San Francisco to San diago

[redbox]

My wife Daughter aged 14 and I, intend to drive through
California in the summer of 2009, any advice and tips please.
in where to stay and what to see.

[carole2000]

Hi, we just got back from L.Vegas and San Fran trip and last year we went to LA and the beaches. San Fran is a great city and really easy to get around to all the sights by public transport which is really cheap - 1 day $11, 3 day $18, 7 day $24 for unlimited travel on MUNI which is all MUNI transport including the cable cars. This doesn't include the BART system which is a train from the airport into the city - this was $5.35 pperson to get to Powell Street (Union Square) area and was very easy, clean and quick. I wouldn't bother with a car while you're in the city as the parking cost is very high and the parking places limited. Places not to miss are Fishermans Wharf - the sea lions at pier 39 are amazing to watch!, the Golden Gate bridge - you can rent a bike from Fishermans Wharf for $7 and hour or $28 for the day and cycle over and come back on the ferry from Sausalito, Alcatraz - we did the night trip which was excellent - but buy your tickets online in advance as there is only 1 ferry that actually lets you land on the island which is alcatraz cruises. We stayed in the Union Square area which was ideal for all shopping, eating out and sightseeing. I don't know how long a trip you're planning as its around 400 miles to LA - you might want to consider flying from SFO to LAX then picking up a car there. Driving around LA is essential as the area is much more widespread than San Fran. Get a Sat Nav and this will make sure you're in the right lane etc. We found Hollywood rather disappointing as it was full of tacky shops, beggars and ladies of the night!! Beverley Hills and Rodeo Drive are worth a visit though as is Venice Beach which has an eclectic mix of characters! We loved the beaches around Laguna and Dana Point. There's a Disney Park and Universal Studios in LA. Driving from south of LA to San Diego is a fairly easy drive and takes around 3-4 hours. Hope this helps a bit - just ask if you want more info as I've just scratched the surface of this huge state!!

[GinaEHanson]

If it is a leisurely drive, take Highway 1. Your choices of places to stay will range from 4 star hotels to camp grounds on the beach!