LA + San Francisco

Question

Dear All.

VIsiting LA on from 22/Dec till 31 Dec with 13 yr old boy .

1. What is the best place to stay * safe, affordbable, and easy to access main attractions. Iam hiring a car

2. I plan to go to 2 days to san franciso to visit Google and apple centre.. and drive back from the sea road.

Could any kind gentelemen suggest an itinereary if more things can be planned in San franciso , where should i stop by during the retunr journey ?

where to go in LA ? etc

REgards,

Brave

Answer

Dear Brave,

It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip with your 13-year-old! I'll give you some recommendations for both Los Angeles and San Francisco, including where to stay and what to do, as well as a potential itinerary for your road trip back from San Francisco.

1. Best place to stay in Los Angeles:

Since you're hiring a car and want to be close to the main attractions, it's important to find a safe, accessible area. Some of the best areas for visitors in your situation are:

Hollywood: Staying in Hollywood puts you near the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and other attractions like the Hollywood Sign. It's tourist-friendly, and you can easily drive to places like Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, and the Sunset Strip. The area is a bit busy, but it’s a central location with lots of options for accommodations.
Santa Monica: If you prefer to be closer to the coast, Santa Monica offers a nice balance of beach access, shopping, and good food. It’s a safe area with the famous pier and the Third Street Promenade for shopping. You’ll be a bit farther from some of the main tourist spots, but driving in LA is easy and traffic can be avoided at certain hours.
West Hollywood (WeHo): A trendy, safe, and walkable neighborhood with many attractions nearby, like the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It's central for tourists but still has a great vibe for families.

2. San Francisco itinerary (2 days):

If you’re planning to visit Google and Apple campuses, here’s a simple itinerary that also lets you explore other highlights in San Francisco:

Day 1: After arriving in San Francisco, start your day by visiting Google’s Campus in Mountain View (this is outside the city in the Silicon Valley area). You can't enter the campus without permission, but you can visit the Googleplex's outdoor spaces. Then, head to Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino, where you can explore their showroom and café.
Day 1 Afternoon: After your tech visits, drive to San Francisco. You can spend your evening exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and take in views of the Bay Area.
Day 2: Start your day with a visit to Alcatraz Island (make sure to book tickets in advance). Afterward, explore Chinatown and Union Square for shopping. Don’t miss the Golden Gate Park, with places like the California Academy of Sciences and beautiful gardens to explore.
Day 2 Afternoon: Head up to the Coit Tower for panoramic views of the city, and if time allows, take a walk down the famous Painted Ladies in Alamo Square, the iconic Victorian houses.

3. Road trip back to LA: Best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway

The scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a great route for a drive back to LA. Here are some recommended stops along the way:

Santa Cruz: Known for its beach boardwalk, it’s a fun stop for the family, with great views and some amusement park attractions.
Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea: Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium and explore the charming town of Carmel.
Bixby Creek Bridge: Stop by the iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed locations along the coast.
Big Sur: A must-see for its breathtaking views of cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Explore McWay Falls and take a short hike in the area.
San Simeon: Visit Hearst Castle, a historic and beautiful estate perched on the hills.
Santa Barbara: A nice spot to stretch your legs, explore the pier, and enjoy the beaches. It’s also a great place for lunch or a break before heading back to LA.

4. Things to do in LA: As for more activities in LA, here are some top suggestions:

Universal Studios Hollywood: A must-visit for families, with rides and shows based on popular movies. It’s a fun way to spend the day.
Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign: Hike up to the Griffith Observatory and take in spectacular views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Explore the largest art museum in the western United States. It's a great experience for all ages.
Venice Beach: Walk along the famous boardwalk, rent bikes, and enjoy the quirky atmosphere. You can also head to Santa Monica Pier.

Enjoy your trip, and I’m sure you and your son will have an unforgettable time exploring both cities and the amazing scenery on your road trip! Safe travels!

LA + San Francisco

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions