It's that time of the year again where this gal packs her [carry on] suit case, jumps on a plane and heads on vacation for a few weeks (see the details of last year's trip to Italy here). This year we're headed to California, flying into San Francisco and making the road trip along the coast down to Los Angeles with plenty of stops along the way. I've never been to the West Coast and I'm looking forward to seeing the difference in lifestyle and culture.
Expect a few posts from me when I'm gone - of course I'll let you know how I'm packing for a two week road trip in just a carry on suitcase, how to pack toiletries for carry on travel and more!
If you guys have ever done a similar trip, or are from the area I would love to hear your recommendations. Where to eat, what to see - I want to hear it all!
Let's stay connected while I'm gone. Follow me on Instagram, or see what I'm really up to on Snap Chat (username: lapetitenoob.)
In the meantime, if you need me I'll be California dreaming!
I was born + raised in SoCal!! Currently living in San Diego, but I've been dying to go up to LA to Bottega Louie for macarons! I would definitely recommend making a trip there. The Griffith Observatory is a great visit too with a kick-ass view of LA! :) Can't wait to see your adventures! -N xo
ReplyDeleteAmazing recommendations - thanks Nikki! Looking forward to trying a macaron at Bottega Louie! xx
DeleteHave an amazing time lovely, I look forward to hearing your tips xx
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Thanks Jessica! xoxo
DeleteCan't wait to see all of your adventures on Instagram! You are going to have SUCH a good time!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you have your RX100 with you cause you're going to want something handy when strolling around SF. Such a great energy in that city
For SF: pick up tickets for Beach Blanket Babylon, eat at The Stinking Rose (near BBB) or Kuleto's (Union Square). Defs get a coffee at La Boulange. Cable car ride! Alcatraz if you have the time (takes at least a half day, and it's best to get tickets before).
Have a great trip!
Kris | Love. Loft. Life.
As always, your recommendations blow me away kris! I'm definitely going to check out all of these places, and you bet that I'm taking my Sony RX100 along for the ride! xoxo
DeleteJust discovered your blog- like your fashion sense. I live in SF Bay Area and Second the recommendation for Alcatraz. Also be sure to go to the Monterey Aquarium and take at least some of the 17 mile scenic drive. It takes time, but some of the lone cypress trees are just so beautiful, not the mention all the views of the coast.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the tips! How lucky that you live in this beautiful area!
DeleteMorning! I had exactly the same trip planned last year, we flew into San Fran and were going to road trip along the coast, but unfortunately the couple we were doing it with had to bail and me and my bf didn't want to attempt the road trip in a foreign country on our own, so I can't wait to see your pics! But while in San Fran, check out The Wharf. Have fun!
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Awe man! Hopefully you're able to get on the road trip soon! We're just in SF now, one day in and love it! Hope to have lots of great photos to share with you!
DeleteHi Joelle, San Francisco native here. Kris's suggestion of seeing the Beach Blanket Babylon show is a good one. For dinner nearby, I would recommend Park Tavern:
ReplyDeletehttp://parktavernsf.com/
or for San Francisco Italian fare, Rose Pistola, which has an amazing new chef:
http://rosepistolasf.com/
I took a tour with local food writer, Marcia Gagliardi, recently and we had perhaps the best gnocchi of my life at Rose Pistola. I cannot wait to go back!:
https://secure.sosh.com/san-francisco/marketplace/tablehopper-tour-north-beach-negroni-week/m/WrFL
Check out the Tablehopper for more restaurant recommendations in San Francisco:
http://thetablehopper.com/
Hayes Valley is a nice place to shop for boutique clothing. Visiting Golden Gate Park is pretty much a must. On your way to Southern California, don't forget to stop in Big Sur. Maybe also stop in at Nepenthe for a burger. The property was once owned by Orson Welles and has gorgeous views of the coast. Wishing you an amazing trip!
AMAZING tips Wig, thank you so much for sharing! Looks like we missed the Beach Blanket Babylon show, as it doesn't play Monday or Tuesday but will definitely be checking out some of your recommendations!
DeleteOh how amazing. I am very jealous as I really want to go back to California. I was there last year but unfortunately was quite unwell on that trip so I am desperate to go back again. If it interests you, I blogged about my trip here: http://februarystars.co.uk/tag/california/
ReplyDeleteI would definitely recommend visiting Alcatraz when in SF- I loved it. My tip would be to go on the first boat out and skip the audio tour initially (there are stairs you can go up if you ask the staff) so that you get into the prison first and are able to take photographs without other people in them. Then def go back for the audio tour- it's great. If you visit the Castro Cafe Flore was a great place to eat. You can also get some interesting macarons at Hot Cookie.
Driving down the PCH is amazing, be sure to stop and take it all in. If wildlife if your thing and you are near Monterey Bay, there are great whale watching trips from Moss Landing. We also stopped off to see the Piedras Blancas on our drive.
In LA, we really liked Venice Beach and the Griffith Observatory and we just had to make the trip down to Disney too.There is so much to do, you will have an awesome time :)
Thank you so much for the tips Donna! I read your entire recap posts and was mesmerized. Looks like you had a great trip, and I especially liked the trip to Disney!
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