"california road trip by the pacific... " a California Travel Page by patricia1.nunez

As a former ex-californian resident i can tell you California state really deserves a visit , make the best of it by driving all the way thru freeway 5 or 805 north going to San diego, but first start on the busiest border in the world, yes Tijuana, Mex-USA not much to see but lots to shop at the Outlet of las Americas,, after satisfating you shopping hunger with all deals and bargains , head north to sunny San Diego, dont miss San Diego mission, San diego Zoo,seaworld, Old town and San Diego downtown .After a couple of days at the city star going north again and stop at any of the nice beaches around like oceanside, where you can relax a bit with lots of nice cafes and shops around.,.and leaving apart San Diego county take the oportunity to visit all themes parks in Orange county...Disneyland and Disney california adventure is a must no matter whats your age,,, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach are great options to chill out by watching some of the many yachts anchored there or simply getting a cold drink and exercising while in there and going back to the theme park experience;go to Knotts Berry farm or snoppys home with all rides and rollercoasters I¨m sure you¨ll enjoy it ...And then its time for LA or Los Angeles city ...make sure you stay west side avoid all that reads east as your not gonna miss anything there

Well, before getting to LA , try to change your route a little by stopping by Long beach,the long beach acquarium and the pier really worth a visit as well as Pine street with lots of entertainment and all-budget restaurants,Once in LA,take off freeway 5 and check out La plazita olvera street for nice mexican food, across the street take a look at the union station for a quick view of the old bus station architecture...take the car again and drive all the way to Santa monica to enjoy all the attractions at the pier, enjoy shopping and dining there, you wont regret. Day 2 will be to enjoy Sunset Blvd and have the Hollywwood experience by looking all the stars printed on the floor, all kinky stores and the museum of eroticism is there also,and take a picture of the iconic Holliwood sign, walk thru Rodeo Drive and beverly hills if you feel like spending big bucks on designer stores...Last but not least important The Getty Museum is a must with its vaste collection of religious art, impresionisim,furniture,sculpture.photography and medieval art ,walk around the big botanical gardens and enjoy all LA metropolitan area view from the hill,, this museum is really nice and its free, whats best..Now is time to get to Santa Barbara, to enjoy a little city atmosphere with all kind of seafood and pintoresque houses,botanical gardens and Santa Barbara Mission are great picture spots, and now its time to go north to San luis Obispo county and get a tour thru the Hearst Castle,with all great villas, gardens and an indoor gold covered roman pool will make you thinks what would it be being a celebrity back in 1920 when this mansion was built..enjoy a movie inside the theater and walk all over this historical site..Ready for Nothern California?

After a nice tour thru HearST castle you really want to stop at the elephant seal beach and see all this mammals making this beach their home, they are hundreds of them and you only need a quarter to use some of the binoculars to watch them...be prepared for around 2 hours of curves in the road but also prepare to see the pacific ocean on your left side and enjoy all creeks, falls,wood cabains and all scenic places while on Big Sur , this is a protected reserve where you can also camp , its awesome..and back to the busy road you will be reaching many towns going to San Francisco incluiding Sacramento, not one of my favorites, but is opt to you to give a try...then one of my favorites cities: San Francisco.Not to mention you cant miss anything, take a sight seeing bus first and choose your picks,, mine are Fisherman¨s wharf, pier 39, union square,china town,Alcatraz island,Golden gate park and bridge, Palace of fine arts, Lombard street, civic center,museums, Ghirardelli square and cable cars of course..well maybe i exagerated a little bit but everything worths a visit and at least 4 days stay..if plenty time go to Sausalito.. a little town across Bay city for a relax day,,,and even though i havent been there yet i was told that also Napa valley is great for wine tasting, countryside living and great spa needs,, this seems to be only 2 hours north from San Francisco. Consider California on your next vacation as there is a lot of activities for all type of people and all budgets as well,,all ecosystems in a not so tiny geographical area...