2 weeks around California by public transport

Question

Hello we are coming to LA in July - 2 adults and one 14 year old girl.

Few questions where we would really value tips/support:

We are not sure if to hire a car or public transport as my friend traveled by car in LA and SF and said it's understandably very busy/hectic:

1. Any recommendations for good 3 star LA or San Francisco accommodation ideally central if we on public transport? Midrange equivalent to UK premier inn etc

2. Best/cheapest way to get from LA to San Francisco by public transport?

3. Good trips to Yosemite Park - from SF if next from SF?

4. We fly in and out of LA so any suggested stops en route from LA to SF? We are thinking LA 3 or 4 nights stop somewhere else (1 or 2 nights nice beach area), SF (3 nights) Yosemite (2 nights) and back to LA?

Thanks so much 🙏👍

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning an exciting trip to California, and I’d be happy to help! Traveling by public transport in California, especially between cities like LA and San Francisco, is definitely doable and can be a great experience. Here are some tips to help make your journey as smooth as possible:

1. Accommodation in LA and San Francisco (Central, 3-Star Options)

If you’re looking for accommodation that’s easy to access by public transport, you can find good midrange options that are central to the attractions in both LA and San Francisco. Here are a few recommendations:

Los Angeles:
- The Hollywood Roosevelt – A classic hotel near Hollywood Blvd, great for easy access to public transport.
- Hotel Normandie – Located in the Koreatown area, with easy access to public transport and within a reasonable distance to downtown LA.
- Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel – Near Sunset Blvd, great location to explore West Hollywood, with public transport options.
San Francisco:
- Hotel Nikko – Centrally located, just a few blocks from Union Square and close to public transit.
- Parc 55 San Francisco – Right next to Market Street, with easy access to buses, BART, and cable cars.
- Hotel Zephyr – A fun, mid-range hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf, perfect if you want to be close to attractions and public transport.

These hotels are centrally located, offer good value for money, and are well-connected by public transport, allowing you to easily get around the city.

2. Getting from LA to San Francisco by Public Transport

The best and most affordable options for traveling between LA and San Francisco are:

Amtrak Train: The Amtrak Coast Starlight and California Zephyr routes offer comfortable and scenic train rides between LA and San Francisco. The journey takes about 12-13 hours, and it’s a great way to see California's landscapes. Ticket prices vary but usually start around $50-70 for economy class.
Greyhound Bus: Greyhound offers affordable bus services between LA and San Francisco, with fares starting at around $30-40 each way. The trip takes about 8-9 hours. It’s the most budget-friendly option, but less comfortable than the train.
FlixBus: Similar to Greyhound, FlixBus offers affordable and comfortable bus service with tickets starting around $20-40, depending on when you book. The trip takes about 8-9 hours as well.

Amtrak is often the preferred choice if you're looking for a more scenic and relaxing journey, but the buses are budget-friendly if you're looking to save a little money.

3. Yosemite Park from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park is about a 3-4 hour drive from San Francisco. Here are your best options for getting there:

Public Transport (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System – YARTS): Amtrak has a bus service that connects to the YARTS system, which can take you into the park. However, the schedule isn’t always ideal for tourists, so it may be worth checking if the times match your travel plans.
Private Tours: If you prefer a guided experience, there are plenty of private tour operators that offer round-trip transportation from San Francisco to Yosemite. This is a good option if you want someone else to handle the driving.
Rental Car: Although you mentioned public transport, renting a car for the Yosemite portion of the trip could be beneficial, as it offers the most flexibility. Once in the park, you can enjoy scenic drives and access to more remote areas of Yosemite.

If you’re relying on public transport, it’s best to plan ahead and book your tickets early, especially in summer when Yosemite sees more visitors.

4. Suggested Stops Between LA and SF

If you’re traveling from LA to SF, here are a few great stops to make along the way:

Santa Barbara: This charming coastal town offers beautiful beaches, great food, and some lovely sightseeing opportunities. You can easily spend a night here to break up the trip.
San Luis Obispo: A cute town known for its Spanish-style architecture and vineyards. Stop here for a meal and to stretch your legs before continuing on your journey.
Big Sur: If you have the time, a detour to Big Sur is a must. The views along the Pacific Coast Highway are breathtaking, and it’s one of the most scenic places in California.
Monterey/Carmel: These two charming towns are located right on the coast, and you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the artistic village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Each of these stops will give you a taste of the California coast, and they’re all great places to rest for a night or two before continuing on your journey. Keep in mind that having a rental car will be very helpful for these stops as public transportation can be limited in these more remote areas.

5. Suggested Itinerary

Los Angeles (3-4 nights): Explore the city with a visit to Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Griffith Park. You can also use the metro to visit places like Downtown LA and the museums at Exposition Park.
Santa Barbara (1-2 nights): Relax and enjoy the stunning beaches and vineyards. Take a walk along State Street, visit the Santa Barbara Mission, and dine at the pier.
San Francisco (3 nights): See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and ride the famous cable cars. Visit neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission District, and North Beach.
Yosemite (2 nights): Hike, explore waterfalls, and enjoy the beauty of the valley. Don’t miss the view of El Capitan and Half Dome.
Return to LA (1-2 nights): Take a scenic route back and relax before your flight home.

Overall, this itinerary allows you to explore some of the best parts of California at a relaxed pace, and you can always adjust the stops depending on how much time you want to spend in each location.

2 weeks around California by public transport

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