California, Here I Come!

[PeterAlt]

On Aug. 25, I'm flying into San Francisco and flying out Aug. 31. Originally, I was planning to spend most of my time at Burning Man (a big hippie gathering in the middle of the Nevada dessert), but all tickets were sold out the second they went on sale (literally). Since I bought my airplane tickets first (non-refundable via Jet Blue), I am forced to spend a week in California sight-seeing. Not at all a bad thing.

In San Francisco (which I have never been), I'll have the opportunity to see the Disney Family Museum. I would also like to explore the Golden Gate Bridge and the Red Woods Forest. I have a whole week to fill, so I figure I could try taking the slow scenic Amtrak Coastal Link to LA. While in Southern California, I'll also go to Disneyland and check out everything that's new, such as DCA 2.0 and Cars Land!

Anyone have any tips for me as to what else I should see?

 

[Hakunamatata]

Alcatraz.

 

[seahawk7]

You can buy a city pass that includes DL, Universal, and SeaWorld for a discounted price.

 

[MinnieM123]

Peter, that sounds like a very nice vacation you're planning! I've never been to California, but have heard there are so many wonderful places to explore and enjoy. And, while you're visiting the Disney Family Museum, be sure to see the Mary Blair exhibit, which I read is there until Sept.7th. I think that her beautiful artwork contributed so much to "classic" Disney, in both CA and FL. Hope you get a chance to take some pictures of places you visit in CA, and share them with us.

 

[Laura]

The Disney museum is on the SF side of the Golden Gate bridge. Not sure what "Red Woods Forest" is, but Muir Woods is right on the other side of the bridge. All 3 of those things can easily be explored in 1 day with plenty of time leftover. If you drive across the Oakland Bay Bridge you can see Pixar.

Taking the train to LA would be boring. It's way more exciting to rent a car and drive down the coast. Then you could stop and see the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, the Monterey peninsula, and Hearst Castle on the way down. Around Hearst Castle there's a beach full of very noisy elephant seals which are worth a stop, and you can also see wild zebras roaming around on the side of the highway (no joke).

 

[PeterAlt]

You can buy a city pass that includes DL, Universal, and SeaWorld for a discounted price.

I'll just do Disneyland. It doesn't make sense doing Uni and Sea World in Cali when I'm a two hour drive from the superior Florida versions.

 

[PeterAlt]

Peter, that sounds like a very nice vacation you're planning! I've never been to California, but have heard there are so many wonderful places to explore and enjoy. And, while you're visiting the Disney Family Museum, be sure to see the Mary Blair exhibit, which I read is there until Sept.7th. I think that her beautiful artwork contributed so much to "classic" Disney, in both CA and FL. Hope you get a chance to take some pictures of places you visit in CA, and share them with us.

Will do! I'm also interested in the nightlife... Lots of research I have yet to do...

 

[PeterAlt]

The Disney museum is on the SF side of the Golden Gate bridge. Not sure what "Red Woods Forest" is, but Muir Woods is right on the other side of the bridge. All 3 of those things can easily be explored in 1 day with plenty of time leftover. If you drive across the Oakland Bay Bridge you can see Pixar.

Taking the train to LA would be boring. It's way more exciting to rent a car and drive down the coast. Then you could stop and see the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, the Monterey peninsula, and Hearst Castle on the way down. Around Hearst Castle there's a beach full of very noisy elephant seals which are worth a stop, and you can also see wild zebras roaming around on the side of the highway (no joke).

Thanks for the great advise! I'll rent a car, then, and drive... How long is the drive?

 

[seahawk7]

The Winchester Mystery house is in San Jose and it sounds really interesting though I never seen it. I highly recommend the Hearst Castle as mentioned above.

 

[Laura]

Thanks for the great advise! I'll rent a car, then, and drive... How long is the drive?

Probably only about 5 hours if you go straight through. But we did it over the course of 3 days so we'd have plenty of time to see all the cool stuff on the way. The drive is phenomenal, with views like nothing else.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Probably only about 5 hours if you go straight through. But we did it over the course of 3 days so we'd have plenty of time to see all the cool stuff on the way. The drive is phenomenal, with views like nothing else.

Took us about 4 hours from Santa Monica, but yes it was worth the trip. Though doing it in a day with the return leg to Tomecula meant we only had time for one tour sadly. Glad we did it.

 

[JenniferS]

Lots of research I have yet to do...

Yoda?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'll just do Disneyland. It doesn't make sense doing Uni and Sea World in Cali when I'm a two hour drive from the superior Florida versions.

Have you visited the originals out here in California?

Us California natives/transplants/regulars over in the DL forum have created a thread dedicated to Southern California activities/hangouts/food/etc.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-official-explore-southern-california-thread.872243/

 

[PeterAlt]

Have you visited the originals out here in California?

Us California natives/transplants/regulars over in the DL forum have created a thread dedicated to Southern California activities/hangouts/food/etc.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-official-explore-southern-california-thread.872243/

I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip. By the way, I've been to Cali twice before. The first time, I went with my mom to a convention she had to attend in La Jolla in 2005. While she doing her convention stuff during the day (and night), I drive around the rental, seeing San Diego, Tijuana, and a day at both DLR resorts parks (seeing everything that was open as there were literally no lines for any of the rides). About a year later, my sister Sara and I spent a few days in LA, doing both DLR parks (my second time there and her first), Knotts Berry Farm, and a day on the real Hollywood Boulevard and seeing a movie at the real Chinese Theater. So, this will be my third time in California and my first time in San Francisco and Northern California.

My favorite ride there is Space Mountain. I love our Space Mountain, but the California version is so much more advanced and immersive. It's the perfect ride. Even with the latest rehab of our Space Mountain, ours feels like an old antique Buick and the California one feels like a smooth running new Lexus!

 

[PeterAlt]

Yoda?

No. Yogurt. Just plain yogurt.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip. By the way, I've been to Cali twice before. The first time, I went with my mom to a convention she had to attend in La Jolla in 2005. While she doing her convention stuff during the day (and night), I drive around the rental, seeing San Diego, Tijuana, and a day at both DLR resorts parks (seeing everything that was open as there were literally no lines for any of the rides). About a year later, my sister Sara and I spent a few days in LA, doing both DLR parks (my second time there and her first), Knotts Berry Farm, and a day on the real Hollywood Boulevard and seeing a movie at the real Chinese Theater. So, this will be my third time in California and my first time in San Francisco and Northern California.

My favorite ride there is Space Mountain. I love our Space Mountain, but the California version is so much more advanced and immersive. It's the perfect ride. Even with the latest rehab of our Space Mountain, ours feels like an old antique Buick and the California one feels like a smooth running new Lexus!

I know you've been to California, but have you ever visited Universal Studios Hollywood and Sea World San Diego?

 

[PeterAlt]

I know you've been to California, but have you ever visited Universal Studios Hollywood and Sea World San Diego?

No, but why if Orlando has everything and then some? The last time I've been to USO was before the first HP phase and it's been even longer for Sea World Orlando. So, I think I should do the Orlando ones before I even think about doing the California ones, unless you give me a good reason otherwise...

EDIT - I might do Six Flags on this trip.

 

[Californian Elitist]

No, but why if Orlando has everything and then some? The last time I've been to USO was before the first HP phase and it's been even longer for Sea World Orlando. So, I think I should do the Orlando ones before I even think about doing the California ones, unless you give me a good reason otherwise...

EDIT - I might do Six Flags on this trip.

I had a feeling you had never been. Disneyland has more rides than Magic Kingdom. Would you suggest to a Disneyland vet visiting WDW for the first time to skip Magic Kingdom all together because of fewer attractions?

I'm not saying you should visit USH and SW San Diego. I'm saying don't knock something you haven't even experienced.

 

[PeterAlt]

Kind of off topic, but if anyone wants to watch a real scary movie, go rent Oculus! I watched it last night and I will tell you I don't remember watching anything more scary than this one. And I'm an scary movie buff, so that should say something! I jumped numerous times and felt chills down my spine nearly continuously!

I'm not going to spoil it but I will say don't expect a warm and fuzzy ending. The ending is so creepy and so disturbed, I'll be needing professional counseling most likely.

It's a little like 1408, but instead of an evil hotel room, our villain is an evil mirror. Go rent it. You won't be disappointed. But be warned that the ending will have a traumatizing effect.

 

[PeterAlt]

I had a feeling you had never been. Disneyland has more rides than Magic Kingdom. Would you suggest to a Disneyland vet visiting WDW for the first time to skip Magic Kingdom all together because of fewer attractions?

I'm not saying you should visit USH and SW San Diego. I'm saying don't knock something you haven't even experienced.

Okay. If I could fit it in my schedule and budget, I'll go but a I will prioritize it under Six Flags.

Is there such a thing as a Silicone Valley museum? If not, they should make one, showcasing the history and product prototypes from companies like Apple and Atari. That would be something I would love to see!