OT: LA to SF

[herdof3]

go to SF first and drive to LA.... it's a better view.......

Agree - Monterey, Carmel and Santa Barbara..

timing won't work unfortunately

 

[herdof3]

Was stooped today by California gov't. Way over cost and way behind schedule they say.

Xanadu?

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

A relative of mine is gay and I've met many of his friends that are G or L and I would say none of them would participate in anything outlandish. Everyone is a highly paid
professional and a few of the couples have children who are very well taken care of.

They get their freak on for special occasions, even if buttoned down during the week. The Pride Parade or whatever its called these days is about what folks might expect. The most entertaining part, IMO, is the beginning with the Dykes on Bikes (Harleys). Then its just a bunch of flamboyance and decadence which gets boring in under 10 minutes. The parade is a hard pass, IMO. The concentration of nutheads is more than most can take. Far better is the Carnival Parade through the Mission District - though that's not in June.

 

[herdof3]

Lots of great suggestions already.Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is the obvious choice for a totally amazing trip. I would give that two days to do it right (stop overnight either in San Luis Obispo or Monterey areas). If pressed for time, try US-101. Still a really nice trip; can be done in a day.

The shortest trip is on I-5. Route sucks, but you can travel between SF & LA in about 6 hours.

Some other recommendations:

• San Luis Obispo Madonna Inn. Google it. Fun place. Kids may enjoy. Lunch at Big Sky Cafe.
• On Highway 1 a little North of Hearst Castle is an elephant seal viewing site (at Ragged Point). Cannot recommend this enough. Its right off the highway.
• Personally, I would skip 17 Mile Drive. Overpriced and overrated. Go to Capitola and have a bit to eat at one of the restaurants on the beach. Its the best beach in NorCal. NorCal beaches are very different than the Jersey Shore.
• In San Francisco, rent bicycles and ride over the GG Bridge. If not so energetic, ride (downhill) to Sausalito. Have lunch and take the ferry back. If energetic, ride on to Tiburon. Have lunch at Sam's and take the ferry back.

we have time so no I-5. no problem staying a few nights along the way

 

[herdof3]

It's fun for the whole family based on the pics I've seen of the event.

maybe i will run into russ or chuckles!

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

Muir Woods

Seeing the redwoods is always a great stop for folks from back east. Big Basin in Santa Cruz is also great.

Another spot I consider a must-see is in the Headlands - Marin County, right across from the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the Battery Mendell and Point Bonita Lighthouse. There are also some amazing spots for postcard quality selfies of you and the GG Bridge w/ San Francisco in the background.

https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/upload/map_MAHE_150429web.pdf

Also, a small trip back to Bay Area hippy-dom is in Bolinas. Though the locals probably ripped the signs down that direct travelers to town.

Has anyone mentioned Marin County oysters? The Dungeness Crabs probably won't be in season in June. Which is a shame.

 

[herdof3]

Back in the 1970 when Battle of the Network Stars was on TV they filmed it at Pepperdine IIRC. I always said I wanted to go there for school. Alas...

i remember that. the announcer was fairly well known. can't remember his name ...charlie jones maybe

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

we have time so no I-5. no problem staying a few nights along the way

Awesome! You will have a great time - the road trip is epic. Personally, a few nights on the PCH probably beats spending so much time in LA & SF.

 

[jmg75]

Stop for brunch or lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur. Not so much for the food, but for the view. The restaurant is perched about 800 feet above the ocean. Pretty spot. Pfeiffer Beach at Big Sur is another beautiful place. It is off the beaten path, not well marked (if at all), but is worth the short drive down a narrow, winding road.

There is a lot to see in the Carmel/ Monterey area so it might be a good place to stay overnight. One must see place for me is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Expensive, but one of the best aquariums in the world.

Reagan Library in Simi Valley is worth a stop regardless of one's political persuasion. For me, the Air Force One Pavilion alone was worth the price of admission. You can tour a Boeing 707 that seven presidents flew in.

Take in a game at Dodger Stadium or Telephone Park (think it's called Oracle Park now) in San Francisco, I would also recommend taking a tour of each. I make a habit of seeing games/touring the stadiums when I travel and I always enjoy it.

 

[RU Golfer]

We have been mentioning great places to tour.......But while in San Fran two must stops in my book are The House of Prime Rib and Tony's Napolenta for some good eats

 

[Knight Shift]

For something offbeat and different, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is an interesting visit. It is a mansion built by the widow of the founder of the firearm magnate.

 

[rutger80]

Hurst castle. Absolute must.

Wow, they build a castle for Bruce Hurst....good lefthanded pitcher, but still.

 

[Caliknight]

Wow, they build a castle for Bruce Hurst....good lefthanded pitcher, but still.

hahaha, oops.

 

[RUforester72]

Hopefully the new High Speed rail will be done. Should be fun to ride.

LOL. I became a Gavin Newsome fan today as he cancelled the damned thing!!!!

 

[Anon1654767511]

going to have about 6 days in June to go from LA to SF. looking for ideas of things to do and see on the way. travelling with 20 yr old daughter and 18 yr old son

How much time are budgeting for actual driving between your starting point and destination? It the six days includes time for seeing the sights in and around the SF area then you might want to consider the less scenic Route 5 which will get you there quicker. If seeing sights en-route is more preferable then by all means the more scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the way to go.

Using the latter route, start at the Santa Monica pier and head north on Route 1 Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH). I would recommend stops at the famous Neptune's Net and Pepperdine University when you get to Malibu. Neptunes is a hangout for celebrities and many famous movies have been filmed there. Continue on route 1 up to Oxnard where it becomes the 101 (also the PCH) and then to Santa Barbra where you might want to stop at their zoo. You should always follow the the signs for Route1 off the 101 as they are one and the same at times but 1 will take you closer to the coast.

When you make it up to Big Sur I would recommend Nepenthe as a place to eat. Food is OK but It has a world class view from the cliff top and many of the Silicon Valley titans live adjacent to the place.

When you get up to the Montery Peninsula, 17 mile drive is a must. It will cost you $10 but its money well spent. And if you're a donuts lover like me, Reds Donuts in Montery is another must. They've been making hand made donuts since 1950.

From there its up to SF and there your're on your own. Too much to see in SF to mention here.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

In S.F., the Cliff House is nice. I'd recommend lunch, or sunset, since it's overlooking the ocean. It's right near Golden Gate Park, which is really great. The Haight is cool too, if you're into counter culture history. Also, if you want to see Alcatraz, you need to make advanced reservations. Can't just walk up to get a ticket.

 

[RUScrew85]

maybe i will run into russ or chuckles!

LOL. I could see Russ in leather chaps.