Over the summer I had a chance to understand the Golden State of mind by visiting California. The trip consisted of various stops mainly along the Pacific coastline. The vacation started after landing at LAX in Los Angeles. The sun shinning into the windows of the plane during landing gave me a jolt of excitement for the warm Californian climate I would be experiencing soon. If only I knew it would be even better than how I just described it. Once I got my luggage and passed security at LAX, I stepped outside to wait for a rental car shuttle. Not only was the weather nice and the temperature perfect, the humidity had to be 0%. What a change from the climate in my hometown of Chicago.
Day 1-2: San Diego
I landed in LA towards late afternoon after a four hour flight. The rental car company gave me a sleek, black Dodge Charger. This car was more than fine for the roads I traveled on in the state. I drove to San Diego that same evening and stayed at Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites.
Day 3-5: Los Angeles
Take your time in the major cities of California because there is a lot that can be done in these areas. Greater Los Angeles is one area you can easily stay in for 3 to 4 days. Things to do while in or near the LA area: Long beautiful beaches (Redondo, Hermosa, Huntington, and Laguna are some of the best), Hollywood, surfing, whale watching Los Angeles tour, shops, and restaurants. Staying on Redondo Beach was a lot of fun and is great for families and couples alike.
Day 6: San Luis Obispo
Day 7: Big Sur
Day 8: Monterey
Day 9-12 (Day 10: Napa Valley): San Francisco
The last two nights in San Fransico and California as a whole were a great ending. We stayed at the Marriott-Fishermans Wharf, which was much cheaper than staying right in downtown and the area was much nicer. The Fishermans Wharf is right at the north end of the peninsula and has amazing views at night near the Piers. Go shopping on the Fishermans Wharf, eat in the world renown Chinatown, visit the Golden Gate Bridge, and take pictures from the many great view of the Bay.
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Bakersfield: This city is also another great place to stay while in California. Ride on a party bus from Bakersfield while going through town for a night or two. This is a fun opportunity for you and your family/friends.
Hotels/ Lodging to stay at:
San Diego: Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
Los Angeles: The Portofino Hotel & Marina
San Luis Obispo: Embassy Suites San Luis Obispo
Big Sur: Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Monterey: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
San Francisco: JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
Marriott-Fishermans Wharf
Napa: SpringHill Suites Napa Valley
Take this vacation if you can! Explore California! You will not regret it. After reading this article you should be able to plan a vacation that lasts less than 2 weeks and explores most of California!
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i like going to california but not sometimes
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