Vacation Planning on the West Coast

[Tori]

+1 on the Queen Mary. It's a hotel, and if timing works out, book a night there. Not too many other places to stay like it.
There is also a German submarine moored right next to it that you can tour. Both well worth a tour. I think i've stayed on it at least 3 different occasions. They have a beautiful bar too ;)

 

[cr8crshr]

I agree with 69a100 on bring lotso $$$$$'s. Or at least be able to grab your wallet before ya bend over...LoL. Yes it is a very special and beautiful part of this great Country. Just sickens me to see how the Libs, Socialist, Dems are rapidly destroying it. But driving for me is the only way to see and experience it. I lived for 27 plus years in a town known as Vacaville. It is halfway between roughly San Francisco and Sacramento. Some of the best farming and agricultural land in the Sacrament Valley. I really miss that as I enjoy growing and storing/canning my own vegetables. But I digress here. Take it for what it is really. A great place to visit and see but the 2nd mortgage might not be a bad idea to be able to afford it there. And if you get bored with it, head over the Sierras on I-80 to Reno. Best kept secret in the West and not because I now call it home...cr8crshr/Tuck

 

[coloradodave]

I think you may be referring to The Presidio.

Actually there are three old military forts on the Marin (North) side of the bridge, Fort Baker, Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite. In addition, there are numerous old Nike sites up in the hills of the Marin Headlands, as well as a few on the San Francisco side of the bridge, where the Presidio sits.

 

[69a100]

It would figure that 2 Californian's would disagree with me about my statement. Just goes to show you that they have been drinkin to much of the CA. Kool-Aid to know any better!

 

[Tori]

It would figure that 2 Californian's would disagree with me about my statement. Just goes to show you that they have been drinkin to much of the CA. Kool-Aid to know any better!

I dunno that not disagreeing with you proves your statement correct, but whatever.
There's are reason we live where everyone else vacations. Sorry you had such a sour time here in CA. But glad you're happy in NV. Jon.

Cheers

 

[ws23jrt]

This thread can turn silly like the other one. ---If we let it.--
Missing great vacations to a beautiful place like California would be an easy call if one had to put on a lib/dem hat just to drive through.

For some, the draw could be as simple as a bus tour through select neighborhoods in SF and LA.
Pay to see real life libs in their regular habitat.

After that, the vacation will improve and many fine folks and places to experience will be met.
Enough to fill many lifetimes.

 

[Ski 61701]

I think you may be referring to The Presidio.

Treasure Island possibly. It's an old Navy base for repair and wooden MSO (mine sweepers) ships used to be stationed there.

 

[dart4forte]

When you guys get off the plane, get your rental car and immediately head for the nearest In&Out Burger. That alone will set the tone for your visit. And yes, you have to visit the MPM Clubhouse.

 

[Dennis H]

My family enjoyed the la brea tar pits last year. It nicely broke up the disneyland vacation. Went to this burger joint across the street from the pits-probably the best meal I had down there.

La Brea is interesting. It's not far from the Peterson Publishing Museum, and on Wiltshire Blvd in Westwood where Perry Masons Office was! Fun and nice area. Make sure that the PCH is open north of 46/Hearst Castle. Was down there recently, couldn't get a Hearst Tour, sold out. It is a must see. Highway 1 was still closed. Forced to take 46 West to the 101. 10 days sounds like a lot, it's not.

 

[Dennis H]

Also, on San Francisco. As someone who lives 40 minutes away, I have not been to the City for 10 years. Beautiful yes. The crime -vehicle break ins- congestion and cost is outrageous. I really prefer the Los Angeles area for being a tourist. Car culture is alive and well in SoCal even when on a family vacation without your Mopar it will be evident.

 

[BDF6]

If you do make it to SF check out the fortune cookie factory in Chinatown
http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/attractions/ggfortunecookie.html
and get an iron tea pot for a souvenir.
For dinner, Gaylord's
http://gaylords1.com/
Or something on Pier 39 (I liked Dante's Grill, haven't been in a long time though)
https://www.pier39.com/dining/
Then come up to wine country

& do a tour of perhaps this
https://www.visitnapavalley.com/listing/domaine-chandon/555/
in Yountville. Or maybe Opus One, or any one of many more!
Then lunch some where close to where you're at
https://www.napavalley.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-napa-valley/
Plan your day so you can spend the night in Boonville
http://www.boonvillehotel.com/
and head to the redwoods the next morning.
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Humboldt/Rockefeller.html
Don't forget the drive thru tree in Leggett!

and the other fun stops up 101 to Eureka

While there check out the Carson Mansion.
http://www.ingomar.org/photos-mansion.html
If you make reservation ahead of time you could stay in the Pink Lady.
http://www.redwoodcoastvacationrentals.com/Unit/Details/112078
Then it's breakfast at the Samoa Cookhouse (an experience, but not like it used to be...)
http://www.samoacookhouse.net/
and up the coast to Gold Beach, Oregon for a mail boat ride
https://www.roguejets.com/64-mile-jet-boat-trip/
I guess I've spent enough of your money now & you still have to get home. Enjoy the trip with the family whatever you end up doing!

 

[Dennis H]

Second the Samoa Cookhouse. Amazing place.

 

[Budnicks]

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/why-my-state-is-beautiful.145534/

post #19 has a "shitload" of suggestions in NorCal
don't listen to the lone & bitter detractor here...

Enjoy your trip...

 

[super-bee_ski]

Looking for some info from the guys on the west coast for a little vacation planning.
Looking to take the family (Me, the boss and 2 teens) to the west coast for vacation this year. I did this trip as a kid with the parents and we drove from San Diego to Seattle with 2 weeks and no plan. I'm a little more **** than that now and would like at least a rough plan.

The girls want to go to LA for a day or two. Just simple sight seeing. Was thinking of hitting Universal Studios, walk of fame (shame), etc.

Would like to drive up to San Fran (I remember that being a haul) to see the golden gate, piers, Alcatraz, maybe play a little Bullitt with the rental car.

Then up to see some redwoods.

If time allows, another long haul to Oregon and Mt St Helens.

So, any ideas or recommendations from you guys? How far can I realistically get in say 10 days without overdoing it? I'll be flying in to one city and out of another.

Let's hear it!

Thanks

Rent a REAL HUM VEE and get Flak Jackets or Bullet Proof Vests

 

[cr8crshr]

Lone detractor you say??? After a careful assessment of the posts here, I have come to the conclusion that what ever you decide to visit and do, just enjoy it as best you can. I for one thoroughly enjoyed living in the State for 27 plus years while serving in the AF. But towards the end I became totally disillusioned by how the State was left to slip into its current incarnation. So much so that I had to leave rather than hope for the best. Yet all the wonderful and beautiful places to see and visit, and the vast History the State has, I find myself re-living what I left behind in my minds eye and remembering all the good things and times I spent there. Do come to the State and do take it in without using all the so called detractor comments. The beauty and the offerings far out weigh the costs that might be incurred. Expensive?? Yes. So do plan on maybe spending more than you thought. But the memories will always be priceless. Have a great time and like I said in my earlier post, if you have the time and want a very nice drive through the Sierra's then take a drive East on I-80 and visit Reno. The best kept secret in the West IMHO. And don't forget to hit In n Out for a Double Double Animal Style Burger...cr8crshr/Tuck

 

[steve from staten island]

Enjoy your vacation! There are so many great places to see. Your not going to live there so I don't see the issue's some have and yes id guess it will be expensive as many trips are. Were I live In NYC is very expensive to visit but with most things its worth at least one visit as its still one of the greatest city's in the world. There are many things to do and see, again have fun!