r/CaliforniaTravel

I wanna go to San Diego for my birthday for a few days and I thought about going alone.. is it safe? Im thinking about Del Mar or La Jolla where it could maybe be safe or even maybe Beverly Hills hotel.

Im debating on Manchester hotel or Lafayette hotel in San Diego for maybe 3-5 days to be able to do a little bit of everything. I wanna go over there the upcoming year for my 30th birthday and worst case scenario i end up going alone. Which one of these two sounds better and why? Im also trying to stay under 3k-4k budget in total for everything. I might go on the plane so walkable places or not to far places would be nice. I like shopping, thrifting, try fine foods, foods by the ocean and to any local shops would be fun too near the beach! Any recommendations or suggestions?! And is it safe?😅 San Diego is like my second home I’ve been going to vacation there since 2023 and I really love it there! Oh I also love coffee and dessert!!

I’m traveling to LA for the first time from NYC in February! Only have 4 days been looking for a hotel that’s in a good area especially since I will most likely not a car, safe and clean. Any recommendations?

Have been looking at hotels in West Hollywood mainly but I never trust some of these Google reviews.

Hello, everyone! 

I’m about to leave very soon for a wonderful 15-day trip to California.

I went there a few years ago, and it was the best trip of my life. I loved everything about the United States.

Of course, I keep in mind that life on vacation versus everyday life is a completely different experience, but I really loved California.

 

I also got to visit New York, which I didn’t really like — let’s just say it was nice, but it didn’t compare to how California made me feel.

 

So, before I leave, I’d love to get some good advice. Of course, I’ve taken care of all the arrangements, and I’ve booked my hotel stays and car rental as well.

 

I love wandering around cities, soaking up the atmosphere, and checking out coffee shops. I’ve already done the “touristy” attractions on my first visit, so now I have a little more time to really get a feel for California—and Nevada, including Las Vegas.

Here’s my itinerary, and I’d love to hear your feedback and advice.

 

 

Day 1: Land at SFO around 1:30 p.m. – Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf – Walk around the neighborhood and Pier 39.

 

Day 2: Brunch at Fisherman’s Wharf in the morning + Alcatraz

Chinatown + Union District

 

Day 3: Alamo Square + Painted Ladies 

Haight Hasbury 

Golden Gate Park + Palace of Fine Arts

Sunset at Crissy Field

 

 

Day 4: Pick up the car mid-morning, then visit Sausalito

Return to San Francisco, enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Afternoon at Pier Santa Cruz, then begin the PCH drive to Monterey and watch the sunset in Pacific Grove

 

Day 5: Early morning departure to continue along the PCH—Carmel-by-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive—Point Lobos—Bixby—Garrapata

If I've got enough time, visit San Luis Obispo

Mid-afternoon in Morro Bay

 

Day 6: Visit Santa Barbara, then arrive in Santa Monica

Day 7: Griffith Park for sunrise

Hollywood in the morning—not necessarily for the Walk of Fame, but more for shopping and brunch options, in particular

Beverly Hills in the afternoon

Sunset at the Palisades

Day 8: Morning of arcade games at the Santa Monica Pier, then Downtown L.A.

If time permits, visit an outlet mall in the late afternoon

 

Day 9: Venice Beach

Malibu

 

Late afternoon: Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade

 

Day 10: Departure for San Diego in the morning

La Jolla

Day 11: Morning at Balboa Park 

Afternoon in Old Town + Gaslamp Quarter

Evening at Ocean Beach

 

Day 12: Early morning departure for Joshua Tree—Full day there

Sunset Keys View

 

Day 13: Sunrise at Joshua Tree + Pioneer Town + Alien Fresh Jerky

Afternoon arrival in Las Vegas, followed by a tour of the Strip, including the Bellagio for its interior and fountains

Cirque du Soleil show in the evening

 

Day 14: Very early departure for Death Valley and tour of Death Valley until 1:00 pm
If time and energy permit, outlets in the afternoon

Day 15: Red Rock Canyon in the morning + Las Vegas Sign early
Forum Shops + Tour of the Strip
Evening at Fremont Street

Day 16: Flight at 4:30 pm
Free morning

So, I’d love to hear your thoughts :).

I’ve really put a lot of effort into planning this trip, and I think it’s pretty solid.

I’ve tried not to overpack each day, but you never know.

There have been some pretty intense wildfires near Big Sur, so I’m keeping this part flexible, and I think I’ve accounted for it well in my itinerary so we won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected events.

As for hotels, I’m staying at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, then Monterey, Morro Bay, Santa Monica in Los Angeles, followed by La Jolla in San Diego, a night near Joshua Tree Town, and finally ending the trip at the Sahara in Las Vegas.

I booked with Enterprise and I hope they’ll let me choose the car :).

 

Are there any things I haven’t thought of ?

I’m expecting gas to be around $6 a gallon and food to be pretty expensive too, except for fast food.

Thanks, everyone !

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to visit Yosemite from October 9th to 11th and would love to find a travel buddy (or a small group) to explore the park together. Any recommendations on the best way to find a travel buddy and explore the park?

I’m hoping to check out some of the main sights, do some hiking, and enjoy the park at a relaxed pace. I’m flexible and open to suggestions on what to see and do during the trip.

If you’re planning to be in Yosemite around the same dates and are interested in exploring together, feel free to comment or send me a DM.

Thanks, and hopefully I’ll meet some fellow Yosemite travelers!