San Francisco & LA

[reamsofverse]

I'm looking to go to the Breeders Cup just outside San Diego in November and thought as LA and SF are out that way, why not make a holiday of it.

Problem I have is the mixed reviews. Some so both are a must but others reckon both are overrated, SF especially. Somebody has said once you have seen the Golden Gate, Pier 39 and Alcatraz, that's about it, you can go home!!

Having had a real look at both LA has plenty to see but it all seems so spreadout. Bars and restaurants there seem to be Downtown as opposed to the Holywood area but Skid Row and the other dangerous places where the streets are littered with homeles people is just a few blocks away.

[discocafc]

May 2, 2024 17:38:32 GMT reamsofverse said:

I'm looking to go to the Breeders Cup just outside San Diego in November and thought as LA and SF are out that way, why not make a holiday of it.

Problem I have is the mixed reviews. Some so both are a must but others reckon both are overrated, SF especially. Somebody has said once you have seen the Golden Gate, Pier 39 and Alcatraz, that's about it, you can go home!!

Having had a real look at both LA has plenty to see but it all seems so spreadout. Bars and restaurants there seem to be Downtown as opposed to the Holywood area but Skid Row and the other dangerous places where the streets are littered with homeles people is just a few blocks away.

I went to LA a few years ago. It’s just like any US City, you have to be careful where you go but I liked LA. If you’re a beach person the beach there is spectacular.

It is worth visiting but I’d advise you get as much information from the hotel as possible about places to avoid. We got a bus to an area and we got the taxi straight back to the hotel as we didn’t feel safe at all.

[reamsofverse]

Thanks mate.

Did you use teh metro system much? I want to go to quite a few places including Santa Anita racetrack.

Also want to visit the stadium that hosted the Olympics and Hollywood. All seem accessible on the metro.

I take it you are referring to Asanta Monica regarding the beach. It has the pier there.

[melrose555]

May 2, 2024 17:38:32 GMT reamsofverse said:

I'm looking to go to the Breeders Cup just outside San Diego in November and thought as LA and SF are out that way, why not make a holiday of it.

Problem I have is the mixed reviews. Some so both are a must but others reckon both are overrated, SF especially. Somebody has said once you have seen the Golden Gate, Pier 39 and Alcatraz, that's about it, you can go home!!

Having had a real look at both LA has plenty to see but it all seems so spreadout. Bars and restaurants there seem to be Downtown as opposed to the Holywood area but Skid Row and the other dangerous places where the streets are littered with homeles people is just a few blocks away.

[br

Preferred San Francisco to LA personally. LA is just too big and as others say, you've got be very careful where you go. Ironically enjoyed San Diego as much if not more than both SF and LA

[ashaddick]

May 2, 2024 17:38:32 GMT reamsofverse said:

I'm looking to go to the Breeders Cup just outside San Diego in November and thought as LA and SF are out that way, why not make a holiday of it.

Problem I have is the mixed reviews. Some so both are a must but others reckon both are overrated, SF especially. Somebody has said once you have seen the Golden Gate, Pier 39 and Alcatraz, that's about it, you can go home!!

Having had a real look at both LA has plenty to see but it all seems so spreadout. Bars and restaurants there seem to be Downtown as opposed to the Holywood area but Skid Row and the other dangerous places where the streets are littered with homeles people is just a few blocks away.

Never been to LA and so I can’t comment exactly but the city is vast.
SF on the other hand I have been to, admittedly only for a few days as a stop over before travelling to other places.
But I found the city wonderfully compact and easily walkable almost anywhere, it was like constantly walking through a film set and very friendly and laid back where ever I went.
Loads of good restaurants and bars and an eclectic and vibrant nightlife.

[watameires]

I think San Diego is far better bet than LA. Not been to SF

[ediaddick]

Been a couple of years since I was out there but BART system around SFO was a good way of getting around. I did walk across Golden Gate to Sausalito which was fun though. I think it's now the most expensive city in the US.

LA is an enigma as stayed in some pretty top hotels, just around the corner you can find a small park that is heaving with drugs at night. It has its tourists points but it is a very big city and just like any big city, has its issues.
Often used buses to get around during the day and never had a problem.
I've also driven the Pacific coastal highway and stopped at some fun places. Also driven through Yosemite national park although got turned back last time due to snow. If you like a scenic interlude.
There are other areas in California just as interesting if you don't just want to see the big cities.
Depends on your time and budget of course and if you want to drive.
You might want to make a list of your definite things to do and see as it's a big place and traveling takes time from your schedule.

[reamsofverse]

Thanks for all of the updates guys.

The trip I have in my head at the moment is fly to Dallas, spend some time there then get an internal flight to SFO and have a couple of days there too.

Next on the list is the train down to LA along the Pacific Ocean and spend three days in LA before then getting aboard the iconic Pacifi Surfliner down to San Diego for four days but one of those will be for the Breeders Cup at Del Mar.

Would two and a half days be enough in San Francisco? Is Alcatraz worth it?

I want to go to Dallas for the JFK association having been and seen his burial site and the eternal flame in DC at Arlington Cemetary.

Is Dallas worth the trip?

[995632]

I did LA, drove to Barstow (mid stop point) and through Death Valley onto Vegas. 4 days there, Grand Canyon and then stopped at I think Yellow Stone National Park, 3 days San Francisco, back down the coast via Malibu and Mount Carmel (Howard Hughes place) then Hollywood/Beverly Hills etc.

[reamsofverse]

Sounds a great trip that but Vegas just doesn't appeal to me, never has

[995632]

May 2, 2024 20:01:42 GMT reamsofverse said:

Sounds a great trip that but Vegas just doesn't appeal to me, never has

Was 16 at the time so didn't do Casinos etc. The spectacle of it all is impressive, and the Grand Canyon is mindboggling.

[coloradocafc]

San Francisco is by far the easiest to get around in. The BART public transit system is good. It's the easiest to see in a couple of days. It's staggeringly beautiful for a North American City. It's one of my favorites to visit.

LA is big and spread out. It's a bit more livable than SF, at least if you're not inordinately wealthy. It's not my favorite to visit. If you spend a couple of days there, I'd focus on one area. Malibu, Venice Beach, Santa Monica. It's not easy to get around in. Public transportation isn't great. Driving is horrible.

San Diego is my favorite. It's still kind of has a small beach city vibe, but it's a very large city. The beaches and weather are beautiful. There is some really cool Spanish history there. The food is excellent.

There are also many small cities on the California coast that are worth visiting. San Luis Obispo is really great. Monterey is great. San Clemente is great. There are others.

Dallas is Dallas. It's big. It's spread out. Let me emphasize how big and spread out it is. Texas has nothing but open space and Texans are determined to use all of it. That said I once sat next to a retired couple Dutch couple on a flight to London. They'd moved to Dallas to be close to their daughter and loved it. I was very surprised.

If you do outdoors stuff, I'd recommend Southern Utah (Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park) over Arizona (Grand Canyon). The Grand Canyon is overwhelming, but Bryce and Zion are overwhelmingly beautiful

Don't underestimate how far apart things are. It's easier to get to Glasgow from London than it is to get to SF from LA. Most Californians fly that route. The train takes around 10h, if I recall correctly. Dallas to LA is around a 3.5hr flight.

[pas01]

May 2, 2024 19:44:49 GMT reamsofverse said:

Thanks for all of the updates guys.

The trip I have in my head at the moment is fly to Dallas, spend some time there then get an internal flight to SFO and have a couple of days there too.

Next on the list is the train down to LA along the Pacific Ocean and spend three days in LA before then getting aboard the iconic Pacifi Surfliner down to San Diego for four days but one of those will be for the Breeders Cup at Del Mar.

Would two and a half days be enough in San Francisco? Is Alcatraz worth it?

I want to go to Dallas for the JFK association having been and seen his burial site and the eternal flame in DC at Arlington Cemetary.

Is Dallas worth the trip?

[pas01]

Mate Alcatraz is deffo worth it but you will need to book tickets your side before you go as they sell out months in advance but its a great tour and well worth doing as is a trip to the red wood forest where they film planet of the apes which is just across the golden gate bridge also Sausalito gem of a place also fishermans wharf has some fab places to eat and watch the seals which congregate lastly if your ever in Florida let me know i have a pop curry business in central florida as these yanks dont know how to make a decent curry so somebodys had to show em

[crapgame]

May 2, 2024 19:44:49 GMT reamsofverse said:

Thanks for all of the updates guys.

The trip I have in my head at the moment is fly to Dallas, spend some time there then get an internal flight to SFO and have a couple of days there too.

Next on the list is the train down to LA along the Pacific Ocean and spend three days in LA before then getting aboard the iconic Pacifi Surfliner down to San Diego for four days but one of those will be for the Breeders Cup at Del Mar.

Would two and a half days be enough in San Francisco? Is Alcatraz worth it?

I want to go to Dallas for the JFK association having been and seen his burial site and the eternal flame in DC at Arlington Cemetary.

Is Dallas worth the trip?

2.5 to 3 days is prob ok. Alcatraz is def worth it, best part of SF. Fascinating place and the headphones tour where you wander around certain parts and former inmates and prison guards tell their story is superb, but a little grim! Went in 2019 and homeless around city hall area was shocking. Would recommend the hop on/off bus which gets you to all the places, cable car rides, ferry building farmers market and golden gate park. San Diego is absolutely the best big city with the best beaches. For LA we stayed in Santa Monica and got the bus to hollywood, bev hills etc but didnt particularly enjoy those parts. Best part was LA farmers market which is now mostly street food outlets. 

[mrkinski]

May 2, 2024 19:44:49 GMT reamsofverse said:

Thanks for all of the updates guys.

The trip I have in my head at the moment is fly to Dallas, spend some time there then get an internal flight to SFO and have a couple of days there too.

Next on the list is the train down to LA along the Pacific Ocean and spend three days in LA before then getting aboard the iconic Pacifi Surfliner down to San Diego for four days but one of those will be for the Breeders Cup at Del Mar.

Would two and a half days be enough in San Francisco? Is Alcatraz worth it?

I want to go to Dallas for the JFK association having been and seen his burial site and the eternal flame in DC at Arlington Cemetary.

Is Dallas worth the trip?

I think 3 or 4 days is enough for San Francisco. We used the tourist buses to get around - Haight Astbury, China Town etc but you can also walk to most places. Lots of great places to eat and Alcatraz was fun. Sausalito Is worth a half-day trip. Lovely, warm town by the sea. San Fran was never warm!

Found LA a bit depressing to be honest.

[reamsofverse]

Many thanks guys for some great feedback the places everyone has mentioned sound great but maybe for another day as we are only there 12 days and won't have a car.

My trip in October is a step into the unknown for me as as I said we are going to California for the first time.

I lived in Chicago with my family in 1975 when I was 11 years old. My Dad who played for Wrexham at the time spent the summer at Chicago Sting who played at Soldier Filed where the Bears still play today. I have been back twice since and know the place like the back of my hand. DC is the same and I feel comfortable finding my way around New York too.

We are flying into San Francisco and spending three days there. On day four we are getting the Coastal Starlight train along the Pacific Coast down to LA on our way to San Diego where the Breeders Cup is going to be held. The problem is, that particular train terminates in LA and there is no connection until the following day so we have to spend at least a night there before then jumping on the Pacific Surfliner for the three hour journey to San Diego.

Both trains are an attraction, flying from SF to LA would be a tremendous waste of spectacular scenery, the second train in particular feels like you are riding the waves, it's that close to the water. I am not going to LA through choice, it's a case of having to but it would be a bit of a waste not having a quick look around a place that I am never likely to visit again.

I'm not into all of the Hollywood and Beverly Hills stuff. We'll do a sightseeing bus tour just so we've seen it but I would like to visit the amazing Santa Anita racecourse with it's stunning backdrop, the LA Coliseum where they held the Olymics and among one or two other things the Griffith Conservatory and Santa Monica Beach. The Metro system allows us to do all of that in a couple of days if we are based in the safest part of down by the main station.

Does everyone think three full days in San Francisco, two and most of a third in LA and then another three in San Diego and an added day at the Breeders Cup itself would be enough or given your own experiences would you opt for two and a half in SF and three and a half in SD?

[redplanet]

May 4, 2024 19:28:56 GMT reamsofverse said:

Many thanks guys for some great feedback the places everyone has mentioned sound great but maybe for another day as we are only there 12 days and won't have a car.

My trip in October is a step into the unknown for me as as I said we are going to California for the first time.

I lived in Chicago with my family in 1975 when I was 11 years old. My Dad who played for Wrexham at the time spent the summer at Chicago Sting who played at Soldier Filed where the Bears still play today. I have been back twice since and know the place like the back of my hand. DC is the same and I feel comfortable finding my way around New York too.

We are flying into San Francisco and spending three days there. On day four we are getting the Coastal Starlight train along the Pacific Coast down to LA on our way to San Diego where the Breeders Cup is going to be held. The problem is, that particular train terminates in LA and there is no connection until the following day so we have to spend at least a night there before then jumping on the Pacific Surfliner for the three hour journey to San Diego.

Both trains are an attraction, flying from SF to LA would be a tremendous waste of spectacular scenery, the second train in particular feels like you are riding the waves, it's that close to the water. I am not going to LA through choice, it's a case of having to but it would be a bit of a waste not having a quick look around a place that I am never likely to visit again.

I'm not into all of the Hollywood and Beverly Hills stuff. We'll do a sightseeing bus tour just so we've seen it but I would like to visit the amazing Santa Anita racecourse with it's stunning backdrop, the LA Coliseum where they held the Olymics and among one or two other things the Griffith Conservatory and Santa Monica Beach. The Metro system allows us to do all of that in a couple of days if we are based in the safest part of down by the main station.

Does everyone thing three full days in San Francisco, two and most of a third in LA and then another three in San Diego and an added day at the Breeders Cup itself would be enough or given your own experiences would you opt for two and a half in SF and three and a half in SD?

From personal experience I'd definitely recommend three full days in San Francisco to get to enjoy the downtown areas such as China Town, Haight-Ashbury and such, as well as a visit to Alcatraz and Sausalito. (And great bars and restaurants).  

If you fancy a special dinner, I can highly recommend Le Colonial. Vietnamese/French. It is awesome. (Of course, you can google it). And if you hop on a street car down to Fisherman's Wharf, you will get the best Irish Coffees I have ever tasted at The Buena Vista from 9:00am! They are famous for them. They serve good food as well, apparently. 

Looks like you have LA sussed.

The trains are a brilliant decision.

You will have a blast.

[coloradocafc]

Sounds like a great trip. A tip about the train, get to the viewing car early for the good views, at it will be crowded.

Also, depending on your timing, it might be possible to see a college football game at the Coliseum. The University of Southern California plays its home games there. It's cool to see 80,000 fans show up to watch college kids play sports.

You might also visit the Rose Bowl. It's where the University of California at LA plays, and it has held a World Cup final. It's about 15 miles from the Coliseum.

They've reduced attendance at both, but for decades there were two 100,000 seat stadiums 15 miles from each other.

The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals will be at SoFi stadium in LA. It's new. I've never been there.

[reamsofverse]

I looked at the Rose Bowl but not sure they do tours but it is on the same stretch of Metro line as Arcadia which is where Santa Anita Park is. I believe you get of five or six stops before and get a on a bus for another half a mile by road.

Definitely looking into that but they do lock their stadiums up over there unlike over here where you'll always find a door open somewhere. This was the case at Soldier Field in 2018 when I went back to Chicago. They have put the new stadium inside the old one, it was that big. It was amazing going back there and we took in a Bears game the next day too. A real sentimental journey.

[reamsofverse]

Well the months have flown by since I started this thread and we're just two weeks away from going on our holidays and taking in the Breeders Cup!

I think I have LA sorted, even though we are only there for three days but any tips on what is worth seeing there and what isn't would be greatly appreciated. We don't want to waste what time we have on going to places that are a bit of a let down.

Any advice on how to get around would be great. I know there are bus tours, some hop on and hop off but they are pricey so I looked at the metro and while it's very cheap it does have risks attached I believe, although we won't be using it after dark that's for sure.

San Francisco is the place I need most help with though as we have three full days there and apart from a trip to the Golden Gate and another to Alcatraz. I'm struggling to find how we can fill the time, unless I am grossly underestimating it? I know about the pier and Fisherman's Wharf, and Lombard Stret and dthe cable cars but can't see much else to do there.

San Diego I have sorted but again any tips would be wonderful.

If any of you have eaten in any decent bars/restautrants in any of the three cities and recommend them please share and I'll have a look.

[whynot]

I have been to all 3 cities a few times for work. My tip for LA is don't drive and avoid Taxi unless you find a good-rated company your Holtel can help with that or you may find that what you believe should be a 15-minute ride will take you an hour with will cost you an arm and a leg.

SF is a great place to visit for 3-4 days I also would recommend the hop-on hop-off tour bus a bit pricey but a great way to see everything.

San Diego is a nice place to go with some great museums like the USS Midway also has a world-class zoo and there are also day trips to Mexico again in 3-4 days is all you need.

Anyway have a good trip.

[redplanet]

In San Francisco, we really liked The Buena Vista at Fisherman's Wharf: www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html

Great food and locally famous for Irish Coffees any time of the day.

Macy's at Union Square is worth a visit. It's the most enormous store I have ever been in. The Men's Department alone is the width of a city block. The main draw though, was the amount of really good bars in the area. Including the Cityscape bar which is 46 stories, up.

Another eatery/ bar we enjoyed was Le Central. Has a happy hour menu - 4:30 to 6:30 lecentralbistro.com

Don't miss Chinatown: www.sanfranciscochinatown.com

[reamsofverse]

Many thanks guys. I have added those places to my to do list! 👍

[coloradocafc]

You might go out to Muir Woods. I think there's a shuttle. There will certainly be day (or even half day) trips available from the city. The trees there aren't as massive as they are up the coast, but there will be some 80m trees that are 700+ years old. It's impressive.

Lands end lookout is cool. The Presido/Golden Gate recreation area is a great place to hang out.

I'd ride the trolley if there isn't a line. I'd not wait to do it. It's cool to have done once, though.

The Palace of Fine Arts is neat to visit, and not far from the Pier. There are a large number of art museums, most of which are relatively small, but excellent. The California Academy of Sciences is really good, if that's your thing.

The views from Alamo Park are gorgeous, and famous. And that's not far from the hippie neighborhood of Haight Ashbury. Chinatown is cool, too.

The view from Alcatraz is good. The view from the bridge is breathtaking. You can walk the bridge or take a boat tour out there.

[stu2020]

Oct 7, 2024 19:00:33 GMT reamsofverse said:

Well the months have flown by since I started this thread and we're just two weeks away from going on our holidays and taking in the Breeders Cup!

I think I have LA sorted, even though we are only there for three days but any tips on what is worth seeing there and what isn't would be greatly appreciated. We don't want to waste what time we have on going to places that are a bit of a let down.

Any advice on how to get around would be great. I know there are bus tours, some hop on and hop off but they are pricey so I looked at the metro and while it's very cheap it does have risks attached I believe, although we won't be using it after dark that's for sure.

San Francisco is the place I need most help with though as we have three full days there and apart from a trip to the Golden Gate and another to Alcatraz. I'm struggling to find how we can fill the time, unless I am grossly underestimating it? I know about the pier and Fisherman's Wharf, and Lombard Stret and dthe cable cars but can't see much else to do there.

San Diego I have sorted but again any tips would be wonderful.

If any of you have eaten in any decent bars/restautrants in any of the three cities and recommend them please share and I'll have a look.

What is really nice is to hire bikes to go over the Golden Gate Bridge, when you get to the other side ride downhill to Sausalito… really lovely place, nice restaurants and you can take your hired bike back on a boat to Fisherman’s Wharf again… did it last year it was a great day out…

[zenga]

If you can still change how you travel between LA and SF, I'd highly recommend hiring a car. The highway 1 drive is absolutely stunning, especially this time of the year, and there are plenty of great stops along the road (highly recommend Santa Barbara). Google 'highway 1 scenic drive" and you'll see what I mean.

[reamsofverse]

We did think about that zenga we have seen films with that coastline in and I agree it is truly amazing.

I used to live in beautiful Santa Barbara back in the very early 90's before I went to Cardiff City. I went out there for six months to coach at the Hubert Vogelsinger, Lanzara Soccer Academy based at Westmont College. It's really got big there and now called the Nike Vogelsinger Soccer Academy.

I had the time of my life there. Those American Soccer Mom's know a thing or too!!

I put it in the back of the net a few times and always played for extra time!!!

[zenga]

Oct 14, 2024 18:58:41 GMT reamsofverse said:

We did think about that zenga we have seen films with that coastline in and I agree it is truly amazing.

I used to live in beautiful Santa Barbara back in the very early 90's before I went to Cardiff City. I went out there for six months to coach at the Hubert Vogelsinger, Lanzara Soccer Academy based at Westmont College. It's really got big there and now called the Nike Vogelsinger Soccer Academy.

I had the time of my life there. Those American Soccer Mom's know a thing or too!!

I put it in the back of the net a few times and always played for extra time!!!

Did you have to flee the States after doing soccer moms for 6 months? There might just be a few little reamsofverses running around along that coastline ...

On a serious note, if you opt to drive you also have the possibility to visit Yosemite. Also beautiful in the fall (and a bit less busy).

[reamsofverse]

We booked the Coastal Starlight quite a while ago zenga and after our few days in LA we are then taking the Pacific Surfliner down to San Diego.

Booked a tour to the LA Coliseum when we are there and want to do a tour of one of the big studios but Universal is really expensive and we don't have time to spend a whole day there anyway.

I like my horses. Been to visit every major champion this country has produced going back 30 years and have the pictures to go with it!

Have a brief trip lined up to Bob Bafferts place at Santa Anita Park and while we are there we are going to see Sebiscuits stable where he lived many moons ago. Fabulous story that and a great film too.