California road trip in June - recommendations/advice?

[AlexB]

I’ll be arriving & leaving from SF, 3 days in SF to start with and then the plan is to drive south on the Pacific Highway, then come back up through some of the parks in east California.

Initially I wanted to go Way north of SF and come back down the coast road through some of the smaller towns, but I realise I haven’t got enough time to do that really - I’ve got 2 weeks in total.

Initially I was going to stop short of San Diego before heading east on the basis of going to the smaller towns in the north, but people are telling me SD is a great place and I should invlude it.

I’ve got an Alcatraz ticket booked, a hotel in SF, car hire for the day I leave SF, but had planned to find accommodation each night as not entirely sure how long things will take.

Any thoughts, advice or recommendations on what to see, do or good foodie tips?

[Izulde]

Skip going north of SF - there's nothing worth doing. Everything awesome about California is SF and south.

Santa Cruz is one of my favorite non-San Diego spots. Hanging out on the wharf/boardwalk and checking out places downtown in a super chill town. Plus, it's moderate temperatures there pretty much year-round.

If you're a Disney fan, obviously Disneyland/California Adventure/etc is on the list

San Diego is awesome. I'd move there if I had the money

I hate Los Angeles. Worst major city ever. People are assholes and the traffic is a fucking nightmare. I hate LA so much I'd literally go to New York City in the winter before going to LA

[AlexB]

Thanks Izulde, everyone has said the same about LA! As a fan of 80s & 90s glam rock, I’ve got to go to the Whiskey a Go Go and Troubadour though.

What do you think about finding accommodation as I go?

[Lathum]

If you like wine I would recommend a trip to NAPA valley. You can easily find a bus trip that will leave from San Francisco.

[Izulde]

What do you think about finding accommodation as I go?

I'd probably look at Air B&B at least, TBH. Hotels tend to be pricey. Other than that, I'm not really sure - whenever I'm in California, I'm usually staying with friends

[Izulde]

If you like wine I would recommend a trip to NAPA valley. You can easily find a bus trip that will leave from San Francisco.

Co-signed

[AlexB]

So, turns out a travel history including North Korea is not conducive with getting a Visa waiver, so I’m no longer visiting California in June.

A week in Warsaw is the short term ‘I have to get away somewhere’ solution, and a Cuba cycling holiday the longer term replacement (which will no doubt further enhance my ability to visit the US in the future :D)

[BYU 14]

I will just add 100% on San Diego, our favorite city in the US, lots to do on the ocean and in the cays off Coronado (Hour long Gondola ride as an example, which is an amazing day to finish off a busy day), Petco park, my fav in the Majors, always lots of events/festivals going on in Mission Bay and Gas Lamp District and easy to enjoy a lot of it with minimal driving if you stay in the Mission Bay/Coronado area.

I too would live there if it was more affordable, though we are working a potential plan top make that possible in retirement.

Edit: Just read it is not going to work out for you in June, which sucks, but hopefully you will have an opportunity again soon.