been about 4 years since I last went to CA, but Huntington Beach is one of my favorite spots.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

i live around sacremento-i suggest Mission beach in San Diego- its amazing and i was just in SD for a week and got such a tan! lol

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

great, thanks for the tips everyone, hoping I get to visit all those places mentioned and thanks for the traffic tip Monika Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

Half Moon Bay ,Ana Neuavo State Park and Costa Nova resort are fabulous.
I rode a bike across the Golden Gate bridge and came back via ferry amazing day.The Presido in SF is a great example of reconstruction.
Have a great time.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #6:

Try to go Monterey Bay! I loved it there Happy
The aquarium is super fun & the town itself is lovely - Santa cruz will also be really fun Tongue

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #7:

Well, if I could give you any advice it's that you're starting in the wrong place. You're missing a lot of the coast if you start in L.A. and go north. Specifically, you're missing San Diego. (Also such notables as San Juan Capistrano and Anaheim.)

You're not really doing California if you miss everything south of L.A. including the state's second largest city. (Our nickname is America's Finest City. Wouldn't you like to know why?)

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #8:

Cool places to stop along the coast are Solvang and Hearst's Castle. When you get to Monterey, rent a kayak and paddle around the bay.

When you get to Fishermen's Wharf, go to the liquor store and buy a bottle of wine, then go and buy a fresh cooked crab from the big street vendors. Walk out to the edge of the dock and eat your crab and drink your wine while you look at the bay.

Get away from the tourists and have a drink with the locals at Liverpool Lils in the evening.

Rent a bike from San Francisco to Sausalito.

Go to Japan Town and eat at the Sushi Boat.

Have a great trip.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #9:

thanks everyone, I'm back now, had an amazing time, went to Monterey bay (loved the aquarium) and Santa Cruz and did manage to go to San Diego -we ended up staying there for three days because we enjoyed it so much! Went to the zoo, old town and coronado. We went to La Jolla and kayaked to the caves. We also went to Hearst castle - an amazing place!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply