So, I might need some trip advice...and I thought "what better audience to ask than my blog friends?!" Ya'll live all so many awesome places and have traveled all over. Together, we're like a way better Tr!p Advisor. Just sayin.
Okay, so Eric and I were talking yesterday about a wedding we're heading to in the LA area in August. :) We got to talking about things we wanted to do there and how we might even consider extending our trip to explore. He said something like "You know... we could drive a little north and just take more time off.." Having never thought about that before, I started thinking out loud and before long, we were like "Well, why don't we just go for it and see how far we can go?!"
We started throwing out places we both wanted to see and figure we'll work out possible logistics if we decide to make it happen... :) I've always wanted to see that area of the country, so no complaints here!
So, this is TOTALLY to be determined and may or may not happen, but thought I'd present some ideas about cities we'd like to see-either flying from LA or renting a car and driving-and see what ya'll have to say! If you've been there...and only have a few days in each place, what would you totally advise seeing or doing?! :) We'll be traveling end of August/first of September if that helps... :)
Might end up seeing one other city besides LA...or two...or who knows. :)
1. LA- I've been there, but there are PLENTY of areas I haven't seen and want to. :) Tips are still welcome though. I'd like to hit up Melrose for sure since I've never been there... :)
2. San Francisco- I've always wanted to see San Fran! I want to see the Golden Gate and ride a trolley (I'm so easily entertained, right? haha)... And maybe see Alcatraz! Advice appreciated! :)
3. Portland- Admittedly, I don't know much about Portland, but have always heard good things! So, yeah, leaving this open... Recommendations on must-sees at the end of August or early Sept if we were able to go?
4. Seattle- I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Seattle! Just seems like such a cool city... I mean, it's even cooler b/c I know quite a few of you live there! Just off the top of my head... - Kelsey, Carol and Jenny!
So there you have it! And even typing it made me realize how limited my knowledge really is about some of these places... Sheesh...haha.. Anyway, we haven't thought about details, logistics (flying or driving from LA, length of stay, etc), so it's obviously VERY up in the air. And who knows... you might find us locking in some awesome deal and be beach-bound again...haha.. :) But, I've got this exploring cities bug lately so who knows! Hopefully we can at least extend our stay a little and see at least one other city while we're out that way.... :)
Hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend! I have recapping coming soon, but right now, I think my roomie and I are going to grab a patio and soak in the 80 degree afternoon somewhere! Thanks in advance for any and all advice you have, peeps! I dunno about you, but even THINKING of planning a trip gets me excited...haha..
Signing off from a window-side booth at our local Panera bread in midtown Tulsa. :)
38 comments:
How fun! I live right near SF and went to UCSB so just know LA is about a 6ish (depending on traffic) drive to SF. From SF to Portland I suspect about a 10 hour drive and from Portland to Seattle about another 3 hours.
In LA we always like Pinks Hot Dogs:-) Along the way you can drive through SB or San Luis Obispo which are always pretty. Since you will probably drive up 101 to get to SF it will be beautiful anywhere you stop.
In SF we love the Buddah Bar - a dive bar in Chinatown (corner of Grant and Washington) small, quaint, but cheap drinks and awesome bartender (who is drunk most of the time). For Alcatraz get tickets well in advance for the boat over - tour groups buy them out like crazy months in advance. We love staying at the Parc 55 (very close to Market street and shopping). Hit up the other popular spots like the Wharf, Pier 39, Coit Tower, GG Bridge and Marine Headlands, GG Park, Haight and Ashbury. We just love to walk and wander, especially at night and we usually find something fun to do. Man, you could really spend your whole trip there:-) Let me know if you want any more tips!
I've never personally been, but if you are a wine drinker, make a stop at a bed and breakfast in Napa! My aunt and uncle LOVE it there!
I live in Washington State, about 3 hours from Seattle and make the trip often. It is amazing! Just like you would imagine, but better. The nightlife, the surroundings, the people and of course the COFFEE shops!! I love big cities, and Seattle and Portland are both big cities but SO very very different. I LOVE LOVE Portland. It is very laid back, kind of boho-ish, great GREAT food and really artsy. I would definitely check both out! And I have also been to San Francisco and that is a must see for sure! Good luck!
EEEEEK! You should definitely at least drive north to San Francisco! If you take Hwy 5, it's less than 6 hours (without traffic), but you'll want to take the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway, or Hwy 1) for at least part of the drive, cause it's breathtakingly beautiful. Right along the rocky coast.
The Golden Gate Bridge is lovely (you can see Alcatraz from it), and I'd say you could take or leave the cable car. ;) Only tourists ride it. But there is SO much to see here! Golden Gate Park, the beach, some amazing hiking trails, the Haight/Ashbury neighborhood, North Beach, the view from Twin Peaks, I could go on and on. Plus, Napa is only an hour north!
Can't wait to hear more, and if y'all decide to definitely come to SF I will have much more detailed suggestions. :)
I would recommend Napa! It is so beautiful, fun and romantic. I liked San Fran, but it was really cold -- even in the middle of the summer, so Napa was perfect. Can't wait to see what you guys decide on!
I lived in Monterey, CA for a year last year. Which is about 2 hours from San Fran. So my husband and I went there a few times on long weekends. I would totally check out Alcatraz. But their tickets sell out fast so I would totally buy them online a head of time! The GGB is BEAUTIFUL! There is also a GREAT Aquarium there that I loved to go to. We went there every time we went to San Fran. They also have a wax museum. Also if you go to the board walk there is plenty to see or do there also! I hope you enjoy San Fran. It was my favorite part about living in CA!
Ohhhhh girl! You are talking about my favorite place right now... CA! Things to do in LA.. if you've never been to Griffith Observatory it's a must at night. The city looks amazing. Also if you can do a studio tour try Paramount! As for going north... hit Seattle!
Ok, do you even need me to respond to this. Bahaha, yes SEATTLE!!!!! But in all honesty, Napa Valley would be fab and SF too!
I've always wanted to go to San Fran; however, Seattle in August is fabulous!! You can walk everywhere, the weather is GREAT, amazing food, and lots to do!!
Dawn in NC
Oh man, now I want to go on vacation. I have no advice, other than San Fran is awesome and my good friend Cari loves Portland more than life itself. Happy travels!!
I have never been to cali yet, but I've been wanting to go to San Fran for ever!!! I think the scenery and especially the food (I'm all about the food!) would be terrific! Either way, you can't really go wrong with any of those options :)
I suggest Seattle or San Fran :) I've heard nothing but AMAZING stories from them and those are two of my "to-go" places!! I hope you have a great time wherever you go love :)
I ALSO suggest that whenever I get home, we have a little 'blogger meet up' at that lovely little Panera!! I HEART Midtown :) and how cool would that be to meet a fellow blogger!
SEATTLE!!! You MUST come here! Ok, obviously I am partial so that we can do a big blog get together, but really - it's pretty awesome here! :)
But I have to say, SF/Napa is pretty amazing too, you guys would have a blast!
Keep me posted!! :)
(And I am so behind on blogging so off to catch up on your posts from the last week!) :)
obviously you have to come to san francisco...but i'm a little biased :)
Seattle and Portland are very similar. But I am from Washington, and I think it't the best, so I say Seattle! You need to go. Seriously, Pikes place fish market, the original Nordy's and Starbucks, the pier, the rain....it's all a part of the experience! :)
New follower, love your blog.
xoxo
www.stephanieandsuch.blogspot.com
I've only been to LA, but definitely get on Melrose! There are tons of cute boutique shops and some have really cute cheap stuff. Try to get a reservation at the Chateau Marmont restaurant on Sunset, it's gorgeous and so romantic!
I would love to fly to California and drive up and down the coastline one day!
I would love to go to ALL those places, but I think Seattle would be the top of my list.
Im so jealous! I have no tips but have fun!!!
I love Seattle! It is one of the places I will live in. :)
Sounds like some fabulous destinations! I live in Seattle, but used to spend a lot of time in Portland when the fiance and I were long distance. San Francisco is a favorite of mine too- love the pier, great restaurants, and exploring all the neighborhoods. I have never been to Napa but Sonoma Valley is awesome. For Seattle, I'd recommend Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks/Nordstrom, the waterfront, the outdoor sculpture park, and Alki Beach in West Seattle. Usually late August/early September is some of Seattle's best weather. Have fun planning your trip!
OH MY GOD, you're coming for Ashley's wedding? Can't wait to see you!!! We'll (obviously) be busy in the days leading up to the wedding since I'm designing the florals, but would love to take you around L.A. afterwards. San Fran is an easy drive, approximately 6 hours, and there is SO MUCH to do there. It's my "home city," so I will gladly tell you anything and everything that you should do there... Pland and Seattle are wicked awesome cities, too, but a much, much longer drive. My advice would be to do L.A. and San Fran on this trip and then fly to Seattle and do Seattle and Pland for another trip (they are about 2-3 hours drive apart). On the other hand, the drive up north of Sacramento is AMAZING. ;-)
Also, you should check out my old blog for details of our last trips to Pland and Seattle, aka, lots of things to do, places to eat, etc!
i'm sorry friend i have no advice for you because i've never traveled to any of those places. i don't get out of the city i live in much ;) for real, haha.
hope you had a good weekend!!
I love your blog, following now :)
xo, H
http://givemeglamourplease.blogspot.com/
Yay for fun trips!! There is so much to see and do on the West Coast. You didn't mention Santa Barbara or San Luis Obisbo on your list but both are cute beach towns that you could hit on your way from LA to SF (although not the directist - is that a word - route). If you come to SF I will give you TONS of places to hit up and might even make you meet up with me for coffee or something :). Napa and/or Sonoma is fairly close to SF and is great to visit for wine tasting and just to explore another area. Also, Lake Tahoe is about a 4 hour drive and is beautiful!! I do love Oregon and Seattle, but don't know too much about the areas. Def hit me up if you are going to come up North and I can provide you with more details.
I used to live in SF ... if you go to Alcatraz make sure to do it in the morning because the afternoon can be foggy! I would drive up highway one and stay a night in Big Sur and a night in Carmel and then the next day head up to SF. I think Napa is better off being a separate trip. SF is absolutely beautiful in September. It is a LONG ASS DRIVE if you go north of San Francisco to get anywhere ... like bloody freaking hours. :)
SF shopping is great and there are so many fabulous restaurants you can just sit at and watch people and drink wine ... and everything is pretty much close enough to walk to.
What an amazing trip! I am going to email you my friends contact info. A few years ago she did the exact trip you are describing. I am partial to LA because I live here:) My top 5 list would be: Montana Ave in Santa Monica with lunch at Blue Star {awesome fish tacos}, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains with beautiful views of the ocean, The Getty museum, visit Manhattan Beach and spend a day in Santa Barbara. I can't wait to hear what y'all decide to do!
If you have time for it the west coast is such a fabulous drive. I have done Seattle to SF and SF to LA... the CALI and Oregon coast are GORGEOUS and Seattle is AMAZING that time of year - definitely the best time to visit. Only problem is when people visit in late summer they never want to leave :-) If you want specific recommendations email me I'd be happy to go into lots of details! Joe and I are flying to San Fran and driving up to Sea in a couple months, we plan to do a bit of wine tasting, a bit of camping in the RedWoods, and WAshington Coast beaching... (which isn't your typical beach, but beautiful nonetheless). Hwy 101 is the scenic and i-5 the efficient... from SEATTLE all the way to SAN DIEGO. You can pick certain stretches to take one or the other. Aaaah, so excited for you!
Just moved from San Francisco and Alcatraz is a MUST however if you are SURE you are going book your tickets ASAP because it sells out in the summer up to 2 weeks before.
Have fun!
There are so many amazing, amazing options...what a great opportunity! I live in LA and am all about running around CA for 3 day weekends. I went to UCSB so Santa Barbara is an obvious and AMAZING choice (I like Hotel Oceana because it feels boutique-y but is usually so reasonable for the location). Just a bit north, Solvang is kitschy and adorable. If you like wine tasting I can recommend awesome wineries!
Too many fantastic choices...have fun!! =)
i agree with lauryl; you might want to make the cali trip and the NW trip separate. we drove up the pch from here to monterrey for new year's and it. was. GORGEOUS. and the weather in august will be perfect!!!
I went to San Fran on a girls trip this past May and it was AH-mazing. You can even make a day trip to Napa - which is what we did. I have TONS of suggestions if you decide to go here. August would be the perfect time to go too!
Portland is definitely a food town. They've got a lot of great restaurants!
I went to SanFran last summer and fell in LOVE. I was ready to move there when I got back.
hi! I'm glad you blogged again 'cause I totally forgot to comment on this! Wherever you go, check out the website roadsideamerica.com. It can be a little tricky to navigate at times, but you can find some WAY COOL places to visit. It's all sorts of worlds largest/smallest/oldest, random facts, strange museums, historical markers. etc.
have SO much fun!
ohhh you are going to have so much fun! if you want to go to a really nice restaurant in Melrose go to E Baldi in Beverly Hills - http://www.ebaldi.com/ This is actually the place I met Kevin Bacon, lol! Also go to Pink's as some girls mentioned and try to head to Universal Studios and the Pantages Theatre - http://www.broadwayla.org/index.asp Have a blast girl! When will you be there? I am going to be in CA the entire month of April...
Im a new follower!
I love in Portland,well a suburb called Beaverton!
I love it :)
My husband and I have driven the whole west coast.. we started in San Diego, spent 11 days to Portland.. If you have time DO IT!!
Portland.. ok, so your coming the BEST time of year, it will probably be in the mid 70's and perfect! the wonderful thing about Portland is its 1 1/2 hours from year round skiing on Mt Hood and the same distance from the beach! I work in a small Art town on the coast.. Cannon Beach... search for photos!! Its WONDERFUL and a must if your in the area :)
Portland is a VERY laid back City, you could even wear jeans to the symphony!
Wonderful places to eat and a lots of places to play.. we have a great art museum, OMSI, eat at Portland City Grill for a great view of the town, visit the Rose Garden to see the flowers {not the basketball court}, go to a Timbers Game, get a donut at Voodoo, ride the MAX or Street car, get a beer at Kells, hang out at Sat Market and VISIT the coast, Cannon Beach!!
hope that helps! if you need any other help, please let me know :)
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