Georgia girl going to California!!! Need Help

[Gagirl69]

My hubby is going to be working in Cali. Jan thru March. He will be near San Luis Obispo. My kids spring break is the first week in April so he wants us to fly out there so we can sight see. He is driving out there so we will drive back. First of all, I'm terrified of heights. I've never flown. But I am determined I'm not going to let this fear keep me from going. Should I ask my dr for something to help with my nerves? I don't want anything that will make me sleep. What do I need to know about flying? Second, What is a must do? I really want to go to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. I would like to drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy. I know there is alot in cali. Also, I'm looking for suggestions on where to stop between Cali and Ga on the way home. I know, that's a big area. I'm really excited. Thanks so much.

BTW, I know it's still a while away, but I am a planner.

 

[diznygirl]

The SLO area is pretty. And there are a few things to in the immediate area. I love the Apple Farm Inn and restaurant. And Solvang is right there. It will be four hours north to San Fran and three hours south to LA.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

My mom is afraid of flying, and just flew here to Ga from Ca.. her doctor gave her paxil.... she said it helped
QUestion tho...if you are flying...what are you planning to sightsee between here and there??

PP mentioned Solvang...I haven't been there in years, but from what I remember, it's similar to Helen... it was nice and pretty.

I"m not too familiar with the San Luis Obispo area... I'm more familiar with south at LA or north of San Fran... but, if you dont' mind the car ride, San Fran is much more pleasing to the eye, IMHO

 

[Disneyland1084]

Check out Pismo Beach!!!

 

["Got Disney"]

I love San Luis Obispo ...here is a site to check it out http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/

Driving up the coast on PCH is beautiful...a must see

Have fun

If your not to far away go to see the Hearst Castle...it's worth the time ...http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cahearstcastle/ig/Hearst-Castle/

My even more favorite is Big Sur..beautiful Beautiful Beautiful....it is about 75 miles up the coast on PCH(Pacific Coast Highway) from San Luis Obispo...but it is on your way to San Fransisco

Another must see if you have never is the Redwood Trees in Big Sur.....http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/redwoods.html

Heres some reviews on the drive up and down the coast....I love going and watching the Elephant seals...they are HUGE!!!!! be sure to scroll down and look at pictures on the site

http://www.virtualtourist.com/trave...PCH_Pacific_Coast_Highway_Highway_1-BR-1.html

Here is a you tube viseo of SLO....it starts out Black and white and breaks into color....it will show you how beautiful the PCH is .....the pictures do it no justice.

..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-avWHJlSes&feature=related

Big sur Coast .....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSXPIzJsHQQ notice the color of the Ocean

Hope this helps...I could go on and on about this because I love driving up the coast...have a great time...wish it were me. Pm me if ya want some more info

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

I agree with all the suggestions that Got Disney posted

I LOVE San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast area. If you like wine you may want to head to the Paso Robles area to tour a couple wineries - the wine region in this area is really starting to take off - they are becoming known as Little Napa.

The small coast towns are wonderful , Cambria, MorroBay and definately Hearst Castle in San Simeon. San Luis is centrally located with in a couple hours of Santa Barbara to the south and Monteray to the North - both are beautiful areas to visit. San Francisco is probably about 5 hours North of San Luis and also a beautiful area - there really is so much to see and do while there. Have fun

 

[golfgal]

Disneyland???

 

[Gagirl69]

My mom is afraid of flying, and just flew here to Ga from Ca.. her doctor gave her paxil.... she said it helped
QUestion tho...if you are flying...what are you planning to sightsee between here and there??

PP mentioned Solvang...I haven't been there in years, but from what I remember, it's similar to Helen... it was nice and pretty.

I"m not too familiar with the San Luis Obispo area... I'm more familiar with south at LA or north of San Fran... but, if you dont' mind the car ride, San Fran is much more pleasing to the eye, IMHO

Yeah, me and my kids are flying out there but we are driving back with my dh.

 

[Gagirl69]

[QUOTE="Got Disney";28728525]I love San Luis Obispo ...here is a site to check it out http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/

Driving up the coast on PCH is beautiful...a must see

Have fun

If your not to far away go to see the Hearst Castle...it's worth the time ...http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cahearstcastle/ig/Hearst-Castle/

My even more favorite is Big Sur..beautiful Beautiful Beautiful....it is about 75 miles up the coast on PCH(Pacific Coast Highway) from San Luis Obispo...but it is on your way to San Fransisco

Another must see if you have never is the Redwood Trees in Big Sur.....http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/redwoods.html

Heres some reviews on the drive up and down the coast....I love going and watching the Elephant seals...they are HUGE!!!!! be sure to scroll down and look at pictures on the site

http://www.virtualtourist.com/trave...PCH_Pacific_Coast_Highway_Highway_1-BR-1.html

Here is a you tube viseo of SLO....it starts out Black and white and breaks into color....it will show you how beautiful the PCH is .....the pictures do it no justice.

..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-avWHJlSes&feature=related

Big sur Coast .....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSXPIzJsHQQ notice the color of the Ocean

Hope this helps...I could go on and on about this because I love driving up the coast...have a great time...wish it were me. Pm me if ya want some more info [/QUOTE]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I will go check out these links. Everybody keep them coming.

 

[Judy from Boise]

These are general ideas, but when you are ready to plan please head over to our CA planning boards .

 

[Master Mason]

how old are your kids, and how long are you planing to be in CA?

 

[dvcgirl]

Definitely Hearst castle......amazing place.

 

[Gagirl69]

how old are your kids, and how long are you planing to be in CA?

My kids are 17 and 7. We will have about a week and a half. We want to see some sights in Cali then start heading toward home but stopping to some sites on the way. I appreciate any advice you can provide.

 

[momrek06]

My hubby is going to be working in Cali. Jan thru March. He will be near San Luis Obispo. My kids spring break is the first week in April so he wants us to fly out there so we can sight see. He is driving out there so we will drive back. First of all, I'm terrified of heights. I've never flown. But I am determined I'm not going to let this fear keep me from going. Should I ask my dr for something to help with my nerves? I don't want anything that will make me sleep. What do I need to know about flying? Second, What is a must do? I really want to go to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. I would like to drive down the Pacific Coast Hwy. I know there is alot in cali. Also, I'm looking for suggestions on where to stop between Cali and Ga on the way home. I know, that's a big area. I'm really excited. Thanks so much.

BTW, I know it's still a while away, but I am a planner.

GaGirl, I am BRAND NEW to California. My DH's engineering company sent him to CA from MA on a project that has now become HUGE. At first it was to be a few months. Now well, it is forever. But that being said as far as California goes, DH arrived in MAY and me in JULY...we are NOT going back. We love it here. LOVE IT!!! I am still new that I do not know the area all that well but we are learning. We are in Southern California in the OC!! We have been to AAA a number of times getting flyers/brochures for the State and we have one really good California touring book. My parents are coming for 2 weeks from Tampa to the OC for the holidays and I am planning all these day trips and a weekend trip.


And absolutely the PCH (as it is known here) is AMAZING. We have driven as far south as San Diego all along the beach.....beautiful.


As far as flying, I HATE it, HATE it and thought I would never get to CA.....my sister came with me (as DH was already there working) (DH's company paid both our airfares but DSis paid for the extra upgrade) and she flies everywhere and she upgraded us to First Class .....I know it is $$$ but if there is anyway you can go First Class....the FA's make you just so incredibly comfortable. Is your DH's company paying to fly the family out?? If so, just pay yourself to upgrade as DSis did!!!


OH OH and the best part is DISNEYLAND!!!!!! We bought our AP's and we go go go!!!! I am 20 minutes to the LAND!!!

 

[diznygirl]

FYI for the newbies - it's not "the PCH" it's just "PCH."

You'll get the hang of it!

 

[Gagirl69]

Momrek06, Cali sounds like a great place. I can't wait to go. I'm also afraid I might like it TOO much. May not want to leave. I'll be digging around on the internet so I can plan, plan, plan. But I don't want to be on a schedule. I just want to know where we are going and what we want to see. Alot of people are suggesting the Hearst Castle. It looks great. Have you been there?

Unfortunately we have to pay for our own plane tickets when me and the kids fly out. Bummer. I just hope I don't have a panic attack on the plane. I'm that terrified. If you think of anything else that would help me, post away.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

there are several places that you can go for nervious flyers, they actually have courses that you can take to help.

Also, if you like to shop (and eat wonderful danish food!) try to go to Solvang!

DW an I have been going there for many years, (way before any movie!) and really enjoy the place.

You could drive down to Disneyland!!!

As for the cross country trip, I did that a few years ago. Check out the "route 66" guides that are around, you can visit some of the "tourist stops" that have survived along the way. Actually AAA stores carries the guides, and I have seen them at several book stores!

 

[Gagirl69]

Bump. I don't want this thread to get lost.

 

[KimAshton]

I never want to leave CA when I am there. This past year I was in CA 4 times and I am heading out to Northern CA in April. You are going to have a great time anywhere in CA>

 

[manning]

Hope for a wet winter in the desert. You will be suprised how the desert blooms in the spring when the conditions are right. Your drive will be filled with color!!!