San Francisco to Los Angeles - Where to stay and what to do?
San Francisco to Los Angeles - Where to stay and what to do?
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Discussion

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,031 posts

219 months

Saturday 4th June 2011
quotequote all
I will be travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles between 22nd and 25th September (4 nights). My question is, where should i stay, and what should i see? I have another thread on here that shows the rest of my trip, and as this is just the end (i fly out from LAX).

I don't want to do a lot really as these are the last few days of my trip and i want it to be vaguely relaxing. I don't care for seeing historic buildings or anything like that and would far rather see amazing scenery. I've done this route before but couldn't see a lot for most of the journey down the Pacific Coast Highway! I do hope i see something this time biggrin

I have no money left for decent hotels, so would prefer to stay in hostels. I'm also on my own and in my 20s, so no need for romantic places.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

tuffer

9,012 posts

297 months

Saturday 4th June 2011
quotequote all
To be honest, not a lot. I was pretty unimpressed with the drive and all the towns along the route are pretty sleepy. Much prefer the the drive further North along the 101 into Oregon. Do some research as there may be more to see and do inland.

DP1

289 posts

251 months

Friday 10th June 2011
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Definitely go to the Hearst Palace. Went there last year and well worth a visit. There's also a beach just up the road north where you can see Elephant seals. Big and impressive.

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,031 posts

219 months

Friday 10th June 2011
quotequote all
I am currently thinking:

1 night Monterey
1 night San Luis Obispo
1 night Santa Barbara


How does that sound?

DP1

289 posts

251 months

Friday 10th June 2011
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I stayed in Santa Barbera and San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo was my favourite, good bars couple with live bands. Booked my accomodation off late rooms and bookings.com using a phone or netbook and got some real bargains. Never got stuck for anywhere to stay no matter how late I left it.

FUBAR

17,065 posts

268 months

Friday 10th June 2011
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I did that route, but the other way round, in May.

Perhaps consider Santa Cruz for your first night stopover? (or push on and spend more time in the following suggestions...you have quite a bit to see in just 4 days/nights) Liked the feel of the place. A little Bohemian, with a touch of seaside roller coaster glitz. I liken it to a cross bewteen Newquay and Blackpool hehe

IMO, stay in Carmel (much nicer than Monterrey, but a bit pricier) but visit Monterrey Aquarium and Cannery Row on your way through. In Carmel/Pebble beach you have the 17 Mile Drive (saw a nice house for sale for a palty $22m), nice beaches. Just generally a 'nice' place.

Didnt stay in SLB but heard it was worth a visit. Close enough to do Hearst Castle. Quite liked Cambria which is close by. Drive up and see NitWit Ridge (I'd never heard of the place but Mrs Fubes knew of it)

Santa Barbara. Again, enjoyed my time there. The main street comes alive in the evening and there are some nice fish/crab restaurants on the Pier. As a trip out from SB drive to Los Olivos (about 45mins out). Nice little wine-making comunity, just what I expected 'small town America' to be like smile

Have fun smile

FUBAR

17,065 posts

268 months

Friday 10th June 2011
quotequote all
Just re-read the OP, not sure Carmel will have hostel type accomodation so maybe go back to Plan A and stay in Monterrey. But do visit Carmel smile

Matt..

Original Poster:

4,031 posts

219 months

Sunday 12th June 2011
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Oh joy, Santa Barbara isn't the place to be for a Saturday. I can't actually find anything under £100/night! frown