Southern Cal Trip

[JimJohnson]

Might hit up Southern Cal next summer. Besides the typical tourist things (Rodeo, Hollywood, Theme Parks), did you do anything unique or super cool while you were there? I might do a drive up the coast towards Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Big Sur.

 

[winos5]

Into hiking or mountain biking? Lots of good trails in SoCal

 

[JimJohnson]

Love hiking. Was thinking about hiking to Hollywood sign

 

[Unannounced Fart]

Big Sur is a pretty awesome experience. It has some of the most picturesque scenery you'll ever see. Also, there's dozens of hiking trails, some of which are the best I've ever been on, and the beaches are great as well. If you have a weekend to spend there, that would be better so that you can experience everything. However, when I was there last summer you can tell that the drought has really affected this area. Lush, colorful fauna has been replaced with fields of brown. We're expecting lots of rain this winter, so hopefully that will bring the color back.

If you're bringing a lady, Sierra Mar restaurant is money for a romantic dinner (very pricey though):

And Nepenthe for lunch:

Great resource for some hiking trails: http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes.html

But keep in mind, Big Sur is not in southern California. It's the central coast, and it's actually quite far from Socal. When you're in Big Sur, you're actually a lot closer to San Francisco than LA.

 

[JimJohnson]

Holy Shit, that looks f'ing awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely doing that, thanks pal.

 

[Tjodalv]

Southern Cal trip? You're planning on getting banned again?

 

[The Hawk]

Might hit up Southern Cal next summer. Besides the typical tourist things (Rodeo, Hollywood, Theme Parks), did you do anything unique or super cool while you were there? I might do a drive up the coast towards Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Big Sur.

Solvang up the coast to Santa Barbara is a great place to stop and shop or dine. It was founded by Danish and Norwiegen(sp?) people. Check on the dates of the whale watching excursions or a short trip to Catalina Island(Hydroplane ride in itself it fun). Muscle Beach is fun to people watch. If you take a ride to San Diego(about 80 miles from LA), the Zoo is terrific and the Gaslight District downtown has a lot to offer.

 

[JimJohnson]

Thanks Hawk. Santa Barbara was part of my plan after doing the Hollywood/Disney/Universal stuff. Was thinking maybe a night in Santa Barbara, a night in Cambria to hit up Hearst Castle, then drive up to Big Sur maybe if time permits.

I like your whale watching idea. I will check that.

 

[Treehorn]

Might hit up Southern Cal next summer. Besides the typical tourist things (Rodeo, Hollywood, Theme Parks), did you do anything unique or super cool while you were there? I might do a drive up the coast towards Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Big Sur.

How long do you plan on staying? And where exactly in SoCal(San Diego, Orange County, LA)?

 

[JimJohnson]

How long do you plan on staying? And where exactly in SoCal(San Diego, Orange County, LA)?

like 9 days.. arriving on a Friday night and then flying back home the following week on Sunday...

First 5.5 days will be spent in LA area... and then maybe a drive up the coast towards Big Sur