Going to California(not the Led Zepplin Song)

[iamfishman]

So...the little lady and myself are doing something we have always wanted to do.  We will be going to California for a week over the summer.  Specifically, we are going to San Diego with a day trip to LA.

I was hoping some west coasters could offer some advice.  What are some great things to do in the area that aren't well know touristy things.  Sites we should see, places, we should eat, etc.  Also...we were thinking of going to Tiajuana, but weren't sure if this was a good idea both with regards to safety and/or fun things to do.  Any advice on this would be equally helpful.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[Clown of Tresserhorn]

Go to in-n-out burger. It's absolutely fantastic. I'm a health nut and hate fast food, but every time I'm in CA, I hit that place up like crazy.

As for places to visit, I can't really help you out. I've only explored NorCal.

Have fun on your trip!

[DoubleDrain]

ray,

hit up in-n-out FOR SURE!!

best. burgers. ever.

[xrizzo]

Full disclosure: I grew up in San Diego, and live in Los Angeles.

San Diego:

There are a number of animal based parks that are WORLD famous: San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Wild Animal Park.  They are all excellent, my favorite is the Wild Animal Park.

San Diego has excellent beaches: La Jolla (shops), Del Mar (surfing), Pacific/Ocean Beach (bars).  You can't go wrong with any. 

For going out, your best bet is the 'gaslamp quarter' which is downtown.  If you show up there and walk around, it is fun.

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Los Angeles:

A 'day trip' should involve a lot of planning around traffic.  It is a 2 hour drive, without traffic.  (~130 miles)  With traffic, it has taken 5 hours, easy.  I would say a 2 day trip makes the most sense, or drive home after 9pm to avoid traffic. 

What you want to do here is really dependent on why you want to make the trip to LA in the first place.  It sounds like you have something in mind. 

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TJ:

Safety isn't the same as in the US, but you should be fine going there.  I would recommend dropping the car on the US side and walking across.  You won't need more than 1/2 a day in TJ.  This type of trip often involves walking around the street merchants, trying your rusty high school spanish, and getting cheap/free food and drinks. 

You will have to google it, but there was a change in passport requirements for crossing the mexican border - be aware of these before you plan anything.

If you have more details questions, please PM me - I probably won't check back on this thread.

Have a great time. SoCal is great.