Calling all Californians

[conehead433]

Definitely check out Pismo Beach and the huge dunes there. You don't have to rent an atv to appreciate them, you could always just walk around in them. In places you'll feel like you're in the middle of a desert. You can check out the redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park below SF. Monterey and Santa Barbara are pretty nice towns. If you were going to go out of your way to see something Yosemite is awesome and the crowds are probably dwindling somewhat this time of year. You need a day to see some or most of the valley, longer to check out the upper passes and lower part of Yosemite.

 

[Atrail]

bump

thanks all for the suggestions

 

[LordUnum]

As for L.A., I don't know if it will re-open by the time you make a visit (their words: "late 2006"), but you'll definitely want to consider Griffith Observatory. In addition to the usual exhibits & other new/renovated offerings, a new restaurant decked out with glass panel walls will provide great views of the city and night sky. The gondolas over at Naples in Long Beach afford another romantic getaway ($60-65 now I think, was worth it when I took a date there).

Considering your limited time here, Olvera Street may also be worth a look. The atmosphere of the place and the neighboring plaza is generally cozy and romantic. There are some good (albeit overpriced) restaurants with patio seating looking out onto the quaint little street. Yeah, it's a bit of a tourist trap, but it's a nice quick way of experiencing a bit of more authentic Mexico in L.A. The plaza and Union Station across the street operate a bit more cohesively now thanks to some recent work. The grounds at Union Station are also very underrated, warm, and a nice place to frolic in if you find yourself in the area, IMO.

Like many ridiculously huge and complex places, there's just a sh!tload of cool things to do and places to see out here, you just need to know where to go. Hopefully someone else will chime in with other possibilities for you closer to the L.A.-area.

Oops, forgot all about Descanso Gardens! Well worth the $2 or $3/pop admission--a tranquil place to get lost in nature. This is actually my fav. date destination as women dig the roses, the rest of the greenery, streams, ponds, benches and shaded paths.

Congrats and good luck!

 

[TheChort]

Originally posted by: MadPeriot
Def stop by Carmel. Theres a breakfast resturant called Kate's which is awesome but always packed. You can book a room at Best Western and stroll down to the beach. Used to go there with my ex all the time.

another vote for carmel
i havent been there in years, but it was a great place to visit. Nice stroll around the city. The beach is comfortable. Very chill overall.
Great for couples imho.

 

[ed21x]

while you guys are in the Bay Area, might as well make your way to Tahoe around 3 hours east for some snow action. Once in SF, ditch the car and use public transit/walk around the city stopping by the pier (39), Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown (largest in the United States), Little Italy, the Red Light District, Lawry's Prime Rib , Berkeley Campus, etc... just walking around SF is an adventure in and of itself! I suggest traveling down PCH and stopping by all the quaint little town along the way to rest and admire all the scenery. Stop by Cal Poly SLO as well- it's a charming, little town!

LA isn't a very walkable place and is hard to enjoy if you're not a native. Maybe a stop by Pasadena and Hollywood, but better time would be better spent in SD and maybe even in the Newport/Dana Point/Laguna Beach Area of Orange County. If your wife likes shopping, make sure to stop by Fashion Island. Dana Point (close to where I live) has a lot of art galeries, small restaurants, and boardwalks that I like to frequent.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: dirtboy
Places to avoid: Fresno, Delano, Bakersfield... in that order.

Look on a map and where you see a coastal town & a freeway, you'll find some nice stuff.

You forgot Richmond.

 

[gocubs2k5]

when you are in San Francisco be sure to go to Original Joe's. The best steak and burgers I have ever eaten. It's in the Tenderloin, but if you climb over the hookers and crackheads you are in for a treat. It is close to the corner of Taylor and Hayes if I'm not mistaken. Definitely worth the trip.

 

[Kaieye]

Originally posted by: ed21x
while you guys are in the Bay Area, might as well make your way to Tahoe around 3 hours east for some snow action. Once in SF, ditch the car and use public transit/walk around the city stopping by the pier (39), Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Chinatown (largest in the United States), Little Italy, the Red Light District, Lawry's Prime Rib , Berkeley Campus, etc... just walking around SF is an adventure in and of itself! I suggest traveling down PCH and stopping by all the quaint little town along the way to rest and admire all the scenery. Stop by Cal Poly SLO as well- it's a charming, little town!

LA isn't a very walkable place and is hard to enjoy if you're not a native. Maybe a stop by Pasadena and Hollywood, but better time would be better spent in SD and maybe even in the Newport/Dana Point/Laguna Beach Area of Orange County. If your wife likes shopping, make sure to stop by Fashion Island. Dana Point (close to where I live) has a lot of art galeries, small restaurants, and boardwalks that I like to frequent.

Sorry, but the Chinatown in New York is larger...

 

[Atrail]

ty again!

bump