What combines with Los Angeles?
After a long flight to Los Angeles and once you have collected your hire car, it makes perfect sense to start your journey here. Most UK travellers base themselves in either West Hollywood or Santa Monica, as it is easy to explore the local area on foot. I like to explore the districts of Melrose and Fairfax as it offers some boutique shops and quirky coffee shops, but Beverly Hills and Sunset Strip are easily accessible.
As you have the car, my top tip would be to drive to the Getty Centre situated just off the 405, if you love your art, your architecture, or enjoy great views then this is a good choice as it offers great views of both the city & coast.
From LA, drive down the 405 and onto the 5 heading south towards my favourite city San Diego! On route the beaches of Long Beach, Huntington Beach & Laguna Beach are great to break up the journey. Similarly, when you are near to San Diego you can stop off at the pretty coastal town of La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya), with its white picket fences and cute beach houses it has long been a popular place to live for those who can afford it. The Cove is also a good place to spot Seals and Sea Lions.
Now, whether you want a beach stay, or a city stay is entirely up to you and how you want to enjoy your time here. For a city stay, I would recommend basing yourself in or near the Gaslamp Quarter. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, theatres, and nightclubs if that’s your thing. If, however you prefer a beach stay then Mission Beach is a good spot with its mix of locals and tourists, you can spend the day people watching or hire some rollerblades and skate along the boardwalk. La Jolla Shores is also a good option but remember this is a bit further out of town and slightly sleepier.
San Diego is a family friendly city. Kids will love La Jolla Cove for the Sea Lions and Seal watching, San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum (a floating museum and home to 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, flight deck and theatre), and of course you can’t go to San Diego and not watch a game of baseball at Petco Park, with a spectacular back drop of the city.